Spirit of Winter 12: Winters Ascent

>You let out a groan as you stretch your arms over your head
>It took some time to find the train station but you found it either way
>Flying was not an option, because there was no way you could carry your suit all the way to Canterlot on a spring night breeze
>It also took some time to convince the schmuck working the counter to give you a free ticket to Canterlot
>But after cooling the entire station down to twenty bellow and using the Royal Canterlot Voice,  the clerk gave you a sleeping seat.
>The clock hanging over the platform reads a quarter after eleven.
>The train is supposed to arrive at midnight and from what you hear it’s about a six hour train ride from Ponyville to Canterlot
>Standing up you adjust your coat tails
>I wonder how Twilight is doing.
>NO!! Shut your face.
>I wonder how Rarity is doing.
>DUDE!!
>Why can’t I enjoy all things beautiful?
>Because fuck you, that’s why.
>After your stomach gives a grumble your thoughts are turned to food.
>You’ve haven’t eaten since the morning and all this time spent in flesh you feel the pangs of hunger consuming your thoughts.
>Some shepherds pie sounds good right now... good lord even some fried spam would be awesome right now.
>You look over your shoulder.
>No lights can be seen, save for the one coming from the clerk’s office.
>The train is supposed to arrive in about fifteen minutes and the stop is supposed to last until midnight.
>Giving a sigh that is a mix of exasperation and dying zebra you slump back on the bench, all while your stomach is screaming for food.
>Hopefully the sleeper seats will have a buffet of sorts.


>The hunger had become too much for you so you decided to do some snooping.
>You had found a small snack bar the had been closed for the night.
>After some lock piking you eventually got inside and stole a few granola bars with no fucks given you slipped them in your pockets and returned to you seat.
>The bars were nothing special, covered in honey they just made you lust for meat even greater.
>Thoughts of steak, lamb chops, bratwurst and most of all Pelmeni dance through your head
>Oh god Pelmeni, just the memory of it is enough to make your mouth water.
>A loud whistle stops your meaty fantasy.
>From the southern entrance you see a black locomotive slowly halt to a stop as the rear cars line up with the platform.
>All that’s left now is the sound of the engine.
>Quickly the door to each car opens on their own.
>You get on your feet and stare.
>Silence.
Uh… Hello?
>Nothing.

>You take several steps forward and peer through the entrance of one of the cars.
>A deep blue aura begins to seep out of the car.
>You leap several feet back; this is not good, not good at all.
>The vapors of liquid nitrogen waft from your hands as you stand waiting for whom or what is going to come out.
>What do ,what do, what do!!
>Talk like Luna.
>Good idea.
SHOW THY SELF MORTAL!!
>From each cart dark blue carpets roll out onto the platform.
>This is followed by the blast of a few dozen trumpets.
>Out from each door, ponies clad in dark armor step out and stand at attention on each side of the carpets.
>In the car in front of you, a rather large gray and blue Unicorn steps out followed by ten others with the same color scheme.
> Their armor instead is clear with a light blue tint and white trim.
>He bows lowly before you.
>”Hail Lord Winter.”
>In unison all the guards do the same and repeat the same phrase.
>”Hail lord winter.”
>Returning the nitrogen to the air you stand up straight.
>”My lord, Canterlot awaits.”
>The guard steps to the side presenting a clear path for you.
>In any other circumstance you would be absolutely dumbfounded at the spectacle before you.
>With the guards still bowing you step into the car and into the main compartment.
> The interior feels rather pleasant as opposed to the sweltering summer night.  The curtains on the window have been drawn darkening the room.
> There is a fire place with blue flames on the right of the room and an overstuffed chair facing it.  Next to it is a small table.  On it is a bottle with a clear liquid in it.  Under the windows are book shelves and on the right of the compartment is a desk with parchment and two ink bottles on it.
>Now transfixed on the bottle you take a few stops to the table and examine it.
>There are two  rocks glasses next to the bottle, which rouse some suspicion in you.
>A cork is keeping the contents inside, so you pull your usual shtick of un-corking it.
>Taking a whiff your suspicions are confirmed.
>It’s vodka
>...
>Well maybe one glass won’t hurt…
>As soon as the sweet distilled drink touches your lips you feel your pupils constrict.
>It goes down as smooth as silk with a pleasant warming sensation in your throat.
Драгоценность!!  (The Jewel!!)
>”Is everything alright my lord?”
>Behind you is the Unicorn clad in light blue armor.
Why are you calling me that?
>A shocked look comes over him.
>”My lord!!  Have you forgotten who you are?!”
No, I’m the ape that became winter several months ago.
>”Yes you are my lord and it is the job of the Winter Guard to protect you””
Uh… Wha’t your name again?
>The Guard gives a low bow.
>”My Name is Druzhinus Bjorn, Captain of the Winter Guard and Body Guard to the Spirit of Winter.”
>You furrow your brow at this, you want to ask so many questions right now, but instead you sigh loudly and wave the guard away.
>He bows and walks out of the compartment.
>Now back to the important stuff.
>Vodka.

----------

>After skimming though several books and gulping down a glass and a half of vodka on the rocks, you’re officially bored out of your mind.
>The alcohol has already begun to numb you so you decide to leave it alone, for the moment.
>All the books lining the shelves are either on Equestrian history, which you don’t exactly care about or magical instruction and theory.  Which would be interesting if you could do magic.
>No, instead you’re stuck with manipulating nature.
>It’s been roughly three hours and you have another three to go.
>You yawn loudly and start to feel sleep beginning to overtake you.
>That chair looks nice...
>Which it is.
>You feel as if you’re melting into the chair as you slowly feel yourself drifting to sleep
>It's been a long day, you should probably un-wind a little
>And before you know it you’re completely out.

>A nice dreamless sleep.
>Wow, sleep is awesome.
>’Wake up Anonymous.’
>No not you again...
>’Wake up we've arrived’
>No!
>’get up, get up, the time is near.’
>”My lord.”
Shut up!
>”My lord please wake up.”
>You crack open your eye, making out the blurry silhouette of Druzhinus.
>”My Lord it is time for you to get up.”
>Giving a loud groan you stretch your arms above your head.
What time is it?
>”4 AM my lord.”
Alright... Wait what?  I thought the train ride here-
>”If I may Lord Winter, I will have to explain on our way out.”
*sigh* fine
>Standing up you notice steam coming off your jacket.
Uhhhh?
>Looking up you see Druz’s horn glowing.
What are you doing?
>”Giving your suit a steam sir, it has wrinkled slightly.
Thanks... I guess."
>”A pleasure my lord.”
>Outside the compartment the guards have rolled out the carpet and are standing left and right.
>Ten guards all clad in the same armor as Druzhinus stand at attention in front of you.
>Druzhinus quickly trots down the carpet and stands at attention.
>Well what did you expect?  There’s probably some long tradition behind this and obviously with the Princess being over two thousand years old, some traditions probably aren't going to change for a long time.
>Other ponies look on curiously as you step down from the train and into the middle of the column of guards
>” Column at the ready!!’
>Shouting in unison, your guards shake the floors of the train station.  Truly they know the Royal Canterlot Voice
>”HOOHW!!””
>Creating a rhythm with their steps the guards, well your guards begin to march.
>The bystanders are now in awe of what they are seeing.  Guess it’s not every day you see something like this.

>Your guards proceed up the winding streets of Canterlot, up the hill towards the castle.
>The shutters on most of the houses are open but apparently no one cares about what’s  going on outy other form of light unnecessary.
>Ponies are now looking out their windows and are giving amazed looks as your humble procession makes its way up to the castle.side.
>They probably think it’s just some racket disturbing their beauty sleep or their fucking.
>This won’t do at all, you’re winter incarnated damn it.  Let these schmucks know you’re here.
>Holding your arms out the north winds begin to fill the streets and houses while accompanied by heavy snowflakes swirling in the wind.
>Frost sticks to the windows of the houses and shops as you pass.  This is good... But not good enough
>You cartoonish hop along with the guards as you take off your shoes and socks.
>Tying the dress shoes together you hang them around the nearest guards neck who doesn't seem to care in the least.
>Your feet and your ankles now turned to cold vapor you are now gliding along the streets while wind, snow and frost follow you along with your guards.
>The moon illuminates your path making any other form of light unnecessary.
>First they look at the guards and then they look to you.
>You see it as only fitting that you wave to them as you go by, like the stuck up prick you’re starting to become.


> The cold front you caused had brought out ponies on the upper levels of Canterlot
>Apparently no one was expect ten bellow temperatures the night before summer
>”Stand back!! Make Way!!”
>The gates were open to the castle, making things easier for you
> The standard Canterlot guards salute as you float by.  Your guard’s horns begin to glow and magic hooves salute the other guards
>Holy shit it’s hot in here, like really, really hot.  Hot enough to you melt t into pile of slush
>You look over to the guard on your right.
Is it hot in here or is it just me?
>”Wel-“
And be honest.
>”Yeah, it’s really bucking hot.”
>Every last one of your guards looks fairly distressed
>with a snap of your fingers you cool the immediate temperature around you and your posse
Where do we go?
>”This is as far as we can take you my lord, the banquet is being held in the gardens”
>Sighing heavily you nod
Where will you be?
>”Outside the walls where it isn't so hot.  My lord.”
>Quickly you grab your shoes and slap them back on.  You’re late , you just know i
> The castle is a whole hell of a lot bigger than you remember.  The hallways are enormous and are lined with rooms that are mainly used for storage
> The north western wing of the castle is where the castle gardens.  The exit to the outside is market by two huge doors attached to two huge arch ways all carved to depict some aspect of Equestrian culture.
>The heat was absolutely miserable, but now that your surface temperature is rising, things are starting to get a little better.
>Passing through the arch way you’re pleasantly surprised by the sight of the banquet.
> A long stone table has been placed in the middle of the garden with paper lanterns giving the whole garden a soft glow.
>At the head of the table sitting next to each other is Tia and Luna.

>And sitting next to Luna is... oh joy, your two favorite ponies in all of Equestria.  Seated right next the princess is Suvi and next to her is Florin.  Next to Celestia is an empty seat, which you figure must be yours.
>... Wait one damn second... Druz din't tell you how you got here so fast!
>Fuck it.
>No one has even noticed you walk through the doors.
>Well that’s going to have to change.
>The Gardens are suddenly filled with a gust of wind that could freeze all of Canterlot if left alone.
>All eyes are now on the whoever just chilled everyone to the bone, Aka you. Trying to be respectful you bow to the sisters.
WE APPOLOGIZE!  WE CAME TO CANTERLOT AS FAST AS WE COULD!!
>You glace up to see Luna’s mouth open to reply, but she is instantly cut off by her sister.
>”WE WELCOME THEE WINTER!!  COME AND DINE WITH US AND CELEBRATE THE COMING OF SUMMER!!”
>You stand up and make your way over to you seat next to Tia all while pretending not to notice the dirty looks you’re getting from everyone.
>The chair hat you have to sit in has a cushion for comfort with a snowflake in a crescent moon embroidered on it.  The chair it’s self is a throne even by human standards.
>The table is full of food that could satisfy even you.  Stuffed tomatoes, falafel , ratatouille  stuffing stuffed in gourds without chicken, salads of all kinds, and a dozen other dishes you can’t name.

>While still keeping with your manners you pile and anything that looks good.
>Your fork is inches away from you food, until you feel as if someone is hatefully staring at you.
>Looking up, you are not astounded to see Suvi giving you the evil eye.
>This is a golden opportunity to mess with her.
>Daintily patting the corners of your mouth you lock eyes with her
Is there something wrong?
>She doesn't reply and continues to stare evilly at you.
Please madam Suviestia, tell me what is wrong.  You don’t have anything to hide from me.
>The only thing that would complete this is you grabbing her hooves and looking deeply in her eyes.  But the bulging vein her temple is enough to satisfy you.
>”Um… May I have the…. Um…”
>You look to your left and see a Pegasus with the same color scheme as Suvi
The what?
>”The… th- salt…”
Salt?
>”Y-yes…”
>Creating a cushion of steam by condensing liquid nitrogen under the bowel of salt you slide it over to the mare next to you
>”Thank you…”
I’m sorry but, I did not catch your name
>The orange mare mumbles incomprehensibly
Well, I’m Anonymous… I guess we’ll be working together in the future.
>She squeaks loudly which makes your heart melt but gets a lot of strange looks from everyone else

>”Anonymous.”
>The Princesses voice makes your instinctively jerk your head over to where her voice is coming from
>Locking eyes with her a white light flashes momentarily in front of your eyes
Yes princess?
>”How was the train ride?”
Oh!
>Your vision goes blank for a split second
Uh it was... N-nice.
>”Oh wonderful, I was worried the guard had gotten out of practice after all these years.”
>The image of a knife flashes in front of your and a slight ringing starts to resound in your ears.
We-well, they seemed good to me.  I- I’m not used to being treated like this.  But n-not to be rude, I thought I was part of Luna’s entourage...
>”In political matters yes.  But as a representation of harmony, it is traditional that the seasons of night sit closest to me and the seasons of day sit closest to Luna.
Oh- Tha- that makes sense...
>The princess begins to go on about new technologies that her ministers and her have be anxious to use along with other matters of politics.
>All this is meaningless to you, the ringing is now bordering on screeching.
>’Do it... End her, now.’
>Who is this?
>’End her! End her now!’
>”Oh and florin has done a wonderful clearing the snow from the mountains an-“
Hey!  That’s good.  Hey Florin I hear you melt things!
>It really tears at you that you had to so rudely interrupt the Princess.  But beads of sweat are now rolling down your forehead and your jaw hurts from the grinding of your teeth

>The entire course of the meal you have completely avoided talking to either Luna or Tia.
>”Attention Everypony!”
>Oh god no.
>Now shaking you begin to grind your teeth once more, your toes curl and your drag your nails across the table as Celestia speaks
>’Summer will never come.’
>”Day is close at hand”
>’Long will be the night’
>Your vision flashes white several times before she speaks again
>”As you all know, we have gathered here, nobles and royalty of Equestria.”
>’Fools and tyrants who shun us and our gift to the land’
>”So if you will all Join Suvestia and I to the Altar of Passing.”
>Everyone stands and make their way following Celestia to something called the ‘the Altar of Passing’
>With shaking limbs you stand and walk alongside Luna.

>Several dozen yards away from the table a stone circle with another smaller circle raised in the middle with stairs leading up to the top of the altar.
>On it is an enormous carved raised sun sign.  Judging from what the others are doing, you begin the painful process of ascending the stairs.
>Now at the top you behold a breath taking sight. The Altar is set on a cliff overlooking all of Canterlot.
>Bellow you see the streets filled with ponies all looking up at you and that altar.
> Celestia steps in front of the sun sign
>Time seems to slow down as you watch her step onto the altar
>'Long is winter'
>No
>’ Long is the night’
>Oh god no
>’All shall gaze in awe at our furry’
>No!
>’The spring will never come again’
NO!!!
>The Princesses wings spread as she crouches slightly and your limbs feel as if they have frozen.  Suvi stands behind her doing the same
>Cheers erupt from bellow as she leaps into the air with her hooves in the air, the sun at her back the image completes her coat of arms. In the horizon and almost mimicking her Suvi leaps leaving a streak of fire
AHAHAHAHA!!!
>Both your arms rise on their own.
> The princess shouts as she is knocked out of the air.
>Suvi lets out a loud shriek as she is pulled out of the sky as well
>Clouds form in the sky and a wind from the north chills the air.
>The light around you turns grey as the sun dims.
AHAHAHAHA!!  Suffer vermin!!  Realize your damnation!!
>You feel yourself rise into the air with your arms spread at you sides
>Spires of ice rise from the earth tearing the ground asunder knocking everyone around you several feet away.

>An ice storm begins to tear at the ponies bellow and the rattling and groaning of the gates of Canterlot are audible throughout the city
>The boughs of the tress groan and crack the wind blows.  Branches are torn for the trunk and fly though the air.
>The sky begins to turn black as you feel your skin cracking and freezing.
>’Marvelous is it not!?’
>Who the fuck are you!?
>What you feel now is indescribable.  Your vision begins to tear from your body and you begin to fell colder than you have ever felt before.
>Now gazing at your own body, your eyes are glowing white, you clothes have been torn from your body and give way to a robe made of snow.  Your hair begins to grow and a circlet of ice lowers itself unto you head.
>Your thoughts are halted as the feeling of a drill digging through your chest, it overcomes all your senses.
>Your consciousness is grabbed and returned to your body, where you feel every sensation around you.
>All you can do is scream silently as you look on at what is happening.
>Your chest begins to burn while your ribs crack and your spine fractures.  Arteries sever as muscle is torn apart.
>This hurts, this really hurts...
>Joints pop out of place and tendons strain in your shoulders.  Your arms are pulled back as far as they can go.  Your ribs crack and squelch as the invisible force literally tears you apart.
>Looking down, a hole in your chest is all you see.  You can’t manage to scream
> Floating on its own is your bright red heart.  It beats as if nothing is happening, pumping out jets of blood with every beat.
>Your skull cracks on the stone as you land on the altar.
>Now staring at you are two violet eyes.