S1 Ep 11! Call of the Cutie up next!

....

A whole year had now gone by since Malibu decided to live in Ponyville, and now it was Spring again. Malibu had decided to spend the night with Twilight that evening, snoozing in his bed around 5:30 in the morning. But then he heard a gasp, waking him up. It was Twilight.

"Spike! Malibu! Wake up! Wake up! It's Winter Wrap Up Day!" She cheered. Malibu rubbed his eyes. He had heard of it from his mom and Applejack before but it felt too early to start, hence still being dark out.

Spike had groaned when waking too, Twilight in his face. "Mommy?" He mumbled. It made the tired Malibu chuckle a little though he wondered who Spike's birth parents were. Twilight glared. "Winter Wrap Up!" She then rushed to get her things for the social event. "You're not mommy," Spike grumbled, sleeping again.

Malibu reluctantly sat up. "Twi... Mom hasn't raised the sun... you're really pushing it to start here," he said, eyes fluttering and he rubbed them. Twilight shook her head, putting her scarf on. "Guys, the first day of spring is tomorrow. So everypony in Ponyville needs to clean up winter. So help me get ready!" She jumped into her shoes.

The teal alicorn glanced at Spike who had woken again. "Ugh, clean up winter? Who cleans up winter? Don't they just use magic to change the seasons like they do in Canterlot?" Spike asked in annoyance. Twilight gave him an offended look.

"No, Spike. Ponyville was started by Earth Ponies. So for hundreds of years they've never needed magic to clean up winter. It's traditional!" She tried putting on her saddle jacket but it fell off from not tightening it well enough, making Malibu chuckle a little. His friend was goofy sometimes.

Spike just rolled his eyes. "Ridiculous! No magic... feh." He then curled up again. Malibu folded his hooves. "Twilight, no pony is even up yet-" he began before being interrupted by a checklist.

"Ok, scarf, check! Saddle; check! Boots; check! Spike not waking up and going back to sleep; check!" She gave Malibu a grin. "It's a good thing I'm so organized, I'm ready! Bright and early!" She opened her door, and saw the empty town, tinges of red showing on her cheeks.

Malibu gave Twilight an 'I told you so' expression, causing her to shrink in embarrassment. "Oh, maybe you were right," she said. "C'mon Twi, let's get a bit more sleep in until Mom raises the sun," Malibu suggested, covering himself up again and fell asleep. Twilight reluctantly agreed but followed in his wake.

....

Later in the morning, right as the sun came up Twilight woke her friends again, the trio heading into town after breakfast to see the rest of the ponies gathered. Malibu's heart quickened a little in interest of this little social gathering. Mayor Mare was standing there getting ready to speak while Twilight awed at the outfits.

"Cool outfits," Malibu remarked while Twilight nodded. "Yes, they must be the team vests Rarity designed." Malibu then recognized the designs on them, nodding. "Blue for the weather team, green for the plant team, and tan for the animal team!"

Malibu felt a little overwhelmed by this. "Dunno where I would be, not sure of my own skills in partaking in this thing," he said shyly. Twilight just smiled, not even listening. "I wonder which team vest I'll be wearing!" Spike glanced up from her back. "I'll take a blue vest; the same color as my blanket. I think I hear it calling my name. 'Spike? Spike! Come to bed!'"

The teal alicorn smiled at Spike. "C'mon Spike, live a little," he said. But Spike just glared tiredly. "Ugh, it's too early to," he mumbled. The three of them gathered with the others. AJ had spotted Malibu, walking over. "Good mornin' sugarcube! Is this your first Winter Wrap Up?" Malibu nodded shyly. "Y-yeah," he replied. Applejack smiled assuringly. "Don' worry, I'll teach ya the ropes!" She promised, standing next to him while Mayor Mare began her speech.

"Thank you, everypony, for being here bright and early. We need every single pony's help to wrap up winter, and bring in spring!"

Everypony cheered at that. Malibu smiled at their enthusiasm.

"Now, all of you have your vests, and have been assigned to your teams, so let's do even better than last year, and have the quickest Winter Wrap Up ever!" Mayor finished, causing Malibu to tilt his head in confusion. Better than last year? He didn't have time to ponder as the ponies went to do their tasks. He kept near Twilight for a bit while Twilight jumped up and down. "Ooh! This is so exciting!"

"Alright everypony. Find your team leader and let's get galloping!" Mayor called. Twilight lowered her ears. "Oh gosh, where should I go? I'm not sure where I fit in. What exactly does everypony do?"

Before Malibu could reply Applejack had a hoof around his shoulder. "C'mon Sugarcube! Let me show ya how we do things on the Plant Team!" Malibu stuttered a bit, unsure if he really belonged there but allowed Applejack to drag him along. Eventually he heard singing.

[Rainbow Dash]

"Three months of winter coolness

And awesome holidays"

[Pinkie Pie]

"We've kept our hoofsies warm at home

Time off from work to play"

[Applejack]

"But the food we've stored is runnin' out

And we can't grow in this cold"

[Rarity]

"And even though I love my boots

This fashion's getting old"

Malibu followed Applejack to where the Plant Team is gathered, as he sang his own thing, pretty much like Twilight's.

"The time has come to welcome spring

And all things warm and green

But it's also time to say goodbye

It's winter we must clean

How can The two of us help? We're new, you see. What does everypony do?

How do me and Twilight fit in without magic?

I haven't got a clue!"

More ponies grouped together to sing their piece; bringing in supplies to clean up winter, happy smiles on their faces.

"Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!

Let's finish our holiday cheer

Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!"

Applejack gave Malibu a smile, throwing him a shovel that he caught in his hands. "'Cause tomorrow spring-"

Rainbow interrupted, soaring into the skies with the Weather Team. "Spring is here! Bringing home the southern birds

A Pegasus' job begins

And clearing all the gloomy skies

To let the sunshine in

We move the clouds

And we melt the white snow!"

Pinkie came along in ice skates to cut lines in the lakes, bouncing. "When the sun comes up Its warmth and beauty will glow!" She sang. Malibu smiled a little at how into this thing the villagers are. He wished that the humans he learned about at home got along like this too.

The ponies kept up their song while getting things started up.

"Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!

Let's finish our holiday cheer

Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!

'Cause tomorrow spring is here

Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!

'Cause tomorrow spring is here

'Cause tomorrow spring is here!"

Malibu next saw Rarity and Fluttershy with the Animal Team in charge of the critters coming out of hibernation.

[Rarity]

"Little critters hibernate

Under the snow and ice."

[Fluttershy]

"We wake up all their sleepy heads

So quietly and nice." She nuzzled a bunny's face that came out of it's hole. Malibu smiled from the cuteness.

[Rarity]

"We help them gather up their food

Fix their homes below"

[Fluttershy]

"We welcome back the southern birds..."

[Fluttershy and Rarity]

"So their families can grow!"

Two birds flew around him, lifting his heart at the sight of spring growing more and more all around.

[Choir]

Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!

([Rarity] Winter, winter)

Let's finish our holiday cheer

Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!

([Rarity] Winter, winter)

'Cause tomorrow spring is here

Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!

([Rarity] Winter, winter)

'Cause tomorrow spring is here

'Cause tomorrow spring is here!"

Finally, Applejack took Malibu to the garden area. Malibu's jaw fell at the sight of all the sowers sowing the soil with their plows and the line of spring seeds to be planted. Applejack sang her part while showing Malibu what her team did.

"No easy task to clear the ground

Plant our tiny seeds

With proper care and sunshine

Everyone it feeds."

Applejack gave Malibu a little bit of Apple seeds, digging up fresh soil then havjng him put them in the ground. Malibu grinned slightly. He never planted anything before, and it sent a new feeling of accomplishment. Thailog would never allow him to do advanced things like this, especially his magic too.

"Apples, carrots, celery stalks

Colorful flowers too

We must work so very hard-"

Applejack continued on, as two other ponies joined in. "-It's just so much to do!"

Malibu spotted Twilight from afar, wanting to catch up with her. "I'll see you later, need to check on Twilight," he said. AJ nodded, letting him go since he wasn't an official team member yet. He ran up to Twilight who seemed overwhelmed by everything going on.

"Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!

Let's finish our holiday cheer

Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!

'Cause tomorrow spring is here

Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!"

He saw Pinkie Pie on the ice now, skating the lines that the sun can melt the ice on. "'Cause tomorrow spring is here!"

"'Cause tomorrow spring is here!"

Twilight gazed down. Malibu, ears falling, understood that she felt left out. He put a hood on her shoulder.

"Now that I know what they all do

I have to find my place

And help with all of my heart

Tough task ahead I face

How will I do without my magic

Help the Earth pony way

I wanna belong so I must

Do my best today,

Do my best today!" Twilight sang out loud.

"Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!

Let's finish our holiday cheer

Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!

'Cause tomorrow spring is here

Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!"

Twilight twirled around, finishing the song. "'Cause tomorrow spring is here

'Cause tomorrow spring is here

'Cause tomorrow spring is here!"

She next gazed at Malibu. "But Mal, everypony belongs to a team. Where do I go? What should I do?" Malibu couldn't find the answer. "Don't know. I feel the urge to belong to a group or someone too, from my old Master. But I just feel lost," he said, pawing the snow. At that moment Rainbow zipped by. "Alright team; you're cleared for takeoff!" She called. The other pegasi did as she ordered. Rainbow spotted the two down below when Twilight called out.

Malibu blushed when seeing Rainbow Dash again, heart still fluttering everytime she was near. "Oh, hey guys! What's up?"

Twilight answered. "What are you doing?" Malibu nodded. Rainbow grinned. "Sending one of my flight crews to retrieve the birds who had flown south for the winter," she replied.

Malibu saw Twilight looking excited. "Oh, can I help? How about I help clear out the clouds?" She asked. The teal alicorn cringed a bit, looking at Rainbow. "Uh..." she pointed at her wings. Twilight then looked downcast. "Right, no wings."

Dash shrugged. "Sorry, Twilight," she said. Malibu spoke then. "Wait, maybe I can help?" He suggested but Rainbow glanced once at his horn. "Thanks, but we need no magic pegasi to clear the skies," she replied. "Gotta catch up with my team, see you later." She then zipped away.

Malibu himself felt downcast too, but hoped somehow he could contribute somewhere. Twilight sighed. "Now what are we gonna do?" She asked. Malibu saw Spike laying on a bush. "Dunno about you, but I'm gonna be nappin'," he said drowsily, falling asleep. Twilight shook him. "C'mon Spike! This is serious business! Winter needs to be wrapped up! And we're determined to do our parts... somehow..." she trailed off. The gargoyle clone gave an assuring smile.

"I'm sure someone will help us out," he assured. "Come on, let's see what the Animal Team is up to." Twilight gazed at him with her own smile, following him after Spike got on her back reluctantly.

They found Rarity making something out of straw and ribbons. Eyebrow raised Malibu approached.

"Please Rarity, is there something, anything we can help you with?" Twilight asked. Rarity then smiled down at her project. Malibu gazed at them curiously.

"Well, how would you like to start by helping me make Ponyville's finest bird's nests?" She suggested. Malibu was somewhat stunned. That was a bird nest?

Rarity chuckled at Malibu's questioned face. "To answer your question. When the weather team guides the birds back north for the spring, they'll need a place to live and lay their eggs." That caused Malibu to nod in understanding, smiling at the idea of baby birds.

"Wow, Rarity, that one you made is really beautiful!" Twilight admired, Rarity finishing a tie on the bow. "Oh, why I thank you most sincerely. Would you like to try your hoof at a nest?" She offered. Malibu didn't know about his craft skills, feeling a little nervous about messing up but was willing to give it a go. "Would I, yes! Where do I begin?" Twilight exclaimed.

Rarity pulled out some material. "Ok. Now uh... take some of that straw over there and a little bit of branch."

Malibu gulped, struggling slightly with his and Twilight too. Rarity cringed. "Yes, weave them through that. Uh, take some ribbon, yes, oh uh, n... not there, oooh, yes, uh, tuck it in over there, uh but be careful not to... I don't know I guess that would do... oh dear."

The two friends managed their first tries which were a little clunky looking. Malibu's head felt lowered, blushing red in embarrassment. Twilight was unfazed at first.

"There! Ours looks just like... yours... oh my." Her voice trailed off. Spike narrowed his eyes, pointing at them. "Those nests need to be condemned!" He criticized, making Malibu feel even more shy and guilty for it, lowering more. Rarity tried to lighten things up. "Oh, Spa-ha-hike. It's not so bad, ah, maybe the birds can use them as uh..."

Spike's face looked deadpanned. "Outhouses?" He asked sarcastically. This made Malibu flush darker. Now that he saw it the way Spike did, it looked awful. Nestmaking definitely wasn't in his category either.

"Spike. It's just fine. They're just a little rough around the edges. Let me lend you two a hoof. Let's just untie this ribbon, and let me take out these sticks here, we'll shave this..."

But the teal alicorn couldn't see any hope in fixing these nests, looking at Twilight who was as depressed as he was. He started backing away. "I think we lost her," Spike whispered, nudging the two away from Rarity who had all her attention on the nests now, not even noticing them gone.

Next they found Pinkie Pie skating on a small lake near Ponyville, doing moves that Malibu hadn't seen before. Maggie told him about skating, but he thought it sounded a bit intimidating. Pinkie saw them.

"Hello, guys! Wheee!" Cheered Pinkie Pie, twirling in place on the ice. Twilight smiled. "Wow, Pinkie Pie. You're quite the skater. Probably the best skater I've ever seen."

Pinkie slid next to them, ice dust settling onto Malibu who shook himself. "Thanks! I've been doing this since I was an itty-bitty little-wittle Twinkie-Pinkie! Just comes naturally."

Malibu's eyebrow was raised. "Uh, what exactly are you doing with the skating thing?" He asked, pointing with his hoof. Pinkie smiled at him while doing more skating. "They designated me as the lake scorer. I cut lines in the lakes with my skates. That way when the rest of the weather team comes here to break the ice it will be easy as pie!"

Twilight looked impressed. "How clever! When the thick ice begins to melt it'll break along the lines!" Malibu though frowned at the sight of all the un cut lakes before them. "But it looks like you got quite a few out there, Pink." He said. Pinkie rolled her eyes. "Ha, tell me about it. Hey, guys, want to help me out?"

That made the former cloned gargoyle swallow. "Uh, not that great a natural skater," he stammered. Pinkie tossed him skates. "Come on Mal! You and Twilight put on these skates! Bet you'll learn to be a natural too!" She encouraged. The two friends glanced at one another before deciding to go ahead and do it.

But as Malibu stepped onto the ice, his legs instantly wobbled, and Twilight's did too. His heart thumped frantically while trying to hold still, shaking. "Maybe on second thought..." Twilight said nervously, slipping and hitting her face but managed to get back up. Spike frowned. "What are you both talking about, you said you two wanted to be helpful! Now get out there!" He pushed Twilight and Malibu onto the ice.

It was all too much for Malibu to handle, the ice felt way too slick for him, legs slipping around awkwardly, his eyes rounding big. Pinkie watched them in worry. "Twilight, Malibu, steer! Steer!"

Twilight screamed, skittering towards Pinkie, Malibu right behind. "Oh boy!" Pinkie yelped, Malibu grunting from bumping into the two of them. The three ponies all screamed together, Spike trying to get out of the way but didn't make it as the group crashed into the snow.

Malibu yelped from the force when they crashed, collapsing against a tree. He shook his head, gazing up to see a snowman. Tilting his head again Malibu trotted over, feeling slightly dizzy but wound up tapping the snowman's head, revealing Spike. The trio shook the snow off themselves. Spike had begun to laugh.

"You and Malibu are naturals! Natural disasters!" Spike chortled. This made Malibu growl in anger, eyes glowing red, tossing his skates at the tree. It made Pinkie flinch a little; ears flattened. "Forget this! This is stupid!" He snarled in a sad tone. Twilight went up to him gently, a hoof on his shoulder. "Hey, easy, I'm just as bad as you," She tried to cheer him up.

Malibu just sat down on the snow, kicking it. "Not helping," he said. Pinkie walked up. "Twilight, you and Malibu did a great job your first times around. I'm sure my first time was just as wobbly and bobbly and crasheriffic as yours!" She said. Malibu's anger lessened slightly. "For real?" He asked. Pinkie thought for a bit. "Well... no." she replied. Spike chuckled again.

"But did I make you two feel better?" Malibu didn't feel any better but he didn't feel any worse. There had to be something out there for him to be good at. He couldn't be the helpless clone of Brooklyn raised by an alicorn his whole life. He wanted to discover what skills he had himself without anyone helping him.

Pinkie then had an idea. "I'll bet you'll be super awesome at something that'll keep your hooves on the ground! I know! Fluttershy could probably use help with the critters!" Twilight smiled then, and Malibu. Malibu loved his mom's Phoenix, maybe he could find his own animal friend. They nodded. "Well, I'm pretty good with little animals. Yeah. We'll go help her," Twilight said, and the two of them stood up to go on their way. Pinkie pointed them in where Fluttershy was and they headed off, Malibu waving back to Pinkie Pie when leaving.

At the animal burrows Fluttershy was busy waking up hibernating animals. She used a little bell to wake them up. "Wake up, little sleepy heads. Hope you had some wonderful dreams and restful hibernation. But it is time to get up now, Spring is coming!"

Malibu and his friends joined with her as a pair of hedgehogs came out, yawning from their many moons of sleep. He smiled, feeling better after the skating fiasco from seeing cute animals. Something about them just makes him forget the bad things in the world. There weren't many like these except dogs and cats in Manhattan not counting Central Park.

"Aw, how cute!" Twilight cooed. Fluttershy gazed at the animals with fondness. "Aren't they? This is my favorite task of the whole season, when I can see my little animal friends again."

Spike had a question. "What's hibernation?" He asked. Fluttershy went to another burrow. "It's like a long sleep," She explained. Malibu was interested. It reminded him of the Stone Sleep, having forgotten about it for a while since his time as a pony. "Yes. Wake up little porcupines!" Fluttershy said, ringing the bell and having a porcupine couple emerge. "Animals often hibernate through the winter so they'd store their energy and eat less food," She continued.

Malibu gazed at the porcupines who had hugged one another but got their own quills stuck to their softer parts on their bodies, making him chuckle but wonder how they can survive without eating so much during a cold time of year. Spike looked eager. "I definitely like the idea of hibernation. Uh, except for the 'eat less food part'," he said. But Fluttershy's face was sad, staring around at the dens.

"Oh, but just look at all these warrens and dens. I'm afraid I won't be able to wake up every animal before spring comes." She murmured. Malibu then stepped up, this seemed more promising to him than ice skating. "Maybe I and Twilight can help, Fluttershy?" He asked timidly, ears fallen on his head.

Fluttershy smiled at him in gratefulness. "You will? Oh, that'll be wonderful! Here's a bell for you and Twilight," she then said, giving them one. Malibu took it in his mouth. "Fanks," He said with his mouth full. Spike snickered from it, making him glare. Twilight looked at a den nearby. "Let's start there," She suggested. Malibu spotted another den close. "I'll take this one," he said. She nodded to him then began ringing the bell.

Malibu swallowed, hoping the animal he woke up was friendly. He rang the bell. "Uh, good morning, little animal. T-time to wake up," He stuttered. His body tensed up when hearing something come along; but when Malibu saw what animal it was, a little smile appeared. It was a mother rabbit and her two babies. They yawned, sniffing at the curious pony in front of them. He chuckled softly. "Hi," He greeted, holding out his hoof. The bunny babies hopped up, giving a sniff at his hand. It felt surreal doing this.

But suddenly he heard a loud hissing sound, hitting his head on the cave entrance and scaring off the bunnies someplace else. Rubbing it, Malibu backed out in irritation. "What in-?" He grunted, but saw Twilight backing away rapidly. "SNAKES! SNAKES!" She screamed, two snakes hissing irritatedly and slithering out. Malibu jumped from the snake's appearance, figuring Twilight was afraid of them. She ended up in another hole, that housed bats this time.

"BAAAATS!" Twilight shrieked again, bumping into a tree. That caused a beehive to fall onto her. She screamed for a third time, running into another hole. Malibu's ears fell again. If this was what he was to expect, then he would probably end up like Twilight too. Guess animals weren't his calling like he thought, and it made him upset again. The bunnies were cute but he was probably just lucky with those.

Fluttershy came to what the commotion was, and a strong smell emerged from the cave Twilight ran in; the smell of skunk. Malibu cringed, covering his nose, seeing that Twilight had been caught in their crossfire. The two skunks came out into the Spring air, Fluttershy smiling at them. "Good morning, friends," she said.

Malibu heard Twilight groan, knowing she needed plenty of baths to get the smell out. He looked apologetic at Fluttershy. "I-I'm sorry, Fluttershy. But I guess this wasn't the right job for us after all," He said guiltily. Fluttershy shook her head. "Don't feel bad, Malibu. Something will come, just be patient and your reward will emerge," She said with wisdom he didn't expect.

Back at the Golden Oaks library Twilight was now getting a tomato juice bath, which was a weird way for cleaning skunk smell in Malibu's eyes, happy to not get himself covered in tomato juice. He stayed back with a clothespin on his nose while Spike did the cleaning, but gave moral support the best he could.

"All this Winter Wrap Up stuff is harder than it looks..." Twilight mumbled, Spike using a large brush to scrub her down "Right, because there's no magic! Why don't you just use your magic Twilight and get it done the right way?"

Malibu shook his head, flapping his wings. "Spike, it's not your place to judge at how the ponies here do it, if they want to do it with no magic then that's their business." He declared, with Twilight smiling a bit at him. "Yeah, what he said." But Spike kept being persistent. "Well they never had us here before either. Just think at how much quicker they could wrap up winter with your magic!"

Twilight glared. "No, no, no! I'm gonna find some other way to help out if it kills me!" She shouted. Malibu flinched at this. "Not a good way to wish things..." He said quietly with her grunting from tomato juice coming on her head.

....

After she was cleaned up the best she could the trio made their way outside to find anyone else they could help. Malibu decided that since Applejack was willing to include him, he may as well ask if she could include Twilight.

At the moment they were sowing the ground with their plows, getting rid of the snow. Applejack smiled at their hard work. "Keep pushin', Caramel! That's it, Bumpkin! Ah know it is hard work but you guys are doin' great. Yee-haw!"

Malibu stepped up to Applejack, who noticed them. "Uh, hi AJ. What's the progress?" He asked timidly. The orange pony grinned, though she wondered why Malibu hadn't helped as much as she had hoped.

"Just dandy, Malibu and Twilight. A little slow startin' but peachy all the 's a lot of ground to clear, ya hear? We can't even start the plantin' and the waterin' until we git all these heap a' snow hightailed outta here."

Twilight smiled, ears perked up. "Well, I'd like to help!" She offered. Malibu felt unsure now. He didn't know if she was the right build for tugging a plow. Even Applejack looked startled and unsure. "Ah-ah, Ah don't know, Twilight!" She stuttered. Twilight gave puppy eyes. "Just give me a chance?" The unicorn pleaded.

Malibu continued having his doubtful feelings. After everything and with Applejack's reaction he wasn't sure of all the trouble they needed to do anymore. Applejack though had her gaze soften but still worried. "Well, I'd never turrn down a hard worker, but—" Twilight had already gone down to a plow from those words, strapping herself to it.

"Twi, I can't help but have a bad feeling!" Malibu called urgently. Twilight shook her head. "Not now, Malibu. I have snow clearing to do!" She yelled back. She began to pull hard. And as Malibu expected the plow didn't move an inch. Twilight just wasn't strong enough. After a few more tries she stopped, looking sad, Spike shaking his head.

The teal alicorn then saw a quick change of her looks. She looked at the plow and mumbled softly to herself out of earshot. And then to everyone's surprise; the plow began to move, as if Twilight had a muscle growth.

"What in...?" Malibu exclaimed, tilting his head. There was something off here. Applejack gave them suspicious looks. "She's awful strong for such a little pony," she claimed. Malibu eventually guessed what was happening but couldn't speak, smiling nervously. Spike though didn't help matters. "That's my girl! Following my advice!" He encouraged. Applejack glared. "And what the hay does that mean?"

Malibu nudged Spike harshly, shaking his head no. Applejack couldn't learn that Twilight was cheating. But when he looked to watch her more, something bad started.

The plow was moving a little too fast, the magic going out of control. He gritted his teeth in fear for Twilight, who couldn't stop it. The plow headed right for the three, who all yelled out as a giant snowball Twilight made ended up ramming into them. Malibu yelled out as he spun around in it. Applejack clearly sounded mad

"What's goin' on? What did ya do? Ya used magic didn't you?"

Before she could answer, the plow crashed into a cliffside. Malibu moaned, feeling dizzy, until an avalanche fell down on them, ruining all the hard work the other workers did.

It was suffocating under the snow and Malibu struggled to push out, teeth chattering. Eventually he and the others were able to, shaking his head of snow. Applejack glared at a sad Twilight.

"Nuts, Twilight! You used magic!" She stormed in anger. Spike looked disappointed. "The nerve! Can you believe her?!" This made Malibu smack his head with his hoof, though not too roughly since Spike was a kid. "Ow, hey!" He snapped, rubbing it. But Malibu felt more upset with Applejack's disappointed face. "That's not how we do things around here, Twilight. And especially not on my farm!"

Malibu saw tears now coming to Twilight. He gave Applejack a look. "Do you know what we've gone through to fit in? And now my best friend is about to break down!" He shouted, his own tears beginning to form. Applejack still looked upset but began to soften a bit. Twilight tried to explain. "Y-you see, I just wanted to... oh!" She couldn't take it anymore, running off. The former clone gargoyle sighed, forgetting about Applejack and running after Twilight to comfort her.

...

A few minutes later, Malibu and Spike were by a bush still trying to get Twilight to come out. "Come on, Twilight. Come on out!" Spike insisted. The bush shook. "I'm a Winter Mess Up!" Twilight moaned. Malibu's ears fell. "No, don't think that way Twi," he pleaded. Spike nodded. "Yeah, you're good at a lot of things! Just not, nest making, ice skating, snow clearing—." Malibu shook his head, eyes glowing red and making Spike be quiet.

Twilight groaned again. "Oh, thanks alot for making me feel so much better!" She scoffed. Malibu nudged the bush. "I'm sure things will be ok—." He began until voices were heard from behind him.

"Rainbow Dash, y'all need to melt the snow on the ground and trees, pronto!" It was Applejack. Rainbow nodded. "Got it!" She exclaimed. She began to fly off but Fluttershy stopped him. "Wait. My poor little animal's homes will get flooded if the snow melts too fast." The rainbow pegasus raised her brow but nodded. "Got it."

Applejack shook her head. "I'm tellin' ya, Rainbow Dash, you gotta melt that snow now!" Fluttershy's ears fell. "No! You simply must wait!"

"Ok..." Rainbow said in confusion. She went back and forth.

"Go!"

"Stop!"

"Go!"

"Stop!"

"GO!"

"STOP!"

Malibu's mouth was open a tad. What on earth? He thought, somewhat startled at all the arguing when he thought everypony worked together nicely. Rainbow Dash growled. "Gah! Make up your minds!"

The mayor showed up then. "What in Equestria are all you arguing about? This silliness is the reason why we were late for Spring last year! And the year before that, and the year before that!" That made Twilight poke out of the bush. "Did she say, late?" Malibu nodded. "As clear as a bell," he said softly.

Mayor Mare sighed. "I had surely hoped my inspirational speech would encourage everybody to be better than last year. But now it seems we will be later than ever! I mean just look at this catastrophe! The ice scorers made the ice chunks too difficult to melt!"

Malibu saw Pinkie shrugging, eyes upset. "The nest designer is horrendously behind. We need several hundred, and she only made one!" He then turned at the sight of Rarity still struggling with his and Twilight's terrible nests, breaking down and sobbing.

"And don't get me started on all the clouds in the sky, the icicles on the trees... this isn't good, not at all!" Mayor finished, looking stressed. Applejack glared. "And it's gonna be in all to pieces disastrous if we can't get our seeds all planted!" She said accusingly at Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash frowned. "Chillax, Applejack! We're busting our chops as fast as we can!" But Fluttershy still protested. "No, not fast! We have to wake the animals slowly."

Malibu's ears fell more when some of the planting team came. Big Mac looked upset. "Uh, AJ?" He asked. Applejack hoof palmed her face. "Oh, good gravy! Caramel lost the grass seeds again, didn't he?" Said pony whimpered when Big Mac looked at him in disappointment. "Eyup."

A pegasus named Rainbowshine came up. "Derpy Hooves accidentally went north to get the southern birds!" She shouted. Dash groaned. "Oh, that featherbrain! Didn't she learn her lesson last year when she went west?" Malibu himself had seen Derpy once or twice, but never really talked to her in person.

Everypony now talked at once, arguing back and forth. Mayor glared at them all. "Stop this at once. We don't have time to argue. It's almost sundown. Spring is going to be late again. Another year of scandal and shame. If only we could be more organized!"

Malibu saw it made Twilight perk up. "Spike, get my checklist and clipboard. Scat!" She shouted. Spike yelped. "Yes, Ma'am!" He ran off, leaving the other two to calm down the arguing.

"Stop, everypony! Stop!" Twilight shouted. Malibu shouted too. "Enough of this!" He yelled, but he couldn't raise his voice loud enough either. Twilight then saw a bird, and used her magic to make the bird chirp loud to get their attention. After a bit she stopped, the bird folding its wings. "Sorry," Twilight whispered, making Malibu chuckle a little.

She cleared her throat before continuing. "I know you all want to complete your jobs on time, but arguing is no way to go about it. What you need is organization, and I'm just the pony for the job!" Spike had arrived back with the clipboard, a smile on his face. Everypony seemed to agree with Twilight's idea and Malibu could now breathe a sigh of relief.

....

And like Twilight said; everything did get better organized with the weather, animal, and plant team. She invented new ways to get the different jobs done, and she and Malibu both helped with the ground sowing for the planting, which lasted through until the next day.

After all that, Spring was finally here. Malibu smiled at the animals all enjoying the new Spring air and it definitely felt nicer after all the snow. He was tired though, ready to rest in his bed later. Mayor Mare looked proud when coming to speak.

"I can't believe it... Spring is here. On time!" She cheered, having everypony else cheer too. "And we have you two to thank for," Mayor said to Twilight and Malibu. If it weren't for Twilight's organizing skills here we would still be arguing!"

"Eyup!" Big Mac agreed, making everypony laugh, including Malibu. Big Mac really was a pony of few words. But still... where was his place in all this? He stopped laughing, ears falling, turning to leave. Guess he wasn't needed after all.

Mayor Mare had given Twilight the honor of all team organizer behind him. Good for her, I guess... Malibu thought in sadness. Suppose I am just a helpless talentless clone. He kicked the dirt. But then Twilight called after him. "Mal! Wait!" She yelled. Malibu turned, head still lowered. Everypony else was looking at him in concern.

Mayor Mare went to him. "And why are you leaving?" She asked. Malibu sniffled. "T-tried to fit in the groups. And be a good organizer. Guess some of those like me can't be a part of stuff like this," he said shyly. Mayor shook her head. "What are you talking about? I hoped you can be Twilight's organizer assistant with Spike. You helped us a great deal with her," she said. Malibu's ears perked up. "R-really?" He asked, a small smile coming.

She smiled. "And we even have your own all team organizer assistant outfit. Welcome to the teams." Malibu saw a flash of magic on his body from her, a multi colored outfit of all the teams in one now fitted nicely on his body. Tears of happiness this time appeared. "It-it... thank you," he said happily, as Twilight gave him a nice hug, which he returned. Mayor Mare turned to the others. "And so I hereby decree; that Winter has been wrapped up, on time!"

That made the crowd triumphantly cheer out in happiness. But then Malibu heard snoring, spotting Spike sleeping on a ice float in the middle of the lake.

Applejack chuckled. "Spike's sure in for a hog sized surprise when that last piece of ice melts," she said. Malibu laughed alongside everybody else, feeling lighter than he did in the past few days. He was sure his mom would be proud. Rainbow then came up too.

"Mal, I-I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings again earlier," she apologized. Malibu shook his head. "I'm fine now, Rainbow Dash. You don't need to apologize. Things have worked out for me and Twilight. But, I feel like a hug after everything," he said shyly. Dash gave a little smile, happy to give it to him. The two did a wing hug, the warm Spring breeze washing around them.

....

Later that evening he and Twilight were hanging out together while Spike wrote the letter, having a hot water bottle on his head and sneezing.

"Dear Princess Celestia,

Winter Wrap Up was one of the most special things me and Malibu ever been a part of here in Ponyville. It helped us to learn we all have hidden talents, and if we're patient and diligent, we're sure to find them, and as always, with good friendship and teamwork, ponies can accomplish anything."

She glanced at Spike. "How was that, Spike? Spike?" Malibu saw he was fast asleep now, snoring. Twilight giggled. "Oh Spike!" Malibu couldn't help but give Twilight another hug, happy they've been able to accomplish another friendship lesson together.

....

Sorry this chapter took so long. Hoping next one will be quicker. But these episodes are 22:03 minutes long. I try my best though.