Disclaimer: All MLP:FiM characters belong to Hasbro and DHX Media. I do not own any of them except my OC.
It's that time of year once again. Christmas has come once more in Equestria. Well, it's Hearth's Warming Eve technically in Equestria, but I always celebrated it as Christmas because one, that's what I celebrated back home, and two, it comes around the same time of year. People always said back home that Christmas is about forgiving and spending time with family and Santa, and presents, and even though most of that is very much true, Christmas is really about the birth of Jesus. I won't go religious on you, but that's what Christmas is really all about. Twilight understands why I celebrate the holiday, but she doesn't really like it when I purposely say "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Hearth's Warming." But I could care less. It's my culture and I ain't ignoring God on this day. Well, I shouldn't on any day, but especially on this day. Anyways, snow was all over the place and the school was getting ready to go on winter break. Sandbar was sitting that song that everypony sings on this holiday and he said "Come on everycreature, sing!" Everyone didn't pay attention and instead stared at him.
He went over to the rest of his friends and Ocellus sang reluctantly before chuckling nervously. Yona did say "Not everycreature celebrate same way, you know." That is true. Smolder said "Yeah, Dragons don't do pony holidays." I can understand why. Spike said "Sure we do." Well, all dragons except for Spike, but you can't blame him. He's been raised by ponies his entire life, so he celebrates pony holidays. "I love Hearth's Warming Eve!" Yeah, only for the presents though. "It's all about friends, and presents, and family, and presents!" Okay. We get it. You like presents. Twilight said "It's also about putting aside differences to come together, like the Earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns did on the first holiday." Yes, we know the story. Don't need to repeat it a hundred times. I said "Yeah, if that were the case, then how come you keep criticizing my holiday every year? Huh, Twilight?" Twilight looked away in embarrassment and said "I do not!" I said "Yes, you do. Don't lie. Also, I could always pull it up for everyone to see…" Twilight said "No!" I said "Okay then. That's what I thought." Ocellus asked me "Um Zachary, what is your holiday that you celebrate?" I said "That's a good question. You see, where I come from, it's not called Hearth's Warming Eve. Instead it's called Christmas."
Yona asked "What traditions does lion do on holiday?" I said "Well, it's mostly similar to how Hearth's Warming Eve is, but there is a major difference between the two. Instead of all three pony tribes coming together to defeat the dreaded Windigos, a human saviour was born to save all mankind." Sandbar said "I thought you were a lion." I said "I am, but I was human at one point and still am. Anyways, this saviour was known as Jesus Christ which is where the name Christmas comes from. You see the connection, right?" They all nodded in understanding. "Good, so this person was born in a place called Bethlehem which is in the country now called Palestine in a region called the Middle East which if I show you right here on this map of the world… *pulls out map of the Earth* It would be right here." Smolder asked me "How come this human was born?" I said "I would tell you the story, but we would be here all night explaining it. So, I'll give you the quick summary." This is going to be hard to do because if I leave out anything, it will bring up more questions which will mean more time will be wasted and I don't want to hold them back.
"Basically, there was an immortal being named God who created the whole universe and when humanity decided to sin against him which means doing something wrong, it permanently separated them from him. So he decided to take the form of a man and come to Earth as Jesus to save all mankind from the penalty of death and Satan." Gallus asked "Um, who is Satan?" I said "None other than the devil himself. All of Equestria's villains are nothing compared to him. He is called the Father of Lies because he can deceive anyone with ease and lead them astray. God has known this since the beginning of time, and he will be punished one day when he and his demons will be thrown into the Lake of Fire." That seemed to leave everyone uneasy even Smolder. She said "Wow, that's pretty messed up." I said "You would be right. But he wasn't always that way. In fact, he was an angel at one point which are God's messengers, but after pride was found in him, he was cast out by God and took one third of his angels with him." Ocellus asked "How come Satan wasn't redeemed?" I said "He never was and he never will. He has always hated God and he will never be forgiven by him. Before you say anything about how there is still a chance, God knows what's in his heart and that's the reason why he will never forgive Satan." Silverstream asked me "How does he know what's in his heart?" I said "Because God can read anyone's thoughts and intentions. Whatever you are thinking right now, he already knows about it. God is never surprised about anything. He knew how everything would turn out even before time was created itself. I know that sounds hard to believe, but it's true." Even for me, it's hard to believe.
"God lives outside of time which is unimaginable by us because we are bound by time, so it wouldn't make any sense to us, but it makes sense to him." Finally, Twilight asked me "If God exists out of time, how was he born?" I said "God wasn't born by anybody. He never had a beginning and he will never have an ending. His kingdom will always last forever." Rainbow asked "Where would this kingdom be exactly?" I said "It's nowhere here in Equestria or on Earth. It's in a place called Heaven where people who believe in his truth go when they die." Ocellus asked "What about the ones that don't?" I said "Unfortunately, and I hate to say this because I never would want to say this to a person, but anyone who refuses to believe God's truth will go to Hell after they die. You think Tartarus is bad, it's nothing compared to this place. I can't give you a fully detailed description because the Bible doesn't give a fully clear image about what it looks like." Smolder asked me "What is this Bible that you're talking about?" I said "The Bible is the book where God puts his truth into so it may help you get through tough situations and what God has to say about certain things."
Gallus asked me "What does the Bible talk about?" I said "Well, there are a variety of topics that the Bible talks about. I'll give you an example. If you ever feel alone, it says if I open it and turn to Deuteronomy 31:6, it says "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Another example is if you struggle with anger which I'll admit, I'm guilty of, James 1:19-21 says "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you." I know that it is talking to humans here, but anyone can apply this to their lives. The only thing you must do however, is believe in the Gospel which in part has to do with Christmas. So it all ties together pretty well. The key here about the Christian faith is that you must be saved by grace and not just by doing good works which means things such as helping and caring for the poor, the orphan, the widow, the sick, the blind, the deaf, and the lame. It lays it out in Ephesians 2:8 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." If you ever want to believe, Romans 10:9 tells you what you need to do which reads "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is LORD," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." However, not everyone wants to believe for various different reasons such as having their deeds exposed like in John 3:20 where it says "Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed."
"Or they don't believe that God actually existed which it says in Psalms 14:1 "The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good." And the Bible does tell you what God says to those who refuse to believe him and deny his existence. It says in Matthew 10:33 "But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven." That is another thing. I know this will be hard to believe, but one day, we all have to give an account to God when judgement day comes. The Bible only mentions it for humanity, but I'm sure it can apply to anyone who has human traits." I actually have no clue if any of the creatures here in Equestria would have to give an account to God on judgement day, but I would think so. I know that it doesn't exist in real life where the author lives, but if Equestria was real, would the creatures that inhabit it have to give an account to God one day? It's just something to think about. You can debate it in the reviews section all you wish. I'm just making guesses here. "To conclude this discussion, it says in Romans 14:11 "It is written: "As surely as I live," says the LORD, "every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God." Going back to the other point about giving accounts, it says in verse 12 "So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God." Anyways, I'm done talking now. I know I threw a lot at you, but we can do Q and A's another time. In case you don't know, Q and A's are Questions and Answers. That's all."
Whew. That was a very long discussion and there's still a lot to talk about. If I ever get to hang out with the Student six where there isn't anything that needs to get done, then I'll gladly continue this discussion because I can tell that they want to learn more and that's a good sign. I can't say I'd bring them to faith, but I'll at least tell them the truth about how Christianity works considering it's the one true religion. Yes, yes, I know, some of you will argue that the other religions are true as well, but I'm not going to talk about that because I don't believe in what they teach and ultimately, it won't save you in the end. That's just the cold hard truth. I know it's not the most pleasant thing to hear, but that's what will happen one day. When? I don't know. It could happen in two seconds or it could happen 500 years from now. No one knows. Not even science itself knows about it. Scientists have tried for years to predict the second coming, but nothing happened every time. But that's a whole other discussion. For now, let's get back to the focus of this chapter, shall we? Great. Anyways, after all that, Twilight said "So, excluding that huge discussion that Zach just talked about with his holiday, that's what our holiday as ponies represent if anyone was still paying attention and didn't forget during this long discussion we just had."
Ocellus said "Oh! Is that why you put their fire of friendship on top of their tree?" Hey, she still remembers after that really long discussion which kinda wore me out a little bit, but it's fine. "To help us remember their unity?" I said "Yes, that's exactly why. I'm a little confused on why it's pink because a human heart or any creature's is supposed to be red, but whatever." Rainbow said "And 'cause it looks cool." Of course it does. I'm being sarcastic for the uneducated and uncultured people out there. Silverstream said with excitement "This is my favorite holiday of the year!" Everything is your favorite time of the year. You remind me of Pinkie. You act just like her, not that it's a bad thing, I'm just saying. "Not that I don't like the other ones." That's Silverstream for ya. "Tuesdays are great!" I beg to differ on that one. Fridays are great because it's the end of the week and the start of the weekend, so that's my reason why. I kinda like Wednesdays, but it's only for the lols since it's HUMP DAY! You see what I mean? I hope you do otherwise you are a sus gus bus. Smolder had fallen down because Silverstream extended out her wings and Yona said "Yona like any day that is start of Winter Break." Hmm. I have an idea. But I'll save it for later. Gallus said with a lack of enthusiasm "Two whole weeks without classes." Come on man. It's great. "How will Ocellus survive?" Oh, I guess she's the bookworm of the group. Basically a replica of Twilight. Fine by me. I don't interact with them as much as I do with Twilight, but still. Speaking of which, Twilight said "I think you'll all enjoy the time off to be home with your families."
I said "Winter break is always the best time of year during the school year. Back home on Earth, every kid would go crazy as soon as school ended and run out like a bunch of bulls running out their pens in stampede formation. It was great because school sucked. But as I just learned, not everyone is like that. I don't understand how, but that's just because I'm a lazy person that never wants to do anything unless it's actually important, so yeah." All of the students smirked at that and Twilight gave me a deadpan stare. After a few moments, she said "Attention, everycreature. School is officially out! Happy Holidays, and we'll see you after the break." I said as they left "And have a Merry Christmas as well not that anyone but me celebrates it, but whatever." Twilight groaned in annoyance and the students laughed. Twilight said "And for those of you traveling outside Equestria…" Yeah, you have to get going if you want to catch that train. Rainbow said "Yeah, shouldn't you guys be betting ready to go?" I would have everything packed up by now. "If you miss that train, it's a really long walk." If you mean a really long walk, you mean hundreds maybe even thousands of miles away. I said "If you do miss it, I can just teleport you no problem. Yes I know where you all live and even though that's creepy, just stay silent and don't ask questions."
Twilight glared at me and said "On a different note, go pack up and we'll take you to the station." They all got up and left. However, I did notice a grumpy look on Gallus' face. I wonder what that could mean. When they were gone, Spike had already started digging through the presents and started shaking them. He said "It's that new bowtie I wanted, isn't it?" Maybe. Maybe not. Twilight said "You'll have to wait and see!" Yeah, can't wait to see what Twilight got for me this year. Probably another book or something. But hey, I don't care. I'm a 25 year old man. I could care less about what I get nowadays. Also, I need to rack up on the history books anyways. Spike said "I'm waiting. But in the meantime, I'm shaking." That's nice. Wait. What is that up there? Why is this person sneaking around? I need to take a closer look. I saw them dump some what looked like to be purple pixie dust, but I wasn't sure. It went onto the fire of friendship and expanded causing a purple mess to come down the tree and almost hit us. I put up my shield to be blocked by it, but Spike got covered in it. He tried flapping his wings to get it off, but to no avail. I blasted him with my magical aura and teleported him out of the purple stuff whatever that was. Spike said "Wh-what happened?" I think I know what happened. Twilight said "Everything's ruined; that's what happened!" I flew up and saw the dust closer up. That was indeed purple pixie dust. How did this even get here? That's so odd and I have so many questions right now, but we don't have the time for it.
I said "And I don't think this happened by accident. This glittery stuff right here is known as Purple Pixie Dust. Because the friendship fire was made out of electricity, it became a conductor for the dust right here and caused an explosion which led to all these gooey slime all over the ceiling, the tree and the floor." Rainbow looked at it and said "Somepony was up here!" We looked around and saw the culprit. Spike said "Over there!" and I went after him. The others followed soon after. I followed him into the student quarters, but he was able to juke me out and I lost him. DANG IT! I heard Rainbow say "Might as well give up, whoever you are! We got ya cornered!" I said "I had a lead on them, but they somehow juked me out and I lost them." Twilight said "Hello? Is anypony there?" I don't think so. Rainbow said "I'll check the back door." Good idea. Some doors opened and Silverstream said "What's happening? Another decorating party?" No, we're trying to find the culprit to whoever crashed the party here. Twilight asked "Has anycreature come in here?" Yeah. Smolder said "Well… yeah. All of us did. To pack? Like you told us to?" After that. Spike said "After that. Did you hear anything?" Probably not. Silverstream and Smolder shook their heads no and more doors opened. Gallus said "What's up?" I'm starting to get suspicious of you Gallus, but I'll hold off for now.
Yona opened her door and said "Yona done packing!" Well, that's nice. Ocellus opened her door and said "Is something wrong?" Yes there is. Rainbow came back and said "The back door's locked. No way out!" I said "Uh, there's still the front door and allow me to fix that. Be right back." 10 seconds later…. "Okay I'm back now." That was actually quite quick. Twilight said "But whoever did it had to have come in here." They did. We saw it. "We saw them!" Ocellus came up and asked "Whoever did what?" I said "This." and teleported everyone to the Christmas Tree. They were horrified at what they saw. Sandbar was the first to speak up and say "Whoa… That… Is so not cool." Well, someone did it. I said "It isn't, but the culprit ran into your quarters, so it has to be one of you." Spike said "No one came out. And all of you are still here." That would be correct. Rainbow said "One of you must have done this!" I think that's quite obvious at this point. "But why would any of you wanna sabotage Hearth's Warming Eve?" I said "Well, creatures do it for various reasons. Back home, there were people who would crash the party and not care in the slightest at all not having any remorse for their actions." They all denied it was them which was expected because I know not all of them did it, but it makes it harder. Yona said "Yak not do this. Yona offended by accusation."
I said "Hold on. Before you start throwing insults, let me be clear about something: We don't know what happened or who did it. It could be you or the creature next to you. But we're not trying to offend anyone here. We're only trying to say that one of you did it. If you confess now, it will make this a lot easier. However, if you deny it and no one confesses, then it will be much more difficult and dishonesty has a pretty hefty penalty depending on what it is." Even the Bible mentions how God feels about dishonesty. Exodus 20:16 says "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor." Proverbs 6:16-19 says "a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community." Ephesians 4:25 says "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body." And Colossians 3:9-10 says "Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." Basically, the Bible has a lot to say about dishonesty and lying, so don't do it. Twilight said "Zach is very much right. I want to give whoever caused this mess a chance to tell the truth and explain themselves. I'll make it easy for you. Close your eyes." Uh, okay.
"Not you, Zach." Oh, right. Oops. Sorry, Twilight. "It's fine." Everyone closed their eyes except Yona. She wasn't having any of it. Ocellus noticed this and nudged her to do it anyways. "Now , if you did this, raise your hoof. Or claw. Or whatever." I have a paw, but at the same time, I have claws as well. Not a single one raised their whatever they had. This is going to be more difficult than I thought. Twilight said "C'mon Spike. Looks like we have to- Spike. You can open your eyes." Bruh. I don't think Twilight said for you to close your eyes, Spike. Rainbow said "What about me?" Really bruh? Twilight said with annoyance in her voice "You all can. But since nocreature took responsibility for this mess, you're all gonna have to help clean it up before you can go home." The students didn't like that and began to protest. I don't want World War III to be caused here. Smolder said "Why do I have to stay?" Because you're one of the students. Sandbar said "But the holidays!" It doesn't matter right now. Something like this does not go unpunished. I said "It doesn't matter. Something as serious as this does NOT go unpunished." Twilight brought over the cleaning supplies and said "While you're all cleaning, we'll bring you into my office one at a time. Since Honesty is one of the Elements of Harmony, we want to give you each a chance to tell us the truth."
Also, honesty is a big part of the Christian faith as well. I won't go into details, but you already heard me talk about it enough, so I'll be quiet. Rainbow said "And once we find out who did it, just you wait! We're gonna- we'll… What are we going to do exactly?" Twilight looked at me and I gave the nod of approval for her since I'm the guardian of the Tree of Harmony. She said, sighing "The guilty party won't be going home over Hearth's Warming Break. She or he will stay here for some one-on-one friendship lessons." That's gonna suck, but it's a fair punishment in my opinion. Silverstream asked out of panic "But what if none of us confesses?" Then, it will be much worse. Twilight wanted to say it, but she couldn't. So I did it for her. I said "Then none of you will be able to go home for the holidays which means you'll stay here in Ponyville the entire break." The students gasped and me and the rest of the group had to discuss on who we'll ask first. Twilight opened the door and said "All right, let's get to the bottom of this. Who wants to be interviewed first?" I don't think anyone will volunteer. Gallus surprisingly volunteered and said "I'll go. Beats mop duty." Oh, sure that's wonderful. I have a feeling it's you, but I still need to confirm it first. He headed out the door and threw the mop to Silverstream. They closed the door and I stood next to it. I was put on guard duty so I could make sure they did their jobs and not try any funny business which is fine by me.
Silverstream had said "Hey, I know! We can make a game out of this!" Of course you can. As long as you clean up this mess, that's fine by me. "See who finishes cleaning up first!" Don't overwork yourself though. Yona said "Whoo hoo! Yak win!" Uh, there still is a lot left. "Yak best at cleaning!" She's got yak nature flowing through her body. Yaks think they do everything best, but that's not really true. You can't be the best at everything. Smolder didn't want to waste time and said "Let's save time and cut to the chase." That's a good plan, but you might find that quite difficult. "Which one of you did it?" I think the culprit isn't here in this room, but I'm not exactly sure. Ocellus said "I would never do something this horrible." I believe ya. "I love Hearth's Warming Eve! And I do Not want to miss going home for it." Well, if one of you confesses, then you'll be able to. Sandbar said "Huh. I didn't even know Changelings celebrated Hearth's Warming." They didn't back in the days of Chrysalis, but ever since she's been overthrown, that completely changed. Ocellus said "Oh, yes! It's our favorite holiday!" That's almost the only one you have. "Well, since Headmare Twilight shared it with us last year. She gave our hive very clear instructions." That's my girl for ya. Oh dear. I think she and her family took things a little too literal.
It's not a problem though because it happens a lot when you're doing something for the first time. Sandbar said "You might have misunderstood things just a little." That's true, but it doesn't matter. Let them do whatever they want to. Ocellus said "Eh, we may not have done everything exactly the way you do. But we made our own traditions! And I can't wait to do it all again this year!" That is if one of you confesses. Smolder said "If we ever get out of here." She has a point. I opened the door and Twilight walked in. She said "Ocellus? Your turn." She went out and I closed the doors shut. Silverstream asked Gallus "What happened?" Probably something very creepy. Kidding. Gallus said with annoyance in his voice "What do you think happened?" Geez, calm down dude. I'm really starting to think it's him because his attitude is completely different than the others, but I need all the evidence first before I can make that claim. "I told her I didn't do it." Yona wasn't having any of it and said "Agh! Yona tired of waiting." I said "HEY! Calm down! No stomping allowed in here." Yona nodded in compliance and said "Yaks always home for holidays." I'm sure they are, but we got a situation going on right now. Sandbar asked "How do you celebrate Hearth's Warming in Yakyakistan, Yona?" I don't think that yaks celebrate Hearth's Warming in Yakyakistan. Yona said "Yaks do not. Our holiday much better. Is called "Snilldar Fest." Night before, yaks gather things to smash, and put them in big pile." That sounds like what a yak does.
"Then in morning, we smash them." That sure is a wake up call. For the past three years, I always got woken up early because I heard smashing coming from all the way up north and it left me very grouchy because I did not want to wake up that early. Sometimes, my hearing is a little too good if you ask me. "In afternoon, we smash them again. In evening-" before Gallus asked "So it's just about smashing stuff." Yep. "Like all your other holidays." Pretty much. Yona was offended and said "No! How griffon get that idea? This holiday about so much more. Last year, for example. Most perfect Snilldar ever." Really? Let's see about that. Yep. Pretty boring and very repetitive. Also, cringey as well with the singing. It was guessable at this point. "What you think Yaks are, barbarians?" Nope. I don't think that way. "Moss pile is for special family rituals." Oh brother, here we go with the rituals. Gag me. I hate those things. You can hate me all you want, but that won't change my opinion about it. "Last year, ritual for Yona." Great, now you're cursed. Oh, it was only braiding hair. Never mind. Gallus said "So to recap… your holiday is about smashing things, and family." Yes, that's correct. Yona said "Two most perfect things ever, put together. Happy Snilldar Fest!" Whatever you say, Yona.
I don't think we need the demonstration though. Silverstream said "Happy Snilldar to you too, Yona." Uh, you don't celebrate the holiday because you're a hippogriff, not a yak. "It's so cool to learn new traditions from new friends!" That is true and while I do like it, you have to be careful sometimes. She tried smashing the bucket, but it didn't work. Sorry, can't smash that. Not strong enough to do that. Smolder said "Yeah, well one of these new friends has gotten us all in trouble." That is correct, but you can't dwell on that forever. "And they'd better confess soon." Calm down, Smolder. I opened the door and Ocellus said "Sandbar? Sorry, but they said they want you to go in next." Sandbar dropped the mop and headed out. I closed the doors shut and Silverstream asked "Why the rush to get home, Smolder?" Because she wants to spend time with her family? Duh. "Like you said, dragons really don't have holidays, do they?" That is a fair point. Smolder said "Meh" and Ocellus said "That's so sad." For a dragon, not really. They could care less. "You must do something in the winter for fun." They do, but it's not like the other holidays. Smolder said "Well, we do have "The Feast of Fire." See, what I'd tell you? "Every dragon gets together and tells stories. The best one wins a pile of gemstones." Sounds like dragon culture to me.
Yona was intrigued by this and asked "What story won last year?" Probably something very scary or something. Smolder said "It was called "A Dream Come True." Okay, that doesn't really sound like a story a dragon would tell, but let me listen for more details. Silverstream said "Come on, now you've got to tell it!" Oh dear. Smolder groaned and said "Uh. Fine. Once upon a time, there was this sad little dragon." Oh, that was a creepy environment. "Her name was Scales." Sounds reasonable for a dragon name. "She lived alone in the wilderness with nothing to eat." That is pretty sad, but that's because I've been surrounded by truth most of my life, so that's why I feel this way, but I understand why dragons find this stuff entertaining for stories. "But one night, as she sat alone in a storm, she heard something." Probably something creepy. "It was the Dragon Lord!" Oh dear, that's a creepy dragon. I'm not scared by it, but it doesn't look very nice. "Scales was scared, but the Dragon Lord told her not to be afraid; that he was taking her to the Dragonlands for a great feast." Probably filled to the brim with gems and whatnot. Yep. I was right. They do look shiny, but I would never eat them. "Scales sat with the Dragon Lord's family and friends and had the biggest, best dinner of gemstones she'd ever eaten." I'm sure she did.
"Then, while the dragons were telling stories, Scales thought it would be so easy to seize power from this feeble and sensitive Dragon Lord. She saw her chance and took it!" I saw the look on her face for power and boy does that look like the face of pure evil right there. She claimed the Bloodstone Scepter and took over the Dragonlands." That's just mean, but hey. What do you expect? It's a dragon story, so of course it would be this sad and cruel. "...and forced the Dragon Lord to live out in the cold just as she used to." I can see the hurt look on the dragon's face, but that's what happens in this region. Ocellus said "That's a horrible story." For a dragon, that's a great story, but those who live by the truth know that is wrong and should never do something like that ever even if we see the opportunity to. Smolder said "Maybe to you. But dragons like hearing about weak, kind creatures getting defeated." HA! I'm kind and I can easily take down a dragon no problem. I opened the door and Rainbow said "Silverstream? You're up. Let's go!" They both walked out and I shut the doors again. Smolder asked Sandbar "So, did you tell them you did it?" Probably not. Sandbar said "What? No way! Why would I say that?" So everyone can go home, that's why.
Smolder said "You already live in Ponyville. Staying here over break is no big deal." She does have a point. Yona said "School of Friendship good place for pony to have pony holiday." However, Sandbar didn't budge. He said "I'd still rather spend it with my family at home." Everyone does, but until one of y'all confesses, that ain't happening. "Oh! That reminds me! I have the best holiday story ever!" Sure, you do. "It's called "The Day My Hearth's Warming Doll Almost Fell into the Fire!" That's not really a good story, but whatever. Carry on. However, everyone else in the room was interested and listened. "Just before we went to bed, my mom, my dad, and my sister all put our Hearth's Warming Dolls up on the mantle, just like we do every year." I did that with Twilight for the past three years now. "But this year… I put my doll too close to the edge and it fell!" Gee, that was a smart idea. Putting your doll right on the edge so that it may be burned to ashes when it touched the flames. Ocellus asked "And?" It didn't. Wait for it. Sandbar said "It hit the floor." See? Told ya. "But it could have gone in the fire!" That was the most boring story I've ever heard. If there were some near misses and bouncing off the walls to dodge it, then it would be more interesting. I'm just saying.
Smolder said with sarcasm "That's a great story. And you told it really well." Oh, that was a burn. Sandbar didn't catch it though and said "Yeah. It was a Hearth's warming Miracle!" Sure it was. Didn't you hear the sarcasm? I guess not. I opened the door and Rainbow said "Next." Yeah, let's. "Smolder, come with me. Yona, Twilight's waiting for you." They both walked out and I slammed the doors shut again. Ocellus said "The last two." Yep, so someone better confess now, or else you'll be stuck here for the entire break. "So if neither one of them confesses, that means…" You'll be stuck here. Silverstream said, panicking "We're never going home!" Exactly. Ocellus said "We'll be here forever." Hmm. Not forever. Just until summer break. Sandbar said "Beyond forever." I think you may be exaggerating. Silverstream said "But I can't miss the Three Days of Freedom Celebration!" The what now? What even is that? Gallus asked "How long does that last?" How long do you think it lasts, you dimwit? Silverstream said "It used to be only one day, but now to commemorate our escape from the Storm King, we're adding two more days of awesome!" Makes sense. "See!" Uh, what book is that? Gallus looked confused and asked "There's a book?" I guess so.
Silverstream said "Mm hm! Queen Novo had these made for the Mount Aris board of tourism. To explain it all to guests!" That would make sense. "We'll spend the first night in Seaquestria, thanking the ocean for protecting us from the Storm King." Uh, I think you would thank God for protecting you against him. God created the oceans and you are supposed to worship him, not the ocean. It would be considered an idol and God hates those very much. But I have to remember that religion does not exist in Equestria which is very much sad, but whatever. "Sea-dancing, whale-singing, shell-stringing… Lots of "ings." I can tell. "The second day will be on Mount Aris, with sky dancing, and a wind song in the Harmonizing Heights to celebrate the Storm King's defeat." Every time when someone says celebrate, I think of the song "Celebration" by the Kool and the Gang. Hey, they were the 20th century masters people, so you gotta respect them. "Then the third day, everycreature will party together, on land and sea." that's nice. Have one day in one place, have another day in another place, and the final day at both places. "Grandparents and parents and sisters, uncles, brothers, acquaintances, neighbours and cousins." That's a lot of family members if you ask me.
"And at the end of the night, Queen Novo is going to give out presents!" That's nice. Gallus said "Wait. Hold on. Cousins? What are those?" You have got to be kidding me. Ocellus said "Your aunt and uncle's children. You know, part of your family. Oh, you're teasing us again, right?" Nope. I opened the doors and both Smolder and Yona walked in. I shut the doors again and Sandbar said "I'm guessing neither one of you confessed." Doubt they would. Yona said "Headmare Twilight say wait here." Yeah, now they're probably going to discuss what they are going to do. Silverstream said "Maybe they're changing their minds about sending us home." I highly doubt that. Like I said before, an act like this does NOT go unpunished. Smolder said "Why would they? Face it. We're stuck here." Pretty much. Ocellus said, crying "But, but, I have to go home!" Too bad. None of you confessed, so that's what you get. Silverstream said "My mom makes the best kelp fritters." Uh, that's random. Also, pretty disgusting if you ask me. Sandbar asked "How can you be so cool about this?" Gallus looked away and Smolder said "We're mad. We just show it differently." I do. Sandbar said "More like you don't show it at all." I don't think you understand emotions very well by that claim. That's like saying to me I don't care about someone dying if I don't cry. Just because I don't cry like everyone else, does NOT mean I don't care. I just show it differently than others.
Yona got up in Sandbar's face and said "What pony getting at?" Now calm down, folks. Silverstream said "Maybe it wasn't just one prankster. Maybe there were three of you. And you're trying to hide your guilt by not being upset!" That's not very logical. Ocellus said "It does make sense." I said after being silent for so long "There weren't three of you. It was only one. From what I saw, I didn't see anyone else." They seemed to ignore me. Dang it. Gallus said "Guys, stop it." It's him. I knew it. That confirms my suspicions. Smolder said "Or maybe whoever did it is only pretending to be upset. To throw us off." I doubt that. I would stop them, but I need to see this play out because if I interfered, then Gallus won't confess he did it. Ocellus said "Me? But I didn't!" I know you didn't. Gallus said "Come on, let it go." It's definitely him at this point. There's no doubt about it. Now everyone started bickering with one another as if they were trying to cause the next Civil War and Sandbar said "Come on, Ocellus, you know you did it! Just fess up!" After all that arguing, Gallus finally had enough and said flying up in the air "I said STOP FIGHTING!" That got everyone's attention. "That's not what the holidays are about. No matter what you call them, or how you celebrate." He's technically right. Gallus flew down and said "Do you know how lucky you all are? With your stories about sharing, and kindness, and getting together with everycreature that you care about?" I think I know what he's feeling.
Ocellus asked "But.. Griffons do that too, don't they?" Maybe. Smolder asked "Some holiday about a moon?" Yes, the Blue Moon Festival. Gallus sighed and said "Blue Moon Festival. The one time of year when Griffons are nice to each other. Well, as nice as we can be." That's honestly pretty sad, but Griffons are just as greedy as dragons, but instead of hoarding gems, they hoard anything gold which is bits most of the time. "Families get together to eat and then complain about the food. And give each other presents they don't like." That's just cruel man. Probably even worse than the dragons. "And mostly try not to yell at each other." Yeah, that kind of holiday sucks. Silverstream said "Well, at least you get to be with your family!" Gallus said "No… Because I don't have a family." Ouch. That made me sick to my stomach. He's feeling loneliness. Feels like he doesn't belong. I know that feeling all too well. Even a part of me still feels like I don't belong anywhere. But I think Deuteronomy 31:6 would help him feel less alone which reads "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." That's what I turn to whenever I feel alone is that verse right there and it's helped me deal with my loneliness. Sandbar asked "What about Grandpa Gruff?" I think that's just what he's called. Gallus said "That's just his name. He's not anygriff's actual grandpa." Dang I feel empathy for Gallus. This is hard for anyone to go through. "I felt like I never had a place in Griffonstone." I felt like I never had a place back on Earth either, and I still feel that way to this day.
"Then I came here, and well, met all of you. So I don't want to go home for the break." It makes sense, but you really should have not done that. You could have told me, or Twilight, or even Starlight about it and we would have given you encouragement, but instead, you pulled a prank on everyone and have them be threatened to not go home for the break, so I hope you're happy. "And that's why I did it." See, told ya he did it. That's why I didn't interfere, because otherwise, Gallus wouldn't have confessed and we would still be stuck in this mess. Yona gasped and said "Griffon mess up decorations?" Yep. Sure did. Gallus said "Yeah. It was me. I put goo powder in the Fire of Friendship!" Oh, so that's what it was. I thought it was purple pixie dust, so now I don't have to answer my own questions that I asked earlier. Everyone gasped this time and Sandbar asked "So it wasn't Ocellus?" Of course it wasn't you dimwit! Speaking of which, she asked "Why would you ruin things for us?" Because that meant he could spend the holidays with you guys and not be alone for two weeks. Gallus said "I didn't plan to! I just figured if I made a mess, our teachers would make us stay to clean up." Yeah, that was a real smart idea. Sure it's understandable, but there's still no excuse for it. "We'd be together a little longer." Yeah, and how did that work out?
Smolder asked annoyed "Well. It worked, didn't it?" Sure did. Gallus said "Better than I thought. When Headmare Twilight threatened to cancel winter break, that meant I would get to be with all of you, through the entire holiday!" You could have done things differently though. "That's why I didn't confess." Makes sense, but that's still no excuse for it. Now, you'll have to be here on break for two weeks by yourself while your friends are gone enjoying themselves. Sandbar asked "So why are you admitting this now?" Probably because he couldn't take it anymore which in my opinion, is a good move so that we can move on. Gallus said "I hated seeing all you fighting and blaming each other. That's the opposite of what all your holidays mean." Except Smolder's maybe. "Except maybe yours, Smolder." Smolder opened her mouth to say something, but couldn't find any words to say and just shrugged anyways. "I can't keep all of you from the happiness of your homes and families just because I feel bad." That's a fair argument. "I'm sorry. Don't worry, you won't have to tell our teachers. I will." I said "I don't think you'll have to." Twilight said "Zach's right. We already know." Gallus looked in the other direction in embarrassment and Rainbow said "We kinda guessed it was you."
Yeah, all my suspicions led straight to you. All the evidence points to you. "But we wanted to give you the chance to tell the truth." I said "Honesty is always important and no matter how much it hurts, it's always better to tell the truth than a well meant lie." Twilight said "Zach is right. I'm proud you did. And I'm glad to see you've been paying attention in Professor Applejack's honesty classes." He should have. "But you're still gonna have to make amends. And stay over break for extra friendship lessons, by yourself." Gallus looked downcast and the rest of the students looked at me with a pleading expression. I gave a nod in approval and Silverstream said "I'll stay with him." Where's the romantic shipment here? I need that train moving! Ocellus said "Me, too!" That's good. Yona said "Yona stay also!" Sandbar said "I'm staying!" Everyone looked at Smolder and she said "What?" How rude of you! "All right. I guess pony holidays can't be that bad." They're not. Sandbar said "Now you can finally know what it's like to spend Hearth's Warming with friends who care about you." Sure thing.
Twilight rested her head on my neck and I wrapped a wing around her. Rainbow said "Looks like they don't really need any extra lessons." I'd say so. Both Rainbow and Twilight looked at me and I gave a nod of approval again to let them continue with the next idea they had in mind. Twilight said "Since you obviously know that Hearth's Warming is coming together, I'd be honored if all of you would join my friends as guests at our holiday table." They were all excited, but we still have one more thing left. "After we finish cleaning up." They got right to work and Sandbar said "Hey, this reminds me of another story!" Oh no. Here we go again. "The time I Almost Spilled Grape Juice on the White Couch!" Oh dear. Grape Juice on that bright colored couch is a major oof. Smolder asked "Does it have a depressing ending?" Maybe. Ocellus said "I'm sure pony stories work that way." Sometimes they do. Yona went over to Gallus and said "Gallus want Yona braid feathers?" Um, nope I'm good. Thanks for asking though. Gallus said "Uuuh. Pass." Silverstream sang that song once again and I just cringed at that. After they were all done, I said "Since you guys have finished, there is one thing that we need to do before we kick off the holidays." I heard Twilight say "Oh no. Not this again." but I ignored her.
[Insert Celebration by Kool and the Gang]
The music started playing in the background and I was having a good time. I could tell Twilight was hating it, but suddenly the students started loving it and broke out dance moves. Time to move things up a notch. I changed into my human form and started breaking out dance moves that no one had seen yet. Even Twilight was astonished. We kept on dancing for several minutes and once the song was over, everyone was amazed. I said "Now that's how you kick off the holiday year! What?" Smolder said "That was awesome! Better than anything I have ever seen!" Even Twilight said "I had no idea you could do that. I also didn't expect you to change into your human form." I said "Well, I had to show off my swag somehow. I think even Rainbow would be jealous. Also, it was nothing." Rainbow went speechless and we all went outside. I said "To conclude this kickoff, I will go into hyperspace. Watch this." I flew off at super fast speeds and continued to accelerate until I broke the sound barrier and caused a giant sonic boom that had my magical aura in it and I continued flying around super fast before I began to slow down. I charged up my scepter and blasted fireworks in the sky which went off behind the school and everyone was even more amazed. I continue to impress no matter what I do.
I flew down and everyone was speechless. I said "Now we can move on to more impressive things." Everyone started surrounding me praising me with comments and raised me into the air carrying me to the castle. Okay. This sure is weird, but hey, I'll take it. Everyone else in Ponyville was cheering from nearby making a line on either side of me as if I was going to get crowned as King or something. Time to get the festivities started. I don't know, but maybe this will be the best Christmas ever. Once we got inside the castle, the students set me down and everyone bowed for some reason. Okay. I said entertaining the thought "Let the festivities begin!" Everyone cheered and began the party. Twilight came up to me and said "Happy Hearth's Warming, Zach." I said "Merry Christmas, Twilight." She lightly smacked me and she said "Why do you keep doing that? I really wish you wouldn't." I said "I know, but you care for me anyway." Twilight sighed and said "I guess that's true." She then leaned in and kissed me to which I returned because hey, there might not be a mistletoe, but I'll still do it regardless. This year will be fun.
AN: What a fun chapter to write! I decided to post on a Wednesday because I felt like it and school is finally out for the break, so that's why it's coming out today. Also, I know that I talked a lot about biblical references, but that's just what I believe in for Christmas and I thought it would fit for the story, so don't get too pressed about it. Anyways, I hope you guys have a wonderful Christmas break or whatever holiday you may celebrate and spend time with your families. Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! Merry Christmas!
Next Chapter: Friendship University! When Twilight gets a postcard from Starswirl, she learns that he went to something called Friendship University in Las Pegasus and says that it's great. She also learns it has the same objective as the School of Friendship. So, she takes Rarity and Zachary with her to investigate the situation. Will this school be considered a sham, or will it put an end to the School of Friendship?
Until then, my fellow readers
