As soon as I got home, Mom wrapped her arms around my neck and we sat on the floor and cried and cried. Everything poured out like a river: Poptropica, Dad, Louisa…

I paused, clutching my scarf. The same old grey I'd had for years.

"I really should wear some other colours," I chuckled.

"I like the grey," Mom told me, wiping tears from her eyes. "It suits you, Alice."

"I want to change some things," I replied. "Then again… I guess you're right."

Mom gave me another hug. "It's nearly the end of the year, too. We'll need to get ready for Christmas! What should I get you for Christmas? Another Poptropica membership?"

"No," I replied. "I could use some school stuff. I'm going into a higher level next year - I'll need a ton of stuff for then. Pencils, notebooks, clothes, maybe a new computer…"

Mom gasped. "Are you serious?"

"I was kidding, of course I want a Poptropica membership!" I laughed in response. "Though, I actually do need school stuff. And a new computer would be nice…"

Mom shook her head, smiling. "We'll see about that."

Marcus gave me a wave as I walked over to Chrissi's table, my heart heavy. I still couldn't believe my journey was over (for now, anyway). I loved Poptropica but I really needed a break to focus on my school work. The wound needed time to heal.

Exams and tests were coming up and I wanted to be prepared. I wasn't the top student and I felt my grades could use a little tweaking. Poptropica had taken up a lot of my night study time and my general energy, so I had to cram in the study sessions. Getting a break would definitely help knock me back into school shape.

I breathed out as I approached Chrissi's table, leaning on my crutches. Part of me couldn't believe I was doing this, either. I was going to speak to my tormenter, the girl I'd feared… who was really only serving the true villain.

Louisa.

I gulped every time I thought of her. But there was something else there, too: regret. I'd watched her die. I could have done something, anything.

At the same time… it was her choice. She had died as the villain she set out to be.

I walked up to Chrissi at her lunch table. She was sitting on her own, fiddling with her fingers. I couldn't imagine what was going through her head.

"Hi." I greeted.

The red-haired girl repaid my friendly gaze with a blank one. Her fists clenched. Fear rose in my chest.

"Alice," she said after a moment's silence. "What do you want?"

"I need to talk to you," I replied. I gulped. "About Louisa."

"Louisa," Chrissi spoke, slowly. Painfully.

My heart lurched with guilt once more.

"Yeah," I replied, biting my lip. I sat at her table. "I'm sorry. I could've saved her. But I didn't because…"

I couldn't finish it. The anger was there, too. The shock and betrayal.

There was a tense silence for a few moments.

"Louisa told me about entering… that game," Chrissi finally spoke. "She said she didn't know how. Something to do with prophecies and the future - I guess that's how you got in. Anyway… the first time she entered, she said was coming on a blimp but the blimp crash-landed into the ocean. She was washed up on… what was it, Mythology Island…? She stayed there for a bit. One day, she decided to climb some tree with golden apples, and that's how she met… him…"

"Zeus," I mumbled. I gazed at Chrissi. "Go on."

Chrissi sighed. "Lousia told us all about her plans with him. She said she was going to rule all of Poptropica and kill you - this… prophecy was about her, apparently. She said that you were a menace and in her way. She was always saying that to us. She said once you were dead, Poptropica would belong to her and Zeus. She didn't say she was going to die. We were used to her being a little angry and creepy, but even we were concerned when she started acting differently. She was 'showing her true colours'. That's when we started doubting her plans - they were really getting to her head. She got furious and that's the last time we heard from her."

She bowed her head.

I placed a hesitant hand on Chrissi's shoulder. "I didn't know all that happened to you, Chrissi. I'm so sorry." I paused, my heart throbbing. "Trust me, I know what it's like to lose someone. After my dad died I was left behind with nothing but a damaged leg. I became vulnerable and my confidence went down the toilet. I didn't know what to do. I turned to Poptropica as a solace. I never thought I would enter it. And… I have to say, it really opened up some doors for me."

I frowned. "I didn't ask to be part of some big prophecy, though. My whole Poptropica adventure has been absolutely insane. Fierce Fox was reckless, my mom was anxious, so was I, and…" I looked away. "There's still so much to be scared of. It's not over yet. But I'm looking forward to it. I can't wait to go on another adventure back there. It's given me so much and it kills not being there right now. But if there's something I've learned - you don't always get what you want or deserve. Life's not fair. But we can't give up on ourselves and hide - we have to face the truth head-on. I believe that's the best thing I've learnt and will hopefully help me work on myself."

"Haven't you learnt a lot, Crashice?" Chrissi asked, jokingly. "Know-it-all. You're not so bad."

I looked away.

"Sorry," Chrissi sighed. "Honestly, Lousia was a little…" She pouted. "Unpredictable. She wasn't the greatest person. It wasn't right to torment you for something that's not even your fault. If there's anything therapy taught me, it's that." She gave me a grin. "I'm sorry, Alice. I was a jerk working for a petty little coward."

"It's okay." I replied genuinely.

I was still slightly bitter, but I could at least understand her. She was only trying to be a good friend to Louisa. In the end, she'd been a victim of her manipulations as well…

"Hey, do you want to come and sit with Marcus and I?" I asked. "I have to warn you, though: he's a major brony. If you stay friends with him for long enough you'll end up watching all seven seasons of MLP."

"Marcus Fisher, right?" Chrissi cocked her head. She stood up. "Y'know what… sure."

She followed me over to our table. A feeling of hope balanced alongside my anxious feelings about Poptropica. Things could get better after all.

I grinned at the two as we faced each other, lunches in front of us.

"So," I began. "What are you guys doing for Christmas?"

Mom came into my room, clapping her hands. Excitement was expressed on her face and she was humming Jingle Bells.

"Merry Christmas, Alice!" she greeted.

"Merry Christmas, Mom." I replied, reaching for my crutches.

I peeked in my treasure box, staring at all the inside: the medallions, Mighty Penguin's address and a photo of me on my first day of school. For once, I felt like the girl in the photo. Cheerful. Excited. Brave. Ready to face the future.

I followed Mom to the kitchen. There was a collection of family photos on the wall. One was with Dad holding me in his arms, Mom giving him a cheeky grin.

I looked away. How would Dad react to Poptropica? My friends? Mom always said he'd be proud, but…

I entered the living room. The decorations of the green Christmas glimmered in the morning sunshine, reflecting colours all over the room. Underneath it were a variety of presents for Mom and I.

I kneeled down and grabbed the ones with my name - some were from friends, some were from extended family.

Mom tapped her shoulder, holding out a letter. "They say the best gifts come in small packages."

"That's true." I replied, accepting the envelope.

Inside said thing was a candy cane, a cliche Christmas card and a Poptropica membership. I clapped my hands together. I stood up and threw my arms around Mom's neck.

"Thanks, Mom," I grinned at her. "You're brave, too. You stayed strong after Dad left."

"Well, no, I wasn't alone," Mom chuckled, kissing my cheek. "I had you."

"I was a nuisance, Mom," I sighed. "I hated myself."

"It's Christmas, Alice," Mom smiled. "Now's not the time to be sad. Let's just enjoy ourselves."

"Fair enough," I replied, a small smile forming on my lips.

I kneeled down and opened the remaining presents. Most of my family had given me books, clothes or school-related objects. One family member gave me an iTunes voucher. Another gave me money. I sighed. Of course, I needed school-related objects, clothes and books, but sometimes I wished adults would give me something more intriguing than just the same old same old. That's why friends were good.

Marcus got me a Poptropica-themed hat he made himself - with help from his mom. I wore the hat immediately. I wondered if Marcus - since he also wore a homemade hat - would call us 'hat buddies' now. Probably. He also got me an MLP figurine, shockingly enough.

Chrissi and I had been getting on well. Chrissi was trying her best to make it up to me by attempting to be kind, such as giving me candy… and being a little more patient.

I appreciated it. Chrissi really wasn't that bad after all. I was almost surprised by how nice she could be.

Today, we were meeting each other at Marcus'. It was Marcus' last day before he went on a long New Years holiday to visit extended family, so it was very important.

Mom grinned. "I'm so proud of this little friendship circle you've made. And Chrissi is in it! Chrissi! She's really changed, hasn't she?"

I nodded. "You bet."

…

Marcus had a nice house, I had to admit. It was one-level with grey walls and a tiled roof. A nice driveway with a freshly-cut lawn was in front of it. Mom and I trudged up the driveway and stood in front of the wooden door. Marcus' mom answered it, greeting everyone a Merry Christmas.

Marcus himself came to the door, followed by Chrissi. He was wearing a green and red shirt with My Little Pony characters and blue jeans. His shaggy brown hair was underneath his MLP cap, sticking out in certain places.

Chrissi had her fiery-red hair pulled back into a ponytail. Her pale skin shone in the bright light of Marcus' home. She was wearing a simple, fluffy pink sweater with a cat face and black pants. I had dressed myself up in a red t-shirt and wore a green-scarf, just for the sake of Christmas spirit.

"Hey, guys," I greeted. "Merry Christmas!"

I gave Marcus and Chrissi their Christmas gifts.

"You're wearing the hat!" Marcus observed my hat, grinning cheerfully. "Now we're the hat duo!"

"I knew you would say that." I sighed. "Thanks for the Fluttershy figurine, by the way."

"Am I not part of the 'hat duo'?" Chrissi asked, crinkling her nose.

"Oh, no, I got you a hat," Marcus told her. He put a beanie on her head. "Merry Christmas!"

"Okay, you gave both of us the same gift." Chrissi commented. She observed the beanie. It had little things stitched onto it, such as sushi, the Game of Thrones symbol (the three letters), music, and a soccer ball. "But this is really cool."

She turned the hat inside-out and saw an MLP character stitched inside. She sighed.

"My mom's good at making hat stuff." Marcus told us. "But I helped as well. I dunno how long you guys can stay here - Mom still wants to pack for tomorrow." He stared at the gifts. "For now, I can open these. If you want Christmas stuff - mince pies, hot cross buns, hot ch-"

"Aren't hot cross buns for Easter?" Chrissi interrupted.

"Really?" Marcus asked. "I always thought they were for Christmas. Anyway, there's food. Have what you want. Well, don't touch the chocolate - that's mine - but anything else you can have. Anyway, present time!"

He opened Chrissi's present. She got him an MLP backpack and an iTunes voucher.

Marcus grinned. "Nice! Now I don't have to use that old crappy backpack from five years ago."

Then he turned to my present.

"I have a feeling it's gonna be Poptropica related," he grumbled, shaking his head at me. I laughed.

Marcus tore off the coloured wrapping paper. Inside was an MLP jacket and a MLP figurine (Princess Luna, if you're wondering).

Marcus beamed. He put the jacket on, swishing his hips.

"I know what you like," I told him. "Unlike you, I don't force my friends into fandoms they don't want to join."

Marcus just waved me off, sticking his tongue out. Chrissi opened her present from me. It was a Christmas stocking and a Game of Thrones-themed scarf. Marcus enviously eyed the chocolate.

Chrissi gave me her present. I opened said gift: it was a Poptropica t-shirt and a Steam gift card.

"Maybe use that to buy another game," Chrissi winked at me.

I laughed. "We'll see about that."

I slipped on the Poptropica shirt. It was decorated with the many vibrant characters of the game. I smiled at her friends.

"Thanks, guys," I grinned. "They're amazing!"

I hugged my friends. Chrissi gave a short laugh and Marcus became a little anxious. But they both hugged back.

After that, Marcus led us over to his living room. It was spaced out with a wooden floor. A fluffy carpet was holding a glass table. Artwork was printed on the vibrant, red walls. Fake vases were holding fake plants. A Christmas tree was near a glass door that led to the backyard. Wrapping paper was scattered on the glass table.

We sat on the large, pale couch. Marcus' mom offered us mince pies and gingerbread men.

"We've got so much food lying around," she exasperated. "We're going away for three weeks and it'll spoil by then. So, it'd do us a favour - not forcing you, kids - just putting it out there."

"I'll have a mince pie, then." I volunteered, grabbing a pie.

Chrissi took a few gingerbread men. Marcus had some of his precious chocolate.

"Yeah, we're in a bit of a rush," he sighed. "Dad and Iris have gone to see Nana and give her a Christmas gift, then they're coming back to help with the packing."

Iris, Marcus' older sister, was an independent adult who lived with her boyfriend. She was coming on the family vacation alongside Marcus.

"Well, I hope you have fun," I told Marcus. "I don't think I can go on vacation this year - not after what happened in Poptropica. I think it's best if I just stay home. I'm wiped."

"Really?" Chrissi asked. She groaned. "My holidays are going to be so boring. My siblings and I are pretty much staying home the whole time. The most exciting thing we're doing is going to see a movie. Oh, and family's coming over."

"Ha ha, meanwhile I'll be soaking up the sunshine with my cousins!" Marcus laughed. He smirked. "And watching MLP, of course. No holiday would be complete without it."

Chrissi and I rolled our eyes.

"Well… for now, I think just sitting here with you guys is fine," I told my friends. "It's good to be home again."

…

Later on, I came home with my presents, as well as eight mince pies Marcus' mom had insisted I take.

Mom was speaking to family members on the phone, sending them her gratitude for all their Christmas gifts. I placed the mince pies on the kitchen table and took the presents to my bedroom.

I gazed at my desk. My silver laptop was glowing with a strange light. I raised my brow. It wasn't connected to the charger and I was very sure I'd shut it down.

I opened the laptop. Blinding light consumed my vision. I blinked a good few times, removing the light from my eyes.

For a moment, I thought I was back in Poptropica… but nope, I was still in my room. However, there was a new file on my computer named 'to Alice'.

Curious, I opened the folder. Inside were a collection of things from my journeys in Poptropica. Pictures of me and Fierce Fox, pictures of friends, medallions, items from bonus quests and so much more.

My heart was thumping. What is all this?

Then I found a picture of a letter at the very end. I clicked on it. The handwriting was questionably neat, but I could just make it out:

Hi Alice,

It's me, Fierce Fox. It's been awhile, huh? Merry Christmas. There is snow all over the place on Home Island. Amelia still smiles like the sunshine, though. Cold doesn't bother her. She misses you. So does everyone else. Pretty much everyone is sending messages to you. I piled them all together and put them into this letter for you. Then that god Hermes delivered it. Hope you like it. I miss you too.

~Fierce Fox

Alice!

How are you? I hear you are back in your world. Fantastic! Does it celebrate Christmas as much as we do? Rather jolly, right? I wish you a very happy Merry Christmas, speaking of the topic. I would send you a present if I could. Oh, Alice, we all miss you. I hope you're doing well in your world. I should hope those people know what a hero you've been here! Anyway, I must thank you - you are a truly great friend and an extraordinary hero. Safe travels, my friend!

From Amelia.

Alice Manchester,

Before you scoff, do remember that I helped you save Poptropica. Now… you are a pain in the behind but I suppose I should be somewhat grateful; our world would be gone otherwise. You and I still could've had a successful business venture, but oh well… Merry Christmas, for the sake of courtesy.

Thomas Edison.

Heyy Alice,

MP here. What's up? Happy Xmas! Kinda wish we spoke more. You're pretty cool. I mean, hey - not everyone gets to be friends with the Prophesied Hero. But that's not just what makes you cool. You're pretty determined and brave when you put your mind to it. Okay, maybe there are braver and more determined people out there, but at least you're not arrogant like they are. And you're a pretty good cheerleader as well. Miss you to pieces, Alice. You better come back sometime, okay?

-Mighty Penguin

Hello,

Hey there! It's just me, Sprocket! Zack said I should write a letter to you, so… here I go! I know I'm just a robot, and… um, I'm not the bravest one. But being you helped a lot with that! Zack is really happy about it. So, thanks, Alice! You helped a robot… and saved the world. When you come back to Poptropica, we should 'catch up'? If you want to, that is. Oh, Zack just told me it's a human holiday called Christmas, so… Merry Christmas! See you soon! (hopefully :'))

Signed, Sprocket.

Hi, Alice,

We've been on a few adventures together. All of them have been awesome. Now you're leaving - that sucks, because I wanted to discuss a scientific theory I came up with you. I would put it here, but it would be far too long. Besides… you should be kinder to yourself! You really helped us all out. I miss you so much. Come back to Poptropica and see me! I don't wanna be stuck indoors all summer :(

Merry Christmas, and see ya later,

~C.J.

Heya, Alice,

Merry Christmas! It's been quite some time since all that Atlantis nonsense, huh? Well, things are getting back into shape and my movie's almost done. I'd like you to personally come and see it… if you weren't… 'gone' as your friend described. Oh well - maybe I'll send you a copy. As a gift to you, my friend! I hope we can catch up sometime.

-Cam.

There were quite a lot of thank yous from various allies I'd met, such as Ismael, Edgar, Scheherazade, Mr. Mews and many more. Tears were forming in my eyes. These were my friends, people who still cared about me, valued what I'd done.

I knew I was returning to Poptropica, but I didn't know when. What if it wasn't for years and years? I didn't want to wait to return to Poptropica. My friends were there. I could not leave them behind - they were the people I loved.

I opened Poptropica and logged in. Fierce Fox was standing on Home Island - like she had said in her letter, it was rather snowy.

I felt tears building up in my eyes. I sniffled, wanting to be in that world - my home. I didn't want to leave, I didn't want it to stop - it'd been months since the last island and I was still grieving.

"Let me in," I begged. "Please. My last Christmas wish."

I bent down, taking deep breaths. I hadn't cried so hard since when Dad died or when I first left the world. I refused to accept the ending.

For a while, I'd accepted Dad's death, but I didn't make peace with it - until I entered Poptropica. It was my home. The prophecy brought me there for a reason. I needed to return.

Bright light filled my vision.

I was standing on the wooden bridge, high above the rushing sea. Wind caressed my blonde locks. I was deep in thick, white snow, which covered the entire island. A winter wonderland. I gasped in surprise, eyes filling with tears of joy again. I was here. I was home again. I saw Amelia and gave her a loving embrace.

Amelia returned it, grinning wide. "Great to see you!"

"You too," I replied.

She gave me a candy cane, tilting her head.

"Now you'd better find Fierce Fox," Amelia told her, winking. "She'll be waiting."

I nodded and raced off, searching for my Poptropican. I found her near the end of the island, milling about. I called out her name and gave her a hug, tears of joy streaming from my eyes.

Fierce Fox almost dropped her lightning staff. But she returned the hug, a large grin stretched on her own face.

"Welcome back," Fierce Fox greeted, holding up Athena's medallion. She gave me the medallion for Monkey Wrench Island. "Merry Christmas. First island ever."

"Wow…" I didn't know what to say. I slipped the medallion over her neck; it glimmered gold. "Thank you." I paused. "It's unlike you to give me an island medallion. I thought you liked having them all."

"It's unlike me to miss someone so much." Fierce Fox chuckled. "Just wait until all of our friends know you're here."

"Yes," I agreed, my heart racing. "Just wait until they see I'm home again."

A/N: Waaaa the rewrite is finally over! Thank you all so much for reading. I probably won't be making a sequel tho because Poptropica just isn't the same as it used to be y'know… for some reason I kind of want to make a short spinoff about Marcus entering the MLP universe, but that's for another time. Whether you read the original or you're new here, thank you. I appreciate it! Also I posted some art for this chapter on my art social media.