"Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it the most." – Ruth Carter Stapleton

After Gonkuro finally finished his story, there was a solemn, thoughtful silence among the listeners. The Emperor shed a tear. The Emperor broke the silence by saying, "Another good story you told, my son. Glad to know you can far ahead to eventually defeat Aku. It is often the darkest before the dawn. Also, how I think it is sweet to hear you acting out Santa and your interesting time there."

The Empress, Gonkuro, and some others nodded at what the Emperor said. Everyone felt touched by the prince's story. They were especially moved by their crown prince's example of kind generosity. His good example especially made them more sensitive to the needs of the needy and having a curiosity about seeing hope, improvement, and joy in giving. Some, however, were off by foreign elements in his second story and had curiosity in inquiring about the more puzzling elements in the other story. But suddenly, loud tolling bell sounds were heard outside. It then came to the dining group's situation that the New Year is now at hand. They were startled by the sound but nonetheless all decided to go outside on the balcony and see for themselves. On the balcony, they could see from some distance the new year ringing of the bell initiated by monks. Michiko along with some others looked reflective as they listen to the ringing sound. Fireworks right then were let off. The group were memorized and pleasantly entertained by the colorful and dazzling face paced display. A lively and thrilling experience it was as they hope on for the new year. The firework display was also an enjoyable experience for the common folk below. Some of them were smiling. What a happy transition from an eventful year that involved uncertainty to a bright dawn towards another blank day of new beginnings and wishful hopes.

After a while, when the fireworks had tone down and the bell ringing nearly finished, the Emperor decreed, "Now let us go finish up our meal and attend to bed; for it be effective that we follow the tradition of trying to see the first sunrise of this new year."

Everyone did follow the Emperor's decree as they went in to finish up their meal and went to bed. Gonkuro and Yuka happily slept in the same bed in his bedroom, as they eagerly awaited the sunrise of a new year.

Early the next morning, Gonkuro woke up. He thought he saw a hint of sunrise decided to go up and go towards his window to see it. What a pretty sunrise it was including how it felt good yet calming and reflective. He thought back on the events of the past year. An accomplished year it was. He realized how this past year parallel his second north pole visit. At the year's beginning, he felt triumphant and hopeful. He finally defeated Aku and was about to marry the love of his life, which was like how he triumphant in playing Santa when during his first north pole visit. Like he was at his second time at the north pole, he felt hope from the bleakness from earlier this year when he went on his sojourn of sorrow from what happened with Ashi's disappearance. That mirrored how he regardless of enjoying his stay at his second north pole visit had a doleful epiphany that led him to continue his hopeless sojourn regardless of eventually going back in time to fulfill his mission. What parallels mounted there. Now looking back, how he could see an example of darkest before the dawn as remarked by his sage father. He hopes to accomplish plenty of good this year as well as hoping it be an overall happy year for him. He hopes he has a blissful year as a heavenly reward for all the blood, sweat, tears, and despair he faced. He also wonders if Santa Claus and his elves do exist in his time though he doubts they be active this time of year.

Then he thought he heard his wife got up and turn to see her approaching him. She looked weary from just being awaken yet he could see her wonderous side and her good beauty. Yuka smiled at her husband with her husband smiling back. They next softly embraced each other and looked at the sunrise together with soft satisfaction. As they embrace each other, they look each other in the face. They thought of their love with each other. How their love seems to really magnify since when they first met. How they now feel so secure, true, and sure in their love for each other. What a pureness they felt in their love for each other. They next passionately kiss each other as they felt the enthralling tightness of love. How they grasp their marvelous fate and felt glad they are staying in this bliss they have earned. They eventually continued looking at the sunrise. How they are eagerly looking on the new year and beyond ahead of them with their hopes. At one point, Yuka happen to look down and saw a pitiful sight of a miserable pauper family, consisting of a mother and child, looking at sad envy towards the palace. This moved the crown princess and she made her husband aware of it. She asked him, "Would you want to help with this situation?"

Gonkuro looked a bit puzzled at her question before his wife said, "Maybe we can find some way to help them."

Her husband gave some thought before replying, "Yes perhaps."

They shortly afterwards went down to subtly help the impoverish family below.

The End.