You're a mean one. King Sombra!
You are an insane Emperor!
You're a heartless selfish [BEEP]tard, with a lack of body intact-!
Are you finished?
I sighed. Sorry, that's what happens when you're bored out of your mind... On Christmas no less. Gently throwing the book back on the small table beside the comfortable chair, I shifted, sinking further into the seat whiel watching the fire cackle in disinterest. Heh, at least this time it makes more sense than a fireplace in a tree this time around.
Hmm...
...You're a mean one, King Sombra-!
Cease!
...You're a mean one. Celestia!
You awful, trickster, seer!
...You're a pale imitation with magical limitation!
That's the holiday spirit!
Celestia-!
"What's this about Celestia?"
Gah!
Almost leaping out of my seat, my head craned to behind me, a brow-raised Twilight entering the small study room. "Jesus! For the first time in ages love, you catch me by surprise!" I tilted my head with a playful smile. "Have the peasants finally left?"
The Princess rolled her eyes, grinning regardless. "Party's officially over, everypony left just a few minutes ago, except for Rarity, Rainbow Dash and the rest." Twilight then grimaced slightly, a stab of regret. "I'm just sad you couldn't join in the fun, Jack. Surely it wouldn't have harmed the magic of Balance too much if you just enjoyed yourself back there."
Sadly, we can take no chances.
"Sorry love." And I actually meant that, smiling sympathetically. "Starswirl's orders."
"I know." Twilight sighed. "I just want you to have a good Hearth's Warming time like everyone else..."
Err, no. Not gonna allow her to feel down, not with Christmas around the corner. Standing up, I swerved around the armchair to reach my wonderful Princess, cupping her face softly with two golden hoofs. Twilight flushed at the contact, but never shied away from it.
Pressing the tip of my nose against hers, I reassured this beautiful mare in quiet bliss, "There's plenty of time for that; the episode should be over by now. I'm spending another Christmas with you. Spike and Starlight too, but mostly you. What can be a greater gift than that?" Closing our eyes together, we enjoyed this peaceful moment for about a minute, before something struck me. Opening my eyes again, I grinned teasingly. "So, did you help Starlight understand the true meaning of Christ- I'm sorry, Hearth's Warming?"
Twilight smirked humouredly. "I suspect you already know the answer, honey."
"Humour me then."
The alicorn nodded with a proud sparkle in her violet orbs. "Starlight joined the festivities in the end. I knew reading my favourite holiday story would break through to her." Twilight added with a hint of excitement, as if suddenly thinking something up, "I could read it out-loud to you next, if you want."
"A basic rip-off of the classic Christmas Carol story, but with ponies? I'll pass thanks love."
Twilight frowned. "If you don't want us to spend more time together-"
"I'm kidding Twilight." I laughed playfully, my mood soaring high. "Hearing your beautiful voice passionately reciting your favourite Christmas book is something I will never say no to."
Albeit flushing slightly at the genuine enthusiasm, Twilight light jabbed my chest slyly. "Well someone's feeling the holiday spirit this year. I haven't heard you so enthusiastic since... Well, you know when."
I couldn't stop laughing some more. Twilight's emotions were all over the place recalling that imagery. Didn't blame her. The mare looked away in open embarrassment as I spoke jokingly, "I have you blasted ponies to blame for that, making me so soft and afflicting me with the holiday spirit."
"Well, I'm dreadfully sorry to cause you so much inconvenience." Twilight grinned, pink remaining on her cheeks. "But I rather like this excited version of you; it's certainly welcomed considering this time of the year. I was worried that your own concerns about Zagreus would make you skip Hearth's Warming altogether."
"It probably would've." I confessed with a small humoured smile, inching my own muzzle 'till almost brushed against hers. "If the pony I love hadn't gotten through to me that night... Huh, still getting use to saying that word and meaning it again..."
"It's still a first for me, mind you." Twilight mumbled softly, her breath tickling my close nostrils. "Nopony's ever made me feel this way before... A human from another universe, no less."
"You're my early Christmas gift, you know that?"
"Jack..."
Just kiss already and get it over with.
We obliged the snappish King, the world freezing around me like the snow outside, electricity of emotions bouncing and harmonizing from both the two beings through their tender muzzles. A sensation I will never tire of.
A scenario I'm already growing sick of watching and hearing. The worse part is, I'll be enduring observing these nauseating declarations of 'loving one another' the whole time I'm trapped inside this asinine mind.
Enjoy this while it lasts, my friend. Starswirl was obviously watching with, I imagined, a large smile. Time passes faster than you realize, even for those under the spell of love. In addition, though you weren't to participate in Twilight's storytelling to Miss Glimmer, that doesn't force you from enjoying the rest of the holiday with the people you love.
After the kiss broke, an elated Twilight nodded with her head to the exit. "We should join the others; Pinkie Pie's hosting a gingerbread house contest in the kitchen."
"Ahh, good, I was getting hungry anyway." Gold and purple limb intertwined, we walked outside the small study room to go meet up with the rest of our friends. Our family. And nothing stopped me from having the biggest [BEEP]-eating grin on my face. Zagreus can wait, bring on the gingerbread!
...Oh, I got another one!
You're a mean one! Principal Cinch!
You manipulative [BEEP]...
Your blackmailing stunt makes you worthy of a [BEEP]-
"I heard that."
"Sorry love."
"So...?"
"...So what...?"
After the gingerbread-making contest - Surprise surprise, Pinkie won that - the whole group settled on resting within the large dining room, chairs magically replaced by soft velvet couches, courtesy of Twilight. And not just the Mane Six, Spike and Starlight were joining us for this moment of sitting down and drinking hot cocoa, the Crusaders happily joined us; Big Mac keeping Granny Smith company back at the farm. The three young fillies were content sitting beside their respective sister/sister figure. The scene before my eyes was heart-softening to a fault, the purple alicorn leaning against my side making this moment all the more special. I could think of no better way to spend Christmas than the company of my pony family.
Definitely a memory worth ingraining for a very long time.
I took another sip as an eager Spike continued to my left, leaning forward in anticipation. "Aren't you gonna share what you got for me this Hearth's Warming?"
Twilight chuckled, her body rumbling against my fur, and I grinned at the excited dragon knowingly. "You'll have to wait 'till when the day comes, Spike?"
Spike persisted, however, to the other's amusement, and my own. "Aw come on bro! You don't have to be so old-fashioned in our home."
Twilight, you spoil him.
"Oh, and you don't at times?"
I shrugged. "Sorry Spike."
"...Not even a hint?"
I couldn't resist laughing lightly alongside everyone else. "Nice try. I'm too much of a traditionalist."
Rainbow smirked humouredly. "Since when?"
"Since... Well Christmas I suppose."
"'Christmas...?'" Apple Bloom inquired.
"Heh, it's what Stardust calls this time of year back where he comes from." Applejack explained smoothly to her younger curled-up sister, before looking back to me. "That reminds me, anythin' yer wantin' for Hearth's Warmin' this year Star? I've got pretty much everyone else covered, but you're always difficult in findin' a gift for?" Rarity and Rainbow exchanged amused knowing glances.
I smirked, already having the answer there, slowly gazing to the purple alicorn meeting my gaze. "Why bother? I already have the best gift in the world right here." Twilight smiled adoringly at that, once more initiating pressing our noses against each other romantically.
"Aww!" Came from Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.
"Yuck!" And Scootaloo.
"You two have gotten pretty close for a while now." Applejack commented with a benign smile. "Closer than usual, at least."
"I think it's sweet." Fluttershy pitched in kindly.
"Whereas I find it simply radiant to behold!" Rarity added with an approving smile, nodding to us. "It has been, how long, since the two of you have declared your everlasting love for one another? I still find myself congratulating the two wonderful friends before us who deserve each other spectacularly."
I smirked. Thank you very much Rarity.
"I know! I'll get them a mistletoe this year!"
Spike almost coughed into his mug of cocoa at Pinkie's idea. "Eck! Please don't." The young lizard muttered in discouragement, loud enough for us to hear. "Still recovering from seeing the two make out in bed together." Starlight visibly blushed at the memory of barging in to that as well.
"That's because you're jealous." I quipped, and Twilight interjected before Spike could fight back.
"Alright alright, let's not verbally brawl when we're all having such a unforgettable evening together." The purple alicorn addressed everyone quickly with a small grin. "We still have some time left before it gets late, does anyone have any ideas what we should all do together after?"
"Sledding!"
"Heh, it's gettin' a little dark for that sugarcube."
"A snowpony contest!"
"Hah! Bring it! No one can top my snowpony-making skills!"
"Snowball fight!"
"And get my fabulous fur coated in stuffy liquid? No thank you."
"Uh, your fur's white enough that no one will notice, Rarity."
"Perhaps to the random pony, Rainbow, but not to a keen eye."
Spike then perked up after gulping down the rest of his warm drink, as if suddenly struck with inspiration. "I got it!" Hmm? "Hey Stardust, remember when Twilight read to Starlight and I her favourite Hearth's Warming story?"
Twilight's expression brightened. "I think I see where you're going with this Spike. Jack, you heard a story over the holiday from Ponyville now. How about sharing with us a Christmas story from your... Land." The Princess added rather hastily, reminded that the three oblivious Crusaders were in the room too.
"Wait, when did Stardust join in earlier? He wasn't even in the room." Starlight pointed out curiously, speaking up for the first time since this moment.
Her inquiry was forgotten immediately, Pinkie Pie becoming my saving grace. "Yeah! You gotta know a good holiday story yourself!"
Hmm... I admit, the idea intrigued me. I have my fair share of Christmas tales I could recite for these eager ponies, and dragon. 'Grandma Got Hit By A Reindeer,' 'The Nightmare Before Christmas,' 'Rudolf,' And many others. Only problem? Trouble recalling the whole plot of each tale... Save for NBC, but why butcher such a classic tale I adored as a kid?
...Got it.
"Alright, I know a story in mind." Pinkie brohoofed the air triumphantly, leaning forward with the Crusaders and Spike to listen in on this tale. I smiled, pleased by this audience. "This was from a book written by a rhyming genius; an artist of words before movie rights horribly destroyed the messages he was trying to project to his kid readers, but the books themselves have left a great many impact in people's hearts to this day."
"Well, don't beat around the bush." Scootaloo pressed impatiently. "Tell the story!"
"Very well..." I leaned back, Twilight sat upwards to pay attention as well, taking a moment to gather my thoughts. Put my own spin on things, like the show did with A Christmas Carol. "The best way to tell this story is by the way it was written: In rhyme..."
"...All Ponyville danced, in their merry hats. All adoring the spirit of Hearth's Warming, no doubt about that."
Pure white flakes slowly descended with grace and beauty. Ponies danced around in joy, some showing off their booty-
"Jack."
"My story, Twilight, I'll tell it how I please."
"It's no wonder how you manage to exasperate me with ease."
Alright alright, I'll be more lenient. If you want to make fun less convenient...
Pure white flakes descended with style and grace. The chilly weather no match for the resident's pace. Ponies danced and cheered in the holiday spirit, the Hearth's Warming atmosphere welcoming all the outside visits. Decorative light across the wall and roofs, the young colts and filles developing a sweet tooth. Everyone here loved Hearth's Warming, no doubt about that, even grumps like Cranky Doodle, wearing a silly jingle hat.
But the Grouch... Found it entirely dull. How he wished he could can the holiday with a single pull. Staring down, with a deep frown, wondering about the fun Princess undeserving of a crown. The Grouch hated Hearth's Warming, that much is all true. Tolerating these always-happy ponies would tire you out too.
"Does this name happen to be Stardust? Glad you think so highly of us."
"His name is simply the Grouch, Rainbow. Any similarities are completely coincidental."
Cape of sapphire and elegance, golden fur divine. Driven with purpose, he wastes no time. Cyan eyes glared at the town, with unmatched intelligence. But unlike the many stallions, he can be a proper gent.
"Can't they see?" Said the Grouch. "That Hearth's Warming sucks? It's vile and absolutely venom to the touch!"
"I don't remember you hating it that bad."
"It's a story, Spike, I'm hardly that sad."
"Is this whole thing gonna be in rhyme?"
"Trust me, you're in for a Hell of a time."
Pacing with unease and dread, the holiday reminds him how much he's internally dead. The Grouch raves and rants, disgusted and bored, towards a Hearth's Warming Ever would should be abhorred.
"Isn't it enough for them to be happy all days? Their behaviour always lasts from September to May! The snow was bad enough, but it seems life says 'tough.'" The Grouch glared down, towards the unsuspecting cheerful town. "Well I'm through putting up with the ways. I'll ruin their Hearth's Warming, and make them all pay!"
"Hold on a second!"
"He hates Hearth's Warming simply because other ponies are having fun?" Spike looked befuddled, interrupting my story for that.
Starlight echoed the sentiment. "Yeah, I thought Snowfall Frost's methods were extreme. This sounds just petty by comparison."
"On top of that, you're not seriously gonna rhyme through the whole thing right?" Rainbow added in disbelief. "Half of them didn't even make sense. Didn't you use to write poems or something?" Multiple eyes turned to her. "What? I pay attention."
"It's been a long time, give me a break..." I muttered, thoroughly discouraged now by the criticism.
"You were a poet?" Rarity inquired in pleasant surprise.
Spike snorted behind his claw. "Yeah, he use to wrote poetry for girls back in his world." Dammit Spike. A collective "Aww!" from various mares and fillies were a contrast to the flare of annoyance from the Princess's heart. Spike nudged my side with a humorous wink. "Maybe I should ask for tips when I write a poem for... Uhh, reasons."
Yeah okay Spike, whatever you say.
Starlight, noticing my own annoyance, attempting to change the subject, thankfully. "Are you sure you can carry on, Stardust? Reciting an entire book consisting on solely rhymes sounds challenging to achieve. Have recent have you read it?"
"...Never." I confessed with a meek shrug. "Making up my own rendition as we go."
Rainbow snorted. "That explains it." Excuse me? The pegasus motioned impatiently. "Try something else, a story you can actually tell without quickly running out of rhymes. Heck, a none-rhyming story will do just fine! Just something with more pizzazz!"
"I was enjoying it." Pinkie pointed out with a grin.
Twilight frowned. "Rainbow-"
"It's fine Twilight." I interjected gently, leaning my head against the soft cushion in thought. Another story they might enjoy, with my own twist on things...
...Oh.
Ohh...!
"He's got that look on his face."
"Which look is that, Pinkie?"
"The I'll-probably-get-in-trouble-for-doing-this-but-I'll-do-it-anyway face."
In this case, I'll probably go to Hell for doing this, but whatever. Absolutely no one in Equestria is gonna call me blasphemous, and I doubt Sunset became Catholic during her time in the human world if she ever caught wind of this.
I shouldn't probably do this but... [BEEP] it. It's Christmas; no [BEEP]s should be given at all.
I'm reading your thoughts, and I say proceed. There will be little repercussions with this little rendition of yours in this world.
I appreciate your blessings, Sombra.
"I have just the story in mind." Leaning forward rather mischievously, my muzzle couldn't be rid of the villainous grin. "Let me tell you of our version over how Hearth's Warming originated from... The Wright way. It all started, with a barn, and a miracle foal..."
"A long time ago, predating the creation of even Princess Celestia, two young ponies, seeking out shelter for the night, opposed the harrowing storm, snow flakes pelting against their robes and turbans. They sought refuge not only for themselves, but for the child one of which carried, a child that will change the future of Equestria indefinitely..."
Much couldn't be made out from behind the clothed protection, save for blue and pink eyes between both traveling equines. The one with pink eyes, obviously the mare of the two, gently clutched the large underbelly growing new life, which was expected anyday now. Their search for shelter and warmth led them to a nearby inn, its torches of light visible through the darkened snow. The male pony, looking to his partner with reassurance and love, approached first and knocked four times against the frozen wood.
A donkey answered the white stallion, and Joseph... Armor - Yes, that'll do - pulled down some clothing to reveal his hopeful muzzle. "We seek shelter for the night."
Cranky the Innkeeper replied in scorn, "We're full for the night." And the door slammed before a startled Joseph, blinking in discouraged surprise, looked to his pregnant wife. The mare only winced, feeling the new life more than ready to be welcomed into the world. The Virgin Mary Amore-
"What?"
"It's fine Rarity, that was her name in the story... Minus the 'Amore' part."
- And her concerned husband were saved, however, by the sight of a nearby barn, warm and comfortable enough, despite all appearances, to house them for the night. The Shepherd, a rather blunt Earth Pony with spunk, welcomed them in with kindness and posthaste. "You just settle down nice and easy now." The orange mare, clothed in the attire for herding wild animals, assisted setting the Virgin Amore down against a soft patch of hay. "Yer had a long journey sugarcube."
The couple, gratified for the generosity of the shepherd, didn't have to wait long for their child to greet them. For as the snow pelted against the outside barn, resting animals observing around them, did Amore begin screaming. It was time. Her beloved and the Shepherd immediately got to work in soothing the pain, the contractions starting to become too much.
"Ahem!"
"Hm? What Twilight?"
"Big sis, what are contractions?"
"Uh, you'll find out when yer older Apple Bloom..."
And soon, as the first cries of a newborn foal were heard, it was as if by magic. The storm outside evaporated, like a gentle breeze. The brightened stars clear in the night sky, gleaming down towards the miracle baby held in her mother's tender grasp. Joseph smiled, tears threatening to fall from his dark blue eyes... And so they had.
For the child of magic itself was born. Literally, this young foal was gifted to them by the forces of a magical entity, they both knew to this true, for neither Amore nor Joseph ever had the time to... Commit the finer intimate acts of marriage. Their child's arrival was revealed to them, long ago, by a celestial angel, who had spoken with Joseph and told him about the miracle child his wife would birth.
And her prophecy came true.
The baby Flurry Christ was born that night, in a small barn.
"Let me see if I've got this right here." Starlight began after I took a moment to let it all sink in. "A pony was born by magic itself, told to the couple by an 'angel.'" Yep, that's the gist of my version. The unicorn frowned heavily. "That sounds entirely far-fetched." Twilight neither agreed nor disagreed, but the others were just as vocal.
"Why would magic make a baby to begin with?"
"Did you make Applejack the Shepherd just then?"
"Why would an angel come to them? What makes those two so special?"
"Where do foals even come from anyway?"
"All those questions - But that last one - will be addressed as the story continues... Probably." I shrugged, raising my voice to proceed. "Anyway, soon after the child's birth, the owner of the stable wasn't the only shepherd to offer their congratulations that night..."
"Now ain't she just the cutest little miracle you ever seen in yer whole life?" An elderly visiting Shepherd cooed to the child wrapped in warm blanket, the gathered ponies all expressing their pride to have such a beautiful gift born into one of their own stables. A green old Earth Pony, a red stallion and young yellow filly joined their orange relative upon hearing the news.
And soon, they weren't the only ones. Guided by a twinkling star, three Kings of a far-off land were led towards the barn, seeking out the child the star had led them towards. Upon arrival, an old bearded pony, wrinkled eyes filled with wisdom, bestowed the baby Flurry the gift of small beads. The next King, of red eyes and flaming black mane, gifted the sleeping child with that of small gold. The third King, cyan eyes of warmth and a blue cape, gave the tiny bright pink alicorn a small wooden necklace, all held different meanings.
That I'll leave you all to speculate over.
As time passed, the child grew. And one day, the child became separated by her own family, leading the young alicorn to wander life on her own. But do not despair, young Flurry made the most of her solitude and prospered; studying the art of magic and faith by herself. And, one day, in a small village she passed by, immediately after her baptizing-
"What's that?"
"Basically being washed away of all your past misdeeds."
"Oh."
- Flurry bore witness to poverty and starvation; the rich taking advantage of the sickly poor. Without being prompted, or driven by the prospect of gold or food, the young alicorn quickly went to work; using her unique magical abilities to attend the wounded, feed all the poor with bread and water, inspire the hopeless ponies to begin life anew. History says the miracle mare was capable of feats beyond science; walking on water without the use of magic, and even bringing back passed loved ones to the world of the living.
In time, in order to spread her beliefs and preach the notion of peace as magic had intended for her, Flurry took on twelve disciples under her wing:
A purple unicorn of knowledge.
A blue pegasus of the wind.
A pink unicorn of equality.
A dark blue pegasus of art.
A yellow unicorn of the sun.
A yellow unicorn with an orange beard of truth.
An Earth Pony of nitpicking literature.
A yellow pegasus of stern leadership.
A white unicorn of authority.
A pink Earth Pony of enjoyment.
A yellow pegasus of kindness.
A white unicorn of creativity.
It wasn't long before hope was spread across the ruined village, reaching the ears of various other settlements over an alicorn who defied the common laws of magic and worked to save all life. Young Flurry became a symbol of hope and wisdom for the poor and ignorant.
The Child of Magic was doing magic's work, at last.
"Wait, so she could raise the dead? That's what you're saying?" Spike asked, bewildered by the prospect.
"That's so cool!" Rainbow exclaimed, leaning forward eagerly. "Are they like zombies? Please tell they're like zombies!"
"Oh, I hope they're not, that would be awful..." Fluttershy mumbled in concern.
No need. "They're nothing like zombies." I reassured the yellow pegasus, to Rainbow's disappointment. "They return to the living, healthy and all."
"Wow, that's some magic that young pony can pull off..." Starlight commented in repressed awe. "And to use all that only for the benefit of everyone else. It's no wonder she's so revered by the folk in the story."
"Don't stop now!" Pinkie added in excitedly, practically bouncing in her seat, drops of cocoa spilling from the anticipation. "What happens next? What happens next?!"
"Yeah! I wanna know what the miracle child did next!" Sweetie was just as hyped as the pink Earth Pony.
Twilight still had yet to say anything herself, only watching me intently. That's alright, I expect her full review after the tale's over. "Sadly, all great things must come to an end."
"Oh no." Rarity frowned in worry, fully invested as everyone else was. "Did something happen to discourage her beliefs?"
"For herself? No. But others by the hoof of a traitor, yes." Several of the audience gasped, and I almost laughed at the dramatic reactions to this classic old tale, smirking instead. "Yes. by a close friend, in fact..."
Now, this is where I had to be careful.
"By the order of the Queen." A Changeling guard pointed, flanking any and possible escapes from the modest interior. "You are to be held trial for treason against the crown!" Eleven of the Disciples gasped, but were too powerless to prevent the solemn Flurry from being seized by the limbs and wings, the armoured overgrown insects unrelenting.
"You cannot do this!" The dark blue pegasus, Disciple Mix-Up, objected loudly.
"She's done nothing wrong!" Disciple Twilight protested. "The Messiah has commit no such crime against the kingdom!"
Disciple Rarity stepped forward with a passionate tone of defiance, "Release our teacher, at once!"
The quiet Flurry, however, expressed no such passion as her followers. Instead, her eyes raised from the ground to one certain friend, a friend she held dear, expressing neither judgement nor pain. "Judas Blueblood, you would betray your oldest friend...?"
The white unicorn sneered, standing beside the guards. "Your preaches are misguided, 'Messiah.' I was promised far more than your 'teachings' could ever provide me. It's such a shame your pupils are so blinded towards the truth of your falsehood. I will be doing the land a favour by allowing the Queen to banish you on ground of heresy. Guards, take her away!"
The Changeling Captain, with a gleeful snarl, stepped forward with voice carrying authority. "Judgement has already been carried in your name, Flurry Christ. By the order of the Queen, you are to sentenced to exile... Eternally. Pray we never see you again after today. Begone!" As the Disciples cried out in horror and outrage, Flurry willingly allowed herself to be manhandled out of the small house.
But not before leaving some parting words. Her head craned back to her distraught pupils with a warm smile, neither fearful nor angered. "Do not feel despair, my friends." Her warm voice was soothing with its power of calm reassurance. "As long as faith in magic remains strong, my teachings shall live on. Do not miss me, though I shall miss you, but remember everything we've been through. I am proud to have called you my students, my friends and my family. That is the very essence of magic. Remember that."
"That... That jerk!" Rainbow exclaimed in her own outrage. "Who does he think he is, betraying his best friend like that?"
"Yeah!" Scootaloo added alongside her sister figure, small features frowning in disbelief. "And for what? Power? Gold? After everything she's done for him and the other Disciples? She didn't deserve that!"
"Oh, please tell me there's a happy ending to all this." Fluttershy requested. "I really hope everything turns out okay somehow."
Sadly, not in the original ending. But since I was being as inaccurate as humanly possible, I can indulge my friends here as much as possible. Plus, why in God's name would I reveal the tragic fate of Christ to them? I don't think they'll have a merry Hearth's Warming after today if I did so. So nope, time for an alternate ending!
God forgive me for doing this...
"We then proceed forward, to a small desert leading beyond the sandy kingdom towards an empty wilderness. The fate of the Messiah leads here..."
"By the way, what's a 'Messiah?'"
"A title, meaning a child of a higher power."
"Oh, okay. Please go on."
"Please, teacher, don't leave us!" Disciple Rarity cried out in pure anguish, tears leaking from her petite eyes alongside her fellow students. The eleven equines were held back by the various quantity of guards, others proceeding to shove the silent Flurry towards the edge into the merciless wilderness.
"Here you will find no hope. No salvation." The Captain, the same Changeling which had the messenger of magic arrested, spoke with neither prejudice nor kindness, but stern. "There will be nothing for you to perform miracles upon, no ponies to save and spread your lies. Only the emptiness. Perhaps, in time, you will discover the truth behind your own treasonous acts here."
"No!"
At one of her pupil's cries, the young but wise Flurry, the wind billowing her white and pink robes, turned to face her students one last time. "Twilight, Rainbow, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Starlight, Mix-Up, Sunset, Silver, Sunburst and Spitfire. I am proud to have met you all. Shed no tears for me, know that I accept this fate without regret." Easier said than done, for her students struggled to cease shedding tears down their features at the teacher who has given them so much, but asked for so little in return, leave them like this. The young alicorn faced the harrowing desert once more, closing her eyes with a soft smile. "One day, perhaps, magic will have us meet again. Never lose faith."
And took one step forward...
"Stop!"
A voice called out, wrecked with panic and guilt.
For shoving through the surprised guards, it took a moment of composure for two Changelings in armour to prevent the stallion from reaching his former teacher. "Messiah! Flurry! Wait, I beg of you!" This time, Flurry had paused, looking back to her old friend in faint surprise.
"Judas..."
Struggling, Blueblood called out in distraught pleading. "Please, forgive me my friend! I have seen the error of my ways, I have realized the truth! I was wrong! You were right! Faith is the way to reaching enlightenment." Not even he was susceptible to fallen tears, regarding the sand between them. His voice quiet, but echoed with remorse and regret. "For a long time, I thought you a fool, seeking only for others to bow to your wisdom. But you've always been humble... Just as I've always been blind. Please... Forgive me..."
It was as though those three words broke some hidden spell. A small light gleamed above the fallen pony's sight.
"There is nothing to forgive, old friend."
Gasps and cries of surprise rang out through the crowd, guards and watching peasants alike all stepping back from the radiant light shielding the view where Flurry stood, her disciples watched in awe. Whereas Judas observed in hope. When the light finally died down, almost every pony sunk to their knees at the... Goddess before them.
A tall, beautiful mare with pink and blue mane flowing in the air as if by magic, longer wings and slender body hovering above the sand, knowing pink eyes gazing over the awed and mystified crowd before them. And Judas, stunned at such a sight, lowered his head once those eyes turned to him, believing himself undeserving at meeting his oldest friend's gaze.
"She truly is the daughter of magic..." The same Changeling Captain said in humility, bowing just like the rest once removing his own helmet.
Descending onto the ground, the new form of Flurry Christ approached the self-loathing Judas, and placed one gently hoof upon his shoulder. He flinched, but was soon comforted by the warm, voice filled with hope and kindness.
"You will always be my friend, Judas." Blueblood snapped his head back up, shock dancing across his eyes. The Messiah only smiled gently. "Forgiveness is divine, as is magic. We all lead ourselves astray one time or another, but so long as we hold onto faith, in the end, then we shall find peace in forgiveness and love. I am proud to call you my friend."
And as soon as the tearful Judas and Flurry embraced, the other Disciples cheered as they joined the two, the awed crowd and guards exchanging uncertain glances... Before celebrating themselves; their cries echoing towards the kingdom, sharing hugs and talks of magic being so much more than they could possible understand. In the end, the less wasn't about enlightening the masses.
But forgiveness of heart.
"...And they all lived happily ever after, with a big party and everything." I grinned in self-satisfaction, leaning back with a motion to my audience. "So, what do you think?"
That had to be the most ham-fisted, disrespectful, half-[BEEP]ed, shoddy attempt of incorporating a friendship lesson into a rendition I have ever heard in my whole existence.
"So, the lesson here was about forgiveness?" Spike asked after a moment.
I nodded. "That's right. Always forgive, even to those who wouldn't normally deserve it."
"Well, I think that's a wonderful lesson." Starlight commented with a polite smile. "Thank you for sharing this tale with us, Stardust."
"Although I have to ask," Applejack interjected curiously, "What exactly does it have to do with Hearth's Warming? There was nothin' about the story that said it would begin the holiday at all, no offense."
"Good point. The story isn't about the start of the holiday, Applejack, but moreso what inspired Chris- Hearth's Warming for years to come." I smirked knowingly. "It planted the seed of the holiday, so to speak."
"Oh, I get it!" Sweetie exclaimed rather eagerly. "Someone discovered the story and they made a celebration in the form of Hearth's Warming in Flurry Christ's honour!"
"Ding ding ding, we have a winner!"
"I don't think her name actually had 'Flurry' in it, Sweetie." Rarity commented in amusement, smiling slyly my way. "Though I am honoured to have been included in the story as one of the disciples." Followed by chuckles around the room, and I grinned rather sheepishly.
The sound of dry sucking directed our focus then to Pinkie, who was inspecting her empty mug in disappointment. "D'oh! Time to get some more cocoa! Thanks for the story Star!"
"I'll come join ya! I need some more cocoa myself." Apple Bloom followed after the pink Earth Pony. Then Spike, then Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. Pretty soon, almost everyone followed after the mare, thirsty for some more liquefied chocolate.
Couldn't blame them. Although at present, I found myself alone with Twilight, who had said a single word the entire story. But after everyone left, each expressing thanks and praise at the tale I shared, did the Princess speak up rather humouredly.
"I studied the religions of your world, you know."
I raised a brow, smiling widely. "Of course you did..."
Twilight looked as though she was attempting not to giggle. "The tale of Jesus Christ is of no exception. Naturally I was skeptical to hear your version of events, though I'm glad you refrained mentioning the true ending to that... Tragic story." Twilight tilted her head. "Although I imagine some people back on your home world wouldn't be all too pleased by the notable inaccuracies."
"Eh, I'm Christian, I can get away with it."
Is that your excuse?
It's a valid one.
Whatever you say.
Twilight, meanwhile, blinked. "You're religious?"
Why yes, yes I am. "I never mentioned that?" The alicorn shook her head in pleasant surprise, and I shrugged. "It's not something I casually throw around. I don't exactly go to church and pray for the Lord every single day."
"Oh." Twilight smiled again. "Well, once again, you're full of surprise. No wonder you were so at ease with your rendition of the tale." Her eyes sparkled in fondness. "I especially loved the overall moral you included; always forgive others, even if they're sometimes not deserving of it. Friendship is something you must always you cherish."
"Thought you'd like it." I smirked in amusement. "Preferred not to share the original ending to Spike and the Crusaders, mostly, thank you." Twilight grinned approvingly, and I had another thought. "So, once everyone goes home, how about reading to me that favourite Christmas book of yours?"
The light in her beautiful eyes brightened. "It would be my pleasure."
Now this was a sight worthy of Christmas.
The following next day was greeted by family galore. An eager Spike dragging my [BEEP] out of bed into the main foyer where the tree and all the presents were neatly piled under, a blissfully grinning Twilight greeting us. Though not just her, but everyone else the Princess invited here this year to celebrate the Hearth's Warming spirit as one big happy family. The Mane Six, Starlight, Spike, and all their relatives, including Sunburst, was here, happily opening gifts given and received from one another.
The Apple family conversing with the Pies. Twilight's parents in discussion with Cadence and Shining while young Flurry plays with the eager Crusaders. Rarity's family conversing with Rainbow's and Fluttershy's.
Speaking of whom, the yellow pegasus's own piece of [BEEP] brother wasn't here to join us. Haha!
Under ten minutes, there was almost nothing left. Spike shredding his last present from myself to death and opening the box laying beneath, revealing something which caused to gasp very, very loudly.
"A... PS4?!"
"Why yes, Merry Christmas Spike- Ufh!"
Many ponies smiled and grinned fondly at Spike's elation, the dragon hugging my chest tightly in gratitude. "Thank you thank you thank you!" Easy there, Spike, you're beginning to sound like your mother. From my right, Twilight observed the exchange with a look of pure content.
Sunburst was inspecting the boxed console with open curiosity. "Fascinating. What does it do?"
"It plays games. Come on, I'll show you!" An intrigued yellow unicorn followed after an eager dragon, and Starlight, not wanting to be left out, pursued them also. Looks like he doesn't need my help setting it all up.
"Won't he need games to play with using that new console?" Twilight asked in bemusement.
"Lucky for him, he'll find some extra presents in his own room." I winked coyly, prompting Twilight's melodious chuckle, before she gestured to the only gifts under the tree.
"What about your presents, aren't you going to open them after everyone else now?"
"Nah, not yet." I smirked mischievously, looking to my wonderful Princess sincerely. "I'm content, right now, having the greatest gift in all of Equestria."
"What's that?"
I looked towards the rest of the ponies gathered here, answering in both pride and content.
"My family."
Twilight grinned, her heart's light shining at the statement, snuggling into my side, a gesture I eagerly returned. Her family watched in happiness at the embrace, the Crusaders looked awed/repulsed, Shining watched in respectful pride, and my friends either expressed smugness or pure elation, walking over to join in.
"And we're happy to have you a part of our big happy family too." Rarity confessed without shame, all six joining in for a group hug.
Happy Hearth's Warming, Jack.
You too, Starswirl... And you as well, Sombra.
Tch. Which was code for being grateful but too prideful to express it.
"Oh, I know: Family photo!" Pinkie called out. And soon, everyone found themselves in one huge spot - Spike, Sunburst and Starlight brought back here courtesy of Pinkie - with a camera on a timer ready to be taken. Once the pink mare activated it, she hurried over to join the gathered large family. "Say cheese!"
Better idea.
The camera flashed just after I performed my own action. The photo no doubt will have two kissing ponies in the middle of the large group. Removing my lips from her, I whispered in pure bliss, "Merry Christmas... My love..."
And Twilight, with small pink cheeks, whispered back with a tiny, elated smile, "Happy Hearth's Warming... Beloved..." Prompting everyone else to say their 'Awws' and Rainbow's snickering at the display.
Best Christmas yet...
"Hey, the mistletoe worked!" Huh... Oh. We followed Pinkie's gesture towards the dangling item hanging right above us. "Well, let's not stop now! We have a while day to celebrate Hearth's Warming together! C'mon everypony, let's dance!"