“Canterlot High will have its yearly Christmas party”, Principal Celestia announced through the school’s intercom that cold Friday in December. “This year’s Christmas party will be on December 18, and we invite you to join us for the celebration at the school gym.” Sunset Shimmer was excited about the coming Christmas party, as was the whole Lab class she was in.
I wonder if Pinkie and Sonata are involved in it somehow, she thought. Knowing how much the two got along when it came to parties, she figured that they have volunteered to be part of its planning at the very least. At least she’ll know at lunch if the two had volunteered for its preparations.
The group met at lunch, chatting about the coming Christmas party. Sunset wasn’t surprised when both Pinkie and Sonata would be one of those who would be preparing the party.
“And guess who is the Christmas party committee chair?” Pinkie said excitedly.
“I’ll take a wild guess and say that it’s you, Pinkie”, Applejack said very nonchalantly.
“How did you know?” Pinkie wondered.
“Just a wild guess”, Applejack retorted.
“I’m so excited about the Christmas party”, Fluttershy beamed happily.
“Agreed”, Rarity said. “But you have to give the party some class, dear”, she said as she motioned to Pinkie Pie.
“Maybe you can join our committee to help out”, Pinkie suggested.
“That would be wonderful!” Rarity said.
“So Sunset, you have an idea what song you’ll sing for the party?” Rainbow Dash asked. Sunset looked blankly at her since she had no idea what Rainbow Dash was talking about.
“I’m not even sure what I should do for the Christmas party”, Sunset replied.
“Well, you’ll have to thank Pinkie for that”, Applejack said to clear up the issue, “since she ‘volunteered’ you to sing for the Christmas party.” Sunset groaned as Pinkie just waved happily at her.
“Don’t worry, there will be others who will be singing as well”, Pinkie said, trying to be helpful, though Sunset wasn’t even sure then what to exactly sing for the Christmas party.
One the way home, she thought what would be a good song to sing, but she can’t think up of one song.
I’m not even sure what Christmas is all about, she thought. Sonata looked at her, and she sighed.
“You know that we don’t even have a clue as to what Christmas is, right?” Sunset asked her. Sonata nodded her head.
Well, that’s one problem we have coming from Equestria, she thought more. I guess I’ll need to research on it. Though she had been going to Canterlot High for some time, Sunset never really joined any of the Christmas parties by the school until now, when she had friends who really cared. She realized she never really bothered to know what Christmas was all about. All she knew was that it was a time when people were generally happy, and that there were much decors and lights all around.
“Feels like we’ve been so self-absorbed all this time”, Sunset said, voicing out her thoughts to Sonata.
“At least it’ll be a happy time of the year”, Sonata said with a big smile. Sunset nodded, though she knew that she’ll have to do better than that if she’ll somehow sing something meaningful for the party.
After they got home, Sunset decided to do some research about Christmas. For much of the remainder of that afternoon, she read what she could about it, but she still couldn’t understand what that time was all about. She looked out the window and sighed, then resolved to go and walk over to Annunciation of the Theotokos Orthodox Church to get more answers. She figured that whatever she was seeking, she would somehow find it there, as she read that Christmas was somehow has some connection to it.
Sunset had reserved Saturday afternoon as her time to walk, and for that Saturday her usual walk had more purpose than ever. She walked with her usual brisk pace as she went over there, trying to formulate the questions she would be asking Fr. Rodian, or whoever else would be there. She got to the church faster than she usually did, or at least it felt so fast for her. She was early, as always. She wasn’t expecting anyone inside yet anyway.
She got in and was about to go to her usual seat when she saw Fr. Rodian preparing the church, straightening the chairs. When he saw her, he smiled and went over to her.
“You are here early for Vespers”, he said as he greeted her.
“Only when I remember to pass by”, she replied to him a bit self-consciously.
“It is always nice to see you attend here”, Fr. Rodian said simply.
“Actually, the reason why I came here is because I have a question”, she said.
“Yes, go on”, Fr. Rodian urged her.
“I am going to sing at our school Christmas party”, Sunset began, “but I don’t even know what Christmas is all about.” Fr. Rodian smiled after she was finished.
“You aren’t Christian then”, he said to her. She shook her head.
“I actually don’t even come from around here”, Sunset said.
“It will be a long story if I told it you all now”, Fr. Rodian said to her. “I think I will just simply say that Christmas is all about giving, and how that act of giving has given us the life we have now.” Sunset looked at him strangely, since she didn’t have the faintest idea what he was trying to say.
“So Christmas is all about that—of giving?” she asked, trying to clarify it.
“It is more than that, really”, Fr. Rodian said. “It is a time of giving, and of sharing. Most of all, it is time of love, and the joy that comes with it.” He paused for a moment to let it sink in.
“Maybe that’s why I see people happy during that time”, Sunset said, voicing out her observation. Fr. Rodian nodded.
“It is that joy, that comes out of love, that makes people happy on that day”, he further emphasized.
“I think I’m getting what it means…” Sunset said, though she was still unsure about it all.
“You do have friends”, he inquired of her, his tone both a question and one of being sure about it.
“You could say that I have discovered them”, she remarked.
“Then carry that in your heart”, he said to her. “You will know what you need to sing once you find that there.”
“I think I know what you’re trying to say now”, she said. Fr. Rodian smiled.
“We have more to talk about when the right time comes”, he said simply. He then went ahead to prepare for Vespers, while Sunset quietly waited. Soon more people came in for Vespers.
On her way home after Vespers, Sunset thought of what Fr. Rodian just said. She had to go deep down to find what Christmas means to her, and how it relates to her and her friends. She knew it would be a big task, since there’s just about one week away from the Christmas party. She walked, lost in thought, when she heard a lovely song coming from one of the houses. She stopped to listen.
The song was beautiful, and at the same time she felt some sort of nostalgia with it. She couldn’t figure out why she felt that way, or what exactly in the song that made her feel that way, but she knew then that she had found the song that she was looking for. She could make out a few words from the song.
“Silent night”, she repeated softly. She then doubled her pace, wanting to get back home quickly to know more about the song. Once she got home, she immediately went to her room, not even remembering to stop by Sonata’s room to check on her. She wanted to know more about the song, unable to get it out of her head. She took out her laptop and began searching for the song, finally coming across a site that has a file of it as well as its lyrics. She listened to it a few times, noting its melody. Finally tired, she took a nap before going down to dinner with Sonata. All throughout dinner she couldn’t take the song out of her head, humming it softly. Sonata noticed her humming and smiled.
“So, you found a new song?” she asked. Sunset nodded.
“I heard it on the way home, and somehow there’s something about it that moved me”, she explained as they ate.
“And you’ll sing it at the Christmas party?” Sonata asked further. Sunset hesitated for a moment. Although she found the song lovely and moving, she wasn’t sure if she would be able to learn it in time for the party. She knew though that if she would want to sing it, she will have to learn it soon.
“I’ll see what I can do about it”, she simply replied. After they have cleaned up, they both went back to their rooms. Sunset continued to listen to the song, following it silently as she read its lyrics. Soon she felt drowsy and fell asleep, the music still playing on her laptop.
It was almost only days away from the Christmas party, and preparations for it were in full swing. Pinkie Pie and Sonata were busy planning and decorating the gym, getting things organized and seeing what could be included into the program. They were helped by Vice-Principal Luna, who was asked by Principal Celestia to oversee the task of preparing the Christmas party. It was a big undertaking which Pinkie didn’t really mind, since she enjoys planning out parties and celebrations.
Although Pinkie and Sonata along with Vice-Principal Luna were the ones who were mainly involved in the preparations, other students also pitched in to help, though they weren’t fully involved as much as Pinkie and Sonata were. Vinyl Scratch was one of those students who helped them out. Photo Finish as well helped them. The Rainbooms wanted to help but Pinkie told them not to or else the surprise would be ruined, leaving them wondering what could Pinkie be planning. Even Sonata didn’t discuss much of what they were doing to Sunset.
Sunset didn’t mind though, as she was more intent on getting “Silent Night” well before the party. Daily she would find some time to practice. Although the song wasn’t that hard to get, she was trying to capture more the mood which led her to choose it in the first place. She knew it wouldn’t be easy to get that mood, and so far she couldn’t seem to get that mood the way she felt it that night as she was going home.
That night she finished rehearsing. She sat down, trying to figure out what she was missing. She already had the song perfectly. Somehow though what she wanted was to get that mood, that feeling of both joy and sadness upon listening to it. So far she was going nowhere with her effort.
Well, I’ve done all I can, she thought as she sat on the chair, her head bowed as she continued to find out what was the missing element to it. She tried to take her mind of it by going to the gym at the back, but after a few reps doing bench presses she still couldn’t take her mind of it. She just lay on the bench after replacing the barbell on the rack. She knew that somehow she had to get it solved.
No use thinking too much about it, she finally decided as she got up from the bench, careful to slide away from the bar before getting up. She changed from her workout clothes to one that she usually wore, which was a comfortable shirt and pants along with her ever-present leather jacket. She first wanted to text Sonata about her going out, but decided to be more personal and wrote a quick note which she then stuck on the fridge.
It was a cool afternoon when she went out. As it was winter, it was colder than usual, though her leather jacket kept her warm enough as she walked. During such times she put the think lining of the jacket. More often though the lining was off it, but since it was much colder she knew better than to risk leaving home without it on. She walked faster than usual, in part so as to keep herself warm by exerting more effort. She would probably be more tired by the time she got to the church, but it was a better trade-off than having to freeze if she walked slowly.
Because she walked much faster than usual, she arrived at the church quickly. She stood still for a moment, composing herself while at the same time catching her breath. It was a Friday so she knew there wasn’t anyone in the church, though she also wondered whether Fr. Rodian would at least be there. She then quietly went in.
At the right side of the church there was a door which was smaller than the main door of the church. The door led towards the rectory where Fr. Rodian stays. She walked on the path which linked the rectory to the church. The path went on to the side of the rectory, ending on the street that just adjacent to the church. Sunset then walked a few steps until she was squarely in front of the rectory.
She wasn’t sure just yet whether she would ring the bell, but after a few seconds of hesitation she went ahead and rang it. After about 3 minutes the door opened and there Fr. Rodian stood in front of her, wearing his black rassa. He smiled when he saw her.
“Well, I am certainly not expecting you today,” he said as he let her in. It was the first time that Sunset had entered the rectory, and she noticed that the place looked more like an office than a house.
“I use the ground floor mainly as the church’s office,” Fr. Rodian explained as she looked around. She wanted to look more but then she realized that she couldn’t take too much Fr. Rodian’s time, so she finally fixed her attention to the priest.
“Father,” she said, at first a bit hesitant, “I have a song that has been in my head ever since I heard it…” She then told about the song and how she heard it, as well as what moved her to choose it. Fr. Rodian nodded silently as she told her story. After she finished, he motioned her to a chair in front of an office table. He took another chair and set it just a bit in front of her.
“The song that you heard is really beautiful,” he began, “though it is not exactly an Orthodox chant. However, even if it’s not so, there is much that we can learn by listening to it.” She nodded as she listened to him.
“Before anything else, we will have to begin what Christmas is all about before we can understand the song,” he continued, “and from there we can then find what you have been looking for in the song.” He then began the story of how Christmas was, beginning with that night that is now called the Nativity. As he explained, Sunset listened attentively. She realized that if she would be able to sing the song well, then she would have to know what it first meant and what it would also mean to her.
It was dark by the time Fr. Rodian finished most of his explanation. Throughout most of that time Sunset just listened quietly, though every now and then she asked a question to clarify some things, to which the priest answered her questions in a way that could be understood.
“I hope I was able to make it more clearer,” Fr. Rodian said after they have finished much of the talk. By then he offered her coffee so as to keep her warm, though she felt warm enough with a heater inside the office.
“It’s as clear as I could make it,” Sunset replied. “What I’m thinking more is how to get that feeling when I first heard it.”
“You will get it soon enough,” Fr. Rodian assured her. “But just give it time, since it takes time for these things to really sink in.”
“I think it will be sometime before I get all of it,” Sunset admitted.
“There is no hurry,” Fr. Rodian said. “It will come when the time is right.” Sunset then said farewell and began her trek back to home. As it was night, it was much colder than when she left home and even with her quick pace she still felt cold. As what she often did while walking home, she thought of what she talked about with Fr. Rodian. She knew that she will have to get what the song meant to her somehow. Slowly she realized that she’s getting there.
By the time she got home she was tired, though it still took some time for her to get to sleep while she thought of her conversation with Fr. Rodian. She could still recall what he said, in that sooner or later she will discover for herself what the song really means to her. With that last thought in her mind, she finally curled up in bed and fell asleep.
A few days later, preparations for the Canterlot High’s Christmas party were all set. Pinkie smiled as she looked at the gym, proud of what she and Sonata had done. All the time they worked on it, the gym remained closed from the other students apart from those who volunteered to help them. Not even the Rainbooms knew what was being done. Neither Pinkie nor Sonata talked much about it. Even now, after all of it was finished, they still largely didn’t talk about it. They have also asked those who helped out not to reveal anything.
Not that the Rainbooms were inclined to ask. They had decided not to pry into whatever Pinkie was doing. All they knew was that, knowing her, it would be something to remember.
“I am sure the students would be glad to see what you did,” Vice-Principal Luna said as they surveyed the gym. She made the final inspection together with Pinkie and Sonata to make sure that everything had been done well. What she saw impressed her, and she nodded with approval at what the gym looked like.
“I have to say that you have outdone yourself this time,” Luna continued. Pinkie clasped her hands with delight. One thing that really made her glad was to see all her hard work be appreciated, and she was happy that things had turned out well so far.
“Principal Celestia will be much glad when she sees this,” Luna informed her.
“I’m really glad that you like it,” Pinkie beamed happily. “But I really couldn’t have done it without Sonata’s help.” She motioned towards Sonata then.
“You have proven yourself to be a good asset to our school,” Luna remarked towards Sonata. “I can see that you have changed so much since the first time you were here.” Sonata looked embarrassed, but still managed to smile at the compliment.
“Thanks,” Sonata simply said. “I hope that I can help out more.”
“I am sure there will be more opportunities for you,” Luna replied.
“So we could show them the gym?” Pinkie asked, but Vice-Principal Luna shook her head.
“I don’t think we should just yet,” she said. “I think it would be better that they see it on the day itself,” she decided then. “It would be good to have the gym closed until the party. Anyway with only a few days to go, I think the students can wait. And there won’t be any sports activity until January, so I think it would be best to keep things secret until then.” Pinkie and Sonata agreed with her.
“I must be off then to tell Principal Celestia about that everything is ready,” Luna said after a brief silence. She then walked out of the gym. The two were left alone, still admiring what they’ve done.
“It’s great!” Sonata said, both with relief and with joy that they had finished everything. She was also happy that Vice-Principal Luna complimented her, which meant so much. Pinkie nodded happily.
“I can’t wait for it, too!” she said to Sonata. They checked if everything had been done right. Even if all had been finished, Pinkie wanted to make sure it was all as perfect as it could ever get. Satisfied at last, both of them then went out and locked the gym to make sure no one would wander in. They then headed for their classes. As Principal Celestia had given them permission to miss some classes, they didn’t worry that their teachers would be looking for them.
Friday didn’t come too soon for Canterlot High, as the students were by then excited for that day. The whole day there wouldn’t be any class as the whole school would be in the gym to hold the Christmas party. For Sunset the day started early. She had to look for clothes that would look good for that occasion. She knew it had to be special. She opened her closet to look at what she had. She was trying to decide on a blue dress, but figured it was too formal. She certainly didn’t want to look too casual, but being too formal clearly would make her stand out too much as well.
She decided on a nice pair of black pants and then a shiny, silver sleeveless top. She got a special leather jacket that she saved for only special occasions. It was more formal than her regular jacket, but not too formal as well. She put on a pair of boots that she had decided to only wear on special occasions as well. She checked her look on the mirror.
Though she thought her look to be good, what really bothered her was her song. She had the song memorized and even had the melody down well, but then she thought she still couldn’t get that feeling just yet. She knew that she was close, but at the same time it wasn’t quite there. She checked her attire once again to see if everything was perfect. After last preparations she checked on Sonata and saw that she was ready as well.
“Ready?” Sunset asked as she peeked through Sonata’s room. Sonata was wearing a nice long-sleeved jacket and black pants. Like Sunset she also had boots on. She was in front of the mirror fixing her hair when Sunset looked in.
“Got my hair done,” Sonata called out to her. “How do I look?” she then asked as after finishing and turning around to show Sunset.
“You look great,” Sunset said, noting with approval what she wore. Sonata smiled, turning around so Sunset can see all of what she wore.
“I love this,” Sonata said. She bought all of her clothes for the party last weekend, so they were brand new. She turned around again, in part to see if it would be very comfortable. “I think I’ll love wearing this often.” Sunset nodded.
“I think we should get going then,” she finally said. Sonata got a small bag and then soon enough they were on their way to school. They had decided to go early, since if they went later the gym would be full. Also Pinkie had asked the Rainbooms to be early so she can show them what she and Sonata had been working before everyone else. When they arrived at school they saw Pinkie waiting for them just outside the steps. She waved when she saw them.
“I’m glad you could be early!” she said as she hugged them both.
“So are the others coming early as well?” Sunset asked as they sat on the steps. Pinkie nodded.
“They all confirmed that they’d be here soon,” she said to them. They chatted a bit while waiting for the others. The first one to come up was Applejack. She was wearing a stylish hat in place of her regular one she always wore. She had a long-sleeved shirt and a new pair of jeans as well as a new pair of rubber shoes. She looked simple yet elegant.
“Looks like y’all are early,” she said to them as she came near.
“Well, I did say for everyone to be early,” Pinkie replied. At that point Rainbow Dash also arrived. Just like Applejack, she didn’t wear anything too fancy, with a comfortable long-sleeved sports jacket and blue pants. Like Applejack she also wore rubber shoes.
“I can’t wait to see the gym!” she said to them.
“We all can’t,” Sunset said. “I think it will look nice since Pinkie and Sonata worked on it.”
“Of course it is nice,” Rainbow Dash agreed as she sat down with them. “But it’s great we’d be the first ones to see it.” Both Rarity and Fluttershy came last. Rarity was her stylish self, wearing a nice and elegant skirt with frilly dress to match it. Flutershy was more subdued in contrast to her. She wore a simple pink skirt and white long-sleeved dress.
“So darlings, are we going in?” Rarity asked them.
“I think it’s okay to go in now,” Pinkie said as she peered into the hallway.
“Maybe we should go in then,” Fluttershy suggested. All of them agreed to it, and they got up to walk to the gym. The school itself had been decorated for the season. Though Pinkie wasn’t able to help in decorating the whole school, she did suggest what décor should be placed. The place looked festive, and Pinkie smiled as she looked at it.
“It’s great that they did all I told them!” she observed happily.
“Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna must have been busy since last night,” Sunset said. The décor were not there when they left school yesterday, though it was announced yesterday also that people could go home early so as to prepare for the party. She now thought that it was also to give time for Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna, and perhaps even the teachers, time to prepare the school.
“All of this took time to prepare,” said Sonata.
“It sure did,” Applejack agreed with her. They then neared the gym. Pinkie carried a spare key given to her by Vice-Principal Luna yesterday so she could show the Rainbooms her work. After opening the door she turned on the lights, and all of them gasped at how well the gym looked. For Pinkie it was one thing viewing it with Vice-Principal Luna; it was another having to see it with her friends. She could see their admiration at her and Sonata’s work. She knew all their hard work paid off just by the reactions on their faces.
“Beautiful darling!” Rarity said, looking around. As much of a perfectionist as she was, she couldn’t help but be amazed at how good Pinkie and Sonata’s work were for the party. Sunset was also amazed, though her mind then wandered to the song that she would sing later. She could see Pinkie’s work had paid off. Now she wondered if her own work would pay off as well.
“Don’t worry, it will work out well,” Pinkie said, sliding up next to her. Sunset looked at her in surprise, wondering how Pinkie somehow can sense things in some way.
“I don’t…” Sunset began, but Pinkie just winked and moved up to the other side of the gym before she could add anything more. Sunset wondered for a moment, but then she let that off her mind as she concentrated back to the song. She only had a few more hours before she would sing it. Pinkie had emailed her two days ago about the Christmas party program, so she knew when she would come up and sing it. For the moment she stayed with the group, though she planned to practice a bit more alone before she’s scheduled to sing.
After a few minutes more people started to come in. The Rainbooms found a table near the stage and sat there together. A steady chatter grew louder as more people came in. Many had admired the Christmas arrangements that Pinkie and Sonata made. Pinkie and Sonata enjoyed the attention, Sunset noted. She was happy that her friends had been successful with what they did though the party hasn’t started yet.
Soon the teachers arrived as well, some of them mingling with the students. Vinyl Scratch wandered to the Rainbooms’ table to talk with Pinkie. Sunset saw Sonata and Aria together. Though she could see Sonata had changed so much, she also noticed that Aria had also somehow changed. She could see her now laughing merrily and very much different than she was under Adagio. Crescenda soon joined them. The three had fitted themselves well in Canterlot High. For a moment Sunset wondered about Adagio, but then decided she has more time musing about her after the party.
Presently Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna came in. The talk subsided a bit, but not too much. Some of the students looked at them though most simply continued with their conversations. Both of them had a table for the faculty and staff near the stage. For a few minutes they talked with the teachers seated with them before Vice-Principal Luna went over to where the Rainbooms were.
“Principal Celestia wants to speak to you,” she said to Pinkie and Sonata. Both of them got up and followed her. While they went over to Principal Celestia, Sunset took that opportunity to go over the song. It wasn’t really hard for her to get it. She was really able to get the song in less than a day. She still worried about getting the song’s feeling as she felt it was key to the whole song. She did wonder what Pinkie meant earlier, which strangely comforted her, knowing that Pinkie can be intuitive to such things. She saw the two of them return to their table, and Vice-Principal Luna got up and walked towards the stage. Sunset knew that the program was about to start.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is a time for us to be merry and have fun!” Vice-Principal Luna opened the party with great applause and shouts from the crowd. “All through the year we have worked hard. Now it is time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the day! Before we begin I would like to introduce to you two of the hardest working students we’ve ever had—Pinkie Pie and Sonata Dusk! They have both worked hard to make this party a reality!”
Vice-Principal Luna motioned to them, and Applejack nudged both of them to stand up. When both of them stood up the crowd looked and clapped at their direction. Sunset could see that both of them were enjoying the attention. For Sonata most especially it was a time of affirmation and of finally belonging to Canterlot High.
She thought then of sneaking out shortly after the introductions. Vice-Principal Luna’s speech wasn’t that long, and after a few more words she introduced Principal Celestia. Sunset would have liked to stay then but figured it was the best time to sneak out and get a few minutes of practice. She wasn’t scheduled to be on until halfway through the party, and that would still be a good few hours away. As Principal Celestia made her way up the stage she quietly left. The gym was dimly lit while a spotlight was focused on Vice-Principal Luna and Principal Celestia, so none of the Rainbooms noticed her leaving.
She made her way to the Music Room. Though she hasn’t told any of the Rainbooms where she went, they will most likely have an idea where to look for if ever they need her. She always carried a spare key of the room, given to her by Principal Celestia. The Principal has designated the Rainbooms to be the caretakers of the Music Room, and Sunset had been chosen as the one who would carry the spare key for the room. The main key still remained with Principal Celestia while another key was in the hands of the school’s Music Department.
For a few minutes she just sat still on the piano seat after she had entered the room. She kept the light dim so as to get more of a mood to it. She had memorized “Silent Night” very much though now, in the Music Room, she wondered if she would be able to get its feeling as well. After a few minutes of being quiet she gradually let the song sink in. She closed her eyes to feel its mood and rhythm. After a few more minutes of it she felt she was ready. She launched on the first words, softly at first. For the first time since she heard it, she could somehow feel the difference. She just pushed that at the back of her mind for now, letting the song flow by itself.
After singing through the song she opened her eyes. Maybe it was because of the room’s atmosphere, which was quiet and dimly lit. Or perhaps it was because she was alone and it was quiet. But she could feel it made some difference. At the back of her mind she could still remember her talk with Fr. Rodian. She wondered if that somehow also made a difference. Or perhaps, she concluded, it was the combination of all those things that had made the song more meaningful now. All she was sure of was that she seemed to have found what she had been looking for.
Now I wonder if it will be the same in the gym later, she thought after a few minutes. She sang the song once again. She sang it as slowly as how she heard it then. After singing, she noted how she sang it. She felt satisfied with it now, unlike even as late as yesterday when she practiced at home. She thought of staying inside the Music Room up until near the time she would sing, but decided against it. She then got up and after locking the room, went back to the gym.
When she got back she saw Trixie and her band setting up on stage. People were either in their groups or else going for the food, which were strategically placed in some areas of the gym for easy access. Lines were forming on the food areas though most don’t seem to be hungry yet, Sunset thought. She went back to the Rainbooms’ table. All of them were talking and looked at her when she arrived.
“So, where have you been?” Applejack asked her.
“Practiced some more in the Music Room,” she simply said.
“So how was it, darling? You won’t be on until later,” Rarity said to her.
“I think I might have found what I was looking for a few days back,” she said.
“I knew you’d do it,” Pinkie said happily. Sunset just shook her head. She still wondered how Pinkie could somehow know such things. She thought that one day she would try to find out what’s her secret to such things, though she knew that now wasn’t the right time to do so.
“So, you think their band will be good?” Rainbow Dash hissed quietly, just enough for them to hear it. With all the noise though Sunset thought that it probably wasn’t necessary, though it might be as well just in case others were listening in.
“I think they’re good enough,” Sunset said with a shrug. Trixie hasn’t caused much trouble in the recent months, so she really wasn’t that much concerned about it personally. She thought that maybe Trixie had made peace with the people around her and had settled in. Which was a good thing, thought Sunset. Even though Trixie might have been less annoying in campus, on stage she was still her flamboyant self.
If anyone can outmatch Rarity for being flamboyant, it would be Trixie, Sunset thought as Trixie shouted out loud and then her band began to rip through their first song. The Rainbooms listened to them. Even Rainbow Dash had to agree that they had improved much. Trixie was also entertaining on stage. While they were listening Applejack went over to Rainbow Dash.
“Aren’t we going to play later?” They looked at Pinkie but she shook her head.
“I thought we’d let the others do their thing,” she said to the group.
“Well, we do need to give the others a chance,” Fluttershy reasoned out.
“Yeah, I suppose so,” Rainbow Dash agreed reluctantly. She had wanted for them to go up onstage at this time, but realized that they will just had to enjoy the party from the sidelines. Only Sunset would be going up later.
“So, anyone hungry yet?” Applejack asked them while Trixie and her band came up with their second song.
“How long will their set be?” Rainbow Dash asked Pinkie.
“Only one more song to go,” Pinkie said, looking at the program.
“Don’t you even read those?” Applejack smirked as she took a look at the program.
“I really just came here to enjoy,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Well, we should go and fall in line if we don’t want to run out of food,” Rarity said, looking over at where the food were.
“We really should go there now,” Sonata agreed. She was looking forward to the food. She personally requested for tacos to be included in the menu, and Pinkie knew she liked tacos as well.
“All right, let’s go and grab our food,” Sunset said. All of them got up and fell in line with the other students. It didn’t took them long to reach the food table, which was crammed with different selections. Sonata quickly searched for tacos and found some. Sunset wasn’t too selective as she just placed whatever fancied her. She did take a taco since it has somewhat become a favorite of her, thanks to Sonata always buying them whenever they go out to get their groceries.
After they got their food they headed back to their table just as Trixie was winding down their set. Many people appreciated their effort as she and her band mates took their bow and then took their instruments before leaving the stage. While the Rainbooms were seating themselves Aria came over to them.
“Wow, they have improved,” she said to them, referring to Trixie.
“Yeah, I thought that they were already good then, but they’re even better now,” Sunset admitted.
“Looks like you’ll have much competition at the next Battle of the Bands,” observed Aria.
“No way they’ll win against us,” Rainbow Dash said confidently.
“I don’t know Dashie,” Applejack said. “They were good today, so we’d better start practicing hard like them.”
“So, you ready for later?” Aria said to Sunset, turning to her.
“I think I’ve got the song covered,” Sunset said, smiling to her.
“You’ll do well,” Aria said to her encouragingly.
“Well, she’s really good,” Sonata said with a wide grin.
“So take that as a vote of confidence from the Dazzlings then,” Aria added to what Sonata just said.
“It’s great that your group is behind us now,” Sunset said gratefully.
“It’s the least we can do for what we’ve done,” Aria said. “And thanks also for taking in Sonata as part of your group, as well as letting her live with you,” she added.
“It’s just our way of letting you know that there’s no hard feelings,” Rainbow Dash joined in.
“Well, we’ll be supporting you later,” Aria said as she went back to their table. They saw Crescenda wave at them, and they waved back to her. Sunset felt relieved with that much support for her. She knew that she would need all the support that she could get from them later, though even then she also knew that she could always count on her friends to be behind her.
The party continued on with individuals or groups performing onstage to keep the crowd entertained. Pinkie had planned the Christmas party to be a whole day affair, so pretty much for the whole day there wouldn’t be any classes. Some thought the party to be too long though most didn’t mind it, since after it would be an almost month-long vacation before school goes back in January after the holidays. As each performer went up the stage, Sunset knew that she would soon be the next one up. She had grown silent as her performance drew nearer. Her friends noticed that but they didn’t dare disturb her, realizing that she might be preparing for that moment.
For Sunset, it wasn’t her first time to be on stage, as she had been in the same situations before. However now it was different, as she would be singing something that was unfamiliar to her yet at the same time had become close to her as well. From the time she heard it she realized that the song was speaking to her, but she couldn’t find out how to convey that to people. Now though she thought she had just found that.
“Are you ready?” Pinkie asked her, breaking her introspection. She looked to see all of the Rainbooms looking at her. For a moment she was flustered, but then realized that her time to sing was coming up soon.
“Yeah, I am ready,” she said to them. A little bit more seriously she nodded at them to indicate she was ready. She was by then calm, though still a little bit nervous. The Rainbooms were all looking at her. Even Aria and Crescenda had their eyes on her. She could see that all of them were encouraging her, and that gave her much confidence. She stood up and bravely went to the stage.
When she was at the center of the stage the spotlight shone on her. For a moment she felt hot as she remembered that spotlights can be hot even when they’re quite far. She put that out of her mind, put all other distractions aside, and just concentrated on the song. She decided to do it accapella, without any musical accompaniment. With a small smile on her lips, she began to sing.
“Silent night, holy night…” As she sang, she could feel the words flow from her. It was a gentle, moving sound. It wasn’t something like she had sang before. Somehow as she sang it now, there was a power that was strong yet gentle at the same time. She let those thoughts and feelings into the song.
The crowd became silent when she began to sing. No one made a sound as she continued to sing, or if ever there was it was just hushed whispers. Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna just sat in their seats, entranced.
“I never heard something so moving…” Principal Celestia said in a whisper, though audible enough for her sister to hear.\
“Yes, this is a touching rendition,” Vice-Principal Luna agreed.
It seemed like a long time for her, yet she found herself at the end of the song. As the last words came out, she listened. It was quiet. Her mind was racing then. She was thinking if she had somehow sang it wrong. But suddenly there was a thunderous clap coming from many hands. Even with the spotlight and the dimly lit gym she could make out people who were clapping and cheering.
For a moment she stood there, then bowed and made her way back to the Rainbooms. Pinkie Pie ran over to her and hugged her.
“I knew you could do it!” Pinkie exclaimed as she hugged her.
“Well, it was thanks to you and everyone else,” Sunset said, hugging her back. In her mind though there was something else that made her feel that way, and she would need to talk about it later on. For now though she went over to her friends, who all congratulated her. As they sat down, Vice-Principal Luna approached them.
“Sunset Shimmer,” she said, “Principal Celestia would like to speak with you.” The group looked at her. She stood up and followed Vice-Principal Luna.
“Sunset!” Principal Celestia said to her cheerfully. “That was a great performance there. One of the most moving ones I have ever heard!”
Sunset blushed a little, but then still she managed to stay composed. Principal Celestia went on then.
“I am wondering if you could lead the students later to sing it again, before we close the party and start vacation.” Sunset’s eyes widened. She was delighted to hear that! She nearly stammered, but then recovered and just remained calm.
“I would be happy to lead the school then,” she said simply. She thanked them both and returned to the Rainbooms, a big smile on her face. She certainly wasn’t expecting that request coming from the Principal. She thought her performance ended then and there, but now she would go up the stage later to lead everyone in singing the song. The group noticed her big smile and her shining eyes when she got near them.
“Looks like you have some good news there,” Applejack observed.
“Indeed I have,” she said and then told them what Principal Celestia requested her.
“That is so nice darling!” Rarity said after she had finished her narrative.
“I am so glad they liked it,” Fluttershy said in her quiet voice.
“I am so happy for you!” declared Sonata joyfully. Sunset was just as glad. She felt much relaxed now. She also felt at peace somehow. She had come to terms with the song and had become comfortable with it though it wasn’t just that which she felt then. Her performance was also at the critical point of the party, right in the middle of the program itself. She then thought if that somehow meant something.
It was then late afternoon when the party drew to a close. Before it all ended, Principal Celestia went onstage to address the students and faculty.
“First of all, I would like to thank all of you for being here and for sharing with us a fun and memorable Christmas party,” she said solemnly. The students all clapped.
“Before we go and enjoy our vacation,” she continued, “I would like to mention something special that I heard today. Earlier Sunset Shimmer sang us a beautiful rendition of ‘Silent Night.’ I would like her then to lead all of us to sing in before we go out and leave for the holidays.” She then motioned for Sunset to come up on stage. Again, Sunset was on stage and facing the crowd. Unlike before when she felt a bit uncertain, now she felt more relaxed and confident. Smiling, she then led them to sing the song.
The sound of many voices drifted from the gym. It was, in all, a magical moment. It was something that Sunset had not felt, not even in Equestria. With that moment was much peace, and she wished then that it could go on and on, and that it would always be that way.
Much later, after the party, Sunset was on her way to Annunciation Orthodox Church. It was late afternoon, almost evening, but she somehow had to make that trip to Fr. Rodian. She wanted to tell him what had happened. She mostly wanted to tell him what she felt while singing the song, and that somehow something had finally fell into place for her. Her trip then had purpose.
Perhaps Fr. Rodian is right, she thought as she made her way to the church. Maybe it is time. She knew that it was a journey that would be different for her. She might had already taken the first step and now it might be time for her to see if it would lead to something more for her. She wasn’t entirely sure yet, but she just knew then that it was something she had wanted to do all along.