It's Christmas in the human world and everyone's celebrating... except Sunset Shimmer. She hates Christmas. What she doesn't know is that one night can change it all.
'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the town, not a creature was stirring, except Sunset Shimmer with her indifferent frown. She wouldn't care a bit about the holidays. The word made her curse. Her friends tried to fix it, but it only made things worse. Later on, the ex-villain gets a visit from her old home. Soon, she learns that Christmas is not about being alone.
The story starts with a snowflake. Normally, a snowflake wouldn't be that important, but in this tale, that snowflake started the whole thing. That snowflake was the first that fell all year. As soon as it was in front of the window of Canterlot High, Pinkie Pie zipped to the window and spotted it.
"IT'S HERE," Pinkie Pie shouted. "IT'S HERE! IT'S HERE! THE SNOW IS FALLING!"
"Ms. Pie," Cheerilee said, "Do you have to do this every year? It's just one snowflake. It's not like..."
Suddenly, a bunch of snow fell from the sky. All the students were amazed by it. Suddenly, the intercom buzzed.
"Attention, students of Canterlot High," Principle Celestia said. "In just a few moments, the last bell rings and end the school day. Vice Principle Luna and I have decided to start Winter Break today. So have a happy time and Merry Christmas."
At that moment, the final bell rang and all the students ran out of the doors in excitement.
"The snow falls," Pinkie Pie sang,
"The bells ring
Time to see what this Christmas will bring"
"Green trees," Applejack sang,
"Snowmen
Glad to have that special time again"
"The stars," Rarity sang,
"That glow
Turn up the galmour and let it go"
"It's already snowing," Fluttershy sang,
"So Christmas spirit's blowing
So get the job done"
"Turn up the volume," Rainbow Dash sang
"'Cause I do assume"
"That Christmas has begun," the five sang,
"Christmas has begun
So turn your back on the Fall
Despite all the frostbite
Come Christmas Eve night
We'll all be ready to deck the halls
So merry Christmas to one and all"
Suddenly, a young child approached the five.
"Merry Christmas, Pipsqueak," Pinkie Pie said.
"Is it really happening," Pipsqueak asked. "Is Christmas really here?"
"Oh, yeah," Pinkie Pie replied. "And let's not forget the best part of the whole thing.
"See, what I love best about Christmas
Is the part where we care for our friends
When we come hand in hand
In our Winter Wonderland
Making sure the fun never ends"
"Christmas has begun," the five friends sang,
"So turn your back on the Fall
Despite all the frostbite
Come Christmas Eve night
We'll all be ready to deck the halls
So merry Christmas to one and..."
"CHRISTMAS HAS BEGUN," the Crusaders sang.
"SO TURN YOUR BACK ON THE FALL," Trixie sang.
"DESPITE ALL THE FROSTBITE," Snips sang.
"COME CHRISTMAS EVE NIGHT," Snails sang.
"WE'LL ALL BE READY TO DECK THE HALLS," Flash Sentry sang.
"SO MERRY CHRISTMAS TO OOOONE..." everyone sang,
"AND AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALL"
At the end of the song, everyone went to their homes. The only one who didn't have a happy face was Sunset Shimmer, a red-headed visitor from the world of Equestria. She used to be the biggest bully in both worlds, but she had a change of heart and everyone forgave her for that. She was happy... except when it came to Christmas.
"Christmas," Sunset Shimmer grunted with discontent. "Bah, humbug."
Everyone was at their homes getting their homes ready for Christmas Eve night. Pinkie Pie was crossing homes examining their decorations.
"Lovely look, Spitfire," Pinkie Pie commented. "Looks like someone's festive, Flash Sentry." She stopped when she stopped by a house with shining stars over it. "Who's design is this?"
"Mine, of course," Trixie said coming out form behind a snowman.
"How long have you been behind that snowman," Pinkie Pie said.
"You and your Rainbooms may have bested me in the Battle of the Bands," Trixie said, "But this year, the first prize of the Most Decorated House Contest will go to the Great and Powerful Trixie!"
"Well, good luck with that," Pinkie said. She continued her stroll until she made it to Rainbow Dash's house. The other three were helping decorate. "Hey, girls!"
"Hey, Pinkie," Rainbow Dash said. "Say, could you bring me a box of tinsel, please."
"Okie, dokie, lokie," Pinkie Pie said.
The team continued working until their work was done. The house was completely decorated.
"As festive as last year," Rainbow Dash said, "And 20% cooler."
"So what now," Applejack asked. "We do still have another 5 hours to kill before it gets dark."
"How about a trip to the cafe," Rarity said. "Mr. and Mrs. Cake have just set up their annual Christmas eggnog."
"Sure thing," Fluttershy said. "Hey, shouldn't we invite Sunset Shimmer?"
"I'm not sure," Rainbow Dash said. "Don't get me wrong; she is my friend. It's just that she's been a little moody over the past month."
"Hey, if the Cake Family's Annual Eggnog won't lift her Christmas Spirit, nothing will," Pinkie Pie said. "Never... doubt... the eggnog."
"All right," Rainbow Dash said. "Let's take her with us."
The girls traveled down the road until they saw a house that was completely different from the rest. While the other homes were covered in tinsel and holly and Christmas lights, this house was as ordinary as it is the rest of the year.
"This can't be Sunset Shimmer's house," Applejack said. "No friendly person wouldn't ignore decorating their house."
"This is hers all right," Rarity said. "The mailbox has her name."
The five approached the door and knocked on it. A few seconds later, the door opened and Sunset Shimmer stood in the doorway.
"Oh, good afternoon, my friends," Sunset Shimmer said. "What brings you here?"
"We're on our way to the cafe for some annual eggnog," Fluttershy said. "Would you like to come with us?"
"If it's all right with you, I think I'll pass," Sunset Shimmer said.
"Never... doubt... the eggnog," Pinkie Pie said with an emphasis in each word.
"I'm not doubting anything," Sunset Shimmer said. "I'm just not wanting to celebrate."
"Sunset, is there something wrong," Applejack asked. "You've been sullen all month, you're not decorating your house, and you're staying indoors. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you've been avoiding Christmas."
"Well, maybe I am," Sunset Shimmer said. "It's no big deal. It's just that Christmas... doesn't agree with me."
"Didn't they have Christmas in Equestria," Rarity asked.
"Not technically," Sunset Shimmer answered. "You see, back at Equestria, we have a big winter holiday called Hearth's Warming Eve and it celebrates the union between Earth ponies, unicorns, and pegusi. If they didn't unite, the world would fall under an endless winter ruled by conflict-feeding Windigos. Despite all those differences, the traditions are still the same."
"So what's wrong with Christmas," Pinkie Pie asked.
"I'd rather not talk about it," Sunset Shimmer said. "Just... leave me alone, please."
Her friends approached the door and closed the door behind them.
"Well, that was strange," Rarity asked. "What was all that about anyway?"
"I don't know," Rainbow Dash said. "But she's our friend, and as her friend, we have to help her get her Christmas spirit back."
"But how do we do it," Fluttershy asked.
Pinkie Pie gasped. "I GOT IT! We'll wait for her to go out at night, and while she's gone, we'll set up her home for a surprise Christmas party and invite everyone at school!"
"That's actually not a bad idea," Applejack said. "All right, girls. We're going to give her the Christmas she needs."
On Christmas Eve, right after the sun disappeared from the sky, Sunset Shimmer approached her house coming in from the falling snow.
“Well, another Christmas coming and going,” she told herself. She opened the door and entered. “Let’s just get this over with.”
As soon as Sunset Shimmer closed the front door behind her, she noticed how dark the room was. She moved her hand toward the light-switch and flipped it up. When the lights brightened, a bunch of schoolmates from Canterlot High jumped out with Christmas decorations on the walls.
Everyone celebrated while Sunset Shimmer’s closest friends approached the red-head. The ex-villain looked at everything with confusion.
“What’s going on,” Sunset Shimmer asked. “Why is everyone in my house?”
“We invited them,” Pinkie Pie said. “Look, I put popcorn chains on the ceiling!”
“You… What do you mean, you invited them,” Sunset Shimmer asked with shock.
“Well, we’re your friends, Sunset,” Rarity said. “You didn’t really expect us to sit back and let you not have any Christmas joy on Christmas Eve night. So we decided to throw you a surprise Christmas party.”
“We spared no expense,” Applejack said. “We want you to have the best Christmas you possibly have.”
“Exactly,” Rainbow Dash said. “Hit it.”
The other students gathered up and sang.
“This Christmas is made especially for you
We hope you appreciate everything that we do
We don’t want to impose nor cause a row
But now, we’re going to…”
“STOP THIS RIGHT NOW,” Sunset Shimmer interrupted. She breathed in and out and approached her friends and smiled. “So… this is a Christmas party?”
“As Big Mac would say, yup,” Applejack said.
“You threw one when I told you I didn’t want to celebrate,” Sunset Shimmer asked calmly.
“Absolutely,” Rainbow Dash said.
“And you invited everyone from school,” Sunset Shimmer asked softly.
“Did we do something bad,” Fluttershy asked.
“Something bad,” Sunset Shimmer repeated with a following chuckle. “No, you didn’t do something bad.” She changed her expression from calm to completely furious. “YOU RUINED MY NIGHT!” Everyone was scared. “I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU PEOPLE! I TOLD YOU EXACTLY WHAT I DIDN’T WANT, BUT YOU GAVE IT TO ME ANYWAY!”
“But we’re your friends,” Applejack said. “We put everything we had into preparing for this party.”
“Then it was a complete waste of time,” Sunset Shimmer shouted. “I do not want to celebrate Christmas! Not now! Not then! NOT EVER!”
Then, Pinkie Pie showed up holding a Menorah. “So you’re more of a Hanukkah person?”
Sadly, the students exited the house. Sunset Shimmer’s friends were the last ones to leave. Before the door closed, Rainbow Dash looked at Sunset Shimmer.
“You know, I thought you’d appreciate what we did for you,” Rainbow Dash said. “We may not know what happened to make you hate Christmas so much: but what we do know is this: you can’t take your anger out on the rest of us.”
As soon as the door closed, Sunset Shimmer gazed at all the Christmas decorations and screamed. She grabbed the decorated tree and threw it to the ground. She threw every wreathe, holly, and other sorts of decoration onto the floor. As soon as every Christmas icon was trashed, Sunset Shimmer curled up in the corner and cried into her knees. She didn’t notice that she was emitting an orange glow that escaped her body and slipped through a window and into the sky.
Outside, Rarity looked inside Sunset Shimmer’s house and saw her crying. She turned to her friends and sighed. “I don’t think anything’s going to change her mind.”
“Did I overdo it on the popcorn chains,” Pinkie Pie said. “I knew I shouldn’t have used the popcorn from the movie theater.”
“I don’t think it’s the popcorn, Pinkie,” Rainbow Dash said. “She just doesn’t like Christmas.”
“But why,” Fluttershy asked. “What could cause her to hate such a beautiful holiday?”
“I think I can help you with that.”
The girls looked and saw Flash Sentry with a regretful face.
“I have… some idea,” Flash Sentry said. “I’ll tell you on the way home.”
“Um, did it just get colder out here,” Fluttershy asked.
Inside the house, Sunset Shimmer was crying in the corner. She was pouring tears from her eyes. She stood up and looked out the window. She saw all the students walking away from the house.
“I’m sorry,” Sunset Shimmer teared. “I didn’t mean to ruin the party. It’s just that…”
“It’s just that you wouldn’t behave yourself.”
It was a beautiful voice. Sunset Shimmer looked around to follow it, but she didn’t see a thing. All of a sudden, the fireplace started to burst fire. The flames spooked Sunset, even after a light ball appeared from the fireplace. The ball grew until it formed a large, white alicorn. She had a sun for a Cutie Mark, a golden crown, and a rainbow-colored mane.
“Princess Celestia,” Sunset Shimmer asked in shock. “It’s been a long time. How…”
“I am not physically in your world, my old student,” Princess Celestia said. “I am merely here as an astral projection.”
“Princess, I apologize for abandoning my studies,” Sunset Shimmer said. “I’m also sorry for everything else that followed. I…”
Princess Celestia raised her hoof and Sunset Shimmer stopped talking. “Your past deeds were already forgiven as Twilight told us how much you’ve changed. But, that’s not the reason I’m here.”
“It’s not,” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“No,” Princess Celestia answered. “Sunset Shimmer, you have lost yourself. Look at what you’ve just done.”
“You mean the Christmas party,” Sunset Shimmer asked. “I just lost my temper. And besides, why would you even bother? Christmas isn’t even an Equestrian holiday.”
“No, but as princess, I have to give care for other worlds’ cultures,” Princess Celestia explained. “But this isn’t about the party. It’s about how you lost yourself in that party. You’re just like how you were before you met Twilight. And now, you’re bringing upon terrible consequences.”
“No, I can’t be,” Sunset Shimmer said. “How can I be what I used to be?”
“That is something that must be shown to you,” Princess Celestia said, “But not by me. I am merely here to tell you that when the clock strikes 10, you will receive a second visit; someone who will help you find your heart.”
Suddenly, Princess Celestia disappeared.
“Princess,” Sunset Shimmer gasped. “Wait!” There was no answer. The room was completely dark.
Sunset Shimmer sighed and went to her room. She looked at her clock and saw the time 9:45. She shook her head and got into her bed. She closed her eye lids and got a rest.
15 minutes later, Sunset Shimmer woke up with the clock tolls. As soon as the 10th chime ended, something went bumb. That bump made herjump.
"What was that," Sunset Shimmer asked.
Sunset picked up a flashlight and followed the noise to the living room. Then, some soot fell from the fireplace chimney. Suddenly, a large, red figure appeared from the fireplace.
Sunset Shimmer took a closer look and saw that it was a big man with a red suit and white trimmings. She saw that it also had big, black boots and red gloves. There was a black belt across the wait. Upon looking at the head, there was a red had with a white tip. Sunset Shimmer widened her eyes.
"Uh, hello," Sunset Shimmer said. The figure didn't turn around. "Are you... Santa Clause?"
The big man turned around and revealed his face. Sunset Shimmer gasped when she saw his face at last. It wasn't human, but it had a pony face.
"Guess again, Sunset Shimmer," it said.
Suddenly, the costume disappeared. All that was left was a pony face, a fang sticking out of its mouth, a horn, an antler, an eagle claw, a lion pay, a goat leg, a reptile leg, a bat wing, a feathered wing, and a snake tail.
"DISCORD IS IN THE HOUSE," it shouted.
Sunset Shimmer screamed in fear in a sudden. She turned around and ran to another room. Discord just stood there.
"That could've gone better."
Sunset Shimmer screamed and hid herself in a closet. She locked the door and talked to herself.
"What was that thing," Sunset Shimmer whispered softly. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say it looks like that humongous statue in Canterlot Gardens."
Suddenly, Discord appeared behind her with a flashlight aimed at her face.
"Humongous," Discord asked. "I prefer the term 'big-boned' or 'jolly'. Now, what are we hiding from?"
Sunset Shimmer screamed again and ran upstairs. She went to her room and pushed herself under her bed.
"That was the statue from the gardens," she told herself. "But that's impossible, isn't it?"
"It's entirely impossible." Sunset looked right next to her and saw Discord right next to her under the bed. "You know, I like this hiding place a lot better. They'll never find us in here." Sunset Shimmer was staring at Discord, who then sighed. "Scream and run." Sunset Shimmer screamed and ran out of her room. "And there she goes."
Sunset Shimmer ran to her living room and ran toward the door. She almost caught the doorknob, but Discord wrapped his tail around her waist and pulled her away.
"You can't go outside," Discord said. "It's a blizzard out there. You'll catch hypothermia. And you're cold-blooded enough as it is."
Sunset Shimmer removed the tail and stared at her visitor. "Who and what are you?"
"I'm Justin Beiber in three years," Discord answered. "No, kid. I'm just Discord. I am a draconequus, an extra-rare, magical creature with a sense for nonsense. Anything that is impossible, to me, is possible."
"Where did you come from," Sunset Shimmer asked.
"When two freakshows love each other very much..." Discord said.
"No," Sunset Shimmer interrupted. "I mean, where did you just come from?"
"Equestria, kid," Discord said. "Where do you think?"
"But... how did you get here," Sunset Shimmer asked.
"Through the mirror," Discord answered. "True, there are other methods of world travel, but I like the old fashioned approach. Ever since Princess Twilight discovered a way to use that enchanted notebook to activate that mirror, any pony could get through at any time."
"But the mirror turns Equestrians human when they enter this world," Sunset Shimmer said. "How are you like this?"
"It's my unique magic," Discord said. "My powers protect me from any side-effects crossing the mirror can do to me, Ms. Shimmer."
"How do you know who I am," Sunset Shimmer asked.
"You haven't figured it out yet," Discord asked. "Kid, I'm your visitor. Princess Celestia sent me to give you some holiday spirit."
"Why," Sunset Shimmer asked.
"Because you turned from Sunset Shimmer to the Snow Queen," Discord said.
"No, I mean, why did Princess Celestia send YOU," Sunset Shimmer asked. "Wouldn't have been a better idea for Twilight to come?"
"Ouch, that hurts," Discord said. "Anyway, Princess Celestia did think about Princess Twilight first, but i volunteered. Mostly, it was because I didn't have anything else to do, but it was also because I owed that much to the princesses."
"Owed them," Sunset Shimmer said. "For what?"
"Believe it or not, you're not the only ex-villain in Equestria," the draconequus explained. "I may have misused my powers a little bit. For that, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna turned me into a lawn ornament."
"The statue in Canterlot Gardens," Sunset Shimmer realized.
"Exactly," Discord said. "That was me. For millennia, I had been stuck in that exact same spot and stuck in that same pose. As time passed, the spell broke and I continued to spread my mayhem. Unfortunately, Twilight Sparkle and her friends turned me back to stone. Luckily, I got parole and changed my outlook on life. I'm a whole new man, so to speak.
"But enough about me. I'm here for you. Why don't you let me show you the quality of enjoying Christmas?"
"Oh, please," Sunset Shimmer groaned. "What do you know about Christmas?"
"Everything," Discord said. "Before I got went through the portal, I had a crash course on this world's version of Hearth's Warming Eve. Now, I'm going to help you."
"I don't need any help," Sunset Shimmer said.
"Is that so," Discord said. He held up an elf statue with a broken head. "So this elf is supposed to have no face. Please?"
"No," Sunset Shimmer said.
Suddenly, Discord changed into woman's clothes and make-up. He spoke in a woman's voice, "Pretty please."
"What the," Sunset Shimmer gasped. "Look, the last thing I need is any help.
Discord changed back to his normal self and groaned. "Come on, red. Just let me help. You have no idea what it's like to still be considered bad."
In a flash of light, Sunset Shimmer and Discord appeared in the middle of the road. They looked and recognized the city they are in.
"Canterlot," Sunset Shimmer gasped. "You brought me to Canterlot?"
"More or less," Discord replied.
"Hey, I know that pony," Sunset Shimmer said pointing at an Earth pony with a green mane. "That's Silver Lining. I haven't seen that optimist in forever."
"And you're still not," Discord said. "I'm accessing your memories to create this illusion. This is the past. Everything you see is just a flashback. You can't touch them nor can you alter anything. No pony can see or hear you.."
"Why would you..." Sunset Shimmer asked.
"Come on," Discord scoffed. "You wouldn't tell me what your problem is with the holidays, so I decided to go to where it all started."
"Well, why did you bring me," Sunset Shimmer asked.
"'Cause you're a Scrooge," Discord said. "That's someone who doesn't like Christmas. It's from a story in..."
"I know," Sunset Shimmer said. "I've read the story before."
"Then you know that it's necessary for me to bring the Scrooge with me," Discord said. He looked and saw holiday decorations and snow in the background. "It looks like every pony is getting things ready for Hearth's Warming Eve. Tell me, where were you in this time?"
"I guess I was..." Sunset Shimmer said looking at the castle behind her.
"Say no more," Discord said.
Suddenly, Sunset Shimmer and Discord floated up to the air and through the Canterlot Castle windows. They went through room to room until they found a bedroom.
"I know this place," Sunset Shimmer said. "This is where I slept back when I was taught by Princess Celestia."
"Ironically, this is also where Twilight Sparkle slept after you were gone," Discord said. "And look who it is."
Discord pointed at a unicorn popping her head from under the covers. Her red mane was all messed up and she rubbed her eyes.
"Like looking in a mirror, huh," Discord asked. "Well, a human-to-unicorn mirror, anyway."
Suddenly, the unicorn Sunset Shimmer widened her eyes and gasped. "IT'S HEARTH'S WARMING EVE! IT'S HEARTH'S WARMING EVE!"
Suddenly, a guard entered the room.
"Ah, Sir Fairsalot, head of the guard," unicorn Sunset cheered. "Happy Hearth's Warming Eve!"
"Happy Hearth's Warming Eve to you too, Ms. Shimmer," Sir Fairsalot said. "Mame, your father sent a bunch of gifts ahead. Bring them in, guards!"
The door opened and half a dozen colts appeared with a bunch of gifts.
"Rich dad, huh," Discord asked.
"Yeah," Sunset Shimmer answered.
"Ooh," unicorn Sunset said. "I can't believe it! This is great! I can't wait to thank dad when he gets here!"
"Well, that's the bad news," Sir Fairsalot said nervously. "Something came up at your father's work. He can't make it."
"What," unicorn Sunset gasped. "On Hearth's Warming Eve?" She sighed and turned her head away. "Sir Fairsalot, lock the doors and don't let anyone in. I prefer being alone now."
"All right, Ms. Shimmer," Sir Fairsalot said. "I've got to introduce the new guard, Shining Armor, to the rest of us. I have the feeling he'll make it someday." The guards left the room.
"He was right, wasn't he," Discord asked.
"Of course, he was," Sunset Shimmer said. "You saw Shining Armor. He's head of the guard now."
"Not about Shining Armor," Discord said. "I'm talking about your father."
"Oh, right," Sunset Shimmer said. She sighed. "Yeah, my dad has been having a hard time working by himself ever since my mom... Well, it's how it's been like every Hearth's Warming Eve ever since I enrolled in Princess Celestia's school." She looked at her past self and began to tear up. "I barely got any quality time with my dad. I didn't know what to do during that time."
The past Sunset Shimmer sniffled and began to sing a song.
"If there's one thing to learn in the world
It's to never rely on anyone else
The most reliable ponies can abandon you
And you're forced to look out for yourself
Listening to your hooves when you walk
Making the only sound
Imagine how heartbreaking it must be
With no pony else around
United, we stand. Divided, we fall
Why does everyone leave me
This is the holiday for joy
So why am I not happy
Where is the dad who's there for his girl
Where can I find some love in the world
There's no one left there for meeeeeeeee"
Sunset Shimmer and Discord watched the young unicorn approached a mirror and started to sob. The present Sunset Shimmer approached her past self and sang along.
"United, we stand. Divided, we fall
Why does everyone leave me
This is the holiday for joy
So why am I not happy"
"Where is the dad who's there for his girl," Sunset Shimmer sang.
"Where can I find some love in the world," past Sunset sang.
"There's no one left there for meeeeeeeeee," both sang.
The past Sunset Shimmer covered her face with her hooves and cried. The present one almost cried too before Discord held up a box of tissues.
"Dry up, kid," Discord said. "We've got another stop to make."
"Haven't you tormented me enough," Sunset Shimmer asked.
"You're asking if I, the Spirit of Chaos, have given you enough bad moments," Discord asked. "Have you met me?"
"Just tell me there's no more," Sunset Shimmer said. "You got what you wanted."
"On the contrary," Discord said, "I said I wanted to see why you hated Christmas. Sure, this is scarring, but it's not enough. Let's go a little further in time."
The scenery changed. Instead of a castle, Canterlot High appeared. The two of them were inside Ms. Cheerilee's class room.
"Hmm," Discord said looking out the window. "The weather doesn't look like Christmas. If I didn't know any better, I'd say this is..."
"November," Sunset Shimmer gasped. "This is the end of November! Discord, do you have any idea what you've done?!"
"What's the matter," Discord asked. "Everything looks fine." He pointed at the past Sunset Shimmer sitting in her desk. "See, there you are."
"Students," Cheerilee announced. Everyone turned their attention to her. "I'd like to introduce a new student that'll be joining the class. Come on in."
The classroom door opened and a teenage boy with a black jacket and blue hair entered the class. When past Sunset saw him, she widened her eyes with a smile and rubbed her chin.
"This is Flash Sentry," Ms. Cheerilee said. "He's from out of town and he's in a band. So everyone, try to make him feel welcome."
"I get it, now," Discord said. "After class, you put the moves on him, didn't you?"
"I wouldn't say that," Sunset Shimmer said. "Okay. Yes, I invited him to dinner so I could show him around the town. We've been in a relationship since, but after a month, Flash Sentry broke it off for no reason."
"A month," Discord asked. "Hang on."
Suddenly, the scenery changed. A party was held in the Canterlot High gym. Christmas music was played and everyone was celebrating.
"Oh, no," Sunset Shimmer gasped. "YOU BROUGHT ME HERE!"
"I had to see if my suspicion was correct," Discord said. "I mean, you can't blame me if you just refuse to open up to your friends."
"You are not my friend," Sunset Shimmer snapped. "You are nothing more than a hurtful, parasitic, brain-twisting, heartless abomination who doesn't care who he hurts!"
"HEY," Discord shouted. "I am not... heartless. No need to be a Scrooge about it."
"STOP CALLING ME A SCROOGE," Sunset Shimmer said. "I AM NOT A SCROOGE! THE LAST THING I WANT IS TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS! AND NOW, THE LAST THING I NEED IS TO HAVE YOU IN MY LIFE!"
"WHAAAAT?!"
Everyone looked at where the scream was heard. Past Sunset Shimmer and Flash Sentry were standing by the punch bowl. Flash Sentry had a nervous face while past Sunset was very angry.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU WANT TO END THINGS RIGHT NOW," past Sunset Shimmer shouted.
"Look, Sunset, I'm sorry," Flash Sentry said. "If you would just let me explain."
"Explain what," past Sunset Shimmer shouted, "That you're heartless!"
"It's not that at all," Flash Sentry said.
"I have given you the best month of my life," past Sunset Shimmer shouted. "I have been a wonderful girlfriend to you. I just cannot believe you're going to leave me... DURING THE HOLIDAYS!"
"I didn't say I was going to leave you," Flash said. "I just don't think we should go out anymore. We can still hang out friendly in Christmas. This break-up doesn't mean we can't be friends."
"YES, IT DOES," past Sunset Shimmer shouted angrily. "CHRISTMAS IS NEVER FRIENDLY!"
Suddenly, the past Sunset Shimmer grabbed a punch-bowl and slammed it on top of Flash's head. She then ran off while Flash's friends were drying Flash Sentry off. Discord and Sunset Shimmer watched everything.
"See what you've done," Sunset Shimmer growled. "I forgotten how much I hated Christmas and all you did was remind me."
"You didn't even hear out why Flash Sentry had to break up with you," Discord said.
"I didn't need to," Sunset Shimmer said.
"No, the old you didn't need to," Discord corrected. "If you really have changed, then maybe you can hear him out now. Look for yourself."
Sunset Shimmer saw Flash Sentry talking to his friends.
"Well, good riddance," one friend said. "I told you that you should've left her a few weeks ago."
"Flash, why did you end things with her," another friend asked.
"She wanted me to forget about you guys," Flash Sentry said. "She said that I should be paying more attention to her."
Sunset Shimmer widened her eyes and felt a heavy feeling in her chest.
"Really," the first friend asked.
"Yes," Flash Sentry said. "And that's when I realized that it may not matter what my friends think of my girlfriend, it does matter what my girlfriend thinks of my friends."
"Well, don't worry, buddy," the second friend said. "I'm sure you'll find another girl someday."
"Yeah," Flash Sentry said. "Maybe someday."
The scenery changed. The Christmas party began to fade away. In a few seconds, everything in sight was pitch black, except for Sunset Shimmer and Discord. The draconequus looked at the girl.
"Was he right," Discord asked. "Did you really ask him to leave his friends?"
"Well... yeah," Sunset Shimmer said. "But that was the old me."
"So why are you still upset about it," Discord asked. "Why are you so angry every Christmas that passed?"
"Well... I suppose it's because I don't know how to be relieved of it," Sunset Shimmer said. "How does anyone?"
"Well," Discord said. "I suppose we'll have to look at the present and find out." Without warning, the draconequus snapped his eagle claw and the two of them disappeared in a flash of light.
Suddenly, Discord and Sunset Shimmer appeared in Ponyville. It was covered in snow and was decorated.
"What are we doing here," Sunset Shimmer asked. "I never came back to Equestria after Twilight changed me."
"This isn't the past, kid," Discord said. "This is the present. It's currently 11:00. I'm showing you this."
"Well, why am I here," Sunset Shimmer asked. "What does this have to do with me?"
"Look behind you," Discord said spinning the girl around.
Sunset Shimmer was amazed when she saw a large castle with a reflective outside.
"What... What's this place," Sunset Shimmer asked.
"This is Princess Twilight's castle," Discord said. "Twilight has to live here ever since her library was destroyed. Don't ask. The point is, she's celebrating Hearth's Warming Eve here... with her friends and family."
The two entered the castle through the walls and saw Princess Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Shining Armor, and the princesses were in the throne room. Decorations were set up and everyone was at the center around a fire.
"Are you showing me all this because you're trying to rub other ponies' holidays in my face," Sunset Shimmer asked.
"Shut up and watch the show," Discord said.
"Happy Hearth's Warming Eve, every pony," Twilight declared.
"Yeah," Fluttershy said. "Too bad Discord's missing it."
"Aw, they do care," Discord said.
"Where is Discord anyway," Rainbow Dash said. "He better not be up to anything..."
"Discord is right where he should be," Princess Celestia said. "Do not worry, he will be with us before morning."
Discord put his lion paw on his mouth and began to chuckle. Sunset Shimmer rolled her eyes and faced the purple alicorn.
"I've been thinking," Twilight said. "How does anyone else celebrate the holidays? Discord? Derpy? Lyra? Sunset Shimmer?"
At that last name, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Princess Cadence stopped and looked at each other. Sunset Shimmer widened her eyes.
"Twilight, I doubt Sunset Shimmer celebrates anyway," Princess Celestia said.
"They don't have Hearth's Warming Eve at the human world," Rainbow Dash asked.
"Actually, there, they call it Christmas," Princess Celestia said. "But that's beside the point. Back when she was taught by me, Sunset Shimmer barely celebrated Hearth's Warming Eve because she didn't have anyone to be with her. All she wanted was for her father to visit, but he was always busy in his work. I tried reaching out to her, but she kept shutting me out. She would usually stay in her room until the end of the day."
"Sorry to hear that," Twilight said. "I didn't know. Well, whatever she's doing right now, I hope she realizes that we are willing to help her out anyway we could because we're her friends."
"Oh, Twilight," Sunset Shimmer said. "I think I do know."
"What part of 'they can't see you' do you not understand," Discord said. "Besides, you didn't say that when your human friends tried to help you, did you?"
"That... Uh..." Sunset Shimmer tried to say.
"I thought not," Discord said. "Well, let's see what they thought of your freak-out earlier."
Suddenly, the scene changed to the Canterlot High gym. Discord and Sunset Shimmer looked and saw the student body around a lantern.
"What are they doing here," Sunset Shimmer asked. "School's closed. Shouldn't they be at home?"
"There's a terrible blizzard out there," Discord explained. "They couldn't get from your home to theirs in such a terrible storm, so they had to get in here quickly. Anyway, enjoy this."
The two went in closer to the crowd.
"Well, guess we're stuck here until the blizzard clears," Rarity said.
"Yeah," Fluttershy said.
"I'm sorry, everyone," Flash Sentry said. "This is all my fault. If I hadn't broken up with Sunset Shimmer..."
"Then you would've been seperated from your friends and miserable," Rainbow Dash said. "Flash, no one blames you or anyone for what happened. You can't beat yourself up about it."
Discord materialized a metal torch and swung it to Sunset Shimmer's head. The impact sent sparkles out of it. Sunset Shimmer rubbed her head and continued watching.
"Yeah," Pinkie Pie said. "The only thing you can beat yourself up for is when the voices in your head wanted a piece of the cake but you go 'nuh-uh, this is my cake' AND SUDDENLY, THERE'S A GRUDGE MATCH WHERE ONLY ONE VOICE IS LEFT ALIVE!!! We've all been there."
"Thanks... I think," Flash Sentry said. He pulled out his guitar and started to strum the strings.
"You know," Pipsqueak said, "I think it's sad how Sunset Shimmer isn't having any friends with her right now. Since it's Christmas, should we get a gift for her?"
"We don't need to get one, Pipsqueak," Applejack said. "We've already got a gift for her."
"What," Sunset Shimmer gasped. "But... But I specifically told them..."
"Not to get involved with your holiday traditions," Discord asked. "They know that, but if you stopped being a Scrooge and opened your eyes, you'll see so many kids sacrificing so much just to make you happy. Just watch."
Some of the other students started to play instruments matching Flash Sentry's strumming. Sunset Shimmer and Discord listened to his song.
"This seems extraordinary
Joyful and merry
And whenever I look, I see a light
The stars are shining
In perfect timing
This Christmas Eve night
When push comes to shove
What do we do
When push comes to shove
How else could we possibly feel
When push comes to shove
Can happiness be real
The snow is falling
Nighttime is calling
Come morning, everyone should celebrate
If you don't make
A wish before you wake
The sun will shine and it will be too late
When push comes to shove
What do we do
When push comes to shove
How else could we possibly feel
When push comes to shove
Can happiness be real
Come and follow me
There's something else out there
Open your eyes and see
The happiness out in the air
When push comes to shove
What do we have
When push comes to shove
What can make ammends
It will be broken without those with you
When push comes to shove
We'll need our friends
We'll need our friiiiiiiieeeeeends"
"He... He's right," Sunset Shimmer said. "If I'm not happy, no one else is happy. Discord, I'm sorry I yelled at you before. Is there anyplace else you have to take me? I'm ready for anything."
"Are you sure, red," Discord asked. "You may not like what you find."
"I don't care," Sunset Shimmer responded. "I'm ready."
"All right, kid," Discord said. "The first trip showed us your reason for hating Christmas. The second trip showed us what your friends think of your actions. Now, in order to make sure you've changed, we have to see... the consequences."
In a flash of light, Discord and Sunset Shimmer saw a new environment. It looked like the town, but it was completely covered in a blanket of snow. Sunset Shimmer looked at Discord and saw that he was wearing a large, black robe with a hood over his horns.
"What are you wearing," Sunset Shimmer asked.
"Look around, kid," Discord said gesturing his lion paw over the area. "It's freezing cold. This is to keep me warm."
"Whatever you say," Sunset Shimmer sighed. "Where are we, anyway?"
"Welcome to the future," Discord said. "These are events that have not yet happened."
"Well, this is more snow than usual," Sunset Shimmer said. "All right, Discord. Who are you taking me to?"
"No one, Sunset," Discord chuckled. "There's no one in this area. Everyone you know has moved away."
"Moved away," Sunset Shimmer asked. "That's impossible. The whole town can't just move away."
"They had no choice," Discord said. "They couldn't stand the cold."
"They moved away... because it was cold," Sunset Shimmer asked. "It's winter. It's always cold."
"If you're so sure, look around," Discord said. He gestured his lion paw across the town. "See for yourself."
Sunset Shimmer walked across the heavy snow field and explored the streets. She saw an animal shelter. She the entered and saw frozen floors and open cages.
"This is the animal shelter Fluttershy works," Sunset Shimmer said.
"Used to work," Discord said. He was in the front desk chair reading a newspaper. "It's a shame, really. Out of all my pony friends in Equestria, Fluttershy was the only one who ever gave me the benefit of the doubt, no matter what I did. It's too bad she had to save her animals and leave on such horrible terms."
Sunset Shimmer continued his walk and entered a barn. It's been cleared out and icicles were hanging from the doorway.
"Applejack," Sunset Shimmer said.
Sunset Shimmer walked all across the city and visited all her friends' homes; Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and others. When she was done, she stopped and took a breath.
"Well, you got what you wanted," Discord said showing up out of nowhere. "You got to be alone. Now, what do you want? OOH!" He then materialized a snowman and spoke in a sing song voice. "Do you want to build a snowman?" Sunset Shimmer didn't turn her head in response. "It doesn't have to be a snowman." Sunset Shimmer still said nothing. "Okay, bye."
"Discord, what happened," Sunset Shimmer asked. "Why would it be too cold for anyone?"
"Look up and see for yourself," Discord said pointing his eagle claw up.
Sunset Shimmer looked into the sky and saw a spiral of clouds circling over the town. She squinted her eyes and got a better look. There were four ghost-like phantoms shaped like ponies swirling in the sky. They were able to be seen through and they blew cold winds from their mouths and snouts.
"Windigoes," Sunset Shimmer gasped.
"Yes, Windigoes," Discord said. "Winter creatures that use conflict to freeze entire lands."
"I don't understand," Sunset Shimmer said. "Windigoes are Equestrian creatures. How did they get here? What brought them here?"
"Not what, who," Discord said. "And the answer is, you."
Sunset Shimmer blinked her eyes twice and studdered. "I... I don't... Me? How?"
"Because of how you disregard Christmas," Discord said materializing a chalk-board with drawings. "As you know, these things hate harmony. Since you greatly rejected the holly, jolly holidays by pushing away your friends' help, you accidently attracted the Windigoes and gave them enough power to cause a great blizzard."
"The one that caused the other students to be stuck in the school," Sunset Shimmer realized. "And this must be what Princess Celestia had meant when she said I brought danger to my world."
"Of course," Discord said. "As long as your Christmas feelings are indifferent, the Windigoes are staying in this world."
"But... why are they still here," Sunset Shimmer asked looking at the Windigoes. "Why would they stay when this town is empty?"
"I didn't say it was empty, Sunset," Discord said.
"But you said..." Sunset Shimmer said.
"I said that everyone you know moved away," Discord repeated. "There is still someone here in town who's charging their strength; someone who refused to talk to her friends after trying to help her; someone who was too devastated to even care about what was going on outside."
Sunset Shimmer widened her eyes. Discord snapped his eagle claw and the two saw the inside of Sunset Shimmer's living room. The blinds were closed and the living room was still trashed with broken Christmas decorations. Sunset Shimmer looked and saw herself sitting in the corner. The Sunset Shimmer in the corner buried her face in her arms and knees and didn't raise them.
"No," Sunset Shimmer gasped. "What have I done? Where are all my friends?"
"Friends, Sunset," Discord scoffed. "You prefer to spend Christmas alone. Don't you remember?"
Suddenly, Discord breathed out a mist of purple smoke. The smoke then formed images. The first one showed unicorn Sunset Shimmer talking to Sir Fairsalot.
"Lock the doors and don't let anyone in," the unicorn said. "I prefer being alone now."
The image then changed into Sunset Shimmer and Flash Sentry's break up.
"CHRISTMAS IS NEVER FRIENDLY," the younger Sunset Shimmer shouted.
One last image appeared. It was earlier when Sunset Shimmer shouted at everyone at the Christmas party.
"I TOLD YOU EXACTLY WHAT I DIDN'T WANT," she shouted, "BUT YOU GAVE IT TO ME ANYWAY!"
The purple smoke cleared and Discord looked down at Sunset Shimmer who was breathing heavily.
"You see," Discord asked. "You haven't changed as much as you thought. You're still as much a Scrooge as you were before. Even tonight, all you ever did was think of yourself."
"No, I didn't," Sunset Shimmer protested. She then changed her face confused and unsure. "Did I?"
"What's the point of you having friends when you're not letting them help with your personal problems," Discord asked. "Your friends did try to get you to come out. They knocked on your door and called out your name, but you didn't even consider answering them. This is the future, Sunset Shimmer, and you caused it."
"Discord, earlier, you said these are events that have not yet happened," Sunset Shimmer said. "So does this mean I can stop the Windigoes before they come to this world?"
"Stop the Windigoes before they come to this world," Discord repeated with shock. "Have you not been paying attention, red? Your tantrum at the party interacted with the Equestrian magic you brought to this world and it already brought the Windigoes here! It's too late to stop them from coming because they're already here!"
"Well... then help me stop them," Sunset Shimmer said grabbing the base of Discord's robe. "With our combined magic, we can..."
"Not even get their attention," Discord interrupted pushing Sunset's hands off his robes. "Your emotional problems have given the Windigoes more power than me. And no one from Equestria will come to help because the big freeze has frozen the gateway shut."
"No," Sunset Shimmer gasped. "Please, Discord, tell me my emotion only made the Windigoes freeze the town; just the town."
"I can't do that," Discord said. "I'm trying to be as honest as Applejack and I wouldn't want to lie."
"How far is this storm," Sunset Shimmer asked with absolute fear trembling in her voice.
"Well..." Discord held up a spinning globe and it was completely covered with ice. Sunset Shimmer was devastated when she saw it. "This much, at least."
"No. No, no!" She turned to her future self. She knelt down and tried to shake her, but her hands just went through her future body. "Sunset, you've got to get ahold of yourself! The world is freezing! You've got to change!"
"Merry Christmas, Sunset Shimmer," Discord said with a grin. Sunset Shimmer turned to Discord for some more advice, but he then faded right in front of her. He disappeared with no trace.
"DISCORD, WAIT," Sunset Shimmer shouted. "PLEASE, I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO! I'M NOT THE GIRL I WAS BEFORE! WHY WOULD YOU SHOW ME THIS IF I WAS PAST ALL HOPE!? YOU'VE GOT TO TELL ME HOW I CAN FIX ALL THIS! I WILL CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS EVERY YEAR FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE! I WILL LIVE IN THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE! JUST TELL MY I HAVE THE CHANCE TO GET UP FROM THAT CORNER! DISCORD, PLEASE! YOU CAN'T LEAVE ME TOO!"
Sunset Shimmer then balled into the corner in place of her future self. Her future self faded as soon as Sunset Shimmer sat down. She started to sob with only the sound of the Windigoes' howls outside to keep her company. She then sang a familiar song.
"United, we stand. Divided, we fall
Why does everyone leave me
This is the holiday for joy
So why am I not happy
Where is the dad who's there for his girl
Where can I find some love in the world
There's no one left there for meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee"
All of a sudden, Sunset Shimmer opened her eyes and breathed heavily in her bed. She looked at the time and saw 7:00 am.
"It's Christmas morning," Sunset Shimmer gasped. "The Windigoes!"
She opened her window and saw a large blizzard cloud in the sky. She squinted and saw the Windigoes circling around the eye of the storm.
"Oh, no. I've got to warn everyone! Maybe the power between me and my friends will stop them!"
Sunset Shimmer went to her wardrobe and pulled out large coats, hats, boots, and gloves. She approached the door and took a deep breath. She placed her hand and the doorknob, twisted it, and a strong gust of wind blew the door wide open. Sunset Shimmer fought against the wind and forcefully walked against the cold.
Up in the sky, the Windigoes watched Sunset Shimmer fight against the winds they were blowing. The Winter creatures looked at each other in anger and flew towards Canterlot High.
Meanwhile, at the school, the students woke up. Apple Bloom looked out the window and saw the weather.
"The storm didn't get any better," she said. "It looks like it's only gotten worse."
"What about Sunset Shimmer," Fluttershy asked. "I think we should go and see if she's okay."
"I don't know," Rainbow Dash said. "She might still be upset about the party."
"I agree with Fluttershy," Applejack said. "Sunset Shimmer is our friend and we're going to go by her house."
"Well, when you put it like that, I'm in," Rainbow Dash said.
"I'll get the mittens," Rarity said.
"To eat," Pinkie Pie asked.
"What," Rarity asked with confusion. "No."
"Uh, everyone," Scootaloo said. She had a scared face and pointed up "LOOK!"
The students looked and the ceiling was covering with ice. They were scared and they all ran to the door. They opened it and ran into the cold.
"THIS ISN'T NATURAL," Applejack shouted.
"NOPE," Big Macintosh shouted.
Suddenly, a cloud blew around Big Mac. When the cloud cleared, Applejack's brother was covered with ice.
"MAC," Applejack shouted.
"LOOK," Flash Sentry shouted pointing at the sky
Windigoes appeared in the clouds above and started blowing cold gusts of wind at the children. Anyone blasted by the wind were instantly covered in ice.
"RUN FOR YOUR LIIIIIIIIIVES," Pinkie Pie screamed. She turned to the children covered with ice. "Anybody else want to panic with me? No?" She continued screaming and running with Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash.
They ran through the frozen town avoiding the Windigoes' ice blows. Meanwhile, Sunset Shimmer was walking through the wind and struggling to get through the cold. She and her friends were approaching each other from different ends of the storm, but they couldn't see each other.
"HELLO," Sunset Shimmer screamed trying to ignore the cold wind. "CAN ANYONE HEAR ME?! I'M RIGHT HERE!"
The screams were heard from across the storm by Sunset's friends.
"THAT'S SUNSET SHIMMER," Rainbow Dash screamed. "LET'S GET TO HER!"
"I KNEW I SHOULD HAVE EATEN THAT LAST FRUITCAKE," Pinkie Pie shouted.
"THAT'S YOUR FINAL THOUGHT," Applejack asked loudly.
"YES, THEY WERE VERY GOOD," Pinkie Pie shouted.
The girls continued walking strongly through the storm. Before too long, they caught sight of each other.
"SUNSET," the red-head's friends shouted.
"GIRLS," Sunset Shimmer screamed. "I'M COMING!"
The Windigoes caught sight of it and growled in anger. The leading Windigo flew from the sky and blew a blast of cold air. Sunset Shimmer saw the incoming wind and bolted faster toward her friends. The friends reached out their arms to embrace their friend.
Suddenly, the cold air covered the five friends. Sunset Shimmer was horrified when she saw her closest friends covered in ice. "No." She broke into tears and hugged her friends while the Windigoes above howled loudly into the sky.
"My friends, I'm sorry for everything," Sunset Shimmer sobbed. "For my whole life, even during the happiest times of the year, I've been losing those closest to me. My father was the first. I thought that coming to this world would change my opinion about the holidays, but it still happened. I guess... I guess I kept myself isolated because I was afraid of being abandoned again. You're the best friends I've ever had and I didn't want to lose you. But now, it looks like I did.
"This fearsome storm is all my fault
Now, I'm alone with no friends
No hope anywhere in sight
In a winter that never ends
The cold is rising with the battle within myself
In order to keep it in, I must accept help"
Suddenly, she felt a warm feeling in her hands. She removed her mittens and saw a purple glow from her hands. She touched her frozen friends and watched the glow melt the ice. She removed her hands and watched it illuminate in amazement.
"All these years, I've been lonely
Rejecting assistance from any pony
But now, I turn my back on the old me
GOOD-BYE, OLD MEEEEEEEE"
The Windigoes widened their eyes in fear as a purple flame came out of Sunset Shimmer's body. They tried to attack her, but it was too warm for them to handle. Sunset Shimmer started to control her new fire.
"I will change
I will change
I've got to let it go
I will change
I will change
The Christmas spirit will glow
This isn't my fate
So I'm going to alter
I am not a Scrooge
I will make a whole new future"
Sunset Shimmer continued walking through the road completely forgetting how cold it is. She shot purple flames toward the sky and made storm clouds disappear.
"It's strange how my past
Can make my future gray
Well, now, I will not let it
Ruin this Christmas Day
I'm going to change the way I am
To come up with a whole new plan
I know my friends will support me
Through historyyyyyyyyyy
I will change
I will change
A new future will be unfurled
I will change
I will change
My mind's no longer twirled
What will come
Well, one thing's for sure
I am not a Scrooge"
Sunset Shimmer then levitated off the ground. With the heat from her purple fire, all her fellow students were quickly thawed out. As soon as they could see again, they witnessed Sunset Shimmer heading towards the cloud. The Windigoes flew all around Sunset Shimmer trying to circle her.
"The future is not completely written in stone
Now that I know that I do not have to be alone
I can't see the future, but believe me when I say
THAT I'M NOT WHO I WAS! MY PAST IS NOT TODAAAAAAAYYYYY"
Suddenly, the purple fire around Sunset Shimmer burst from her body and the Windigoes were attacked by it. They quickly disappeared and the clouds were evaporating.
"I WILL CHANGE
I WILL CHANGE
MS. BAD GIRL HAS ALREADY LEFT
I WILL CHANGE
I WILL CHANGE
NO MORE LETTING ME BE BEREFT
HEAR ME CHEER
MY CHRISTMAS SPIRIT'S PUUUUUUURE
I AM NOT A SCROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOGE
I will make a whole new future"
Slowly, Sunset Shimmer landed softly on the snow on the ground and the fire burned out. All of Sunset Shimmer's friends cheered and hugged her. For the first time in a long while, Sunset Shimmer enjoyed the holidays.
"Sunset, that was awesome," Rainbow Dash declared. "The way you were covered in purple fire and floated in the air and blasted all those pony ghosts!"
"Actually, those were Windigoes," Sunset Shimmer said.
"Windigoes," Applejack asked. "You mean..."
"I'm afraid so," Sunset Shimmer said. "I didn't mean to bring them here, but they were drawn by my torment last night. The only way I was able to defeat them was if I was willing to change my ways and embrace the spirit of Christmas. It looks like when I was willing to share it with you, I was able to produce the fire of friendship and blow them away."
"HA," Pinkie Pie laughed. "Because those were wind monsters! That was funny!"
"Pinkie, don't," Rarity sighed. She then looked at Sunset and grew a happy face. "Well, it's great to know that you'll be happy to celebrate Christmas."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Sunset Shimmer interrupted. "What gave you that idea? I don't want to celebrate Christmas."
"What," the friends asked.
"But we went through all that trouble just to..." Fluttershy said before they heard a chuckle.
Sunset Shimmer tried to keep a straight face, but she just couldn't. She laughed loudly. "Sorry. What I mean is, I don't want to celebrate Christmas... without my friends."
Everyone just laughed and embraced their friend at the same time as she embraces them.
Watching the whole thing, Discord and Princess Celestia looked through the mirror portal and smiled.
"You did a good job, Discord," Princess Celestia said.
"All in a good day's work," Discord said. "Of course, you chose me because I had influential skills, but she had to change herself. That was all her."
"Well, Discord, I hope this holiday has been memorable for you," Princess Celestia said. "By the way, Princess Twilight and her friends have cordially invited you to their castle to open the presents. Will you bring yours?"
"Indeed, I will," Discord said. He held up a box with wrapping paper. "I hope they'll appreciate that Discord lamp I made."
"Well, I guess some things never change," Princess Celestia said rolling her eyes with a smirk.
"Hey, I'm capable of giving thoughtful gifts," Discord said. "I just sent a special package to Sunset Shimmer."
"And what might that be," Princess Celestia asked.
"Something she's always wanted," Discord said. "Oh, and one more thing." He turned to the readers. "Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good spite."
Princess Celestia turned her head toward where Discord was facing. "Why are you talking to the wall?"
Meanwhile, in the human world, some of the students were inside Sunset Shimmer's living room and repaired it.
"Flash Sentry?"
The guitarist looked behind him and saw Sunset Shimmer standing beside him.
"Sunset," Flash Sentry said. "I saw what you did out there."
"You and the rest of the school," Sunset Shimmer said. "Look, Flash, I'm sorry I've been a jerk the night we broke up. I realize how horrible I must have been."
"It's all right," Flash Sentry said. "You know, since you've completely changed, I think now's a good time to renew my offer to just be friends. Would you like that?"
"I wouldn't ask for anything more," Sunset Shimmer said. "Just friends."
"Hey, Sunset," Pinkie Pie shouted. "We've got something for you!"
Sunset Shimmer approached her friends by the repaired Christmas tree and was handed a red present with green wrapping.
"What is this," Sunset Shimmer said.
"We all pitched in just to give you this," Rarity said. "Open it."
Sunset Shimmer removed the wrapping paper. She removed the lid and pulled something up. As soon as Sunset Shimmer saw it, she smiled. It was a picture frame with a photo inside. It had her right beside everyone in the student body. Sunset Shimmer shed a tear when she saw how happy everyone is in it.
"Did we overdo it," Fluttershy asked.
"No, you didn't," Sunset Shimmer said with a tear. "Actually, it's just right."
"Sunset Shimmer," a male voice said. Everyone looked and saw a large man at the doorway. He had a winter coat and a snow hat.
"Do I know you," Sunset Shimmer asked.
"I know you don't recognize me," the man said. "It has been many years. I just came by to tell you... I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. I took you for granted and I didn't appreciate like you wanted me to. I'm sorry."
At first, Sunset Shimmer was confused, but when she started thinking, she widened her eyes and began to tear up.
"I... I forgive you," Sunset Shimmer said with a heavy breath. "How did you get here?"
"Let's just say we've both had a visitor last night," the man said. "Well, I'll just be off and..."
"Hold on," Sunset Shimmer protested. "This all started because we never spent the holidays together. You might as well stay the morning. I'll introduce you to all my friends."
"Uh, how about you introduce us to him," Rainbow Dash said. "Who is this guy?"
"Everyone," Sunset Shimmer said, "I'd like you to meet my dad, Good Will. So what do you say, dad?"
"Is that what you want, darling," Good Will asked.
"Dad," Sunset Shimmer said holding onto her father's hand, "I wouldn't have it any other way.
"See, what I love most about Christmas
Is the part where we care for our friends
When we come hand in hand
In our Winter Wonderland"
"Making sure the fun never ends," everyone sang,
CHRISTMAS HAS BEGUN
SO TURN YOUR BACK ON THE FALL
DESPITE ALL THE FROSTBITE
COME CHRISTMAS EVE NIGHT
WE'LL ALL BE READY TO DECK THE HALLS
SO MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE...
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL...
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO OOOOOOOOOONE...
AND TO AAAAAAAAAAALL
THIS HAS BEEN THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEER"
After that, wouldn't you know it, Sunset Shimmer never had a horrible Christmas ever again. She always spent it with her friends and never let them go, no matter what would happen. And to think, it all started with a snowflake.
