It's Hearth's Warming Eve/Christmas!
Twas the night before Hearths Warming Eve, and all on the streets. Snow covered the ground, sheet upon sheets! Twas cold and dark, but do not despair. At least there's no wind to mess with your hair! On this very night, Twilight summoned me. I was a little bit but that was out-weighed by glee. For this purple mare, I cannot despise. Nor can I look at her, lest I get lost in her eyes. But enough with this rhyming! It makes me grow stale! And now hopefully I can get on with this tale.
As I was saying, it was cold and Twilight has asked me to come to her house, without telling me why. I hate when she does that... But as I have also said I have a small crush on her. Oh well, it wont go anywhere, she's been eyeing that red stallion named Big Mac. However, I am going to ask her why she chose night for me to come over. I would think it was that but I highly doubt it. I arrived at the library and knocked on the door. I was expecting Spike but Twilight answered.
"Oh it's you! Come on in, there is someone I want you to meet!"
"Some...one? You mean somepony right?"
"No, I don't. I'll explain everything. Now come in and warm up by the fireplace."
"O-ok?" I entered her home and sat by the fireplace. The warmth was definitely welcome, but why did she ask me over? She knows I'm not good around new ponies... But she said "Somebody" not "Somepony." What if it wasn't a pony? But then what else could it be? "So," I began. "Where is this guest that you want me to meet?"
"He's in the bathroom. He'll be out soon, and there are more coming."
"W-what about my....condition?"
"Don't worry Zeta, I haven't forgotten. Pinkie and the others are coming over shortly. Do you think that will help you?"
I thought for a moment and then smiled. "Yes. Thank you Twilight."
Then I heard the bathroom door open. " да Twilight! The restroom was a bit small. Has the guest arrived?" A voice asked from the direction of the bathroom.
"Yes Viktor, he just arrived! He's by the fireplace."
"Also, where are the others? You said the would be here by now!" The running water of the sink stopped and I heard hoofsteps walking this way.
"Well Seth is celebrating an early Hearths Warming Eve in Gloomy Town. Zane is still on earth."
Then the owner of the voice walked down the stairs. It was a strange fur-less bi-pedal creature. I have seen them before but never knew what they were called. He spoke again. "How is Zane going to get here then?"
"Interdimensional portal." She said matter-of-factly and shrugged, trotting over to him after he reached the bottom of the stairs. "Viktor, this is Zeta."
"I didn't know there was another zebra living around here! привет Zeta the zebra! My name is Viktor Kozlov, it is pleasure meeting you!"
"L-l-likewise."
"You have probably seen me or Seth around, and may not know what we are called. We are called humans. I am from Russia, and Seth is from America." He stopped for a moment. "I do not know where Zane is from though, but I will guess he's American as well." He sat down by me and I scooted away. "О Боже, нет другого Fluttershy..." He sighed. "I will give space, come talk to me when you can." He then went and sat over at the table and sat down there.
I looked over at Twilight, who noticed and trotted over. "Did you tell him about my condition?" I asked.
"No I didn't," She said in a sincere tone. "He just thinks your shy. Has your eye been giving you anymore trouble?" She asked with concern laced in her voice.
"As far as pain, no. I've been keeping it covered up so nothing would happen."
"I see. So the enchanted eye-patch I gave you helped?"
"Yes it did, and continues to. Thank you Twilight. But let's talk about it anymore okay?"
"Right, it is Hearth Warming Eve after all."
"Yeah."
Viktor is actually pretty nice, he may look intimidating but I shouldn't have judged him. He told me he was a hardened soldier from his country, and that his time here softened him quite a bit. We had a nice conversation. After a few minutes one of the other humans arrived.
"Hello Seth how was Gloomy Town?" Twilight greeted.
He looked at her and smiled. "It was nice, thanks for asking."
"How are the trade routes?"
"Just fine! The Mare is very pleased that they were established with little issue." He nodded and looked around. "Not very Christmas-y around here... Did you forget to decorate?"
Twilight looked around as well and looked don at the ground. "Yeah I was caught up in the excitement of everything, I guess I forgot."
He chuckled. "Not to worry Twilight, I'm sure we'll be able to decorate everything before tomorrow."
"Why?" Viktor asked. "Christmas isn't about the decorations! It's about something else!" He turned towards me. "Isn't that right comrade?"
"Um...yes?" I replied.
"See? Let us not worry about stupid decorations, and enjoy each other's company."
Twilight and Seth agreed. Twilight left to go get the ingredients for the portal and Seth looked at me. "So another Zebra huh? Are you related to Zecora?"
"N-no I'm not. We might come from the same tribe though. But she doesn't seem familiar to me..."
"Hmm...alright then. I have seen you around though. Have you lived in Ponyville long?"
"A few months by now."
"Well in any case, its nice to meet you. I'm Seth and you are?"
"Zeta...."
"Well then hello Zeta." He walked away a few steps before yelling. "Twilight! Fluttershy is bringing Sparky over as well!"
Twilight came trotting out of the kitchen with a blank expression. "Why have you fallen back into that habit? Spike and Nyx are trying to sleep!"
"Oh sorry." He scratched the back of his head. "How are they by the way?" And then Twilight motioned him back into the kitchen so they could talk and prepare the spell.
Viktor came up to me. "Do not say anything but I think something is off with Seth. I told Twilight and she swears he okay. Do not worry comrade, I will be watching him."
"O-okay?"
"Is joke! Or prank? Aw ебать ее, I'm not very good at joking with you ponies..."
"B-but I'm a zebra."
"Good point! Now where the vodka?"
"Did you say vodka you crazy Russian!?" Seth called from the kitchen.
"Indeed American. Do you know where it is?!"
There was a few minutes of silence. "Twi says there isn't any!"
"дерьмо... Is not party without vodka! But punch will have to do."
Twilight just got done opening the portal and let the last human through. The clothes he was wearing almost looked like Seth's, but the shirt was a different color. He also wore a blue coat with a hood.
"I don't thing I'll ever get used to this." He said shaking his head. "Privyet Twilight and Merry Christmas."
Before Twilight could answer say anything Viktor yelled from upstairs. "Did I hear someone speaking Russian!?"
"Um..." He said looking at Twilight. "W-what?"
"Don't worry that's Viktor. He says he comes from Russia on earth."
"He's Russian? Wow, that's cool." He looked around the room. "No decorations?" He shrugged. "Oh well, not much for them myself. So How has everything been, Twi?"
"Just great. Studies have been going great as well."
"That's good. Is Applejack going to be here?"
"Yes. Her and the others should be here any minute now."
"Great..." He sighed and then looked at me and waved. "Hello."
"Hi?"
The he just stared at me and after few minutes he chuckled. "Twilight," He shook his head. "Perception filters don't work on me." He looked around to see if anyone or anypony else was around. "I can tell he has a reptilian-like eye." He patted me on the back. "Nice try though. Don't worry I won't tell anypony."
I sighed in relief. "Thank you."
"Aw dammit where are my manner. I'm Zane, who are you?"
"Zeta."
"Hmm cool name. Where are the drinks?"
"Who are you asking?" Asked Twilight.
He shrugged. "Anyone who knows."
"Right this way. Zeta, do you want anything?" Twilight asked.
"Um sure."
"Follow me."
The others showed up a couple minutes ago. Pinkie always knows how to get me to loosen up. She treats me like a brother. Rarity brought over some decorations, and I was helping Pinkie and Seth bake cookies. That was until I started to get in the way. So instead I started taking the cookies to the snack table that Applejack set up. Meeting the humans wasn't that bad, they're really nice. It helps that I have all of my other friends here as well. I was wondering about something though; What is Christmas? They keep talking about it, is it similar to Hearth's Warming? How else to find out then to ask?
I walked up to Viktor. "Hey I have a question."
"Go ahead Zeta. What is it you want to know?"
"What is Christmas?"
He blinked a few times before speaking. "Jesus' birthday. I find it weird because we get presents instead of him but he is dead so it does not matter." He shrugged. "It is a religious holiday that started with Christians and now almost everyone celebrates it on Earth." He took a drink of punch. "Is all we need to know."
"So there are presents?"
"As far as I know comrade, we're not doing that."
"Good because I didn't get anypony anything."
"Neither did I Zeta. Do not worry and make merry on this day! We are in good company. Zebra daughter might even be stopping by."
"Zebra daughter?"
"Her name is Zecora. I found her one day in the Everfree forest. I protected her like she was my own ever since. She is a little older that you I think."
"It would be nice to meet her."
"да you two would get along fine."
Rainbow Dash glided over to us. "Hey have you guys seen Applejack around?"
"No." We both responded.
"Ugh! Where is she?" She flew off to ask somepony else.
"I haven't seen Zane around either." Viktor noted. "I wonder where he went to as well."
"I don't know."
"Hmm... Oh well they will show up."
I nodded in agreement and went back over to the snack table to get some punch. I looked over at the door and saw Twilight open it. A nervous looking Changeling walk in.
"What's a Changeling doing here?" I asked and the whole room went silent. The Changeling "Eeped" and changed into a pony I've seen walking around Ponyville. I looked around and the whole room was looking at me. I gulped as I saw Seth making his way over to me.
"Do you have something against Changelings Zeta?" He asked with a hint of anger.
"I-I-I u-um..." I started to shake.
He raised an eyebrow and backed away slightly. "T-Twilight I think Zeta is having a mental break. Get over here!"
She came running down the stairs and over to me. "Oh no, what did you do?!"
"I think I might have accidentally intimidated him."
"See Zeta? Calm down, he didn't mean too okay?"
"O-okay. I think I may leave early Twi. Thanks for inviting me though."
"Leave?!" Pinkie yelled. "But the party just started!" She said in a disappointed voice.
"Hey now," Twilight said in a voice that I found comforting. "Its okay Zeta. You don't have to leave. No one here is judging you."
"It doesn't matter." I looked at everyone else. "Goodbye it was nice seeing you." I walked towards the door and the Changeling stepped in front of me.
"Y-you don't really have anything against Changelings, do you?"
I looked her in the eye and shook me head. "Maybe not all of you. But the ones that I have met haven't been...nice."
She smiled and had a look of sympathy on her face. "You know, I hated most of my Hive. I mean I did have a couple friends, but most of the rest didn't like me because I sympathized with the ponies." She had a thoughtful look on her face. "I haven't been in contact with my friends or any of my Hive for almost two years now." She chuckled. "The point being; I am more like you and the rest of the ponies here than I am like other Changelings. So can you look past my exterior and become my new friend?" She held out a hoof for a hoofbump.
The room was silent and everyone's eyes were on me. I looked at her hoof and back into her eyes. Everyone gasped at what I did next. I shook my head. "How can I be friends with a lying and deceitful species?! All your kind ever does is feed, ravage and kill!" I got an inch away from her face. "How can I trust a species that was made to be mistrusted?! If you say you're different how can I know you're not lying?" I pushed her out of the way. "Good day!"
"But it's night." Pinkie stated.
I looked at Pinkie and glared. "Buck off!" I saw the streak in my mane was red and ran out of the door.
Zane's view.
***********************
"Well bah-freakin'-humbug damn." I scratched the back of my head. "Anyone know what that was about?"
"No idea comrade." Viktor replied.
"Not a clue..." Seth responded. "Twilight, uh did I do that?"
She sighed. "Maybe not on purpose, but you may have. The only thing we can do is leave him be and hope he comes back..."
"So this has happened before?" I asked.
"Once, yes. He wouldn't appreciate me telling you about his past but I will say this; It was pretty traumatic for him. He was born with some kind inert magical power. His tribe viewed it as evil and cast him out. That's all I'm at liberty to say though. We should just leave be for awhile."
"Maybe Zecora can help him?" Viktor suggested but Twilight shook her head.
"I know you want to help him, but I know from experience. Leave. Him. Alone. Okay?"
I said nothing but nodded my head in agreement. The other agreed as well. And it was left at that. I looked over at the Changeling and she was crying. I pointed it out to Twilight and she went over to her and tried to comfort her along with Fluttershy. I was headed toward a chair when Viktor stopped me.
"Hey where were you a little bit ago?"
"Bathroom."
He raised an eyebrow. "And Applejack?"
I raise an eyebrow as well and looked around the room. "Good question Viktor. I haven't seen her."
"Hmm...This may not be good. Do you think we should look for her?"
I looked around and noticed Rainbow wasn't around either. "Rainbow's gone too? Hmm..."
"Comrade Twilight! Front and center!"
Twilight turned her head with a raised eyebrow and walked over. "Something wrong?"
"Where Rainbow and Applejack?"
"Oh, they're on the balcony." She shrugged and walked away.
Viktor and I looked at each other. "Okay then." I said.
"да! Problem solved."
It's been an hour and Zeta still hasn't returned. I don't see Match anywhere either. I think the party is thinning out. Come to think of it, I haven't seen Twilight or Fluttershy either. I saw Seth walking from the kitchen and walked up to him.
"Hey where are Twilight and Fluttershy?"
"They're upstairs trying to cheer Match up. I wouldn't go up there."
"That bad?"
He sighed. "She freaking hysterical. I don't know how he did it, but Zeta scared the shit out of her."
"Whoa, and he seemed like a harmless little zebra too." The perception filter must've glitched.
"Yeah he did but if Twilight is scared of him when he's upset, then this 'evil' power of his must be something else."
"Mmhmm..." I looked around. "Where's Sparky?"
"No idea," He shrugged. "Probably up with Flutters trying to help her out."
"What if he got out some how?"
"He knows where home is. And he would never go too far from me."
"And you're sure about this?"
"Look that dog has been away from me ever since I was a small boy, I doubt he wants to leave my side again."
"Well...he's not by your side now."
He looked at me blankly. "Shut up." I just laughed until I realized something.
"Hey um...where that crazy Russian?" I asked.
"No idea..."
Viktor's view
***********************
"That was too easy, they really need to pay more attention." I chuckled as I walked toward home. "It feels good to get out and away from everyone for a bit." I thought as I passed town hall. I'm going to check on Zecora's progress with the special Hearth's Warming potions she was working on when I left. As I passed Fluttershy's house, I saw Zeta pacing in front of the entrance of the forest. I waved. and he saw me and stopped.
"Здравствуйте Zeta!"
"Leave me alone!"
"As you wish. I'm not here to retrieve you, нет. I am on my way to check on Zecora."
"So you're not here to get me?" I shook my head. "Then do the others not care about me?!"
"That's not it either Zeta. Twilight said something about talking to you when you're upset is bad idea. So everyone leaves you alone. They are worried for you, that you be sure."
He glared at me. "Did she say anything else!"
I shook my head. "No. Everything else is a secret between two, and she wants to honor that."
"I think I'm going to go back."
"Is probably good idea." I nodded. "But if you do, make sure you apologize to Match."
"Match?"
"Match is the Changeling." I could see his anger regaining in his eyes. "нет Zeta! I can tell you that she is different from the rest of her kind, from how you described them at least. She is not like that at all." I shook my head. "And if Fluttershy trusts her, than you can be sure she is no malicious creature. In fact her and Twilight have been trying to comfort her ever since you left."
He hung his head. "I scared her that bad?" The colored streak in his mane turned black. "I need to go make things right huh?"
"It would be the right thing to do." I nodded.
He sighed. "Alright...see you back at Twilight's."
"до свидания Zeta and do not worry, it will be fine."
"I hope so." He said and still hanging his head and back towards town. It has...weird to see that blue streak turn a different color again. But it's probably like Pinkie's weird mane thing. I do not know, but it doesn't matter. I try to make a point to already be in the forest before night fall. But tonight I trek in darkness. It is good thing I know the path well, I do not want to get lost.
I arrived at home and opened the door. Zecora looked over and smiled.
"Welcome home human father." she chuckled as well as I.
"Thank you zebra daughter. I am here to help you carry the special potions back to Twilight's home."
"That is kind of you, the potion is almost done. And I must say, brewing them was quite fun."
"I still do not know why you rhyme all the time but oh well." I shrugged. "So a couple more minutes?" She nodded her head. "Good, how has your evening been?"
Zecora and I arrived at the library and I barged in.
"Everyone! I come bearing gifts!" I looked around and the room was empty. "Where is everyone?" I saw Zecora shake her head and began to walk out. "No it is not you Zecora." I sighed. "I suggested to Zeta that he should stop by to apologize to Match the Changeling. I'm assuming it's not gone well." We began searching the library and I found Zeta in the kitchen. The colored streak in his hair fluctuating between red and black. He must have heard me walk in because he spoke first.
"When I arrived they all ran upstairs..."
"Even the other humans?"
"No they went up a few minute before you arrived. They said they were going to try to talk some sense into everypony."
"Do not worry, they will be successful. In the mean time, why don't we try some of Zecora's potions? She made them just for the occasion."
His streak started to change to a more solid blue color and he nodded. "It would be nice to meet her."
"Good. She is in here."
Seth's view
*************************
"He comes here to apologize and you all just ran and hid away from him! What the hell is wrong with you!?"
"Even you said to wait until he came back Twilight. I'm disappointed in you." Zane shook his head.
"Well it wasn't my fault! I was dragged up here!"
"Then get your sorry ass back down there and see how he's doing. The rest of you can stay up here for the rest of the night."
"What about Match?" Zane asked.
"Well since she was up here to begin with, that doesn't apply to her. Same with Fluttershy, but the everyone else can stay up here and cower for all I care." I shrugged. "Fuck you all!"
"I don't know about the 'fuck you all' thing but you all should think about this." He looked at Applejack. "Especially you Applejack. Dragging Twilight up here against her will. Zeta is her friend you know? Come Fluttershy and Match." Zane left to go downstairs while shaking his head, the other two followed.
I turned around. "Before I go, I just want to say; You all disgust me. Think about how you acted, and of a way to make it up to him." I left and went downstairs to join Zane and Zeta.
When I got downstairs I noticed that Viktor was back and Zecora was here. And they were drinking something with Zeta. I walked over to them and asked what they were drinking.
"It's a special brew that I made for the holiday. Please try some I'm sure that you will find it okay."
I shook my head at the rhyming zebra and grabbed a bottle and drank. It was thicker than I thought it would be and had a slightly fruity taste. "Mmm it's pretty good! Thank you Zecora."
"It is a potion made to provide good cheer. It is a brew that I make every year."
"Well the practice shows!" Said Zane. Finishing his first bottle. "That was really good."
I looked around and didn't see Twilight, Match, or Flutters anywhere. I figured they were with Zeta. I grabbed another bottle and started to drink and talk to the others.
Zeta's view
*************************
"I'm sorry Zeta, I was dragged upstairs by Pinkie Pie."
"It's okay Twilight. I'm sure she was just following what you said."
"No, what I told them was to not go and bother you, and to wait until you came back."
"Then why do they hide."
"She um...may have told them about your curse." Fluttershy said.
"You what!? But Viktor said you kept everything secret!"
"I did! I only told them that you were born with a strange type of magic, I didn't tell them anything else I swear!"
"Does she speak the truth?" I asked everypony in the room. They all nodded and I sighed. "Okay I believe you Twilight. And Match?" She approached reluctantly and didn't speak. "I'm sorry about earlier...if you knew what I had gone through you would understand...Forgive me?"
She smiled. "I forgive you and I understand. Try living in a Hive." She chuckled.
"I have without realizing it." I noticed her confused expression. "Don't ask."
"I won't." She held her hoof out for a hoofbump. "Friends?"
I looked at her hoof and then into her eyes. "Friends." And we bumped hooves.
Match walked out to tell the others and after a few minutes Zane walked in.
"Twilight I just thought I should tell you that the perception filter might be broken or breaking."
"What? How do you know?"
He shrugged. "Why else would Match freak out that bad? Just imagine looking into somepony's eye and then it change right in front of you. Pretty scary huh?"
"Hmm...you could be right, I may need to talk to The Doctor later."
"Doctor Who? No wait let me guess, just The Doctor?"
"Yes, how did you know?"
He laughed. "Tell me, does he travel around in a blue box?"
"Why yes he does."
He stopped laughing. "Weird... Well anyway, yeah you should probably get that fixed before something like that happens again."
"Yes I will see that it wont happen again." She nodded
"Okay good," He looked at me. "Match looked really happy Zeta, good job." He smiled. "Also, the others are back down here. They're prepared to give you an apology."
"Okay, thank you." I said.
"No problem." He said as he left. Twilight tapped me on the shoulder
"Shall we?"
"Sure."
Everypony apologized and we were getting on with the party like nothing happened. And to help lift spirits we even decorated the library. I'm surprised that Spike and Nyx are still asleep with all of the talking and music going on down here. Applejack and Zane were sitting by the fireplace and talking. Rainbow and Pinkie were up to something, probably just their pranks. Twilight was talking with Zecora, Seth and Viktor were chatting at the snack table, and Fluttershy, Match and I were talking amongst ourselves.
Not much else was happening and it was late, so we all went to sleep. The next day when we woke up, we all had a present on the table.
"How gave us these presents?" Viktor asked.
"I didn't have anything to do with it." Twilight said.
"Not me!"
"Don't look at me."
"It wasn't me either."
Well it wasn't me."
"I didn't get anypony anything, so it wasn't me."
Zecora and everyone else shook their heads as well and so did I. "Then who did?" Seth asked.
"Maybe their name is on the presents?" Zane suggested.
"Mine says 'from everyone and no one."
"So does mine.
"And ours too."
"Same here."
"Hmm...then who was it?" I asked.
There was then a wicked laughed that sounded from no where and then a voice. "Why the present's were from me. Why haven't you opened them yet?"
"Discord! What are you up to!?"
"Nothing I assure you. Just got into the spirit of things is all." Twilight cast an X-ray spell to see what was inside of them but it didn't work. He appeared in front of us. "Now, now Twilight, what fun would that be? In order to find out what's inside you must actually open them."
We all gave unsure looks and reluctantly opened our presents. Much to our surprise none of them blew up. Twilight got a new book before it was supposed to come out, Rainbow got a Wonderbolts uniform, Applejack got a hat care kit, Rarity got a few rare gems, Pinkie got a box full of assorted candy, Fluttershy got some pet care supplies (expensive and extremely good supplies according to her). Viktor got what he called "Matryoshka dolls", Zane got a box full of random stuff, like soap and drinks, Zecora got an updated book on potion making, Seth got a pack of strings for an instrument, Match got some...thing, no idea what that is, and I got a brand new, better looking eye-patch.
"Now what do we say to Uncle Discord?"
"T-thank you, but how did you get out?"
"Oh Celestia and Luna were kind enough to let me out."
"Really?"
"I know! Surprised me too." He shrugged. "But here I am."
"And what do you plan on doing while you're out?"
"Oh nothing much. Maybe in case fire in ice. Nothing too over the top. Don't want to ruin the fun after all."
"So you're not up to anything?"
"Well nothing bad anyway. Well this was fun but I got to go."
"Bye?" And he vanished.
We all played and talked until the night came. Zane had to go back and celebrate Christmas with his family. Viktor and Zecora left a couple minutes ago, and Seth, Fluttershy and Match followed shortly after. One by one the ponies left. I stayed behind and helped Twilight clean up.
"Thanks." She smiled. "You didn't have to stay."
"I know, I wanted to help out."
"Well thank you again. It was a lot faster with help."
"No problem Twilight. I'm happy to help." I looked at the clock. "Wow It's that late?! I should get going. Thank you for inviting me."
"You're welcome Zeta. Don't be such a stranger okay?"
I chuckled. "I'll try not to Twi. Goodbye."
"Goodbye."
I opened the door and began walking home. The party was alright even with that little snag last night. All and all though it was a nice night. I looked up at the sky and saw Luna's moon, it was beautiful and full. It was cold sure, but that's fine. It was a nice Hearth's Warming Holiday.
And so I will say. To all of you humans; Merry Christmas. And to you ponies out there; Happy Hearth's Warming Eve.