It's a Creature Kind of Christmasby Matthais UnidostresChaptersSmolder- "Santa Baby"Gallus- "You're a Mean One, Mr. Griff"Ocellus- "A Changeling's Hearth's Warming"Sandbar- "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Hooves"Yona- "Frosty the Snow-Yak"Silverstream- "Freedom's Here to Stay"Smolder- "Santa Baby""So, let me get this straight," Smolder asked as she sat in a chair across from Sandbar, the two of them relaxing in the student lounge of the School of Friendship, "There's this really old pony named Santa Hooves, with a long white beard and red and white clothes, who has this team of 9 flying reindeer, one with a glowing red nose, that pull a sleigh through the sky?" "Right," Sandbar said with a nod. Smolder blinked her eyes at him, then she frowned and continued, "And this guy flies over all of Equestria on Hearth's Warming Eve, and delivers presents to every single pony who sends him a letter, all in one night?" Sandbar shurgged and answered, "Well, only to ponies who are good, but pretty much yeah." Smolder stared long at and hard at Sandbar, then folded her arms and rolled her eyes in mild irritation, "Well, fine I guess. If a magical tree can turn into Princess Twilight, then I guess Santa Hooves can do what he does. Lucky you, and all the rest of you ponies." Sandbar smiled and shook his head. "Not just me. You too." Smolder raised an eyebrow, "Uh, I case you haven't noticed, I'm a dragon." Sandbar kept smiling pleasantly and said, "But here you are, in Equestria, celebrating Hearth's Warming Eve. I'm sure Santa Hooves would gladly give you and the others some presents." Smolder's eyes widened, and she asked slowly, "And. . . Santa Hooves gives you whatever you ask for?" Sandbar was a bit unnerverd by the look in Smolder's eyes, but he replied, "Well, yeah. . . I mean, within reas-." Smolder suddenly began laughing and rubbing her claws together maniacally. "Ohhhhh boy! I've got a letter to write!" Smolder then flew right of the room, then returned just as quickly, parchment and pencil in hand. Sandbar watched as the dragon reclined on the comfy chair, her legs swinging as she hummed to herself in thought. "Uh, Smolder?" Sandbar asked tentively. Smolder just smiled adorably and began dictating her letter to herself as she wrote it. Santa baby, slip an opal under the tree, for me I've been an awful good girl Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight Santa baby, a 20 carat zircon too, light blue I'll wait up for you, dear Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight Sandbar nervously raised a forehoof and said, "Um, just hold it a minute, Smolder-." Smolder then began driving her right fist into her left palm as she read the next part she'd written. Think of all the fun I've missed Think of all the dragon tails I haven't kicked Next year I could be also good If you'll check off my little list Smolder then went back to smiling and writing, her her tail swining back and forth to her own beat. Santa baby, I want a peridot and that's not, a lot I've been an angel all year Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight "Oh boy. . ." Sandbar moaned as he facehoofed. Santa honey one thing I really do need, the deed To an amethyst mine Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight Santa cutie, wrap up some amazonite, and nephrite They're colored green like a lime Santa cutie, and hurry down the chimney tonight "Smolder, please! You don't-!" Sandbar pleaded, only to promptly interrupted when Smolder sat up suddenly, he eyes wide and shining as possibilites entered her mind. Come and decorate my tree With decorations made from lapis lazuli I really do believe in you Let's see if you believe in me Smolder laughed happily as she took the air and finished off her letter. Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a diamond ring Or just a diamond is fine Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight Hurry down the chimney tonight Hurry down the chimeny. . . . toniiiiiiiiiiight! Smolder landed back in her chair and said aloud as she signed the letter, "Sincerely, Smolder!" She then rolled up the scroll and said eagerly and with a hungry look in her eye, "Oh, I can't wait!" Sandbar let out a sigh as his dragon friend started drooling. "You know, Santa Hooves can't always give everything in every single letter." "Eh," Smolder said nonchalantly, as she appeared to have gotten her hunger back under control rather quickly, "I kinda figured that. That's why I dreamed kinda big. Figured that if he goes with at least one request, it would be worth it." Sandbar gave her a look of longsuffering and said, "But really. . . a deed to an amethyst mine? Really?" Smolder smiled slyly and replied, "Go big or go home!" Author's Note Santa Baby by Joan Javits and Philip Springer Gallus- "You're a Mean One, Mr. Griff"Spike was pushing a cart filled with various books related to Hearth's Warming. They ranged from chapter books, like A Hearth's Warming Tail, to shorter picture books. One of those picture books happened to fall off the cart, unknown to Spike, who continued on his merry way. Some time later, Gallus was walking down the hall when he spotted the book. What caught his attention was the image on the cover. It was a griffon. A bright green griffon to be exact, and he was wearing a nefarious smile. "Hm," Gallus said as he took a closer look at the book. "How The Griff Stole Hearth's Warming. . ." he read aloud. Immediately, he felt a pang of guilt inside. This book was reminding him of that prank he had pulled in his attempt to keep his friends from leaving for the holidays. It had all turned out okay, but he still felt ashamed of it. However, this also caused him to become highly curious of the contents of this children's book. How did this griffon steal Hearth's Warming? Why did he do it? Why was he green? And so, after checking to see that no one was around, Gallus grabbed the book and stepping into a nerby room. Closing the door behind him, he made himself comfortable on some cushions and began to read. However, as he read this book, the rhyming nature of the text, combined with the warm room and comfy cushions, caused Gallus to slowly fall into a deep slumber. . . The house was completely quiet, its inhabittants all fast asleep. The house was filled with decorations, and presents were pilled beaneath the tree. The silence was broken when something suddenly came down the chimney with bound, and it wasn't Santa Hooves. Rather, it was none other than Gallus. However, he looked very different. For one thing, he was wearing a red Santa Hooves hat and coat. For another, his fur and feathers weren't his usualy blue. Instead, Gallus was colored green, with a light green underbelly. Although the feathers on his head still had their yellow tips. Gallus looked around at the room, and a devious smile spread across his face as he began singing to himself. You're a mean one, Mr. Griff You really are a heel You're as friendly and inviting as an angry quarray eel, Mr. Griff-on! You're a bad banana with a. . . greasy black peel! Gallus held open a sack and tossed in all of the Hearth's Warming dolls that sat on the mantle of the fireplace. Then he turned and set his eyes on the tree and presents. You're a monster, Mr. Griff Your heart's an empty hole Your brain is full of fly-ders, you have flash bees in your soul, Mr. Griff-on! I wouldn't touch you with a. . . thirty-nine-and-a-half foot pole! Gallus whipped out a bolas, twirled it as fast as he could, and then hurled it straight at the tree. The tree was quickly tied up tightly, decorations and all, and fell to the floor. Gallus was delighted by this, and he rubbed his talons together as he focused on the presents. You're a vile one, Mr. Griff You have twittermites in your smile You have all the tender sweetness of an irate cragadile, Mr. Griff-on! Given a choice between the two of you I'd take the. . . . irate cragadile! Gallus then fell down to the floor and crawled serpent-like over to the presents. Laughing softly, Gallus swept all of the gifts into his sack. When he was finished, he tied it up, tossed it behind him, and kicked it over to the fireplace. You're a foul one, Mr. Griff You're such a piece of work Your body is filled with malice, from your tail up to your smirk, Mr. Griff-on! The three words that best describe you are as follows, and I quote. . ."Jerkish! Jerky! Jerk!" Gallus took out another empty sack and comically tiptoed into the kitchen. He opened the refrigerator, and his eyes shined as he saw the large pudding inside. Smiling gleefully, Gallus tossed it into his sack, along with all the vegetables that sat waiting to be prepared the next day. You're a rotter, Mr. Griff You're as pleasant as the trots Your heart's a dead Zap Apple splotched with moldy purple spots, Mr. Griff-on! Your soul is a rotten apple core, wrapped in moldy hay, and dipped in dragon perspiration, mashed together with various baked bads, mangled up. . . in tangled up knots! Gallus passed by the kitchen table, which had a bowl full of candy canes on it. He used his tail to sweep it into the sack as he passed. Then, as he moved through the house, his tail continued to grab wreaths and other decorations off of the wall and toss them into the sack. You nauseate me, Mr. Griff With a nauseous super "naus"! You never had a happy holiday, now you're coping with your loss, Mr. Griff-on! You're a three decker poison joke and tatzlwurm mucus sandwich. . . with arsenic sauce! Gallus pushed his two sacks of loot up into the chimney, and then he grabbed the trunk of the tied up tree with his tail. Then, with a flap of his wings, Gallus shot up into the chimney, coming back for only a second to grab the log in the fireplace. There was nothing left behind but some hooks and wire on the walls, and a single crumb that was even too small for a Breezie. Gallus was jolted awake by the sound of a door opening. He looked over to see Sandbar standing in the doorway. "Hey, Gallus. What are you doing here, sitting all by yourself?" Sandbar asked. "Uhh. . ." Gallus said nervously, not sure if he should even bother trying to hide the book on his lap. Sandbar spotted the book, and he smiled and said, "Oh, How the Griff Stole Hearth's Warming! My baby sister loves it when I read it to her!" Gallus huffed in embarrassment and said, "You don't have to rub it in." Sandbar immediately understood what Gallus meant by the remark, and he quickly backpedaled and said, "Oh, no, no, no. I didn't mean. . .well. . . look, I love that story too!" Gallus looked away in shame and said, "Huh. Well, I bet it was surprising to meet the real live Griff, wasn't it?" Sandbar stared thoughtfully at Gallus for a moment. Then he finally said, "Gallus, did you get to the ending yet?" Gallus shrugged and said, "No, but so what? Santa Hooves probably catches him and throws him in Tartarus, right?" Sandbar just smiled and shook his head, "Not even close. I think you should read it yourself." Sandbar then took a few steps back and said with a grin, "And you're not leaving this room until you do." Gallus stared at the door after Sandbar slammed it shut. Then he looked down at the book, turned the page, and continued to read. A few minutes went by, and Gallus stepped out of them, book in talon, and a faraway look in his eyes. "Well?" Sandbar asked expectantly. Gallus stood in silence at first. Then he said slowly, "Well, it's like I said. . ." Gallus then held the book over his heart and said with a smile, "I bet it was surprising to meet the real live Griff, wasn't it?" Author's Note You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch by Theodor "Dr. Seuss" Geisel and Albert Hague Ocellus- "A Changeling's Hearth's Warming"Shining Armor and Princess Cadence approached the School of Friendship. Attending them were two royal guards. One was a non-descript Crystal Pony, while the other was none other than Flash Sentry. Princess Cadence looked up at the impressive school building with anticipation and said, "This is the perfect time to visit Twilight's school. We might even be able to join in on the festivities!" Shining Armor was swelling with pride as he beheld the school. "Well, Twily sure has accomplished quite a bit, hasn't she?" "OH MY GOSH, IS IT REALLY YOU!?" a voice squealed out. A light blue and red blur streaked right to the group of four ponies. Said streak was actually Ocellus, who had come to a stop right in front of Flash Sentry. Ocellus squealed with delight and began hopping up and down with excitement, "OH MY GOSH, IT IS YOU! YES! YES! YES! YES!" The ponies stared at the elated Changeling in shock. Then, Flash Sentry realized that all eyes were on him. Rubbing the back of his neck nervously, he said, "Umm. . . young lady? I'm just a royal guard-." Ocellus stopped hopping and shook her head. "Oh, you're not just a royal guard! You're the royal guard! One of my family members told me all about you!" Flash Sentry was getting more confused by the second. "Uh, what?" he asked. "Don't you remember?" Ocellus coaxed eagerly, "How about I tell you little bit of what happened. Maybe then it will refresh your memory." Flash Sentry looked to the other ponies. Cadence was smiling, Shining Armor was shrugging, and the Crystal Pony had one eyebrow raised. Flash then looked back Ocellus and said with a smile, "Well, okay. I kinda do feel something stuck in the back of my head, now that you mention it." Ocellus nodded eagerly and said, "Okay! Here we go!" Ocellus then began her tale. A Changeling quickly ran through the snow, away from a pony village he had just stolen some love from, and jumped into some nearby woods. Then, he quickly buzzed upward through the tree tops and took the sky, buzzing in the direction of the Changeling Kingdom. After our invasion, was thwarted by Spike Our Queen gave the order, to use stealth in our strikes To disguise and beguile every stallion and mare And to bring back all love that we could harvest from there It was Hearth's Warming Eve, it was 40 below When one Changeling was spotted by a pony down low Yes, a Pegasus saw him, so that Pegasus flew With ice on his wings, the Changeling knew he was through The Changeling's eyes widened in terror as he spotted an orange Pegasus on the ground, wearing a bulging saddlebag. The Pegasus on the ground locked eyes with him, and then immediately took flight in hot pursuit of the Changeling. Both flying creatures were soon zooming around through the cold night air. Oh those swell Hearth's Warming bells Ring out from the land Asking peace of all the world Isn't that just grand! Freezing from the cold, the Changeling quickly became tired, and moved rather slowly through the sky. He looked up and saw that the orange Pegasus was right above him, all four of his hooves ready to stomp the Changeling to the ground. The Pegasus caught up with that Changeling real quick The Changeling was below him, in range for a kick Why he didn't strike, well, we'll never know Or was it the bells from the village below? The orange Pegasus hardened his gaze, but said gaze softened when the sound of bells drifted in from the nearby village. A conflicted feeling spread through him as he stared down at the Changeling below him, who was cringing in fear as he did his best to continue flying through the freezing air. Oh those swell Hearth's Warming bells Ring out from the land Asking peace of all the world Isn't that just grand! The Pegasus' inner conflict gave way to resolution, and he nodded with determination. He then looked downwards to address the Changeling. The Pegasus ordered, the Changeling to land Things hadn't gone the way the Changeling had planned The Changeling was certain, that this was the end Until the Pegasus exclaimed- "Happy Hearth's Warming, friend!" Flash Sentry cried out with wide eyed realization clear on his face. "YOU REMEMBER!" Ocellus exclaimed gleefully, and she rushed in and hugged him. Flash Sentry smiled and gently returned the hug. As they hugged, Ocellus continued her tale. The Changeling stared at Flash Sentry in amazement as the Pegasus took out what he had in his saddlebags: a jug of Sweet Apple Cider. The Pegasus offered, a holiday toast The Changeling, our hero, saluted his host And then with some flapping, they were both on their way Each knowing they'd meet on some other day. Oh those swell Hearth's Warming bells Ring out from the land Asking peace of all the world Isn't that just grand! Oh those swell Hearth's Warming bells Ring out from the land Asking peace of all the world Isn't that just grand! As the Crystal Pony guard blubbered with tears of joy in response to the touching moment, Shining Armor remarked with a smile, "Well, it seems that Spike wasn't the first one to give a Changeling a chance." Flash Sentry frowned in shame and said, "I don't know. I mean, Spike made that big speech and convinced everyone to trust Thorax, and now Thorax is the King of the Changelings. I wasn't much help to the Changelings as a whole. I didn't even tell anypony about what I did. If only I had, then maybe-." "You don't feel bad," Ocellus said as she continued to smile at Flash, "You did what you felt you could do at the moment, and it certainly meant a lot to him. You treated him like another living, thinking being, and not like a monster. Even if Spike did more with Thorax, you still did something wonderful." After hearing Ocellus' words, and seeing the smile on her face and her big shining eyes, Flash couldn't help but smile as well. "Thank you. . ." Flash said softly, then he said with great confidence, "But there's something else I feel that I should do. . ." he then looked towards Princess Cadence and Shining Armor hopefully and said, "Um, if you will allow me?" Some time later, Flash Sentry was walking through the Changeling Kingdom, looking around at the various Changelings who were getting ready to celebrate Hearth's Warming Eve. He looked down at the written description Ocellus had given him, and then looked around the massive hive. Before long, he spotted who he was looking for. He was a light cornflower blue Changeling with a green carapace, brilliant scarlet eyes, and a horn. Flash approached the Changeling from behind and said, "Excuse me?" The Changeling turned around and said, "Oh, hello. I-." The Changeling froze in mid sentence, and his eyes went wide as he suddenly recognized he Pegasus before him. Flash Sentry then took a jug of Sweet Apple Cider out of his saddlebag and said with a smile, "Happy Hearth's Warming, friend!" Author's Note Snoopy's Christmas by George David Weiss and Hugo & Luigi Sandbar- "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Hooves""Yeah, sorry, Sandy," Gallus replied nonchalantly, "I'm just not buying it." "Come on, Gallus. After all the amazing stuff you've seen, after the Tree of Harmony, how can you not believe it?" Sandbar argued. The rest of the Young Six entered the room, drawn there by the loud arguing. Leading the pack, Ocellus asked, "What are you two arguing about?" Sandbar turned and said, "I don't know why, but Gallus doesn't think Santa Hooves exists! Crazy, right?" Smolder looked panicked for a moment, and she said, "But there has to be!" "Hold it, hold it," Gallus said as he flew over to the other four creatures, "Let's think about this. First of all, has anycreature actually seen Santa Hooves?" Sandbar smiled and said, "I have!" Everyone stared at the pony in shock. "Really?! Oooh!" Silverstream said in interest. "How did Sandbar see Santa Hooves?" Yona asked. Gallus landed and tapped his claws on the floor. He laughed and said, "So, you've seen Santa Hooves? You're the only pony in all of Equestria who has seen this mysterious pony that no one is supposed to see?" Sandbar nodded and said, "Uh-huh. It was several years ago, and I still remember it." Silverstream nodded enthusiastically and said, "Oh, come on! Tell us! Tell us!" Sandbar smiled and said, "Sure, I'll tell you all the best holiday story ever!" Smolder gave Sandbar a look and remarked, "I thought 'The Day My Hearth's Warming Doll Almost Fell into the Fire' was the best holiday story ever?" Sandbar grinned sheepishly and said, "Well, this one is a tie with it. I call this one. . . 'I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Hooves'!" Gallus burst out laughing at this, but Sandbar just rolled his eyes and focused on his other friends. "Ignore him," Sandbar said, "Now, listen to this. . ." "Goodnight, Sandbar. Sleep tight, because tomorrow is Hearth's Warming!" Sandbar's mother kissed the young colt on the forehead as he lay tucked into his warm bed. "G'night, mommy. I hope Santa Hooves likes the cookies we left him," he said. The mare smiled and said, "I'm sure he will. Now, get to sleep so he can come and bring you presents!" Little Sandbar nodded, and he closed his eyes. His mother turned and quietly left the room, closing the door behind her. After a few minutes, Sandbar opened his eyes, and slowly crawled out of bed. "Tonight's the night I see Santa Hooves," he whispered to himself excitedly, "And I'll be the first pony to ever see him!" The young colt ever so slowly opened the door to his bedroom, and then slowly crept out into the hallway and towards the stairs. As he walked down the steps he began to hear voices speaking to each other. ". . .colts and fillies at the hospital are waiting for me." "I know dear. Oh, you're such a wonderful stallion." "And jolly?" "Yes, and jolly!" Sandbar got about halfway down the stairs when he saw something that made his jaw drop. Standing in plain sight, underneath the mistletoe, was his mother and a stallion with a white beard and a red and white suit. What's more, the pair were kissing each other. "Wow! Mommy's kissing Santa Hooves!" Sandbar thought to himself. I saw Mommy kissing Santa Hooves Underneath the mistletoe that night. She didn't see me creep Down the stairs to have a peep; She thought that I was tucked Up in my bedroom fast asleep. The pair then stopped their kissing, but Sandbar's mother let out a giggle and ran her right forehoof underneath the stallions white beard. "Well then, I don't think I should be holding you up. Those little ones certainly do need you tonight, don't they?" "Oh, ho, ho, ho! Well, certainly! Happy Hearth's Warming!" Sandbar watched in amazement as the pair stood laughing together, right before leaning in to share a nuzzle. Then, I saw Mommy tickle Santa Hooves Underneath his beard so snowy white; Oh, what a laugh it would have been If Daddy had only seen Mommy kissing Santa Hooves that night. The stallion then hefted a large sack onto his back, and Sandbar's mother opened the front door for him. Sandbar watched with slack jawed amazement as the stallion left. Then, he quickly backtracked up the stairs and back into his room. As he crawled back into his bed, he said to himself, "Wow. . . I actually saw Santa Hooves. . .and Mommy kissed him!" Sandbar then frowned in slight confusion and said, "And he went thought the front door instead of the chimney?" Sandbar shook off his confusion and smiled as he settled into bed, "Whateves. He was probably in a hurry. . . I think I'll keep what I saw a secret, and share it only with my best friends. . ." Then I saw mommy tickle Santa Hooves Underneath his beard so snowy white Oh, what a laugh it would have been If daddy had only seen Mommy kissing Santa Hooves that night Oh, what a laugh it would have been If Daddy had only seen Mommy kissing Santa Hooves that night Sandbar turned sharply to Gallus, who had started laughing again. The griffon was hovering in mid air, holding his stomach and kicking his hind legs as he laughed. "Oh, wow! That's rich! That's really rich!" Sandbar stomped his right forehoof and said, "Hey! Knock it off! I-!" Suddenly, Sandbar heard laughing from behind him. He turned and saw that Smolder and Yona were laughing pretty loudly. Ocellus and Silverstream were trying their best to stifle their laughter. Silverstream chuckled and said as she held a claw to her beak, "Hee, hee, hee. Oh, Sandbar! That sounds like a really fun dream you had!" "But I did!" Sandbar said with great conviction, "I really did see her kissing Santa Hooves!" Ocellus cleared her throat, and said with a smile, "Sandbar, this is all really simple. What happened was. . ." Whatever Ocellus said was drowned out by the laughter of the others, and Sandbar in vain assertions. "Aw, come on guys, you just gotta believe me! You just gotta believe me! You just gotta!" Author's Note I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus by Tommie Connor. Yona- "Frosty the Snow-Yak"Unlike a certain winter brought in by a certain tortoise loving rainbow maned pegasus, this winter came in quite more gently. The first snow fall left a few inches on the ground, and the Sun was shining down from a clear sky. Nevertheless, there was still enough snow to play with. Gallus and Smolder playfully threw snowballs at each other, Ocellus and Silverstream made snow angels, and Yona and Sandbar were working on a more artistic activity. The yak was eagerly shaping a large, oblong mass of snow, the biggest of grins on her face. Sandbar walked over with slightly smaller snow boulder and stuck it onto the front of the oblong mass. Sandbar began making horns on either side of the part he had added, and Yona dug her hooves into the oblong mass to create a design that resembled a yak's blanket. Yona jumped up and down and shouted, "Snow-yak! Snow-yak! Snow-yak!" The rest of the group of friends were brought over by the commotion, and looked on as the young couple completed their creation. Sandbar gave it a handsome set of horns and a kind face, complete with a bushy beard. Yona gave the figure a very ornate blanket, and added detail to its hooves, fur, and tail. Silverstream was all smiles as she said, "Ooh, it's beautiful!" Gallus shrugged and said, "Eh, it's just a yak made of snow." Yona glared at the griffon and said, "Frosty is not just yak made of snow! Frosty is Frosty the Snow-Yak!" ". . .Who?" Gallus asked. Silverstream looked intrigued by this and said eagerly, "Ooh! Is Frosty someone you know? What's he like? Tell us!" Ocellus simply smiled and said, "I'd like to hear about him." Smolder didn't look very impressed, and she said, "Eh, dragons don't really do 'frosty'. Just sayin'." Ocellus frowned in disapproval and said, "Come on, you and Gallus aren't being fair-." "Frosty the Snow-Yak is special magical creature from Yakyakistan!" Yona said happily, "Yona tell friends all about him!" Yona pranced happily around the snow-yak she and Sandbar had made as she told her tale. Frosty the Snow-Yak, Was jolly, happy yak! With the best yak blanket and best yak beard, and two horns made from snow! Frosty the Snow-Yak, Was yak legend, some say Frosty made from snow, but young yaks know, how Frosty come alive one day! "Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Smolder said as she waved her claws a bit, "You're telling me that a yak made of snow actually came to life in Yakyakistan?" Yona nodded eagerly and continued her story. There must have been some magic in the hat that young yaks found, When yaks place hat on Frosty's head, Frosty dance around! Frosty the Snow-Yak, Was alive as yak could be! And young yaks say Frosty laugh and play, Same way as you and me! "Pfft! Yeah, right!" Smolder said. Gallus nodded, "Yeah, I'm with Smolder on this one. Something made of snow coming to life? Come on!" Sandbar staunchly defended his girlfriend, "Hey! After everything we've seen since we've been coming to this school, is Yona's story really all that unbelievable?" Silverstream nodded, "Sandbar's right. I mean, we met a tree that came to life, didn't we?" Gallus shook his head, "Yeah, no. It's not the same. The Tree of Harmony was this ancient, magical, all powerful thing. It wasn't just a pile of snow with a hat on." Yona huffed and said, "If Gallus and Smolder do not believe, it be their loss!" Sandbar scooted close to Yona and said, "Aw, don't worry about it. Come on, let's finish Frosty! I have the hat right here!" Sandbar held up a replica of Yksler's Helm. Yona smiled and said, "Sandbar can put hat on snow yak." Sandbar placed the helm onto the snow-yak's head. Then, without any warning, the snow-yak seemed to explode with a flash of green light. The five friends were sprayed with snow as they momentarily turned away. When they blinked their eyes and looked again, they were shocked beyond belief to see the snow-yak smiling right at them. "Happy birthday!" Frosty said with delight. "Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-!?" Smolder said, her jaw hanging open in disbelief. "YONA KNEW IT! YONA TOLD FRIENDS SHE WAS RIGHT! YES! YES! YES!" shouted the young yak as she jumped around wildly in glee. Gallus' right eye twitched as he said slowly, "Never. . . a dull. . . moment. . ." Frosty the Snow-Yak let out a bellowing laugh, then he said, "Well, well, well; Frosty can't stay here all day with hot Sun shining down on him! Yona and friends! Follow Frosty to see him off when he moves on to colder place out of Sun!" Silverstream twirled around excitedly and said, "Yes! Let's have a parade! Weeeee!" Frosty turned around and half stomped, half hopped forward. Yona, Sandbar, and Silverstream quickly followed after, as Gallus and Smolder stood unable to move right away due to their shock. Gallus slowly turned to look at Smolder. "Well?" he said. Smolder looked back at him, and she shrugged and said, "Eh. If ya can't beat 'em. . ." And with that, the two of them flew after the group as Frosty the Snow-Yak lead them towards Ponyville, singing all the way. Frosty the Snow-Yak, Knows that Sun is hot today So yak and friends run and have tons of fun, Quick before yak melts away! Down to the pony village, Frosty has a perfect plan! Frosty runs here and frosty runs there, Friends all catch yak if they can! Frosty took off speedily, much to the five friends' surprise, and they quickly ran after him. Frosty ducked into one of the alleyways of the town, and soon the group was all split up, laughing as they chased him in and out the narrow streets, not unlike the aforementioned rainbow maned pegasus had done at one point in the past. Before long, Frosty was once again leading the five creatures through Ponyville. Yona was having the time of her life, and she sang out as she led her friends in the chase. Frosty goes down the streets of town to pony traffic cop! Frosty stop just a moment when pony holler- "STOP!" The traffic cop held out a hoof towards the group. "What's going on here? And- what in Celestia's name are you!?" Yona smiled as she cheerfully answered for Frosty, "Frosty is a Snow-Yak! Frosty just come to life today!" The pony blinked his eyes as he stared at Yona, then at Frosty, then at the group at large. Then he sighed and said, "Business as usual in the town of Ponyville, home to an Alicorn Princess, a Wonderbolt, and the Spirit of Chaos. Move along." The group smiled, and on they marched towards the edge of Ponyville, where the town met the edge of the currently snowy Everfree Forest. Frosty turned to the five creatures and spoke with a smile. Frosty the Snow-Yak, Has to hurry on yak's way! Frosty says good bye, but don't Frosty's friends cry Frosty be back here someday! Frosty turned and half stopped, half stomped off into the Everfree Forest as Yona sang out after him. Thumppity-thump-thump! Thumppity-thump-thump! Look at Frosty go! Thumppity-thump-thump! Thumppity-thump-thump! Over the hills of snow! ". . . Well. That happened," Smolder said with an amused smiled on her face. "You can say that again," Gallus remarked, only half believing what he had just experienced. "Mm-hm," Ocellus said as she smoothly flew in and landed next to Smolder. Smolder stared at the Changeling for a moment, and she opened her mouth as if to say something. But then she just said, "Eh, never mind." Silverstream- "Freedom's Here to Stay""OHMYGOSHYTHISISSOSPECTACULARLYAMAZING!" Silverstream had burst straight into the student lounge and started screaming at her five friends, much to their shock. "Whoa, whoa, hold your breath!" Smolder shouted back while motioning with her claws for Silverstream to calm down. "Hold your breath?" Gallus echoed as he eyed Smolder with confusion. Smolder shrugged and said, "It's a dragon expression." Gallus nodded in understanding, "Oh yeah, 'cause fire breath." "I'VE GOT NEWS!" Silverstream shouted as she excitedly waved a letter over her head. "Tell friends news!" Yona said eagerly. Silverstream was filled with energy, and she was hopping around as she said, "Ya know how there's always a Hearth's Warming Eve pageant in Canterlot?" "Sure!" Sandbar said instantly, "That's gotta be the biggest part of Hearth's Warming Eve in all of Equestria." "Welllllll," Silverstream said with a gleeful look, "To celebrate the renewed friendship between the hippogriffs and the ponies, Queen Novo has selected me and my brother to join her and Princess Skystar in singing a song about the Three Days of Freedom right before the big pageant!" "Wow!" Ocellus said as her wings buzzed with excitement, "That's amazing, Silverstream! You're so lucky!" Silverstream winked and said, "And so are all of you, because you're all getting front row seats to the pageant!" Silverstream's friends were all happy to hear this. Yona, Sandbar, and Ocellus cheered; while Gallus and Smolder had more chill reactions of smiles and a quick fist bump. The night of the pageant, there was standing room only as usual, with the addition of a certain group of five up at front, all eager to see their friend perform with her family. Before long, Spike came out, dressed in his narrator's outfit from last time, and he said, "Hello, fillies and gentlecolts, and welcome to this year's Hearth's Warming Eve pageant! Now, before we present the tale of the very first Hearth's Warming and the founding of Equestria, we have a special treat for you all. As you all know, after the Storm King crisis was resolved, a new era of friendship was begun between the ponies of Equestria and the hippogriffs of Mount Aris. So, as sweet gesture, Queen Novo, the ruler of the hippogriffs, joined by her daughter Princess Skystar, her niece Silverstream, and her nephew Terramar, will now sing about their own holiday: The Three Days of Freedom Celebration." Spike stepped away as the curtain parted, revealing the four hippogriffs he had introduced. Queen Novo stood up front, and she smiled with regal approval as the audience applauded. Queen Novo stepped forward, with Terramar and Silverstream to her right. Princess Skystar, however, quickly flew out onto the stage, her eyes wide as they darted left and right at the massive crowd. Terramar and Silverstream were a bit more held together. Terramar as easily the calmest, while Silverstream was quivering with anticipation. Behind the royal extended family stood a mid-sized band of hippogriffs. Queen Novo extended and raised her left wing and held it there as she waited for the applause to die down. She then waited an extra 5 seconds, and then brought her wing back down and folded it back in. This was the signal for the band to start playing. Queen Novo smiled at the sound of the steady and marching-like, yet swinging and happy tune. Then she said authoritatively, "Okay then. Are you three ready to sing our song?" "I'll say we are!" Skystar said as moved her head back and forth to the music. "Yeah! Let's sing it now!" Silverstream said eagerly as she pumped her fist into the air. Queen Novo nodded and looked towards her slightly nervous nephew. "Okay, Terramar?" Silverstream rested a comforting wing on her brother's back, which restored enough of his courage for him to nod determinedly and reply with, "Okay!" "Okay, Silverstream?" "Okay!" she said while flashing Terramar an encouraging smile. "Okay, Skystar?" Skystar's eyes were closed, and now her whole body was moving to the music. "Skystar?" Queen Novo repeated, quickly growing impatient. The Princess didn't respond, still smiling as she moved to the music. Novo stomped her right talon down hard and shouted, "SKYSTAR!" "Okay!" Skystar finally answered as she opened her eyes and flapped her wings in excitement. Then, the three young hippogriffs began to sing. "Days of Freedom now are here Time for gifts and time for cheer" Novo quickly regained her composure and put on a smile as she joined in on the singing. "Safety 'neath the ocean vast Now the Storm King's in the past" "Toys like model trains and sloops," Silverstream and Terramar sang. "Me, I want a Loopty-Hoop!" Skystar sang as she got up on her hind legs and swung her hips in a circle. All four hippogriffs gave big smiles as they all sang the next part together. "The feeling never goes away For freedom's here to stay" Novo and Skystar flew upwards as Terramar and Silverstream went into their dance routine. It could be best described as a more open, spread-out waltz combined with a sort of ballett. The two hippogriffs moved around each other in a circle, with Silverstream performing purriottes while fanning her wings prettily, and Terramar spinning around on his hindlegs while pumping his wings. The siblings focused on each other as the music played, and the smiling face of his sister kept Terramar from getting too nervous. Meanwhile, in the front row of the audience, Smolder was snickering and nudging Ocellus as she pointed over at Gallus. The griffon's eyes were practically glued on Silverstream's dancing figure, and his beak was hanging open slightly as he stared. Smolder winked at the Changeling and said in a low whisper, "Lucky you. Dinner and a show." Ocellus just rolled her eyes and looked back at the performance, ignoring the dragon. Queen Novo and Skystar landed as the siblings finished their dance. Novo nodded and said, "Okay, children, get ready. That was very good, Terramar." Terramar grinned and blushed as he smiled at his sister. "Naturally," he replied. "Very good, Silverstream." "Tee-hee-hee!" Silverstream giggled. Novo frowned at her daughter and said, "Skystar, you were a little flat, watch it. . . . Skystar?" Skystar had a big grin on her face as she started rocking to and fro to the music again. "Skystar?" Novo repeated with an annoyed look on her face, then she she angrily clenched her beak a bit before shouting, "SKYSTAR!" "Okay!" Skystar said with a nod, and then the three young ones began singing again. "Toys like model trains and sloops," Silverstream and Terramar sang. "I still want a Loopty-Hoop!" Skystar sang as she got up on her hind legs and swung her hips in a circle. All four hippogriffs gave big smiles as they all sang the next part together. The feeling never goes away For freedom's here to stay! The feeling never goes away For freedom's here to stay! The band concluded their playing, and the audience all stomped the ground in applause as they cheered. Novo nodded her approval and said, "Very good, children." "Lets sing it again!" Skystar said with glee. Silverstream nodded in full agreement and said, "Yeah, lets sing it again!" Novo frowned and shook her head, "No, that's enough, let's not overdo it." Skystar appeared shocked at her mother's statement and said, "What do you mean overdo it?" Emboldened by the fact that his first performance had gone over quite well with the crowd, Terramar nodded determinedly and said, "We want to sing it again!" Novo glared down at the trio and said sternly, "Now wait a minute, you three-." "Alright, you guys!" Princess Skystar suddenly shouted to the band behind them, "One! More! Time!" The musicians all briefly exchanged glances, shrugged, and began playing the song again. "Hold it just one-!" Novo began, only to be drowned out by the music and more singing from the young ones. Irritated, Novo looked around aimlessly at first, but then noticed that the audience before them looked quite happy and seemed quite into the song. A couple of audience members appeared to have picked up the song and were singing along. Novo took a deep breath, let it out, and smiled before joining in on the song herself. Author's Note The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late) by Ross Sr. Bagdasarian. The version that would be the most fitting with this chapter would be Kacey Musgraves's version. link
Smolder- "Santa Baby""So, let me get this straight," Smolder asked as she sat in a chair across from Sandbar, the two of them relaxing in the student lounge of the School of Friendship, "There's this really old pony named Santa Hooves, with a long white beard and red and white clothes, who has this team of 9 flying reindeer, one with a glowing red nose, that pull a sleigh through the sky?" "Right," Sandbar said with a nod. Smolder blinked her eyes at him, then she frowned and continued, "And this guy flies over all of Equestria on Hearth's Warming Eve, and delivers presents to every single pony who sends him a letter, all in one night?" Sandbar shurgged and answered, "Well, only to ponies who are good, but pretty much yeah." Smolder stared long at and hard at Sandbar, then folded her arms and rolled her eyes in mild irritation, "Well, fine I guess. If a magical tree can turn into Princess Twilight, then I guess Santa Hooves can do what he does. Lucky you, and all the rest of you ponies." Sandbar smiled and shook his head. "Not just me. You too." Smolder raised an eyebrow, "Uh, I case you haven't noticed, I'm a dragon." Sandbar kept smiling pleasantly and said, "But here you are, in Equestria, celebrating Hearth's Warming Eve. I'm sure Santa Hooves would gladly give you and the others some presents." Smolder's eyes widened, and she asked slowly, "And. . . Santa Hooves gives you whatever you ask for?" Sandbar was a bit unnerverd by the look in Smolder's eyes, but he replied, "Well, yeah. . . I mean, within reas-." Smolder suddenly began laughing and rubbing her claws together maniacally. "Ohhhhh boy! I've got a letter to write!" Smolder then flew right of the room, then returned just as quickly, parchment and pencil in hand. Sandbar watched as the dragon reclined on the comfy chair, her legs swinging as she hummed to herself in thought. "Uh, Smolder?" Sandbar asked tentively. Smolder just smiled adorably and began dictating her letter to herself as she wrote it. Santa baby, slip an opal under the tree, for me I've been an awful good girl Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight Santa baby, a 20 carat zircon too, light blue I'll wait up for you, dear Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight Sandbar nervously raised a forehoof and said, "Um, just hold it a minute, Smolder-." Smolder then began driving her right fist into her left palm as she read the next part she'd written. Think of all the fun I've missed Think of all the dragon tails I haven't kicked Next year I could be also good If you'll check off my little list Smolder then went back to smiling and writing, her her tail swining back and forth to her own beat. Santa baby, I want a peridot and that's not, a lot I've been an angel all year Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight "Oh boy. . ." Sandbar moaned as he facehoofed. Santa honey one thing I really do need, the deed To an amethyst mine Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight Santa cutie, wrap up some amazonite, and nephrite They're colored green like a lime Santa cutie, and hurry down the chimney tonight "Smolder, please! You don't-!" Sandbar pleaded, only to promptly interrupted when Smolder sat up suddenly, he eyes wide and shining as possibilites entered her mind. Come and decorate my tree With decorations made from lapis lazuli I really do believe in you Let's see if you believe in me Smolder laughed happily as she took the air and finished off her letter. Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a diamond ring Or just a diamond is fine Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight Hurry down the chimney tonight Hurry down the chimeny. . . . toniiiiiiiiiiight! Smolder landed back in her chair and said aloud as she signed the letter, "Sincerely, Smolder!" She then rolled up the scroll and said eagerly and with a hungry look in her eye, "Oh, I can't wait!" Sandbar let out a sigh as his dragon friend started drooling. "You know, Santa Hooves can't always give everything in every single letter." "Eh," Smolder said nonchalantly, as she appeared to have gotten her hunger back under control rather quickly, "I kinda figured that. That's why I dreamed kinda big. Figured that if he goes with at least one request, it would be worth it." Sandbar gave her a look of longsuffering and said, "But really. . . a deed to an amethyst mine? Really?" Smolder smiled slyly and replied, "Go big or go home!" Author's Note Santa Baby by Joan Javits and Philip Springer
Gallus- "You're a Mean One, Mr. Griff"Spike was pushing a cart filled with various books related to Hearth's Warming. They ranged from chapter books, like A Hearth's Warming Tail, to shorter picture books. One of those picture books happened to fall off the cart, unknown to Spike, who continued on his merry way. Some time later, Gallus was walking down the hall when he spotted the book. What caught his attention was the image on the cover. It was a griffon. A bright green griffon to be exact, and he was wearing a nefarious smile. "Hm," Gallus said as he took a closer look at the book. "How The Griff Stole Hearth's Warming. . ." he read aloud. Immediately, he felt a pang of guilt inside. This book was reminding him of that prank he had pulled in his attempt to keep his friends from leaving for the holidays. It had all turned out okay, but he still felt ashamed of it. However, this also caused him to become highly curious of the contents of this children's book. How did this griffon steal Hearth's Warming? Why did he do it? Why was he green? And so, after checking to see that no one was around, Gallus grabbed the book and stepping into a nerby room. Closing the door behind him, he made himself comfortable on some cushions and began to read. However, as he read this book, the rhyming nature of the text, combined with the warm room and comfy cushions, caused Gallus to slowly fall into a deep slumber. . . The house was completely quiet, its inhabittants all fast asleep. The house was filled with decorations, and presents were pilled beaneath the tree. The silence was broken when something suddenly came down the chimney with bound, and it wasn't Santa Hooves. Rather, it was none other than Gallus. However, he looked very different. For one thing, he was wearing a red Santa Hooves hat and coat. For another, his fur and feathers weren't his usualy blue. Instead, Gallus was colored green, with a light green underbelly. Although the feathers on his head still had their yellow tips. Gallus looked around at the room, and a devious smile spread across his face as he began singing to himself. You're a mean one, Mr. Griff You really are a heel You're as friendly and inviting as an angry quarray eel, Mr. Griff-on! You're a bad banana with a. . . greasy black peel! Gallus held open a sack and tossed in all of the Hearth's Warming dolls that sat on the mantle of the fireplace. Then he turned and set his eyes on the tree and presents. You're a monster, Mr. Griff Your heart's an empty hole Your brain is full of fly-ders, you have flash bees in your soul, Mr. Griff-on! I wouldn't touch you with a. . . thirty-nine-and-a-half foot pole! Gallus whipped out a bolas, twirled it as fast as he could, and then hurled it straight at the tree. The tree was quickly tied up tightly, decorations and all, and fell to the floor. Gallus was delighted by this, and he rubbed his talons together as he focused on the presents. You're a vile one, Mr. Griff You have twittermites in your smile You have all the tender sweetness of an irate cragadile, Mr. Griff-on! Given a choice between the two of you I'd take the. . . . irate cragadile! Gallus then fell down to the floor and crawled serpent-like over to the presents. Laughing softly, Gallus swept all of the gifts into his sack. When he was finished, he tied it up, tossed it behind him, and kicked it over to the fireplace. You're a foul one, Mr. Griff You're such a piece of work Your body is filled with malice, from your tail up to your smirk, Mr. Griff-on! The three words that best describe you are as follows, and I quote. . ."Jerkish! Jerky! Jerk!" Gallus took out another empty sack and comically tiptoed into the kitchen. He opened the refrigerator, and his eyes shined as he saw the large pudding inside. Smiling gleefully, Gallus tossed it into his sack, along with all the vegetables that sat waiting to be prepared the next day. You're a rotter, Mr. Griff You're as pleasant as the trots Your heart's a dead Zap Apple splotched with moldy purple spots, Mr. Griff-on! Your soul is a rotten apple core, wrapped in moldy hay, and dipped in dragon perspiration, mashed together with various baked bads, mangled up. . . in tangled up knots! Gallus passed by the kitchen table, which had a bowl full of candy canes on it. He used his tail to sweep it into the sack as he passed. Then, as he moved through the house, his tail continued to grab wreaths and other decorations off of the wall and toss them into the sack. You nauseate me, Mr. Griff With a nauseous super "naus"! You never had a happy holiday, now you're coping with your loss, Mr. Griff-on! You're a three decker poison joke and tatzlwurm mucus sandwich. . . with arsenic sauce! Gallus pushed his two sacks of loot up into the chimney, and then he grabbed the trunk of the tied up tree with his tail. Then, with a flap of his wings, Gallus shot up into the chimney, coming back for only a second to grab the log in the fireplace. There was nothing left behind but some hooks and wire on the walls, and a single crumb that was even too small for a Breezie. Gallus was jolted awake by the sound of a door opening. He looked over to see Sandbar standing in the doorway. "Hey, Gallus. What are you doing here, sitting all by yourself?" Sandbar asked. "Uhh. . ." Gallus said nervously, not sure if he should even bother trying to hide the book on his lap. Sandbar spotted the book, and he smiled and said, "Oh, How the Griff Stole Hearth's Warming! My baby sister loves it when I read it to her!" Gallus huffed in embarrassment and said, "You don't have to rub it in." Sandbar immediately understood what Gallus meant by the remark, and he quickly backpedaled and said, "Oh, no, no, no. I didn't mean. . .well. . . look, I love that story too!" Gallus looked away in shame and said, "Huh. Well, I bet it was surprising to meet the real live Griff, wasn't it?" Sandbar stared thoughtfully at Gallus for a moment. Then he finally said, "Gallus, did you get to the ending yet?" Gallus shrugged and said, "No, but so what? Santa Hooves probably catches him and throws him in Tartarus, right?" Sandbar just smiled and shook his head, "Not even close. I think you should read it yourself." Sandbar then took a few steps back and said with a grin, "And you're not leaving this room until you do." Gallus stared at the door after Sandbar slammed it shut. Then he looked down at the book, turned the page, and continued to read. A few minutes went by, and Gallus stepped out of them, book in talon, and a faraway look in his eyes. "Well?" Sandbar asked expectantly. Gallus stood in silence at first. Then he said slowly, "Well, it's like I said. . ." Gallus then held the book over his heart and said with a smile, "I bet it was surprising to meet the real live Griff, wasn't it?" Author's Note You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch by Theodor "Dr. Seuss" Geisel and Albert Hague
Ocellus- "A Changeling's Hearth's Warming"Shining Armor and Princess Cadence approached the School of Friendship. Attending them were two royal guards. One was a non-descript Crystal Pony, while the other was none other than Flash Sentry. Princess Cadence looked up at the impressive school building with anticipation and said, "This is the perfect time to visit Twilight's school. We might even be able to join in on the festivities!" Shining Armor was swelling with pride as he beheld the school. "Well, Twily sure has accomplished quite a bit, hasn't she?" "OH MY GOSH, IS IT REALLY YOU!?" a voice squealed out. A light blue and red blur streaked right to the group of four ponies. Said streak was actually Ocellus, who had come to a stop right in front of Flash Sentry. Ocellus squealed with delight and began hopping up and down with excitement, "OH MY GOSH, IT IS YOU! YES! YES! YES! YES!" The ponies stared at the elated Changeling in shock. Then, Flash Sentry realized that all eyes were on him. Rubbing the back of his neck nervously, he said, "Umm. . . young lady? I'm just a royal guard-." Ocellus stopped hopping and shook her head. "Oh, you're not just a royal guard! You're the royal guard! One of my family members told me all about you!" Flash Sentry was getting more confused by the second. "Uh, what?" he asked. "Don't you remember?" Ocellus coaxed eagerly, "How about I tell you little bit of what happened. Maybe then it will refresh your memory." Flash Sentry looked to the other ponies. Cadence was smiling, Shining Armor was shrugging, and the Crystal Pony had one eyebrow raised. Flash then looked back Ocellus and said with a smile, "Well, okay. I kinda do feel something stuck in the back of my head, now that you mention it." Ocellus nodded eagerly and said, "Okay! Here we go!" Ocellus then began her tale. A Changeling quickly ran through the snow, away from a pony village he had just stolen some love from, and jumped into some nearby woods. Then, he quickly buzzed upward through the tree tops and took the sky, buzzing in the direction of the Changeling Kingdom. After our invasion, was thwarted by Spike Our Queen gave the order, to use stealth in our strikes To disguise and beguile every stallion and mare And to bring back all love that we could harvest from there It was Hearth's Warming Eve, it was 40 below When one Changeling was spotted by a pony down low Yes, a Pegasus saw him, so that Pegasus flew With ice on his wings, the Changeling knew he was through The Changeling's eyes widened in terror as he spotted an orange Pegasus on the ground, wearing a bulging saddlebag. The Pegasus on the ground locked eyes with him, and then immediately took flight in hot pursuit of the Changeling. Both flying creatures were soon zooming around through the cold night air. Oh those swell Hearth's Warming bells Ring out from the land Asking peace of all the world Isn't that just grand! Freezing from the cold, the Changeling quickly became tired, and moved rather slowly through the sky. He looked up and saw that the orange Pegasus was right above him, all four of his hooves ready to stomp the Changeling to the ground. The Pegasus caught up with that Changeling real quick The Changeling was below him, in range for a kick Why he didn't strike, well, we'll never know Or was it the bells from the village below? The orange Pegasus hardened his gaze, but said gaze softened when the sound of bells drifted in from the nearby village. A conflicted feeling spread through him as he stared down at the Changeling below him, who was cringing in fear as he did his best to continue flying through the freezing air. Oh those swell Hearth's Warming bells Ring out from the land Asking peace of all the world Isn't that just grand! The Pegasus' inner conflict gave way to resolution, and he nodded with determination. He then looked downwards to address the Changeling. The Pegasus ordered, the Changeling to land Things hadn't gone the way the Changeling had planned The Changeling was certain, that this was the end Until the Pegasus exclaimed- "Happy Hearth's Warming, friend!" Flash Sentry cried out with wide eyed realization clear on his face. "YOU REMEMBER!" Ocellus exclaimed gleefully, and she rushed in and hugged him. Flash Sentry smiled and gently returned the hug. As they hugged, Ocellus continued her tale. The Changeling stared at Flash Sentry in amazement as the Pegasus took out what he had in his saddlebags: a jug of Sweet Apple Cider. The Pegasus offered, a holiday toast The Changeling, our hero, saluted his host And then with some flapping, they were both on their way Each knowing they'd meet on some other day. Oh those swell Hearth's Warming bells Ring out from the land Asking peace of all the world Isn't that just grand! Oh those swell Hearth's Warming bells Ring out from the land Asking peace of all the world Isn't that just grand! As the Crystal Pony guard blubbered with tears of joy in response to the touching moment, Shining Armor remarked with a smile, "Well, it seems that Spike wasn't the first one to give a Changeling a chance." Flash Sentry frowned in shame and said, "I don't know. I mean, Spike made that big speech and convinced everyone to trust Thorax, and now Thorax is the King of the Changelings. I wasn't much help to the Changelings as a whole. I didn't even tell anypony about what I did. If only I had, then maybe-." "You don't feel bad," Ocellus said as she continued to smile at Flash, "You did what you felt you could do at the moment, and it certainly meant a lot to him. You treated him like another living, thinking being, and not like a monster. Even if Spike did more with Thorax, you still did something wonderful." After hearing Ocellus' words, and seeing the smile on her face and her big shining eyes, Flash couldn't help but smile as well. "Thank you. . ." Flash said softly, then he said with great confidence, "But there's something else I feel that I should do. . ." he then looked towards Princess Cadence and Shining Armor hopefully and said, "Um, if you will allow me?" Some time later, Flash Sentry was walking through the Changeling Kingdom, looking around at the various Changelings who were getting ready to celebrate Hearth's Warming Eve. He looked down at the written description Ocellus had given him, and then looked around the massive hive. Before long, he spotted who he was looking for. He was a light cornflower blue Changeling with a green carapace, brilliant scarlet eyes, and a horn. Flash approached the Changeling from behind and said, "Excuse me?" The Changeling turned around and said, "Oh, hello. I-." The Changeling froze in mid sentence, and his eyes went wide as he suddenly recognized he Pegasus before him. Flash Sentry then took a jug of Sweet Apple Cider out of his saddlebag and said with a smile, "Happy Hearth's Warming, friend!" Author's Note Snoopy's Christmas by George David Weiss and Hugo & Luigi
Sandbar- "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Hooves""Yeah, sorry, Sandy," Gallus replied nonchalantly, "I'm just not buying it." "Come on, Gallus. After all the amazing stuff you've seen, after the Tree of Harmony, how can you not believe it?" Sandbar argued. The rest of the Young Six entered the room, drawn there by the loud arguing. Leading the pack, Ocellus asked, "What are you two arguing about?" Sandbar turned and said, "I don't know why, but Gallus doesn't think Santa Hooves exists! Crazy, right?" Smolder looked panicked for a moment, and she said, "But there has to be!" "Hold it, hold it," Gallus said as he flew over to the other four creatures, "Let's think about this. First of all, has anycreature actually seen Santa Hooves?" Sandbar smiled and said, "I have!" Everyone stared at the pony in shock. "Really?! Oooh!" Silverstream said in interest. "How did Sandbar see Santa Hooves?" Yona asked. Gallus landed and tapped his claws on the floor. He laughed and said, "So, you've seen Santa Hooves? You're the only pony in all of Equestria who has seen this mysterious pony that no one is supposed to see?" Sandbar nodded and said, "Uh-huh. It was several years ago, and I still remember it." Silverstream nodded enthusiastically and said, "Oh, come on! Tell us! Tell us!" Sandbar smiled and said, "Sure, I'll tell you all the best holiday story ever!" Smolder gave Sandbar a look and remarked, "I thought 'The Day My Hearth's Warming Doll Almost Fell into the Fire' was the best holiday story ever?" Sandbar grinned sheepishly and said, "Well, this one is a tie with it. I call this one. . . 'I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Hooves'!" Gallus burst out laughing at this, but Sandbar just rolled his eyes and focused on his other friends. "Ignore him," Sandbar said, "Now, listen to this. . ." "Goodnight, Sandbar. Sleep tight, because tomorrow is Hearth's Warming!" Sandbar's mother kissed the young colt on the forehead as he lay tucked into his warm bed. "G'night, mommy. I hope Santa Hooves likes the cookies we left him," he said. The mare smiled and said, "I'm sure he will. Now, get to sleep so he can come and bring you presents!" Little Sandbar nodded, and he closed his eyes. His mother turned and quietly left the room, closing the door behind her. After a few minutes, Sandbar opened his eyes, and slowly crawled out of bed. "Tonight's the night I see Santa Hooves," he whispered to himself excitedly, "And I'll be the first pony to ever see him!" The young colt ever so slowly opened the door to his bedroom, and then slowly crept out into the hallway and towards the stairs. As he walked down the steps he began to hear voices speaking to each other. ". . .colts and fillies at the hospital are waiting for me." "I know dear. Oh, you're such a wonderful stallion." "And jolly?" "Yes, and jolly!" Sandbar got about halfway down the stairs when he saw something that made his jaw drop. Standing in plain sight, underneath the mistletoe, was his mother and a stallion with a white beard and a red and white suit. What's more, the pair were kissing each other. "Wow! Mommy's kissing Santa Hooves!" Sandbar thought to himself. I saw Mommy kissing Santa Hooves Underneath the mistletoe that night. She didn't see me creep Down the stairs to have a peep; She thought that I was tucked Up in my bedroom fast asleep. The pair then stopped their kissing, but Sandbar's mother let out a giggle and ran her right forehoof underneath the stallions white beard. "Well then, I don't think I should be holding you up. Those little ones certainly do need you tonight, don't they?" "Oh, ho, ho, ho! Well, certainly! Happy Hearth's Warming!" Sandbar watched in amazement as the pair stood laughing together, right before leaning in to share a nuzzle. Then, I saw Mommy tickle Santa Hooves Underneath his beard so snowy white; Oh, what a laugh it would have been If Daddy had only seen Mommy kissing Santa Hooves that night. The stallion then hefted a large sack onto his back, and Sandbar's mother opened the front door for him. Sandbar watched with slack jawed amazement as the stallion left. Then, he quickly backtracked up the stairs and back into his room. As he crawled back into his bed, he said to himself, "Wow. . . I actually saw Santa Hooves. . .and Mommy kissed him!" Sandbar then frowned in slight confusion and said, "And he went thought the front door instead of the chimney?" Sandbar shook off his confusion and smiled as he settled into bed, "Whateves. He was probably in a hurry. . . I think I'll keep what I saw a secret, and share it only with my best friends. . ." Then I saw mommy tickle Santa Hooves Underneath his beard so snowy white Oh, what a laugh it would have been If daddy had only seen Mommy kissing Santa Hooves that night Oh, what a laugh it would have been If Daddy had only seen Mommy kissing Santa Hooves that night Sandbar turned sharply to Gallus, who had started laughing again. The griffon was hovering in mid air, holding his stomach and kicking his hind legs as he laughed. "Oh, wow! That's rich! That's really rich!" Sandbar stomped his right forehoof and said, "Hey! Knock it off! I-!" Suddenly, Sandbar heard laughing from behind him. He turned and saw that Smolder and Yona were laughing pretty loudly. Ocellus and Silverstream were trying their best to stifle their laughter. Silverstream chuckled and said as she held a claw to her beak, "Hee, hee, hee. Oh, Sandbar! That sounds like a really fun dream you had!" "But I did!" Sandbar said with great conviction, "I really did see her kissing Santa Hooves!" Ocellus cleared her throat, and said with a smile, "Sandbar, this is all really simple. What happened was. . ." Whatever Ocellus said was drowned out by the laughter of the others, and Sandbar in vain assertions. "Aw, come on guys, you just gotta believe me! You just gotta believe me! You just gotta!" Author's Note I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus by Tommie Connor.
Yona- "Frosty the Snow-Yak"Unlike a certain winter brought in by a certain tortoise loving rainbow maned pegasus, this winter came in quite more gently. The first snow fall left a few inches on the ground, and the Sun was shining down from a clear sky. Nevertheless, there was still enough snow to play with. Gallus and Smolder playfully threw snowballs at each other, Ocellus and Silverstream made snow angels, and Yona and Sandbar were working on a more artistic activity. The yak was eagerly shaping a large, oblong mass of snow, the biggest of grins on her face. Sandbar walked over with slightly smaller snow boulder and stuck it onto the front of the oblong mass. Sandbar began making horns on either side of the part he had added, and Yona dug her hooves into the oblong mass to create a design that resembled a yak's blanket. Yona jumped up and down and shouted, "Snow-yak! Snow-yak! Snow-yak!" The rest of the group of friends were brought over by the commotion, and looked on as the young couple completed their creation. Sandbar gave it a handsome set of horns and a kind face, complete with a bushy beard. Yona gave the figure a very ornate blanket, and added detail to its hooves, fur, and tail. Silverstream was all smiles as she said, "Ooh, it's beautiful!" Gallus shrugged and said, "Eh, it's just a yak made of snow." Yona glared at the griffon and said, "Frosty is not just yak made of snow! Frosty is Frosty the Snow-Yak!" ". . .Who?" Gallus asked. Silverstream looked intrigued by this and said eagerly, "Ooh! Is Frosty someone you know? What's he like? Tell us!" Ocellus simply smiled and said, "I'd like to hear about him." Smolder didn't look very impressed, and she said, "Eh, dragons don't really do 'frosty'. Just sayin'." Ocellus frowned in disapproval and said, "Come on, you and Gallus aren't being fair-." "Frosty the Snow-Yak is special magical creature from Yakyakistan!" Yona said happily, "Yona tell friends all about him!" Yona pranced happily around the snow-yak she and Sandbar had made as she told her tale. Frosty the Snow-Yak, Was jolly, happy yak! With the best yak blanket and best yak beard, and two horns made from snow! Frosty the Snow-Yak, Was yak legend, some say Frosty made from snow, but young yaks know, how Frosty come alive one day! "Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Smolder said as she waved her claws a bit, "You're telling me that a yak made of snow actually came to life in Yakyakistan?" Yona nodded eagerly and continued her story. There must have been some magic in the hat that young yaks found, When yaks place hat on Frosty's head, Frosty dance around! Frosty the Snow-Yak, Was alive as yak could be! And young yaks say Frosty laugh and play, Same way as you and me! "Pfft! Yeah, right!" Smolder said. Gallus nodded, "Yeah, I'm with Smolder on this one. Something made of snow coming to life? Come on!" Sandbar staunchly defended his girlfriend, "Hey! After everything we've seen since we've been coming to this school, is Yona's story really all that unbelievable?" Silverstream nodded, "Sandbar's right. I mean, we met a tree that came to life, didn't we?" Gallus shook his head, "Yeah, no. It's not the same. The Tree of Harmony was this ancient, magical, all powerful thing. It wasn't just a pile of snow with a hat on." Yona huffed and said, "If Gallus and Smolder do not believe, it be their loss!" Sandbar scooted close to Yona and said, "Aw, don't worry about it. Come on, let's finish Frosty! I have the hat right here!" Sandbar held up a replica of Yksler's Helm. Yona smiled and said, "Sandbar can put hat on snow yak." Sandbar placed the helm onto the snow-yak's head. Then, without any warning, the snow-yak seemed to explode with a flash of green light. The five friends were sprayed with snow as they momentarily turned away. When they blinked their eyes and looked again, they were shocked beyond belief to see the snow-yak smiling right at them. "Happy birthday!" Frosty said with delight. "Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-!?" Smolder said, her jaw hanging open in disbelief. "YONA KNEW IT! YONA TOLD FRIENDS SHE WAS RIGHT! YES! YES! YES!" shouted the young yak as she jumped around wildly in glee. Gallus' right eye twitched as he said slowly, "Never. . . a dull. . . moment. . ." Frosty the Snow-Yak let out a bellowing laugh, then he said, "Well, well, well; Frosty can't stay here all day with hot Sun shining down on him! Yona and friends! Follow Frosty to see him off when he moves on to colder place out of Sun!" Silverstream twirled around excitedly and said, "Yes! Let's have a parade! Weeeee!" Frosty turned around and half stomped, half hopped forward. Yona, Sandbar, and Silverstream quickly followed after, as Gallus and Smolder stood unable to move right away due to their shock. Gallus slowly turned to look at Smolder. "Well?" he said. Smolder looked back at him, and she shrugged and said, "Eh. If ya can't beat 'em. . ." And with that, the two of them flew after the group as Frosty the Snow-Yak lead them towards Ponyville, singing all the way. Frosty the Snow-Yak, Knows that Sun is hot today So yak and friends run and have tons of fun, Quick before yak melts away! Down to the pony village, Frosty has a perfect plan! Frosty runs here and frosty runs there, Friends all catch yak if they can! Frosty took off speedily, much to the five friends' surprise, and they quickly ran after him. Frosty ducked into one of the alleyways of the town, and soon the group was all split up, laughing as they chased him in and out the narrow streets, not unlike the aforementioned rainbow maned pegasus had done at one point in the past. Before long, Frosty was once again leading the five creatures through Ponyville. Yona was having the time of her life, and she sang out as she led her friends in the chase. Frosty goes down the streets of town to pony traffic cop! Frosty stop just a moment when pony holler- "STOP!" The traffic cop held out a hoof towards the group. "What's going on here? And- what in Celestia's name are you!?" Yona smiled as she cheerfully answered for Frosty, "Frosty is a Snow-Yak! Frosty just come to life today!" The pony blinked his eyes as he stared at Yona, then at Frosty, then at the group at large. Then he sighed and said, "Business as usual in the town of Ponyville, home to an Alicorn Princess, a Wonderbolt, and the Spirit of Chaos. Move along." The group smiled, and on they marched towards the edge of Ponyville, where the town met the edge of the currently snowy Everfree Forest. Frosty turned to the five creatures and spoke with a smile. Frosty the Snow-Yak, Has to hurry on yak's way! Frosty says good bye, but don't Frosty's friends cry Frosty be back here someday! Frosty turned and half stopped, half stomped off into the Everfree Forest as Yona sang out after him. Thumppity-thump-thump! Thumppity-thump-thump! Look at Frosty go! Thumppity-thump-thump! Thumppity-thump-thump! Over the hills of snow! ". . . Well. That happened," Smolder said with an amused smiled on her face. "You can say that again," Gallus remarked, only half believing what he had just experienced. "Mm-hm," Ocellus said as she smoothly flew in and landed next to Smolder. Smolder stared at the Changeling for a moment, and she opened her mouth as if to say something. But then she just said, "Eh, never mind."
Silverstream- "Freedom's Here to Stay""OHMYGOSHYTHISISSOSPECTACULARLYAMAZING!" Silverstream had burst straight into the student lounge and started screaming at her five friends, much to their shock. "Whoa, whoa, hold your breath!" Smolder shouted back while motioning with her claws for Silverstream to calm down. "Hold your breath?" Gallus echoed as he eyed Smolder with confusion. Smolder shrugged and said, "It's a dragon expression." Gallus nodded in understanding, "Oh yeah, 'cause fire breath." "I'VE GOT NEWS!" Silverstream shouted as she excitedly waved a letter over her head. "Tell friends news!" Yona said eagerly. Silverstream was filled with energy, and she was hopping around as she said, "Ya know how there's always a Hearth's Warming Eve pageant in Canterlot?" "Sure!" Sandbar said instantly, "That's gotta be the biggest part of Hearth's Warming Eve in all of Equestria." "Welllllll," Silverstream said with a gleeful look, "To celebrate the renewed friendship between the hippogriffs and the ponies, Queen Novo has selected me and my brother to join her and Princess Skystar in singing a song about the Three Days of Freedom right before the big pageant!" "Wow!" Ocellus said as her wings buzzed with excitement, "That's amazing, Silverstream! You're so lucky!" Silverstream winked and said, "And so are all of you, because you're all getting front row seats to the pageant!" Silverstream's friends were all happy to hear this. Yona, Sandbar, and Ocellus cheered; while Gallus and Smolder had more chill reactions of smiles and a quick fist bump. The night of the pageant, there was standing room only as usual, with the addition of a certain group of five up at front, all eager to see their friend perform with her family. Before long, Spike came out, dressed in his narrator's outfit from last time, and he said, "Hello, fillies and gentlecolts, and welcome to this year's Hearth's Warming Eve pageant! Now, before we present the tale of the very first Hearth's Warming and the founding of Equestria, we have a special treat for you all. As you all know, after the Storm King crisis was resolved, a new era of friendship was begun between the ponies of Equestria and the hippogriffs of Mount Aris. So, as sweet gesture, Queen Novo, the ruler of the hippogriffs, joined by her daughter Princess Skystar, her niece Silverstream, and her nephew Terramar, will now sing about their own holiday: The Three Days of Freedom Celebration." Spike stepped away as the curtain parted, revealing the four hippogriffs he had introduced. Queen Novo stood up front, and she smiled with regal approval as the audience applauded. Queen Novo stepped forward, with Terramar and Silverstream to her right. Princess Skystar, however, quickly flew out onto the stage, her eyes wide as they darted left and right at the massive crowd. Terramar and Silverstream were a bit more held together. Terramar as easily the calmest, while Silverstream was quivering with anticipation. Behind the royal extended family stood a mid-sized band of hippogriffs. Queen Novo extended and raised her left wing and held it there as she waited for the applause to die down. She then waited an extra 5 seconds, and then brought her wing back down and folded it back in. This was the signal for the band to start playing. Queen Novo smiled at the sound of the steady and marching-like, yet swinging and happy tune. Then she said authoritatively, "Okay then. Are you three ready to sing our song?" "I'll say we are!" Skystar said as moved her head back and forth to the music. "Yeah! Let's sing it now!" Silverstream said eagerly as she pumped her fist into the air. Queen Novo nodded and looked towards her slightly nervous nephew. "Okay, Terramar?" Silverstream rested a comforting wing on her brother's back, which restored enough of his courage for him to nod determinedly and reply with, "Okay!" "Okay, Silverstream?" "Okay!" she said while flashing Terramar an encouraging smile. "Okay, Skystar?" Skystar's eyes were closed, and now her whole body was moving to the music. "Skystar?" Queen Novo repeated, quickly growing impatient. The Princess didn't respond, still smiling as she moved to the music. Novo stomped her right talon down hard and shouted, "SKYSTAR!" "Okay!" Skystar finally answered as she opened her eyes and flapped her wings in excitement. Then, the three young hippogriffs began to sing. "Days of Freedom now are here Time for gifts and time for cheer" Novo quickly regained her composure and put on a smile as she joined in on the singing. "Safety 'neath the ocean vast Now the Storm King's in the past" "Toys like model trains and sloops," Silverstream and Terramar sang. "Me, I want a Loopty-Hoop!" Skystar sang as she got up on her hind legs and swung her hips in a circle. All four hippogriffs gave big smiles as they all sang the next part together. "The feeling never goes away For freedom's here to stay" Novo and Skystar flew upwards as Terramar and Silverstream went into their dance routine. It could be best described as a more open, spread-out waltz combined with a sort of ballett. The two hippogriffs moved around each other in a circle, with Silverstream performing purriottes while fanning her wings prettily, and Terramar spinning around on his hindlegs while pumping his wings. The siblings focused on each other as the music played, and the smiling face of his sister kept Terramar from getting too nervous. Meanwhile, in the front row of the audience, Smolder was snickering and nudging Ocellus as she pointed over at Gallus. The griffon's eyes were practically glued on Silverstream's dancing figure, and his beak was hanging open slightly as he stared. Smolder winked at the Changeling and said in a low whisper, "Lucky you. Dinner and a show." Ocellus just rolled her eyes and looked back at the performance, ignoring the dragon. Queen Novo and Skystar landed as the siblings finished their dance. Novo nodded and said, "Okay, children, get ready. That was very good, Terramar." Terramar grinned and blushed as he smiled at his sister. "Naturally," he replied. "Very good, Silverstream." "Tee-hee-hee!" Silverstream giggled. Novo frowned at her daughter and said, "Skystar, you were a little flat, watch it. . . . Skystar?" Skystar had a big grin on her face as she started rocking to and fro to the music again. "Skystar?" Novo repeated with an annoyed look on her face, then she she angrily clenched her beak a bit before shouting, "SKYSTAR!" "Okay!" Skystar said with a nod, and then the three young ones began singing again. "Toys like model trains and sloops," Silverstream and Terramar sang. "I still want a Loopty-Hoop!" Skystar sang as she got up on her hind legs and swung her hips in a circle. All four hippogriffs gave big smiles as they all sang the next part together. The feeling never goes away For freedom's here to stay! The feeling never goes away For freedom's here to stay! The band concluded their playing, and the audience all stomped the ground in applause as they cheered. Novo nodded her approval and said, "Very good, children." "Lets sing it again!" Skystar said with glee. Silverstream nodded in full agreement and said, "Yeah, lets sing it again!" Novo frowned and shook her head, "No, that's enough, let's not overdo it." Skystar appeared shocked at her mother's statement and said, "What do you mean overdo it?" Emboldened by the fact that his first performance had gone over quite well with the crowd, Terramar nodded determinedly and said, "We want to sing it again!" Novo glared down at the trio and said sternly, "Now wait a minute, you three-." "Alright, you guys!" Princess Skystar suddenly shouted to the band behind them, "One! More! Time!" The musicians all briefly exchanged glances, shrugged, and began playing the song again. "Hold it just one-!" Novo began, only to be drowned out by the music and more singing from the young ones. Irritated, Novo looked around aimlessly at first, but then noticed that the audience before them looked quite happy and seemed quite into the song. A couple of audience members appeared to have picked up the song and were singing along. Novo took a deep breath, let it out, and smiled before joining in on the song herself. Author's Note The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late) by Ross Sr. Bagdasarian. The version that would be the most fitting with this chapter would be Kacey Musgraves's version. link
