ACT ONE

December, it was Christmastime, or rather a week before it.

It never snowed on Mystic Island, being off the shores of California and its warm climate, but the holidays were just as beautiful and just as fun to prepare for.

Decorations were being hung up, and pretty Christmas lights were strung all over town.

The Starfleet Humans and the Equestria Girls helped too, and soon it was time for a big ice-skating party. It didn’t ever snow on the island, but there was an indoor hockey arena for skaters whenever there was no practice for players.

Celesto Grandruler had reserved the rink for his friends and family the whole afternoon.

Sci-Twi was slipping and stumbling about for she wasn’t much of a skater. She fell onto her bottom. “Ohh!!”

“Are you alright?” asked Lightning Dawn.

Sci-Twi got up without much pain, and pointed in back, “I figured this would happen, so I’m wearing extra paddings underneath.”

Lightning shuddered, “Oooo-kay then.” and he skated off leaving her confused.

Lightning then nearly bumped into Starla Shine.

“Um… Hi…?” he said.

“Hey…” she said with her blushing cheeks.

They both were so lost in this awkwardness, they didn’t realize they were heading for the wall, until at the last second, and they pulled away, causing them to separate and skate different paths.

“See ya.”

“Nice skating with you.”

Dyno and Myte, who were making repairs to some of the pipes, rather than skating, saw the two and sighed.

“Do you think they’ll ever get it on?” asked Dyno.

His brother shook his head, “Es inútil *It’s useless*Maybe they’re not really hot for each other.”

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were marvelous skaters and were busy trying to outshine one another with fancy leaps, twirls and stunts.

“You’re too slow, Pinkie!”

“Yeah? Well, you’re not flexible enough.”

Pinkie dashed up ahead twisting her tying herself around in big knots, she suddenly fell out of control!

“Watch Out!” she wailed as she headed straight for Rhymey and Fluttershy. The two quickly split apart allowing Pinkie to pass through, and she crashed right into the siding, flat up against the glass.

Rarity was sitting in the box with Spike the dog and Krysta the robin, and all three of them jumped in fright, and watched as Pinkie slid down the glass.

“Is she alright?” asked Spike.

Pinkie bolted upright, frightening the trio again, and then she went off skating again.

Rarity sighed, “Really?”

“She’s really going to hurt herself one these days.” said Krysta.

“Not that…” retorted Rarity “The fact she made jump. I could have popped a seem on my brand-new, one-of-kind, personally made, purple winter sparkle sweater.”

She stood up showing off with fashion poses as her new sweater shimmered in the light, much to the pets’ astoundment.

“Why, this lovely ensemble, would be ruined if just a speck of snow or frost from the rink were to fall upon it.”

Just then, Applejack skated up and skidded so hard to slow down, she sent a whole sprinkling of frost onto Rarity, making her wail in horror.

“Oops… Sorry.” said Applejack.

Rarity stomped off in a huff.

Buddy Rose skated up. He saw the commotion and sighed, “Hope she asked for a psychiatrist for Christmas.”

“Bud…!” teased Applejack “A straight-jacket would be more like it.”

The friends chuckled.

Rhymey and Fluttershy met back up with each other, and they became lost in each other’s eyes as just spun slowly and softly on the ice.

A golden ring with a diamond was on Fluttershy’s finger on her left hand.

“I can hardly wait.” she said to her love. She didn’t speak in rhyme like her pony-counterpart… yet!

Rhymey smiled.

“I can’t wait too,
I really love you.

Believing it is hard for me,
that you agreed to marry me.”

Fluttershy reached up and kissed him deeply.

Celestia and Celesto skated by and sighed heavenly at the two.

“If only we were like that, we were younger.” said Celesto.

Celestia looked at him strangely, “What? You mean I wasn’t romantic enough for you?”

Her husband felt trapped, and he stammered, until his wife touched his nose with her finger, “Got’cha!” and she skated off playfully. “Oh, just wait until I catch you!” he called as he skated along after her.

They skated past Luna, who was slowly teaching Castor and Leilani, who were both barely four-years old, how to skate.

“Step and glide, and step and glide.” she instructed.

Her little niece and nephew did as they were told, and were suddenly skating beautifully-- born naturals, much to Luna’s confusion.

Just then, Sunset Shimmer and Artie arrived through the front doors.

“Finally, we made it.” said Artie.

“Ready for some cool fun.” said Sunset

As they prepared to lace up their skates, they noticed the janitor in the corner, moping up the floors miserably.

“Hi Swift Star…” Sunset called, but the young man wouldn’t even acknowledge her or even look in her direction. He just picked up his mop and bucket and went to mop up someplace else.

Sunset sighed, “He’s still mad at us.”

Artie shook his head in dismay. “Stubborn guy. You know he tried to send us another letter begging to join the team today.”

“And let me guess…” said his wife “Rejected?”

“Of course.”

The couple then decided to forget Swift and headed into the rink.

“Hi, sorry we’re late.” Artie called to the others.

“I was studying for my exam on Laryngitis, and I lost track of time.” explained Sunset.

“Yeah, I only had to remind you three times.” grumbled Artie. His wife gave him a strict glare.

“Well, saddle up and skiddle-de-doo. We ain’t got all day.” said Applejack.

Soon, the couple were on the rink with their friends, skating arm-in-arm, and even shared a small kiss along the way.

“I wonder what they’re doing back in United Equestria?” said Artie.

“Most likely, getting ready for Hearths Warming.” replied Sunset. Then she realized, “Oh, I need to send a Christmas Report to my friends back there.”

Her husband gave her a playful stare.

“…Okay, later.”

Artie smirked, and they continued to skate and have fun with her friends.

The scene then faded out as a magical song began to play…

Followed by… A title card…?

…And Credits?

MY BRAVE PONY
STARFLEET HUMANS

“THE SWITCH BEFORE HEARTHS WARMING & CHRISTMAS”

The scene then faded to United Equestria, in the Magic World, and just as Sunset assumed, United Equestrians were preparing for Hearths Warming, as the sound of singing was heard.

Snow is Storming, this Hearths Warming
Shine upon us, come our way
Hearts are giving, life’s worth living
O’ Hearths Warming, hear us say

Hearths Warming is here,
Friends and Family dear,
Gather with us for some cheer,
To celebrate the time that’s near.

The song then showed creatures all over the planet, decorating, shopping, or just playing out in the snow with family and friends.

It’s time to put up wreaths and trees,
Big bright lights and bake cookies.
Shop ‘til you drop for gifts and stuff,
Got no time to spare or other guff.

Pinkie and Apple Spice had baked lots of cookies and other goodies in the bakeshop, but Pinkie couldn’t resist and stuffed herself with a few of them, much to her husband’s and the Cakes’ dismay, while the kids, Pumpkin, Pound, and Biscuit Pie laughed.

Rarity was sewing and knitting all kinds of sweaters and stockings and giving them rather fashionable trimmings.

She even made one for Spike, one for Twilight Sparkle Scales, and one for Opalescence.

The trio seemed pleased, but while the sweaters were pretty, they were awfully itchy, but they all kept up a brave face.

In New Sweet Apple Acres, the farmers, including the Apple Family, and Buddy Rose’s family had hung special lights upon bare apple trees, though Big Mac and Bright Mac were having trouble untangling strings and wound up decorating themselves in funny ways that made everyone laugh.

Fluttershy and Rhymey were handing out candy canes to all their animal friends in the woods near their home.

And two-year old, Button Fly was riding in a sleigh, which Angel pulled along with a grumpy face.

Button then picked up a wad of snow and threw it at Angel’s face. This prompted Angel to make a snowball of his own to throw back, but Fluttershy stopped him, and both she and Rhymey waved their fingers at the two, warning them not to be naughty.

Rainbow Dash was helping the Pegasi make it snow, by pushing the clouds in place and giving them some good whacks.

Krysta and her fairies added to the loveliness by sprinkling magical sparkles in the air.

Remember, gifts may seem like everything,
But it’s love and good times, and the joy they bring.

Prepare feasts and all the cooking
Get displays up for the looking
Watch out for mistletoe, you might get a great big kiss
Hearths Warming is coming, you don’t wanna miss

This scene was shown by Lightning and Starla hanging up a mistletoe, and Starla giving her husband a large peck on the cheek.

Shining Light even hung a pretend mistletoe over his baby sister Twinkle Star, and he gave her a big peck too, and she pecked him back, much to the astonishment of their parents.

Build the snowman, make it hard,
Send relatives Christmas cards
Wish the season all a merry, jolly, reward!

Yes, the holidays were a joyous time-- a time to spend with friends, family, and celebrate peace and love…

…But for some people, it wasn’t quite the same!

*Mykan’s POV*

At the schoolhouse, Cheerilee and I were looking at the beautiful pictures our students had drawn for Hearths Warming.

“Oh, isn’t this lovely…” said Cheerilee to a colt.

“It’s me and my family having dinner together.” replied the colt.

I was looking at a little filly’s drawing and commenting on it. “I like how you drew the snow.”

The student then asked me, “Do you have Hearths Warming in your world, Mr. Stevens?”

I chuckled, “Yes, I told you and the whole class this. Only we call it “Christmas” It’s not all that too different. Families and Friends get together, and they… celebrate peace on Earth and all that…” my voice was trailing off into a kind of melancholy tone.

Cheerilee noticed me from afar, and a hint of concern came over her.

I got over it, and snapped back to my senses, and continued to admire the drawings.

Before school was out for the day, Cheerilee and I handed out an assignment to the children, much to their dismay.

“Now, now…” said Cheerilee. “This is a very important assignment. I want you all to write a one-page essay of how you spend Hearths Warming with your families; what you do, what your favorite part is, and things like that. Then on Monday, we’ll share our reports with everyone.”

“Yeah,” I put in, “It’ll especially help me. This will help my research about how your world functions and behaves, and I’ll teach you all about how the people in my world celebrate Christmas.”

This enlightened the students’ spirits, and they now looked forward to writing their essays.

The bell rang, and Cheeirlee dismissed everyone. “See you tomorrow.”

The students cheered as they grabbed their belongings and headed out, leaving Cheerilee and I to lock up.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing all those essays.” I said.

Cheerlie giggled, but then she couldn’t but ask me, “Are you feeling alright?”

I looked at her with confusion, “Never felt better. Why?”

“Never mind… I’ll see you on Monday.”

“Bye.”

Then I watched my boss and friend set off for home.

I just stood there for a few moments, thinking to myself.

The cool breeze made my magic cape flutter. Then I snapped myself back to my senses, and I went about my way.

*POV Pause*

Cheerilee had gone to see Lightning and Starla to talk about Mykan.

“I’m really worried about him. He’s doing just fine, but every now and then he seems melancholy… and I think I know why.”

Lightning and Starla both nodded sadly.

“But why?” asked Krysta. “I’ve seen him going about town. He doesn’t look all that bad for a creature of his kind.”

“There are no other creatures of his kind here.” corrected Lightning.

Krysta felt silly, and it finally sank into her. “He’s homesick.”

“I don’t think I can blame him, being far from his family, and not having seen them in… almost three years, is it?”

“…Four.” replied Lightning “But who’s really counting.” He sighed miserably, “That’s one of the things that steams me about the holidays…

As merry and as joyful as they are, to some it only brings a feeling of isolation; it’s just another day to be reminded of your place.

In Mykan’s case: Just how misplaced in worlds he is, and how much he had to sacrifice for it.”

A long moment of silence followed. Cheerliee almost shed a tear for Mykan. “I wish there was something we could do for him.”

The others all felt the same.

*POV Resumed*

As the Human Ambassador of my world, I was part of something incredible…

It was one of my missions to study and explore this magical world I was living in and compare it to my own world so that one day, some time in future, the people of my world and the beings of this world could live together and travel between two worlds.

…Right now, that was nowhere near ready to happen, and probably wouldn’t happen in my own lifetime.

Still, in the near-four years I had lived here, I made fascinating discoveries, comparisons, and I even traveled to incredible places, even in Outer Space.

And I really enjoyed my sociology research-- observing others and studying their behavior and lifestyles.

I took pictures-- with and if asked permission-- and I scribbed down notes in my book to take home with me later to add to my main research records.

I saw how ponies helped each other with decorating-- reaching up high to decorate the big tree in town-square and get it ready for ceremonial lightning in a few days.

I observed shoppers struggling and crowding into stores and arguing over merchandise and items in a frantic hurry.

“Hey! Give me that!”

“I saw it first!”

“Don’t make me stomp on you!”

It was a good thing Security and Starfleet were present to break things up and maintain order and peace.

“That’s enough of that.”

“Break it up!”

Lieutenant Swift Star sighed. “I can’t wait to go away with my family for the holidays!”

I walked along and saw donations for the poor and homeless, which I found very touching.

I even saw Pinkie Pie serving a grumpy customer hot cocoa at the café.

“Aw, don’t look so down in the dumps. It’s Hearths Warming time. Let’s see a smile.”

The customer still didn’t feel like smiling much. So, Pinkie sat down and asked, “Care to talk about it? At least it’ll show somebody cares.”

This did make the customer crack a small smile.

As I walked down the streets, I saw Dyno and Myte plowing the snow away-- pushing huge plow shovels with their strong arms.

“Andale…! Coming through, meng.” said Dyno.

“Hola, Mykan.” called Myte.

“Hold it, fellas…” I said holding up my camera. The brothers struck a pose and called “VIVA!” and I snapped them. “Perfect.”

The brothers gave me a thumbs up, and then they left to continue their route.

As I walked along, scribbling in my pad, a stray snowball came out from seemingly nowhere and hit me in the back.

I turned, and saw my old students, The Cutiemark Crusaders standing and looking ashamed.

“Sorry, Mr. Stevens.” said Sweetie.

“We’re having a snowball fight, and we didn’t aim that one right.” put in Scootaloo.

I put my hands on my hips. “A snowball fight? Really, girls… at your age. I’d expect better.”

The girls looked more ashamed. “We said we were sorry.” said Scootaloo.

I continued to glare at the girls with a stern expression “Ohh… You will be sorry.”

Before the girl knew it… it was them against me.

“Get him! Get him!” They cried as they threw more balls at me, but remembering my astronaut training and my knowledge of physics, I was able to avoid their bombardment and hit my targets perfectly-- careful not to aim at their faces.

“I got you now, girls!” I called, but that’s when another snowball hit me by surprise from behind.

The girls and I looked, and there stood Cadet Daphne Dill, having just come off duty from her patrol rounds.

“Unauthorized Snowball Fight…” she declared jokingly “I’m afraid I’m going to have to pelt you all down!” She used her magic to send a barrage of snowballs at us all.

We sure had a fun afternoon; I know I did.

As evening began to settle in, I passed by Artie’s place, and he was making a snow family-- of himself, Sunset Shimmer-- the human counterpart in pony form-- and little one and a-half year old, Sun Stream.

The way he stacked and patted the snow together, and then carved it so perfectly.

I took a picture of the family standing next to their snow friends.

“I like this one a lot.” I said.

“Well, be sure to send us a copy.” said Artie.

“I will.”

Sunset held her shivering daughter in her arms. “I think we better get inside. I don’t want her catching cold.”

“Would you like to come in for a minute?” Artie asked me.

“Thanks, but I really want to get home so I can put all this in my research files.”

Artie understood, and then he went inside with his family.

As I watched them go, and see how happy they were, that’s when my sadness began to catch up with me again, especially looking at the snow family on the lawn.

I took a few walks down the street and saw other families heading home as well, and then the streetlights and decorative lights came on as it got darker.

Later that night, I was at home in New Canterlot. I had my supper, I did my work, and now I was getting ready for bed.

As I saw on my bed, I looked on my night table… there was a small, framed picture of me with my family-- my parents, Geroge and Stella, my older brother, Neville, and my younger sisters, Sarah and Jane.

I took it with me the day I got up in that shuttle, before I came to the Magic World, and kept it ever since.

I missed them all so much. I hadn’t seen them in a long time due to my circumstances, and every now and then, especially now, as I looked at the picture, I could hear the singing of voices calling to me.

Come home again, come home
Wherever you may be
Come home again you lone human,
…Lone Human
Home again to family.

Still clutching the picture, I got up and walked over to the window to look out at the snowy, starry skies, and I would sing to myself.

I hear a dream all day
A dream that calls to me
Come home again you lone human,
…Lone Human
Home again… to fam-i…lee-e-e-e-e.

(1:33 to 2:08)

Early, the next morning, I was sweeping the snow off my front steps, and a stallion and his son came strolling by with the newspaper.

The kid threw it at me, and I caught it. “Good throw.”

The kid smiled at me, and his dad patted him on the head, and they walked off together, which still brought on my homesickness.

Author's Note

Gulliver's Travels (1939) has been in the Public Domain for many decades (They never renewed their copyright.) I researched it and confirmed with the mods...

Those song lyrics do not violate site rules.