Hope for the Holidays Conclusion

A new morning had dawn in New Ponyville. Parts of the town still lay damaged by the balls of lava that now lay dormant as obsidian rock. Other parts were still covered in shampoo, conditioner, body wash, desserts, poinsettias, broken gifts and so much more. But the tune in New Ponyville wasn’t sad. It was glad.

In the middle of the town, next to the gigantic, toppled Christmas Tree, ponies, reindeer, centaur and a few humans surrounded a platform. Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Starlight Glimmer, Misty Brightdawn, Hitch Trailblazer with Spark Sparkaroni on his back, Pipp Petals, Zipp Storm, Izzy Moonbow, Sunny Starscout, Tirek, Amadeus and Cozy Glow stood tall and proud. Approaching the group were Princess Sunset Shimmer, Princess Twilight Sparkle, Princess Wanda Young who was back in her dress, Spike the Dragon, Abigail Albright, King Vorak, Queen Lillian, Old Man Winter and Santa Claus. As they got up on stage, Princess Twilight Sparkle turned to the villagers before approaching the podium.

“Citizens of New Ponyville, Zephyr Heights, Centauria, and Christmas Town,” Twilight Sparkle announced. “We almost lost our homes on Christmas Eve, and we almost lost our freedom to Lavan: King of the Underworld. But it took all of us to bring that monster down. And for that, I’m proud of what you all accomplished last night. You were more than just a Christmas miracle, you were the light in our darkest hour.”

The crowd let out a small cheer for Twilight Sparkle, all while she turned to the others on stage.

“But there are a number of individuals who shine the most,” Twilight Sparkle said. “Rainbow Dash, whose loyalty as leader of the Wonderbolts came through. Pinkie Pie, who provided laughter for every party she put together. Rarity, whose generosity gave others a gift worth giving, Applejack, whose honesty is what inspires the colts and fillies, Fluttershy, whose kindness brings warmth to those in need, and Starlight Glimmer, whose empathy makes her one the most altruistic ponies I’ve had the honor of meeting.”

As the crowd cheered, Princess Wanda Young took six of the medals and approached Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy and Starlight Glimmer. One by one, she placed each medal around the necks of these six ponies. Rainbow Dash gave Wanda a salute. Pinkie Pie cheered loudly. Rarity bowed to the human princess. Applejack took off her hat and held it closely, and Fluttershy turned her head before smiling. But once Wanda placed a medal around Starlight Glimmer’s neck, the twin-tailed mare got on her two legs and gave Wanda a hug.

“I’m glad you’ve grown so much, Starlight,” Wanda said.

“So am I, Wanda,” Starlight cried. “So am I.”

The crowd cheered for a moment before Twilight Sparkle turned to the other six ponies next to Starlight Glimmer.

“And now, for the next ponies, and I will be the one to hand out these medals,” Twilight Sparkle said, holding out the medals in her hoof. “Misty Brightdawn, whose heart shines brighter than any star. Hitch Trailblazer, whose gentleness compliments Fluttershy’s kindness. Zipp Storm, whose courage lights our darkest hour. Pipp Petals, whose confidence inspires the new generation. Izzy Moonbow, whose creativity brings art, stories and innovation. And to my student Sunny Starscout, whose hope inspired us to fight to the very end.”

Twilight Sparkle stepped away from the podium and approached Misty Brightdawn, Hitch Trailblazer, Zipp Storm, Pipp Petals, Izzy Moonbow and Sunny Starscout. One by one, she placed each medal around the necks of Sunny’s closest friends. Misty Brightdawn placed her hoof on her heart to Twilight. Hitch stood tall with Sparky cheering loudly. Zipp Storm and Pipp Petals hugged each other the moment they got their medals, with their mother Queen Haven cheering them from the crowd. And Izzy Moonbow shuffled her hooves, causing Twilight Sparkle to giggle. But when Twilight placed the last medal around Sunny Starscout’s neck, tears flowed down her eyes.

“Twilight,” Sunny said. “You look like you’re about to cry.”

“No Sunny,” Twilight laughed. “It’s liquid pride. And I’m proud of what you’ve done for us today.”

“Got that from your brother?” Sunny asked.

“I did,” Twilight said. “Sometimes, Shining Armor is full of surprises.”

As the crowd cheered, Sunny Starscout and Twilight Sparkle bowed to each other before the latter returned to the podium. She cleared her throat, getting the audience’s attention.

“But there are three individuals who gave us the will to fight back against King Lavan,” Twilight Sparkle said. “Without you three, we would have failed to defeat the king of the underworld. And all hope would have been lost. So it is the honor of the princesses to present these awards to the kin of King Vorak and Queen Lillian: Prince Tirek Highstaff, Prince Amadeus Highstaff, and Princess Cozy Glow Highstaff. Without your help, New Ponyville, Zephyr Heights and Centauria would have been lost for good.”

As the crowd cheered loudly, Princess Sunset Shimmer, King Vorak, Queen Lillian and Santa Claus approached the proud Tirek, Amadeus and Cozy Glow. Sunset bowed to the trio before placing a necklace around each of their necks.

Tirek looked down at his medal, seeing his face on the surface and looked like he was going to cry.

“I see my eldest son has a hint of liquid pride in himself,” Vorak said.

“I do,” Tirek said. “But I wish to apologize for…”

“If it's about losing your temper, it’s not your fault,” King Vorak said. “None of it was. You and your siblings make us all proud, my son.”

As Tirek and Vorak gave each other a hug, Prince Amadeus looked up at his father and elder brother, all while holding his medallion close and with Queen Lillian approaching him.

“Dad was right,” Amadeus said. “I am worthy of wielding the Staff of Sacanas.”

“And the staff is in good hands right now,” Lillian said. “Our guards will keep a close eye on it until the day you need to use it, once more. Until then, enjoy what life brings you, my son my son.”

“I will, mom,” Amadeus said. “And if you need me to wield the staff once more, I’ll be ready.”

Amadeus reached out and gave his mother a hug, shedding a few tears from his eyes.

But Cozy Glow looked down at her medal before turning back to Tirek and Amadeus, just as Sunset Shimmer and Santa Claus stood over her.

“I don’t know,” Cozy Glow said. “I don’t think I did much compared to my brothers.”

“But you did more than you realized,” Sunset Shimmer said. “Besides helping them out in the final battle, it was you who got us to meet the centaurs, especially your brothers, King Vorak and Queen Lillian.”

“Are you sure?” Cozy Glow asked.

“As sure as the sun and the moon,” Sunset laughed.

“She’s right, Cozy Glow,” Santa said. “Don’t undersell yourself because you think you didn’t contribute much. In fact, if it weren’t for you, they would never have met your wonderful family. That is more than any gift I could give. For that, you’ve more than earned a spot in the Nice List Hall of Fame. And as long as you show off how nice you are to other ponies, it will remind you why you should be proud of your achievement.”

“T…thank you, Mr Claus,” Cozy Glow said.

“Oh just call me Santa, or Kris,” Santa Claus chuckled.

“Speaking of Nice list,” Sunset Shimmer said, directing her attention to the northeast part of town. “Check out the three who are on your permanent naughty list.”

Santa Claus turned his attention to the direction Sunset Shimmer was pointing to, where he saw Posey Bloom and Sprout Cloverleaf drag an angry Suri Polomare alongside Ace and Blue Monsoon, the latter two looking like they were scared out of their minds.

“And about time too,” Santa Claus said, his tone turning from jolly to stern. “All thanks to your close friends.”

“What do you say we give those three a punishment they won’t forget?” Sunset Shimmer said.

“Consider it done,” Santa nodded.

As Sprout and Posey came to a stop, Sunset Shimmer and Santa Claus approached the duo, with Santa keeping his eyes on Suri, Ace and Monsoon.

“Good work on locating these three,” Sunset Shimmer said.

“Sure we missed the fight,” Sprout said. “But it was worth paying them back for what they did to my shampoo, conditioner and body wash, and to Posey’s poinsettias.”

“I take it you have the ideal punishment for these three miscreants,” Posey asked.

“Actually, I do,” Santa responded.

Santa Claus slowly marched towards Suri Polomare, Ace and Blue Monsoon, his jolly tone gone, replaced with that of a stern and harsh man.

“I had thought placing you three on the naughty list would remind you to regain the niceness you three once had,” Santa said. “But when you chose to use that lump of coal I gave you to torment others, I placed you three on the Naughty List Hall of Shame. But looking back, I felt like I went too light on you three.”

“Naughty? Nice?” Suri laughed. “Your so-called list is a joke. More and more naughty ponies will see you for what a misguided fool you have always been.”

“So what if they do,” Santa said. “Their cruelty will never crush the spirit of Christmas within me, unlike what you three tried to do last night to three special guests. You three have turned the Naughty List Hall of Shame into a source of pride, and this act of narcissism has gone too long. Instead of a lump of coal, or nothing at all, I hereby sentence you three to community service within the confines of New Ponyville. And to ensure you don’t skip out on your duties, I brought someone along to supervise your punishment.”

Santa Claus turned to a nearby corner and signed to Hermey, who stood tall and ready before turning to the alleyway.

“You can come out, sir,” Hermey said.

Emerging and marching out of the alley was the Head Elf of Christmas Town. Suri, Ace and Monsoon stood there, shaking their legs nervously as the Head Elf made his way to the trio. He stood down at the three ponies, who now looked afraid.

“You think wrecking Christmas for all those ponies is funny?” The Head Elf sneered. “Do you think ruining Christmas or any other holiday for your amusement is good? If you think so, then you are WRONG! You have tainted the very holiday with your pathetic prank. I will be supervising your community service from here until next Christmas. And don’t you even think about skipping out on elf practice. Now….MARCH!”

With that, Suri, Ace and Blue Monsoon marched down the street with the Head Elf grabbing the vines and leading the trio down. The crowd laughed out loud at the three misfits, with Suri turning her head away.

“Laugh all you want,” Suri mumbled. “One day, you’ll see that no punishment will ever change me.”

“That’s what you think,” The Head Elf said. “And just so you know, I can hear everything you say, young mare.”

Suri Polomare grumbled as the Head Elf led the trio down the street. Santa turned to Sprout and Posey, whose tone turned jolly, yet somber.

“I am sorry about what happened to your poinsettias, Posey,” Santa said. “And the same to your shampoo, conditioner and body wash. To make up for what Suri Polomare did to trash your Christmas, I have left a special delivery for you both.”

“You mean, I get new shampoo, conditioner and body wash?” Sprout said.

“And I get new poinsettias?” Posey asked.

“Exactly,” Santa laughed. “There are those who are nice, and those who are naughty. And then there are those who deserve sympathy. You two both made the sympathy list because of what happened. Enjoy them to your heart’s content.”

“Thank you, Santa,” Sprout cried. “I will never forget your kindness.”

And with that, Santa allowed Sprout and Posey to hug him closely.

“Santa,” Posey said. “Thanks for giving us a Christmas we won’t forget.”

“You’re welcome,” Santa said. “And it’s as Twilight Sparkle said, there is more to the Magic of Friendship than meets the eye.”

It was later that afternoon. Everyone was gathered around a new table with delicious food lined up. Not just Zephyr Heights curry, but a variety of vegetables, fruits and even bread. Cakes, Cookies and Pies also lined the table up.

“It’s going to be odd to enjoy a meal without meat,” King Vorak said. “But until our kingdom is rebuilt, we will adjust until further notice.”

“I think you’ll like the food that we have to serve, your majesty,” Princess Twilight Sparkle said.

“No kidding, father,” Tirek said. “Try out the Zephyr Heights curry. Queen Haven told me that it was great, and I believed her in the end.”

Seeing the small patch of curry on his plate, King Vorak picked up a small sample of it with a fork before putting it in his mouth. As he took the fork out, he tasted the curry in his mouth before swallowing. His face turned red as sweat poured down his face.

“Oh my,” Lillian said. “Is that too spicy for you, my dear?”

“No,” King Vorak said. “It’s the kind of dish we have been missing in a long time. The perfect dish to complement our food.”

Queen Lillian turned to Queen Haven, who sat next to her daughters Pipp and Zipp.

“Queen Haven,” Queen Lillian said. “My husband enjoyed your curry. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

“It was a pleasure,” Queen Haven said. “After all, that curry has been with my family for generations.”

“You made this curry?” Tirek asked.

“Mom’s not only a pop star and a queen, but she’s also a great chef,” Zipp Storm said. “To her, variety is the spice of life.”

“Oh that I won’t forget,” King Vorak laughed.

Nearby, Spike the Dragon and Sparky Sparkaroni were enjoying their curry, sitting next to Applejack, Fluttershy and Hitch, with Danged Spell, Golden Lace, Moondancer and Sunburst sitting next to them..

“Spike, slow down,” Applejack said. “You want to make room for the apple pies we’ve made.”

“I know, I know,” Spike said. “But this curry is the greatest. Never thought there was a bit of spice that I missed in my life.”

“And you know my little Sparky,” Hitch said. “He’s not picky when it comes to spicy food.”

“Yeah,” Moondancer said. “But I bet he really enjoys ice cream.”

“He does,” Hitch said. “But I only let him once he finishes his dinner.”

“That does remind me,” Danged Spell said. “Hitch, Fluttershy, I heard you both have eyes for each other.”

“Us?” Fluttershy said as she and Hitch blushed. “Uhh, I don’t think so.”

“Oh nonsense,” Moondancer said. “I bet you both would make the cutest couple at the New Ponyville Zoo.”

“Maybe we will, and maybe we won’t,” Hitch said. “That being said, Spell, is it true that you have eyes for Golden Lace?”

“Now wait just a second here,” Danged Spell said, blushing as well. “Me and Lace? We’ve barely known each other.”

“Spell you silly foal,” Golden Lace laughed. “You know we’re just messing with you.”

Danged Spell lowered his eyes for a moment as he saw Hitch, Fluttershy, Sunburst and Moondancer laugh.

“Oh,” Danged Spell said. “Well I just got made a fool on Christmas Day.”

“No kidding,” Sunburst laughed before he took a sip of water.

“But that being said,” Fluttershy said, turning to Hitch. “Spell’s right. I’m glad you all helped me at the New Ponyville Zoo. But….to be honest, I do have a slight crush on Hitch.”

Immediately, Sunburst spat his water out upon hearing Fluttershy’s words.

“Say what?” Sunburst said.

“Fluttershy,” Hitch said. “I’m…not so sure if I’m ready to commit.”

“I know, and I ask myself the same thing,” Fluttershy said. “But still, if I do settle down with any pony, it would be you, Hitch.”

“Well, I don’t know what to say,” Hitch said.

“Relax, sugar cube,” Applejack said. “Take your time. You don’t need to rush anything.”

“She’s right,” Golden Lace said. “This choice is yours and Fluttershy’s to make, should you make that decision. No one else should change your mind.”

Hitch nodded to Lace and Applejack before turning to Fluttershy.

“Maybe if you are the right pony for me,” Hitch said. “Deal?”

“Deal,” Fluttershy nodded.

Sitting near this group were Yukon Cornelius, Hermey, Rainbow Dash, Windy Whistles, Star Catcher, Rarity, and Misty Brightdawn.

“What a day,” Rarity said. “And I mean yesterday. We had that meanie Suri Polomare ruin our feast with Prince Tirek and his siblings, then King Lavan almost ruined our home. I am done with adventures for now.”

“Not me,” Rainbow Dash said. “If anything, I’m far more fired up than I was.”

“Now Rainbow,” Misty said. “Shouldn’t you be resting those wings from last night’s fight?”

“Oh come on, Misty,” Rainbow Dash said. “There’s no rest for the best of the best.”

“Misty’s got a point, Rainbow,” Thistle Whistle said with a whistle. “We’re all worn out from last night’s battle, and we could use a rest.”

“Oh all right,” Rainbow Dash said. “I’ll give you a couple days rest. But I’d like to see you both bright and early on the twenty-seventh of December.”

“It will be done, ma’am,” Star Catcher saluted.

“Well as much as I want to enjoy Christmas even further, I’m afraid I’ll be taking off temporarily to do a little spelunking,” Yukon Cornelius said.

“What’s the haul you plan on fetching, Yukon?” Hermey asked.

Yukon Cornelius pulled out a silvery bright metal rock and placed it on the table next to his food.

“It’s called titanium,” Yukon said. “I recently found some in a cave north east of here, and not the cave on the summit where Tirek, Cozy Glow and Amadeus camped out at. I was hoping to mine some of that rock and sell it to make some good cash.”

“Well I hope you’re able to get some titanium,” Misty said. “It would help with the pegasi of Zephyr Heights and the centaur of Centauria.”

“Oh I shall,” Yukon said. “After what that brute Lavan did to their towns, I’ll do what I can to pitch in and help them rebuild.”

“Mr Cornelius,” Hermey said. “I’m going to miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too, Mr Dentist,” Yukon said.

“And if you ever need a check up, you know where to look,” Hermey said. “Well until the end of this month, that is.”

“Then I guess I better do so after this meal is over,” Yukon said. “Even my pearly whites need a check up.”

As Yukon and Hermey laughed, Misty, Rainbow Dash and Rarity joined in with the joyous chuckles.

“Isn’t it great to have friends like them?” Misty said.

“It is darling,” Rarity said.

Misty immediately pulled out her ornament and placed it on the table.

“Misty,” Rarity said. “Your ornament. We’ve forgotten to place it on the Christmas Tree.”

“I know,” Misty said. “I was going to do so yesterday, before Suri ruined our Christmas party. But now, I think keeping it by my side is a far better idea.”

“Well I think so as well,” Rarity said. “It does hold a special place in your heart.”

“It does,” Misty said. “Daddy does miss me and I miss him. But I know I’ll be seeing him again when he comes by in a few months.”

“Oh Misty,” Rarity said. “I’m glad to have you as my friend.”

But at another part of the table near Twilight, Tirek, Lillian and Vorak, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Sunset Shimmer, Rudolph, Donner, Pinkie Pie, Sunny Starscout, Izzy Moonbow, Minty, Starlight Glimmer, Cozy Glow and Amadeus were enjoy the food on their plate.

“It was great that we were able to put together this last minute Christmas Party,” Wanda said.

“Yeah,” Pinkie Pie said. “Luckily Suri didn’t find my emergency batch of baked goods. “So it all turned out great in the end.”

“It’s starting to truly feel like Christmas,” Sunset Shimmer said. “After what we’ve all been through, this feels so satisfying.”

“No kidding,” Wanda laughed. “Not only did we make friends with the centaurs of Centauria, but we also got to help bring down King Lavan. I heard he’s locked away in Tartarus behind a crystal prison.”

“But if Lavan was the first to attack us, then I wonder if we’ll see others rise to take us on?” Izzy Moonbow asked.

“Bet on it,” Wanda said. “If we can take out Lavan, we can take on others like Serpentor and Grogar to name a few.”

But when Wanda and Sunset turned to Starlight, the two were close together enjoying the food on their plate.

“Starlight? Cozy Glow?” Wanda said. “Are you two bonding together?”

“They sure are,” Minty said. “I’ve never seen Starlight so happy in my life.”

“Oh cool it, you two,” Starlight laughed. “We’re just talking about the last forty eight hours of our lives.”

As Cozy Glow let out a slight giggle, she reached down and pulled out a familiar sack of gold coins.

“That’s the gold you have from early ago,” Starlight Glimmer said. “You still had it all this time.”

“I did,” Cozy Glow said. “And I never used it at all. What a waste.”

“No it wasn’t,” Starlight said. “It’s yours if you want to use it.”

“But, the gold belongs to your kind,” Cozy Glow said. “After all, Scorpan the Wise’s last wish was for the ponies of New Ponyville to use it.”

“Oh that won’t be necessary,” Starlight said. “After all, the princesses told me that we’re going to give half to Zephyr Heights and the other half to Centauria.”

“She’s got a point there,” Sunset Shimmer said. “After what both kingdoms have gone through thanks to Lavan’s earthquakes, they deserve the gold far more than we do. And you can keep your share of the gold for what you want to use it for.”

“For real?” Cozy Glow asked.

“Yeah,” Sunset said. “After what you did to help unite ponies with centaurs, you deserve it, your majesty.”

“Oh, just call me Cozy Glow,” The curly-maned pegasi filly laughed.”

But Wanda immediately turned her head towards Amadeus, who turned his head away in embarrassment.

“Amadeus,” Wanda said. “I want to thank you for all the hard work you did today. I appreciate it.”

“Uhh, thanks, your majesty,” Amadeus said, turning his head back to Wanda.

“What’s wrong?” Wanda asked. “Do you look a little sick?”

“No no no,” Amadeus said. “I’m alright.”

“I think you have a crush on Wanda,” Minty said.

Immediately, everyone burst into laughter.

“Oh Minty,” Pinkie giggled. “Oh Minty, Minty, Minty.”

“Me?” Amadeus said. “A crush on Wanda? Oh nooooooo. Not like that.”

“But I think you and Wanda would be a perfect pear,” Rudolph said. “Just like me and Clariece.”

But as soon as Rudolph said Clariece, his ears folded down before he stared at his food.

“What’s wrong, my son?” Donner asked.

“I miss Clarice, dad,” Rudolph said. “I was hoping to see her when we got back to Christmas Town. But now, I bet she’s worried about me.”

“Now I wouldn’t say that, my son,” Donner said. “In fact, Santa decided to bring her over.”

“He did?” Rudolph said, getting out of his seat.

Donner directed his eyes towards a nearby building before flicking his head back. Immediately, a familiar doe walked out and approached Rudolph.

“Clariece,” Rudolph said. “Santa brought you here?”

“He did with help from Old Man Winter,” Clarice said. “When I heard about how you helped take on Lavan, I got worried about your safety. But now I’m glad you survived the fight, and I’m glad to see you again.”

“So am I, Clarice,” Rudolph blushed. “So am I.”

“By the way,” Clarice said. “How would you feel if you became a father in the next few months?”

“A father? Me?” Rudolph said.

“And if it’s a son or daughter, you will be proud of your new child,” Clarice said.

“Oh I can’t wait,” Rudolph said.

With that, Rudolph and Clarice kissed each other, with Donner rubbing his eyes with his hoof.

“I was harsh on him when he was a young’un,” Donner said. “And sometimes, I wish I went easy. But now, I’m proud of how far my little Rudolph has come.”

“Let me guess, liquid pride,” Sunset laughed.

“Uhh, yes,” Donner said, awkwardly. “It is…liquid pride.”

But as the group laughed, Wanda and Amadeus turned back on each other.

“I know some people want me to find someone to be with me for the rest of my life,” Amadeus said. “But…I don’t think I’m….that committed.”

“It’s your choice if you want to go down that path or not, and with someone who cares for you,” Wanda said. “Always remember that.”

“I will,” Amadeus said. “And thanks.”

Nearby, Twilight Sparkle got out of her chair and walked past Tirek, Vorak and Lillian before approaching Sunny Starscout.

“How are you enjoying the festivities, my faithful student?” Twilight asked.

“The best, my faithful teacher,” Sunny Starscout said. “And I’m glad we got to make new friends.”

“An understatement,” Twilight laughed. “We’ve become closer with the centaurs because of these last couple of days. And it’s because you chose to befriend three of their representatives.”

“It’s still surprising that Cozy Glow, a pegasi filly, was amongst the citizens, let alone the royal family,” Sunny said.

“Life can be full of surprises, Sunny,” Twilight said. “Like how Wanda was raised by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.”

“Did someone call our name?” Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle and Sunny Starscout turned to the far street, where they saw Princess Celestia and Princess Luna approach the entire group.

“Princess Celestia,” Twilight said. “My faithful teacher.”

“Mom,” Wanda and Sunset said.

Wanda and Sunset got out of their seats before they and Twilight ran up to the two older Alicorn Princesses and gave them a big hug.

“We heard about what happened in those last two days, and we wanted to pitch in,” Princess Luna said. “But it looks like you got everything under control.”

“We sure did, Aunt Luna,” Wanda said, looking up at the two taller alicorns. “And mom, thanks for coming by New Ponyville.”

“It’s my pleasure, my daughter,” Princess Celestia said.

As Wanda, Sunset and Twilight stepped away from Celestia and Luna, they bowed to the taller alicorns in respect.

“Oh you don’t have to resort to that,” Celestia said. “After all, you three are my equals.”

“But it’s more out of respect, mother,” Sunset Shimmer said. “After all, you raised all three of us to exceed your expectations, and we sure did.”

“Maybe we should have gone easy on your three,” Princess Luna said.

As Wanda, SUnset and Twilight stepped aside, Sunny Starscout walked up to Princess Celestia before bowing to the alicorn.

“Sunny Starscout,” Princess Celestia said. “It is great to see my grandstudent.”

“And it’s great to see my grandteacher,” Sunny Starscout said.

“But I’ll have to be honest,” Celestia said. “The political system of the world prevented us from communicating with the kingdom of Centauria. And as a result, we almost lost them.”

“But I’m glad we got them back,” Sunny said. “But it sounds like you’re more disappointed in yourselves.”

“We are, little Sunny Starscout,” Celestia said. “Sometimes, I wonder if we lose sight of who we are, and how close we are to our friends. Even more so, you all had to deal with the same Lavan who fought against Megan Williams, Gusty the Great and Scorpan the Wise.”

“And it’s not your fault,” Tirek said, getting out of his chair with King Vorak, Queen Lillian, Cozy Glow and Amadeus by his side. “Sometimes, we have to roll with it and get through these hard times. When we do, we emerge stronger than ever.”

“Wise words from the son of King Vorak,” Princess Luna said, turning to the king of Centauria. “You raised Tirek, Amadeus and Cozy Glow with dignity.”

“That I did,” Vorak said. “I can also say the same thing for you and Celestia involving Wanda, Sunset and Twilight.”

“Oh you don't need to compliment us,” Celestia laughed. “But that being said, we should consider opening trade between the two countries.”

“And we shall,” King Vorak said. “It’s time we got out of our isolation and learn from the rest of the world.”

As the two rulers bowed to each other, everyone around them clapped their hooves or hands for King Vorak and Princess Celestia.

“Doesn’t this moment make you want to wipe tears from your eyes?” Wanda asked.

“It does,” Sunny Starscout said. “And I’m glad to have been a part of it.”

“So have I,” Wanda said. “So have I.”

As everyone celebrated, Santa Claus and Old Man Winter sat at the far end of the table, enjoying the food together.

“What a spectacular Christmas for the ponies of New Ponyville,” Santa Claus said. “Everything turned out alright for them.”

“It did, old friend,” Old Man Winter. “But they almost lost their home thanks to Lavan.”

“And had we failed to stop him, who knows what else he would have done once he captured New Ponyville,” Santa said. “Los Angeles, Tokyo, Canterlot, Shanghai, Vancouver, even the Southern Islands. In fact, even Christmas town would have collapsed thanks to that fiend.”

“Furthermore, if Lavan was able to escape his prison, it makes us wonder if other sinister foes from the past have escaped as well,” Old Man Winter said.

“Well there is one set of foes that won’t escape for the time being,” Santa said. “And right now, I think they’re in good hands.”

Santa and Old Man Winter turned to the far end of the street, where Suri Polomare, Ace and Blue Monsoon were scrubbing down the street. Suri was in a bad mood as she cleaned the shampoo out of the pavement.

“Blast those pathetic ponies,” Suri Polomare grumbled. “When I get out of this mess, I will make them wish they were never born.”

“QUIT RANTING AND KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON YOUR WORK!” Suri slowly turned her head to see the Head Elf glare down at her.

“Alright, alright,” Suri Polomare said as she doubled down on the cleaning.

“That’s better,” The Head Elf said.

But as Suri cleaned, she saw Ace and Blue Monsoon chuckle at her.

“What are you morons laughing at?” Suri snarled.

But Ace and Blue Monsoon turned their heads away and cleaned while they whistled innocently.

“With minions like those two, who needs annoyances,” Suri said.

Back at the table, everyone was enjoying the feast of Christmas as they spread cheer and good will to each other. Tirek had a friendly chat with Wanda and Sunset. King Vorak and Queen Lillian clanged their glasses with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Amadeus and Wanda enjoyed a pumpkin pie with whipped cream. Sunny Starscout, Starlight Glimmer and Cozy Glow played with toys on the street. Even Twilight Sparkle and the others enjoyed each other’s company.

But up on the roof, a woman with bright yellow hair and a mysterious cloak looked down at Wanda Young with a sad look on her face.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen your face, my daughter,” The woman said. “I had to give you up to Princess Celestia so that you would be safe. And I know you once had magic when you were a baby. One day, you and I will meet, and we will restore the old kingdom that once stood proud. So says I….Queen Eleanor Young of Equinox City.”

Immediately, Eleanor’s eyes shifted to Lillian, who sipped a glass of apple cider.

“And to you my old friend, I hope we meet again as well,” Eleanor said, reaching her hand out to Lillian.

Meanwhile, at a kingdom at the far north, inside a castle of cold, a winter-themed alicorn sat on her throne, brushing her mane for a moment when a guard made his way inside and approached her.

“Queen Icelina,” The guard said. “King Lavan was defeated by the student of Twilight Sparkle: Sunny Starscout.”

“I’ve heard about it, sssssoldier,” Queen Icelina said. “And it wasssssn’t jusssssst Ssssssunny Ssssstarscout. The poniesssss of New Ponyville and the Ccccccentaur of Ccccentauria were responsible in defeating Lavan. Even Sssssanta Claussssss and Old Man Winter joined in. Quite a sssssssurprise.”

“What should we do, my queen?” The guard asked.

“Nothing,” Queen Icelina responded. “Not for the time being. For now, I sssssshall build my ssssstrength and prepare for the invasssssssion. You may go.”

“Yes, my queen,” the guard said before he turned tail and walked out of the throne room.

Queen Icelina got on her four hooves and placed her hairbrush on the armrest of her throne before walking behind it. She pushed a slab on the wall, opening the doorway into a secret lair.

As she walked inside, the door closed behind her, leaving her all alone in a room with an alicorn stallion frozen in the middle of the room, and a sword resting in a resilient stone,

“It’sssssss too bad that King Glaciussssss cannot sssssssee the world from his iccccccccy prissssssson,” Queen Icelina said. “Nor can anyone claim the Sssssssword of Harmony. With the king of this kingdom and the ssssssword out of the way, nothing will ssssssstop me from preparing for my war with the whole world. Sssssssoon, all will tremble beneath the hooves of Queen Iccccccelina.”

Queen Icelina let out a horrifying laugh as she stood in front of the frozen body of King Glacius and the sealed Sword of Harmony.

The End

Author's Note

I'll have to admit: it was a difficult project to complete because there were even more characters I had to think about.

Tirek
Cozy Glow
My OC Amadeus Highstaff(May have called him Hightower by accident)
Both Mane Sixes
Sunset Shimmer
Starlight Glimmer
My OC Wanda Young
Spike and Sparky
Suri Polomare, Ace and Blue Monsoon
Sprout Cloverleaf and Posey Bloom
Yukon Cornelius
Rudolph
Santa Claus
even Old Man Winter

And it was hard to keep track of so many characters. But I at least pulled it off.

As for the conclusion, I may consider doing one more if you all want it: A villain of pure cold. On a side note, notice the cameo from King Glaceius? He's now the 5th One as a Family character to be apart of the New Ponyville universe. But unlike his counterpart Coldnelius Snap, he never went down the path of evil. But why did Icelina become evil? Ask me to do a sequel next year, and I'll explain why.

Anyway, Happy Hearths Warming and Merry Christmas. I will see you in 2025 with Saga 3 of One as a Family.