View source for Holiday Tidings (Bow)

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2024/12/13
|Location=Bow's Dorm Room
|Synopsis=Bow records his latest travel vlog... and takes a moment to reach out into the void.
|Cast of Characters=226
}}
The camera flickered on, revealing Bow sitting cross-legged on a tatami mat, his violin propped neatly against the wall behind him. The backdrop of the room was simple but warm: fairy lights strung across the ceiling, a small potted pine decorated with paper cranes and origami stars, and a single candle flickering beside a steaming cup of tea. Bow adjusted the camera angle, his characteristic grin broadening as he waved.

"Hey, everyone!" he greeted, his tone vibrant. "It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these, but I’ve been getting so many questions about this time of year here on Earth that I figured it was the perfect opportunity to explain something totally new to Etherians... Christmas!"

He leaned back slightly, resting his hands on the floor behind him. "So, what is Christmas? That’s a loaded question. It’s part holiday, part cultural phenomenon, and all-around magical. People here celebrate it differently depending on where they’re from or what they believe, but it’s usually about family, giving, and hope. And there’s a lot of food... like, a lot of food. I’m not kidding. I just learned what eggnog is, and I’m still trying to decide if I love it or if it’s some kind of weird milk potion."

He laughed, his hand brushing his hair out of his eyes. "But the coolest part, the thing that really caught my attention, is this figure called Santa Claus. Now, hear me out: he’s described as a jolly, red-suited guy who flies around the world delivering presents to kids… all in one night. Seriously, one night. How does he do it? Magic, obviously."

Bow leaned closer to the camera, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "And here’s where it gets really interesting: I think Santa might actually be a mahou. Think about it! He’s got this uncanny ability to travel great distances instantly. He’s got helpers - maybe familiars or a coven? - who make all the toys. He’s tied to this super specific time of year, and there’s this whole thing about people needing to believe in him for his magic to work. It all fits!"

He sat back again, folding his arms and nodding to himself. "If you ask me, Santa’s either an ancient mahou who somehow escaped the Veil and Fade, or maybe he’s from another world altogether and landed here by accident. Either way, he’s definitely rocking some next-level powers. I mean, what kind of magic lets you eat endless cookies and not get full? That’s a skill I’d love to learn."

Bow gestured toward the small, decorated pine tree behind him. "And then there’s the whole idea of the Christmas spirit – kindness, generosity, love. It’s like the Earth version of magic, the kind that doesn’t need a wand or a spell. People… just feel it. Maybe that’s why Santa’s magic works. Because people believe, and that belief is its own kind of power."

He sighed contentedly, picking up the cup of tea beside him and taking a sip. "So, Etheria, if you’re watching this, maybe this is something we can learn from. Even without glittering castles or enchanted forests, Earth has its own magic. It’s in the way people come together and share joy. It’s in how they light up the darkest nights with hope. And yeah, maybe it’s in eggnog, too. Still deciding."

He set the tea down and grinned at the camera. "I’ll keep you updated on my Christmas adventures. Next on the list: building a snowman and figuring out how to wrap gifts. If anyone knows how to tie a decent bow, let me know in the comments. No pun intended. Until then, stay magical!"

Bow leaned forward and switched off the camera, his smile lingering as he glanced toward the little pine tree. 

The camera flickered back on, but this time the background was darker, and Bow’s expression was more solemn. The fairy lights were dimmed, casting shadows across the small room. This was not his usual vlog. Bow adjusted the frame, leaning forward slightly as if addressing someone intimately.

"Hey, Dads. George, Lance," he began, his voice quieter now, tinged with longing. "I, uh, hope this gets through to you somehow. I know it’s encrypted and all, but I’ve been working on this link for a while. I just... I needed to talk to you both."

He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I miss you. I miss Etheria. It’s been… it’s been really hard being away for so long. I know I made this choice to come here, to learn, to grow, but sometimes I wonder if I’m doing the right thing. Especially with Glimmer in Obsidian."

Bow’s gaze dropped, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his sleeve. "I know she’s doing what she thinks is best, but I’m worried. People are seeing her as this… this unreachable force, and it’s not who she is. Glimmer is so much more than that. She’s brave, kind, and she’s always been about helping others. But now, it feels like that side of her is being overshadowed in this whoel show and dance she's putting on to be ''dark''. And I can’t help her. Especially after I pushed her further away when I allowed dark magic to corrupt ''me''. More on that later. I'm okay though. Just... exposed to some feelings I never realized before and don't know how to deal."

He bit his lip, his voice cracking slightly. "I tried, you know? I tried to help her, to be there for her. But my last attempt... it just felt like I failed her. Like I failed everyone. And now, I’m here, doing these vlogs, trying to stay positive, but it’s hard. It’s really hard."

He looked up at the camera, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I just wanted to tell you both that I’m trying. I’m doing my best to honor everything you taught me, to be the kind of person who makes a difference. I just... I just wish I could be there with you, with everyone, to help make things right."

Bow sat in silence for a moment, the faint hum of the city outside filling the void. Finally, he gave a small, bittersweet smile. "I love you. I’ll keep trying. For you, for Glimmer, for Etheria. Merry Christmas."

He reached forward and turned off the camera, the room falling into darkness except for the faint glow of the fairy lights.