A World of Disney Christmas

The Fourth and Final Tale

December 25, 1977 (The Fourth and Final Tale)

It was finally Christmas morning, which meant the Muppet Theater's pageant was later that night. With all the pressures following the big event behind them, there was nothing but excitement filled in the air, as all of the theater residents awoke to open presents. Everyone got exactly what they asked for, including Joanie, who received a hatbox from her mother that included a lock only she could open. It was exactly what she needed, since her hat ended up in the most random of places throughout the theater. It was the best Christmas morning she spent yet with her family.

But it seemed to have gotten taxing again when Joanie's presence was requested at Yen Sid's workshop in the Fantasia realm. Before she could even use her new hatbox, she needed to use the hat to transport herself between worlds. However, Joanie didn't journey alone that time. On the request of her mother, she was accompanied by her because – in her words – she wanted to give Yen Sid a piece of her mind. The last thing Joanie needed was for her mother to cause trouble in front of her master, but there was no talking her out of it unfortunately.

The two women arrived to the workshop where Yen Sid waited for them. Immediately, after they materialized in the room, Diana stormed up to Yen Sid and furiously said, "Alright, Yen Sen! Let's get one thing straight! Just because you don't have Christmas in this world doesn't mean that you can interrupt the one we're having in our world! Who do you think you are inter—?"

Diana stopped just as she and Joanie heard tiny barking from within the workshop. Looking around, they saw no sign of a puppy in the area. But then they looked past Yen Sid and saw Mickey with a familiar bloodhound puppy that was slender gold, had a black nose and long ears, a green collar, and a long black tail. The puppy licked Mickey's face, making the mouse giggle with delight. Touched by the sight, Joanie and Diana smiled, letting out a long "Aww."

"I'm afraid you've been misinformed, madam." Yen Sid told Diana with a grin. "We do have Christmas in our world."

"Master Yen Sid got me this cute lil' puppy for Christmas." Mickey said. "Haven't gotten a chance to name him yet. What name you think I should give him, Joanie?"

Joanie couldn't stop smiling at the beautiful sight. "I believe 'Pluto' sounds like a wonderful name for that lil' guy, Mickey."

Mickey considered the name. "Pluto, huh?" He looked down at the puppy, gently stroking his tiny head, and smiled. "That does sound like a wonderful name. Thanks, Joanie."

"You're perfectly welcome, buddy." Joanie happily remarked.

Yen Sid stood beside her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I requested your presence on this day of all days, apprentice, because I wish to give my Christmas gift for you."

Joanie seemed astounded and excited. "You have a Christmas gift for me?"

"A simple one, actually. Nothing too extravagant." Yen Sid casually mentioned.

Her excitement quickly dropped. "Oh." She then heard her mother deliberately clearing her throat as a reminder of her to be thankful for her master's gift. On this, Joanie uttered more enthusiastically, "I mean...Oh!"

Yen Sid grinned. "With this being your first Christmas as my apprentice, you have proven yourself worthy of the abilities you possess. I have watched you on your journey into becoming Guardian of this universe – or 'Disneyverse,' as you call it – and what I have seen has shown me that you are indeed ready." His words made Joanie beam with honor. "There is just one more test you must pass before I grant you the title."

Joanie's smile faded as soon as Yen Sid uttered the word "test." She swallowed hard, bracing herself for whatever crucial task he was about to assign her.

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Joanie felt her body stiffen as she stood on a risen platform in the center of the largest ancient stadium she had ever seen – larger than those used for the Super Bowl – with an audience of sorcerers and sorceresses dressed in an assortment of red and blue robes. Some of them were human while others were non-human entities similar to Mickey, coming from a variety of races like duck and dog. Joanie could have sworn some were distant relatives of Donald Duck and Goofy.

Yen Sid brought Joanie before this audience of sorcerers and sorceresses as her final test, yet it was quite an overwhelming (if not unexpected) one. As much as she was used to performing in front of audiences at the Muppet Theater, she never spoke before such a massive audience of people. Thankfully, her mother stood nearby with Yen Sid, Mickey, and Pluto, giving her enough confidence and humility to address the large crowd. Taking a deep breath, she magically augmented her voice so that it was heard throughout the stadium and let the words flow:

"My fellow members of the parliament. I'm sure you've heard of me by now. My name is Joanie Navarro, but you recognize me as the envisaged guardian of this world and the others beyond it. Honestly, I don't know much of what to tell you other than I'm really honored to be given the task of watching out for this universe. A year ago, on this day, I spent Christmas wondering what challenges the New Year would bring. I was always so worried about my future – what I'd become one day. But, this past summer, I had the esteemed pleasure in seeing my future...or, at least, one possible future. I'm gonna be a mother of four beautiful children – three lovely daughters and one handsome son...a son...Man, I've dreamt of having one...a lil' guy to raise as a strong young man...and if you've seen the son I will have, then you'll know why I'm so thankful for the years of my life to come.

My master, Yen Sid, says that his Christmas gift to me is the title of 'Guardian.' But, honestly, as great of a gift that is for my new life as a sorceress, the best gift is my family – my mother and all the other people back in my world. You have my word that I will protect the worlds of Disney with every power I have. But I will also protect my world – my home – first and foremost. I thank you – all of you – for believing in me and my abilities. I will not let you down!"

Joanie's speech was instantly met with a roar of applause from the assemblage of sorcerers and sorceresses. A large smile manifested on her face as she was illuminated from the glistening sunlight peeking through the glorious white clouds above the stadium. Yen Sid and Mickey applauded as well, while Pluto's small barks supplemented them. And Diana, tears in her eyes, simply stared at her daughter with a proud smile. Joanie soon went to her mother and gave her a warm hug, whispering "I love you" in her ear.

And so the final test was passed. Joanie Navarro, my apprentice, graduated into the title of "Guardian of the Disneyverse." Responsibility, love, humility, and confidence – these are the characteristics of a true guardian. With the help of her family, Young Joanie mastered these characteristics and ensured herself a future as the most powerful sorceress in the universe, protecting countless worlds and saving many lives. And what of the Muppets' Christmas pageant? It was a grand success that must be seen to believe. And the best part – it was all started by a mouse.

Yen Sid