> An Elemental Shift > by Niluom > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > The Ceremony > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It wasn't often that all three Princesses stood together, but even Twilight Sparkle had to admit that the sight was rather intimidating. It was after all, a rather big day for her, and if it wasn't obvious by the amazing dress Rarity had sewn for her, she could only imagine that the fact that the three Princesses were all here for her. Today was the day that she was to become an Alicorn princess. She still couldn't believe it was even happening at all. Her extensive knowledge of magic was only a small reason she was being given this immense responsibility today. After all, being Celestia's student had meant she would do something amazing in life, right? But this? This was beyond anything she had ever imagined happening to her as a filly, and even now as an adult, standing in the great hall with her best friends by her side, she couldn't help be feel grateful for even receiving the opportunity in the first place. She turned her head to look nervously at her friends, who all gave her a reassuring smile in return. It was all she needed, and with a look of determination on her face, Twilight looked back at Princess Celestia, who was watching her every movement with a kind smile. “I'm ready Princess Celestia.” Twilight spoke, her voice sounding more confident than she really felt. Becoming a Princess was a very, very, big deal, and Twilight still could not fathom how in the world she deserved the honor. She mentally smacked herself, reminding herself that she had been telling herself that for hours, and that this was not a dream. Princess Celestia smiled in return, her wings bellowing out from behind her, startling Twilight out of her thoughts. “I am pleased you have accepted Twilight, for this can only mean good things for all of Equestria.” Celestia gazed at the gathered Element of Harmonies around her. Her expression suddenly took a different turn, looking back down at Twilight. “I am sure you know all of the responsibilities and consequences that comes with being a Princess, am I correct?” Twilight nodded eagerly. Of course she had studied the rules, there was no way she was even considering the prospect if she didn't know what it entitled to. It was at moment when she remembered something, something that had bothered her the very moment she read it. Perhaps it was a misprint or... “Princess Celestia, I have a small question.” She whispered, looking a bit anxious. Celestia looked confused momentarily before nodding. “Go on Twilight Sparkle.” “I had read in the book that you had given me that there was a certain consequence once I became a Princess...” she paused for a moment, collecting her thoughts. “Is it true that I will no longer be connected to the Element of Magic?” She asked bluntly, making sure her friends heard from behind her. She heard a small “What?” from Rainbow Dash, but Rarity shushed her before she could say any more. After a moment she thought Celestia had not heard her, watching the Princess stay silent. Behind her, Twilight noticed that Cadance and Luna glanced at each other, their faces crossed with worry. Celestia suddenly sighed softly before meeting Twilight's eyes. “Yes, Twilight Sparkle. You and your friends will no longer be connected to the Elements of Harmony.” “Wait what?!” Pinkie Pie squeaked, causing Rarity to wince at the sudden high-pitched voice in her ear. “Does that mean I can't laugh anymore? Because I really like laughing. Laughing makes me friends, and friends means parties. No friends means no parties!” She cried, but Celestia merely shook her head, smiling softly. “Pinkie Pie, the reason you and the Element of Laughter were connected in the first place was because you represented it. The Element did not make you laugh and have fun, you were already like that.” Pinkie Pie seemed to process the words for a moment before grinning widely. “Oh yeah!” She giggled loudly. “Silly me! Thanks for clearing that up Princess!” At this time Rainbow Dash spoke up, frowning. “But what if there's another you know...evil thing. Like King Sombra or the changelings?” She stomped her hoof in agitation as she spoke, “We just can't let Equestria defend itself! They might need our help!” “I had long since thought of that Rainbow Dash, you mustn't be so brash.” Rainbow Dash blushed in embarrassment, but stayed silent. “If that was to happen, the Elements would merely choose new ponies that represent them best. Before Luna and I had the elements, they were connected to other alicorns. Although in the case of the six of you, if Twilight is to accept Princess hood, it may be years until the Elements choose those to represent them.” Noting the unwavering frown on Rainbow Dash's face, Celestia smiled. “The Elements usually choose in the time of greatest need, and when that time comes, I will be more than honored to assist those ponies as I'm sure you'd be willing to as well Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight looked up at the mention of her name and nodded. “Of course Princess. If it's for the best of Equestria, I would be honored to help those the Elements choose next.” At this, Rainbow Dash visibly relaxed, smiling as she received a small, comforting nudge from Applejack. “I hope that answers any questions and concerns with this matter?” Celestia prompted gently, not wanting to concern Twilight or her friends too much. She cared deeply about them, and she did not want for any of them to be uncomfortable with Twilight Sparkle's overall decision. She watched as the other elements nodded their heads, a sign that they were all ready to take the next step. “Wonderful.” She stepped closer to Twilight Sparkle and raised her head, Cadance and Luna doing the same from behind her. “Then with the power of Equestria, I ask you, Twilight Sparkle, are you ready to uphold the duties that come with becoming an Alicorn Princess?” Twilight's eyes flickered unsurely for a moment before she straightened and nodded. “Yes Princess Celestia, I agree to any consequence that comes with becoming an Alicorn Princess, and I promise to use any powers I receive in return only for the well being of Equestria.” “Do the Elements of Honesty, Laughter, Generosity, Loyalty, and Kindness consent to giving up their connection to their said Element?” The five ponies smiled and spoke together, their happiness evident in each of their voices. “Yes Princess Celestia, we do.” At those words, a bright aura erupted from each of the Princesses' horn, wrapping itself around Twilight's friends, causing them to all look stunned, Fluttershy looking more worried than the others. The aura lifted them up and caused a rainbow colored light to emit from all of them, wrapping around Twilight, who merely looked more determined than ever. Then all she saw was white, and a gasp escaped her throat as a surge of peace seemed to take over her. And just like that, it was over. She fell on the floor with a heavy thud, causing her friends to run over to her and immediately ask if she was alright. She sat up and rubbed her head, waving away their concerns with a flick of her hoof. “I'm fine girls, don't worry.” At this Fluttershy smiled brilliantly at her. “Twilight, you have wings...!” She exclaimed, her own wings flapping excitedly from behind her. Twilight gasped and twisted her head to look at her back. She indeed did have wings! She was an Alicorn! She did it! No... “We did it.” She whispered, turning towards all of her friends as she was suddenly wrapped in a group hug, hearing their excited laughter and laughing along. She noticed Celestia, Luna, and Cadance smiling at them, Celestia speaking up, her eyes bright. “Welcome Princess Twilight Sparkle, to a new age of Equestria!” None of them knew, as those very words were spoken, six young fillies looked up towards the sky at the same time, wondering why they suddenly felt a strange, calming sensation in each of their young hearts.