//------------------------------// // Coronation Celebrations // Story: A Queen's Perspective - Equestria Girls // by gerandakis //------------------------------// It had been only a few minutes since the doors opened and it would be a while still before the dance officially started, so by the time the seven friends arrived, the gym was still relatively empty. Spike was happily out and about, as were Fluttershy's animals since for this special occasion Principal Celestia had allowed pets on campus. Being early suited Pinkie just fine and she immediately zipped off to do her duties in managing the party, after all she was the head of the planning committee. Fluttershy was splitting her attention between watching animals, both her own and the the as of yet somewhat few brought by other students, and chatting with Spike who found the conversation to be eerily similar to the ones he’d had with Fluttershy's counterpart over the first few days he and Twilight had stayed in Ponyville. Rarity was constantly making small adjustments to her attire while watching that of the other students with professional dedication. Applejack had joined Rainbow near the refreshments, partaking in the cider she had helped bring in the day before. Twilight meanwhile was socializing with the students, between her training in politics from her time under Celestia's tutelage, her understanding of the relations between friends from her time in Ponyville, her innate commanding presence from being a Queen and her empathic sense keeping her aware of the emotions around her, she was feeling right at home. Highschool politics truly were a far more pleasant affair than dealing with nobles at the royal court, despite - or perhaps because of - the small impact they would ultimately have. The principals were watching from the edge of the stage as the hall slowly filled with students. After about half an hour, Principal Celestia looked to her sister, who gave an encouraging nod before standing up tall and stepping forward towards the microphone. "Dear students and faculty of Canterlot High, welcome to our annual Fall Formal Dance, I remind you that the Princess of this year’s Fall Formal will be announced two hours from now. Until then, enjoy the celebrations. With special thanks to Pinkie Pie and the Planning Committee as well as everyone who helped prepare this hall after our ... setback earlier today, I hereby declare the dance open." As the music started and the students began to dance, Celestia stepped back from the microphone and off the stage so that the first of the few student bands that would provide live music this evening could start setting up. When she turned she saw Luna giving her a sly smirk. "A little formal for a school dance, wouldn't you say." "I can't help it, I enjoy a bit of ceremony every once in a while. The paperwork already takes up way too much of this job, if there are a few glamorous moments here and there we might as well make them count." "Fair enough. You always did like these kinds of things." "Enough!" The six friends turned to Photo Finish who had just taken their pictures in various costumes, poses, and situations. "Zhet. Whaz. Everythink. I cannot top zis work.  "I GO!" As she went, only the camera was left behind spinning in mid air, leaving Photo's assistant, who had introduced herself as Pixel Pizzaz, to catch it before it could hit the floor. As Rarity loudly wondered if this meant she could keep the wings that had been her latest costume, much to Twilight's amusement, the friends shared another laugh before returning to the party at large. For a while most of them took part in the dancing with the exception of Fluttershy who was not to big a fan of dancing in public and Twilight who was quite happy being able to walk on two legs and thought dancing might be pushing it a little. For some time the two remained silent before Fluttershy softly spoke up. "You know, I actually haven't seen Sunset Shimmer yet." "Huh. Now that you mention it, neither have I." She focused for a second. "No, I can't sense her. Maybe she isn't here yet. Of course it might also just be my empathy getting swamped with all the emotions from the party." "Well, I'm sure she will show up. It's not like her to give up so easily." "It's still an hour before they'll officially announce who won. Maybe she won't turn up much earlier than that." "Maybe ..." As the two settled into an uneasy silence, Pinkie appeared from somewhere, perhaps summoned by their less than optimal party mood, to pull them back into the celebrations. Over the course of the dance, a number of memorable things happened, chief among them the time Applejack and Applebloom unintentionally challenged Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo to a dance-off of sorts. Somehow Applebloom and Scootaloo ended up being the winners of that contest and were given an "Emergency Trophy in the event of an epic Dance-Off" by Pinkie, which made Twilight chuckle once more, remembering the one time she drove herself crazy by going back in time.  Before long, however, the time had come that Flash Sentry's band finished their current song and The Principal Celestia took the stage once more. "First off, I want to say how wonderful everything looks tonight. You all did a magnificent job pulling things together after the unfortunate events of earlier. And now, without further ado, I'd like to announce the winner of this year's Fall Formal crown. The Princess of this year's Fall Formal is ... Twilight Sparkle" To the applause of the students Twilight walked up to the stage and took the steps up with ease before stopping in front of the principal. The moment the Element of Harmony touched her brow, a familiar spark of magic touched her mind, as if the Element remembered its bearer. She turned towards the students and gave a wide smile. A moment passed but then she felt a strong wave of anger from somewhere outside the school.  Sunset. She knows I'm an empath. She's using that to call me. Clever.  She stepped down from the stage and turned towards her friends.  "Girls, we have something to take care of. She's here."