//------------------------------// // Third Principle // Story: The Manual of Heroes // by Kaliann25 //------------------------------// Third principle: Always respect other heroes’ way to do things Ponyville: Twilight smiled at Rarity, as she helped her to do her the traditional gems-incrusted hairstyle. Thanks to certain experience so many years ago, Rarity had become an expert on the matter. “I can’t thank you enough, Rarity.” said Twilight, as she admired her image on the mirror. “Whenever you want, darling.” Said Rarity. “After all, I cannot allow the lack of elegance in an official coronation. Oh, I’m so happy for little Flurry.” “Me too!” said Twilight, dreamily. “I’m so proud of my niece. I hope she’s ready to accept the responsibilities of the Crown.” “Well, she haves her family to guide and support her.” smiled Rarity. “And, she’s really smart too. If it wasn’t for her obsession with comics, she would be the perfect ruler.” The fashionista sighed. “Sometimes I wonder if Spike moving to the Crystal Empire was actually a good idea.” Twilight did her best to hold back a small tear. The whole thing about Spike’s custody still hunted her, but let’s not get into details. Anyway, the two friends better changed the subject, and focused in the outfits they would wear at Flurry’s Crowning. Once they were fully dressed, they went downstairs where Flash, Lumi and Bright were lazily with some cards. Flash was fully dressed with his jacket and undershirt, completed with a tie and a gemstone, but the two teenagers were still naked. “Bright, Lumi, the only thing we asked you for this ceremony was to get dressed, and you haven’t done it!” complained Twilight. Then, she glared at her husband. “And Flash, why didn’t you say something? you’re supposed to be the adult here!” The pegasus shrugged. “I did, but Luminositè said she designed something new for the autumn season, and she wanted to try it tonight.” Rarity looked at her daughter, with a smile. “What did you do this time, darling?” Luminositè pulled out a couple of beautiful silver bracelets with a single sapphire on it. Then, she simply pressed the sapphires together, and before anypony could even blink, she was wearing a large cobalt-blue night dress; covered in sapphires. By his way, Bright took a gold watch from his pocket, and pressed the cover. Immediately he was dressed in an elegant purple shirt, a black blazer and black tie, with a pink gemstone. He smiled. “Good, I love the color!” Lumi nodded, as she blushed a little. “I knew you would like it!” Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Pretty impressive. Is the same technology of your battle suits, right?” “Yes, but that technology is obsolete already. At least for us.” Explained Lumisnoitè. “So, we’ll selling them to the public soon. Do you have any especial request for a dress or something?” Twilight shook her head, as Rarity sighed, feeling somehow sad. When her daughter wasn’t acting as a psychopath, she was a very talented fashion designer. Maybe she wasn’t as creative as Rarity, but her especial fabric (practically indestructible, and dirt-proof) was very popular among designers. Maybe not as popular as it was among the military, but still pretty popular. As a result, Luminositè was almost as famous and demanded as her mother in the fashion industry. And, as proud of Rarity was, she couldn’t help but feel eclipsed by her own daughter. But back to the present, Bright pressed a button of his many remotes, calling his Z-Bots. The mechanical giants appeared before their creator, waiting for orders. “Salon mode. You know which stiles we like.” commanded Bright Spark. The machines obeyed, and began to work in the two teenagers’ manes. In less than a minute, they were ready. Twilight smiled. “In moments like this, I love that our children are so close.” “Yes, but most of the time it worries me a lot.” mumbled Rarity. So, the two families went to the train station, where the rest of the Bearers of Harmony, and their respective families, were already waiting. Luckily, almost all their kids got along pretty well. Tasty Treat, daughter of Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich was friends with everypony. But especially with Light Spectra, son of Rainbow Dash and Soarin. By his way, Light Spectra was also really close with Gentle Fists, the son of Fluttershy and Bulk Biceps; who was also the best friend of Juicy Fruit, Applejack’s nephew. (Son of Big Mac and Sugar Belle). Also, there were Light Spectra’s (and Flurry’s) best friends. Beat Box, daughter of Vinyl and Octavia, and Sparkler, daughter of Derpy and Doctor Hooves. All of them got along just fine, with the obvious exception of Bright and Lumi. Not only they were younger than the rest of the gang, but the others felt intimidated by them. At this point, everypony in Equestria was aware of what they were capable of. Adults and young adults went inside the train, and sat on different wagons. “Hey Bright!” called Tasty Treat. The young colt turned his attention to her from the chips he was munching on. “What?” Tasty smiled, staring at the chips. “Are those the limited edition Cajun-seasoned chips?” “Yes.” Answered Bright, apparently uninterested. “Can I have some?” The colt smiled. “Of course not. I went through a lot of trouble to get the last existences from the factory.” Tasty looked down, sad. “Okay.” “Hey, how did you get them then?” asked Gentle Fists. “Easy. I abused of my Title.” Explained Bright. “I went to the factory, and asked the owner to sell me some. When she refused, I commanded her to do it under my authority as Equestrian Prince. Unbelievably enough, she refused again saying that the Princess of Friendship is not an actual Princess.” “Then?” asked Juicy, almost afraid to ask. “Then Bright showed her what it means to piss him off.” Explained Luminositè. “When he finished with her, she was willing not only to sell him the chips, but to give them for free. I think she’s still going to therapy.” Everypony shivered. “But you never harm ponies…” said Sparkler, weakly. “Unless they mess with our mothers.” Said Bright. “Like Sury Polomare.” “Yes. I made her clear that if she tried to steal something from mère again, I would make sure not only that she would never be able towalk through a fashion show ever again, but she would never be able to walk at all.” Nopony said more. Nopony dared. Thanks for their mental health, they arrived to the Empire soon. Shining Armor, and a few praised guards were already waiting for them. They were the official escort. “Shine! I’m so glad to see you!” smiled Twilight. “I’m happy for seeing you too, Twiley.” Said the stallion. “I would love to talk, but right now we’re working under a really tight schedule.” Twilight nodded. “I understand.” Then, Shining turned to Light Spectra, Beat Box and Sparkler, and bowed before them. “Ehem, youngsters, it would be a great honor if you lead the retinue. This way please.” “What?” asked Light, titling his head. “But we’re just…” “You’re my daughter’s best friends, and that’s makes you especially important on her especial day.” assured Shinning. The others blushed, as they followed their friend’s father. By their way, the group of Bearers of Harmony followed the three teenagers; and the others’ sons finished the line. “You know? Is weird, most of the time I’m on the leading group.” said Rainbow Dash. “Well, this is my niece’s day. Not ours. Its only logical that their friends have a priority for today.” “I know, I know, I just miss my youth.” sighed the cyan pegasus. They arrived to the Castle, where they were received by Cadence. “Please come on in! we’re barely on schedule. Nopony would forget this day!” said the pink alicorn happily. The entire group smiled, and got inside the Castle. … Everypony in the Crystal Empire have reunited for the great event. Most of them were barely children when their Little Highness was born. But everypony have accepted her as a new regent. And, of course, there were also ponies from other parts of Equestria, ready to see the ascension of the newest Princess. They were happily talking among themselves, but they suddenly went silent when they saw their Highness Princess Cadence, followed by Princesses Celestia and Luna. Then, their Little Highness made her appearance, and walked all the hallway to finally bow before her mother and the other Princesses. Princess Luna smiled. “Raise, young Flurry Heart.” Flurry obeyed. Celestia smiled down to her, and nodded. “From the very moment of your Crystaling, you have proved to be tied to a Magical Mystery destiny; since your very existence is linked to one of our most praised relics. The Crystal Heart.” Flurry smiled happily, and waited. “Also, your own heart proved to be fair and beautiful, and you have earned the hearts and smiles of your people.” Continued Celestia, with majesty. “Tell me, young Flurry Heart, are you ready to accept the Crown and the responsibilities it means?” Flurry bowed. “I am, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and mother. I, Flurry Heart, have already accepted the responsibility of protecting my people from evil for years now, but now, I’ll work twice as hard. I promise.” Celestia and Luna nodded approvingly, even if they knew Flurry was talking about her ‘secret’ hobby. But, they didn’t judge her for that. Then, Cadence made a step forward and called. “Crystalizer, bright the Crystal Heart.” Sun Burst appeared, carrying the relic, making all the witnesses to lower their heads, to show their respect for both the relic, and Flurry. “Tell me, my daughter. Have you chose the Title you’ll be answering from now on?” “I had, mother.” answered Flurry. “Then, tell us, Flurry Heart, which Title did you choose?” “Princess of Imagination, mother.” Cadence was relieved, and smiled to her daughter. Apparently, she decided to take things seriously. “Flurry Heart, Princess of Imagination.” called Celestia. “Please, bow before the Crystal Heart.” Flurry did as she told. Then, Shining came in, carrying the Crown. Using his privileges as Prince, and father, he placed it on his daughter’s head. “With this Crown, and this Relic, we officially name you, Princess of Imagination.” Suddenly, Flurry’s smiled changed, turning wicked. Before anypony could ask, the Crystal Heart glowed, and pushed Flurry away with an invisible force. “WHAT?” “Why is it rejecting you?” asked Shining. “You’re supposed to share a bond from your birth!” Celestia examined the relic with her magic, and turned to Flurry, seeming awfully serious. Luna tilted her head. “Tia?” Celestia glared at Flurry. “Flurry Heart, the Heart says you have chosen a Title already, and isn’t ‘Princess of Imagination’. Care to explain what’s going on?” Flurry shrugged. “What can I say? Sorry, people of Equestria, for not offering you a real Coronation, but, I decided to take a step forward, and do the ceremony in private, with a few friends to serve as witnesses. You see, I had chosen a Title already, but my parents would never allow me to go along with it.” Cadence couldn’t believe it. How was she able to do all this? “So,” continued Flurry. “From now on, you should call me ‘Princess Geek of all Comics’.” Twilight was standing there, watching her niece in awe; trying to find an explanation for what just happened. But then, everything came clear when her son took a step forward and threw a suitcase before Flurry. “Hey cuz, get the hell out of here before they kill you!” The suitcase turned into some kind of flying motorcycle, where Flurry jumped; and escaped before anypony could react. “I OWE YOU A BIG ONE, BRIGHT!” And she disappeared from sight. Luminositè just sighed. “And that’s why you asked me to make your tuxedo as strong as our combat suits…” Precisely, soon enough, Bright was blasted with six magic beams from different sources: his mother, Sun Burst, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Cadence and Shining Armor. But of course, he was completely unharmed. “Are you finished, or do you need to attack me more?” asked Bright. Shining and Cadence shot again. “Now?” asked Bright. Celestia simply aimed a hoof to a side door. “You wait for us in the backstage. The rest of us will have to dismiss and apologize with this ponies.” Bright didn’t say more, and do as she told him. Then Lumi looked at her mother, and joined him. She didn’t have anything to do with this, but she was pretty sure that they would blame her too. And, after half of an hour, where the two friends killed time by playing cards again; the other Royals (and Rarity) finally showed up. Cadence simply walked toward him, and took him by the tie. “Okay, I’ll ask you once. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING BY HELPING HER?” Bright looked around, calmly, when his mother urged him. “Answer your aunt, Bright Spark.” “Nothing. She asked me for help, and I accepted. You all know I would build anything for you, but you’re just too afraid of my genius. The only one who doesn’t hesitate to ask me for help is Flurry, and, I don’t see why not helping her. After all, I was born with gears instead of a brain, so anything that allows me to kill some time by building something new, is welcome.” Everypony groaned in exasperation. They would scold Bright, but it was preferable for him to focus in helping his cousin instead of making his weapons of mass destructions. “Where is she?” asked Shining. “Out of your reach.” said Luminositè. “Lumi, please…” scolded Rarity. “Inside our lab.” clarified the girl. Everypony groaned again. They knew they would never get her out. Not even in a million years. They were all powerful, but their powers were nothing compared with Bright’s and Lumi’s technology. “This is great. Now that she chose that Title, there’s no going back.” Complained Cadence. “Why she never take this seriously?” joined Shining. Bright raised an eyebrow. “Don’t you realize this is her way to show you she takes this seriously? She may be an idiot, but she cares. By choosing that Title, she showing the world how much she cares of her people, by comparing her responsibilities with what she loves the most. She is and always will be a geek. You must accept her identity.” “I understand most of that, but she is an adult. She cannot spend her entire life reading comics!” said Celestia. “She have to move on.” “Even Spike moved on at some point.” reminded Shining Armor. “Spike had never quit to his comics.” whispered Luminositè to Bright. “The thing is,” said Bright, pulling out his Manual of Heroes. “A hero should respect other heroes’ way to do things. If this is what Flurry wants to be, you should support her and respect her decision. Especially being her parents.” Said that, he and Lumi left the room. Cadence grinded her teeth. “Great! This new generation make me feel old.” “Agree.” sighed Shining. “The worse part, is that I don’t think Flurry knows what she’s doing.” Celestia shook her head. “She doesn’t. But there’s no going back. I cannot believe I’m saying this, but I wish her and Bright Spark didn't get along this well!”