//------------------------------// // Chapter 9 - Facing The Crystal Princess. // Story: This is Home. // by Lucy_Marigold //------------------------------// ~Chapter 9 - Facing The Crystal Princess.~ 6:00 PM, June 13, 2 S.E. The Canterlot Castle. Twilight Sparkle stared at the door in front of her, shifting in the gilded regalia on her hooves. Princess Celestia trotted up towards her, siding by her side from only a moment. “I don’t think I’m ready, Princess Celestia.” “It’ll be alright, Twilight. I know you’ll do great. You’re more than a princess to others. I know Applejack and Rainbow Dash see you as their queen. Be the leader we all know you can be.” The regent of the sun said before entering the room before her. Oh Celestia, she couldn’t do this. There were so many things that could go wrong.  What if she or her disguise faltered? Rainbow Dash had said that was fine but she was starting to doubt it. The feathers felt unnatural to her. Ruffling her wings open, she took a shaky step forward as she heard the choir beginning to sing. Glancing behind her shoulder, she could see more of them following her.  She pushed the door open, shoving her doubts all the way to Tartarus. Slow steps, she thought to herself as she opened her mouth into a smile. Slow steps. When she reached the altar, Celestia stood there with Luna and Cadance by her sides. “Say something, Princess.” “Oh. Um…” She coughed a little, clearing her throat as she faced the massive crowd. “A little while ago, my teacher and mentor Princess Celestia sent me to live in Ponyville.” Twilight spared a small glance at Celestia and then her friends. “She sent me to study friendship, which is something I didn't really care much about. But now, on a day like today, I can honestly say I wouldn't be standing here if it weren't for the friendships I've made with all of you. Each one of you taught me something about friendship, and for that, I will always be grateful. Today, I consider myself the luckiest… pony in Equestria. Thank you, friends. Thank you, everypony!” The crowd roared and cheered, drowning out her thoughts with the sheer volume of it all. There was shouting and crying and celebration all in one place. Twilight could taste the love, joy and every other emotion they emitted. Shining Armor rushed up to her, grabbing her into a hug. He radiated pride and joy. “Twilight! I'm so proud of you!” “Are you crying?” She remarked, seeing her parents emerging from the crowd. She flinched a little, already feeling the weight of having to tell them the truth was overwhelming. “Of course not. It's... it's liquid pride. Totally different thing.” His words distracted her as they both let out laughs, embracing again. “Way to go, Princess!” Applejack said, trotted to be beside her, Rainbow Dash following in tow. “Best coronation day ever!” Pinkie was bouncing off the walls already, shouting and cheering. “We love you, Twilight, no matter what.” Fluttershy emerged from the crowd, grabbing her into a tight hug. “I love you too, girls.” 9:15 PM, June 13, 2 S.E. The Canterlot Castle. The party was already in full swing and the music could be heard all across Canterlot. Twilight slipped into one of the castle’s many spare rooms, releasing a sigh. She didn’t get a moment of peace as somepony else entered the room. “Who-Mom, Dad? You should be enjoying the party.” Her parents trotted into the room, smiles on their faces before  “We wanted to come talk to you.” Twilight Velvet stated, sitting down on one of the lounge chairs.  “I wanted to talk to you guys as well.” There was a hint of nervousness in her voice as Twilight spoke, shaking in her regalia. “I know that… you’re not my parents.” Night Light and Velvet looked at her in slight surprise for a moment before her adoptive father finally spoke up. “I’m sorry we didn’t tell you sooner. When the invasion happened we couldn’t find the right moment to tell you.” “How long did you know that I wasn’t… a pony?”  “We’ve known for a long time. When you showed up at our door we thought it was a miracle. We found out that we couldn’t have any more foals after Shining. When you were little. You did unusual things that Shining never did. Imagine my surprise when you started teething, you bit my so hard it drew blood.” Velvet chuckled, a look of nostalgia appearing on her face.  “Despite not knowing who left you on our doorstep or where you came from, we still love you, Twily.” Her father grabbed her into a hug as tears slipped down Twilight’s cheeks. Tears of relief and joy of her acceptance. Silently locking the door with her magic, Twilight Sparkle finally released her disguise, her parents' surprise and shock quickly turned into love. They may have only been her adoptive parents but they still loved her the same. 9:29 PM, June 13, 2 S.E. The Canterlot Castle. Her parents had left her alone with her thoughts. It felt relieving that she had finally told them. They had known, just like Celestia. But they didn’t hate her. No, they loved her the same. She shifted her wings off of her back and set down her regalia. It had already been straining wearing them already. It felt nice to have nothing but cool night air on her back, although she wouldn’t tell Rainbow Dash that. She’d have to get used to those feathered monstrosities eventually. She trotted out towards the balcony, flinging her fore-hooves over the railing’s edge with a sigh. “What am I doing with myself?” “I’ve been asking myself that same question for years.” A voice chuckled. Cadance stepped through the door as Twilight’s blood ran cold. She didn’t think she’d have to talk to Cadance so soon. “So,” The pink alicorn trotted over as she placed her hooves next to Twilight’s. “Either wings are temporary now or there’s something you’re not telling me.”  “Uh-I-Please don’t freak out if I tell you?” The crystal princess nodded as Twilight took a deep breath, releasing her disguise in a swirl of fire. She turned to see Cadance's mouth agape, shock and fear radiating from her. “Don’t freak out!” The changeling screamed. “You know, sunshine, shineshine, ladybugs awake, clap your hooves and do a little shake?” Cadence slowly nodded, still shaking like a leaf. “I’m not freaking out. Yep, just really surprised. How long have you been like this?” The mare blubbered out, shifting awkwardly. The undisguised changeling turned away, resuming her disguise as she stood by the end of the balcony, staring off. “My whole life apparently. Celestia knew before I did.”  “Twilight, you’re not with her are you?” Cadance raised a hoof, beginning to walk in the lavender unicorn’s direction. “She can’t spy on us, can she?” There was a long pause before either of them spoke. “No. Trust me, each Hive has its own hivelink. There’s only two in mine and Applejack says ours has been inactive for quite a few years. Oh yeah, Applejack and Rainbow Dash are also changelings. They aren’t with her either. I have a massive bone to pick with Chrysalis. Applejack told me that we’re cousins technically? As I’m the only other queen and there’s this weird system with princesses and-it doesn’t matter, does it?” Twilight sighed again, cutting off her rambling. “Chrysalis killed my birth mother.” “Oh, Twilight, I didn’t-I’m sorry.” Cadance trotted over cautiously, slowly placing a hoof on her sister-in-law’s shoulder. “You know I have my reservations on changelings but…” “There’s a but?” “I know it’s you and I’m willing to… adjust for that.” She smiled genuinely. “Is that just a nicer way of saying that you’re not gonna kill me?” Twilight scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Pfft, no.” “God, what am I gonna do, Cadance?” “Why don’t we head back to the party. I heard that they were about to serve some cake.” “I suppose. Let me just fix this.” Twilight was suddenly surrounded by a swirl of flames, wings appearing as the fire dissipated. “I will never get used to this.” “The shapeshifting?” “Celestia, no. The wings!” Laughter echoed from the two mares as the tension became non-existent. The two mares returned to the party as Celestia shouted something out and cake went flying across the ballroom. 9:38 PM, June 13, 2 S.E. The Canterlot Castle. The party was still in full swing as countless ponies danced across the room. Celestia sat by Luna near the edge of the room, watching as Pinkie darted across the room. Things were wonderful, the music and joy glowing across the room. Streamings and banners lined the walls, servants passing out refreshments to the party goers. Twilight could even see Blueblood in the mix of ponies.  Sitting by the window, the alicorn mare took a slip of whatever concoction Rainbow Dash had thrust into her hooves earlier. Perhaps everything was okay now. Maybe it was safe enough to dream about what the future could bring. There was one thing she knew for certain. Nothing could ruin this moment. There was a sudden tingling sensation behind her horn as Twilight’s eyes darted towards Applejack, the orange mare perking up as she suddenly trotted over to her. “Twi. Did you just try to connect to the hivelink?” “I thought I was already in it?” “By Enid.” AJ looked at her with surprise. “That means-Oh no.” There was a sudden explosion, the left side of the ballroom exploding in a shower of rubble and chaos. Tables were flipped and glass was shattered. Twilight saw her parents in the fray, rushing out as more screams echoed from the crowd. Ponies screamed and shouted as they fled. The girls rushed over to Twilight instantly as the other princesses hoofed it to them. Rarity’s dress was already torn at the hem, Applejack and Rainbow Dash standing protectively around their friends.  Blasts of magic were fired off as Shining Armour held up a shield, guarding the many ponies fleeing. “I’m getting the guard!” He shouted, rushing out of the ball room. Emerging from the dust stood a mare who looked as if she had seen better days. Queen Chrysalis stepped forward, a snarl on her face, eyes ablaze with rage and vengeance. “I know you’re here, you traitor!” She snarled, horn alight with emerald magic.