//------------------------------// // Warm Welcome and Comfy Clouds // Story: Pamphile: Alicorn of Harmony // by AkumaKami64 //------------------------------// When one was moving away, it was often a tearful event for the rest of the family. For various reasons, it wasn't so with Twilight's family; partially because this was more of a vacation rather than moving away, but mostly because Ponyville was literally the closest settlement to Canterlot that wasn't at the base of the mountain. Not to mention, Twilight was eventually going to get control of her magic again and thus could probably teleport between the two locations if she really wanted to. "Bye Mom! Bye Dad!" Twilight called as she waved out the window of the train as it pulled away, her parents returning the farewell. "Have fun, Twily-Willy! Be safe!" Twilight Velvet called back loudly. "Try not to save the world too many times!" Night Light called teasingly. "Don't let Cadence and Shiny get married without telling me!" Twilight returned, ducking her head back in as the train began to pull away. She grinned at the nearly empty compartment. While she wasn't exactly spoiled on the royal treatment, she did enjoy the idea of having a private compartment, for the peace and quiet. For herself, and for Spike. "Goodbye Canterlot, and maids spoon feeding me gems," Spike said in feigned lamentation. "Oh, they did that once for you," Twilight retorted with an amused snort. "Yeah, that you know of," Spike retorted, snickering as the Element of Laughter gleamed around Twilight's neck. "You ever get tired of those?" "Well, it's not like I can't take them off, Spike," Twilight mused, levitating off the Yoke of Harmony with ease, setting it on a spare seat. "I just can't be more than a couple dozen steps from them without Harmony just reappearing on me." "I bet that'd be uncomfortable to sleep with," Spike said as he reclined in his seat, claws behind his head in relaxation. "Still, it'll be nice to unwind and relax in a small town. Speaking of which, what's the plan once we get there?" Spike inquired with a raised eyebrow. "Nothing special. The Mayor welcomes us, we move into the library, and get settled in. Nothing to fuss about," Twilight said with an optimistic smile. "Huh, I feel like we're forgetting something," Spike murmured, stroking his chin. "We did pack everything, right?" "Yes, I checked and tripled checked the list of things to bring with us, we quadrupled checked making that list," Twilight assured with a nod. "And we did get all the bags, right?" Spike asked with a furrowed brow. "Umm," Twilight paused, looking over her shoulder at the neatly stacked set of six bags in another seat. "Yeah, all six of them? It wasn't like we moved everything from Canterlot, just some essentials. And some reading material I need to go over, but that's to prepare for being a Princess," Twilight mused, wondering what her scaly assistant was getting at. "Did you forget some toy or bag of gems for treats?" "No, I know I stuffed them into the bag with your toothbrush," Spike denied. "I'll remember to be careful when I brush tonight," Twilight deadpanned. "Did you say goodbye to everyone?" "Yeah, what about you?" Spike returned. "Of course! I said goodbye to Moondancer and the others before I packed. And the Princesses saw us off from the castle," Twilight recalled, tilting her head. "What are we forgetting then?" Spike sighed. "I'm sure it'll smack us in the face when we get there." Later "WELCOME TO PONYVILLE, LADY TWILIGHT!" "Ah, right, we forgot that you're famous now," Spike said as they exited the train, greeted by a crowd of ponies, all excited to see her. Complete with balloons and streamers, all with colors of her mane and coat. "Lady Twilight Sparkle, Nightmare Slayer, it's an honor to have you staying in our humble town," Mayor Mare greeted with a smile, resisting the urge to bow to the Alicorn. Twilight's cheeks colored slightly even as she smiled. "Thank you, but you didn't need to do all this for me," she said in embarrassment. "Really, My Lady, you simply must learn to be just a bit less humble," Rarity said as she stepped forth. "Rarity! I'm guessing you had a hoof in all of this," Twilight said with a smile. "Hi, Rarity," Spike greeted with a shy look. "Why hello, Good Drake," Rarity greeted with a smile. "I'm sorry, but I don't think we were properly introduced last time. Spike, yes?" "Yeah, that's me. Good old Spike," he said with a boyish smile. Twilight was privately amused and amazed at the effects Rarity had on Spike, who had lived a life around beautiful mares doting on him in a castle. Harmony made that thought less private, the Element of Laughter lighting up slightly. "Normally, I would give you a grand tour of the town," Mayor Mare started again tactfully. "But I believe you already took a tour yourself just before the Summer Sun Festival." "We'd just like to start settling in at the library, yes," Twilight confirmed politely. "Then please, follow us," Rarity requested. And so they did, making their way to the Golden Oak Library, where a small set for a party had been set up with tables, food, and drinks. "Wow. You cleaned up the Summer Sun Festival and got this all ready, that fast?" Spike asked in surprise. "How many Party supplies does Pinkie Pie have?" Twilight wondered in amazement. "LOTS!" Pinkie answered, her head popping out from behind Twilight's back. "WAH!" Twilight exclaimed, teleporting on instinct, vanishing in a bright flash. "Oooooh! Sparkly!" Pinkie Pie said, starting at all the spots in her eyes, having gotten that at point blank. "Oh dear? Where did she go?" Rarity asked in alarm as the crowd of ponies looked around in surprise. "Don't worry everypony!" Spike spoke up, raising his voice as much as he could. "Twilight is still adjusting to her Alicorn magic! She just overpowered her teleporting spell." "But where did she go?" Mayor Mare asked curiously as they looked around. "Well, she might have wound up in somepony's house by accident, but she should still be in town," Spike mused uncertainly. "I think. She should be back in a few minutes anyway." Meanwhile Technically speaking, Twilight was not in town. She was over it, above it. "Oh Celestia, I have got to get this under control," Twilight said, rubbing her horn while glaring down at the Yoke of Harmony. "You know, I'm pretty sure you could help me a bit with this," Twilight accused, tapping at Magic. For once, Harmony did not react at all. Twilight sighed, looking down at the town from the small cloud. "Huh. So this is what it feels like, walking on clouds. And without a spell either!" Twilight marveled from her seat. "It's even comfier than I imagined." "Ummm, Princess?" Twilight frozen, looking directly down. Jut between her legs, there was a mane of prismatic hair, a blue coated mare tilting her head to look up at Twilight in amusement. "Rainbow Dash?! Oh no, I'm so sorry!" "I mean, I'd appreciate getting a drink of cider with you first, but if you really want to fool around in the clouds, I'm game," Rainbow said with a small blush and a grin. "...Huh?" Twilight blinked. "I'm sorry, I teleported up by accident. I didn't realize you were taking a nap up here." "Hey, I'm not exactly complaining if you want to use me as a cushion, Princess," Rainbow said with a smirk. "Lady, I'm not a Princess yet," Twilight corrected automatically. "And you are... surprisingly comfy." "And you are very tense. I can feel your flanks clenched on my backside," Rainbow mused before remembering. "Oh. Right. You don't know how to fly yet, do you?" "Nope. And I'm pretty sure if I teleport right now, I'll end up taking you with me," Twilight informed. "Again, I'm so sorry I interrupted your nap." "Lady, there is a short list of people who can disturb my naps at any time, for any reason. You're on that list. Same as the Princess, and Daring Do," Rainbow informed before pausing in thought. "And Fluttershy." Twilight rose an eyebrow. "Why Fluttershy?" "Have you met her? If she disturbs a pony's nap, it's probably important," Rainbow pointed out. "That is a good point," Twilight accepted. "You...really aren't getting uncomfortable down there?" "I have a good cloud below me, and an Alicorn princess-hero of awesomeness above me. This is one of the coolest kinds of heaven," Rainbow answered with a grin. Kindness, Honesty, and Generosity blinked as Twilight smiled down at the mare. "Thanks, I think. But I should probably get back down there before they get worried. Are you...?" "Yeah, I've never been teleported before, so I'm just going to dip out," Rainbow said as she plunged through the bottom of the cloud, effortlessly taking flight once in the open air and circling down to the Library. "...I think I prefer sitting on Rainbow than this cloud," Twilight said with mild disappointment. Filling that away for now, she carefully charged her magic and aimed herself back down where she could see Rarity and Spike among the crowd and with another flash, she reappeared. Just a bit too far above the ground still. "Whoops!" Twilight said, catching herself with a levitation spell, placing her back on the safety of solid ground. She chuckled as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Sorry about the delay, everypony." "That's quite alright, Lady Twilight," Rarity said, giving Pinkie a disapproving look. "Perhaps Pinkie Pie will be more careful when approaching your royal person." "But I liked the sparkly spots in my eyes!" Pinkie Pie said with a grin, "It was like guessing the shape of a cloud, but in color and with a dull needle ache in my eyes!" "Should I laugh or be concerned?" Twilight asked uncertainly. "That is the appropriate initial reaction to her, My Lady. We learn not to question it," Rarity informed, Mayor Mare nodding sagely. With no further delay, they reached the library proper, and the ponies looked ready to dive into the refreshment and treats prepared for the celebration. "Don't worry, we've already hired ponies to clean up the mess after the party," Mayor Mare whispered discretely to Twilight before addressing the rest of the ponies. "Ponies of Ponyville, I am proud to present our newest and most noble of residents, Her Ladyship Twilight Sparkle!" The crowd cheered at that, waving and hollering at the bashful mare. Still, she rallied herself and spread her wings high while raising her head. It was a gesture Celestia sometimes did to call for silence and attention. Despite Twilight's smaller form, it still worked as the crowd gained control over itself. Mostly. "Yay! Go Twilight! Wahoo!" Rainbow Dash cried out as one last adoration. "Ahem, yes," Twilight said, pulling out her inner Celestia. "My good ponies, thank you all for this wonderful welcome. It warms my heart to know such kind and generous souls live here, and in good Equestria." She paused, and saw her words seemed to have hit home. "Now, before I ramble on, I'm sure you've all waited on me enough. This is all of your own hooves, so please drink, eat, and enjoy!" she finished, raising her hoof. The ponies were all too happy to follow that decree as they all start to freely mingle. "I'm going to go put my things away before I get mobbed," Twilight whispered to Mayor Mare. "It's not every day they meet a legend, My Lady," Mayor Mare said with a chuckle. Twilgiht smiled as she entered the library, Spike racing in after her, and took a deep breath. "Well, I think that went well," Twilight said. "Meh," Spike shrugged as Twilight concentrated and managed to teleport all their luggage. "Maybe dial the Celestia-ness back a tiny bit next time?" "It only has one setting," Twilight retorted in jest, looking around the library. It paled to the Canterlot Library, yes, but it would be enough to keep her from going through withdraw. Spike raised an eyebrow as he saw the Elements glimmer, specifically laughter. "Do I want to know?" Twilight blushed sheepishly, turning her attention to the table at the center where there was a gift basket, along with a few other presents. "They really didn't have to do all this." "Twilight, they have a Festival for Princess Celestia," Spike reminded playfully. Twilight decided to not argue with that as she looked over the items. "A few wrapped foods, including cupcakes and an apple pie, a coupon for one free dress, a hoof-made gift care basket that a bunch of fillies made," Twilight said, holding up the card with a smile. Inside was a doodle of her blasting what was probably supposed to be Nightmare Moon with a beam of purple. Somepony had tried to mix other colors in, but it just made it more of a mess. Doodles of other ponies cheering her on were all over it, along with a bold message. "THANK YOU FOR SAVING THE SUN!" All of Harmony beams softly, and Twilight felt equally touched. It was less of an ego-stroke and more it made her happy to know the good she had done and could do in the future. "Hey, they sent snacks for me too!" Spike said, finding a small bag of gems with his name of it. "Think Rarity sent them?" "I think it was probably Fluttershy," Twilight answered. "Come on, it'd be rude if we didn't join the party for a bit." Meanwhile "So, Aunty, to what do I owe the pleasure of this summons?" Cadence asked with a smile as she came before the throne. "I would rather inquire as to the pleasure of your delay," Celestia said playfully. Cadence blushed only slightly. "You are well aware of what might or might not happen if you send Captain Armor to escort me anywhere, Aunt Celestia." "Indeed I do," Celestia said knowingly, the guards around the room trying desperately to remain stoic. "Now that things are settling down, I thought we should talk about what happened?" "About which part? You sending Twilight against Nightmare Moon, or her coming back an Alicorn?" Cadence asked with a raised eyebrow. Celestia stood from her throne and descended to her niece with a look of understanding. "I take it you disapprove of the former?" "Just about as much as Shining does. She is, after all, my little sister in all but name," Cadence answered. "For now at least." "For now," Celestia agreed before turning to the guards. "Give us the room please, all of you." The guards all saluted and dutifully left the throne room to guard the entrances. "Speak freely, Cadence, we are just two mares now," Celestia encouraged. "Did you know Twilight was going to become an Alicorn?" Cadence asked. "I can buy it being a coincidence that your student was my favorite filly to foalsit. But this?" "That was a coincidence," Celestia swore with a warm chuckle. "The day I met her, I thought that surely this couldn't the same filly Cadence told me about? But I will admit this incident with my sister was...somewhat expected on my part." Cadence raised an eyebrow. "I know that tone, Aunty. That's the tone you use when something you did worked out better than you planned. Possibly too good." "I wouldn't go that far, but yes," Celestia admitted thoughtfully. "Did you notice that the Elements of Harmony look like Twilight's cutie mark?" "Yes, especially Ma...gic. Oh, hayfeathers," Cadence said, glancing to her own Cutie Mark. "So, you knew that she'd...?" "Become an Alicorn? No. I had hoped she would one day, but seriously not this soon!" Celestia said, still sounding amazed. "I was under the belief that Twilight would need others to help understand the Magic of Friendship, and they would become the new bearers of the Elements, along with herself. However, it seemed that Twilight is the overachiever as always." "That she is," Cadence said with a fond smile. "It's so strange though. She's still the same Twilight I knew, but she seems..." "Alicornhood is reached via a sense of enlightenment, Cadence," Celestia explained softly. "Some get this over years from life, others gain it from gaining a deep understanding of some concept they are related to. But sometimes, all one needs is an epiphany. A spark, if you will," she finished with a wink. Cadence nodded softly. "So...being who I am, I can't help noticing several, shall we say, connections forming around Twilight. One of which involving a certain other Alicorn of a blue variety?" Cadence changed topic with a teasing tone. "Who may have implied rewarding Twilight very personally?" "Implied?" Celestia returned with a smirk. "I was under the impression that Luna outright invited her to lay with her." "Why must you be better at teasing?" Cadence asked with a pout. "Age is the greatest teacher, and Twilight will assure you I am the best teacher in the entire world," Celestia said with a giggle. "Speaking of which, have you had much time to get to know your newest Aunt, Cadence?" "Not particularly. I was assuming she was still recovering from..." Cadence paused to find the proper word. "Being small?" Celestia answered with a giggle. "You've been driving her mad, being your baby sister again?" Cadence predicted. "I'll have you know that Lulu enjoys my pampering," Celestia said with mock indignation. "But in all seriousness, I was hoping you could spend some time with her. She needs help adjusting to the modern era and I...am not always suited for that. Partially because I still just want to enjoy having her back more than anything," Celestia explained with a defeated look. "I can definitely help with that," Cadence assured. "And she'll appreciate being able to learn more about Twilight," Celestia added on conspiratorially. Cadence cocked an eyebrow. "Are you asking me to be a wingmare to my aunt, and help her romance my future sister-in-law?" Celestia rolled her eyes. "Yes, I'm sure that was the plotline to a few of those novels you think I don't know about?" Cadence's eyes dilated, looked back and forth cautiously. "I would be more than happy to help Princess Luna acclimate to the current world!" Cadence agreed quickly. "Good. Whatever you do, do not agree or approve of any idea that involves her going off Questing," Celestia said sternly to the Alicorn of Love's confusion. "Let's just say Luna can be adventurous." Cadence raised a single eyebrow. "Not that way, Cadenza!" Cadence just giggled. Meanwhile The last quarter of the day was starting to fade away when the party finally settled down. By this point, Twilight was fairly confident she would have plenty of friends in this town. She already knew so many ponies! The Cakes, Filthy Rich, Amethyst Star, Cheerilee, Bulk Biceps, Nurse Redheart, a...pony that was either mute or was playing music in her headphones too loudly. That said, she was more than happy to slink away once the party was starting to disperse. Princess of Friendship or not, her stamina for public interactions did not come close to her mana supply, before or after... "Alicornization? Alicornification?" Twilight said thoughtfully as she tapped her chin. "You're overthinking it," Spike said with a loud yawn. "Alicornation. You know, because you became a princess and everything." "Huh. You know, that actually makes sense," Twilight accepted, levitating him onto her back. "Tired?" "Extremely. I ate something with enough sugar to crash the entire castle staff. Alicorns included," Spike drawled as he rubbed his eyes. Twilight smiled as she headed upstairs. "We can save the major unpacking for tomorrow morning.' "Yeah, your mane is making that a definite thing," Spike said, nearly falling asleep against the flowing mane. Twilight remained silent as she headed upstairs and brought out Spike's bed. Some had likened it to a dog bed, and Twilight couldn't blame the comparison. But dog beds weren't normally enchanted to be fireproof, or immune to small slash attacks. She placed him gently into his bed and pulled the covers over him, giving his head a brief nuzzle. Being the analytical mare she was, she noticed that her problems controlling her magic didn't act up with handling Spike or tucking him in. Interesting...and it made her happy, of course. With Spike lulling into slumber, Twilight headed out to the balcony with whimsical curiosity. She idly slipped off the Yoke of Harmony, and sat it against the trunk of the tree that made up Golden Oaks before turning to look out on Ponyville. The day was growing late, but the sunset was still well away, giving Twilight a chance to look over this quaint yet quirky town as ponies returned to their normal lives. She glanced to the side, spying Canterlot, mountain and city both. "Close enough to see, too far to say goodnight to any pony." "You think coming here was a good idea?" Twilight asked out loud. Harmony beamed, Loyalty and Honesty the most. "Yeah, I do too," Twilight agreed softly, not even needing to look behind her to know Harmony's answer. "I still don't...understand any of this really. What being the Alicorn of Harmony really means? How to be a Lady of the Realm, let alone a Princess of Equestria? Why you seem to be stuck to me?" Magic's light danced while Kindness sputtered reassuringly. Twilight hummed. "Before Nightmare Moon, I would have been panicking about all these uncertainties. But for some reason I'm not." Harmony fell into a questioning stillness Twilight turned to smile at the Elements of Harmony. "I guess having a friend like you around helps calms the nerves." Harmony glowed brightly in appreciation. "Just let me take you off when I practice flying, okay" Twilight requested. "Unless YOU want to be landing face first in the ground with me." Laughter pulsed brightly, as if winking at Twilight. Twilight rolled her eyes but decided not to argue with the entity, for play or otherwise. She had a lot of questions still. Why was Harmony so "talkative" now, for lack of a better word? Why was Harmony so clingy, refusing to part with her for more than a few steps? She wasn't certain Harmony would even explain if they had a mouth to speak. She got the impression the entity liked being a bit mysterious. Like Princess Celestia. 'Who rubbed on who there?' Twilight privately wondered. Regardless of why or what the next day would bring, Twilight was content to face it and take everything one hoofstep at a time. Besides, she had a lot of wonderful ponies to get to know and share this adventure with. And, of course, drag her friends in Canterlot into it. "Mmm, Lady Rarity, I'll save you..." Spike's murmurs came faintly to her twitching ear. And enjoy the front row seat she had to the amusing show that would be Spike's first crush.