//------------------------------// // Faire-ly Entertaining // Story: A True Princess // by bahatumay //------------------------------// “The Crystal Faire is one of the biggest events in the Empire. Established by Princess Amore, it quickly became an annual tradition to help the crystal ponies renew the spirit of love and unity to help protect the empire from any harm. While the tradition faded during Sombra’s reign, Twilight Sparkle helped restore it, and it’s been held every year since.” “That is… correct, Cozy,” Crystal Lily said, as if the words were hard to say. She tapped her hooves together. “And this year, we have the opportunity to help out.” The foals chattered excitedly, sharing their favorite parts of the faire. “Crystal berry pie!”  “Crystal corn-on-the-cob!” “Funnel cake!” “Ring toss!” “Flugelhorns!” “Jousting!” “We’re probably going to be doing more set-up and clean-up than anything else,” Cozy commented. “And… once again, that’s correct, Cozy,” Crystal Lily said, prompting groans from the class. “There will still be time to join in the celebrations,” she emphasized. Cozy glanced at Flurry Heart. What could have possibly been a smirk flashed across her face, but she was already lifting herself off her chair with her wings. “Oh, don’t worry, Miss Lily. We’re not really disappointed, are we?” she asked the class. Flurry didn’t think they were agreeing with her. Quite the contrary, actually. But Cozy had already continued on, bypassing any objections. “After all, we’re all part of the Crystal Empire, so really, we’re all a part of history. Besides, the events are wonderful, but in a few years from now, we won’t remember what jobs we did or what particular event we missed out on; we’ll remember the good times spent with our friends, and the good feeling of knowing we helped make those memories for others. In fact, Lilac, didn’t you get your cutie mark at one of these?” Lilac’s ears pricked up as she was put on the spot. She was briefly torn between being contrary just to be contrary with Cozy, and taking the opportunity to draw attention to her cutie mark; and the second option won. “I did,” she said, subtly flicking her tail up to do just that. “What if it's somepony else's turn to get their mark and it just doesn't happen because we didn't step up?” Cozy simpered. “It’s up to us to make sure that it can, and make this a Faire to remember! Who’s with me?” Flurry had sat through quite a few speeches in her day, and while she recognized this style of propaganda, she had to admit, this was effective. As the class volunteered all at once, Cozy's organizational skills shone through as she divided them up. “Nicely done, Cozy,” Flurry said once everything was done.  “Of course!” Cozy said. “I was serious, by the way,” she added. “I really think this Faire will be unforgettable.” Flurry smiled and waved from the balcony. I probably wouldn’t have been so eager to do princess duties if I’d known there would be so much… smiling and waving, she mused. It seemed like that was all she’d done, like some kind of living prop. Still, she kept smiling as she stepped back by Cozy to let her mother go to the front of the balcony. She watched as the crowd listened, raptured, as Cadence spoke. She knew the speech by now; she was fairly certain everypony here did, too. Maybe she'd switch up the speech when… if… she let her give it.  Oh, they were bowing. She quickly followed suit.  And then a collective gasp made them look up. The Crystal Heart was glowing, but it wasn’t the only thing glowing. Cozy was raising up, though her wings remained stationary, and a beam of power connected them. Her curls were spinning, like static electricity was building up in her mane.  “Uh, guys?” she asked, clearly on the verge of freaking out, “what’s going on?” There was a flash of light, and Cozy hit the ground. She groaned as she pushed herself up, seemingly not noticing that her body had taken on a crystalline glow.  As the crowd of ponies chattered, Flurry noticed something else. Her cutie mark had changed, and now a crystal heart appeared behind her rook. Her jaw dropped in shock. For her part, Cozy looked shocked, too. “Golly,” she said, but that was all she could muster. “I guess you’re really part of the Crystal Empire now,” Cadence said. “I... wow,” Cozy Glow breathed, staring awestruck at her updated cutie mark. “I- I don’t even know what to say.” Flurry Heart ran up and hugged her tightly. She’d done it! She caught her parents’ eyes and couldn’t suppress a smirk at her success. Well, she wouldn’t be smug about it. Too smug, anyway.