//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: Magical Cure // Story: Equestrian Vacation // by Dragonboy111 //------------------------------// When Twilight opened her eyes back up, she had reappeared in Ponyville. It felt remarkably like her summoning spell, the returning journey from wherever she was before. Her body was so different, she had wings now! And her magic felt strange, a good strange, but strange nonetheless. And now she was back in Ponyville, with her friends— Somepony slammed into Twilight, engulfing her in a crushing hug. It was a firm and desperate embrace. Said pony was a tan-yellow with a dark mane that had a single turquoise stripe. Harry. "Twilight! You're okay!" Harry shouted, still latched to her. "I was so worried!" "Harry, I'm fine, seriously," Twilight said. "But we didn't know!" Harry protested. "You vanished without a trace!" Twilight felt something wet on her shoulder. Tears. Harry was... crying? "I thought... I thought you were... were..." Harry broke off, unable to finish the sentence. Gone. Twilight knew that was the word he couldn't say. Harry didn't know what happened. To be honest, Twilight didn't understand everything that just happened to her, but Harry understood even less. Twilight wrapped her forelegs around Harry, returning the hug. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you," Twilight apologized softly. It wasn't like she could control the spell, but she didn't do it to worry anypony. "Just, please, never do that again. I don't want to lose my best friend," Harry pleaded quietly. Twilight held a little tighter to Harry, the ache in her chest getting worse. Making him nervous was the last thing on her mind. "I promise," Twilight said with a sad little smirk. The two separated after a moment. Twilight and Harry kept eye contact a moment longer, as though to reassure each other that they were both here. She could see the remains of streaks of tears on his face and felt that odd pain in her chest lift, just a little. She hadn't meant to worry him so much. "Wha... I- I've never seen anything like it!" Applejack said, approaching the two. Twilight lifted her wings to inspect them better. "Ha! Twilight's got wings! Awesome!" Rainbow Dash said, poking Twilight's new appendages. "A new flying buddy!" she said jubilantly. "Why, you've become an alicorn. I didn't even know that was possible," Rarity remarked. "Alicorn party!" Pinkie Pie shouted, swinging from a swing. Twilight wouldn't ask where that came from. "Wow... You look just like a princess!" Fluttershy said. "That's because she is a princess," a voice declared. Everypony looked to see Celestia descending from the sky. "Huh?" said most of the group in confusion. "Hold on a second!" Pinkie Pie took a drink of water, and then spit it out. Twilight was similarly shocked. Did Celestia just say what she thought she said? "A... a princess?" echoed Twilight. Celestia smiled proudly at Twilight. "Since you've come to Ponyville, you've displayed the charity, compassion, devotion, integrity, optimism, and of course, the leadership of a true princess." "But... does this mean I won't be your student anymore?" Twilight replied. "Not in the same way as before. I'll still be here to help and guide you, but we're all your students now, too. You are an inspiration to us all, Twilight," Celestia said. Then the Princess did something nopony expected. She bowed to Twilight, everypony eventually following suit. Twilight stepped back, a little surprised. "But... what do I do now? Is there a book about being a Princess I should read?" Twilight asked, more than a little overwhelmed and confused. Harry tried (and failed) to hide a laugh behind his hoof; Celestia merely chuckled. "There will be time for all of that later," Celestia said sagely. "For now, there will be things you must adjust to, your coronation being one of them." "Coronation?" Twilight echoed. I'm getting a coronation? Well, I guess that makes some sense, Celestia did say I'm a princess. "You are now a Princess of Equestria. There are some... traditions and ceremonies you will partake in," said Celestia "If you are ready and able, I can take you all to Canterlot now. I suspect the ceremonies will take no longer than a week." Of course, there are things to do, I should've known that! Twilight turned back to her friends, feeling sheepish. "So, um... yeah," she said slowly, not sure what to say. "You're a princess," Harry said as though he were still wrapping his mind around it. "That's... that's going to change some things." "But our friendship won't," said Applejack. "Yeah, we're here for you, Twilight. Besides, somepony's got to teach you to fly," said Rainbow Dash. "Being a Princess is such a responsibility. I can't imagine how busy you'll be, especially with the Princess Summit and the Summer Sun Celebration coming around the corner," said Rarity. "That's why I'm not sure about this," Twilight said. She started to pace back and forth, anxious. There was so much for her to think about. "It's an honor, but I've never studied to be a Princess, I don't know the first thing about—" Twilight's nervous rant was cut off by Harry placing his hoof on her shoulder. "Then you'll learn how, like you always do," Harry said. Twilight smiled at Harry. He was right. At one point, everything was new to her, so she learned. Being a princess would be no different. Okay, maybe a little different. No, very different. But she could do this. "Alright then, let's go to Canterlot." The journey to Canterlot was... quiet. Celestia had several pegasi carriages sent to take the group back. The eight friends were paired up in each carriage, with Harry and Twilight sharing one. Harry couldn't think of anything to say, the emotions within couldn't be expressed in any words. This entire day was just too much. "Twilight, what happens now?" Harry said. "What do you mean?" Twilight replied. "Well, with you officially becoming a Princess in a few days, what happens to me?" "You say that like I'm going to dump you with estranged relatives." "It's already happened once on Earth," Harry grumbled. "I mean, once you become a princess, you'll have royal duties. And we were planning for me to stay in Ponyville until school started again. I haven't even read the packet on being a ward of the state yet," he explained. "Well, I suppose that's true," Twilight admitted. "But we'll figure it out as we go. We've played it by ear this far, what's a little more?" Harry didn't respond to Twilight. This wasn't just about his summer plans, but his friendship with Twilight. She was a princess. The others were bearers of the Elements of Harmony and Spike was her faithful assistant. What was Harry? A penpal who had only seen her a handful of times? "Harry, whatever you're thinking, stop it. I know what that silence means," Twilight scolded lightly. "You tried to ghost me the third year when you thought you were burdening me with your 'tragic story'. Our friendship isn't going to change because of my position." Harry stiffened a little bit. Why did his best friend have to be so perceptive? Hermione was attentive, but Twilight bordered telepathic when reading him. "I wasn't thinking that," Harry lied irritably. "Yes, you were," scolded Twilight. "So what if I was?! It's not like my whole life has been turned upside down several times this year!" scathed Harry. "Your life? I got turned into an alicorn!" retorted Twilight. "Excuse me?" one of the pegasi pulling the airborne carriage asked. "What!?" Harry and Twilight demanded. "I know it is not my place to say, but do you really want your first act as Princess to be a fight with one of your subjects?" asked the pegasus. "We're not fighting!" Twilight and Harry shouted in unison. They blushed shortly after, embarrassed. Both were silent for several more minutes as they flew towards Canterlot, choosing to look at their hooves or the clouds. Harry berated himself for starting an argument with Twilight, again. Eventually, he managed to get his act together. "Are we going to say it again?" he asked. "Say what?" replied Twilight. "The same apologies we made at the Crystal Empire. You know, I'm sorry for not respecting your responsibilities, and you're sorry for forgetting my turbulent life story," Harry surmised their last argument. "We're getting predictable, aren't we?" Twilight chuckled rhetorically. This got Harry to laugh. Predictable would be an amazing change of pace for him. "But, believe me when I say I won't let anything change what's between us. I know how much I mean to you, and I know it doesn't feel right for things to be changing this fast, but we'll manage," she said with a smile. Harry smiled back. Yeah, Twilight hadn't been writing lessons about friendship to allow for it to be thrown away. "So you're not quarreling anymore?" The pegasus asked. "Just fly," Harry and Twilight commanded. They had to stop speaking in unison. The preparations for Twilight's coronation happened surprisingly quickly. At this point, Harry suspected Celestia had known Twilight would ascend. Canterlot was abuzz with news and ponies who were eager to see the new princess. Twilight, of course, had kept herself out of public view until the official ceremony. Her friends and family were able to see her, obviously, but there was so much to do. Well, so much for Twilight to do, not Harry. There was only so much he could do while in Canterlot. Harry had gotten himself a nice suit to wear for the event and then waited for anything interesting to happen. The other Element Bearers were expected to stand next to Twilight. Spike, Harry, and even Shining Armor were to be somewhere else in the room; not that they minded much. After all, this was Twilight's special day, not theirs. So Harry decided to take a walk through Canterlot the morning of the coronation, to clear his mind and burn some time. He was walking past a café when somepony addressed him. A very posh voice asked, "Excuse me, young colt, you wouldn't happen to be one of the new Princess's friends, would you? Rumor is you were with her when she arrived." Harry stopped and turned around. There was a white unicorn with a blonde mane standing behind him. The stallion's cutie mark was something like a compass, or an over-stylized sun if he squinted and twisted his head. "Excuse me?" Harry asked, having forgotten the question. "I asked if you were one of the ponies that arrived with the new princess. I've been trying to ask, but the guards won't let the rest of us in," the stallion said. "Oh. Well, yes, I did come here with—" "Then you must know her!" the stallion interrupted. "I'm Prince Blueblood, a distant nephew of Princesses Celestia. I've been trying to get in to see the new princess, but even us royals have been having some... difficulties. You must let me meet the new princess!" the stallion, Blueblood, said. This pony was starting to look like a less malicious Malfoy to Harry. Not evil, but merely believing himself above others. "Well, that's unfortunate," Harry deadpanned. "Guess you'll have to wait, like everypony else." "But you don't. Word travels fast in Canterlot. You've been walking in and out of the castle all week. The only others who can do that have an affiliation with the princess. Come on, how do you know the princess?" Blueblood insisted strongly. "He knows the princess?" asked a nearby mare, having overheard them. "Can he introduce us?" asked another stallion. Before long, a small crowd was gathering around Harry, battering him with questions and false pleasantries. They all wanted to see Twilight for themselves. Harry was constantly backpedaling, trying to get out of the amassing crowd. "What's going on here!?" somepony shouted. The crowd went still as a familiar white stallion in royal guard armor walked forward. Prince Shining Armor trotted toward the large group, focused on the center of it. "Prince Shining Armor! What a pleasant surprise," one of the mares exclaimed. "Wish I could say the same. What's with this crowd?" Shining Armor pushed through the crowd, which parted before him. Shining Armor eventually ended up next to Harry. "Harry? What are you doing here?" "Going for a walk, what else?" said Harry flatly. "Come on, let's head back to the castle," said Shining Armor. Making sure Harry was sticking close to him, Shining Armor escorted the younger pony back to the castle. Harry realized why they were following the prince's commands. Unlike the other "royals", Shining Armor was actual royalty because he married Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. He had bonafide authority over the guards and government, albeit less than the alicorns. "Let me guess, those vultures ambushed you the moment they saw you?" Twilight's brother asked. Harry nodded along. "Yeah. Being the friend of a princess draws more attention than I thought," said Harry. "Been there, let me tell ya," Shining Armor laughed. "Now try being married to one. It's hectic, but Cadance is worth it." "You're a prince, but you're also a captain of the guard. You have authority by merit," Harry rebutted. "And yeah, the attention is weird, but it's worth it for the ponies we care about." "Talking about my sister?" "Maybe," Harry said lightly with a smirk. "Careful. She may be a princess, but that's my sister," Shining Armor said teasingly. "But, as her friend, you should get ready to be seen as the friend who stands next to the princess." "Believe me, that would be a nice change of pace. I can finally be Harry Potter, not 'The Boy Who Lived'. A chance to earn recognition is preferable to fame by childhood accomplishment. I have a blank slate to be myself in Equestria," Harry replied. Of course, being second fiddle to someone was... weird. Harry had been the center of attention, not that he tried to be because he was famous for something he didn't do. Twilight earned everything she had by her merit and effort alone. In Harry's mind, that put her on a higher pedestal than himself, who was famous for not being dead. "I think we're going to get along just fine," Shining Armor said. "In the future, if you need anything, feel free to ask." "It's nice to finally talk to you, properly. My last visit wasn't exactly convenient," Harry replied. "Likewise. My little sis' speaks highly of her friends, but you—" "Are you about to suggest we're in a relationship? It's getting old," Harry deadpanned. "I promise you, she's my best friend." "No, not at all." Shining Armor laughed. His face suddenly became serious. "But if you are, you had better treat my little sister like she is the most special, important, and loved pony alive, princess or not." Harry was taken aback by Shining Armor's sentence. It didn't feel like a threat, but there was power behind his words. Shining Armor stood back to his full height, back to his normal demeanor. "See ya at the coronation, Harry!" the older stallion said as he trotted away. Harry was practically rooted to the ground. He had no idea what that was about. The ceremony was held in a grand hall in the Canterlot Castle. Ribbons, flowers, and decorations made the extravagant halls feel alive and joyous. Ponies filled out two aisles in the hall. Harry stood in the front row of the aisle, not far from Twilight's parents. Twilight's five Ponyville friends stood at the front, off to the side. Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Cadance stood front and center in the hall, all three dressed in extravagant dresses. Celestia stepped forward to speak. "We are gathered here today in celebration of a momentous occasion. My most faithful student, Twilight Sparkle, has done many extraordinary things since she's lived in Ponyville. She even helped reunite me with my sister, Princess Luna." Celestia shared a tender look with her sister. "But today, Twilight Sparkle did something extraordinary. She created new magic, proving without a doubt that she is ready to be crowned Equestria's newest princess. Fillies and gentlecolts, may I present for the very first time, Princess Twilight Sparkle!" The doors to the hall burst open, and Twilight strode in. She was also wearing a dress befitting of the occasion, looking gorgeous, as usual. Several ponies followed her, guards and singers. A choir sang as Twilight walked up to the other princesses. "The Princess Twilight cometh Behold, behold A Princess here before us Behold, behold, behold" Spike lifted a pillow that held the Element of Magic, the crown remade for the ceremony. Celestia placed it on Twilight's head, and a light shined from within. Harry looked at Shining Armor, who was standing nearby. Liquid dotted the edges of his eyes. "Shining, are you crying?" Harry asked quietly. "Can I be honest with you, one stallion to another?" Shining Armor whispered. Harry nodded. "Yes, I'm so proud of my little sister." "Me too," Harry whispered back. "Behold, behold The Princess Twilight cometh Behold, behold The Princess is The Princess is here!" Twilight, Celestia, and Luna stepped out to a balcony that overlooked the crowd. There was a moment of silence before Twilight spoke. "A little while ago, my teacher and mentor Princess Celestia sent me to live in Ponyville. She sent me to study friendship, which is something I didn't really care much about." Twilight looked back at the other five Ponyville residents, waving for them to walk over. Harry and Spike chose to stay back, letting those five have their moment. "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!" Twilight announced. The crowd erupted in cheers. Twilight and the rest turned away from the crowd. Harry, Shining Armor, Spike, and Cadance made their way up to Twilight. "Twilight! I'm so proud of you!" Shining Armor declared. The two shared a moment of silence. Twilight eventually noticed the liquid in her brother's eyes. "Are you crying?" she asked, both teasing and surprised. Shining Armor wiped the tears away. "Of course not. It's... it's liquid pride. Totally different thing," he claimed. "He cried rivers," chimed Harry. Both siblings laughed and hugged. Shining Armor and Cadance backed off a bit. "Way to go, Princess!" Applejack declared. "Best coronation day ever!" Pinkie Pie shouted. "We love you, Twilight," Fluttershy said. The group went in for a hug. Harry stood by awkwardly. "I love you too, girls!" Twilight replied. She then noticed Harry standing off to the side. "Get in here, Harry, you're our friend too, you know!" Harry threw himself into the hug. He wasn't usually a "hug" guy, but he would make an exception for his best friend. A lot of exceptions. Eventually, they all separated. "Come on, the rest of Canterlot awaits!" Twilight announced. The mane six and Spike trotted off to exit the hall. Shining Armor leaned down to whisper in Harry's ear. "You better go with them, before Twilight orders you to follow along," Twilight's brother whispered. "But she's—" "Your best friend. Trust me, go," Shining Armor urged. "Hey, Harry, come along! We're not leaving without you!" Twilight shouted back, standing at the doorway. "Yes, Your Majesty," Harry quipped as he trotted to follow his best friend— no— best friends. They were all friends here. Harry galloped out to trott in line with his friends. "So, what's next?" Harry asked. "Didn't you read the schedule?" Twilight asked. "There's a schedule? I thought it was just the coronation today." "Are you kidding me?" said Rainbow Dash. "This is an awesomely important moment, the whole kingdom is going to want to see Twilight." "This is a historic day," Rarity explained "The last time the royal balance of power shifted like this was Cadance's coronation—" "And her wedding. I don't think Princesses Celestia or Luna ever married," Applejack added. "Then how in Celestia's name is Blueblood a prince?" Harry demanded. Everypony stopped moving for a second, thinking. Twilight opened her mouth to respond, only to close it and say nothing. "I... I have no idea. The royalty have been saying stuff like this for so long, I think we all last track of why or how," she said. "Questions for later, I don't want a headache at two in the afternoon," Rainbow said. They all continued down the hall and some stairs. Eventually, they saw a large carriage pulled by royal guards. It was how Twilight was to be pulled around the kingdom, present for all to see and adore. The image of a purple eight-point star was emblazoned on the front, with a similar mark over the seat. In Harry's humble opinion, they should have used a six-point star. A few minutes later, Twilight was being pulled in that royal carriage, Harry and the rest following close behind. Twilight's voice rang ahead of them. "Life in Equestria shimmers Life in Equestria shines And I know for absolute certain" Twilight jumped out to walk in step with the rest of them. Everyone joined in to sing. "That everything that everything Yes, everything yes, everything Yes, everything is certainly fine It's fine!" Harry looked down from the castle tower the group stopped at, listening to the cheers and seeing the smiles on his friend's faces. Yes, life in Equestria was going to be great. It wasn't perfect, but it didn't need to be. After all, when you have people who look out for you, what could go wrong that couldn't be fixed together? The moment Harry realized this, he froze. I just jinxed it, didn't I?