//------------------------------//
// Your New Normal, without Coffee 
// Story: An Alicorn Learns to Fly 
// by Cryogenii 
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Twilight Sparkle's eyes fluttered open, and she found herself in a lovingly made nest of pillows and blankets on the floor of the Golden Oak Library. However, despite the familiarity of her surroundings, an unsettling sensation of body dysmorphia weighed heavily upon her. Her gaze shifted downward to her own form, and she couldn't help but feel a profound disconnection from the wings that now adorned her body.

As she attempted to make sense of her new reality, a voice broke through her thoughts, and she turned her head to see Rainbow Dash standing nearby. The loyal Pegasus wore a reassuring smile that offered a glimmer of comfort amidst Twilight's uncertainty.

"Hey there, uh, your Highness," Rainbow Dash greeted her friend. "You're up.  Hope I didn't wake you."

Twilight shook her head, her expression a mixture of confusion and apprehension. "Rainbow, what's happening to me? I feel so... different this morning."

Rainbow Dash held her friend's gaze, her eyes filled with understanding. "You've gone through a big physical change. You're part pegasus now, and I guess it will feel strange at first, but I'm gonna help you get the hang of it."

As Twilight continued to grapple with the overwhelming sensations of her new body, she became aware of her heart pounding rapidly. It felt like she was gasping for air and hyperventilating, she began to feel a rising panic taking hold. She couldn't help but worry that something was seriously wrong with her newfound physiology.

"Sweet Celestia, I think my heart's going to explode," she gasped, "why am I breathing so hard? What's happened to me since last night!"

Seeing Twilight's distress, Rainbow Dash quickly moved closer, her voice gentle and reassuring. "Hey, it's gonna be okay. You're as much a pegasus as you are a unicorn now.  I know it might feel totally weird, but pegasi have super-fast heartbeats and really big lungs. It's all part of what makes flying possible."

"Ok, calm, calm… I'm calm," chanted Twilight, processing the information, "So, you mean... this is normal for pegasi?"

Rainbow Dash nodded with a reassuring smile. "Well sure! Our hearts have to beat fast, and our lungs need to take in a lot more air to give us the energy we need for awesome stuff like flying. Your new body's not just about adjusting to your wings."

Her friend's words began to penetrate the fog of anxiety that had enveloped Twilight's mind. She tried to focus on her friend's soothing voice. "My wings. I can't even look at them without feeling... weird deep down inside."

Rainbow Dash gently placed a hoof on her friend's shoulder and said, "I wish I'd paid more attention in class about this stuff, but I'll do my best to help you understand it."

Twilight looked at Rainbow Dash with a mixture of gratitude and curiosity. "What do you mean?"

Rainbow Dash grinned and fluffed her wings a bit. "Well, for starters, us Pegasi also have super-light bones. If you hopped on those scales you've got hidden in the bathroom, you'd probably see that you're a lot lighter than you used to be."

"Lighter bones, huh? That's fascinating, but…," Twilight froze as she realised something, "wait a minute, did you call me your Highness?"

"Erm yeah," Rainbow shuffled nervously, "I mean, you are a Princess now.  Like Celestia and Luna."

"Hardly, Rainbow," gasped Twilight in shock, "I'm just a… I don't know exactly what I am, but I do know that I'm still just Twilight Sparkle and not…" Her voice trailed off, as if she was suddenly uncertain about who, or what, she really was now.

"Relax. You're my friend, although you might need to reassure some of the gang that you aren't just gonna fly off to Canterlot with those new wings."

Twilight was about to reply when she was interrupted by her stomach growling fiercely, "I'm feeling so hungry, like I'm going to faint if I don't eat right now."

Rainbow Dash's eyes lit up with understanding as she reached into a nearby bag and pulled out a box of pastries. "Heh, heh.  I've got you covered, Twi. Pegasus ponies have crazy-fast metabolisms, which means we need to eat more often to keep our energy up. I got these from Pinkie Pie for you, while you were sleeping."

"Thank you, Rainbow. I glad you've explained all of this to me and made sure I have something to eat," Twilight's expression shifted from confusion to gratitude as she grabbed a pastry and devoured it in two bites, "I guess this explains Celestia and all the cakes."

Rainbow Dash giggled at this, and after a pause Twilight joined her.  The tension seemed to leave her as she crammed another of Pinkie's excellent parties into her mouth, "is there any coffee to go with these?"

"Sorry Twi," Rainbow shook her head, "until you're used to your new resting heart rate, better lay off the caffeine."

Twilight took a deep, shaky breath, trying to steady herself as she absorbed Rainbow Dash's point, "I... I guess. I do just have to get used to all of this, don't I?"

Rainbow Dash patted her back gently. "Yep, but don't worry. You've got me as your wing mare, and we'll take it one step at a time."

Twilight's scholarly instincts kicked in, and she felt a sudden surge of determination to delve into the intricacies of Pegasus bodies. She turned to Rainbow Dash with newfound enthusiasm. "You know what, Rainbow? I think I must have a book on Pegasus anatomy somewhere in the library. A little study session might help me get a better grasp of all these changes and focus my mind."

Rainbow Dash grinned, her eyes gleaming with pretend mockery. "Now that's the egghead Twilight we all know! Find that book and you'll be an expert in no time!"

Twilight nodded, grateful for Rainbow Dash's support. Her heart rate and breathing gradually began to feel less alien as she focused on her friend's kind face.

Twilight's gaze shifted from Rainbow Dash's friendly smile to a bucket and scrubbing brush that sat nearby. It didn't take long for her to trace a line across the floor, to where the remnants of the magical blast that had transformed her into an Alicorn were now barely visible. The scorched marks on the library's wooden floor had been a stark reminder of the events of the day before.

"You've been cleaning up?" Twilight asked, a mixture of gratitude and surprise in her voice.

"Un no," Rainbow confessed, "that must've been-"

Just then a small green and purple shaped blur zipped down the library stairs, and Twilight suddenly found herself being hugged by her dragon friend. "Uh, nice to see you too Spike," Twilight gasped as her young friend tightly embraced her around the neck.

"Twilight, I'm so relieved that you're awake," exclaimed the little dragon, tears welling in his eyes, "I didn't know what was happening."

"Oh Spike," soothed Twilight, "it wasn't so dramatic, really.  I'm still here."

"I believe you," replied Spike, looking at Twilight's wings, "but I think some ponies are going to have a hard time accepting that."

A frown creased Twilight's brow, "what do you mean, Spike? Inside I'm no different from yesterday."

"I don't know, Twilight," pondered the dragon, "From what Rainbow told me, Pinkie Pie is pretty freaked out by the transformation. Sounds like she's worried that you'll have changed, or even that you're an imposter."

"Wait, what? That's ridiculous," protested Twilight, her eyes flicking between the pegasus and dragon.

"Not really," interjected Rainbow Dash, "we did all kinda see you get fried." 

"I see," whispered Twilight, "does everypony feel this way, or is it just Pinkie?"

Spike hurriedly sought to reassure his friend, "I mean, I believe that you're you, just maybe not with any original parts.  I didn't see it, but everypony told me what happened."

"But Pinkie's really upset?" Asked Twilight, obviously worried at the thought.

Spike nodded, shyly, "yeah, so I thought it would be a good idea to get rid of these marks. They'd kinda freak Pinkie out even worse if she saw them."

Twilight appreciated the gesture, disturbed that her transformation had been a source of confusion and fear for her friends too. "Thank you, Spike. I didn't even think about the mess it left behind, or how you would all feel."

Spike shrugged, his scales rustling slightly. "I'm fine. We're all in this together, right? And I figured it'd be a good way to keep busy while you were resting."

Twilight couldn't help but smile at her friend's thoughtfulness. "You're an amazing friend, Spike."

The dragon grinned, his cheeks turning slightly pink at the compliment. "I'm here for you Twilight. And I'm going to be right here every step of the way."

Twilight nodded, her anxiety starting to subside as she refocused on what Rainbow Dash had been saying. She realised that having friends like Spike and Rainbow Dash by her side was a comforting presence in this time of uncertainty. With determination in her eyes, she said, "and thank you too, Rainbow Dash. I'm not sure what I'd have done without you being here this morning."

"Hay, how about we just take it easy for the rest of the day," Rainbow suggested, "we can just lay about and eat cakes." 

Rainbow Dash's suggestion of a lazy day sounded like a welcome relief to Twilight. She nodded with a grateful smile. "That sounds like a wonderful idea, Rainbow. A day to relax and try to get used to my wings in private sounds perfect."

Rainbow Dash beamed with enthusiasm as she led Twilight to a cosy spot in the library, away from prying eyes and curious ponies. "Great! First things first, let's talk about preening. It's essential to keep your feathers in tip-top shape. Just think of it as like taking care of your mane or tail."

As Rainbow Dash began to explain the art of preening, Twilight listened attentively, feeling a sense of comfort in having her friend guide her through these new experiences. With each passing moment, she was growing more accustomed to her Alicorn form with the support of those around her. Today was about taking a break from the questions and uncertainties and focusing on the practical aspects of her transformation, one feather at a time.

As the morning passed with Rainbow Dash, Twilight began to grow more comfortable with her newfound wings. Rainbow explained the purpose of primary, secondary and tertiary feathers, demonstrating their functions as she gracefully extended and flexed her own wings.

Rainbow encouraged Twilight to gently touch her wings as she fanned the feathers out, guiding her through the motions. It was an intimate moment, as the tactile experience allowed Twilight to connect with her own wings and feel less unsettled by them as she learned how they functioned and how to care for them. Twilight had always enjoyed brushing her mane and tail, and could see how preening her wings could be just as relaxing a form of self care.  Rainbow's support and guidance was helping Twilight gain confidence and acceptance of her new physiology, slowly easing the initial shock she had felt after her transformation.





That afternoon, Applejack stood amidst the rows of apple trees at Sweet Apple Acres, her signature stetson shading her eyes from the bright Equestrian sun. Her hooves were planted firmly on the ground as she surveyed the aftermath of Pinkie Pie's brief time with her cutie mark. Nearby, Big Macintosh, her strong and silent brother, was helping sort out the mess, his face etched with a mix of exhaustion and regret.

Applejack barely knew where to start.  Nopony really appreciated the sheer amount of work that went into running the farm.  Usually her brother could cope with the brief times when she had to leave town, but this had been different.  Under Pinkie's leadership chores that needed to be done were left uncompleted, whilst other things that didn't need doing were done unnecessarily.  Worse still there were many, many little jobs that had been done incorrectly that now needed fixing properly.

"Ah can't believe this, Big Mac!" Applejack exclaimed, her frustration evident in her tone. "Ah know the cockeyed spell got our cutie marks all turned around, but did y'all really just let Pinkie go and make a mess out of the apple farm?" 

Big Macintosh, typically a stallion of few words, sighed deeply. "Eeyup," he murmured, his voice carrying the weight of their predicament.

"She was messin' with the farm, and now, look at it!" Applejack threw her hooves up in exasperation, "Y'all didn't think ta stop her, Big Mac? 

"Nope."

"And now we done got a whole heap of extra chores for our troubles," muttered Applejack through gritted teeth, she loved her friends but couldn't stand anyone messing with her orchard, "what on Equestria have you gotta say for yourself?"

Her brother scratched his head, casting his eyes downward as he searched for the right words. "Well, sis," he began slowly, "Ah didn't reckon anything was wrong. Ya know how it was, that magic just meant we all thought that's how things were meant to be."

Applejack grumbled, knowing that Big Macintosh had a point. Pinkie Pie's whimsical and unpredictable nature often made it challenging to anticipate her actions, and adding an unfinished reality-bending spell into the mix wasn't going to make that any less destructive. She knew they would have to work together to undo the chaos Pinkie had inadvertently caused, even if it meant extra work for the Apple family today and probably for the rest of the week too.

She sighed, thinking about how they'd probably be working late into the evening, and then picking up early the next morning.  Farmers are used to long days, but even so you couldn't go burning the candle at both ends for too long. She knew that the hardest part would be convincing Granny Smith and Applebloom not to pitch in too much.  She especially didn't want her little sister to miss out on any school work through being too tired to study.

"Well, hopefully there'll be no interruptions 'til we've got this straightened up," she said, as she roughly started pitching the apples that were strewn on the ground into a basket.

Her face scrunched up in expectation when she became aware of Big Mac looking dolefully behind her.  She sensed that whatever or whomever was walking towards them from Ponyville wasn't going to make straightening up the farm any quicker. She let out a sigh, and hung her head waiting for whatever the next crisis that wanted to swallow her up was.

"Terribly sorry to interrupt, darling," a brightly toned voice reached her, "might I have a word with you about Pinkie?"





The mid-afternoon sun streamed into the cosy farmhouse kitchen at Sweet Apple Acres, casting a warm, golden glow across the wooden table. The scent of freshly baked apple pies still lingered in the air, a reminder of the family meals that got served at the well worn kitchen table. Now, however, the demands of the farm were put on hold, as Applejack and Rarity found themselves in the middle of an uncomfortable discussion.

Applejack, her normally cheerful demeanour replaced by a scowl, stood with her hooves planted firmly on the wooden floor. Her bright green eyes held a glint of annoyance as she crossed her forelegs, her signature stetson hanging on a nearby peg.

"Now, Rarity," Applejack grumbled, her country drawl lacing her words with frustration, "Ah can't fathom why ya had to drag me away from fixin' the mess Pinkie left behind. We got apples to sort and trees to tend, and there ain't time for none of this fuss."

Rarity, elegantly poised in the rustic setting, smoothed a strand of her luxurious, curled mane, her sapphire eyes brimming with concern. Rarity's thoughts lingered on what she hoped would be her friend's unique ability to handle the situation. She had chosen Applejack for a reason, believing that her frankness and experiences with loss, particularly the passing of her parents, would make her an excellent source of comfort for Pinkie Pie. She leaned on the kitchen table, her white coat shimmering in the sunlight, and sighed softly. "Darling, I understand your frustration, truly I do. But Pinkie Pie is in quite a state of distress, and I fear it's all related to Twilight's transformation into an alicorn."

Applejack's brow furrowed as she rolled her eyes. "Rarity, I'm plum confused. What's Pinkie's meltdown got to do with any of this? First ya said Pinkie was fretting 'bout Twilight movin' on, and now it's some kind of paranoia 'bout Twilight bein' an imposter?"

"Oh, darling, I apologise if my explanation was unclear. You see, Pinkie's initial worries did revolve around the idea of Twilight moving away, but as time has passed, her fears have taken a more... unconventional turn."

Applejack raised an eyebrow, her confusion deepening. "Unconventional? What in tarnation do ya mean?"

With a sigh, Rarity elaborated, "Well it all started off as a fear that this new, erm, Princess Twilight Sparkle wouldn't have time for her old friends or Ponyville any more.  From there Pinkie Pie has somehow convinced herself that Twilight Sparkle has been replaced by an imposter. She's become quite paranoid and is desperately in need of reassurance from her friends. I thought of you, to be the one best suited to help her through this."

Applejack's gaze softened slightly as she processed this new information. The thought of Pinkie Pie consumed by such unfounded fears tugged at her heartstrings. She let out a sigh of her own, letting go of her initial frustration. "Well, Rarity, Ah might not be the best at understandin' all this emotional stuff, but if Pinkie's in a bad way, Ah reckon I ought to talk to her and see if I can help."

With a gentle smile, Rarity spoke softly to Applejack, her voice a delicate murmur among the distant sounds of rustling leaves. "You know, Applejack, I truly believe you're actually the perfect pony to help Pinkie through this. The strength and the resilience you've shown in the face of the loss of your parents make you uniquely qualified to guide her through these feelings of bereavement."

Applejack gave a modest nod, her expression thoughtful. "Well, Rarity, Ah ain't no expert in this sorta thing really, but if Pinkie's hurtin', then Ah'll do whatever Ah can to help her out. Feeling a loss is a tough thing to reckon with, and it can take some time to find your way through it."

Rarity's eyes sparkled with gratitude as she looked at her friend. "Exactly, Applejack. And sometimes, all it takes is someone who understands the weight of that burden to make it a little lighter for another. I have every confidence that you'll provide Pinkie with the comfort and reassurance she needs."

Applejack smiled warmly. "Thank ya kindly, Rarity. I'll find Pinkie and see what ah can do for her.  Although it feels a little late to see her today.  Best try to catch her tomorrow morning, truth be told ah'm not in the most sympathetic of moods right now."

Rarity gave a grateful smile and nodded. "Thank you, Applejack. I knew I could rely on you in this time of uncertainty."





Later on that day, after the sun had been set, Ponyville was blanketed in a tranquil night under the silvery glow of the moon. The streets were hushed, and the stars above twinkled with a quiet elegance. Rainbow Dash emerged from the Golden Oak Library, a weary expression on her face after a long day of caring for Twilight Sparkle. She'd had no idea this was going to be so exhausting when Princess Celestia had entrusted her with this task, and the responsibility was already taking its toll.

She knew that she wasn't going to be able to go far, but the need to fly was making her feel twitchy after a day mostly spent indoors.  As she spread her wings and prepared to take flight, a gentle fluttering sound caught her attention. Rainbow Dash halted her ascent and turned to see Princess Luna descending gracefully from the night sky, her horn casting a soft light upon the street outside the library.

"A moment if you please, Rainbow Dash," Luna's voice was soothing and melodic, as the night breeze carried her words.

Rainbow Dash's tired eyes blinked in surprise, as she landed and offered the Princess a deep bow despite her weariness. "Princess Luna, are you here to see Twilight? She's asleep already."

Luna nodded to indicate the pegasus should rise, her expression empathetic but serious. "We are aware that thine friend slumbers.  Neigh, Rainbow Dash. 'Tis thee that We are here to see."

The cyan pegasus looked surprised, and asked in a trembling voice, "is there something you need me to do?"

"Our apologies, We see the strain that the task Our Sister has placed upon thee, Rainbow Dash.  Regretfully We come with a message concerning the importance of thy duty." Luna regarded Rainbow Dash with her beautiful, melancholic eyes.

Fatigue weighed heavily on Rainbow Dash's shoulders, and she sighed, her wings drooping slightly. "It's been really tough, Princess Luna. Twilight's going through a lot, and I'm doing my best, but..."

Luna interrupted gently, "We understand, Rainbow Dash. But We need to impress upon thee the gravity of thy role. In a dream, We traversed realms and witnessed an alternate Twilight Sparkle. She was tormented by her unexpected transformation into an alicorn, just like thy Twilight. But in her pain and isolation, she took a different path, one that led to darkness and destruction.  She blamed others for her change, and the chaos it brought to her life, so she mutilated herself and sought revenge in a way that would have dire consequences for Equestria if events were to repeat with our Twilight Sparkle."

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened, the weariness in her gaze mixed with worry. "Revenge? That doesn't sound like our Twilight at all."

Luna nodded solemnly. "Indeed, Rainbow Dash. The Twilight Sparkle thou knowest has shown great wisdom and kindness. But this vision serves as a reminder of the fragility of one's journey when faced with overwhelming circumstances. The weight of alicornhood can be immense."

Rainbow Dash's shoulders slumped further, but she nodded in acknowledgment. "I'm trying my best to support her, but it's tough."

Luna smiled gently, appreciating Rainbow Dash's dedication. "Thou loyalty and friendship are commendable, Rainbow Dash, and thee must continue to be there for her. This task may be challenging, but it is essential for the well-being of Twilight Sparkle and the safety of Equestria."

Determination flickered in Rainbow Dash's tired eyes. "You got it, Princess Luna. I won't let anything happen to Twilight, even if it means pushing through the exhaustion."

Luna's expression softened, and she stepped closer to Rainbow Dash, wrapping her warm wings around her in a comforting embrace. "We know it's not easy, Rainbow Dash, but thou are not alone in this. We believe in thee."

Rainbow Dash felt a warmth and reassurance in Luna's embrace that invigorated her, as if the alicorn was drawing the weariness from her body and mind. It gave her the strength to carry on despite her exhaustion. "Thank you, Princess Luna."

With that, Princess Luna released her embrace and spread her wings. "Take care, Rainbow Dash. Remember that thy have friends who care about thou too."

Rainbow Dash watched as Luna ascended into the night sky, feeling weary but resolute. She knew the toll it was taking on her, but she also understood the importance of her role in helping Twilight Sparkle navigate her newfound position and protect her from the potential challenges that lay ahead in the time until she was sufficiently comfortable with the changes that had occured.

She took a deep breath and flapped into the air.  Despite her fatigue that night flight to calm her and get the tension out of her muscles seemed even more important.  A quick loop round Fluttershy's cottage and Sweet Apple Acres would do, and not keep her from her rest for too long.