//------------------------------// // Saying "No" to a Goddess // Story: An Alicorn Learns to Fly // by Cryogenii //------------------------------// On the second day of her new life as an alicorn, Twilight paced back and forth in the library, her wings twitching nervously. She was determined to face the outside world and let the ponies of Ponyville know what had happened. Her restless energy was palpable, and she was ready to leave despite Rainbow Dash's protests. Rainbow Dash, her cyan wings spread wide, hovered in front of Twilight, trying to reason with her. "Twilight, you can't just go out there like this! They're gonna swarm you, and it's gonna be chaos! You can't show up as an alicorn who can't fly yet." Twilight sighed, her agitation evident. "I know, Rainbow, but I can't hide forever. I need to explain things to everypony and assure them that I'm still the same pony I was before." The two ponies were interrupted by the unmistakable sound of a letter arriving via Spike's dragon mail. Twilight froze, as only one pony regularly used that somewhat grossly organic form of communication. Sure enough, moments later the juvenile dragon waddled in, wiping his mouth and holding a scroll that was tightly bound with a ribbon bearing the royal Equestrian seal. He looked up at the new alicorn and said, "Twilight, I've got a letter for you. It's from Princess Celestia." Twilight's eyes widened in surprise, and she took the scroll from Spike's outstretched claw. She unrolled it and quickly began reading Princess Celestia's beautiful calligraphy. Rainbow Dash and Spike exchanged concerned glances, waiting for Twilight's reaction. My Faithful Student Dearest Twilight, I hope this letter finds you well, and adjusting to your new circumstances. I apologise for the abruptness of this message, but I felt it was necessary to address a matter of utmost importance. I know that you are currently facing challenges and uncertainties about your newfound status as an alicorn, and I want you to understand the reasoning behind our actions. Our initial plan was to allow you time to develop and master your new abilities in the comfort and privacy of Canterlot once you had recovered somewhat. However, the rumours of a new alicorn have spread far and wide already. The curiosity and speculation surrounding this matter are growing beyond our control. To ensure your safety and provide you with the guidance you deserve, I believe it is best to expedite our plans. I would like you to come to Canterlot as soon as possible. There, we can begin preparations for your coronation, where you will be announced as a Princess of Equestria. I understand this might be overwhelming, but know that you are not alone in this journey. Your friends and I will be there to support you every step of the way. Please do not delay, Twilight. Make your way to Canterlot as discreetly as possible, and we shall discuss the details further. Your destiny as an alicorn and a leader of Equestria awaits you, and I have every confidence that you will shine as brilliantly as the sun itself. With the warmest regards, Princess Celestia Rainbow Dash, who had been anxiously awaiting Twilight's reaction, leaned in closer as Twilight read the letter. She couldn't help but feel her own apprehension mirrored in her friend's eyes. As Twilight finished reading, her expression shifted from curiosity to disbelief, and then to an overwhelming sense of astonishment. "Coronation?!" Twilight exclaimed, her voice trembling with anxiety. "But, Rainbow Dash, I... I never imagined it would come to this! No, no ,no… it's too soon. I mean, I knew there would be some kind of announcement, but I never thought it would be a full-blown coronation ceremony!" Rainbow Dash, despite her own concerns, put on a brave face for Twilight. "I know it's a lot to take in, Twi, but remember, you've got all of us behind you. We'll figure this out together, just like we always do. And you've also got Princess Celestia to guide you every step of the way." Twilight nodded, her mind racing with a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions as she paced back and forth. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I just need some time to process all of this. But one thing's for sure—I don't want to face this alone. I have the best friends anyone could ever ask for, and you should all be a part of this." Rainbow Dash tried to offer a reassuring smile. "That's the spirit, Twilight. We've got your back, wings or no wings." Something was off in her bearing, with the normally confident Pegasus looking shifty and nervous. Twilight was puzzled over what could be making her friend act this way. Then she remembered that not all her friends were as thrilled by the transformation as others. The alicorn looked towards her two friends, "I'm going to have to work things out with Pinkie before I can go to Canterlot, aren't I?" "If you want her at your coronation, yeah," agreed Rainbow Dash, "from what I saw, she's in no state to be a part of that right now." As Twilight pondered the instruction from Princess Celestia, a determination welled up inside her. She couldn't simply leave Pinkie in this state of confusion, especially when being abandoned was one of her closest friend's principal fears from the transformation. Despite her mentor's wishes and the importance of the upcoming coronation, Twilight felt a deep-seated need to stay and help her friend heal. She knew she had to defy Celestia's will, at least for now, and focus on what truly mattered – the bonds she shared with the ponies she loved in her adopted hometown. Twilight Sparkle was determined to face the challenges ahead and find a way to reconcile with Pinkie Pie, no matter how daunting the task might be. "Spike," she turned to her faithful companion, "I'd like you to take a letter please." "Sure thing Twilight," replied the dragon as he walked to the writing desk and grabbed a parchment and quill. Twilight cleared her throat and started dictating the letter. Princess Celestia sat in her study, surrounded by the seemingly endless stacks of paperwork, scrolls, and documents that came with being the ruler of Equestria. The room was bathed in the soft, warm glow of her magical aura as she meticulously reviewed the various reports and correspondences. Her days were often filled with the duties and responsibilities of running a kingdom, leaving her precious little time for her own pursuits. In the privacy of her room she let out an exasperated sigh, more than a thousand years into her reign it seemed that despite her fervent wish the paperwork was truly endless. As she was attending to her work, a letter appeared above her, bearing Twilight Sparkle's familiar seal. Not that such identification was necessary, as this particular form of postage was only used by Twilight and the denizens of the dragon lands, and the latter weren't known for their communication skills. Celestia sighed, her frustration evident, as she set aside her current task to read the contents of the letter. She had expected to hear of Twilight's swift arrival in Canterlot to prepare for her coronation, but what she found instead was a request for more time. Dear Princess Celestia, I hope this letter finds you in good health too. First and foremost, I want to express my sympathy for your concern about the citizens of Equestria. The prevention of uncertainty and any potential rumours is important. When I received your letter about the upcoming coronation, and I must admit, I was both honoured and overwhelmed by the prospect. I want to assure you that I am committed to fulfilling this new role and will make my way to Canterlot as soon as possible to discuss the details. However, there are matters that weigh heavily on my heart, which I feel compelled to address before I leave Ponyville. My ascension has had a profound impact on my friends. They have shown me unwavering loyalty and friendship since that first summer sun here, and their well-being is of utmost importance to me. I believe it is crucial to ensure that they are reconciled with these events and can joyfully take part in my coronation ceremony. They deserve nothing less. I kindly request your patience in this matter. Once I have taken the necessary steps to ensure the emotional stability and happiness of all my friends, I will make my way to Canterlot. Your guidance in this endeavour would be greatly appreciated, as always. Thank you in advance for your understanding and support, Princess. I look forward to joining you in Canterlot soon, ready to embrace the responsibilities that lie ahead. With gratitude and friendship, Twilight Sparkle The Princess's brows furrowed in thought. She knew that Twilight was deeply committed to her friendships and was likely concerned about the well-being of her friends in Ponyville. If she was refusing an order from the ruler of Equestria, then there was the possibility that one, or more, of the bearer's of the elements of harmony was experiencing difficulties accepting what had happened. As much as Celestia believed it was imperative to move forward with Twilight's impending coronation, she also understood the importance of Twilight's bonds with her friends. Rushing her would only risk straining those relationships, and that was a consequence Celestia wanted to avoid at all costs. The defensive capabilities of the elements of harmony were a formidable asset that she had no desire to give up. With a resigned sigh, Princess Celestia decided to grant Twilight the time she needed. She knew that impatience could lead to misunderstandings and rifts, and she valued Twilight's growth as both a pony and a princess. It was, after all, a momentous change in the young pony's life, and Celestia would do everything in her power to ensure Twilight was ready for it, both in heart and spirit. Even if that meant having to exercise patience that her will was temporarily being defied, for the sake of Twilight's friends.