//------------------------------// // 1. Hidden Feelings // Story: Fallen Princess // by RickyB //------------------------------// CHAPTER ONE: HIDDEN FEELINGS It was an hour after dawn when Twilight woke up. She yawned and stretched her wings. It has been a month since she became an Alicorn and she still wasn’t used to it. As predicted, the ponies of Ponyville came to her more than ever. As much as she tried to deal with the problems, it was a daunting task. Still with help from Mayor Mare, Twilight was able to keep the problems from getting out of hoof. Her friends also played a major part in helping Twilight cope. Applejack and Rainbow Dash both vowed to come to Twilight as a last resort and try to solve problems on their own. Rarity and Fluttershy devoted any spare time they could find to being with Twilight and trying to help as much as they could. Fluttershy even taught Twilight the basics of flight and Twilight had a lesson today. While Rarity began preparation for Summer Sun which was a month away. Twilight noticed Spike wasn’t in his basket, as the scent of cooked eggs reached her nostrils. She went to the kitchen where she saw Shooting Star and Spike making breakfast. “Morning Twilight,” Shooting Star greeted as she set down a plate of eggs and pancakes for Twilight. “You’ve got a full day today Twi,” spike said as he and Star sat down to eat. “A meeting with the Mayor, flying lessons with Fluttershy, and Fleur De Lis is coming to town. I bet it’s Summer Sun related!” “Yeah.” Twilight sighed as she slowly ate her breakfast. “Are you ok Twilight?” Shooting Star asked. “No.” Twilight replied. “I’m not Star. I hate this; everypony comes to me for everything. I don’t know what to do, I know The Mayor is doing what she can, and I still feel buried.” “Maybe you should talk to The Princess.” Shooting Star suggested. “Tell her what you told us.” “I would be letting her down,” came Twilight’s all too predictable response. “Come on Twi,” Spike urged. “You know she would be happy to help.” “Well..” Twilight muttered. She then heard a burped followed by the green flame and a scroll. Spike unrolled the scroll in his claws and began reading it. “Celestia is coming to Ponyville.” Spike said hiding his nerves as he tried to put the scroll away. His heart sank when Twilight brought the scroll over to her with her magic. Her face grew red and her eyes twitched. “Spike.” She said her voice trembling with rage. “When did you send this to Celestia, without my knowledge.” “Well.” Spike stammered. “Ya see…” a knock was heard. He went to answer it but Twilight stopped him cold with a glare. She opened the door but any harsh words died in her throat as she saw her mentor’s kind smile. “I was sent here by the mayor. She wishes to speak to you Twilight, your friends Applejack and rainbow Dash are there are well.” Celestia said politely. “I’ll be along shortly Twilight Sparkle.” Grumbling the lavender Alicorn left slamming the door behind her. Celestia looked at the dragon and the unicorn. Shooting star looked at Spike. “She took it better than I thought she would.” Shooting star said trying to cut the tension. “You said she was on edge in your letter.” Celestia said looking at Spike. “She’s not happy as an Alicorn.” Spike said. “Nopony leaves her alone, they keep asking for things! Crazy things! They ask for rain she tells them to talk to Rainbow dash, but they don’t they just bother her! She hardly sleeps, she’s not happy, even with Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie visiting when they can, she’s still unhappy.” “Is there anyway, you can just make her a unicorn again? I miss the old Twilight, when I was only yelled at for missing a book.” “I’m sorry.” Celestia said. “She chose this, I cannot reverse it. Nor can she pass it to somepony else. I was afraid this would happen, is The Mayor helping in this problem?” “She’s held a meeting weekly since Twilight became an Alicorn.” Star said. “There is one tonight, they all just turn into shouting matches, with Twilight having to sneak out of or get buried in demands.” “I’m afraid she’s going to snap at somepony.” Spike said. “You saw her.” “I’ll do what I can.” Celestia said. “You where right to inform me of this Spike. I’m sure Twilight will thank you as well, in time.” “I’m just afraid she’ll get really mad and send me away.” Spike sniffled. “She would never do that,” Shooting star comforted. “She knows you’re just looking out for her wellbeing.” “As always Spike,” Celestia said. “You showed great courage. You should be proud. Now I’m going to talk to Twilight and hopefully come to a resolution on this matter.” XXXXX When you’re a Pegasus you see things, this goes for Rainbow Dash who spotted a very grumpy Twilight sulk from her library. She flew to town hall and was greeted by Applejack. “Well,” Rainbow said. “Twi, doesn’t look too happy.” “That ain’t new.” Applejack muttered. Ever since Twilight became an Alicorn, she didn’t seem happy. Applejack knew why, Twilight had no time to herself. If it wasn’t somepony wanting something, it was the Pony Pavaratsi trying to get a picture of her. “Still think getting Spike ta write The Princess was a good idea?” “Well I didn’t hear anypony else say anything.” Rainbow Dash quipped. “Well here she comes,” Applejack said. She saw the look on Twilights face and she knew Twilight wasn’t happy. “So, Ah guess ya found out spike sent the letter.” “You knew about that?” Twilight hissed her purple eyes narrowing to slits. “Listen Twilight,” Rainbow said. “It was my idea, so if you’re gonna freak out on anypony then freak out on me. I did it for your own good, you’re not happy. Maybe ya know Celestia can help you.” “She’s right Sugarcube.” Applejack added. “We miss the old Twi, when was the last time we even had lunch together. Everytime we get time wit ya somepony pulls you away for an emergency that ain’t so big.” Twilight looked between her two friends. Honesty and Loyalty, that’s what they represented and that’s what they showed. Applejack was honest with Twilight while Rainbow Dash showed her loyalty to Twilight by trying to help her. “I hate this!” Twilight wailed as she began to cry. “Ever since I got these stupid wings I’ve had no peace! I’m always asked to do things, stupid things, things I can’t do! I just want to go back to my library and read about spells, like I used to do!” “It’ll be ok sugarcube.” Applejack comforted as she hugged her friend. “Won’t it Rainbow?” She waited for Rainbow Dash to speak when she didn’t she glanced at the Pegasus to see her looking straight ahead. She followed her star to see Celestia. The Princess went right to Twilight and hugged her distraught student. “Will you excuse us?” Celestia requested. The two nodded and went inside. “Twilight, I had no idea it was this bad for you.” “I’m so sorry Princess.” Twilight sniffled. “I tried, I really did.” “I know Twilight.” Celestia assured her. “I’m here to help you now Twilight, we’ll fix this, I promise. Come now, we’ve still work to do.” “Thanks Celestia.” Twilight said softly. “Thank Spike,” Celestia replied as she wrapped a wing over Twilight. “You are fortunate to have a dragon as caring as him.” “Yeah.” Twilight said thoughtfully. “I am.” She entered town hall with Celestia at her side. The Mayor, Applejack and Rainbow Dash all looked in her direction. ‘Ya ok Twi?” Applejack asked. “I’m fine AJ.” Twilight replied. “Well now everypony is here.” The Mayor said. “Let’s begin planning this year’s Summer Sun festivities!” XXXXX In the Carousel Boutique, an alabaster mare was running around her shop at this early hour using her magic to straighten everything out. “Sweetie Belle!” Rarity called out. “Do you have my small amount I stored in the guest room?” She was answered by a grunt as her sister, a smaller white filly with a purple and pink mane was carrying a rather large bag on her back. “Some help Rarity?” she asked before collapsing on the bag almost crushing the filly. Rarity used her magic to levitate the bag. “Thank you so much for helping me Sweetie Belle.” Rarity said. “I forgot that Fleur De Lis was coming today, and she’ll need a place to stay.” “Is she a Canterlot pony?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Why yes,” Rarity replied. “I met her some time back when I took a business trip to Canterlot. She really is a dear.” “Is there anything else I can do sis?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Make sure your room is clean.” Rarity replied. “I’ll make a splendid breakfast for you!” Sweetie Belle went into her room, aside from her school supplies in the corner it was clean. Most fillies didn’t have clean rooms, but most fillies didn’t have somepony like rarity looking over their shoulder. She went about picking up what little there was. She finished just in time to hear her sister call her name. XXXXX For the last hour Twilight, Celestia and the Mayor went over details of Summer Sun. Twilight was more animated than she had been the past month. For good reason, she loved Summer Sun. Ever since she was a small filly seeing Celestia flying into the air the sun going up with her. It made her appreciate what Celestia did. To Twilight back then it placed Celestia on a pedestal, one she’s still on today. Celestia was her hero in those days, little did she know she would be her friend today “Thank you so much for helping.” The Mayor said gratefully. “I’m sure Twilight will be able to help with the rest.” “We kinda got a problem.” Rainbow said from near the door. “Not again!” Twilight groaned pressing a hoof against her forehead. “Why don’t those ponies listen?” The Mayor questioned. “I’ve told them, that you can’t do anything more than what you could before.” “Is this normal?” Celestia asked. “Pretty much.” Applejack grumbled. “Twi don’t get much peace.” Celestia’s features shifted into a frown, maybe it was time for her to step in, for her student’s sakes. Celestia peeked out a cracked in the door and saw a swarm of ponies. Celestia heard them yell out “Twilight! We need more rain!” “We need less rain!” “It’s too hot!” “Teach Earth Ponies how to use magic!” Celestia’s eyes widened. She looked at her student who just sat there as Rainbow dash and Applejack tried to comfort her. “They do this every day.” The Mayor said. “I’ve held meeting weekly for a month know but nopony listens. We have one tonight if your highness is interested.” “Might as well get this over with.” Twilight sighed. She stepped outside with Rainbow Dash and Applejack with her. As soon as she did she was mobbed. Hooves and unicorn magic grabbed at her, ponies screamed in her ear or in her face about needing help. Twilight said nothing but she trembled her eyes closed. “This ain’t good.” Applejack muttered. Twilights eyes opened and a wave of lavender magic washed over the crowd. “Everypony SHUT UP!” Twilight screamed, she was hovered over the crowd of ponies. “I can’t solve everything for you! You have to do it yourselves! I’m not here to hold your hooves! All of you are driving me CRAZY!” Twilight magic faded of she dropped to the ground. Celestia rushed forward using her magic to put a field around her student, who now lay unconscious on the ground. Still ponies tried to get through. When they saw Twilight was out they turned to Celestia. Celestia shook her head, she had heard enough. “Enough!” Celestia cried using her royal accent. “I hereby decree that further harassment of Twilight Sparkle will result in severe penalties.” With that Celestia left with her unconscious student in her magical tow. “Woah.” Rainbow muttered as Celestia left. “Was it me or did Celestia just snap?” “Wasn’t you,” Applejack agreed. “They got under her skin, but good.” XXXXX Outside the Library Spike, Shooting Star and Rarity where all gathered. They saw a burst of magic followed by a booming voice. When they saw Celestia looking none too happy carrying an unconscious Twilight in her magic they all feared the worse. “Twilight!” Spike cried. “Oh the poor dear,” Rarity said. “Is she alright?” Shooting Star raced upstairs to Twilight’s room and came down moments later with Twilight’s bed in her magical field. Celestia placed Twilight in her bed. “So what happened?” Shooting Star asked. “She fainted after confronting a mob of ponies.” Celestia said. “I should have known this would be too much for her to handle. The demands on an Alicorn are not easy, I should have done more to prepare her.” “Well maybe this will let the other ponies see what they are doing to Twilight with their selfish demands.” Rarity said. “I agree,” Celestia sighed. “I hoped she wouldn’t have to deal with this.” “It’s like they forgot how to deal with their own problems.” Spike grumbled. “That happens more often than you would think.” Celestia remarked. “Luna, Cadence, Twilight and myself are still ponies, we do not have all the answers. Despite what other ponies think.” “Can’t you tell them that?” Shooting Star asked. “Saying it and making them listen are two very different things.” Celestia said. “Though I know of somepony who might make them listen. When is the meeting tonight?” “An hour after sunset.” Star said she looked at Celestia. “Are you thinking Princess Luna?” Celestia was about to speak, when she heard a groan. All heads turned to the lavender Alicorn. Seeing her mentor there Twilight lowered her head. “Are you ok sweetie?” Rarity asked. “I blew it.” Twilight said sadly. “You did no such thing.” Celestia said approaching her student. “You are still new to being an Alicorn, my starting time as an Alicorn was not a pleasant experience. I also did not have the luxury you have Twilight. I was forced into ruling Equestria. The previous ruler needed to be dealt with.” “Who was the previous ruler?” Spike asked. “Morning Dew,” Celestia said as she sat down. “She wanted genocide against the earth ponies and Pegasus. She was also my teacher.” Tears ran down her muzzle. “Celestia.” Twilight choked hugging her mentor. “I’m sorry, you never told me.” “The past is past Twilight.” Celestia said as she stood up. “I’m careful not to repeat my mistake, a quality I hope I instilled in you my dear Twilight.” “I’ll never betray you.” Twilight said. To her surprise Celestia gave her a cautious look. “Never is a long time.” Celestia said. Twilight was about to say something when Applejack and Rainbow Dash ran in. Applejack gave Twilight a tight hug. “Heaven’s ta betsy yer ok!” Applejack said. “Applejack…can’t breathe..” Twilight gasped. “Whups.” She said with a sheepish grin. “Sorry Twi.” “I’m glad you are ok Twilight.” Celestia said. “I will help this get easier for you. Now if you will excuse me.” Her horn glowed and in a golden flash she was gone. “Anypony else notice Celestia acting weird?” Spike asked. “It’s just a tough time for her.” Twilight said. “Remember Summer Sun is when Nightmare moon returned.” “Yeah but we zapped her with the elements and got Luna back.” Rainbow Dash bragged. “Come on Rainbow.” Applejack sighed. “We got fields that need clearing.” “I have to meet Fleur De Lis at the train station.” Rarity said. “We should finish cleaning the library.” Shooting Star said to Spike. “I need to go or I’ll be late for my latest flying lesson with Fluttershy!” Twilight said as she galloped off. XXXXX “You got pretty huggy with Twilight back there.” Rainbow Dash noted as the pair made their way back to Sweet Apple Acres. “Don’t know watcha mean.” Applejack answered. “I was jus worried an was happy to see her ok so I hugged her.” “Well how about all the lame reason’s you’ve been coming up with to go to the library.” Rainbow asked. “I don’t know what yer talkin bout.” Applejack answered, though her voice held a nervous quiver to it. “Oh this is rich.” Rainbow laughed. “The element of honesty is trying to lie! Come on Applejack, she’s your friend. It’s cool if you do that mushy stuff with her.” “Yeah,” Applejack said. “Not like I love her or anything.” She grumbled maybe too loudly as Rainbow Dash stopped dead in her tracks and gave the orange farm pony a shocked look. “You what?” Rainbow asked. “Nothing.” Came the quick response. “Ya musta heard things!” The look she got from Rainbow Dash told her, Dash didn’t buy it. Applejack sighed and looked at Dash. “Listen,” Applejack said. “Ya can’t tell anypony! Ah mean it!” “Sure.” Rainbow said uncertainly. “Ah mean it!” she yelled. “Pinkie Promise me, you won’t tell anypony!” “You can’t be serious.” Rainbow pleaded. When she saw Applejacks face she knew how serious the mare was. “Fine, Cross my heart and hope to fly stick a cupcake in my eye.” “Ah’m holding ya to it!” Applejack said. “Ah jus can’t let her know how Ah feel.” “Why not?” Rainbow asked. “Ah jus can’t!” Applejack said. “That’s a lame reason.” Rainbow shot back. “Ya know what,” Applejack growled. “Jus go then, Ah don’t need yer help! Go on, git outta here!” “Whatever I’m outta here!” Rainbow said though she was struggling to hold back tears. She zoomed off. Applejack watched the multicolored streak in the sky and couldn’t help but wonder, why she acted the way she did. The proud farm mare shook her head and tried to follow the rainbow streak. Still not sure what she was going to do. XXXXX “That’s really good Twilight.” Fluttershy said happily as Twilight hovered a mere six inches off the ground. “Can’t I go higher?” Twilight asked. She was glad her friend was teaching her how to fly, however the going was far slower than she would have liked it. “Well, ok,” Fluttershy muttered. “If you wanna I guess it’s ok.” Twilight didn’t even hear the last part as she flew into the sky. “This is great!” she cried as she flew in the air. “I’m doing it! I’m FLYING!” She laughed as she flew in the air, while a terrified Fluttershy watched from bellow. “Oh dear,” Fluttershy whimpered. “Careful, oh, I can’t watch!” “Fluttershy are you seeing this?” Twilight laughed from above. She looked down and saw the yellow Pegasus with her hooves over her eyes. Twilight was about to land when she got plowed into by a rainbowed blur. Both hit the ground with a loud THUD! “Oh dear!” Fluttershy squeaked. “Are you ok?” “I’m fine.” Twilight grunted as she got up and cast a glare at the now familiar blue Pegasus. “What’s the hurry Rainbow? Aren’t you supposed to be with Applejack helping with her farm?” “Well,” Rainbow choked as she blinked back tears. “Oh my!” Fluttershy said as she hurried over, she saw the upset Rainbow and hugged her. “What’s wrong Rainbow?” “Applejack and I got into a fight.” Rainbow said. “That’s hardly new.” Twilight quipped. She knew even though the two were friends. Rainbow and Applejack would frequently clash over Rainbow’s less than pristine way of doing some things. “Well this one was a doozy.” Rainbow sniffled. “See she has feelings for somepony, but she won’t tell this somepony, about them.” ‘Come on Twi,’ Rainbow thought. ‘Be the egghead and put this all together so I can tell you without telling you and still keep this stupid Pinkie Promise.’ “Wait Applejack has feelings for somepony?” Twilight asked. “It’s not a member of her family is it? That would just be weird!” “It’s not family.” Rainbow said. “It’s a friend, a close friend.” “I didn’t think she was really all that close with Sta..” Twilight stopped short and gave a small gasp. ‘That’s it Twilight.’ Rainbow thought. ‘Put it all together.’ “She’s into mares?” Twilight yelled. “Who is it?” ‘You gotta be BUCKING kidding me!’ Rainbow Dashes thoughts screamed. As Rainbow was about to make the biggest mistake ever Applejack came running up. The farm pony noticed all eyes on her. “Uhh, howdy.” She said nervously. “I got sumthin in mah teeth?” “I know AJ.” Twilight said. “Ya do?” Applejack questioned when Twilight nodded, Applejack got nervous. “Now Twi, ah can explain.” “Whose the lucky mare or stallion?” Twilight asked hugging her friend. “Rainbow won’t give names.” “Well,” Applejack said as her thoughts went a mile a minute. “She can’t say now.” Rainbow Dash interrupted. “What would be the point in telling us now? When she will tell them.. At the rising sun of the Summer Sun celebration.” “Right!” Appleajck agreed, then realizing what Rainbow did. “Wait, what?” “Ooohhh! I can hardly wait!” Twilight squealed. “Come on Fluttershy we have lessons!” She flew off. “Oh Twilight please don’t go so fast!” Fluttershy cried as she chased Twilight out of sight. Rainbow Dash breathed a sigh of relief that was until she was muzzle to muzzle with an angry Applejack. “What did ya jus to ta me!” Applejack screamed. “Ya might as well have jus broken the promise!” “Your one to talk!” Rainbow shot back. “Remember Dodge Junction! You ran off, after promising Pinkie you would tell her everything at breakfast!” “That’s different and you know it!” Applejack countered jamming a hoof in Rainbow’s face. “What’s the big deal anyway?” Rainbow yelled now however over Applejack. “So you like her, I don’t see the big deal.” “Ya wouldn’t!” Applejack retorted. “If it ain’t bullheaded ya got no interest in it. Jus like ya got no interest in not flapping yer gums bout how awesome ya are.” “Hey!” Rainbow said getting muzzle to muzzle with the angry farm pony. “You can rip me up all you want. Least I can come forward with my feelings towards somepony!” Applejack glared at Rainbow Dash, she wanted to slam her hoof in Dash’s face. In the end she lowered her head, defeated. “Ah’m sorry Dashie,” Applejack whispered. “Go on, jus tell her.” “Pfft, like I would ever break a Pinkie Promise.” Raibow said. “Listen, now I know maybe I can help.” “Wish ya could.” Applejack said. “Listen Rainbow, Ah’m sorry Ah went off an ya. Ya really are a good friend. Now Ah got a month to tell Twi how Ah feel.” “Don’t worry I’m sure things will be fine.” Rainbow Dash assured. “After all it’s not like this is the worst thing ever.” “Right,” the mare chuckled. “Now let’s get ta mah farm, we have an old barn ya need to help smash down.” “Now you’re talking.” Rainbow exclaimed as she left with the farm pony. XXXXX Rarity paced at the train station, aside from the crowd of rude shoving ponies. Rarity had to nearly hold her breath so the smell wouldn’t get to her. She finally saw who she was waiting for. Fleur De Lis was a tall pony, making her easy for Rarity to see. After their initial meeting in Canterlot just over a year ago. When Twilight decided to hold her 17th birthday in Canterlot. Rarity was almost sure she wouldn’t hear from any of the high class ponies again. She was proven wrong when she received letters from Fleur and Fancy Pants. Fleur saw Rarity and made her way towards the fashionista. “Madam Rarity!” she exclaimed. “Eez good to see you!” Rarity noticed something seemed off with Fleur as the two left the station. She noticed circles under her eyes. “So,” Rarity said. “How is Fancy Pants?” “He eez well,” Fleur replied. “He’s sends his best.” “How thoughtful.” Rarity giggled. “As soon as I got your letter regarding your visit I set upon working on your dress. Why you should be on your way back to Canterlot tonight if it meets expectations.” Fleur said nothing as they reached Rarities shop, Sweetie Belle had left for school. With less than a month left before school was done for the summer. The fillies and colts where highly excited. Rarity opened the door to her shop. There in the middle stood a magnificent mannequin in an amazing dress, decorated in pink and white and even using gemstones to decorate the frills near the legs. Fleur went over to the dress, and Rarity smiled. She saw tears on Fleur’s face, just before she knocked the dress over with a scream. Horrified Rarity ran over. “You messed eet up!” Fleur screamed. “But..how?” Rarity stammered. “I follow your directions to the letter. I took no liberties.” “Eet…eet..” Fleur stammered. She looked at the dress on the ground. “What’s wrong?” Rarity asked. Fleur sniffled and said nothing, though she used her magic to get the dress and mannequin off the ground. “Fleur? Darling?” “I’m so sorry,” Fleur sniffed. “Eet eez perfect, and I didn’t want eet to be.” “Why not?” Rarity asked. With a sigh Fleur recalled her morning so far, from her confrontation with Celestia to her encounter with Jet Set and Upper Crust. “I just did not want to go home for some time. Now I will have to. I have work to do at Canterlot.” “Why not stay here?” Rarity offered. “You need a break from those awful ponies. Maybe enjoy life in Ponyville for a week or so. You have a room here, and I insist you stay here.” “But you have a family and friends,” Fleur said “I would be in zee way.” “Nonsense!” Rarity said waving a dismissing hoof. “I could get your advice on dresses, and join me in my daily spa session this afternoon with Fluttershy.” “Eet eez very generous.” Fleur said. “are you sure I would not be intruding?” “Oh no.” Rarity said. “It would be a treat to have you here.” She was hugged by Fleur. “Merci.” Fleur whispered. “Merci.” “Think nothing of it.” Rarity said with a smile. XXXXX After a half hour of flying freely through the air, Twilight finally landed with Fluttershy not too far behind. It had taken some doing to convince the butter yellow Pegasus to join her. In the end however Twilight won out and was joined by her friend. “That was so much fun!” Twilight giggled. “You’re really good in the air Twilight.” Fluttershy complimented. “This is the only part I like about being an Alicorn.” Twilight sighed. “I’m sure things will get better.” Fluttershy assured her. “I hope so,” Twilight sighed. “It would be nice to get little time for myself.” “We just had a nice time flying.” Fluttershy pointed out. “Maybe they will listen tonight.” “I hope so,” Twilight murmured wistfully. “Don’t worry Twilight.” Fluttershy assured her. “Everything will be just fine. I have a spa appointment with Rarity, you want to come?” “Sure, I just hope I don’t get mobbed on the way there.” Twilight muttered as she walked with her friend. “I’m sure we’ll be fine.” Fluttershy assured again with a smile. END CHAPTER ONE