//------------------------------// // The Coronation // Story: In Good Company // by PseudoFiction //------------------------------// The Coronation Few events brought crowds in such throngs to Canterlot. Among such events were the Summer Sun Festival or a Princess’ Birthday. One other event would bring such masses of ponies from all walks of life, all across Equestria and beyond to the capitol. Only one event that could be called bigger than Princess Luna’s birthday – and she could throw one heck of a birthday rave. The only thing that outshone any other festivity was a coronation. If there was one thing ponies loved more than their princesses, it was welcoming a new princess into their loving embrace. But today they weren’t just welcoming any princess to the ranks. This was bigger than any coronation since that of Princess Celestia herself. This was the coronation of a very well-known mare. She had on multiple occasions brought Equestria back from the brink of infinite doom. She was something of a hero. This was the coronation of Twilight Sparkle. As such, a lot of ponies were watching in anticipation. Today had to go off without a hitch. It had to be flawless. It had to be perfect. Naturally Brute Force was pretty nervous. “Okay, so we’ve practiced the steps,” – Brute Force paced up and down in front of Twilight Sparkle as she watched him go back and force with a curious expression – “remember not to rush it. Take your time. Don’t leave the choir in your dust. And make sure to keep your wings spread just like the other princesses.” Cocking an eyebrow, Twilight Sparkle looked back to see her brand new wings in a spread position; the same way they had been since she took the lead position of the parade group. She knew they were ready to move on Princess Celestia’s cue. It was all rehearsed, everything was planned. The princess would finish her speech and welcome ‘Princess’ Twilight Sparkle for the presentation of her crown. She’d calmly walk the aisle backed by a choir and ceremonial guard. Behind the gold-clad unicorns would be Archer Company from the Sol Guard, temporarily on loan to the provisional Twilight Guard. The only ponies in front of Twilight Sparkle were the four select earth-ponies instructed to hold the ballroom doors open for her. Yet instead of taking his post, Brute Force was making sure the soon-to-be-crowned princess was ready. Even though she was perfectly ready already. “Oh, are those ribbons on straight?” Brute Force suddenly fussed leaning in to get a better look at the hem of her dress. “They’re fine, Brute Force.” Twilight Sparkle chuckled. “What about your fringe? Is it-…” “It’s fine!” the lavender alicorn said more forcefully, though her smile didn’t fade. “Are you nervous?” “N-nervous?” Brute Force stammered nervously. “Why would I be nervous? I’m not nervous. You should be nervous. What if this doesn’t go well? Oh, sweet Celestia what if we muddle this up? The whole of Equestria will be laughing at us! Princess Celestia will be furious. She’ll banish us to the moon for sure!” Standing off to the side, Staff Sergeant Buckshot and Private Steel Block watched as Brute sent himself spiralling into a freak-out session. Both of them grinned at how Twilight seemed to take Brute Force’s behaviour in her calm stride. “Shouldn’t you be reprimanding him or something, sarge?” Steel Block asked. Buckshot shook his head. “Nah. It’s funnier watching him torture himself.” Meanwhile, ahead of Twilight Sparkle, Private Mercury stood pressed up against the grand ballroom doors. She was holding them at a crack and peeking inside to make sure they didn’t miss their cue to open up. From where she stood she shot Brute Force a disgruntled glare. “Would you chill? All you have to do is open a freakin’ door!” Mercury hissed. “Now be quiet. I’m trying to-…” A warm motherly voice wafted through the crack between the doors, swirling right over the private’s head and echoing down the corridor. It was the soothing maternal voice of Princess Celestia, and it sounded like she was beginning her speech. “We are gathered here today in celebration of a momentous occasion.” – Princess Celestia began – “My most faithful student, Twilight Sparkle; has done many extraordinary things since she has lived in Ponyville. She even helped re-unite me with my sister, Princess Luna. “But today Twilight Sparkle did something extraordinary.” Turning a wide smirk to her comrades as they shuffled into position, Mercury said: “I thought extraordinary was just another day in the office for the Sparklefairy.” As Staff Sergeant Buckshot took position beside the private he smacked her across the back of her head. “That’s Princess Sparklefairy to you, private.” He scolded, earning a chuckle from the nearby alicorn. “She created new magic,” – the solar princess continued as Brute Force and Steel Block took position by the other door, ready to swing it open when their cue came. Brute Force could feel sweat pinprick his forehead in anticipation – “proving without a doubt that she is ready to be crowned Equestria’s newest princess.” “This is it!” Mercury hissed, lowering her centre of gravity like she was ready to pounce. “We’re coming up on our cue.” Buckshot lifted his head to the concession. “Positions everypony!” He got several nods as the choir-mares cleared their throats and the following guardsponies stood to attention. Brute Force was hopping from hoof to hoof in quick succession, pumping himself up. “Yeah! Let’s do it! I’m ready! Get hype! I’m pumped! You pumped?” he nearly bellowed rounding on the private beside him. Steel Block just cuffed him upside the head, getting him to calm down. “Fillies and gentlecolts! May I present for the very first time; Princess Twilight Sparkle!” The four earth-ponies heaved, throwing their shoulders against the heavy doors. Twilight Sparkle closed her eyes and took a deep calming breath. Light spilled from the ballroom into the dim corridor. It washed out everything, piercing their retinas and all everypony could see for a while was bright white. The sound hit them like a rushing wind, causing the ends of Twilight’s mane to shift. Scores of ponies – honoured guests from near and far – cheered. Slowly the light in her eyes faded and she made out the rows of ponies to the left and right. Leading right up the centre was the red carpet leading to balcony on the far end of the ballroom. There, atop a small set of steps and under the flower-dotted archway stood three princesses and a very familiar group of five mares. Waiting with the princesses of Equestria and her five best friends was also her baby-dragon assistant, Spike, holding a cushion on which Twilight’s crown rested. Twilight spotted her parents too, her mother tearing up with pride. Wearing a smile from ear to ear, she glanced sideways at the earth-ponies who all gracefully bowed. Stepping forward, Twilight Sparkle approached the princesses on the far end of the ballroom. “The Princess Twilight cometh; behold-behold.” The acoustic choir of earth-pony mares sang, their voices sweet as honey. “A princess here before us; behold-behold…” As Twilight Sparkle was reaching the quarter-way point of her walk up the aisle, the earth-ponies straightened up from their bow. And that was when they saw it. One of the clean white banners hanging over head came loose. Whoever had been decorating clearly hadn’t tied the decorations down properly, and one of the banners came fluttering down with the intent of landing right on Twilight Sparkle’s head. Seeing it, Staff Sergeant Buckshot felt a shot of adrenaline spike his system. “Falling banner, twelve o’clock. Mercury-…?” “On it, sarge!” Mercury cried in a hushed tone that didn’t pierce the voices of the choir. Anticipating the order, the fastest of the earth-pony zipped across the ballroom. She lunged right past Twilight Sparkle, none in the parade even noticing her. Catching the banner mid-leap in her teeth she gave it a tug so it rippled higher into the air and wouldn’t cross the concession’s path. While it fluttered, Mercury quickly wrapped the long white banner in her hooves and tucked it between the ponies watching the coronation. Looking up to meet her gaze; Mercury just gave a quick salute and Twilight Sparkle smiled thankfully without a pause in her step. Stonewall Company’s work was far from done. Even as Mercury was making sure Twilight Sparkle’s style wasn’t being ruined by a badly hung banner, Staff Sergeant Buckshot noticed a particular colt in the crowds. “Steel Block, we got a psycho-fan! Shut ‘em down!” he ordered. Steel Block nodded, silently galloping in the direction the sergeant pointed. “Hoo-ah!” Sighting his target, Steel Block could understand the staff sergeant’s concerns. The colt had a bouquet of roses clenched in his teeth and was bouncing on the spot. He looked ready to throw himself at Twilight Sparkle as she neared where he stood watching. There were literally hearts throbbing in his eyes. As she passed, Twilight must have seen him hopping up and down. Seeing the eager colt, she closed her eyes and smiled kindly at him. While her head turned to the opposite row of cheering ponies, the psycho-fan grinned around the flowers lodged in his teeth. It’s now or never, the pony thought to himself as he took a step forward. His hoof crossed the threshold of the velvet carpet and touched down. But only for a brief moment. An ironclad hoof stomped down next to his, causing the fan to recoil. Looking up he saw a large figure obscuring his view of the mare of his desire. Between the fan and Twilight Sparkle stood Steel Block. The stallion was big enough to take up the fan’s whole field of view and more. And his eyes were centred right on Steel Block’s narrow eyed glare. The fan opened his mouth to say something. He was going to appeal to the guardspony; talk about true love, star-crossed lovers and soul-mates meant to be. But all Steel Block had to do was lean forward and shake his head ominously. The fan snapped his mouth shut again before gulping. Satisfied the colt wouldn’t do anything stupid, Steel Block stepped back and trotted on to keep up with the parade. “That mare is wandering off course, Brute Force.” Buckshot continued to order in a hushed tone. Seeing one of the choir-mares was indeed wandering out of line, Brute Force nodded. “Say no more.” Zipping up beside the singing earth-pony, Brute Force walked alongside the mare and gave her shoulder a subtle nudge with his armoured flank. With a single little shove she was back in line with the rest of the ponies in the parade, and Brute Force quickly peeled off before he was noticed. Their troubles didn’t end there though. It was amazing how much could go wrong in just a few moments. But Staff Sergeant Buckshot was on the ball, hissing orders to the ponies under his command. “Brute Force, straighten that carpet before Miss Sparkle breaks her neck!” “Done!” “Mercury, stop those colts before that water-balloon is thrown!” “Right-oh!” “Steel Block, get that unicorn to keep his chin up!” “Aye, sir!” “Straighten that standard! Work the ruffles out of that dress! Sweep up that confetti!” By the time Twilight Sparkle reached the foot of the steps, the three earth-ponies were exhausted. Slumped over each other back at the doors, Staff Sergeant Buckshot stood over them proudly, watching as Princess Celestia levitated the crown onto Miss Sparkle’s head, and Princess Twilight sparkle took her rightful position beside Princesses Luna and Cadence. She’d reached the far end of the room without incident. “Behold-behold;” the choir-mares continued to sing over the thunderous applause, even after peeling off and taking their positions to the side of the ballroom. – “the Princess Twilight cometh. Behold-behold…” their voices faded as the princesses all trotted out onto the balcony to address the crowds outside all across Canterlot. As the guests inside were gathered around the balcony for Twilight Sparkle’s speech, the four earth-ponies stood by their lonesome at the ballroom doors. Their job for the day was done. “Mission accomplished, Stonewall.” Brute Force chuckled where he lay panting like a dog, his tongue rolling out the side of his mouth. “Well that was pretty freakin’ ninja.” Buckshot reached into his chest-plate and produced his signature cigar stub. Screwing it into his mouth he beamed proudly. “Drinks are on me tonight, kids.” Exhaustedly following the sergeant, Mercury, Brute Force and Steel Block all smiled weakly. All just another day in the sand-box. “Hoo-ah!” ~~~ Princess Twilight Sparkle’s first address to her loving subjects was a heartfelt one. A little self-serving maybe, but through the thick veils of soppy friendship it was hard to hate it. Though had Who been crowned a princess of a land of magic and happiness, he’d probably come up a much more self-serving speech. Though we might never know, since Who’s chances of being a princess were very slim – being a boy and all. The human stood by the balcony archway as Twilight Sparkle was addressing the masses. He was at ease, his hand clasped behind his back and his eyes staring off into the distance. His opposite, a unicorn from Archer Company was standing by the far end of the balcony with a similar stance. His chest was pushed out, chin up and eyes vacant yet alert. Both of them were listening in, but they weren’t letting the tugging of heartstrings distract them. While Princess Twilight was talking, Princess Celestia stepped back and turned to the human. Nopony noticed her approach the alien member of the Royal Guard, all too focused on the newest princess. “Commander Who?” came the tall alicorn’s address of the human in a kind tone. “Would you care to join us on the balcony?” Who had instinctively moved to stand to attention, but froze halfway with a start. He let a subtle frown ripple over his face and he actually had to turn his head to check his new rank tabs to be sure. His shoulders were adorned with his brand new lieutenant-rank-markings. He had passed his assessments for promotion and had been given his new rank shortly before Twilight Sparkle’s transformation into an alicorn. Celestia must have been aware of the change, and she was aware of the Royal Guard structure. So why did she just call him commander? “Y-your highness?” Lieutenant Who stammered as he stared through the princess. “You’ll have to forgive me, but I haven’t been briefed to partake in ceremonial formalities. I was unaware I was acting commander.” Princess Celestia just smiled. “Oh? Shining Armour, would you care to explain?” she added, turning her head to her side. A unicorn quickly trotted up beside her. Shining Armour was in usual ‘prince-attire,’ his bright red uniform with a golden collar and toggles fitted neatly over his groomed fur. Who was privy to many barracks jokes that talked about Shining Armour fitting the role of namby-pamby prince better than captain of the guard. The truth behind the jibes were never more evident than seeing him standing there. He carried himself in formal wear well, better than he did in his combat armour. Speaking of which, Who wasn’t sure the last time he’d seen Shiny in field gear – never mind actually in the field. “Of course, princess.” Shining Armour chuckled as he joined in the conversation. “See you’re not actually a lieutenant, Who. You never were. And you’re not acting commander either. You’ve been advanced beyond the rank of lieutenant. I personally requested it when I heard you passed assessment for commissioned officer. You are now Commander Who of the Twilight Guard. I don’t trust anypony else to secure the safety of my sister.” Who’s eyes widened and his heart stopped. “Congratulations, commander.” Princess Celestia beamed. “Formal promotion and orientation will be after the coronation.” Shining Armour gave a firm nod. “Dismissed, commander.” Who’s whole jaw trembled as his mouth opened to answer. “Y-yes, sir.” The human stammered nearly forgetting he wasn’t supposed to salute the officer indoors. As Princess Celestia and Shining Armour turned away to tune in for the end of Twilight Sparkle’s speech, Commander Who tried to return to his post. It wasn’t easy. He stumbled right past where he had been standing originally and caught himself on the balustrade of one of the ballroom’s open arches. Who’s legs were shaking. Everything was muted to a faint ringing noise in his ears. Somepony could have been calling to him, but he wouldn’t have heard them. Looking up he found himself looking out over Canterlot. He gazed past the spires and archways of the city to the mountains and hills beyond. He could see the Everfree Forest glittering under the afternoon sun. He saw the picturesque town of Ponyville, the telltale thatch rooftops standing out against the countryside. He could see Dragon Mountain beyond that, with the badland deserts off to one side. The rocky quarries of Razorrock Mountains stretched off in the opposite direction, beyond which were the Griffin Highlands, part of the Griffin Empire. Beyond that he knew there was Zebrica and Camelu. All places he’d been as member of the Royal Guard. And all that within the past year. So much had happened in the past twelve months. And now he was a commander! Commander of the Twilight Guard no less! He could almost count on one hand how many ponies he answered to now. While there was a sense of pride swelling in his chest, he also felt the burden weigh down on his shoulder. Princess Twilight sparkle’s safety had become his responsibility. Captain Shining Armour was trusting the human with his sister. Princess Celestia was entrusting the safety of her most faithful student with Who. Everypony would be watching him from now on. The realisation of it all was a little too much to comprehend in a single moment. So he vocalised his thoughts with one simple time-tempered phrase. “Holy, shi--…!” The End This has been a PseudoFiction story. I hope you had as much fun reading it as I had writing it. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Original Characters, Settings, Designs and Themes © to Hasbro and the Respective Owners. Please support the official release.