//------------------------------// // Unworthy // Story: Experimenting in Feels // by TheTalentlessPony //------------------------------// "Nope. Sorry about that, Princess Sparkle." "Comet Tail? I've afraid to say that I've never heard of him, Princess Twilight." "Sorry, haven't seen him, Princess." "Me neither, Miss Princess. Is he important?" Twilight sighed as she remembered everypony's words, feeling dejected at her sudden inability to find Comet Tail (and their need to call her 'Princess'.). Why could she never find things when she needed to? Looking up, she noticed one more pony that she had yet to ask. With her head hanging in expected disappointment, she gradually walked towards her. "Excuse me?" she called out. The pony turned to her, jumping a bit before beginning to bow. "P-Princess Twi-" "Skip the formalities please. I just need to ask a question." "O-oh! Um..." Standing up awkwardly, the pony shifted her gaze left and right before settling on Twilight. "O-okay?" "Have you seen a pony named Comet Tail around?" Twilight questioned. "He's yellow, has a blue mane, and... light blue... e-eyes..." Focus! "Comet Tail? Hm..." she pondered the question for a moment, then nodded. "Well, I can say that I've seen him at least once. I haven't heard that name before, but I did see a pony of that description heading towards the big hill yesterday night," she explained. Twilight blinked at the mare for a moment, then sighed. "Thank you." "Did I disappoint you, Princess Twilight? I-I'm so sorry if I di-" "No. No. It's fine," she assured. "I suppose there's no harm in looking there anyway. Thank you." Before giving the pony a chance to utter another 'Princess', Twilight flapped her wings and took to the sky. If I remember right, then the hill is... this way! Reeling back, she promptly charged towards the hill, feeling happy that she had gotten used to her wings by now. Otherwise she'd have to go through a crowd. And, when you're an alicorn princess, you kind of become a bit of a big deal to everypony. ...Geez... Twilight huffed as she flew across the sky, thinking about what she was about to do. How did Rarity's little speech have such impact on her? What am I even meant to say to him? I didn't even make a list on what I could say! And how could Rarity tell that he liked me back? She probably doesn't even know him that well. ... I guess I'll just have to wing it though. No turning back now, and she did tell me not to think about it too much. Oh Rarity, you better be right! "And another thing!" Twilight's left ear twitched at the sound. ...Spike? Slowing her speed as she approached the hill, she began to notice two figures standing there; one clearly smaller than the other. She chose to stay hovering above, watching the two, who she now recognized as Comet Tail and Spike, from a distance. "If you even dare to think that you're anywhere close to Twilight, you've got another thing coming, bub!" Spike shouted, poking the stallion that stood in front of him. "You're nothing compared to her, got it!? She came all the way from Canterlot to come to Ponyville, and she was being mentored by Princess Celestia. She's saved all of Equestria countless time, and has written more scrolls and performed more spells than you could even count." He seemed to growl slightly under his breath as he noticed Comet Tail's straight face. "And let me just remind you, in case you've forgotten. She's an alicorn princess now, and shouldn't even have time for the likes of you! She'd probably have to reject you on the spot, even if she, somehow, didn't want to! So you might as well-" Twilight had heard enough. Landing hard on the ground behind her assistant, the ground shook slightly between the two, making Spike jump and let out a small yelp. "Spiiike," she slurred angrily, narrowing her gaze at the dragon. He turned to her, his eyes widening slightly. "T-Twilight..." "What are you doing?" she asked. "U-uh, well, I-" "How could you even say things like that, Spike? Not only is it rude, but you're not in a place to say such words!" she berated, directing an accusing hoof at his chest. "You are not in my place. You can't speak for me, as much as I'm sure you'd like to. Even if you're only trying to look out for me, that doesn't mean-" She paused, noticing the look on Spike's face. It reminded her of... "That's... that's what this is all about, isn't it?" she questioned. "You're jealous. Just like when I found Owlowiscious." Spike whimpered, looking downwards, thus confirming her suspicions. "Oh, Spike..." Her expression softened, though her tone still held firm. "You should know this by now. No one can ever replace you. No matter what animal, or pony, or whatever, walks into my life, I will always make time for you," she promised. He was silent for a moment, then smiled slightly and looked up at her. "I... I know. And I'm sorry, Twilight." "I know you are. But you have to learn to control your emotions. Just because I'm an alicorn princess, doesn't mean-" "He's right." Twilight and Spike flinched slightly at the voice, almost forgetting that Comet Tail had been standing there. "...W-what?" Twilight asked, looking up at the stallion's face. "He's right," he repeated. His face was calm, but his sad tone betrayed it. "I have no chance of ever measuring up to an alicorn princess. I'm a Ponyville unicorn. I never even learned the higher forms of magic. How in Equestria would anyone be able to see me with a pony like you?" He glanced at Twilight, who looked positively shocked. "I really am nothing, compared to someone as beautiful and talented as yourself, Twilight," he added. "...So then... you insisting that I didn't have to take you anywhere... that was all because..." "Multiple reasons for that really." Comet Tail gazed at the sky for a moment, then closed his eyes. "Do you remember when I said that I had been meaning to visit the library?" Twilight just nodded dumbly, unaware of what he was getting at. "I have actually. Multiple times. Even before you ascended to alicorn status," he told her. "H-huh? But... I never even saw you," she muttered. "I came in, but always left before you had the chance to see me." He hung his head, clearly feeling pathetic, but not willing to show it. "I've... admittedly, always had an infatuation with you." Twilight's eyes widened, her cheeks growing red as he continued. "That's why I came to the library. I'd look around at the books, but I never had the guts or courage to speak with you, whether you were an alicorn or not." Sitting with just his hind legs, he gestured a hoof towards himself. "I mean, me... Comet Tail, a unicorn that nopony has probably ever heard of... talking to the Twilight Sparkle. The Twilight Sparkle who helped return Princess Luna to her former uncorrupted state. The Twilight Sparkle who defeated an Ursa Minor without any violence. The Twilight Sparkle... who managed to defeat the god of chaos himself!" He then raised his hooves into the air, as if giving praise. "Princess. Twilight. Sparkle. The newest alicorn princess and wielder of the Element of Magic itself!" That's... that's why he got so quiet when I tackled him... he felt my earth pony strength... he saw my horn and wings... it reminded him... After a short pause, Comet Tail lowered his hooves and stood back up. "I like stars. That's all. I am unable to compete with such a wonderful pony," he said. Twilight was silent, but she didn't have to say anything, as Spike was quick to cut in. "You shouldn't be so hard on yourself," he told him. "I'm not," Comet Tail shot back, his expression still trying to remain stiff. "I'm realistic." "Brutally realistic," Spike huffed. "Spike," Twilight whispered sharply. "It's fine." Comet Tail muttered, looking downwards. "Now, I-I..." His voice seemed to falter for a split second, but he quickly recovered. "I should be heading back home now. I apologize for taking up so much of your time." And with that, he attempted to move past her. "H-huh? N-no, wait!" Twilight was quick to jump into his way, her wings flaring out to block even more of his path. Comet Tail stepped back in surprise. "P-Prince-" "None of that. Don't call me Princess. It's Twilight. Twilight," she told him, narrowing her gaze to show her seriousness. She felt her legs grow somewhat weak from staring into his eyes, but she was determined to stand her ground. Comet Tail was quiet, his eyes shifting from her eyes, her wings, her hooves, her horn, then back at her eyes. "N-now, look..." Twilight began to say. Geez, it had been so easy for him to say it. Now I'm frozen stiff! "I-I know that you're concerned. I know that you worry about what ponies might think if I'm seen with you. But... I-I don't care," she uttered softly, slowly getting closer to him. Her legs felt like they might fall off, but she kept going anyway. "I-I never planned out what I wanted to do in this situation, but I-" "Just kiss him already!" Spike suddenly interjected. "E-EEK!" A sudden push from the dragon made Twilight squeal in surprise before her lips crashed into Comet Tail's. The stallion staggered back at her sudden weight on him, sitting down to prevent the two from completely toppling over. And, suddenly, his expression softened. Upon needing the air, he pulled away from Twilight and gazed at her face, not saying a word. Though she was speechless for a moment as well, she quickly shook off the shock, then placed her hoof on his. "I know you think you aren't worthy of me, but I don't believe that," she whispered. "So... could you... please... just give us a chance?" He was quiet, staring into Twilight's eyes and not cracking a smile. She feared that she hadn't gotten through to him, but, very slowly, he gave her a smile and put a loving hoof to her cheek. "I suppose I could do that. For you," he teased with a gentle tone. Upon hearing those words, Twilight grinned wide and embraced him, her wings practically shaking from joy. Comet Tail embraced her back, slowly stroking her mane and, admittedly, shaking himself. He almost couldn't believe that she was right there, loving him back. But it happened. "Thank you... my little starlight."