Celestia and Twilight didn't come out of the library for a solid hour, during which the rest of the Mane Six and I chatted. They asked me what it was like to change genders and species. I told them that duh, I hated it. I explained to them what the mystical plane of existence, or whatever you want to call it, was like after they blasted me with the Elements. They listened on with interest, something that amused me. I vaguely wondered what Cheerilee and the foals would think of my ascension. I figured that I'd find out soon enough. My new look was likely already spreading across Equestria after my fight with Celestia.
Well, finally Celestia and Twilight came out. The rest of us had been sitting in relative silence for a few minutes before then. We looked up as they exited and gave Twilight our best smiles. She returned our smile, but her eyes betrayed both sadness and love for her friends. She knew that they would be there to support her. Heck, I'd be there to support her. I did not like the latest hand I had been dealt, but what made it worse was the fact that I had taken something from Twilight. Not something small either.
The two of us locked eyes and her left ear twitched slightly. I sighed quietly and my gaze traveled to the ground. I gently poked at the earth with my hoof. "I'm sorry, Twilight," I muttered. "If I could, I'd trade places with you in an instant." I motioned to my new body. "All of this is yours, not mine."
"It's okay, TD," said Twilight quietly. My gaze trailed back up to her and she was giving me a slightly forced smile. "I know this wasn't deliberate on your part. You're a good man... er, pony."
I snorted and rolled my eyes. "Okay, that's going to take some getting used to." I looked over at Celestia. "I mean, I assume you don't know any way to change me back?"
Celestia shook her head. "I'm afraid not, TD. I am unsure of what changing your form back to a human would even accomplish. I may be able to create an illusion that you are a human, but not more than that."
Okay, she can't help me. That's not going to stop be from researching everything about transformation magic when I finally figure out how to use my new horn. I opt instead for a nod at the moment.
"I assume you have to take me to Canterlot now?"
"I'm afraid so." Celestia looked over at the shining city on the mountain. "Luna will need to be in on our discussion, a discussion that may very well change the political and social landscape of Equestria centuries to come."
"So no pressure for me," I snark.
"A new princess coming into Equestria tends to do that," Celestia admitted. "There are still ripples from Luna's return."
I motioned towards Canterlot. "Lead on then, I suppose. I gather that you have some sort of chariot waiting for us?"
"Indeed I do." Celestia turned her attention to the rest of the gathered group. "There may be a time in the near future where I will call you to Canterlot. I am unsure of when that may be, but I ask that you be ready. This new development may require your input."
I was surprised when Rarity of all ponies chuckled slightly. "I suppose you want me to make Princess TD's dress for her coronation."
I groaned and facehooved. "Rarity, there are so many things wrong with what you just said, I'm going to have to make a list for you later." My eyes briefly flickered over to Twilight. "Besides, I don't really want a big coronation. I'm not really sure I want a coronation at all."
"We shall discuss that with Luna," said Celestia. "Unfortunately I would rather it be sooner as opposed to later. This needs to be dealt with."
I guess I couldn't really argue with that. Heck, maybe Luna would know how to make it so that the powers of all three of us combined could turn me back into a human. Maybe even give my powers to Twilight. I'd gladly attend her coronation because then I wouldn't have taken one of the most important things ever from her. But I couldn't do that. I couldn't fix this, and neither could Celestia apparently. That didn't mean that we weren't going to have a long talk. Before I went, I turned my attention or Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack.
"Uh, listen. About your sisters and sister figures, don't tell them yet, okay? I'm not sure they'd really know how to handle it."
"Sure thing, TD." Applejack turned her head in the direction of the schoolhouse. "School should be out soon. Ah don't think the foals know what happened."
"Good." I turned my head in the same direction. "I'd rather keep it that way for as long as reasonably possible." A weak smile crossed my face. "I don't know how they would react to the knowledge that I got in a fistfight with a goddess."
"Well, technically I did too," Celestia pointed out.
One of my new, more expressive ears twitched, but I otherwise decided not to comment. I said one final round of goodbyes before following Celestia back to her chariot. It was the same thing I had seen her in before. A gold chariot with two pairs of pegasi pulling it. She motioned for me to step on first, and I did the same. It was her danged chariot after all. I wasn't going to be chivalrous about this. A thin frown crossed her face, and once again she motioned for me to get in the chariot first. I replied with a copying motion.
"Must we do this, TD?"
"Is me getting on first that important to you?"
Celestia rolled her eyes and stepped onto her transportation. "As you like it."
I nodded and stepped on beside her. The team of pegasi extended their wings and, with a few mighty flaps, we were airborne. I admit, I was nervous going up so high. My Equestrian travel experiences had pretty much been limited to the train and my legs. Rainbow Dash hadn't even tried to give me a ride on her back so I could see what it was like. Not that I would have accepted anyway. From this high up, though, I could see for miles around. The cool air whipped through my mane, which admittedly felt pretty nice. It wasn't too cold at this altitude. Either that or my new fur kept me warm. Still, if I fell I couldn't really just fly back on. Celestia would have to catch me and that would be all kinds of awkward.
The first fifteen minutes of the trip were relatively silent. Neither of us cared for small talk in a situation like this. Still, we had to get a few things straight before we landed in Canterlot.
"So..." Celestia turned her head to me with a raised eyebrow. "Is my, bleugh, mane going to be all flowy and ethereal like yours or do I get to keep the mane that was my hair color before all of this?" I poked at my new hair, wondering if Rarity wouldn't offer to fix it up for me. It was just completely straight and ended just above my shoulders.
"If I had to guess..." Celestia frowned and stared at my hair as if she was studying it. "Yes. I think it will. I know that Luna and I had plain, solid manes at the beginning of our lives."
"Yeah? When was that?"
A wry smile crossed Celestia's face and she quietly chuckled. "Far longer than I'd care to admit, TD. Thousands upon thousands of years." Celestia shook her head and waved her hoof. "That is not important now. What is important is what kind of princess you will be. I assume that the Princess of Friendship is out for you."
"Yep. I just..." I hesitated briefly and looked down at the ground flying by below us. "I was only really interested in teaching before. I was content with teaching Cheerilee's class with her, and maybe getting a class of my own once I knew more about your world." Despite the situation, my face broke out into a wide smile and I giggled. "I remember when I was evaluated by this jerk named Thinking Brain. She gave me a less than glowing review..." My giggles evolved into full blown laughter that I barely tried to suppress. My convulsions almost began rocking the chariot. "Now I'm a friggin' alicorn princess. A goddess of whatever. I... I wish I could see the look on her f-face when she finds out."
I look up at Celestia who has a vague smirk on her face. It takes me a few moments for my laughter to completely die down, but eventually I take a few deep breaths and run a hoof through my mane. "Yeah, I guess I shouldn't abuse my new body by scaring the horns off of teaching evaluators."
"I suppose not," said Celestia dryly. "However, I would like to get back to the matter at hoof. Until such a time as we discover a way to turn you back into a human and possibly ascend Twilight, we need to figure out your position."
"Why? Couldn't I just live in Ponyville still?" I snorted. "Yeah I'd need to get a bigger house. Mine is essentially a hovel, and I'm a little too big for that now. That aside, I'd prefer that."
Celestia grimaced and shook her head. "I'm afraid not, TD. You must understand that you do have power now, even if you do not want it. All of Equestria is going to know of you in a very short while. Days maybe. Ponies from areas closer to Ponyville than Canterlot would know where you are and flock there, seeking an audience with you. Some would bring the sick, begging you to heal them. Others would vie for political favors. Maybe some would attempt to manipulate you into granting them power. On top of all of that, Ponyville's residents love their town because it is simple and small. Every resident knows each other and they're relatively happy. If a goddess was living amongst them..."
"Ponyville wouldn't really be theirs anymore," I finished. "Ponies would live there to be close to me and the town's population would boom." I began rubbing my temples. "Further reminding Twilight of what I did to her."
Celestia put a comforting hoof on my shoulder. "TD, you are not at fault for what happened. She does not wish to resent you because of it."
"But she does anyway," I muttered. "How could she not?" I glanced up at Celestia and grimaced. "I hate to say this because I don't like admitting stuff like this, but I think I can kinda see your side of things now."
Celestia raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"Now, don't take this the wrong way, but I kinda did just what you did that brought me here. Through events and mistakes kinda out of my control, I took something important away from an innocent pony." I motioned to Celestia with my hoof. "You pulled me out of my world, I took Twilight's ascension away from her." I leaned my head against one of my hooves. "Maybe I'm making comparisons that aren't there but you get where I'm coming from, right?"
"I think so," said Celestia. "But you shouldn't blame yourself."
"You've said that a lot today, haven't you?"
"I suppose I have, but we're getting off topic once more, TD. We need to figure out what you are going to lead."
"Oh really?" My smirk returned. "I seem to recall a certain princess who told me that she would hand over rule of Equestria to me if I ever managed to hurt her even slightly." I motioned to her bruises, which were already fading away. "I just did that several times over the course of a few minutes." I extended a hoof, my grin widening. "I'll take the deed to Equestria now."
Celestia scowled at me. "When I said that you were an injured human. Now you're a princess."
"It seems you spoke a little hastily then, yes?" I snickered.
"Indeed," said Celestia stiffly, "but that is what we are talking about: where will you rule?"
I shrugged. "I'm going to rule from Canterlot no matter what, yes?"
"Possibly, but there are certainly other options." Celestia frowned and tapped the floor of the carriage. "Regardless of where you live, you need to build some sort of large living space that can feasibly house all of the ponies who will flock to see you. On top of that there is the new branch of the Equestrian guard that will need to be created."
I groaned and rubbed my temples again. "Do I seriously have to do all of that?"
"If you don't want chaos in your palace, yes. It's not so much to protect you as it is to keep order.."
"I don't really want a palace," I said flatly. "I mean seriously, do I seem like the kind of guy who would enjoy consistently living in opulence? It'd get boring after a while." I jerk my head over to Canterlot, which was rapidly approaching. "Living in luxury is fun once in a while, but the novelty would kinda wear off. Novelty things are only cool in small doses." I groaned and rested my head on the side of the chariot. "We'll talk to Luna about it. I'm curious as to what her input will be." Especially about friggin' changing me back, I mentally added.
I do not want to do the whole politics thing.
The last ten minutes of the trip was silent as both Celestia and I mentally prepared for how Luna was going to react to not only my ascension, but the fact that Celestia and I had a cat fight. Yes our bruises were beginning to fade, but they were still prominent on Celestia because of her white coat. Come to think of it, my light peach coat meant that they must have been decently visible on me too. So yeah, she'd not be pleased about that.
We flew over the main area of Canterlot and towards the palace where a whole regiment of guards were waiting to greet us with all of the pomp and circumstance that befitted royalty. Luna, Shining Armor, and Cadance were at the head of the pack. I'm honestly not sure which one scared me the most at that moment. Probably all three.
The chariot landed and Celestia stepped off to much fanfare. Luna, Shining Armor, and Cadance greeted her with hugs and salutes. I stepped off after her, hoping that I could maybe stay behind Celestia and we could talk without the guards around. Unfortunately the three of them spotted me the second I got off the chariot, and ran over to me with large smiles.
"Twiley!" said Shining Armor. "You did it!"
"I'm so proud of you," Cadance cooed. "I didn't expect you to get so big or for you to change colors, but I don't know everything about ascension."
"Thou art family to Us, Twilight Sparkle," said Luna. Her smile faltered as she examined me. "Though We are not sure what the bruising is on thy person." Luna looked over at Celestia and noticed her bruises. "Tia? Why are Twilight Sparkle and thee bruised?"
"Because I'm not Twilight," I said flatly. "We inflicted them on each other."
The three of them gasped, their eyes wide and their jaws dropped. For a moment they just stared at me in utter shock, examining my new body. Shining Armor and Cadance exchanged glances, and Luna shook her head as if doing so would shatter some illusion. I rolled my eyes and tapped my hoof on the ground. "Celestia and I got into a little scuffle after this happened. I punched her in the face and she decided to hit me back."
Luna's eyes widened ever so slightly, and she began alternating looks between Celestia and I. "S-surely this is not TD Powell? That is impossible!"
"I'd make some quip out of that, but I'm no happier than you are about the whole thing," I said.
Luna fixed me with her attention, but her mouth had closed and her expression was a little more even. "We are unsure of whether or not this is a prank, TD Powell. We assure thee that it is most unfunny if it is."
"It would be a little funny," I retorted, "but it's no joke. I woke up as a human, and three hours later I became an alicorn princess."
"Princess or prince?" Cadance asked.
I grimaced. "Princess."
"Ouch. That's gotta be tough, dude," said Shining Armor. His wife elbowed him, causing him to give her a slight glare. I'm on his side with that one. Cadance wouldn't really get why that might be terrible for me.
I looked back at Luna who still had a neutral expression on her face. I smiled awkwardly and kicked at the ground. The action seemed to snap her out of whatever she was feeling, and she facehooved. "We weren't prepared for this."
Out of curiousity, you got any continuity plans lined up for Twilight? I know it's not really the focus, but curious.
Last line made me think of this
This "Wanderings" is boring and uninteresting advanture story. Buck it.
THE AUTHOR, BRING US MORE CHAPTERS ABOUT CYNICAL PRINCESS! I
Something I always find fascinating is the automatic Alicorn = Princess connection. Is it indeed impossible in Equestria to be an Alicorn & not be royalty?
If anyone was going to bring that up & perhaps even try to pull it off, you'd think it would be TD.
It would quite funny if twilight couldn't ascend since the spell has been completed
Congratulations sir! You and your excellent writing skills have spawned not one, not two, but three successful universes surrounding Mr. Powell.
That is quite the accomplishment.
3038790 If I had to hazard a guess why Celestia is hell bent on making TD a princess, it's because she had already set in motion the plans for the fourth alicorn princess, originally meant to be Twilight Sparkle. But, as it turned out, it wasn't Twilight's path of glory to walk.
All they really knew, mainly Celestia as established, was the fact that a fourth alicorn princess would emerge, because the strands of destiny had already set it in stone.
That, or, there is really no destiny to begin with.
My guess is TD is the princess of punching Princess Celestia in the face.
You'd think he'd be more interested in trying to live a (semi) normal non-princess life.
TD is the princess of Amareica!
encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSq39hpMQIq8QiRV0le4q8xQt-SA95d6GCWe3_Ci6AptuJ-U_2D
...Does this mean that you've finished 'wanderings of a non-brony'?
i think discord might know an idea if ask nicely enough. if he can take horn and wings away from ponies and do a lot of crazy things maby he can help TD out after a few solids and poking fun at TD... im not having high hope but it an idea so far.
I´m dying to see Discord´s reaction to the whole event.
D(after laughing for a full hour): "Oh, Fluttershy, how did you guys know it was my birthday?"
But seriously,is it going to be a inner-universe explanation of why the Elements chose TD over Twilight? I mean, she is still the Bearer of Magic who saved Equestria and the Crystal Empire (with help, of course) and has been taking lessons about friendship and harmony for years.
3038931 No, it probably does not.
He has JUST reached the griffon lands, storywise.
But he's in the crystal empire or whatever it's called.
Add that to the fact that the author is a nice guy it's impossible that he's finished with it.
wow TD ruling someplace...let the mayhem commence!
EDIT: also I like that you intend to alternate, I really like wanderings, I wonder how TDs meeting with the gryphons will go, and the thing that made it difficult for him to leave
3038907 I HIGHLY doubt that the USA would accept her...
I'm still laughing at the absurdity of this all, It's just so fucking amazingly stupid. Loved the new chapter, can't wait for more
3038981
Because the universe hadn't fucked TD in the past 30 minutes, so it was overdue?
"I fear that you cannot remain in Ponyville," Celestia sighed. "Those inbred bumpkins take immigration worse than Luna does rejection."
"It's no problem," groaned TD. "If I stayed I would just be reminding Twilight of what I took from her... you now I'm really starting to see your point of view on the whole 'accidentally ruining someones life' thing-."
"Suck up all you like, I'm not giving your penis back."
3038770
For the record, I actually do like canon!Celetisa, she is probably one of my favorite characters if not my favorite one. It's just that spoofing her various failings amuses me to no end.
On the matter of the actual chapter, there was a great deal of expository dialogue, but not such much in the plot development area. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it could have been saved for the later conversation between TD, Luna and Celestia for when they decide what to do. I was expecting far more animosity from Luna, Candance and Shining Armour over the hijacked ascension, but I believe that can be blamed on shock from "Holy Celestias' plot! TD underwent a sex change and came out a god!"
Have a nice day.
EpsilonWinter
3038941 I don't think he could turn him human but maybe he could make it so that their are instead of alicorns having to be princesses have them all be prince's it would not be much but it would let the other princesses know how he/she feels if only a little.
Luna was not prepared for this.........
3039257
So at least from Shining Armor point of view, the permanent lost of his dong is penance enough.
Can´t wait so see the Royal Guards whispering compliments about TD´s alicorn flank
3039133. I would rather the US have her than North Korea.
3038907
Ah, so her powers will be control over smog, pollution, bacon and corn.
3039329
We'll I meant that the shock would probably wear off in time and I would expect some issues between them (Luna, Candance and Shining Armour) in the near future. Not anything overt perhaps, maybe they simply avoid him and any meaningful interaction, maybe when TD has problems about his new place in life (newly female, princess, pony) he has to solve them on his own or with a servant, rather than being offered a hoof that otherwise have been given.
And of course, the fun part really begins when sexuality comes into play, I cannot imagine how well TD would take being hit on by male. Or even worse, if it turns out that his orientation was changed along with everything else.
Have a nice day.
EpsionWinter
This fic hit the jackpot for me dude, the idea is so ridiculous and the implications so endless, i'm virtually jumping up and down waiting for the next chapter.
All hail TD, the new princess of bacon. U mad Twilight?
3039412
TD in heat?!
That would be both horrific, and hilarious
But more seriously, I hope one of the next chapters covering the topic of immortality.
I vote for the Princess of Snark!
3039457 That is horrifying... Which means it needs to happen. XD Least I hope it does.
The blank listened on with interest, or They listened on with interest.
Extra quotation mark.
Well now. This is going to get really interesting.
3039518
I'm sure she would go on a murderous rampage the moment the heat happened.
3039411
And apple pie, can't forget the apple pie
This promises to be a hilarious ride!
TD's guards should be designed like the Black Knights from Dark Souls.
darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com/file/view/Black_Knight.jpg/265072344/572x435/Black_Knight.jpg
3039566 It still needs to happen. XD
TD should become one of the horsemares of the apocalypes (well, he should at try least and fail at being all powerful). He can be Death, the most powerful, and get 3 other random mares to follow him around looking like a emo rock band. Best thing is TD only has to work at his fake position when the apocalypes happens.
Maybe make him Princess of the Silly walks? Princess of Swag? Princess of Murphy's law? Princess of shit happens?
Princess TD is always on
hisher periodI love the fact that nether the princess or TD realize that all of the reasons Celestia gives him about not being able to just stay in Ponyville would also apply to Twilight.
Princess of Friendship? (Nah to booring.)
Princess of Teaching? (You better get that teaching certificate then TD.)
Princess of Sarcasm? (You got plenty of that.)
3039468 Princess of Snark? (That sums up at least half your personality.)
Princess of Fate? (Would be so hilariously backwards!)
3038849 Princess of Punching Celestia to the Face? (Bleh, too long and feels unnecessary. Could be his unofficial title I guess...)
3038907 Princess of Amareica? ( celestia looked over at TD, a smirk plasted on her muzzle "Well TD, as I said you have to rule somewhere, but I don't have anywhere for you to rule. "TD looked back at Celestia with an equal smirk of her own. "Chucks Celestia, I thought you'd hand over Equestria to me." Celestia's smirk turned into a frown. "For the last time TD, I am not going to hand over the Equestrian crown to you. But I think I have another idea." At that moment Luna strode in holding a Equestrian flag and a map in her magical grip. As she reaced them she unscrolled the map in front of TD. "As thou can see, this is Equestria and her border regions and kingdoms." She motioned on the map showing the Zenya, the Minotaur lands, Griphonia, the Badlands and finally the Crystal empire in the artic tundra. But the map also had two distinct looking blue splotches on East and West, seas. "It will be thou task to find and colonize new land for Equestrias citizens to settle." As Luna said this TD's gaze turned to a specific part of the map, the West sea. "I think I got an idea." TD's gaze betrayed his thoughts. "So you're going to travel over the West sea are you? If I recall Twilight's letter correctly, then it was this the Europeans did when they found and settled your home." Celestia tapped her chin with a hoof. "America I think it was." TD tried to give her the a look of stupidity, but with all your facial muscles different than what you're used to such a task could prove challenging but TD think she managed to pull it of. "No I was gonna settle in the Badlands, duh!" Luna frowned and Celestia snickered. And after some awkward time trying to hold both the map and the flag in his... er... her mouth, she was off to find Amareica.
I now have more liking and respect for Shining Armor.
-
3039468
Yes! This pleases me!
Couldn't they tell by the voice? Or does TD have husky enough voice, that you can't immediately tell?
3039933
Such a bad pun, it's bad and you should feel bad, seriously
Beside Princess of something chaotic would be fun, especially if Discord is involved
Mwhahahahahaha
You know, I would've thought he'd be more interested in getting his gender back first before becoming human again. I mean, all things considered it would probably be easier to perform a gender swapping spell rather than getting turned back into human. But until then, I can't wait to see the reaction of Blueblood. While TD's like this, he should be milking it for all its worth.
TD will be the princess of...punching the other princesses in the face!
Nah, probably have something to do with education.
3038981
Because Twilight's horn was injured and TD was the one who wrote the spell down, thus "creating new magic".
Nobody ever said the Elements were smart.
3040173
I´d believe that, like with this version of MMMystery Cure, TD will deal with all the problems and conflicts Twilight would have faced with less idealism, tolerance and light-heartedness, and more with "kicking yout flank in the right direction", as the jerk with a heart of gold he actually is.
Imagine his version of Equestria Girls
Celestia: TD, I´m glad you come back with the crown and my ex-student. No, I´m not blaming you for performing burglary to retrieve it, giving the circunstances. But did you really find necessary to smash Sunset with a hammer?!
TD should become the Princess of... wait for it, PUNCHING SUPER POWERFUL BEINGS IN THE FACE!!!
Better yet the Princess of Anger or Poor Decisions....
Also, if he/she gets into the estrous cycle, I fear for the safety of ALL Equestria....
Hey BronyWriter, isn't it near Spring in this story?
No one is prepared for the Spanish Inquisition!
I think TD is gonna become the Princess of Learning.
An even better title could be the Princess of Knowledge.
Sounds cooler and then she would become Twilight's favorite princess! :D
3040275
Forget whatever he might do to Sunset, imagine the fallout when he discovers she's had a MIRROR PORTAL TO EARTH in the attic.
"So let me get this straight...you've had a portal to earth here the entire time...and you just 'forgot' about it..."
"...I suppose you could put it that way"
*TD PUNCH*