An Alicorn Learns to Fly

by Cryogenii

Will You be at My Coronation, Pinkie?

Twilight Sparkle took a deep breath, checked that the heavy cloak she wore was concealing her wings, and made her way to Sugar Cube Corner in the last glimmers of dusk. Her heart pounded in her chest, fear gnawing at her insides as she nervously looked around in case anypony was watching her. She needed to talk to Pinkie Pie, to understand what had transpired earlier, even though the prospect terrified her from the lurid descriptions that her friends had given her. As she reached the door, she raised a hoof and knocked, the sound echoing in the quiet bakery.

Mrs. Cake answered the door, her expression changing from annoyance, at being disturbed whilst the bakery was closed, to relief at the sight of the ever reliable mare. "Oh, Twilight, please come in."

With a nod, Twilight entered the familiar warmth of Sugar Cube Corner. Mr. Cake, having heard the brief doorstop conversation, called Pinkie Pie down from her room. Twilight could hear their hushed voices in the background, then the soft patter of Pinkie's hooves on the stairs and the Cakes telling her they had decided to take a long evening walk.

When Pinkie appeared, she seemed more composed than Twilight expected, although her usual cheerful demeanour was replaced with a solemn air. "Hay, Twilight. I guess I know why you're here, and I'm glad you came. I'm sorry that I scared everypony, but I feel a lot better after talking to Applejack."

Twilight offered a small smile, relieved to see Pinkie in a calm state. "I'm glad to hear that, Pinkie. I was really worried when I heard about how these unexpected changes had made you feel."

Pinkie Pie's expression remained serious, though a glimmer of hope shone in her eyes. "I'm still feeling a bit unsettled, Twilight. It's just that sometimes an idea just gets stuck in my head, and it grows until it's all I can think about. I get so scared… and angry."

”I know, Pinkie," replied Twilight, "I wish there was something I could do to stop that."

"The shock of it was so triggering," said Pinkie, looking down at the floor, "I never expected to see you get all burnt up like that, but I think I can come to terms with what happened."

Twilight nodded in understanding, grateful for Pinkie's honesty. "I'm sorry that you had to see that Pinkie."

Pinkie Pie's face warmed with the hint of a smile. "Come on, let's sit down. Can I make you some coffee?"

Twilight hesitated, remembering Rainbow Dash's warning about caffeine. "Actually, Rainbow Dash told me to avoid caffeine for a while, so how about some tea instead?"

Pinkie Pie nodded understandingly. "She did? Well, okey dokey, I've got some camomile that should be just the thing."

With a more comfortable atmosphere settling between them, Pinkie bustled off to prepare the tea, leaving Twilight feeling relieved that her friend was maintaining her composure. She hoped she could get through this without either of them falling apart.

As they settled down with their tea, Pinkie's demeanour changed to a mix of calm and introspection, and Twilight felt that she could get her friend to open up a little more. "So what did you talk about with Applejack?"

As she sipped on her camomile tea, Pinkie Pie briefly hesitated before starting to talk, her tone calm and contemplative. "Well, Twilight, my conversation with Applejack was mostly about bereavement. About losing someone you love. I was so sure I'd seen you lost... It was really awful."

Twilight looked at Pinkie, her brow furrowing in concern. "Pinkie, I understand how frightening that must be, but I'm still alive. I'm right here with you."

Pinkie Pie nodded slowly, a small smile touching her lips. "I know, Twilight, and I'm glad for that. It's just... sometimes change is hard, if it feels like you've lost someone you care about. But I'll get used to it, I'm sure."

Twilight reached over and placed a comforting hoof on Pinkie's. "We'll all adjust to these changes together, Pinkie. And no matter what, we'll always be there for each other."

Pinkie Pie's gaze met Twilight's, and she offered a silent smile. It was clear that she was still feeling like there was something wrong, which would take some time to fully become accepted.

Twilight took a deep breath and, with a hint of regret in her eyes, said, "Pinkie, I'm really sorry for making you feel this way. I never intended for any of this to happen."

Pinkie Pie offered a gentle, understanding smile. "Twilight, it's not your fault. You didn't choose any of this. You didn't know what was gonna happen, right?"

Twilight nodded, her expression somewhat conflicted. "No... I didn't know what was coming, and it was a shock to experience it. I feel like I'm suddenly in a body that isn't my own. Without Rainbow's help explaining the pegasus aspects of being an alicorn, I think I might have lost my mind."

"Is it really that different?" Pinkie asked, a surprised look on her face.

"Everything's different!" Twilight cried, "I've got new limbs, every time something brushes against them it just feels so… alien. And my heart beats differently! Even my unicorn organs feel wrong, like everything's bigger and stronger."

Pinkie Pie listened attentively, her empathy building. "I can't imagine how tough that must be, Twilight."

Twilight lowered her gaze, her voice filled with a hint of frustration. "And, to be honest, Pinkie, I'm feeling a bit of anger toward Princess Celestia for not giving me more warning or guidance."

Pinkie Pie hesitantly reached out and placed a comforting hoof on Twilight's, her eyes filled with understanding and support. "It's okay to feel that way, Twilight. You're going through a lot, and it's perfectly normal to have those emotions. What could Celestia have said though?"

"Oh, I don't know," mused Twilight, "maybe there isn't any way of preparing somepony for this."

Twilight took another sip of her calming tea and looked down, her voice soft and filled with uncertainty. "You know, Pinkie, I'm having a really hard time with this whole idea of being a princess. It's all so overwhelming, and I'm not sure if I can live up to it."

Pinkie Pie's eyes were compassionate, and she leaned in a bit closer. "You know, Twilight, I can understand what that's like. There are times when I felt like an imposter, like I didn't belong or fit in. It can be tough."

Twilight glanced up at Pinkie, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "You've felt that way too? Why?"

"You remember that time with the mirror pool?" Asked Pinkie, quietly.

"Sure," replied Twilight, feeling a queasy sensation in her stomach over where this might be heading.

"I guess the way we dealt with all the Pinkie clones from the mirror pool just felt so random. Do you think it hurt," asked the earth pony, her eyes glistening with tears, "they all kinda blew up like balloons before getting squished and floating away."

"I don't know, Pinkie," replied Twilight, reluctantly, "I've not really thought about it."

"I kinda, sorta hope that some of the clones escape," whispered Pinkie as she stared at the floor, "and maybe the original Pinkie, if I'm… for a long time I felt like I was an imposter, just waiting to get found out and burst like all those other Pinkies if I wasn't Pinkie enough."

Twilight sat silently, thinking about all those times Pinkie had seemed extra "Pinkie". Had she felt compelled to prove her pinkieness?

"Oh, sweet Celestia, that's terrible," exclaimed the stricken alicorn, "I never thought you felt so lost, are you… over those feelings now?"

Pinkie Pie nodded, her face blank. "Most days. With time, you start to realise that you are who you are, and that's enough. You don't have to be perfect or fit into any mould. You just have to try to be yourself."

Twilight considered Pinkie's words, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Thanks, Pinkie. I'll try to remember that. I may not have all the answers right now, but with friends like you, I know I'll find my way."

Pinkie Pie's comforting presence and her understanding of feeling like an imposter provided Twilight with a sense of reassurance. As they continued their conversation, the weight of her new princess role seemed a bit lighter, knowing that she had friends who accepted her for who she was.

Twilight looked at Pinkie with a touch of anxiety in her eyes. "Pinkie, will you come to my coronation? I don't think I can do it if all of you aren't there with me."

Pinkie Pie grinned, her laughter returning as she responded, "Twilight, you think I'd miss the biggest party Equestria has seen in centuries? Not a chance! I'll be there, and we'll celebrate together!"

Twilight's heart warmed at Pinkie's response, feeling reassured by her friend's unwavering support. With her friends by her side, including the ever-enthusiastic Pinkie Pie, she knew that her coronation would be a momentous and joyous occasion.

There was a loud gurgle from Twilight's stomach, and she looked a bit sheepish as she admitted, "Pinkie, I'm not used to this alicorn metabolism yet. I seem to be hungry all the time now. Could I have something packed full of calories to go with my tea?"

Pinkie Pie beamed and said, "Of course, Twilight! You're in the right place for that." She brought out a plate of delectable double frosted cupcakes and set it on the table. "Enjoy!"

Twilight picked up a cupcake, her eyes lighting up with anticipation. As she took a bite, she savoured the sweet treat and then chuckled. "We might be onto something, Pinkie. Maybe I'll finally be able to eat what I want without it ending up on my haunches!"

Pinkie giggled, "See, I knew there had to be a good reason for all this!" The two friends shared a laugh, enjoying their tea, cakes and the reassuring presence of one another.

---

The morning had arrived for Rainbow Dash and Twilight to leave for Canterlot. As they prepared for their journey, Twilight couldn't help but reflect on the fact that the last time she had travelled by pegasus chariot was when she first arrived in Ponyville as Princess Celestia's emissary for the millennial Summer Sun Festival. It felt like a lifetime ago. She turned to Rainbow Dash and said, "You know, Rainbow, it's incredible how much things have changed since that first day in Ponyville. Back then, I was just a unicorn with a lot to learn about friendship."

Rainbow Dash, securing the last of their luggage, smiled warmly at her friend. "You've come a long way, Twilight. You're not even a unicorn anymore, which is pretty wild. It's been quite a journey."

Twilight nodded in agreement. "Yes, it has. And you, Rainbow, have been an essential part of that over the last couple of days."

Rainbow waved her hoof in an ah, you're making too much of this gesture.

Twilight's eyes sparkled with gratitude as she continued, "And you know, it still amazes me that all the right ponies were in Ponyville when Nightmare Moon returned. If it weren't for our friendship and unity, we might not have been able to defeat her and bring back the sun."

Rainbow Dash nodded, her expression reflecting the same sense of wonder. "Yeah, it's like destiny brought us together, or some other guiding hoof. We've faced so much since then, and every challenge has only made us stronger."

Twilight smiled, feeling a deep sense of camaraderie with Rainbow Dash and the rest of her friends. "Absolutely, we've overcome every obstacle, and I have no doubt that we'll face whatever comes our way in Canterlot, too."

"This is your moment though, Twi," said Rainbow, "you're the new princess, don't forget that."

"It certainly wouldn't be the same without all my friends there with me," protested the alicorn, "I'm glad I was able to convince Pinkie to come too."

Rainbow Dash's face fell at the memory of recent events. "Yeah, that was pretty dark for a while. Do you think she's really okay now?"

"Honestly, no," confessed Twilight, "but I think she's on her way. I just wish there was some way to help her not get so trapped by her thoughts."

Seeking to lighten the mood, Rainbow smiled and changed the subject. "At the castle we're finally able to start practising your flying. No more boring theory!"

Twilight sighed, "it will be nice when I don't have to hide anymore, although the thought of being up in the air scares me."

"Relax, we'll keep near the ground to start with," her friend reassured her, "although pegasus foals start off at cloud level."

"Didn't Fluttershy fall from Cloudsdale when she was a filly though?" Asked Twilight.

"Kinda," admitted Rainbow, "but she never has been the strongest flyer. You'll do fine with that alicorn strength."

Twilight wriggled and fidgeted in the heavy cloak she'd put on for the journey. "I will be glad to take this off as soon as possible. Rarity did a good job, but I'm already getting pins and needles in my wings."

Rainbow Dash, reminded her friend to focus on the hazards of the trip. "Twilight, we need to be really careful when we leave Ponyville. We can't have a crowd forming or anyone seeing your wings, so that cloak will have to stay on for now."

Twilight nodded, her expression serious. "I understand, Rainbow."

"You're sure the chariot team knows where to meet us?" Asked Rainbow Dash anxiously.

"Absolutely, they were instructed to land by the Everfree Forest and canter the rest of the way to Fluttershy's cottage," replied her friend, "we're to board the chariot there and depart for Canterlot without causing a scene."

"Ok, there shouldn't be anypony there to cause a fuss," confirmed Rainbow Dash, "and you've warned Fluttershy to expect them? We don't need her freaking out when the royal guard turn up at her doorstep!"

"I sent Spike to let her know," Twilight said, to calm her friend's nerves, "and she agreed to suspend her pet care services today, so we shouldn't have any interruptions."

"Will there be time for me to see Tank?" Asked Rainbow hopefully.

"I'm sure you'll get a little time to play with your pet," Twilight smiled.

"Well I'm ok, it's only for him really," protested Rainbow, "I just wouldn't him missing me too much whilst we're away."

"Of course, Rainbow," chuckled Twilight, "we have to make sure Tank's feeling ok."

"And the rest of the fillies know what to do?" The cyan pegasus asked, still obviously nervous.

"Absolutely… Applejack and Rarity will accompany Pinkie on the train," replied Twilight, "Fluttershy will follow on with Spike, as soon as she's handed over the critters, including Tank, to Mane Goodall to look after whilst we're away."

"Okay then, no point in delaying things," Rainbow declared, "time to hit the road."

Twilight took one last look around the library that was her home in Ponyville. She hoped it wouldn't be too long until she would be seeing it again, but couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had settled over her like a heavy shroud. As an alicorn, her life was headed down an uncertain path filled with responsibilities and obstacles she hadn't anticipated and was going to change in ways she couldn't imagine.

The dangers that lurked around her and her friends seemed to escalate with every new challenge, making her genuinely anxious about what might befall them. With the weight of a new public role pressing down on her and the unending turmoil of her newfound abilities. She couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the simpler times, when her biggest worries revolved around exams and term papers. Back then, her dreams were filled with the pursuit of knowledge, not the weight of a kingdom on her back.

Every adventure seemed to be pushing her further away from the life she had envisioned for herself. The bonds with her friends were her greatest treasures, but even those relationships had evolved into something more complex. While she cherished the deep connections she had forged, the pressure to maintain and protect them was sometimes threatening to suffocate her. Amidst the chaos, she longed for the days of youthful ignorance when her biggest concern was the next magical theory to explore, not the safety of her friends and the fate of an entire nation. Twilight found herself momentarily questioning the path she was on, wondering if the destiny she had been thrust into was truly the one she desired.

Twilight's mind drifted to the idea of escaping her current path, of fleeing from the looming coronation and the grandiose future that awaited her. But deep down, she knew there was no turning back the clock. The simplicity of her life as a naive young unicorn was forever lost to the sands of time. She had come too far, seen too much, and grown to ever regain that innocence. The responsibilities and expectations that now rested upon her shoulders were inescapable, woven into the very fabric of her being. And though the weight of it all seemed overwhelming, she recognised that this was her destiny, and there was no choice but to embrace it.

She turned to her friend with a warm smile, displaying none of the turmoil and dread she was feeling inside. "Yes, Rainbow. Let's go."

Comments

[Hyper Star]

Rainbow Dash nodded, her expression reflecting the same sense of wonder. "Yeah, it's like destiny brought us together, or some other guiding hoof. We've faced so much since then, and every challenge has only made us stronger."

Da guiding hoof waz Sunbutt

"Absolutely… Applejack and Rarity will accompany Pinkie on the train," replied Twilight, "Fluttershy will follow on with Spike, as soon as she's handed over the critters, including Tank, to Mane Goodall to look after whilst we're away."

I think I'm being a little too nitpicky, but I think the word "whilst" is a little too formal for Twilight while just talking to RD

Twilight's mind drifted to the idea of escaping her current path, of fleeing from the looming coronation and the grandiose future that awaited her. But deep down, she knew there was no turning back the clock. The simplicity of her life as a naive young unicorn was forever lost to the sands of time. She had come too far, seen too much, and grown to ever regain that innocence. The responsibilities and expectations that now rested upon her shoulders were inescapable, woven into the very fabric of her being. And though the weight of it all seemed overwhelming, she recognised that this was her destiny, and there was no choice but to embrace it.

You should choose your own destiny you motherfucker! Just say no to Celestia! (I'm not against Twilicorn, but that's only because show Twilight doesn't have anything against it, this Twi does)

Little TwinkiePie friendshipping moments are always nice