“This is so exciting!”
Twilight grinned at the infectious cheer that leaked from her friend’s words as they walked down the sunny path. The pegasus flapped along next to her, a whistle dangling from around her neck. Rainbow’s eyes were riveted to Twilight’s lavender wings.
“With those babies and my help you could outfly Lightning Dust! Not me, of course.” Twilight rolled her eyes, chuckling as Rainbow did a loop de loop over her head. “But anyone else, easy!”
“I don’t need to learn to outfly anyone in particular, Rainbow,” Twilight said. “Celestia says I just need to learn to fly. Besides.” She levitated a thick book out of her knapsack, flipping through the pages as she walked. “According to this, larger wings are less aerodynamic, more suited for high altitude soaring flight, while smaller ones are more preferable for quick maneuvers and building speed while—”
“Whatever.” Rainbow snorted, her wings rustling the book’s pages as she landed in front of Twilight. “Who’s your flight teacher?” She tilted her head slightly to read the name along the book’s spine. “Feather Quill or me?” She puffed out her chest.
“Well, you, of course. But I’ve been reading up on flight. Did you know—”
“Twilight, Twilight.” Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “I’m your teacher. The best flyer in Ponyville. Leave it to me!”
Twilight sighed. “Of course.”
***
“Here we are,” Rainbow said. “Ghastly gorge!”
A hawk screeched as Twilight looked over the gaping gash in the ground, and a rock skittered from under her hoof and tapped and cracked on boulders jutting from the sides of the canyon as it bounced into the abyss below.
“Um, Rainbow,” Twilight said, taking a careful step back, “Maybe we should start with something a little easier. Like, you know, taking off?”
“Well of course!” Rainbow dragged out the last word, gesturing with a hoof. “But I just wanted to show you what you’ll be able to do after I teach you. To get you fired up!”
“Oh.” Twilight’s stomach flipped as a rock eel growled from a hole in the side of the canyon. “Right. Very encouraging.”
Rainbow’s hooves clacked on the ground as she landed from her place hovering above the abyss. “Okay. So first flying lesson.” She held her head up, suddenly the picture of a drill sergeant. “Celestia has tasked me with teaching you, a new princess, how to fly. So you’re going to do your best! Right?”
Twilight stood up tall. “Right!”
“Good! First lesson.” Rainbow leapt up, suddenly hovering once again, and gestured with a hoof. “See that puffy cumulus up there?” With a flap of her wings and a burst of rainbow color she arced into the air, landing on top of it. “Get on up here! Flap those wings!”
Twilight nodded. Shucking her knapsack, she unfolded her new wings. She still wasn’t quite used to them, the long purple feathers ungainly and the weight of the wings throwing off her balance when she spread them. She stumbled as a gust of wind caught them, her feet flailing for a moment near the edge of the gorge, and she froze in place, panting hard.
“C’mon, Twilight!” Rainbow called from the cloud. “Just give ‘em a flap or two! There’s great thermals over the gorge!”
“Thermals. Warm updrafts. Great for soaring flight.” Twilight rehearsed Feather Quill to herself, the words soothing. “I can do this.”
Twilight flapped her wings down once, a rush of air blowing at the strap of her knapsack. Another flap and her stomach and heart rushed with the sensation of lift, like falling up.
“That’s great, Twilight! You’re doing it!” Rainbow hovered near the cloud. Twilight flapped her wings again, her head spinning as she looked down and realized that her hooves were off the ground, her knapsack smaller below her. “Now keep flapping! Use the air to spiral up!”
“Circling flight to gain altitude diffuses the effort of flapping one’s wings,” Twilight recited, her words swallowed up by a rush of air as she began to fall forward. Her heart leapt, beating double, but she didn’t plummet down.
Her wings spread, she glided lazily down toward the gorge, inching below the lip of the cliff. She flapped again, hard, the lift taking her back up.
Interesting. When she spread her wings out she picked up speed, her body angled down, and lost altitude. One flap would get her back up above the lip of the gorge. Angling her body up did nothing, though, and she flapped again, arcing down. What had the book said?
“Twilight, what are you doing?” Rainbow’s voice echoed in the gorge. “Get up here! Flap your wings more!”
Right. Muscles straining, Twilight flapped her wings, each beat sending her up and up. She had miscalculated the horizontal distance, she realized quickly, and stopped flapping, angling down to move forward before going straight up again. She felt foolish, but finally, her head crested the cloud and she angled down to land front hooves first next to Rainbow. She took a few deep breaths, her wings shaking slightly as she folded them.
The sudden whistle blow nearly deafened her, vibrating in her head. “Great work!” Rainbow shouted. “That wasn’t so hard, right?”
“Well, no.” Twilight peeked over the cloud, the gorge a strip of black below them and the hazy form of Ponyville a riot of color in the distance. “That wasn’t so bad at all.” She grinned as the grasp of muscle exhaustion left her and the thrill of standing on a cloud replaced it. Standing on a cloud! Like a pegasus! “Maybe I really will get the hang of this!”
“Of course you will!” Rainbow clapped her on the back. “Like I said, with my help you’ll be outflying anyone else in no time!” She arced into the air again, doing a series of corkscrew maneuvers. “Anyone who trains with me will be the best!”
Twilight gave a weak smile. She wanted to do well, but she didn’t really want to be the best. She wasn’t about to tell Rainbow that though. “So, uh..." she stared over the edge of the cloud again at her knapsack far below. "How about we focus on getting down from this cloud first?”
(Joke) Alt. Title: Slice Of Life FanFictions 101
Even though I always think of Scootaloo when I hear this...:
Really guys,5 dislikes?
The story is not bad,certainly not bad enought to have more dislikes than likes or is this just because of alicorn Twilight?
Whatever,i will give you a like and a fave because i am interested in seeing what happens next.
This is the worst possible time to upload an Alicorn Twilight fic, seeing as that image you used just surfaced.
People who don't like the idea will now dislike anything associated with it, regardless of the quality of writing.
I suppose I underestimated the amount of hate this would get. I had written the story and was planning it as an AU, and then boom! Confirmation! A perfect image to use as a cover!
i like it, it's not bad. i think the people mostly just hate the picture
This certainly doesn't deserve all the downvotes. Keep up the good work
You deserve an upvote simply for having the balls to post a story not only about alicorn Twilight, but also using that picture as the cover image
However, it's definitely a good start and I'd like to see where this goes. And what accidents Twilight can cause with her new wings
It is not bad!
I upvoted. Sorry for all the hate. I just really hope they don't make her a princess permantently in the show. One episode is fine, more than one is just a cash grab. Anyways, this story doesn't deserve the hate; Hasbro does. Keep it going and don't worry about what others think
Just continue to edit and improve it, and for sure continue it!
Edit: Upon looking at it again, there appears to be no grammar mistakes. I guess what I saw was wrong, or my computer screwing up. Good job
Jimmies are being rustled. Your fic was just an unlucky victim caught in the crossfire.
Upvoted. Sad to see a good fic be a victim of angry fans.
Man it isn't fair that people down voted this, it's a well written story based on a great premise, personally the main reason I'm okay with alicorn twilight is that I can picture this kind of episode. Have an upvote
This is good, really good. Keep it up please and ignore the haters.
Here is a review fro- Oh, wait, it‘s you. You know all this! Authors Helping Authors Obligatory link right there.
Name of Story: Learning to Fly
Grammar score out of 10: 10 I didn’t catch any mistakes, and I really looked hard before giving you a 10.
Pros:
Looks like it will be a nice story.
Characters are in character, even with Twilight’s alicorn-ification.
Approaching alicorn Twilight without going for one of the more philosophical subjects. No talks of immortality here.
Cons:
Felt like it should have lasted longer.
Perhaps some more of Twilight’s thoughts on the whole “I’m an alicorn now,” thing. Unless you’re trying not to do that.
Notes Section:
You seem to have a good grasp on things here, which doesn’t leave me with much to say. Like I said in the pros section, I’m glad this isn’t another sad/dark “Oh, woe is me,” story. Yes, she’s immortal (although there’s never been conclusive proof that the princesses are immortal because they’re alicorns), but she also has three other alicorns to relate to. She’s not going be all alone forever.
When I said I felt it should have lasted longer, I meant exactly what I said. I realize it isn’t complete, but I’m also worried that you rushed it just to capitalize on the announcement.
That’s all I really have to say. Enjoy what may be the quickest AHA response ever.Although I mostly did this because I feel a bit invested in this story. You earned a favorite and an up vote from me, good sir! I'll certainly be keeping an eye on this one.
Enjoy your review! I‘d really appreciate if you checked out my story: Mostly About Tacos
Interesting story but I just hope it doesn't become too tense between them. Then again its slice of life and not dark or anything so I think I can go along for the ride.
2042817 WHAT!? IT happened!?
2043000 Sadly they showed a teaser that made it appear so. Watch out for the season 3 finale.
2043007 Bro Hasbro just incited my ornery wrath. Time to get philosophical on this bitch!
2043023 Meh, give it a chance. I am going to. I pray it will just be for one episode.
2043031 No mercy! Unnecessary war face: Engaged.....
2042738 It's not that its just that there are so many challenge able issues revolving around Twilight "apparent" ascension to an alicorn. This episode could definitely pull alot of feathers. I don't like the move because it's inevitably gonna split the community apart. As for the fic: Is twilight really the one you want to make a princess?
2043052
I'm not sure what you mean by this question.
2043066 Twilight Sparkle: Is she princess material? Honestly?
Pretty nice story so far. Just ignore the haters, they got their panties in a twist because of the episode spoilers.
The premise is a bit dodgy, you don't explain how or why Twilight became an Alicorn, you just suddenly jump into it. But I presume this is intended to use the actual episode as a prequal of sorts. Grammar seems good, characterization seems likely even though Rainbow seems a bit too harsh without Twilight speaking her mind about it.
Might have been better to use Twilights devotion for Celestia's request as primary drive to push herself too harshly as opposed to Rainbow's impatience. Then again, this is just the first chapter and the conflict might result from something that cannot be resolved by Twilight telling Rainbow to slow down a bit. Bit early to make assumptions like this of course.
2043052
To be fair,the brony community is already split up in many matters,like was Mare Do Well a good episode?,or is Sombra a good villain or not?,or what is the best ship?
This will just be a split that at the most,will leave a few angry comments(ok,a lot) on stories where Twilight is an alicorn.
2043121 IDK man. This is something that could ruin a show. If this WAS a permanent change I would quit watching it entirely. And I'm 100% sure I won't be the only one.
2043136
But the thing is,we do not know if it is a permanent change or not,if it is not an permanent change and it is for just one episode,then all this complaining will have been stupid.
Even though the idea of a Twilight Alicorn actually being an actual thing has pushed me to the limits, this wasn't half bad.
Have a like!
2043189
I'd seriously bet money that it's not a permenant change.
Hasbro renewed My Little Pony for an unlimited number of series didn't they?
This would seem like a final huraah type plot so... I don't think so.
Maybe season four will kick off with a depressed Alicorn Twilight who longs to return to her friends. Oh, and then time spell up in that bizz?
A Twilicorn fic? Haven't our jimmies suffered enough?
2043189 Just sayin
great story so far. can't wait for more!
...Really people? I'm one of the biggest opponents of Alicorn Twi there is, but the fic is still pretty good. Judge based on content, not on how butthurt you are.
Thumbed up.
Make the next chapter about how she got her wings! I really like it, this is differnt compaird to all the other Twilight Alicorn ones!
Fic:excellent. Writing and characters: pristine. haters: jimmies thoroughly rustled.
but seriously, id like to see where you could take this, so have a like and a watch!
Liking this so far. Will follow. As per standard procedure, thumbs withheld until story is complete.
To all you haters out there. 2.bp.blogspot.com/-mK-NgPpt5TM/UQhirbiilUI/AAAAAAABQ8c/lOpyBCQeXu8/s1600/iOkpeBtFD3IKT.gif
2044283 Clever. Thumbs up
I enjoyed it for what it is. Hopefully we will see more of Rainbow being a terrible instructor.
My jimmies are rustled, but I won't let that get in the way of my judgment. Interesting fic. Thumb up from me!
I'll admit, I've always disliked the idea of an alicorn Twilight, but this is an interesting, well-written story with a good premise and plenty of potential.
Thumbs up and a fav. I'm looking forward to see where you'll be taking this.
2045850
You better get used to it. Twi is becoming one in the show's canon
Almost feels as though It should have been an actual episode! Great job!
Wow, that image has attracted a lot of haters.
All you haters should be ashamed of yourselves and should feel bad. You are attacking a story because it accepts canon, and your saddlesore, self entitled, whining flanks don't have the foresight to comprehend the new potential charachter development this cpuld give us. Shame on you all for attacking an author, simply cause you are too immature to be objective.
Bunch of crying foals... That's what you all are!
I can't wait to see what the show staff do with this new element to MLP. I have the utmost faith in the show creator's creative skills. I have never seen an episode that I didn't like.
I also look forward to seeing this story continue... And nice pic... Good choice, going official canon.
2046586 Nope. We are attacking canon because it's a terrible choice. saddlesore? It's called criticism and we are entitled to it. Never said the fic was bad but if others dislike it thats their prerogative. Of course we could just say this is the billionth alicorn twi fic we've seen and we're about as tired of 'em as we are of human in Equestria fics. I wouldn't say crying foals as much as I would say Bronys WITH OPINIONS. I could give you plenty of reasons why it's a terrible move, as well as many others, and why this would lose the fandom plenty of bronys (including me). Like asked said before: Is twilight really princess material?
Personally, I have a problem with alicorn Twilight if they screw up her personality and position (Let's be honest here, she's not princess material, especially when she's so young) but I digress.
You're actually doing a great job with her as one in my opinion. And I think Dashie's in-character as well. Guessing she hasn't had much experience with teaching and automatically assumes they already have a certain level of ability. Add in the fact that she's literally always been the best and will probably unintentionally teach Twilight to be the best, forgetting the basics which come naturally to her by now.
Ignore me, I'm rambling. Anywho, tracking.
Great start so far, although it does tick me off that so many people might dislike this just because it's associated with the upcoming episode.
Frankly, I kind of saw it coming since the beginning of the season, and I'm fine with it. If anyone deserves to be a princess it's Twilight.
Will watch for more, keep up the good work
I like this story. It is very comedic. However, I am not very excited about Twilight becoming an allicorn...
You know that the episode this fic is about means the end of mlp fim
I shal not say anything about the twilight episode and just skip to the chase. VERY well writen fic i love it and will follow you till the end