> These Reader choices are interfering with my peace and sanity. > by videomaster21XX > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > The initial choice > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was your typical average day. The sun was shining outside, I had just gotten up. Nothing out of the ordinary. If there was anything special about today it was that I had it off. This of course lead to my having to decide what to do with it. See life wasn't like it was when I went to school. Days off were to be cherished, savored. When you had a day off now a days you wanted to do something impactful. Something that had meaning. Something like working on any of the many stories I needed to finish up on fimfiction. Surely my readers would appreciate all the hard work and effort I put into each and every line. Bleep! Went my gaming console as I turned it on. I'd just do some grinding in my favorite online game first. Sure that's what I've been doing for the last several days off for the last few months, but who cares? It's not like my readers would die without an update right? Surely they would understand the importance of video gaming instead of taking even one small hour to write out a few paragraphs. Hey, coming up with stuff to write was hard! I deserved another break! Besides, I still have some weapons to farm! I reminded myself while I headed down to the area I needed to find the next quest marker. If it was anything like the other quests, I'd have to kill a bunch of enemies and probably run a mission here or there. If I was lucky there wouldn't be a damn PVP step again. I hated those. Regardless this would probably take me all day. Oh well not like I had anything better to do. I was just landing when the game began to bug out. Damn it, was I getting kicked out due to server errors again? However, instead of being kicked back to the title screen, what looked to be a message box popped up. That was odd, the game didn't usually pop these up on a planet. Only when you first spawned into the game. What was going on? Some new milestone? "Hello Videomaster21xx. Would you like to go to Equestria?" I blinked. I couldn't be reading that right. Why would it be asking me about ponies in this game? It didn't make any sense! There was no way they were doing some sort of cross over. Come to think of it, how the hell did they get my screen name? That wasn't my PSN name, it was my usual online handle! What the fuck? Pressing the cancel button, nothing happened. Upon taking a closer look there wasn't even a button indicated to press. How was I suppose to answer this? Out loud? Feeling kinda silly, I decided to give it a shot. "Okay yeah sure, I'd love to." I told the screen. I hope I hadn't gotten hacked, though honestly what else could this be? Well better shut the system down and get on the help forums, wait was the text changing!? "Excellent! Beginning transfer..." It read, the loading symbol spinning next to it. Okay this was freaky, I didn't know who's idea of a joke this was, but it wasn't very funny. Pressing the playstation button on my controller I waited for the shut down menu to pop up, but instead it told me that wasn't available. How could it not be available!? Just what was going on? Fine if I couldn't shut it down that way, I'd do it from the source! Walking across my room, I knelt down in front of the system and pressed it's power button. Much like with my controller I was told that option wasn't available. To be honest I half expected this. Well there was one way I could shut this down that they couldn't prevent. My hand had just closed around the power cable, when something wrapped around my wrist, pulling it away. "AHH WHAT THE FUCK!?" I screamed looking at what appeared to be a purple see through tentacle pulsing with energy, and wrapped around my arm. Soon three more followed, each grabbing one of my limbs. With a start I realized they were all coming from my television! "H-Hey! L-Let me go!" I cried trying to break free, but it was quickly apparent that was impossible. These things felt like they were made of steel wire! If only I wasn't home alone at this moment! There was no one to hear me or help! I didn't have long to ponder my new dilemma as more of these things shot out of the T.V. wrapping themselves around me. With a suddenly lurch they pulled me toward the screen! Like any normal person, I braced myself for impact, but it was one that never came. Instead of smacking into the screen, I went through it as if it wasn't even there! The next thing I knew I was hurling through a tunnel of bright lights and swirling energy, my body feeling like a sardine from all the pressure I felt from the turbulence. What was going on? Why did this all look familiar to me? Wasn't this how the tunnel that Twilight used in Equestria Girl's looked? Why was that what was on my mind!? I didn't know how long I spent tumbling through this, but at some point I must have blacked out. The next thing I knew I was slowly coming around in pitch darkness. I couldn't even see the nose on my own face. Where was I? Maybe if I- W-wait why couldn't I move? W-what the hell? I couldn't feel my body! I couldn't sense anything! What's going on? Was I dying!? Someone help me! "Okay okay! Just relax, you're just in processing is all." A sudden voice seemed to say from all around me. I could vaguely feel it sounded familiar, but it wasn't like I was hearing sound through my ears at the moment, more like the sound and words were just 'becoming' around me. It reminded me a bit about Poo in Earthbound when he could only receive thoughts during a phase of this training. Was that what had happened to me? I was just a brain with no body? I think I'd have felt sick if I could feel anything at all. "First off you aren't dead. That wouldn't be fun. In fact you can rest easy knowing you can't die during this little... game." So I couldn't die? Well I guess that was comforting, but I still would like to know what was going on. Could I even talk to this thing? "If you are wondering if I can hear you, then the answer is yes. Now would you like me to explain to you how this works?" What? How what works? I just want to go home! "Uh uh, that's not how it's going to work. You said yes to going to Equestria, so here you are. Well not there yet of course, this is the loading area, but soon. We just have to let "Them" decide on a few things first. Them? "Oh I wouldn't worry about who they are, there is nothing you can do about what they choose anyway, yet choose they must. If we're to set you up properly, you'll need a role to play." Role to play? What was he talking about? What was going on?! "Oh yes, I almost forgot to explain the premise!" The voice shouted with glee. I somehow heard a snap, right before some familiar yellow text appeared floating in the void before me. I'm not sure how I could tell what it was or what is said when I didn't seem to have eyes, but there they were. Choice A: Subject accepts entry into Equestria, or Equestria like world. Choice B: Subject rejects offer. They remained there for a few moments before the top choice flashed and was underlined. The second choice vanishing completely. Choice A: Subject accepts entry into Equestria, or Equestria like world "As you can see, you chose choice A. To enter an Equestrian world, or one very similar to it. Now here are the rules. You must reach a satisfactory conclusion to this 'tale' I'm about to drop you into. What that means exactly will not be made clear. Just know that if you make people hate you, it's unlikely you'll achieve this goal. Boring I know, but as fun as it would be for you to cause such chaos and destruction, we have to play it nice. Ugh." The way this person or thing was talking reminded me of someone. Could this be- "Never mind that! Never mind! Just focus on the rules, I'm sure you'll find them good to know. Now where was I? Oh yes, you remember I said I'd drop you into a tale did I not? Well here is the oh so wonderful catch! It won't be as you are now!" Not as who I am? Wait, was this one of those things where I had to pretend to be one of the mane six or something? "Oh no no no, nothing so boring. Yuck. That's not nearly exciting enough! No but you will be sharing a relation with someone or somepony. I just don't know who yet. That's up to THEM to decide." There was that "them"again. I was really beginning to worry about who these things were. "Oh I wouldn't worry, in fact I'm sure who don't even know them. Well not personally anyway, you may have had a chat or two in the comments. As I said though that doesn't matter. What does matter is they get to choose the... speed bumps you encounter during your story. As well as a few other things." I swore I could feel Discord, for I was sure it was him, study his claws. "Of course I'll be making a few adjustments myself. One you should notice the moment you arrive, but I'm getting ahead of myself. It's time for them to pick their first choice. Oh and to be fair, I'll even let you see what those choices are, though try as you might you can't chance the outcome of what's chosen!" With that three more choices in yellow text appeared before me: Choice A: The Equestria Girls world. Choice B: The pony Equestria as we know it. Choice C: A mixture of the two. The third choice caught my interest the most. Just how would that even work? "Tut tut, I can't tell you, but I can tell them. Please for those of you are are them. Look to the author's notes for more information on each choice. Once it's been decided, the fun begins! With my... twist of course." Check the way now? All of this was too much. If I had any blood at the moment I'm sure it'd run cold. Guess there was nothing I could do but hope 'they' chose well... > Pony Equestria as we know it. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pony Equestria as we know it. "Well the votes are in! You're going to be a my little pony!" Discord said with a slight chuckle. "A bit of a shame, they don't really wear clothing so no cute outfits to put you in and no comparing breast sizes." Breast sizes!? "Oh yes, did you forget my little twist?" Came his rather gleeful reply as I felt another snap. Just like that I felt a sudden weight to my being that had been sorely lacking for what felt like hours. No longer was I some shapeless form in a void, but flesh and blood again! Except... nothing felt right. I could feel four limbs, but all four were perfectly straight standing on the ground. He... he turned me into a pony hadn't he? Lifting one such limb in front of my face, I could easily make out a marshmallow like hoof. Apparently I was grey, odd color for a pony. Turning my head I tried to get a good look at my tail, only to see a bare bottom. No tail? come to think of it I didn't feel a mane either! "Hey! What's the big-" I quickly shut my mouth. Without a mane or tail it was easy to try and ignore the fact Discord said he was making me a mare, but there was no confusing that voice for a guy's! "Well I'm no Princess Celestia," Discord said appearing next to me, "but I believe I can play the part for the moment. Ahem. You have proven that you're ready VM." "R-ready? Ready for what?" It wasn't until after I had said that and the music began that I realized I had walked right into his little joke. He wasn't seriously doing this was he? "You've come, such a long long way!" Discord bellowed out as I finally began to take in my surroundings. Sure enough we seemed to be in the same weird spacial area that Twilight and Celestia had walked down during her ascension to princesshood. Except instead of windows showing my past doings, all I saw were mirrors reflecting my current form, along with other windows that displayed, text? Peering closer I managed to make out a few sentences here and there. Those were my stories! "And I've watched you for like maybe a day." Discord continued, clearly enjoying every moment as he was going nuts with his singing, even if his voice wasn't really suited for it. For whatever reason I was simply following him in silence. I suppose I could try to run or something, but I doubt that'd really do much. Instead I was trying to get a good look at me, and well. There wasn't much to see really. I was definitely a mare. My muzzle was short and cute, and my flank nice and curvy. Despite that though, there was no other defining feature. I had no mane, no tail, even my eyes were grey. What was the point of my looking like this? No way I wouldn't stand out like this. "To see how this might go! To see what you might do! To see what you'll go through, and all the ways they'll make this ruleeeeeee!" He finished off with his claw on his chest, looking very much like he did when first turned into a statue. "Well that didn't really rhyme, but we've wasted enough TIME as it is!" He winked pulling out a clock that sprouted wings and flew away. "And speaking of time, oh my how it flies! We've got to get a move on if we're to get to the fun stuff!" The way he was rubbing his claws together was making me very nervous. "W-wait! What's going on? Why me?" "Why you? Because you like to write genderbending stories and it's fun!" He cackled before reaching over to one of the windows that was a mirror, plopping it down in front of me. "Now, we just need a look, any look." As he spoke he began to swipe his claw across the window, changing my reflection to that of various different colored ponies each with their own unique mane and tail. My OC as a mare, a blue pegasus, a grey earth pony, I swear I even saw a pink alicorn in the mix, and was that a batpony?! Many different types flashed before my eyes. For a moment I thought perhaps my physical body was changing as well, but no it was only the reflection. "Now we can't go too crazy. No griffon's or changlings or the like. Won't fit with the theme, no not at all." He said before stopping his swipes, leaving it reflecting my current grey image. Wait was that why I had so few features like this? Because it was just a base form? "W-why aren't I freaking out?" I'm not sure if I had meant to say that out loud or not. Either way Discord seemed pleased to answer me. "Oh no need to thank me for that, it's just so much easier to get this done if you aren't screaming hysterically in my ear." Well okay that answered that, not sure how I felt about him messing with my emotions like that, but it did let me think clearer. It let me focus on what I should do at the very least. I was stuck in a void in a pony body. Wait. "Hey hang on, how was I able to walk here with you! I've never been a pony before!" "Oh please, obviously I had to give that brain of yours some base information so you could function in Equestria. I'll do the same if you end up a pegasus or unicorn so you won't have to learn how to use your abilities either. As funny as it would be to see you try and move around in an alien body in the end it's just be pointless filler keeping us from what really matters!" He pointed to another window, causing it to float to the left of the one that held my reflection. He did the same to another that moved to the right instead. Both turned black, before that yellowish text appeared on both, each one giving different options. "It's time to figure out your role in all this my dear author. Let's hope they give you some good ones..." As he laughed I felt a shiver run up my back. Something tells me I wasn't going to like how this ended. Discord just laughed. "Don't forget to check the author's notes for your choices!" And what did he mean by that? > Daughter it is! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Well it was really come and go there for a moment, but looks like you're going to be a daughter!" "A-A daughter? N-Now um look er Mr. Discord." Wow this felt weird to say. "I-I really don't think we need to do all this-" "Oh but we do!" He insisted, floating mere inches from my face. I think the weird calmness I was feeling is the only reason I didn't jump back in fear. How was he keeping me so calm?! This was terrifying! Wasn't it? No, no I certainly wasn't feeling a bit excited about all of this. That was just silly. Right? "Well it's been fun, but it's time for the REAL show to begin." Discord laughed, floating up and snapping those claws of his once more. The moment he had, all the 'windows' in this realm began to converse onto the one that was showing my reflection. Said window glowing brighter and brighter, forcing me to shield my eyes. "A few more things you might want to know before you wake up in your new life!" He bellowed over the sound of pulsing energy. I could just make him out to my right, eating popcorn and wearing sunglasses. "Once your role has been chosen, you'll only know yourself as that name. Oh you'll remember what and who you were for the most part, but the only name you'll recall is the pony one you are about to receive! Also you won't be able to tell anyone about who or what you once were, nor can you tell them about the choices to come." To come!? "That's right, this is only the beginning my dear little pony! I so look forward to the chaos that becomes your life!" With that the window became a twirling vortex, sucking me into it before I had any chance to react. With a cry I found myself spinning once more in a swirl of colors. My fate unknown... As I vanished into the swirling abyss, Discord turned to the 'fourth wall' and winked. "Don't forget to check the author's notes for the latest poll!" > Luna's Daughter > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ow... Just ow. I felt like my body had just gotten hit by a steamroller. Just what was I doing again? I couldn't remember. I think I was talking with someone and it was all weird and I was a pony. What a strange dream. Somebody must have spiked my drink or something, I certainly didn't drink alcohol normally. Was this even how a hangover felt? I mean my entire body felt off. There were parts that didn't feel right and parts I couldn't feel at all. What kind of drug was I hit with? Shaking my head I attempted to look around. What the? The fuck was I? This was something right out of a mansion. I appeared to be on a canopy bed with... stars and moons? Huh even my pillow was a giant crescent moon. I was starting to get a really bad feeling. Why would someone drug me and take me so- As if my brain finally decided to finish booting up, the events of the last hour came rushing back into my mind. Discord! He said I was going to be... then that meant... this was my room wasn't it? Wait I was a pony in the dream, place thing. Did that mean? Looking down I froze. I didn't have arms, I had front hooves, light blue in color, and judging by how slim they looked, I was most certainly female. Shivering I turned my head around to get a look at my body and rear. Just the mere fact I could twist my neck in such a way was bizarre. I could feel my rather generous mane bounce along with the movement. For some reason the sensation caused me to flex my new wings, which were most certainly more of a leathery dragon like design. "Whoa, that's weird." I absently said while giving them a couple of test flaps. How I even knew how to operate my wings I couldn't tell you, but my voice certainly was cause for alarm. "T-that can't be me r-right?" I squeaked out feeling an odd sense of glee at just how musical it sounded. It was just so, so, high? I sounded like a famous lounge singer just idly chatting. In short my voice was lovely! It couldn't belong to me! There was no way! Again my gazed turned to my back side. Oh geez that was my flank? How was it so cute looking? What had Discord done to me? I was a cute little batpony mare! I had wings! A tail! I could feel them both on my body and knew how to move them! How in the world did I have that information?! Stunned I gently tried to swish said tail, and was amazed as it obeyed my command. Oh gosh I knew how to use it but it didn't make it any less weird! I had to see a mirror. I needed to know the extend of the damage. Looking around the room once more, I spotted what I knew was likely there. A vanity set! Perfect! It was made to look as if it was made of ice. Weird, but it'd serve the purpose I needed it to. Without realizing it I had flown half way across the room toward it before I noticed what I was doing and came crashing down hard on my underbelly. "YEEEEEEEEEP" I screeched, sounded very bat-like in the process. I quickly covered my mouth with a hoof in my surprise. I guess being I was a batpony it'd make sense my voice could go that high, but I still hadn't been ready for it! Deciding to walk the rest of the way, I hesitantly got up and began to trot. If I didn't think too much about what I was doing, it came naturally to me. I vaguely remembered Discord saying I'd have some basic knowledge while here so I could perform my 'role' better. That was great and all, as I didn't feel like spending the next several weeks or months learning how to be what I was, but just what role am I playing? Where was I? For that matter who was I? I very well couldn't go around introducing myself as... as... What was my name? Why couldn't I remember my name!? I know I should remember my own name! Okay, okay Snowdrift, just calm down. Wait what? Snowdrift!? Who the hay was that? Wait hay? "W-what's going on?" I squeaked out in that voice again. "What's happening to me? Why do I think I'm Snowdrift?" In my panic I began to spin in place, looking for somewhere to hide, or maybe someplace to escape, I wasn't sure. I just... I couldn't... Somehow in my frenzy I ended up before the mirror, staring back at a reflection that was not my own, and yet very much was now. Gazing back at me was a beautiful young batpony mare. I couldn't be much older then the student six in Aunt Twilight's friendship school. Wait aunt Twilight? Why would I think Twily is my aunt!? Was I her brother's daughter? Did uncle Shiny have a batpony mistress? Wait no, I just thought of him as my uncle. So it was neither of them, but then who was it? Aunt Twilight didn't have any other siblings! If I wasn't the foal of Uncle Shiny and Aunt Caddy then who was I? Aunt Caddy? Well her and Twilight were close, so I guess it'd make sense I'd think of them both as aunts... Wait a minute what was that on my head? I peered closer at my reflection. I had been so preoccupied with who I was, and what I was that I hadn't noticed an extra something on my body that a batpony didn't usually have. Reaching up slowly to tap it, I felt a very solid 'clunk' as well as felt the touch through said thing planted firmly on my forehead. I had a horn. I wasn't just a batpony, I was a batpony alicorn!? "T-This is a joke right?" I asked myself in a whisper. A batpony alicorn? I was what every fan of the show hated. The dreaded alicorn OC, and what's worse I was a batpony one! Ugh, if I was introduced to the show, I'd hear so much 'fandom leaving' it wouldn't' be funny! This was horrible! With a sigh, I continued to look at myself. At least I was pretty. Long white mane with blue sparkles in it, matching long tail that was simply lovely. My style reminded me a bit about how Fluttershy looked when she was a batpony. I could even see the cute little fangs poking out of my mouth. Lastly my now emerald green eyes had the familiar batpony slit to them. Watching my reflection carefully, I began to move my head this way and that, trying to take in every angle of my new form. I couldn't believe it! I really was beautiful! My flank was just the right shape, my head and neck swan like in appearance. If I was introduced in the show, despite those who hated my inclusion, I bet I'd get some killer fanart! I admired myself for a few seconds more before I realized a lot of that fanart would likely be clop in nature. Okay, maybe we stop thinking about this now. I didn't really need to worry about that right? After all, this was likely some alternate Equestria given my inclusion so it's not like any fans knew I existed. "So, I'm a batpony alicorn named Snowdrift?" I asked my reflection, still amazed at my new body and voice. I should be freaked out a lot more then I was. I should be scared, terrified even of my plight and yet... Damn it I was really turned on by all this wasn't I? What the hell is wrong with me? I get turned into a sexy little princess and I'm enjoying it. Wait princess? I looked up at my horn again. That's right, if I was an alicorn, I would be a princess wouldn't I? Discord did say I was playing a role. Did that mean Aunt Tia and mom already knew about me? The world froze as I processed what i had just said in my mind. Mom. I had called the Princess of the night mother. I knew her name was Luna, but when I thought of her... "I'm the daughter of my mother Princess Luna!?" I cried, much louder then I had meant to. Covering my mouth again with my hooves, I briefly wondered how I was still standing when a heavy knock came on the door. Oh crap! What now? I barely knew who I was! How was I suppose to deal with this!? I could barely hear a second knock as the world seemed to freeze in place. Great what now? * * * "Hello readers! Discord here! It's time for another choice! Oh just who should our new Princess Snowdrift find outside her door?" > Enter Sand Gust! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "P-Princess? Are you okay in there? I heard shouting!" A rather nervous voice came from the other side of the door. From the sounds of it, who ever this pony is was a guy, young too. A butler perhaps? Should I tell them to come back later? That might concern them, but what if it's a bad pony? I have no idea what's going on right now. "Princess?" He said again with a bit more concern in his tone. "I'm coming in!" Wait what? No! don't do that! Before I had any chance of telling him everything was okay, a Caramel colored pegasus guard burst into my room. I couldn't see his mane very well under his helmet, but if the tail matched the head, it was a buttery yellow. His blue eyes darting about in fear and concern. Despite myself, I felt my body release some of the tension it had been building up. There was no way this guy was here to hurt me. Though I'm surprised he was a guard. He didn't look much older then I was! Or well how old was I anyway? I looked like a teenager, but I'm a princess right? Did I age slower? "Princess? What's wrong? Why did you scream?" While he was making eye contact with me, it was very clear it as taking all he had to do it. Heh, poor guy. Guess he was fairly new. Then again I am a very pretty princess. Was that it? Was he simply nervous to talk to a 'pretty girl' so to speak? Oh... oh I don't like how that makes me feel. I shouldn't be that happy a guy is finding me attractive! Even if he is a cutie. Wait what? No! No no no! I just got here, I'm not ready to deal with all this! Oh hayseeds, he's still looking at me. I really should say something shouldn't I? "I-" I coughed, my throat feeling dry. He... he was very cute, what I wouldn't give to feel him- Ah! No no no! What the hay brain!? Why are you betraying me like this!? "A-Are you alright? Do I need to get the nurses?" He cried, the panic rising in his voice. Not good, I didn't want ponies prodding and poking me right now. I needed time to adjust. Come on, stop thinking about how nice he looks and talk like a princess! There's a phrase I never thought I'd think. "I'm fine! I'm fine!" I said hurriedly, trying to come up with any sort of story I could tell him. Discord said I couldn't tell anypony the truth, but honestly I don't think I wanted to anyway. Especially not in this situation. Oh yeah I'm sure telling him I'm not a real princess and just a guy from another world would go over SO WELL. "I was just... startled is all." While I could see the panic leave him, he still seemed a bit on edge. After a few seconds I realized he was silently checking the room with his eyes, trying to see if anything was off. He... he was making sure I wasn't being forced to speak against my will wasn't he? Trying to insure there wasn't something evil lurking in the shadows to hurt me! Aw how sweet, I mean noble of a fine breed of stallion! WAIT NO! I shook my head. Out! Out of my brain! "Um Princess S-Snowdrift?" He asked again. Aw horseapples, I did that in front of him. "Are you sure you're okay?" Damn, what was I suppose to tell him? I had to make something up or he wouldn't leave me alone, and I wasn't able to tell the truth so... what? Come on brain, you can think about how cute this guy is, so help me come up with something! Wait! I think I have it! Trying to imitate a blush to the best of my abilities as a newly formed batpony alicorn princess, I shyly turned my head away and looked at the ground. "I-It's kinda silly and embarrassing." I said softly, swishing my tail ever so slightly. Dear Aunt Tia I have no idea what I'm doing. Auntie Cadance give me some of your strength and feminine allure! "Oh uh, but you are alright? There isn't anything I should w-worry about right? Not that I can't handle it! I-I'm here for you princess! Just say the word!" Oh my stars he's adorable. "No no, everything is alright. I just... like I said it's silly." I 'huffed' the best I could, trying to show shame in the reason for my 'yell'. Honestly I was still piecing together my story as we spoke. Maybe I'd be lucky and he wouldn't press? "I-I'm sure it's not bad." He said hesitantly. I think he was trying to 'break the ice' so to speak. Huh, the fact I'm a snow slash Ice princess, would 'breaking the ice' be a term for- AH SHUT UP BRAIN! "Do you... want to talk about it?" He asked. Here we go, I can say no and have him leave. Oh except he's too innocent and cute to do that to. Bah, okay I'll give the poor guy a bone. "It was a bad dream is all. Mom must have missed it. I looked in the mirror and got startled by my reflection is all." I felt my cheeks heat up. Was I actually blushing? This was just a lie right? At the very least I saw the guy visibly relax. My story had it's desired effect. He knew I wasn't in any danger. "Oh, I ugh see. I'm so sorry to disturb you princess." He gave me a pleasant yet awkward smile. Oh right I might not be in trouble, but I'm a beautiful sexy princess his own age. Yeah he hasn't stopped feeling nervous yet. "Oh no! No! It's quite alright..." I have no clue who this is. Darn, think of something! Oh I know! "I'm so sorry, I just woke up and my brain is all sorts of jumbled. You are?" "Oh! Sand Gust Princess!" He declared, saluting me with a wing. "I was just assigned to guard your door today!" Oh good that means I probably hadn't met him yet. Or Snowdrift hadn't yet. Ugh, this was going to get confusing fast wasn't it? "Oh then, very pleased to meet you Sir Sand Gust!" I chimed, my voice sounding every so musical with it's batlike pitch. I bet I had a heck of a singing voice! "A-and you Princess!" He shot back, clearly over the moon at being able to chat with a 'princess'. I wonder if all my interactions were going to be like this? Could be fun sometimes, but I had a feeling it'd get old eventually. "Well uh, I should get back to my post..." Sand Gust said, inclining his head toward the door. Well I guess for my first interaction, that wasn't too bad! Oh wait! I hadn't thanked him yet for coming to my aid! "I understand Sir Sand Gust." Was my speaking like this me trying to be a princess, or just the magic making me play the role better? "Please allow me to show my appreciation of you rushing to my aid by-" As I tried to say the next line, I felt... strange. As if the world was coming to a halt... * * * Discord: DECISION TIME! > A Princess's apperciation > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "-showing you my appreciation." I said planting a nice firm kiss upon his cheek. "It's nice to know I have such a cute guard outside my door." As I spoke, I ever so gracefully turned around stepping back toward my bed. I placed one delicate hoof upon it as I turned my head back to look at him, giving my rump a nice sexy wiggle as I did so. "Perhaps I'll invite you in sometime." Smiling, I finished off with a wink. It was about that moment my brain caught up with what I was doing and I froze. W-what the hay was I doing!? Why did I say and do that? H-He's going to think... "I-Invite me in?" His face was a healthy red, along with his wings partially extended. Huh, guess wing boners really were a thing. Wait, no that's not important, I just allured to taking him to bed! I needed damage control! "O-Only joking, we barely know each other after all!" I mentally winced. Not the perfect way of diffusing the situation, but it'd work. "O-Oh yes of course princess." He replied, slowly pulling his wings back in. Well so far so good, he probably didn't expect to get with a 'princess' after all. Oh, I really hope I'm not seen as a tease. Poor guy seems disappointed for sure. "Therefore I propose an activity to get to know each other better! We can work out the details later." I said with a smile, before my blood ran cold. W-why did I say that? It's like my mouth began to work on it's own! W-what's going on!? "Y-You mean like a date?!" Sand Gust replied, his wings slightly pushing out again. Heh, it was so cute how flustered he was getting, gah! No! Shut up brain! "If you want." I felt myself reply again. Crap! I couldn't back down now! It'd crush the poor guy! W-wait that's not what I'm worried about most! It'd be weird if I kept going back on what I was saying! He might call in medical staff! I should just play along for right now. Certainly not because I think he's cute! "F-for the moment though I feel I should get ready. What time is it?" First things first, I need him out of the room so I can compose myself. He was too distracting, and I still had very little clue what to do. "It's just after your aunt's wonderful dawn." Sand Gust replied, once more doing his best to go into 'guard' mode. "Oh! Yes, you're um... best friend should be arriving soon to join you for breakfast." A best friend? Great who was that suppose to be? Perhaps I should ask who he means? Wait wouldn't that basically be asking who my best friend is? I'm assuming this 'role' I'm playing, well she probably asked her best friend to join her for breakfast, and now I'm her, so the pony is my best friend. Ugh, this is hurting my brain. Whatever I'll deal with whoever it is when they come. Wait! They could be here any moment! I can't deal with this much all at once! I need a way to delay them! Um... "S-Sir Sand Gust, would you be so kind as to return to your post outside and let them know I'm about to shower? A-after that dream I don't wish to walk into my room and chance being startled by anypony." Oh dear aunt Celestia please let this work! "Oh... Oh! Yes of course Princess Snowdrift!" He said with a salute. He sat there awkwardly for a few moments more before he seemed to realize he hadn't moved yet, and quickly shuffled out the door. As soon as it closed I collapsed upon the ground. Why did I say yes to that stupid question? Now I'm a pony princess with a possible coltfriend in the future. Okay I am NOT blushing at that thought. I'm going to go take that shower and hope it relaxes me like they did when I was a human. Then I'm going to put on my makeup and get ready to deal with whoever my mystery 'best friend' is. As I walked toward the bathroom, I blinked. Wait... did I add an extra step in there? * * * I'm going on a date with the princess! I'm going on a date with the PRINCESS. Sand Gust repeated in his head over and over again as he did his best to 'guard' the Princess's chamber door. This was beyond amazing! He knew he was lucky when he got chosen to be the one to protect the beautiful Princess Luna's equally lovely daughter, but to see the gorgeous Princess Snowdrift after just waking up and getting invited on a date with her? He kept thinking he'd wake up any second. "Wait, calm down Sand Gust. You still have a job to do right now. Fail this and you fail both yourself and your sister." It was strange how use to calling her that he had become. Five years ago she'd been his older brother until that... accident. He could still remember her first year as a mare. It had been awkward for him, but a nightmare for her. Funny how years can change a pony. He'd dare say she was ready for a coltfriend of her own the way she acted now. He shook his head. That wasn't important. What was important is she remained in the guard, and through hard work had become part of the elite. She had been more then ecstatic when he expressed his desire to join the guard himself, giving him all the moral support he could ever hope for. He let himself feel a small smile as he diligently watched the hall for any signs of danger. I'm here Dust Storm! He proclaimed mentally. I made it here, and I'm going to make you proud! Snowdrift's wiggling plot popped back into his mind then, causing more wing stiffness. ...and I certainly have my work cut out for me... * * * "Well hello my little readers! That was certainly an interesting chapter wasn't it? Looks like we have a new character to follow at times too! What stories does he have to tell? Well we can worry about that later. Right now we have the every so important task of choosing a 'bestie' for Snowdrift here!" Discord rubbed his claws together, grinning like a maniac. "And it just so happens I may have a few... wonderful ideas for that. With a twist or two of course." > I have friends? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hmm, I was running out of blush. I'd need to pick some more up next time I had a moment to go shopping. I carefully curled my eyelashes as I sat staring into my vanity mirror. Thankfully my 'friend' hadn't arrived yet, and showering hadn't proved too different or difficult. Then again I was basically an alicorn princess with magic, making the entire thing really easy as long as i didn't dwell on how the hay I was moving a brush or soap bar around without actually holding them. Course it still felt a bit weird to be washing pony bits, even more so for those bits to be of the feminine quality and... and... ..I'm putting on make-up. How in the HAY do I know how to put on make-up? I even had a towel wrapped around my head and my tail! Dagnabit! I'm acting like some teenage girl! "Oh right... I am a teenage girl, well filly." I said with a sigh. I took a good look at the mare in the mirror and blushes. Wow, I thought I was pretty before but this! Turning my head this way and that, I drank in my appearance. I was a princess alright. There was no mistaking it. Heh Sand Gust was a lucky lucky stallion to be going on a date with meeeeeeeeeeeee ah! What am I thinking!? What am I doing!? Why am I excited about that!? I turned away from the mirror, trying to keep down a panic attack. It's like every other thought in my head was about being this... this Snowdrift creature. This wasn't who I was suppose to be! This isn't the body I'm suppose to have! I shut my eyes, taking a few deep breaths. And yet... Damn it all I was ever so curious about it. Part of me really wanted to go deeper then I already was, and it both excited and terrified me. When this was all over, would I be able to return to who I was? Knock Knock Knock! "Princess Snowdrift?" Sand Gust called from outside. "Your friends are here!" Wait friends as in plural? I thought my 'best friend' was coming over? Who was the other one? Oh right, I guess the easy way to find out would be to just let them in, instead of mentally dissecting every little thing. "O-Okay! They can come in!" I shouted, my voice still a little shaky. Would they notice if something is off with me? They are suppose to be my friends after all. What if they think I'm a changling? Oh I wish I had some index on how my life is suppose to be now! "Hey Snowdrift!" A pink alicorn mare cried as she pranced into the room. For a moment I almost thought it was Cadance, but she wouldn't be this young. Also though her mane had the same purple and yellow streaks as Cadance's did, this mare's only had the two while I'm certain Aunt Caddy had another shade of pink in hers. "Sorry I'm so late," The mare said with a rather musical voice, "but little miss dummy here needed help with looking like a princess and not a clown." "Must you call me that?" A beautiful snow white unicorn mare said as she glided in behind the pink alicorn. Her mane was a very lovely golden hue and she wore a blue bow in her hair. She looked simply stunning, though her sour expression dampened her allure. My eyes slowly traveled over to her cutie mark. Hadn't I seen it before? A golden four point compass like star set on top of a similar blue one. Both turned so one could see every point of both. "Honestly Princess Skyla you have none of your mother's tact." The white unicorn continued to say, giving off a very feminine huff. Wait Princess Skyla? Wasn't she only a fan creation alicorn? I took another look at her. No wonder I thought she was Cadance, she was certainly Aunt Caddy's daughter. I could only assume Uncle Shiny was her father. Did Flurry not exist in this world? Or was did Skyla simply come first? How was I suppose to even find out without asking really weird questions? "Oh hush, I helped you get ready didn't I? Heh she looks pretty good for a newly appointed princess doesn't she?" Skyla giggled, directing that last question at me. Oh crap, I guess it was show time. "Huh? Oh um yeah..." "Hmm? You okay there Snowdrift? You seem distracted." Skyla asked getting closer. She appeared to be studying me, which wasn't helping the second panic attack I felt rising. Crud! How was I suppose to be her best friend when I had no idea how to be Snowdrift in the first place!? "Oh, I'm find darling, I'm just shaking a bit of the sleep still from my mind. Guess I'm just not myself yet." I found myself saying without realizing it. What the hay? Where did that come from? "Oooooh, you're having a day like that. Yeah I've had those." Skyla said with a nod. Oh thank Aunt Celestia! I guess I had something wired in my head to avoid looking too suspicious. It was a bit unnerving to know I might act different then myself at any given moment, but for right now I'd take it. Long as it kept being useful. "Oh yeah, speaking of such things," Skyla said while smacking her muzzle with a hoof. "You probably didn't get a good look at him after his transformation. No wonder you seem confused about her." With that she pointed a hoof at the snow white unicorn. "Presenting the newest Princess Bluebelle! Princess of being a dummy who drank the same potion we used on Sombra!" "Hey!" Bluebelle shouted stamping a hoof. "I'm not a princess! And I'm not a dummy!" "Bluebelle you said, and I quote, "I thought it was hot sauce." The unicorn blushed. "W-well I did! It was an easy mistake to make!" "It was the only thing in a room with a door that said not to enter it." "Well of course that's what Aunt Tia would put to hide her secret stash of it!" Meanwhile the name "Princess Bluebelle" had been bouncing around in my mind. I knew I'd heard that somewhere, but with everything that was going on right now, and not to mention the last couple of hours, I couldn't think well. Once again I glanced at her cutie mark, and it hit me. I knew that mark! Bluebelle! No way! "Y-You're Prince Blueblood!?" I shouted before I could help myself. Both Skyla and 'Bluebelle' turned their attention to me. "I know right!?" Skyla laughed putting her hoof around me. "Can you believe it? She cleans up nicely don't she?" "S-shut up both of you!" Bluebelle cried with an indignant huff. I'm sure she meant for it to look imposing, but it only made her look that much cuter. Aw horseapples, is that what I look like when I do that? "B-but how?" I said, too flabbergasted to attempt to pretend I knew how the arrogant prince had become. Well this. "Y-You know very well why I'm stuck like this! That stupid potion turned me into a teenage filly!" Bluebelle whined, striking a dramatic pose she 'fainted' onto a nearby couch. Wait had that always been there? Was she taking lessons from Rarity? "Oh it's been terrible! I'm so short now and all the guards have been snickering at me! Then I had to have Skyla here help me get ready today which took forEVer!" Skyla rolled her eyes. "I'll remind you it was your idea to do that. You could have just gone as you were." "And look like a commoner!?" Bluebell cried with a gasp. "Never! If I'm to be stuck as a princess then it's only natural I be as beautiful as one!" Both Skyla and I narrowed our eyes. Still the same arrogant pony I knew from the show. Hate to admit it though she's not wrong about the beautiful part. She might even be prettier then me! I felt my cheeks puff out at that. Was I... jealous? "So how long are you stuck like that anyway?" I asked. I got the feeling Blueblood's transformation was fairly recent, so he or she probably wasn't really my 'friend' so to speak. "Yes why don't you tell her Bluebelle?" Skyla asked with a knowing smirk. Bluebelle's ears drooped and she mumbled something I couldn't catch. "What?" "Oh don't be such a baby." Skyla said with another roll of her eyes. "Hey! You're not the one who has to grow back up as a-a... girl!" Bluebelle cried. My eyes widened. "Wait grow up? A-are you stuck like that?" Skyla nodded. "Yep. Given what the first half of the potion was used for, Auntie Twilight made certain there was no way back, and since stupid here drank the rest of it, Aunt Celestia decided to adopt her officially and make her a new princess since there isn't any way to change her back." Bluebelle turned her head away, looking upset. My heart was about to go out to her when Skyla whispered into my ear. "Don't let the waterworks fool you, truth is she's loving the 'promotion' and has already put in an order for her own tiara and such." I turned my attention back to Bluebelle and studied her a bit more carefully this time. Her sniffles were clearly forced and I could see a slight smile on her lips. Oh boy, she was going to be one of those mares wasn't she? "Anyway, who's ready for breakfast?" Skyla asked as she trotted toward the door. "I'm starving!" "Well I suppose I could go for a bite." Bluebelle replied, falling in behind her. I moved beside her, feeling suddenly ravished. I do hope breakfast didn't hold any more surprises... * * * Discord: You know the drill. > A 'Flurry' of events > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- We had gotten about half way down the hall when a voice cried out. "Big siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis!" A small purple bundle of something cried as it shot down the hall to tackle Skyla. "You're trying to ditch me!" "Flurry you were asleep! I just let you sleep in! i promise I'm not going to leave you here!" Skyla cried out, laying on the ground, trying to get out from under the small purple alicorn that sat atop her. I almost couldn't believe my eyes. This was Flurry Heart!? She was so... big now! "You promise?" Flurry asked, a small pout upon her lips. I really couldn't believe it. This was Flurry Heart, the adorable little fluff ball I had watched in the show, now around the age the Cutie Mark Crusaders probably were. Oh geez, if Flurry is this old then does that mean the CMC are grown up? Skyla, Bluebelle and I are suppose to be teens, so I guess they'd be as big as us! That was going to be weird to see. "Princess Flurry Heart do I really seem like the type of big sister to leave you here by yourself? Have I ever done that?" Skyla asked with amusement. She had stopped trying to get up, and was simply laughing at her sister's antics. "W-well sometimes at the castle..." "Oh posh, you know I do that when you still have mom and dad to talk with. I have to have some time to myself." Skyla rolled her eyes. I couldn't help but smile. It must be nice to have a little sister. A shiver ran up my spine and I shook my head. Better not think like that. Whoever 'They' are might try and give me one. "B-but what if this was one of those times!" Again Skyla simply smiled. "Don't you worry Flurry. I'm not going to ditch you here. I promise you'll come with us to Ponyville after breakfast okay?" Finally Flurry got off her, allowing her to get back on her hooves and brush herself off with her wings. "Well if you really promise..." "I do, I wouldn't dream of keeping you from seeing your boyfriend." Skyla replied every so casually with a very subtle smirk. I could tell she was trying to tease her sister, and by the way Flurry's face was becoming red it worked. "I-I don't have a boyfriend! I just hang with him because of Pumpkin! He's an icky colt!" "Oh he is? Oh dear, and I think he wanted to make you a special treat too for visiting today. Well I'll let him know how you feel." With that she began to move toward the dining room again, Bluebelle and I silently following, while we watched the two sisters have their fun. "H-He was? Wait! You're what? N-No! Sis you can't!" Flurry cried, flapping her wings frantically while trying to keep up with her sister. I couldn't help but giggle. Wait giggle? Right, I'm still a mare and act like one. I wonder if Bluebelle has this problem? "So is this what teenage princess do? Just gossip and look pretty? I should have tried this years ago. After all who looks better then I?" Bluebelle exclaimed with a wave of her mane. Now it was my turn to roll my eyes. No wonder Skyla wasn't worried. I'm sure deep down there might be a scared, confused stallion stuck as a teenage mare, but it'd have to get through an incredible ego for anyone to notice. "Was drinking that potion really an accident?" "Of course it was!" She cried with an indignant stamp of her hoof. "I may be the prettiest young princess around, but as a stallion I was so much more!" Yeah sure you were buddy. "You're not prettier then my big sis!" Flurry suddenly blurted out. Bluebelle and I turned to see her riding on the back of her sister facing us. The scowl on her face was priceless. "Oh what would you know!?" Bluebelle cried out turning her head as if Flurry didn't matter. "You're too young to know how these things work." "I know enough to know you're a big meanie!" She shot back before blowing her a raspberry. Bluebelle cried out at the indignity. "How dare you! I'm more mature then you!" She cried, and then ruined any sense of credibility to that statement by blowing a raspberry back. "Am not!" Flurry shouted. "Am too!" Bluebelle shot back. This continued all the way down the hall, before they noticed Skyla and I laughing, and finally stopped. I wasn't sure if it was from embarrassment or they had finally run out of breath. "Hello luvs." A cheery pegasus mare cried as we entered the dining chamber, I was only barely able to discern her coat and mane were both white before I felt my heart jump at the sight before me. Sitting at the table, was not one, but all four Princesses. Aunt Twily, Aunt Tia, Aunt Cadance, and my mom. My mom. The mare sitting before me was my mother in this world. I couldn't wrap my head around it. I was really her daughter. What should I do? What should I say? What if she knew this was wrong? What if they all knew I was a fraud? That I didn't really belong here? I tried to make myself move, take another step forward but I couldn't. "Mommy!" Flurry cried flying over to Cadance and giving her a hug, which the older mare happily returned. "Can you believe it mom? Flurry thought I'd leave her here and go to Ponyville without her!" "S-Skyla! Don't tell her that!" Flurry whined, while the rest laughed. It was rather touching. Did this 'Snowdrift' have a similar relationship with her mother? My mom? Shivering I looked over the great Princess Luna and saw her meet my gaze. I feared a look of horror, of surprise, or worse, disinterest. Instead I saw a fully grown alicorn mare light up with excitement and LEAP across the room at me! "Huzzah! Good morning my most wonderful of daughters!" She cried before pulling me into the tightest bear hug I'd ever received. Or would it be a 'mare' hug? "Princess Luna she's your only daughter." Twilight said with playful smirk. "All the more reason to cherish her!" My mom replied nuzzling my head. "M-Moooooooom! I'm not a little filly anymore!" I blurted out without thinking, trying to pry myself away from the crazy mare. With a laugh she let me go. "Oh come now dearest daughter, we're among friends here! Let us indulge ourselves!" "Really sister, you're embarrassing her." Aunt Tia said between sips of her tea. Wait tea this early in the day? She really did love the stuff didn't she? "Oh she'll live." Luna said with a dismissive hoof. "Come daughter! Join us! Tia prepared it, so you'll never guess what's for breakfast. Pancakes!" Before I knew it, her magic had dropped me into a chair and plopped a pile of the tastiest flapjacks I'd ever seen before me. Complete with little fruit faces. "Are you implying this is all I can make?" Celestia asked her voice level. "Come to think of it..." Cadance said rubbing the underside of her muzzle. "You do seem to always make these when it's your turn to make breakfast." "But I thought you all liked my pancakes..." She actually looked dejected. The princess of the sun. I don't know if I can take all this in... "We do Aunt Tia." Skyla said from her spot at the table. "Right Flurry?" Flurry simply nodded, having dug into her food already, syrup dripping from her mouth as she happily chewed. "Flurry! You're getting it all over yourself!" Cadance fretted as she tried to wipe the excess stickiness from her daughter's coat. "At this rate we'll have to give you a bath before we head out!" "Awww..." Flurry whined, having swallowed her mouthful. "I don't wanna take a bath!" "Then slow down!" Cadance replied, a few others laughed, including Aunt Tia. I should probably try to ask her for help. Any of them for help. Maybe try to explain to them what happened to me. Question was could I? Wasn't that against a rule? My stomach growled, demanding I pay attention to it instead. Right, I should eat. I could try and figure out some sort of plan later. For the moment simply playing the role was likely the best bet. Trying not to think about it, which of course only made it that more difficult to do, I tried lifting the fork up with magic and scoop up just enough for a mouthful. The moment it touched my tongue I felt the world spin. The texture and flavors! Aunt Tia might only know how to make one dish for breakfast, but she knew how to make it well! It felt like I barely blinked and my plate was empty. "Wow Snowdrift, I've never seen you eat so fast before! "Aunt Twilight said, gazing at me in awe. "O-Oh uh..." I stammered. Where were those seemingly programmed responses when I needed them!? "Oh she's probably just preparing for tonight." Cadance replied, causing my heart to race. Tonight? What was happening tonight!? "Tonight?" I heard Bluebelle say. Oh thank the sun! Someone else was in the dark. "What's tonight?" "Honestly Bluebelle," Mom said making sure to put extra emphasis on her new name. "You never do keep up with these things do you? Tonight is-" * * * Choice time! > Make a wish it's your birthday! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Hello dear readers." A rather familiar draconequus chirps as he drinks a cup of tea upon a rather comfy looking chair. "We need to talk." He dips his saucer into the tea and then eats the tea cup. "It seems a few of you feel I'm... let's say over exerting my power upon our dear Princess Snowdrift. That I'm forcing her to move and act a certain way." He sighs and snaps his claws sending the still tea soaked saucer and chair away. "While I admit I'm lending her a hand so to speak here and there, that's mainly to keep her out of jail and to prevent everypony from screaming 'changling' at her in a moments notice. If you really think I'm forcing her to think a certain way I'm afraid you are mistaken. Her thoughts are her own. If I just made her act and think like Snowdrift this wouldn't be any fun for you or me." Swirling his hand, a mirror appears before him showing the scene in the dining room with the rather nervous Snowdrift. "Now I know being the great being of chaos you probably don't trust me, but alas it is the truth. You see I'm barely doing anything to her at all. It is YOU who drive the story, not I." He turns to give you a smirk, but then sighs. "But Discord, I hear at least one of you say. What about her personality? Isn't that you're doing? Aren't you forcing her to BE a certain way. Fill a certain role?" He stops to scratch his chin, watching the befuddled bat princess through the mirror with interest. "And that's just the thing. I've done nothing of the sort. My magic gave her a body and role to play true, but it's her own mind that came up with the personality. In sort she's acting as she feels 'Snowdrift' should act. When I make her say certain things, it's her mind that chooses the phase, the tone. I find that very... interesting. Or did you think I chose this human at random? Oh no. I feel there is a part of her that really wants to embrace this role. Then again who knows?" "But I'll tell you what. If you truly feel this is all in error and I'm back to being a mean ol' villain. I'll let you fix it all right now. When you vote at the end of this particular installment. I'll add a "Get out of role free' card" He goes as far as to make air quotes to you to drive his point. "You will be given a chance to set her free, return her to the human world and this will all be a bad dream. The story ends here." "Or." He smiles, and with a snap two more mirrors appear. One with the new Princess Blueblood shown inside, and another with the strapping stallion guard Sand Gust. "We can see how this all develops. The choices are yours dear readers..." * * * "-my lovely daughter's sweet sixteen!" Mom proclaimed happily to the ensembled ponies, many who gave out little whoops of congratulations. Wait what? Sweet sixteen? Then that meant. It was my birthday today!? Ugh, it was almost poetic. I didn't really exist before this, so why not it be a date of my birth? "Eeee! We are going to have the best of time tonight Snowy!" Skyla said as she pulled me close with a wing. "Mom threw a huge celebration for mine last year and it was great! Well most of it was." "Oh sweetie, choosing your personal guard wasn't that bad." Cadance said with a roll of her eyes. Skyla on the other hoof frowned. "Mom I had like the entire Empire of teen stallions lining up to 'be my knight' it took hours." She huffed turning her head away. "Honestly I don't know why you made it a thing." "Oh? Then I suppose I should go tell your personal mare guard Emerald Shield that she's fired?" Cadance said nonchalantly as she sipped some juice. Skyla's reaction was instant, as she turned toward her mother with wide fearful eyes. "What? No! You can't do that! She'll think I hate her!" Cadance couldn't help but let out a giggle. "Seems like your personal guard is more like a close friend." Skyla blushed. "W-well I mean given we spend so much time together..." "And that's why we started it." Another voice added. I was surprised to see it was Aunt Twily. Had she a hoof in this? Was it a tradition now or something? "Just what are you blabbering on about?" Bluebelle scoffed, taking a seat. It was originally far from any of the other already seated princess's, but Aunt Tia quickly changed that by literally picking her up with magic and placing Bluebelle to her right. The new princess didn't look happy, but apparently she knew not to argue with her 'mother'. "Something you yourself will deal with in a couple of years my fourteen year old daughter." Celestia said in her calm collected way, though I was pretty certain she only mentioned the age to tease Bluebelle. By the looks of her, it worked. "Bah, it's not my fault the potion made me this young." She actually crossed her hooves like a little filly in a time out. I had to stifle a laugh, it was adorable. "She should be thankful she didn't drink as much as Sombra did." Skyla whispered to me. I suddenly was very curious as to what the former evil king now looked like. "Now when a Princess turns sixteen, they must choose from a group of willing volunteers. This chosen stallion or mare will become the personal guard of the princess for the next four years, as they learn to become the future ruler they are destined to be." "As much as my friends and I have accomplished, Equestria is still a very dangerous place. Tempest showed us that rather strongly." Twilight said with a frown. So the events of the movie did happen here as well. Guess that wasn't too surprising. "As such we thought it best to have a companion with Skyla almost at all times." Cadance added. "Some pony who would had passed certain test and criteria that we could trust to look after her." "And I thought it'd be a great way to build a strong friendship." Twilight added, "and given how much you care for Emerald, I say it worked." Skyla blushed but said nothing. Was Emerald just a friend? Skyla was Aunt Caddie's daughter. Though that didn't look like a crush blush. Wait how would I even know what that was? "We as well find it to be a marvelous idea." Mom agreed with a nod. "Hence the reason we've adopted it here in Canterlot as well. It was a pain sorting out all the applicants, but I feel well worth it in the end." That made sense really. They test and present the princess with a group of ponies their own age, and let them choose who will be there personal guard, and likely friend. Skyla apparently enjoyed her choice, and Blueblood would have to choose in two years time when she turned sixteen. Yes, sixteen. Odd that seemed... My eyes widened. SIXTEEN! I was turning sixteen! That meant I was about to do this myself! * * * Meanwhile in another part of the castle, Sand Gust stared at his helmet. He hadn't been certain before when he had passed the tests, but now he was certain. He wanted to be the one Princess Snowdrift chose for her personal guard. After all what better way to get to know her? She had agreed to date him to, so that meant he had a good chance. He hoped. * * * "Oh dear, seems like our princess has yet another event in store for her, but a deal is a deal. You can let Snowdrift go home and the story ends here. Or we can follow a different pony for a bit..." > Sand Gust's oversight > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was almost like fate. The most beautiful princess in the land, well at least he thought so, was the very mare he was guarding tonight on her special day. Or well at least he was guarding her. His shift had technically ended a few hours ago, but with luck he'd be her chosen guard once the night was through. "Mmmm," He murmured to himself as he walked down the hall to return his armor. His thoughts drifting back to her wiggling her rear at him from earlier. Was it really only a tease? Did she do that to every 'guard' that came into her chambers? No, that couldn't be it. He'd have heard something about that in the barracks. He may have only been here a week, but it was long enough to have heard quite a few rumors. None of them were of Snowdrift doing anything in the realm of 'sexual' like that. As far as any of the staff and guards knew, she was what you'd expect of a princess. Beautiful, graceful, witty, a nicely shaped rump he'd love to lay his hooves on- He shook his head to clear his thoughts. He needed to focus if he was to have any chance of beating out the other suitors. Promised date or not, there would be a slew of stallions that could possibly woo her. He'd just have to do his best to be charming, respectful, and hope his gift was worthy enough to... to.. Gift! He hadn't gotten her a gift! What was he going to do?! This was the DAY of her birthday! How could he have overlooked such a thing? This was horrible! Without a gift he'd at best be seen as inconsiderate, and at worst be thrown in a dungeon! Okay so maybe not that one, but the others could see the act as an insult. Would her mother, THE Princess Luna accept such a stallion as her daughter's personal guard? One who couldn't even bring her a small gift on her birthday? No, no he had to fix this. He had to get her something! Something that would show he was serious about being her chosen one! Now... how in tartarus was he going to do that? * * * Without a clear plan in his mind, he wandered aimlessly through the many roads of Canterlot, glancing this way and that for an idea, any idea for a gift to get Snowdrift. He saw lots of dresses, jewelry and other such trinkets, but none of them worked. That was certain to be what ninety percent of the other stallions would get her. He needed something different, something beautiful yet unique. Something that would blow all the other gifts away, and yet still be something he was certain she'd enjoy. "Oh yeah piece of cake." He muttered to himself as he turned down yet another roadway. He'd known of Princess Snowdrift for years, but didn't KNOW her much at all. The most he knew about her, besides the obvious physical attributes, was what little he had seen of her room that morning. How was he suppose to find something that really spoke to her when he hardly knew the first thing about her? Ugh this was hopeless, he may as well just give... hold up what's that store? If it wasn't for the sign he'd never have noticed it. Tucked away in a side street was an almost shield shaped sign with what appeared to be a potion over a line, and under that line was a pony. It had a single wooden door leading in, and a small window to the door's left. Peering in, he saw all sorts of strange piles of what could almost be considered junk. In his experience, these shops always seemed to carry something odd yet wonderful to look at. This could be the perfect place to find something! Just as he was walking up to the door, her heard a loud crash come from inside followed by a feminine curse. Without thinking, he burst in. "Is everypony okay? Do you need help?" He called, causing the poor mare inside to leap up in the air from surprise. "D-don't startle the Great and Power Trixie like that!" The blue mare yelled, as she tried to smooth out her ruffled white mane. Sand Gust blushed from embarrassment. "S-sorry I just heard a crash and well..." "O-Oh yes, nothing to worry about. Trix- I mean this stupid shelf just fell over!" The mare said as she used her magic to stand a small display case back up. Sand Gust briefly noticed the glass that had once made up it's front doors was now all over the floor in pieces, several items that he presumed were once inside said display now laying in various places on the ground. "Oh uh, do you need help cleaning up?" He was more worried about the mare cutting herself on the fallen glass then he was of why the thing had fallen over. Though he had a feeling it hadn't just 'fallen'. "Oh um no no. Trixie has it!" She said using her magic to collect and deposit the strewn about glass into a nearby trash bin, along with a few papers and such. Sand Gust was a bit impressed she could manipulate that many tiny things all at once. Wait had she just thrown away a sign that said "Danger Not for Sale?" "A-anyway, how can the Great and Powerful Trixie help you?" She said using her magic to place a few things that had fallen on the ground to various places in the shop. He couldn't help but notice nothing went back in the broken display case. "Oh uh, I'm looking for a gift, but not just any gift. Like something that'd catch Princess Snowdrift's eye." He slapped a hoof over his mouth, a burn in his cheeks. How could he just blurt it out like that? "Oh yes, Trixie heard about that." She said without much interest as she walked behind the counter. "A lot of stallions your age are trying to find a gift." With a sigh she plopped down on stool. "Trixie supposes some tickets to her show aren't GOOD enough to pass?" "Uh, n-no! Those would be great actually!" He couldn't believe how much the mare's eyes lit up at hearing that. "R-really? You mean it!?" With a gulp he nodded his head, as the mare he was pretty sure was this 'Trixie' leapt toward him, two tickets in her mouth. "For such a wise stallion colt, a special discount of only thirty bits for each ticket!" She was so happy she was nearly bouncing. Sand Gust meanwhile had to mask his shock. Sixty bits in total!? That was robbery! Damn it, he had the money but this could make getting Snowdrift's actual present difficult. What if he couldn't afford it after this? He peered into the mare's eyes and winced inwardly. How could he turn her down now? "O-Oh uh thank you!" He managed to muster as he lifted the cash out of his saddle bags and held them out. Before he knew it, the bits were gone, replaced by the tickets. Looking up he say his missing bits disappear into her mane. How did she do that? He could see by the tickets this show was a magic show. Perhaps it wouldn't be a complete waste of his money, but still this wouldn't wow anyone at the party. "You are very welcome handsome!" She said with a wink, obviously trying to butter him up. Despite knowing this he still blushed. She wasn't bad looking though the age gap was way too much. Not that he'd say that out loud. "Is there anything else Trixie can help you with?" "Y-yes, I uh, think these tickets will be great but I can't-" He saw the expression sour in her face and tried to switch tactics. "T-that is to say I think they are best given as a um... private gift! Yes, something I did for her and not because of the whole party thing tonight. Uh t-that being said though I still need a gift to publicly give her." Trixie's face seemed to digest this for a moment before breaking into a smile. "Yes! Yes of course something like tickets to MY show are far to important to be used as some random item meant to 'look good' for those noble types." Sand Gust nearly breathed an audible sigh of relief. "Hmm sadly Trixie doesn't own this shop, she's only watching after it for a friend. So she doesn't know what he'd recommend." She shrugged. "Nevermind Trixie is sure it can't be that hard. Perhaps we can find you something that will by 'shiny' enough to please the crowd." She lit up her horn, possibly trying to cast a locator spell before she just glanced around and seemingly grabbed anything 'shiny' and placed it on the counter. Soon Sand Gust had three rather curious objects set before him. "These should do nicely. Though Trixie remembers you can only have one 'presented' gift. Hmm well I'm any of them will be perfect." Then more quietly to herself. "Hopefully none were from that display... Trixie is sure they aren't... mostly" Sand Gust didn't like that. What if one of these was from the display? Why would they be labeled as do not sell? He almost declined, till he realized the time. It was nearing late afternoon! He needed a gift NOW and still had to get ready. Damn, looks like he'd have to take the chance. At the very least, from looking at the items before him, he could easily say that any of them would certainly be unique. The first item was a beautiful choker with a white heart shaped opal set in it's center. It'd certainly look good on Snowdrift, but was it too strong a gift? It's tag read: "Moonlight Love" The second item was a beautifully carved hoof mirror painted light blue. It was oval in shape, with a the phases of the moon carved around the edge, bordering the glass of the mirror. An hourglass painted on it's back. "Phases of time" was it's tag. Finally was what appeared to be a giant blue egg, except it's shell seemed to be made of crystal. Crystal that caused the light to swirl about inside of it, giving off an effect in the shell that Sand Gust could only describe as seeing something like the aurora borealis. "Snowbird" was it's tag. "Trixie will give them to you for only one hundred bits each! Whichever one you choose!" That was about all he had left after the 'tickets' So he could only get one, which meant he had to choose right now! > Eggcelent choice! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- There was just something about this egg like crystal he couldn't ignore. The way it's colors swirled, almost like they were alive. It seemed Trixie shared his interest as she too seemed lost in it's swirls. Weird, was it just a reflection of the lights in her eyes? They almost seemed to swirl like the colors in the crystal. Gah, he had no time to worry about that now. He had to pick an item and get back! He still had to get dressed and wrap his gift! "I'll take this one." He said tapping the 'egg'. Trixie barely seemed to acknowledge him, as if she was lost in thought. "Hmm? Oh yes, of course. That will be 100 bits." She said in a voice that was almost monotone. Weird, just a few seconds ago she was over the top and boastful. Well whatever, he didn't have time to think about it. "Here you go." He dropped the small bag of his earnings on the table. Gah, it was enough for the gift, but this would severely limit his food budget. Guess it was those cheap noodles for a few nights. Oh well. "Thank you for your patronage. Is there anything else Trixie can do for you?" She was still talking in that weird way. Was she testing him or something? Testing him for what? He paid the full amount. Maybe she was just messing with him. Well he knew a way to nip that in the bud. If he could actually say it. His eyes gazed over the mare before him. She was much older then him sure, but she had the looks. Ha, imagine if she really went through with it. He shouldn't of course, even if he wasn't with Snowdrift it'd almost be like cheating right? No, he supposed that was silly. Besides, this mare would likely just tell him off. "How about adding in a kiss?" He said with a chuckle. Right before the world crashed around him What did he just do!? He did it! He actually said it! It was only suppose to be a joke! AH! WHAT WAS HE THINKING!? He had to fix this! "I-I mean uh-MMMF!" Without warning the blue mare's lips met his own. They were warm and sweet tasting, causing a shiver to run down his spine. She held it for much longer then he thought possible before pulling back. "Anything else?" She asked, her voiced unchanged from it's almost emotionless manner. Sand Gust only barely registered that as he began to back up, shocked and aroused. What just happened!? Had she really just kissed him? Why? This just didn't happen in real life! "N-No uh, I mean that was lovely uh but I uh need to be going!" He cried shoving the crystal as he hastily made his way to the door. "Did you not enjoy the kiss?" The mare asked from behind him. Okay this was really getting freaky. Whatever was going on here, he wanted no further part of it. Wait, what if she followed him for an answer? Crap he had to think of something fast! "N-No, I mean it was great! I'm sure the next pony in would enjoy one as well!" He blurted out with a wince. Why the burnt hay did he say that? Well whatever, he was down the street now, and she wasn't following. Time to get back and get ready. He could deal with this and what to do with these tickets later. * * * "Yes... the next pony..." Trixie repeated as she sat there for a few moments more. Finally with a shake of her head she blinked and took a look around the shop. Where had that cute little colt gone? Wait cute? Well Trixie supposed he was cute, but wasn't he a bit on the young side? Trixie didn't really swing that way did she? She didn't have time to worry about it as the door re-opened, a familiar purple mare walking through. "Starlight! You came to see Trixie!" Trixie exclaimed as she trotted around the counter. Starlight meanwhile rolled her eyes. "Hey I told you I'm not so wrapped up in the school that I'd forget our lunch date. You ready to go?" "Huh? Oh yes lunch. Ha Trixie actually forgot what time it was after all the clea-MMMFF." The sentence she had been speaking was stopped rather suddenly as she pressed her lips against Starlight's. Both mare's eyes widen exceptionally as a healthy blush over took their cheeks. "T-Trixie!" Starlight yelled, as she backed up, trying to forget how sweet the other mare's lips felt. "W-Why did you do that!?" Trixie was trying to forget much the same thing. "T-Trixie doesn't know!" > A Spoiled Princess > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sand Gust almost felt like a spy in one of those thriller books his older sister read. He should probably calm down. Then again wouldn't anypony be nervous in this situation? Snowdrift was probably being fitted for her new gown this very moment. She'd appear in front of so many candidates, him being just one among dozens. Dear Celestia he hoped he was picked. The crystal should help. He knew it'd win over any of the noble ponies watching, but it had to win Snowdrift over. Still he wish he knew anything about her to get her something more personal. What could he do though? It's not like he could go up to her mother Princess Luna and ask. Could he? No other candidates had to have tried that before. Though maybe he didn't have to go that high up? Skyla was a princess and even one of the daughters to the Princess of Love. Or was it the princess of Family? Regardless she was friends with Snowdrift. Maybe she could help? Only problem, he had no idea where she was staying. Well he was a guard, perhaps there was information in the barracks? It was a better idea then anything else he could think of. He had just turned a corner when he almost ran straight into a white mare, both barely catching themselves in time. "Watch where you're going guard!" She shrieked gazing at him with annoyance. Oh great it was the newly Princess Bluebelle. Wow she was rather pretty. Given his sister had went from stallion to mare, that part didn't really freak him out so much, however now that she was his own age was different. His infatuation with Snowdrift aside, he couldn't help having a few dirty thoughts about this mare. Thankfully he was able to keep them at bay. "S-sorry Princess." He stammered trying to get past. Pretty or not, this was still Blueblood deep down inside, and he was never very fun to be around. "Yes well given your nervousness you must be humbled being in the presence of such a beautiful princess like myself, so I suppose it's only natural to make mistakes. Very well you may gaze upon me." Bluebelle practically sang as she held herself up in the most 'princessly' way she could. Yep, still Blueblood in there. Oh well, best to just go along with it and get out of here. "I'd uh love to your highness but I really must be going..." Bluebelle frowned at that. "I'm giving you a gift guard, what am I not dazzling enough for you?" He wanted to tell her no, but he dared not see her reaction to that. It was a shame really. If she wasn't acting to stuck up as she had when Blueblood, she'd actually be quite the package. Just like Snowdrift was. Kind, beautiful, such a wonderful smile... "Hello? Equestria to guard!" Bluebelle snapped as Sand Gust realized he had been staring into space. "What are you even doing over here anyway? And what's that glowing in your bag? Are you bringing in something dangerous?" With a horrible start, Sand Gust felt the crystal egg float out of his saddle bag in the grip of Bluebelle's magic. Damn it! He knew he should have splurged for the ones that had anti theft magic woven in! "H-Hey! give that back!" He made a desperate swipe with his hooves at it, but the princess just raised it higher out of his grasp. "Oh my this is rather exquisite isn't it?" She said as she turned it this way and that. "And why, may I ask, would a lowly guard like you have something like this?" "P-Please Princess I have to deliver that." He said slowly. Bluebelle here was really beginning to piss him off, but guard training almost specifically trained you to keep calm in situations like this. Thank the stars for that. "Deliver it to whom now?" She sighed. "Snowdrift am I correct?" Sand Gust was actually shocked. She had guessed it that easily? "H-How did-" "Oh please, I may look like a teenage filly, but I was once a grown stallion. I know all about courting and the idealistic dreams of young colts. What else would you have this for on the night of her birthday?" He couldn't really argue with that. He'd have to keep her origins in mind for the future. "I see, well then if I could just have that back then." Stuck up or not, he doubted Bluebelle would steal from him. Blueblood had a reputation of being a bit of a jerk, but he never outright broke the law. "In a minute, I'm admiring it!" She snapped back, moving away from him. Gah, he didn't have time for this! Gritting his teeth, he followed after her. "Princess I beseech you, I have to get ready-" "For what? Join the candidates for this stupid little "best friend" contest? What a laugh. Ever since that changeling queen pretended to be Cadance, each princess was trained to defend themselves. Even I, despite being a stallion have to partake in these lessons, and yet we still do this personal guard nonsense? For what purpose?!" Before he had a chance to reply Bluebelle whirled on him. "Furthermore, what makes you think that YOU have a chance at the position? You a new recruit? How would you protect her hmm?" "I-I mean..." Damn it why couldn't he speak? "I just wanted..." "Wanted what? To ogle her all day? Get in line loser, so does every other silly colt here tonight, and some of them have nobility on their side. You probably stand some chance with Snowdrift being like that Skyla in they appreciate the 'little ponies' more then most ponies I brushed manes with, but I doubt it'll be enough. Even with your little trinket here." Sand Gust didn't see how Bluebelle brought the crystal in front of her face right then, her eyes beginning to glaze over as she stared at the beautiful swirling colors. All he could think about was how angry he felt. How dare she judge him like that? She was only acting so high and mighty because of her status, one he was quickly seeing she didn't deserve. "You know what Bluebelle," He said practically spitting out her name. "Why don't you-"