Homecoming
Homecoming by Nature Spell
Twilight Sparkle followed her parents into her childhood home. She paused in the foyer, closed her eyes, and took a depth breath-exhaling slowly. Finally! She was tired, somewhat overwhelmed, but happy. Her coronation itself had been amazing, due mostly to the presence of her friends, family, and Princess Celestia. But they had all left Canterlot leaving Spike, and her parents, as her only source of comfort. She could not fault her friends, or her brother, for going back to their normal routine. Life goes on, but her life was on hold. Except for the parties she felt compelled to attend. The Canterlot gentry were falling over themselves to meet her and she was growing tired of them. Lucky for her the tidal wave of parties was becoming a trickle.
Far more interesting to her was the attention she was receiving from the mares and colts she’d known before moving to Ponyville. At first they were startled by her sociableness, which to them, seemed even more amazing than her becoming a princess. Twilight Sparkle: the pony that cared more about books, than friends-was now-friendly.
The change in Twilight confounded one pony in particular. Her name was Twinkleshine and she was one of a group of mares Twilight grew up with and who always attempted to befriend her but to know avail. Seeing Twilight with her friends she could not help but feel slightly envious. What did they offer that she had not? It troubled Twilight to see Twinkleshine and the others. Seeing them brought back so many memories. Even a few regrets. However, she did not dwell on her past, or the choices she’d made, because those were a part of her as well. The good and the bad. The missed opportunities and the opportunities she seized with her whole heart. She’d not known what to say to Twinkleshine when her feelings became apparent, so she’d let the moment pass and allowed herself to be whisked away by her bodyguards. Shining Armor had assigned them more to keep her moving and on schedule and in this case she was grateful. He knew, better than most, how strong his little sister could be and that she could handle herself in a crisis. But the crisis of a former friend was not something she felt up to dealing with right now. Twilight closed her eyes again. "You have no time for regrets, Twilight," she thought to herself.
“Twilight? Twilight?” Twilight’s eyes focused on her mother Twilight Velvet. “I do wish you would reconsider and stay here until Princess Celestia returns. We’ve not seen you for months and now your brother and Cadance have gone too.”
“Mother.” Twilight started. “I know you and Daddy missed me. I missed you too, but Ponyville is my home now. That is were my friends are and were I feel most comfortable. Princess Celestia felt that my staying in Ponyville was fine and that is good enough for me!”
“But must you run away so quickly?” her mother cried.
“Now, now.” Twilight’s father, Night Light, murmured soothingly to his wife. “Leave her alone my dear. Are children are adults and…” Twilight Sparkle noticed the huskiness in her father’s voice and the moistness in his eyes. “They are living their lives. We are so proud of you both and one day, I hope, you’ll have your own children, and you’ll understand better.”
“Besides,” her father smiled playfully. “Who are we to argue with a princess?”
Twilight smiled at her parents, but looked away as the thought occurred to her that they would not live forever. That one day they would be gone and the love and support they always showed her would go with them. She knew surprisingly little of her friend’s parents, especially Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash. However, she knew the latter was the mare version of her father; a famous and former Wonderbolt. Rainbow Dash always seemed hesitant to talk about him and Twilight was in no position to cast stones. Who was she to pry? But maybe, when the time is right, our past's can be something we can share and explore together.
She put thoughts of her friend’s parents aside as she refocused on her own. “I’ll be back. I promise. Ponyville isn’t far. Maybe, once I find out what my duties will be we can find the time to visit Shining Armor and Cadance in the Crystal Empire. Especially, if your intuition is correct Mother.” Her mother smiled slightly.
“What?” Her father asked. “What is going on?”
“Mom thinks Cadance is having a baby,” Twilight Sparkle responded with a slight giggle.
Night Light opened and closed his mouth as he looked at his bemused wife and daughter. He sighed, “Well no doubt your mother knows. Perhaps it is time for bed.”
Everybody agreed. Twilight wished her parents a goodnight and made her way to her former bedroom. She could hear Spike’s heavy breathing. He was still asleep. Poor baby, she thought. She tucked him in and smiled at her little assistant. He had been such a wonderful support and she would need to find a way to spend time with him and show him how much she cared for him and counted on him. Laying on her bed she glanced around her room and took in the well thumbed books on elementary magic, her old chemistry set and telescope. The walls were still covered with posters of famous unicorns, including Star Swirl the Bearded. Her prized possession was a small painting of Princess Celestia raising the sun. What do I do now? She asked her mentor’s picture. She wished the Princess would return soon. To talk to her. Tell her what to do and what to study. But she knew in her heart that her teacher didn’t have all the answers and never did. No teacher, or parent, ever does. They simply help their students find the answers that lie with in.
You've proven that you're ready Twilight. Celestia had told her. Ready? Ready for what? Twilight had asked plaintively. To fulfill your destiny. Celestia’s voice echoed in her heart and mind.
Destiny? What is my destinty? The answer was far more complex than her elevation to princess. The changes her metamorphism brought were far deeper, and more complex, than a title and a pair of wings. Wings! She sighed and unfolded her wings to stretch them. They still felt awkward and made it difficult to sleep, but she was getting used to them. She smiled as she remembered the glee that Rainbow Dash showed upon seeing them. She flew badly, horribly was how Spike put it, and she relied heavily on her magic to stay airborne. But she was determined to learn and that is what she excelled at-learning. She thought of her friends, and their reaction to her transformation, and felt so grateful that they were truly happy for her and did not see her as anything other than their friend.
Applejack said it best. “We love you Twi. Your wings and title are just that wings and a title! Now if you start talking all fancy we might have us a problem.”
Twilight’s eyes fluttered as sleep called to her and her dreams edged ever closer. “Sleep Twilight Sparkle. It is time for sleep now princess. ” Princess Luna’s voice echoed in her mind. “Tomorrow is a new day Twilight Sparkel and everything is going to be just fine.”