"Wake up!"
Starlight grumbled, and pulled the covers over her head. "Go away Sorea! Im tired, Im sore, and I want to sleep for a thousand moons!"
Sorea stubbornly pulled the covers off her sister again, snorting angrily. "Get up Starlight! I mean it!"
"No!" she said and covered her face with a pillow. "I shall never repent!"
"Come on Starlight!" Sorea exclaimed, letting a note of depression creep into her voice. "Everypony`s waiting to see the alicorn who saved Equestria. Even Shaun managed to make it." she added quietly at the end.
She lay there, and looked like she was about to get up, but instead, just pulled the covers around her again.
"NOW!" Sorea exclaimed in her mom voice, but Starlight didnt move. She was starting to think shed won when her sister`s aura lifted her out of bed, and forcefully dumped her on the floor.
"What the Tartarus, Sorea?!" Starlight exclaimed, momentarily stunned. She quickly checked the long gash on her leg. "Great, you`ve re-opened it!"
Sorea gasped and came closer to look at Starlights leg. "Im so sorry! Is it bleeding?!"
Starlight smiled mischievously, violently punched her in the shoulder, and quickly teleported away by the bedroom door.
"Thats for throwing me on the ground!' she stated, pointing at Soreas now sore shoulder.
Sorea scowled at her. "I did not throw you on the ground, and you need to get ready for the party."
Starlight sighed. "Why does it always have to be a party? Whenever something happens we always throw a party! Can`t we all just lay down, and sleep?"
Ignoring her sisters ramblings, Sorea set a large pink box on the bed. "Thats the dress Rarity made you," she informed her, walking over to the door. Without turning around, she gripped the door in her magic and walked out. "Get dressed. NOW!"
Irritated, Starlight slammed the door and locked it. Will she ever stop being so bossy?
She was about to open the box, but decided she better take a shower first. Finding a new toothbrush (still in the package), by chance, she brushed her teeth, and washed her face. After selecting soap, and finding another clean rag, the alicorn then proceeded to figure out how the shower controls worked. Ten minutes of getting rained on with scalding, and sometimes freezing water passed, and an angry Starlight decided to take her chances in a semi-warm sprinkle. Turning the shower off, she hurriedly dried herself, and lathered lotion everywhere, determined to not keep everypony waiting for much longer.
She made her way over to the box, and opened it with her magic. Starlight held up the dress, and gasped in delight. It was a lovely blushing pink color, with a sweeping trail bordered with delicate lace. The chest and cuffs were also bordered with lace, and the whole dress seemed to sparkle in the fading sunlight. And, if that wasn`t enough it came with a pretty little gold tiara (it looked suspiciously legit) that had a pink heart-shaped gem embedded in the middle.
"Ohhh, Rarity..." she whispered, making a mental note to thank her later. She carefully put on the dress, and stood in front of the mirror. Starlight was nowhere close to a envious pony, but itd be a lie to say she didnt look amazing. In fact when she put the crown on her head, she almost looked like a princess.
Starlight gave a big sigh, and gripped the door handle in her magic. She felt nervous, excited, and scared all at the same time. Tonight had to be the one of the most important nights of her life, and hopefully she left the impression that she was a friendly, yet dominant alicorn, and definitely NOT royalty.
Starlight walked out, and into the hall where two guards were waiting to escort her to the garden where the party was being held. This is weird... she thought as the guards flanked her on either side. I`m not even a princess, so why do I need guards? Mentally shrugging to herself, they made their way to the gardens without any conversation. Once at the doors, Starlight gave the guards a quiet "Thank You" and was surprised to see her family standing there.
"Oh, we`re so proud of you!" her mother, Sweet Art exclaimed, hugging her tight. She was a plump, meduim-height unicorn, with a dark red coat, and a dark brown mane with gray streaks. Sweet Art had dark brown eyes, and a generous sprinkle of freckles across her face.
"Yes, were all proud of our Jewel!" Bolt, her father, said warmly. He was a tall, handsome stallion with a shining black coat, somewhat unsettling red eyes, a white mane and tail, and white socks. Bolts hooves are bronze, as he has an odd white lightning-shaped mark on his forehead.
Her youngest brother, Piper, ran up to her grinning a Pinkie smile. "I made you this!" he chirped, and held out a card that read Equestria`s Greatest Princess on the front. Piper was a light blue earthpony, with sparkling brown eyes, an orange mane and tail, and a train whistle as a cutimark.
Sorea just rolled her eyes, and gave Starlight a large smile. All Starlight could do was gasp, "Mom. Can`t. Breathe!"
Her family laughed, and when her mother stepped back, she frowned and pointed at her dress. "That neckline is way too low." she said.
"MOM-" Starlight started.
Bolt quickly intervened. "You look wonderful Starlight."
"Thanks," she said, and she looked over the heads of her family members to see her older brother Shaun lurking by the far wall. He was a handsome young pegasus stallion with a nice chocolate brown coat, cream socks on all legs, a cream patch around his right eye, left ear, and one surrounding his cutiemark. He had a short, wispy, butterscotch mane and tail, with nice brown eyes and a paintbrush with rainbow-colored paint on it painting a loop-de-loop.
"Shaun!" she exclaimed, and pushed by her family members to get to him. Starlight trotted up to her older brother, and hugged him tightly. He heasitantly returned the hug, and then gently broke it.
"I didnt know youd come," Starlight murmured after a minute.
Shaun smiled. "And miss a chance of seeing my little sister?"
Starlight hugged him one last time, and stepped back to look at her family. "I guess it`s time."
Piper smiled encouragingly. "You can do it!"
She put on a nervous smile, and walked up to the door with her family behind her. The butterflies in her stomach had turned into angry bees, and she was sure she would lose it at any moment. I can do this...Oh, Faust help me! Starlight pushed open the doors...And was immediately blinded by the intense spotlight. She quickly shut her eyes, and blinked to adjust to the light.
When she opened her eyes, she found herself to be on a large stage. Nadine was standing next to her looking nervous, and for good reason. A large crowd of ponies below were criticizing, examining, and studying their every move. It was enough to make anypony break.
"Behold, Princess Nadine and Princess Starlight!" The sound of Princess Celestias voice made her jump. *Im not a princess!* she yelled fiercely in her mind. Starlight just kept on smiling though, as the ponies yelled and stomped their hooves in congratulations.
Wait a second, did I just get coronated?! The thought made her face turn into a movie of emotions, before being replaced by the same wide grin, and the warmness coming from her cheeks intensified.
Princess Celestia turned towards them. "Would either of you like to say a few words?"
Before Starlight could kindly say no, Nadine nodded and stepped forward. "I just want to say how lucky I am to be here. Surrounded by the friends I never thought I would have, and my two precious sisters"-she gave a meaningful smile to her sisters here-"I feel truly loved. Thank you ever so much for forgiving me, and allowing me to break out of my shell of hate. Thank you, I love you all!"
Show-off! Starlight thought a bit resentfully. Her blood froze when Princess Celestia turned her eyes on her. "How about you, Princess Starlight?"
"Um okay," she muttered and stepped forward. Her heart beat wildly, acting as if it was going to explode, and she felt herself begin to sweat a bit. I can do this! Anypony can recite a speech, right? Oh, why didn`t I write a speech?!
Gulping hard, she cleared her throat and began: "I have never thought of myself as a princess. Where I grew up, ponies never treated me like I was special, excepting my family of course." She searched for their faces in the crowd, and when she found them they all nodded encouragingly. "It is true that I got way more than I bargained for when I traveled to Ponyville. But even though some of it was in a bad way, a lot more was in a good way. Im so happy that I have made so many good friends these past few days, and as Equestrias newest alicorn I hope to make a lot more!"
Starlight stepped back as the crowd cheered, and she noticed that Celestia and Nadine were smiling at her. Apparently, she had done a good job. "Tonight we feast in honor of our dear sister`s return!" Princess Luna cried as she appeared on a hill, and prepared to rise the moon.
Starlight took this moment to sneak away, and quietly trotted off the stage. She made her way to her family, struggling through the current of ponies. "You were amazing! How did you ever write such a wonderful speech in so little time?!" her mother exclaimed when she came into view.
"I didnt," Starlight said after her family had finished hugging her for the second time that day. "I didnt write it down. I guess it just came from my heart."
Shaun made a gagging sound. "That was so corny I could taste it."
Starlight laughed, knowing he was right. Rainbow Dash and Shaun would make a good couple. She began to fight against the crowd again.
"Where are you going?" her father called as the crowd oohed and ahhed at the full moon.
"I`m going to go help set-up the food!" she said over her shoulder.
And by that of course, she mean`t taste test.
********************************************
"Oh, I was simply furious! Bathwater should always be at one hundred four degrees fahrenheit exactly! I mean, I`m not a filthy bug-bear, you know?" Prince Blueblood monologued.
The party was well underway, and everypony seemed to be having a great time. That is, everypony except for Starlight. She had ran into Prince Blueblood after she had finished "helping set-up the food". He had immediately started hitting on her, saying she had "simply stunning eyes" and had invited her to his table. Starlight prided herself on her good manners, so she accepted. Now she thought he was trying to impress her with all the never-ending chatter about the perfect bath and how many kingdoms he was going to conquer. It wasn`t working, and to be honest, she had dozed off at least twice.
"Hmm, oh yes to whatever you just said," she said quickly when she noticed Prince Blueblood staring at her.
"Oh, I didn`t say anything. I was just admiring your luscious figure." He sighed dreamily.
They each stared at each for a few minutes, before Starlight got up, her cheeks burning uncomfortably. "I`m going to go get more punch," she muttered, and briskly trotted away. Starlight sighed in relief when she got to the refreshment table. Alone finally...
She heard somepony walk up to the table, but didnt look up, not really caring. When Starlight finished filling her cup, she found herself staring up at the ponys face. "Ahh!" she or he yelped and spilled their punch all over her dress.
"Hey!" she snapped irritably, frowning at the strange pegasus.
"Oh, I`m so so sorry!" The pony apologized, and quickly kneeled down before her.
Starlight sighed. "It`s quite alright, a simple spell will get rid of it."
She used her magic to get rid of the spill, and then looked up and got a better look at the stallion. "Hey, don`t I know you?"
The stallion thought for a moment. "Yes, I saw you run out of Princess Twilights castle. Wait, arent you the one that saved Equestria?"
"Well, I wouldnt say that. There was really no way Nadine could have taken over all of Equestria with help from just the changelings, and Im sure the Princesses or the Elements would`ve figured out some way to defeat her without my help." Starlight said while filling a whole new cup with punch, for she had disposed of the former cup, being it had fallen on the ground from shock.
"Besides, its not like Im going to be running around doing this every day." she said when she was facing him. "My name is Starlight Jewel." She stuck out a hoof friendly.
"My name is Thunderlane, pleased to meet your accquaintance." He dipped his head and kissed her hoof.
Blushing a bit, she withdrew her hoof. "So, I guess I`ll see you around?" she asked, backing away a bit.
"I hope so....Bye!" Thunderlane said, and walked away.
Smiling to herself, she trotted back to Prince Blueblood`s table.
Ten minutes of awkward conversation later, and Starlight was ready to move on. And by that she mean`t get away from Prince Blueblood.
She coughed slightly. "Do you want to go ahead, and you know, move around?"
Prince Blueblood snickered. "Fast one aren`t you? Okay, I want to warn you though I just finished eating."
Starlight sat there blinking for a few seconds, not getting it. What does he mean-"Thats not what I meant! I mean`t, um, going to the ballroom." she said quickly, her face turning warm.
"Ah, yes, that`s a good idea too." Blueblood sighed, a bit sad.
Pervert! Starlight thought, getting up, and bringing her punch with her.
"So, do you know how to dance?" Prince Blueblood asked as they were approaching the entrance.
Starlight snorted. "Colt, please, I can cut up a rug anywhere! I mean yes." she added after seeing the aghast look on Blueblood`s face.
"Darling, if you want to be a proper princess, you have to stop that distgusting slang!"
Before Starlight could think of a witty retort, they entered the ballroom. It was relaxingly dim with paper lanterns and candles illuminating the room. Heaps of yummy food on buffet tables lay around the edges of the big dance floor which was in the middle of the room, with the crowd of ponies who weren`t on the dance floor.
"It looks rather lovely in here, doesn`t it?" Prince Blueblood commented.
"Yes, it does." Starlight said absentmindly. She was frantically searching around the room for an escape. Starlight spotted Rarity, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash coming towards them. I`m saved!
"Uh, I`m going to go say hi to them." Starlight muttered, and started to walk towards them.
Prince Blueblood shrugged. "Well, I`ll go see my mother." He spit the word out as if it tasted bad on his tongue.
Starlight watched him walk off, before trotting over to her friends. "Are you enjoying the party, dear?" Rarity asked after they had greeted each other.
She sighed, her ears flattening. "No. I`ve been stuck with HIM"-she swung her horn in the direction of Blueblood-"most of the evening."
"Uh, I know how that feels." Rarity said, glaring in his direction. "I spent the last gala trying to impress him. Trust me, honey, he`s a waste of time!"
"I dont think you understand. *Hes* into me. I do not have any feelings for him though."
"I know how that feels." Pinkie Pie said, appearing beside Starlight.
Starlight jumped back, surprised. "You do?" Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight all said in unison, wearing triple faces of disbelief.
"Noooo...." Pinkie said, disappearing back into the crowd.
"Annnywaaaay," Rainbow Dash began, rolling her eyes as she watched Pinkie go. "I say you give him the old shove. Tell him you`re not interested and to leave you alone."
"That seems a bit harsh," Starlight pointed out. "I don`t want to be rude."
Rainbow shrugged. "Do you want to get rid of him?"
Before Starlight could respond, Prince Blueblood himself came over. "I am so sorry that took so long. Good evening ladies." He said to Rainbow Dash and Twilight, and then shifted his gaze to Rarity. "Rarity."
"Blueblood." Rarity said with a bored look on her face.
Prince Blueblood turned to Starlight. "Shall we dance, darling?"
"Stop calling me that!" Starlight snapped.
"I`ll take that as a yes." He said, and began to gently push her by the shoulder to the dance floor. Starlight craned her neck back and mouthed "Help me".
But her friends had already been swallowed up by the crowd.
**************************
It felt like a million years since Starlight had stopped moving her poor hooves. She was pretty sure Prince Blueblood had danced her through six songs already. Starlight hated to admit it, but he was actually a good dancer.
"I need to go and rest my hooves." Starlight wheezed out.
"Well, I suppose we cannot dance all evening." Prince Blueblood sighed sadly. He put out his lip. "But just one more song?"
"Oh, no you dont!" A female bat pony exclaimed, swooping down from somewhere. She began to push Prince Blueblood who was complaining loudly, but wasnt resisting, to the other side of the dace floor. She turned her head back and winked at Starlight before continuing her flight.
Thanks....? Starlight thought as she watched them go with a half-relieved half-amused expression. She walked off the dance floor and found a chair.
She sat down and began to slowly massage her hooves, wincing now and then. Starlight got up, and hovered a few inches from the ground, looking around the room. I wonder where my family is...
"Um, Princess Starlight?" She looked up to see Thunderlane approaching her.
Starlight stopped hovering, and her hooves touched the ground. "Oh, hi! And you can just call me Starlight."
"Do you want to dance Prin-Starlight?" Thunderlane asked, holding out a hoof.
Her heart rate seemed to go faster and she suddenly felt very giddy. "Yes, I`d like that." she said, and put her hoof in his hoof.
They walked back onto the dance floor. The jaunty swinging dance had turned into a slow, rather romantic waltz. I`m glad this dress covers the gash on my leg. Starlight thought, suddenly very self-conscious.
She put both hooves on Thunderlane`s shoulders, and he put his hooves around her middle and wings, and then they began to dance. "Do you dance much?" Starlight asked after a moment.
Thunderlane shrugged as best as he could with her hooves on his shoulders. "Not really. Too busy flying."
"Well, you are very good!" Starlight exclaimed as he twirled her.
"Thanks!" Thunderlane said, smiling. "Um, can I ask you a personal question?"
Where is this going... Starlight thought. "Of course!"
"What exactly is your special talent? I couldn`t tell from your cutiemark." He asked.
Starlight flattened her ears slightly. Why the hay does everypony ask me that question?! "It really is a combination of talents. Im really good at writing, even though that may not show, and I guess spreading love. Honestly, I havent figured it out myself." She forced a chuckle.
"Thats really interesting. I wish there was more to my cutiemark than beats the eye. All Im good at is flying."
"Oh, Im sure there is more to you than that." Starlight said, and looked into Thunderlanes eyes. Their eyes met, and she moved her head closer to him. He too moved, and their lips were barely an inch apart from each other-
"Stop it right there!" somepony screamed.
Oh, come on! she inwardly sighed. Starlight reluctantly pulled away from Thunderlane, and turned to see Luna jump up on a nearby table. "The night shall last forever! And I, NIGHTMARE MOON, shall ensure that the night shall last forever by KILLING CELESTIA!" Maniacal laughter followed this proclamation.
Of course everything went crazy after that announcement, and Celestia herself fainted. Starlight turned back to Thunderlane. "I have to-"
"I know, be careful." He said.
Starlight nodded, and ran across the room towards the princess, thinking, I can`t even get one night off!
