CoRoNa

CoRoNa
02

...

Five years have passed since chapter one.

...

“Elusive dear?” Trixie called out from the kitchen of their apartment home in Canterlot. “Are you not up yet?”

Elusive emerged from his bedroom, his mane and tail a mess. “Sorry Mother. I didn't sleep well.”

“Do I need to get you a new bed?” Trixie asked.

“What? No. We can't afford that.” The colt sat down and levitated a brush from a drawer. “My schooling is expensive enough.”

“Nonsense.” Trixie struck a pose, one hoof raised as she looked over her shoulder. “Had I not been given lenience from the Princess, I'm certain I wouldn't have been able to afford even a years tuition.” She turned and levitated a small breakfast onto he table. “Eat up. I'll comb your mane.”

Elusive nodded and nibbled while his mother fretted over his luxurious mane and tail. He was always glad that she could somehow comb out bedhead without pulling on any knots.

“So why didn't you sleep well?”

Elusive washed his last bite of the meager breakfast down with some water. “I don't know. It was strange. I saw a pony I'd never seen before. Her coat was lavender, but that's not all.” He looked his mother in the eye. “She had the same cutie mark as Corona.”

“That's Princess Corona to you. We're just commoners attending the school, so remember your place.”

“Mother, please. Corona and I are friends.” He stood and turned. “Anyways, this lavender unicorn, her hair and cutie mark were the same as Corona's. Well, her hair style at least.”

Trixie had not seen the young Princess in at least three years, but her son saw her nearly every day. She didn't really know what the Princess looked like now. Still. the two were very good friends, even though they were from very different social rankings. This was one thing that bothered the white maned mare to no end. She knew her son shouldn't be getting so close to the Princess, especially in the next few years.

“That's not all. I dreamed her name too. Twilight Sparkle.”

Trixie dropped the brush. “How can you know that name? Oh, the Princess told you, right?”

“No. Actually she's never said that name before. We've been friends for five years now, but she never talks about herself, or her family. She's proud and loves her mother, aunt and cousin very much. She just doesn't talk about them so her paparazzi doesn't take what she says and warps it into something it's not.”

“And that's another reason I feel you shouldn't be so close to her. That paparazzi could make her out to be some... Oh I don't know. Still, we're on the lowest rung of common ponies in Canterlot. My job isn't doing so well anymore. Oh... I may have to travel to make money again, but I can't leave you on your own.”

“Mother, I know how you've been wanting to go out on the road again. I can cook, I can keep the place clean. You don't have to worry.”

“What about rent? Bills? I might not be able to send you money every month. Who knows how long I might have to be gone before I can make enough money.”

“Mother, you worry too much.” Elusive hugged her. “I have to be off to school. We can talk more later. Take care.” He then vanished in a soft blue flash.

Trixie frowned. “Oh Elusive... You're just going to cause problems for the Princesses... Maybe it's time I pulled him from school and took over his magic education.”

...

Elusive arrived at the teleport platform and stepped off. He had, as always, been right on time. He glanced around and spotted Corona walked up the path. Her simple, yet elegant dress matched her pure white coat, with just a few splashes of flame orange embroidery, and a single ruby clip on her throat.

“Wow. What's the occasion?” Elusive asked. “That dress is amazing.”

“Oh, this?” Corona smiled. “Mother made it for me. Isn't it beautiful?”

“It suits you so well, though...” He leaned forward a little end scrutinized the dress. “There's a few stitches out of place, and the shape of the gem just isn't you. I could probably fix it up if you like.”

Corona blinked. “What do you mean? I thought it was perfect. And since when did you know about sewing?”

Elusive blinked and leaned back. “I... I don't know. I just...” He sighed. “I've been having dreams where I'm a dress designer.” He blushed.

Corona stared at her friend. “Really? Maybe that's your special talent. Sewing dresses.”

Elusive glanced at his still blank flank. “I don't know about that. I mean... They're just dreams... right?”

Corona frowned slightly. “Well... I dreamed about my own cutie mark.” She looked up at Elusive. “Can you keep a secret?”

“Of course. You know I can.”

“Let's go someplace where we won't be overheard.”

...

The pair had managed to dodge three of the Princess's 'stalkers' and made their way into a sealed spell training chamber.

“What did you want to tell me?” Elusive asked after closing and sealing the chamber door. He knew no sound could penetrate these walls.

“Well, it's about some dreams I've been having. I dreamed of a lavender coated unicorn. My mane style matches hers and...”

“So does your cutie mark, only rather than pink and white, yours is orange and gold.” Elusive finished off, his eyes wide.

“Ho-how could you know that? I've only ever told Mother and Aunt Luna about my dreams.” Corona stared at Elusive. “Have you been somehow spying on us?”

”What? Never.” Elusive replied defensively. “I've only been in the castle three times in my life. You were there with me each time.”

“Then how could you know about...”

“Twilight Sparkle.”

Corona's jaw nearly hit the floor. “Impossible... How do you know that name?”

“I dreamed of her, and a white Unicorn named Rarity.”

Corona paced back and forth, her golden shod hooves making virtually no sound on the granite floors. “I've dreamed about Rarity too. I mean... You look kinda like her, but you're not a mare. Your mane color and style are all wrong.”

“I'd never curl my mane and tail like that.” Elusive shuddered.

“But you have the exact same eyes as she did.”

They stared at each other for a moment.

Elusive took his turn pacing now. “I don't understand. How can we be sharing dreams? Well, not sharing, because I think I've been seeing things from Rarity's point of view...”

“And I've been dreaming from Twilight's point of view.” Corona frowned. “My last name is Twilight... Could there be some connection?”

“I don't know. I should write my father. Maybe he might know. He used to live in Ponyville, but he never speaks of it.” Elusive frowned. “But then... He doesn't want anything to do with me.”

Corona knew about Elusive's past. His mother and father had met, both feeling down and consoled each other. They ended up in bed and Elusive was conceived. He had left her shortly after, saying he had family and couldn't be with her.

“What was your father's name again?”

“Magnum Stargem.”

The Princess paled. “Rarity's last name was...”

Elusive gasped. “Stargem... Oh Celestia... Could Rarity have been my father's real wife?”

“I can look it up for you. I'm sure I can get into the census records without any difficulty. If you like that is.”

Elusive shrugged. “I don't know. Mother might not take kindly to me asking you to abuse your powers for...”

“For my friend? Elusive, how long have we been friends? Five years. That's how long. I wouldn't be a very good friend if I didn't try to help my friends out.”

“Are you sure?” Elusive asked. “I mean...”

Corona grinned. “The sooner we can piece this puzzle together, the sooner we can figure out why we're kinda sharing dreams.”

Elusive nodded. “I understand. Thank you Corona.”

“You're welcome.” The Princess glanced toward the door. “Are you sure that door is soundproof?”

“Yes. The enchantments keep any and all sound from passing through, even if somepony tries to use listening devices and magic.”

Corona smirked and used her magic to yank open the door, revealing three of her paparazzi. “Can't we practice for our magic tests in private?” A ball of fire appearing over her head, and growing larger.

Elusive grinned, his magic forming multiple spears of ice, or maybe even diamond.

“The public has the right to know what you do Princess. And remember, threatening a member of the media is punishable by law.” The Pegasus replied, unphased by the display.

“Oh, I'm not going to threaten you at all.” Corona's eyes narrowed.

“Then tell us what you were doing in here?” The Pegasus demanded. “The public has the right to know.”

“Sneaking kisses I bet.” The Unicorn with a camera grinned. He snapped a few photos of the pair. “This will surely be front page material.”

“Why would we be kissing?” Elusive asked. “Can't you see the magic we're maintaining?” A few more ice spears appeared.

Above Corona, a trio of hardball sized spheres of condensed flame orbited her head. “They're desperate. None of them have published anything in weeks.” She opened her mouth and inhaled all three fireballs, swallowing them one at a time.

Being immune to fire was certainly a blessing.

Elusive simply evaporated his six ice spears.

The third Paparazzi started writing on a notepad, a grin on his face. He was about to bolt when the pad was yanked from his grip.

Corona read it over. “Princess and personal servant practicing combat magic? Please. Those were just illusions.” She summoned up anther sphere and tossed it at Elusive, who was hit, but unharmed. “It's like a game of dodge ball, only flashier.”

“I'm certain the photos will speak for themselves.” The Unicorn with the camera grinned and bolted.

“Fine.” Corona shrugged. “But remember this. If anything that is printed in the media is found false, and / or slanders anypony, then the journalist responsible will loose their license.”

Elusive nodded but didn't say anything.

The two Paparazzi glanced at each other, then toward their companion who was running away.

“Don't just stand there.” The Pegasus swatted the Earth Pony with a wing. “Go get him.”

“Hold on for just one more moment.” Corona called out before the pair could give chase after their camera pony.

“If I remember correctly, only those who can use magic, that being Unicorns and Alicorns, are permitted on these school grounds. If those pictures are printed, that would be proof of your breaking the Princess's law. Even journalists require direct permission from Royalty or the Dean of the school himself. I know none of my family has granted such permission, and the Dean? He is a strong believer that how we Unicorns are taught magic doesn't need to be known outside these halls.” She smiled cutely. “Just reminding you of your limitations as journalists after all. You may leave how.”

Elusive watched the pair bolt after the Unicorn. He glanced at Corona. “You scare me sometimes.”

“Really? I didn't mean too.” She giggled.

“Well... Not really scary scare, but... you know.”

Corona laughed lightly. “Oh you. Come on, let's get to class.”

...

Three days had passed sense that incident in the spell training room. None of the photos appeared in any of the papers, which was a relief for the Princess. She knew Elusive would be equally relieved.

None of them even dared to follow her past the gates of the school either. Basically, between the castle and the school was the only time they ever got to follow her.

With Elusive living up to his name, teleporting from home to school and back, they couldn't even find where he lived. That made Corona feel relieved.

In the meantime, she had searched through the records and come up with an interesting, if not disturbing find.

Those findings were in her schoolbag, waiting to be shown to her close friend.

She approached the teleport platform and watched as Elusive appeared in a flash of soft blue light.

“Good morning Elusive.”

“Good morning Princess.” He bowed politely. “I'm sorry, but...” He looked away.

Corona froze. Elusive never called her Princess unless it was outside school, in public. “Elusive?”

“I have to get to class.” He bolted off, an odd look on his face. Was that... anger?

Corona watched him gallop around a corner and could only wonder what had happened? He had been his usual self just yesterday.

...

Elusive hated himself.

He had to distance himself from the Princess.

Those paparazzi bastards, it was all their fault. Somehow they had found where he lived and had been hounding him all day after school, making his private life miserable. He didn't want to bring any of those troubles down on the Princess.

(Why now of all times?) He thought as he walked into the classroom, alone for the first time sense he had started school. (Not only that... but Mother... Ending my schooling here at the end of this semester.) He wanted to scream, to yell and tell Mother that she was making a huge mistake.

It was the paparazzi's fault. Trixie had caught them peaking in the apartment windows and sneaking photos.

That Pegasus was lucky he was a fast flier, or his camera cutie mark would have been sporting a lightening burn.

He took his seat and ignored the stares from his classmates.

“Hey Elusive?” A filly walked over. “Where's the Princess?”

“I don't know. She's royalty. I'm not. It's improper for her to associate with a commoner like myself.” He shot the alabaster coated Unicorn a glare. “So if you don't mind?”

Pearl, another one of Corona's friends returned the glare. “So what if you're not nobility. You're talented with magic. None of us can levitate as many or as heavy objects as you can. You can teleport all the way from home and back. A trip like that would take almost any of us at least three ports.” She took her sat in front of Elusive and turned to face him. “Tell me what's wrong?”

He sighed. “Mother is pulling me from the school.”

“Why? You have special privilege from Princess Celestia to attend here.”

“Mother feels that it's best for me. This school is expensive and I'm of lowly common blood. Nobles such as yourself shouldn't even associate with a lowly worm like myself.”

“Ponyfeathers. You're almost as talented as Princess Corona. I'm sure you can earn a grant too...”

“No. If I keep hanging around Princess Corona, I'll just cause her grief.” He looked out the window.

Pearl ran a hoof through her ivory mane. “Come on now. Tell me why you could cause her grief? She considers you her very best friend of all.”

Elusive didn't turn away from the window, but glanced at Pearl. “I just will. Besides, I'm leaving at the end of this semester. That's two weeks from now.”

Pearl frowned. “Then why not spend as much time as you can with Princess Corona?”

“The paparazzi... They somehow found out where I live yesterday.”

“The Princess's stalkers?” She frowned. “Wow. They caused my family problems a few years back. Dad lost a lot of trade business at that time and it took him over a year to get the trust of his customers back. Maybe you should make a royal request...”

“No. I'll be leaving Canterlot, traveling with Mother as she teaches me magic.”

“But...”

“Enough.” Elusive rose from his seat. “I'm through here.” He headed toward the classroom door, just as Corona entered. “Princess.” He bowed, but didn't stop. In moments, he was gone.

Corona watched him leave. She wanted to chase after him.

“Go get him Princess.” Pearl rushed to her side. “He's leaving the school.”

“I'll see him tomorrow.”

“No, I think he's leaving for good. That paparazzi found out where he lives.”

Corona frowned. “They're after him now? For five years they couldn't find where he lived. How did they find him all of a sudden?” She left the class just before the teacher reached the door.

“Princess? Elusive?” He called out, but was ignored.

Pearl looked up at the Unicorn stallion. “I think it's personal troubles.”

Gideon frowned. “They've never skipped class before. It must be something important. I'm sure they will sort it all out.”

“I really hope so as well.”

...

Elusive was nearly at the teleport platform, the only place in the school where one could use teleporting magic.

Before he could step onto it, Corona landed in front of him, her wings wide and blocking his path.

“Elusive, please wait. Pearl told me about those paparazzi. I'm so sorry. Mother assured me that your address was not available for public knowledge.”

“Please, Princess... I have to leave. The sooner the better for you.”

“What about you? If you leave I'll loose my best friend.”

“You'll have Pearl and Oak Leaf and even Slipper Skip.”

“They're friends, but they're not close friends. They're nobles and they see me as Royalty. You see past that and...”

“I apologize for overstepping my commoner status Princess Corona. I... I'm doing this to protect my best friend from embarrassment.” He walked forward. “Please let me pass.”

“No.” Corona rose to her full height, which was still a couple inches shorter than Elusive. “If you want me to just be your Princess, then I'm giving you a royal order. Come with me to speak with Mother.”

“I can't do that. I...”

“Are you refusing your Princess's orders?” She looked angry, but inside, she was hurting. She hated herself for doing this.

“I understand, and I obey.” He bowed his head.

...

Corona rarely teleported anywhere, preferring the fresh air of her walks too and from school. Today was a special occasion, so they teleported right into the castle, appearing on the designated teleport platform.

Only three other times had Elusive been in the castle, and each time he had felt out of place.

None of the Guards bothered him, but they bowed to Princess Corona as she passed, as did any servants and nobles.

Elusive would bow his head whenever another would bow before the princess, but he would bow respectfully, knowing he was pretty much nothing compared to the nobles.

They finally reached the throne room.

Corona stopped Elusive. “Wait here for a moment please.” She nodded to the guards at the entryway. “Keep this Unicorn safe, and don't allow anypony to harass him.” She then entered the large chamber and stepped off to the side.

Princess Celestia was currently speaking with one of the many nobles of Canterlot, and knew better than to interrupt.

The Noble on the other hoof, spotted the Princess and bowed. “Your Highness. I can leave if it's important.”

Corona shook her head lightly. “While my matter is important, so is yours.” She smiled at her mother, who smiled in return.

Celestia turned to the noble pony. “It is alright Swift Hoof. Thank you for visiting.”

“Of course Your Highness. Until next time.” he bowed to Celestia, and again to Corona before taking his leave.

“Shouldn't you be in school?” Celestia asked her daughter.

“Yes, but something very important has come up. The media paparazzi has somehow gotten past the protection you have placed upon my friend, Elusive.”

“Oh dear.” Celestia frowned. “The magic I placed is not an easy magic to bypass. Whoever did it is certainly a very powerful magic user.”

“That... and his mother wants to take him out of the school. He... Elusive feels that his being a commoner will only cause us troubles. He's leaving the school to travel with Trixie.”

Celestia glanced toward the open throne room doors. “That is nonsense. Sense when should friendship cause trouble like that?” She then called out. “Elusive, please enter.”

Elusive was looking very uncomfortable as he entered. He only made it half way to the throne before bowing, his head touching the floor.

“Elusive, you are my daughter's very best friend. You need not bow before me.”

“Your Highness... I... I cannot be Princess Corona's friend anymore. I know this decision will hurt her, as it hurts me, but I don't see any way out of this. The paparazzi is only a part of the issue.”

“Then tell me what is the issue.” Celestia requested softly.

Elusive glanced at Corona. “My dreams. Her dreams.”

“They are connected, are they not?” Celestia stated calmly. “Come, let us retire to my office.” She rose and watched as Elusive almost bruised his jaw on the floor as he bowed.

Corona followed her mother, who in turn was followed by Elusive, his head held low.

Once in the office, Celestia cast a spell of silence on the door, walls and windows. The curtains were drawn shut.

“Elusive, you may speak freely.”

“I...” He gulped. “I'm not who even I thought I was.”

“Go on.” Celestia stood and listened.

“I think I was reborn from a Unicorn who died eleven years ago.”

“Rarity Stargem.” Celestia stated. “Is that whom you mean?”

“How?” Elusive's eyes went wide.

Corona gasped. “Wait, you've been dreaming that you're Rarity, and you think you're her reincarnation? What about me? I've been dreaming I'm Twilight Sparkle. Am... was I her?”

Both young ponies stared at the Regent of the Sun.

“Yes, on both accounts. Elusive, Corona, in your previous live, you were such close friends. You lost your lives during the Blackthorn incident. You, and three others.”

“Three others?” They both cried.

Corona closed her eyes. “Pink... Yellow... Blue... Orange...”

Elusive didn't need to close his eyes. “Dark pink, pale pink, rainbow, blond.”

The two stared at each other. “The others.”

“Wait, that's four others.” Elusive realized.

Celestia nodded. “Three have been reborn, their memories slowly coming back to them. The fourth... her soul was so corrupted, but her kindness allowed Twilight Sparkle to free her from eternal torment.”

Corona stared at Celestia, her eyes wide. “But, if I'm this Twilight Sparkle, then am I really Princess Corona Twilight?”

“You are both. As you remember more, the both of you, your friendship will grow. You both represent the Elements of Harmony. Corona, you represent Magic. Elusive, you are the Element of Generosity. I've seen how much you help others out and never asking for anything in return. That is part of who you are.”

Corona knew about the elements. “There's also Honesty, Loyalty, Kindness and Laughter.”

“Correct. Three of these Elements have been reborn with the souls they are joined too. Kindness, it has found a new soul to represent it.” She smiled knowingly. “In time, they will come to Canterlot, and you will all become friends again, and befriend the new representative of Kindness.” She tapped Corona's cutie mark. “These five small stars show your connection to all the Elements.”

“I...” Elusive was stunned. “I don't understand how this can be. If I am one of the legendary Elements of Harmony...”

“Then you are more than any commoner. You are as noble as any born with noble blood.” Celestia smiled. “Now, how do you feel now?”

“I... I don't know. What about Mother?”

Celestia smiled. “I will let her know you will be continuing your education. Now, I am well aware of her magical knowledge, and we have recently had one of our teachers retire. That leaves an opening.”

Corona stared at Elusive. “That means you don't have to leave, and if Trixie become a teacher at the school, you get free tuition.”

“I... Princess Celestia... How can I thank you?”

“That's simple. Be my daughter's friend.”

Elusive turned to Corona. “I'm sorry I was being such a jerk. I didn't know what else too do.”

“Well, you know now.” Corona laughed. “Friends?”

“For always and forever.” Elusive was smiling nearly as brightly as Corona could.

Corona rested her neck against Elusive's hugging him.

Celestia smiled as Elusive blushed brightly.

...

To Be Continued...