Chapters The hard knock life of a Princess
After her coronation Twilight went back to Ponyville to pick up her things from her previous home: the library.
Of course Spike didn't want to leave because of Rarity so Twilight let him and Owl-wishes stay at the library in Ponyville.
The girls grouped hugged and she returned to Canterlot.
The two princess sister showed Twilight her wing of the castle.
It has a large room connected to the Canterlot Arkives and had a view of Ponyville when going out on her balcony.
Twilight put her stuff down and started to arrange everything when Celestia and Luna had to lower the sun and raise the moon respectively so they had to leave Twilight for a while alone.
The first thing she does is take out her sacred diary opens the magical lock and starts to write.
The hard knock life of a Princess
"Dear Diary, this is Twilight. I'm sure you've noticed my new pair of wings and crown. Well I'm a princess! I am not in the library like I usually am because I now am living in Canterlot in my own wing! I miss Spike, and my friends back in Ponyville. I wonder about the elements which I trusted to Spike, and who will organize, dust, and read all of wonderful books back at the library."
I suddenly heard a knock at the door. When I opened it I saw my brother and Cadance.
" Hi Twilight we just wanted to see your new place and it's so you. I guess you haven't changed a bit since the old days," Cadance said and then we did our sunshine dance.
We laughed and then they sat down on the chairs.
"Listen, little sister you have many responsibilities now that you are a princess. You can't just waste your days doing whatever you want you have to do what's best for Equestria. You probably don't know where to start so Cadence is going to give you this ," Shining Armor ranted and held up a book.
I levitated the book over to me and read," How To Be A Proper Princess Manual! The proper instructions and tips to new princess written by Princess Celestia. Princess Celestia wrote this."
Cadence nodded and said," Yes, she wrote this book just for me when I was about your age. It came in handy when I needed to know something, and its now yours. Well it's been fun but we have to get some sleep so good night Twilight."
The couple left the room. I walked outside and stared at the stars wondering about the future. How am I going to do these duties but still make time for my friends.
"Hello Twilight Sparkle," Luna said, and I screamed.
"Sorry Luna, you scared me. What are you doing here shouldn't you be patrolling the night?," I asked.
She replied," Yes, but I wanted to talk to you before I headed out."
I asked," Talk to me about what?"
She took her hoof and pointed to my crown.
Luna explained," Being a princess has many perks but many responsibilities. Such me and my sister have to raise the sun and the moon each day. Cadence having to watch over the Crystal Empire, and your older brother making sure all of Canterlot is safe. Now I'm here to explain what your duty is. You represent the element of magic do you not."
I nodded and she continued," Well, magic technically not what the element is it’s another term for it you see."
"Then what is the element of magic supposed to be?," I asked her.
Luna used her magic to make a new constellation appear that spelled the word friendship!
"Yes, friendship. The same thing my sister sent you to learn about just about one year ago. You were the one to finish Star Swirl's spell because you use magic for what it is truly used for: the support of friends. When I came to the Nightmare Night festival you showed me how to have fun and make friends with my subjects. And most importantly that me raising the moon is using my magic to support my friends, my subjects. What I'm trying to say is that your responsibilities is to show our subjects friendship something you know all too well. I must be off it was nice talking to you," Luna said then she disappeared.
Well that was interesting, but she's right I have to support my people. The challenge is to balance my new life with my friends back in Ponyville. I miss them so much. After the Luna encounter I decided to fly back to the library to check on Spike.
"Spike! Spike! It's me Twilight!," I yelled.
I then said, "Where is he?"
"I'm up here," he said then I walked up the stairs and saw my friends in my room!
"Howdy princess! This isn't what it looks like," AJ said.
"We were just worried about Spike being all alone so we decided to be with him for the night," Rainbow Dash said.
"Your not mad are you?," Fluttershy asked.
"No, why would I be mad. I mean it's technically not my house anymore considering I have my own wing at the castle, but I thank you for looking out for Spike. I just wanted to take the elements of harmony back with me you know for safe keeping," I said.
"Oh, there on the top shelf. I put them up there for safety," Spike said as he took the case down and gave it to me.
"Before you go Twilight we all have been meaning to ask you something," AJ said.
"Come on ask," I said.
"Are you going to still be visiting us?," They all asked.
I was shocked by their answer and quickly replied, "Of course, don't let these wings and crown change our friendship. You know what I'll ask Princess Celestia if I could move back here in Ponyville. But I think I'll stay here tonight. Good night."
They all went back to their respective homes and Spike went to his bed.
A beam if light shown through the window. I thought it was morning but it was the royal guards. I went outside to see what they wanted.
The six guards kneeled and the first one said, "Your majesty, we have been looking all over Equestria looking for you. You can't just go anywhere you want without telling us where you are going. Now let us escort you back to the castle."
I replied, "Oh, right let me just grab something real quick. I will be right back."
I closed the door and wrote a note to Spike. With the elements safe they flew me back to Canterlot in my royal chariot. I went in my room and I placed my head on the pillow and dozed off into sleep again.
The hard knock life of a Princess
The glorious sunshine shined through the balcony window on this fine Sunday morning. I got out of bed and brushed my mane. After words I took off my robe and hung it up in my closet. When I was about to go out a small letter slid under my door. Out of curiosity I opened it.
"Now what does it say? Dear Twilight, your presence is required at the breakfast table. We have much to discus. Princess Celestia. Well I guess I better get there," I said allowed.
I walked through my wing which was in the west and walked to the center of the castle where the dining room was. The guards opened the door for me and I saw Cadence, Luna, and my teacher. I sat next to Cadence because I felt calmer around her.
"Ah, Twilight I'm very glad you’re here because we have to talk to you about something. And it's my understanding that you snuck off to Ponyville last night without telling anyone. I understand this is new for you but we need to know where you are at all times. It's for your own safety," Princess Luna said.
Cadence continued on Luna's words," What she is trying to say is that we don't want anything bad to happen to you because you are now a ruler of Equestria just like us.It is very important that you are safe. Now it's time to introduce you to some-pony. She is going to help you in big ways. Oh, here she is now."
We all stared at the white mare as she walked into the room. She was a earth pony who had a black mane and tail in a fancy mane-style. She almost reminded me of how Rarity looks when she dresses up for parties.
"Hello, I am Madam Lacy Crown dear college of Princess Cadence. I was her teacher when she was about your age Princess Twilight Sparkle. I specialize in teaching of all fields that includes the ways of a princess. From now on you will be taught by me to learn how to be a proper princess so you can rightfully represent Equestria in important matters. Your lessons will start first thing tomorrow. You do have the weekends off just like in any school," Madam Lacy said then looked at her watch.
She continued, "Oh, I'm sorry Cadence I have another appointment so we won't get to catch up until later. I'm sorry for your inconvenience your majesty."
Then she left the room and I did Cadence's calming technique.
"I know you'll be great Twilight you always like to learn new things. But the three of us have to attended the dress rehearsal for the opening ceremony of the Equestria Games in the Crystal Empire," Cadence said then the three of them left the room.
I know she is a famous teacher of all fields but I really would of preferred to be taught by Cadence, but I have to tell my friends about this school thing. I walked to the door and went to tell the guards where I was going.
"Excuse me sir, I am going to Ponyville for the day," I said to the guard.
He replied, "Yes, would you like to go their by your chariot?"
I shook my head and he nodded. Then I flew down to Ponyville after sending Spike a letter telling him I was coming and to get the others to meet me at Fluttershy's cottage.. As soon as I landed in front of the house a whole swarm of ponies surrounded us. They were screaming and I felt very uncomfortable. Luckily the guards came to my rescue and used their magic to keep the crowd back as I entered the house.
"Twilight we came as soon as we heard the news. Are you alright?," Fluttershy said then sat on her couch.
I replied, " I'm fine but I have something very important to talk to you guys about!" Then I used my calming technique to calm myself down.
Rarity said, "Well gone on with it darling. I have a big fashion show planned tonight and I need to prepare the."
AJ put her hoof over her mouth and cut her off by saying, "I think what she is trying to say is what is you want to talk to us about."
"Well, the Princess has given me a tutor," I said slowly.
"Hugh?," they all asked.
I said in reply," Since you know that I'm a princess they hired a teacher to teach me how to be a proper princess. Oh, and her name is Lacy Crown."
Rarity quickly ran up to me and looked me in the eye and asked, "Lacy Crown? As in the Lacy Crown? The same pony who taught Sapphire Shores how to sing and dance and who taught Fancy Pants to be fancy?."
I quickly nodded, and she fainted and I put her on her couch she brought for the occasion.
"I think it's great you get to be taught by this famous teacher, but who knows you may end up learning something that will help you in the future as a princess," AJ stated.
"Huh, but there's one problem.I have to go to these classes every week day in Canterlot which means I can't see you guys as much anymore!," I screamed, but them used the technique repeatedly.
After my scream a guard came in and asked, " Are you alright your highness because I heard a large scream?"
I said, "Um, yes I am fine. Please carry on."
Then he left and Rarity woke up from her faint attack.
"It's ok Twilight even though we can't see each-other everyday you can still send us letters through Spike. We can hang out on the weekends. Now I have something to ask you."Fluttershy said.
She then asked me,"Would you like to come with us to Rarity's fashion show tonight?"
I nodded and hug the girls. Then I told the guards I would be at Carousel Boutique, and told them to tell Cadence that I will be in Ponyville until after the show ends. I then walked to her shop, and went inside to help Rarity set up the models for her big fashion show!
The hard knock life of a Princess
"Alright every-pony are you ready to walk that catwalk tonight!," Rarity said with her hoof raised in the air.
The models all cheered and danced around for a bit. I was standing next to Rarity wearing a new gown she made for me as a coronation present. It was a dark hot pink color with a back that went down to the floor. Also, it had a gold trim at the bottom.
Suddenly Spike rushed in and whispered something in Rarity's ear. After she got the news her face looked very worried.
"Hey, is everything alright Rarity? You seem a bit tense," I said to her.
"One of models has caught the pony pox and she won't be able to come tonight! Of all the things that could of gone wrong THIS IS THE WORST!," She said freaking out and then crying on the floor.
"Don't be sad Rarity, Twilight can fill in for her," Spike said without even consulting me first.
She quickly smiled and ran over and said this while she hugged me, "Oh, thank you! Thank you Twilight!"
She quickly grabbed me into her work room.
"Now It will just take me a minute to modify this gown to support your wings. Please darling can you take off that dress," she said when modifying the gown with wing holes.
I quickly went out of the room and grabbed Spike to talk with him in Rarity's kitchen.
"Spike! Why did you volunteer me without even asking me!," I screamed to the dragon.
Spike was sweating and replied, "Why not. I mean she needed the model and I thought you Twilight would be the great. I mean since you’re a princess, it would give a lot of publicity to Rarity's shop."
I quickly used my magic to literally zip his mouth shut.
"That's the reason why I shouldn't be the model. If the princess finds out that I participated in something without her knowing she will punish me!."
"Oh," said Spike.
He quickly ran out of room and told Rarity the news. Then, she quickly ran down stairs and then stopped. She started to sob on the floor.
Rarity said sobbing," Why? How could you do this to me Twilight. I mean I really need you now and I already finished the gown and I don't have enough time to cover the wing holes! You need to wear this dress! Please!"
I felt really sad for her. The princess will understand she just has too. I mean it counter acts my friendship lesson I've learned, so she will understand.
I quickly then walked up to her and said ,"I'll do it."
"You will! Oh yes! Now quickly put this on," she said then giving me the modified dress.
After I changed I went downstairs to where the other models were. They all bowed to me as I passed them. Then Rarity pointed us to the backstage area of the stage. I was the last model to go. After a quick peek of the crowd I saw all of my friends sitting in the front row.
"Your highness!," yelled a royal guard who entered the area.
I said, "Yes."
He replied ,"Princess Celestia has requested your presence back in Canterlot. You must come with me at once. "
"But what about the show. I am in it. Can't it wait till after."
"I am afraid not. This is a urgent meeting about your future, and please come with me."
After our talk be levitated me into my chariot, and they flew me back to Canterlot. But while they were distracted I jumped out and flew back down to fashion show. My friends are always there for me, and I must do the same.
"Rarity are you alright?," I asked.
She turned around, and quickly squeezed me to death.
"I thought that you left, but now your back! Oh, my gosh you have to get in line quickly!," Rarity said in excitement.
She pushed me to the end of the line behind the other ten models. One by one they did their poses, and before I new it I had to go out. I was nervous to go out, yet Rarity's smile made it all worth it. If I had learned anything from my friends was to be their for those you care about, and that's what I am going to do. I walked down the runway at a slower pace. As I walked closer to the end, the more the ponies' cheered. At the end I flew high and dip twirl. The crowd went crazy for it, and as I landed the other models came out. Rarity grabbed the mike as soon as the models were out on the catwalk.
"Thank you every-pony for coming to Diamonds of Rarity fashion show! I personally thank all of the wonderful models for their contribution. But I would especially want to thank my friend Twilight for stepping in for a sick model at the last minute. Let's hear it for Twilight Sparkle!," Rarity announced to the crowd.
The crowd started to chat my name as I exited the catwalk. Then my four other friends came in and gave me a big hug.
"Sorry girls, I have to go. The princess has requested me back at the castle. I know it's hard to see me go, but I promise to make time for you. Goodbye," I said.
I teleported out of room without saying goodbye. I felt bad, but the worst thing in the world is making Princess Celestia mad! My wings flapped as hard as ever to get back to Canterlot as fast as I could. Out of now where I saw Princess Luna appear before me! She teleported me back to the castle in Princess Celestia's private quarters. I've only been their once when I graduated magic kindergarten.
"Hello," said a voice.
I quickly realized it was my teacher, and she didn't look too happy with me.
The hard knock life of a Princess
"Hello Princess Celestia, what are you doing here?," I said nervously, and used my eyes to look around the room.
She answered, "Well, these are my quarters after all. But you know we are hear to discuss your actions from tonight. How could you dis-obey your duty, and you made us all worry. Luckily, Luna found you flying back. You thought we wouldn't notice, did you?," she stated then pointed me to a chair.
I sat in the chair, and started to think of a response that won't make her even more angry with me. I decided to tell her what I truly felt, but in a way she would understand.
I took a big breathe and spoke my mind.
"Princess, you sent me to Ponyville to study friendship because you knew if I learned I could become a princess. But through that experience I've learned many things about friendship. One of the most important ones was to be their for your friends because they will be their for you. And so, I was there for my friend Rarity on her biggest day she's ever had in her fashion carrier. But when the guard came, and we were in the air, I made the choice to be their for her. Especially, because one her models was sick with the pony pox, and I decided to fill in for her. Can you please understand how hard it is for me now that these wings, and crown are attached to me ! Now everyone thinks I'm a different person. No I'm still Twilight. Can you understand my inner crisis?," I said to her.
She put her wing around me and said." Let me show you something."
She guided me to a secret room which was in the south tower. The room has stain glass windows of different ponies. Below each one was a quote that they had said.
She used her hoof to stop me. Then she spoke," Were here. The sacred sanctuary the fallen."
"Sanctuary of the fallen? Why did you bring me here?," I asked.
She took a breathe, and pointed to the many windows in the room.
"These ponies are the greatest of their generation. The first one is of Star Swirl the Bearded. He was a student, and friend of mine when I just had become a princess. The second one Gaia, a unicorn who could lift the earth with his magic, and use it to create mountains, and the caves that we are in now. Fantasia-mare was the third. She was a graceful pony who could command instruments to create harmonizing music. The reason I'm showing you these great ponies from the past is to show you what I have to live through each day. All of them were my closest friends," Celestia said.
I was shocked by her statement. Why didn't she tell me about before she sent me to study friendship? I have to ask. I asked her that same question, she took me to the end of the line then she spoke.
"The reason was Twilight that if I did then you would of not learned anything. If me or Luna helped you in any of villain encounters then you would of not learned those very important moral lessons. After Star Swirl's spell failed his whole body began to change. Since the spell wasn't complete the spell transformed Star Swirl into something a bit darker," the Princess said.
Suddenly, she used her magic to create a huge field of light that engulfed us both. When I came two we where in the Canterlot Royal Library. I was shocked to see Star Swirl the Bearded writing in his journal.
"What is he doing?," I asked her.
"Just watch, and you'll see," she said and I stared at him.
He was writing intently making sure each word was perfect. A few minutes later he stopped, and stood up. He walked up the spiral star case, but I decided to follow him. As I watched he opened Library's secret room which has always been locked off to visitors. I figured that since he was the student of the princess, that he would be allowed to enter. Quickly running, I went in behind him.
"Finally, it's ready. This spell should make me pass Celestia's final exam. She said to do something complete. So making my own spell, was simple but tedious. If my theory's right that this spell should give me the wings I desire which will give me the power to rule at her side. Maybe then she will finally expect my hoof in holy marriage," the stallion said as he sat down.
He opened a small box with a ring inside.
"He wanted to be your husband?," I asked her.
She nodded. Her look was telling me to keep paying attention. I didn't want to make her even more angry with me so I obeyed.
Star Swirl started to cast his spell. The room's many books started to fly around us. I tried to grab one but to no avail.
"One to another, another to one. A mark of one's destiny single out alone fulfilled," he said.
He started to glow. The many flashing light blinded my eyes. Quickly, the princess casted a shield spell to protect us from the blinding light caused by the spell. I could hear the agonizing screams from within the shield.
"What is happening princess?," I asked with curiosity.
She started to cry when she said," He is changing into his true self. I never wanted this to happen to him, but this was his destiny from the day he was born. I am powerless to stop this. Twilight this is the reason I raised you so carefully."
After her last words the room became dark. In a matter of seconds I realized my teachers reasons for her actions, she didn't want to become like him. The look on my face basically told her what I was feeling at the moment. When the smoke cleared, I new what had become of my idol: a monster.
"Huh, what is this? It seems the spell back fired some how. Let me check the mirror to see my new look.," he said then he went over to the mirror.
He picked up the mirror and well he didn't like what he saw.
"No! Why in the world am I? In all of my years of study, I'm puzzled by what creature I've become. Oh, well I have to try to explain this to her anyway," he said.
"I've seen enough.," said some pony who walked in the room.
After a few seconds I realized it was Princess Celestia, and Luna who looked around my age. Luna looked similar to the way she looked when after we defeated her as Nightmare Moon. On the other hand, my teacher looked drastically different. Her mane was a bit shorter, but was only a light pink. Although, both of their crowns were exactly the same.
"What have you done here?," Luna asked in the Royal Canterlot voice.
He replied, "Me? I have done exactly what your lovely sister told me to do. She said to do something complete."
He held up his journal with the spell on it, and continued to say," See! This is what I've been working on I made a complete spell. Out of curiosity, I decided to test it. But after the spell was used I transformed into this thing. Now dear Celestia, did I pass?"
She shook her head. His face was shocked by her response.
"I refuse to call you my student. Your desire for power caused this change. You are known to be known as Discord! This spell is incomplete!," she said and she stamped a stamp with the same word on the journal.
"So that's why you hate Discord so much because he was your old student! By why didn't you tell me?," I said.
She didn't answer, but she opened a portal back to the present. Even though I wanted to see more I didn't have a choice. We both were transported back to the secret room.
Celestia walked me back to my room, and gave me one last piece of advice.
"Listen, never ever disobey your duties or else," she said as she closed the door.
Today was just wild. I learned so much, but I feel so bad. And I just remembered I have classes tomorrow. The bed sheets rapped me, as I snuggled up into my bed thinking what tomorrow would bring.
The hard knock life of a Princess
I looked around me seeing that I was in Ponyville. The question of how I got here crossed my mind, but I it faded when I saw my friends.
" Princess Twilight, come on it's time for Pinkie's Birthday Party!," said Spike as he grabbed my hoof and dragged me to Sugar Cube Corner.
As we walked in I noticed all of ponies in Ponyville were there. As I took some steps towards the center the ponies bowed one by one. My instincts told me something wasn't right because last time I came here everyone treated me the same.
"Oh, it's you your highness. We have been waiting your arrival. Let us welcome Princess Twilight!," said Rarity as the crowd cheered.
The ponies guided me to the special seat of honor.
"Wait, shouldn't Pinkie Pie be in this seat, I mean it is her birthday after all.," I said to Rarity politely.
Just as I finished Pinkie dropped down on a rope. She landed beside me and bowed to me, and started to speak.
"Princess, I think you should have this seat after all you are the most important pony in all of Equestria," she said.
"Wait! What about Luna, Cadence, and Celestia aren’t they as much important as me?," I said to her.
Pinkie looked puzzled, "Who are they?"
Fluttershy spoke softly," You are the only ruler Equestria has.
"What! What! Get me out of this place now! I don't want to be treated like this anymore!," I screamed.
Suddenly the world started to crumble, and I fell right in a crack. My wings cracked so I couldn't escape.
"Huh! Phew! It was just a dream, or was it a nightmare?," I said as I woke up.
The sun started to rise as I got out of bed. My eyes started to water over the nightmare, but still managed to get dressed. On the balcony their was a note.
"It's from Madam Lacy Crown. Dear Twilight Sparkle, please meet me at in front of the Castle at 8:30 sharp, and don't be late. Well I guess I have to get going," I said out loud.
After the letter reading I went to the kitchen, and quickly ate some food.
"Ugh, miss? I don't think you have to rush it's only 8:00," the cook said to me.
I started to slow down with devouring my hay flakes. Just as I finished I could hear Cadance in the castle foyer. After my breakfast, I went over to see her.
"Oh, Cadance you haven't changed one bit," Madam Lacy Crown said to her.
I noticed they were talking about me.
"Well thanks Lacy. And I know Twilight will just love you. Oh Charles!," she said.
Quickly he raced to her, and said, "Yes your highness."
"Can you bring Twilight in here. I have something to talk to her about," she said.
I quickly ran down the steps, and yelled," I'm here."
As I reached the bottom we did our Sunshine Sunshine dance, while Lacy Crown wrote something down.
"Good morning Twilight your right on time now it’s time to begin your lessons. Come with me," she said.
I replied, "Yes, but can I say something to Cadence in private."
She nodded, and I took my sister in-law aside in the corner of the room.
"Are sure about this. I mean I worked hard to be a princess, and now I have to go back to school. It just doesn't seem fair," I said to Cadence.
She responded by giving me a hug. I felt safe when close to her. After our she spoke to me.
"Twilight, I completely understand your feelings. In fact, I felt the same way when I was told I had to do this," she said.
"But why didn’t you refuse, or argue against the idea?," I asked.
"Listen. When I was young Celestia told me it was for my own good, and it would help me to be a better leader. So after she told me this I just did what she suggested, and look at me now. Can you please trust me?," she said, the reached her hoof out.
I hesitated, but ended up shacking her hoof in agreement. After that I walked towards the white mare, and she guided me to her house which was closest to the train station.
"Alright let's start with basics. Please take a seat at the table," she said.
As she asked I walked over to the chair at the center of the home. Her home was nice and spacious.
Lacy said, " Today will cover basic dinner edicate skills. First will be the soup course. A lady always has her napkin in her lap. Please put you’re there."
I did what she said, and she then explained everything else about the subject.
"Now let's see you try," Lacy said.
"Ok, I do my best," I said.
I used my magic to levitate my spoon. Quick as a bolt of lightning I put the hot soup into my mouth. The soup was so hot it burned my tongue! I started to run around looking for some liquid. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a well outside, and I jumped right in it.
"Ah, much better," I said but then noticed Lacy Crown looking really mad at me.
I knew I messed, up so I flew out of the well.
"Well I guess that's enough about soup, I'll make sure not to make it as hot. Come along let's get you dry," she said.
After learning more rules about dinner, and many more mess ups she released me.
I flew home into my room. After locking my room up I yelled out of frustration. I absolutely hated this whole learning thing. Many ponies would love to be in my hooves right now, yet I miss my simple life back in Ponyville with my friends. After I made up my mind I walked to Celestia's quarters to tell her how I felt.
