Princess Celestia

Ponyville – 2 years ago

Rarity had pretty much planned the rest of her life out from the moment she opened her shop in Ponyville. Most ponies thought it was odd that she'd open up a business so soon after graduating school, but she had a good eye for business. Also, she felt better learning from experience.

That wasn't the only reason why she got her place though.

“You want full custody of Sweetie Belle?” her mother asked. They sat together in the living room, both of them as tense as ever. They could never agree on what to do with Sweetie Belle, who had just turned seven.

“The big city isn't a good environment for a pony with her condition,” Rarity said, “If she lived her though, she'd-”

“Why do you keep talking like that?” her mother asked, cutting her off, “You sound like a stuck up noblemare.”

Rarity took a deep breath to control herself before she spoke again, “This isn't about the manner I choose to speak, mother,” she said, briefly using her natural tone, “This is about Sweetie Belle, and what's best for her.”

“She's doing fine in the special school we've enrolled her in,” Rarity's mother said dismissively.

“Does she have any friends? Does she socialize? Has she come out of her shell at all?” Rarity asked.

“The doctors said that she might not-”

“I don't care about what the doctors say! They don't get to choose whether or not my sister can have a normal life!” Rarity shouted, shocking her mother.

“Rarity, the doctors are professionals. If they say that she needs extra help, then I believe them.”

Rarity knew that this was going to be difficult, but that didn't help her mood any. There were only a few things that got Rarity this fired up, Sweetie Belle being one of them.

“I saw the kids in her class mother,” Rarity said, “They're all severely autistic, way worse than Sweetie Belle. Those children are the ones doctors classify as “stupid” kids.”

“Rarity! Watch your tongue!” her mother shot, “The term is “special”.”

“No mother, that's the word doctors use because it sounds nicer,” Rarity said deadpanned, “Believe me, they mean “stupid”. That doesn't mean that I believe that, far from it. That's why I want Sweetie Belle to move in with me so I can enroll her into Ponyville Academy.”

“That's a school for normal foals though,” her mother said looking side. Rarity had enough and slammed her hooves on the coffee table.

“She is a normal foal!” Rarity shouted, “She's different, yes. She isn't developing as fast as other kids her age, but she's just as capable as them. The last time she visited, she made friends two other fillies her age, and she actually socialized.”

“She… did…?” her mother asked.

“The reason she shuts down at home is because of all the noises in the city,” Rarity explained, “She doesn't know how to process them, so she isolates herself out of fear. She needs to be in a place that makes her feel welcome, and she feels that here. Please mother, let me take care of Sweetie Belle.”

“Mmm…” she looked really unsure, and with good reason. This was a big risk, but Rarity was determined to let Sweetie Belle live a normal life, “It would be a big responsibility Rarity. You're only twenty years old. Are you sure you're ready to raise her?”

“I've practically raised her myself since she was born,” Rarity said, “No offense, but you don't make her feel welcome. I was always the one she turned to when she was scared. I was always the one who gave her advice. I was the one who hugged her when she was crying. You've been more concerned with her development, but I've been the one who gave her love.

Her mother sighed, “I suppose I have failed her in that regard. You've always been very in tune with her. If she wants it, then I suppose I'll let her move in with you. But, she still has to come visit me and her father at least once a month.”

“That's fair,” Rarity said, “Thank you mother.”

Her mother nodded wordlessly. She visibly hated this, but she did know that it was the best thing.

Rarity left her mother and went up to the room that would soon be Sweetie Belle's bedroom. Inside she saw her little sister looking out the window, her stuffed bunny, Persephone, sitting on the window next to her.

“Sweetie Belle, darling?” Rarity called softly from the door. Sweetie Belle turned to Rarity with a bright smile.

“Rarity!” Sweetie Belle cried happily. She galloped over to Rarity and hugged her, “Guess what? I saw a humming bird!”

“Is that right?” Rarity asked enthusiastically. Sweetie Belle nodded vigorously.

It flew right up to my face! I didn't move at all so I wouldn't scare it away. They're so tiny, Rarity. I didn't know they were so small.”

“They're actually pretty common here in Ponyville,” Rarity said, “I have a friend who takes care of all sorts of animals, humming birds being one.”

“That's so cool,” Sweetie Belle said wistfully, “I wish things like that were in Manehatten. The only birds I see there are pigeons.”

“Hm, funny you mention that,” Rarity said, “I wanted to talk to you about Manehatten. Come, let's sit on the bed,” Sweetie Belle nodded and skipped over to her bed, Rarity elegantly sitting next to her, “Tell me, darling, what do you think of Manehatten? Be honest with me.”

“You promise not to be mad?” Sweetie Belle asked, continuing when Rarity nodded, “I hate it there. Ponies are so noisy, the streets are crowded, the lights are too bright. I'm always anxious there.”

“I see,” Rarity said nodding, “And I'm assuming you don't like your school either?”

“No, I don't,” Sweetie Belle admitted harshly, “The teachers treat me like I'm slow. I feel like I'm in kindergarten all over again.”

“So it's safe to say that you prefer it here then, in Ponyville?” Rarity asked. Sweetie Belle's entire demeanor changed.

“I do! It's so peaceful here, and that day when I went to Apple Bloom and Scootaloo's school was so much fun. Well, except for when Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon made fun of me, but I didn't cry or anything,” Sweetie Belle looked to the side, “I wish I could live here.”

“What if I told you that wish could be granted?” Rarity asked. Sweetie Belle slowly turned to Rarity wide eyed.

“Are you… serious…?” she asked.

“You'd still have to visit Mom and Dad at least once a month, and I'm just going to assume they'll be checking in every so often,” Rarity took a deep breath and then smiled, “But I talked it over with Mom, and we both think the best thing for you would be to just live here in Ponyville with me?”

“Are you sure?” Sweetie Belle asked, “Don't you have your business to worry about? I don't want to get in the way.”

“Honey, you're the reason I even opened this business,” Rarity said holding Sweetie Belle lovingly, “I wanted a nice safe place for you, where you'd feel comfortable. You wouldn't be in the way at all. In fact, you'd actually make this place complete. So what do you say, darling? Would you want to move in with me?”

“Yes!” Sweetie Belle said, “Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes! I want to live here with you, Rarity!”

“Then it's decided,” Rarity said, “We'll get your things, and starting tomorrow, this will be home.”

“Thank you so much Rarity!” Sweetie Belle said brightly, “You're the best big sister ever!”

As Rarity and Sweetie Belle embraced, Rarity's expression became more serious. This was her precious little sister, and she'd protect her from anything. Nothing would ever harm her, not a monster, some filly with a bad attitude…

Not ever her fears would harm her.

Shortly after Twilight and her “friends” defeated the red type at the mansion, Trixie began planning her next big move. For the most part she was letting the nightmares do as they pleased, but with the awakening of the Element of Loyalty she needed to guide them more directly.

But now her mistress had summoned her, claiming that something had changed.

Trixie started making her way to the abandoned castle in the Everfree Forest. It was here that she had first done the ritual to bind herself to her mistress, as such it had become her base of operations. In the dark, dilapidated building in the throne room was a lone figure. This figure looked to be about Trixie's height, and wore a long black cloak that completely covered them. Out of the cloak's hood was a shimmery dark blue mane, and a pair of pegasi wings came out of the sides.

“Mistress,” Trixie called out walking to the figure and bowing, “I have arrived.”

“It's always wonderful to see you, my beloved pupil,” the figure said, her voice merely a whisper and sounding weak, almost as if she were close to dying.

“Should you be in this dimension, Mistress?” Trixie asked rising, “It's so much of a strain to project yourself in this space.”

“Thanks to the darkness you've gathered, I have more energy,” the figure said, “I sense a bright light approaching Ponyville. Do you know what this light is?”

“I believe it's Princess Celestia,” Trixie said venomously, “I overheard Twilight saying that she'd be coming.”

The figure took a deep breath, and then screamed loudly pushing a nearby statue to the ground. Trixie ran over to the figure and held her.

“Mistress, you must calm yourself!” Trixie said, “Even with your renewed strength, getting too worked up is bad.”

“So… she desires to make this more personal, does she?” the figure seethed, “Then I shall do the same. Beatrix, it's time for you to enter the front lines of our fight.”

“You… wish for me to fight?” Trixie asked, eyes wide in shock.

“It's only a matter of time before the Element of Laughter awakens,” the figure said, “Before that happens, I want to make sure that we're on even footing with the Elements of Harmony. As such, I shall grant you more of my power, enough to give you the power to fight the Elements.”

The figure trotted away from Trixie, and then pointed a hoof at her. Underneath Trixie, black hands came out of the ground and grabbed hold of her. On instinct, Trixie struggled against them, as they were holding her in a very suggestive manner. Once her mistress shot black energy at Trixie, she screamed loudly in both pain and fear.

After a few seconds to a minute, the hands released her going back into the shadows, and the darkness seeped into her very being. She felt her body change, grow even. Was this…?

“Use this new form, and your new powers to not only continue gathering darkness for my revival, but also capture the Chosen One if possible,” the figure said. Trixie, in her new stronger form, stood up and smirked at her mistress.

“As you command, my mistress,” Trixie said, her eyes glowing red in the darkness.

Twilight couldn't remember the last time she was this excited. It was two days since she got her reply from Princess Celestia, saying that she'd be paying Twilight and Spike a visit. It had been so long since she got to see the Princess.

Naturally, she asked everyone to join her at the library. She half expected to see Pinkamena there, but she oddly didn't show up. Oddly, Twilight was a little disappointed by that.

“Ooh, I hope she's okay with the place,” Twilight said pacing back and forth, “Maybe I should have vacuumed again. Spike! Get the vacuum please!”

“Twilight, I'm not getting the vacuum,” Spike said folding his arms, “The place looks fine.”

“But, but, n-no it doesn't!” Twilight fussed looking around nervously, “Look at the place! It's a mess! Shoot, she shouldn't come today. This whole place looks terrible. I bet I look terrible! We should cancel! We have to cancel!”

“Twilight!” Spike said, “Calm down. Everything is going to be fine.”

“Seriously,” Dash said walking up to them, “I doubt the Princess is going to mind it the place isn't sparkling.”

Twilight sighed, “I'm being ridiculous, aren't I?”

“As your best friend, yes,” Dash said, “This is a good thing. Don't freak out before she even gets here.”

Twilight looked up at Spike, who nodded smiling, “Thanks you two. I'll try to calm down.”

Up on the higher floor, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy sat down watching them. Rarity couldn't help but laugh.

“She's so adorable when she's freaking out, isn't she?” Rarity asked.

“Seriously, Rarity? This is a big day for her,” Applejack sighed.

“What? She is adorable. Come on, I'm trying to be nice here,” Rarity said.

“Funny how ya still managed ta sound like a bitch,” Applejack said rolling her eyes. Rarity playfully hit Applejack's arm and pouted, and Applejack laughed.

“Ooh, I'm really nervous myself,” Fluttershy said shuffling nervously, “What is she going to think when she sees us?”

“Ah'm sure it'll be fine,” Applejack said, “Twilight an' Spike told the Princess what ta expect from us, so the only one who needs ta be scared is this one,” she motioned to Rarity.

“And yet I'm not afraid in the slightest,” Rarity said turning her nose in the air.

“I guess so,” Fluttershy said, “Still, she's been an alicorn much longer than the rest of us. Do you think she used to be a normal pony like us?”

“Probably,” Rarity said, “I can't imagine her being a pure blooded alicorn.”

“Still, she probably can't change form like the rest of us,” Applejack said, “She didn't ascend from the magic of harmony like we did.”

“Hey!” Spike called out flying up to them, “I think her carriage is landing. She's here.”

He looked so happy as he flew back down to the first floor. Rarity sighed smiling and stood up.

“Well, shall we get ready to introduce ourselves?” she asked. The others nodded and followed her to the first floor. Naturally Rarity stood next to Spike and kissed him on the cheek. Twilight narrowed her eyes slightly and then opened the door, guiding everyone outside.

Right in front of Golden Oaks Library, a large golden carriage guided by two armored pegasi landed. The two guards walked to the side door, and one of them opened it. A second later, the most magnificent pony anyone had ever seen stepped out of the carriage.

She had a white coat, and a super long multi colored mane that covered her left eye, and a matching tail. She wore regalia very similar to what they wore when transformed, and was actually a little bigger than a fully transformed Element of Harmony. Her eyes were pink, and she wore a touch of make-up.

“Princess!” Twilight cried happily before bowing, “Welcome to Ponyville.”

The Princess looked down at Twilight haughtily with a regal expression, but then snickered. A second later, she broke out into mirthful laughter, and Twilight looked up in confusion.

“Oh, sorry honey,” Celestia said, “I tried so hard to be serious,” Twilight immediately stood up blushing, and Celestia nuzzled Twilight lovingly, “It's wonderful to see you, Twilight.”

“It's wonderful to see you Princess,” Twilight said, “I've missed you.”

“I know,” Celestia said. She then turned to Spike and Rarity and walked over to them, “Hello Spike.”

“Hi Mom,” Spike said softly before hugging the elder alicorn, “How are you feeling?”

“I've been a little ill lately, but nothing too serious,” Celestia said, “And I'm assuming that this is the mare who's stolen my son's heart.”

“Um… I suppose,” Rarity said, actually looking nervous. Applejack naturally was trying her hardest not to laugh.

“I read your letter,” Celestia said leaning close to Rarity's ear, “We'll discuss things later, alright honey?”

“Y-yes. Thank you, Your Highness,” Rarity said bowing.

“Now, why don't we go inside,” Celestia said, “That way we can all get a little more comfortable.”

“Yes! Of course,” Twilight said, “Let's head back into the library.”

As everyone walked back inside, Rainbow Dash walked over to Fluttershy, “She's… way more approachable than I thought.”

“She sounds so normal,” Fluttershy said, “I honestly thought she'd sound more… noble.”

“Yeah, like a carbon copy of Rarity,” Dash said, “But there's something about her that's… familiar.”

Once everyone was inside and Spike closed the door, Celestia turned to everyone with a serious expression, “Now, why don't the four of you shed your masks,” when they all looked confused, Celestia giggled, “I could sense the magic of harmony within all of you, and my student and son both told me about your abilities.”

The four Elements looked at each other, and then closed their eyes calling the magic of harmony. In a bright flash, they all took on their true forms, regalia and all.

“My God…” Celestia said walking around them, “I've never seen ponies take to such ancient magic so well in my life.”

“Ancient magic?” Twilight asked, “Is that what's doing this to them?”

“Yes it is,” Celestia said, “The four of them have been chosen by an ancient spell, and have become conduits for the Elements of Harmony,” she pointed her horn to each one as she spoke, “Loyalty, Kindness, Honesty, and Generosity. You've all been chosen for a great mission.”

“Do you know how exactly this happened to them?” Spike asked, “Or if it can be reversed?”

“I'm sorry, dear, but it can't,” Celestia said sadly, “This is the final stage of evolution for a pony, and normally it happens of the pony's free will. Once you ascend, that's it. The only way back is to have the magic extracted, which would result… in death.”

“Eh, I don't have a problem with it,” Dash said stretching her wings, “I did change of my own free will, and I don't regret that decision in the slightest.”

“I think at this point, all of us are at least accepting of what happened to us,” Fluttershy said.

“Hmph, accepting… right…” Rarity said looking away from the group. Applejack, Spike, and Twilight all noticed that.

“So you've heard of the Elements of Harmony,” Applejack said, “Have ya ever heard of Nightmare Night, or an entity called Nightmare Moon?”

Celestia's face became grave, “Yes, I've heard those terms before. That is the name of the monster that's supposed to descend and plunge the world into eternal night, if I've read correctly.”

“Do you know when that monster's supposed to show up? That way we know when we need to kick its ass?” Dash asked. No one noticed that Celestia briefly looked away somberly before she spoke.

“I'm afraid not,” Celestia said, “All I know is that the legends speak of a moment when the daylight is stolen, Nightmare Moon shall return.”

“Mom, I know this is asking a lot,” Spike said, “But we'd like it if you'd help us with this case.”

Celestia nuzzled her son lovingly, “I'd be more than happy to help you, Spike.”

“Um… Princess?” Twilight asked, “Do you know what it means to be the Chosen Pony?”

Celestia looked at Twilight intently for the longest time before she closed her eyes smiling, “If the legends are true, then you will know the answer to that question very soon.”

“But, you can't tell me now?” Twilight asked, “I don't mean to pester you, but it just doesn't make any sense. They keep telling me that I'm involved with this, but I'm no one special.”

“You're very special, Twilight,” Celestia said, “You were chosen by destiny because there is something that only you can do. You've already managed to unite these four ponies into a powerful fighting force. When the time comes, you'll understand everything,” she turned to Rarity, “Is there a special place where you'd like to talk?”

“Oh! Um, yes. Would it be alright if we used the upstairs room?” Rarity asked Spike and Twilight.

“It's okay with me,” Spike said, “Twilight, are you okay with that? I mean, we can't exactly have Mom walking around Ponyville.”

“Y-yeah, that's fine,” Twilight said, a little disappointed that she didn't get the answers she wanted.

“Thank you Twilight,” Celestia said, “I'll be staying here for about a day before returning to Canterlot. Is it okay if I used the guest room?”

“You can take my room if you want, Princess,” Twilight said, “I could take the guest room.”

“Well, I am the guest, dear, so I should probably take that room,” Celestia lightly chided, “Also, are you sure you want me sleeping on your bed?” she raised her eyebrows up and down, and Twilight's face turned beet red.

“Ack! Princeeeeessss!!!” Twilight cried in mortification. Naturally Celestia laughed out loud.

“Oh how I've missed you, Twilight. Now, come along Rarity,” Celestia said trotting upstairs. Rarity walked past Twilight and smirked at her.

“I like her,” Rarity said, “Especially with her knowing all of your dirty little secrets.”

“Don't you dare…” Twilight seethed. Rarity laughed haughtily.

“Oh, I wouldn't dream of it, darling. After all, I think I can put two and two together from that little bit she revealed,” her laughter echoed through the halls as she trotted after Celestia, and poor Twilight fell to the floor.

“She has no idea what she did…” Twilight said, “My life is over.”

“Are you okay, Twilight?” Spike asked. Twilight looked up at Spike, feeling incredibly flushed all of a sudden.

“D-don't worry about it!” Twilight commanded, “I mean it! It's nothing!”

“Sure Twilight, we totally believe you,” Dash said rolling her eyes, “Not like you're expression says otherwise.”

“Ooooh!” Twilight groaned, “Could someone pet or hug me? I could really use the contact.”

Fluttershy walked over to Twilight, knelt down next to her, and nuzzled her lovingly, almost like a cat or animal would. It felt nice, but it didn't do much to ease her frustration.

You're horrible, Rarity! I hate you so much!

Pinkamena didn't know exactly how to feel about today. She recognized the carriage that stopped in front of Twilight's place, and when she saw the rest of her friends outside, she knew that this was the day.

Should she be sad that her mortal life would be coming to an end? No, she lived a good life. She even managed to get laid before the day was over. That's all she really wanted before she died anyway; to eat great food and have great sex the day before. She wasn't really dying, but this was close, right?

Should she be afraid of what was to come? Well, it wasn't like she was going to be a rookie or anything. Well, in a way she was, but she had memories of experience, and once “it” happened, she'd get everything back that she lost, right?

Should she be happy that she'd finally be able to put her life to use? Maybe, but this was still a sacrifice. She'd never be able to live a normal life, nor would she be able to start a family of her own. Still, it wasn't like she was able to live a normal life now anyway.

In the end, she decided to settle on a sense of duty.

When night came, she left out of the house and went into town. If her memory served correctly, it was supposed to happen in the outskirts of the town. As soon as she arrived, the environment around her got wavy, changing into a creepy looking forest with pink vines and large mushrooms.

This is it, isn't it…?

Pinkamena heard a growl behind her. She turned around and saw a large wolf monster with blue fur and red eyes. The wolf's body was armored, making it look almost mechanical. Upon realizing that there was no way out, she slowly backed away from the monster. Her heart was racing. Even though she knew this was going to happen, it didn't make this beast any less terrifying.

A bright glow behind her caught her attention. Pinkamena closed her eyes and smiled.

“It's about time,” she said to the figure coming out of the light, “Are you sure you want someone like me?”

There can be no one else.

Only you can understand happiness in the manner needed for my power.

“Geez, are you serious?” Pinkamena asked, “I don't know what's more depressing. The fact that you couldn't find anyone else, or that the scale you're comparing other ponies to is me. I'm not a happy pony, you know?”

Even still, your heart says otherwise.

So, do you accept?

“I couldn't say no even if I wanted to,” Pinkamena said looking up at the beast. She cracked her neck, stretched, and glared at the beast, “Alright then! Let's do this!”

The glowing figure vanished, and a bright pink light shot into Pinkamena. She wasted no time. Before the ascension even took hold, she was running toward the monster. She already knew what to do with this power. With this, she'd get to work on protecting her best friend, and stopping the dark one.

You don't have to worry anymore.

I'll protect you. I'll protect everyone!

I promise… Twilight.

Author's Notes:

Despite how little she was featured in this chapter, this is officially the Rarity Arc. She gets a lot of flack for how she acts in this story, but by the end of this, you'll see that she has her reasons for being the way that she is.

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