I slowly opened my eyes to find Twilight gazing at me dreamily, while the early morning sun streaming in through the crack in the curtains heralded the start of yet another beautiful day in Ponyville.

"Morning." Twilight cooed as she leaned over and kissed me softly.

"Morning." I replied as I returned her kiss, "You know, it never gets old waking up next to you like this."

"I agree," Twilight sighed contentedly, "I hope we share many more mornings like this."

"Me too Twi," I said, "me too. Anyway, I guess we'd better get up."

Twilight nodded and the two of us got up and had a shower together. Afterwards, Twilight went over to the curtains and threw them open, bathing the room in a brilliant orange glow.

That moment brought with it the return of something I hadn't experienced since Twilight's 'test' in the Crystal Empire.

Twilight began singing.

Morning in Ponyville shimmers
Morning in Ponyville shines
And I know for absolute certain
That everything is certainly fine

She danced around the room as she sang and woke up Spike, who promptly went back to sleep. She then headed downstairs and out into the street with me following behind.

There's the Mayor en route to her office
There's the sofa clerk selling some quills

The stallion waved at Twilight and grinned.

"Morning, kid!" he said with a wave. Twilight waved back and continued walking while singing.

My Ponyville is so gentle and still
Can things ever go wrong?
I don't think that they will

Just for the hell of it, I decided to join in. I put Twilight on my shoulders and walked further down the street towards the bridge leading to Fluttershy's house.

Morning in Ponyville shimmers
Morning in Ponyville shines
And we know for absolute certain
That everything is certainly—

Suddenly we were drenched in a downpour of rain. Twilight got the worst of it, her mane now sticking to her face. She frowned.

"Rainbow Dash," she snapped, "that's not funny!"

"Terribly sorry darling," Rarity's voice replied, "I'm afraid I'm... I'm not good with the thundery ones."

We looked at the bridge. To our shock, Rarity was standing on it directing the weather. To add further confusion, she was now in possession of Rainbow Dash's cutie mark.

"Something tells me," Twilight muttered, "that everything is not going to be fine."

She got off my shoulders and shook the water from herself before trotting over to Rarity, who was using her magic to arrange the clouds in a chequerboard pattern.

"Rarity," Twilight asked, "what on Equestria are you doing? What happened to your cutie mark?"

"Whatever do you mean, Twilight?" Rarity scoffed, "I'm simply doing what I've done since the day it first appeared."

Her horn stopped glowing and she smiled.

"There," she said, "doesn't my sky look fabulous?"

The only response she got was the grumbling of passing townsponies as they muttered incomprehensibly.

"What's wrong?" Rarity asked, "Too last season?"

"Okay," Twilight demanded, "where is Rainbow Dash and why isn't she handling this?"

"She'll be taking care of the animals at her cottage no doubt." Rarity replied, "Now if you'll excuse me I need to work."

She trotted off leaving Twilight and I standing on the bridge, the sunlight now giving way to wind, snow and rain.

"Come on," Twilight said, "let's go and find Rainbow Dash. Perhaps she can shed some light on this."

I chuckled.

"Shed some light." I pointed at the sky, "I see what you did there."

Twilight grinned.

As we approached Fluttershy's house we could hear the sounds of various animals. And they weren't happy sounds.

"First the weather," I muttered, "and now the animals. What in Tartarus is going on here?"

"It's not about the weather and the animals Geo," Twilight replied, "Rarity had Rainbow Dash's cutie mark and said this was Rainbow Dash's cottage. Something strange is going on here."

She knocked on the door, which a few seconds later was opened by Rainbow Dash. As she did, the sounds intensified in volume. I looked over her shoulder and saw Spark Plug trying to calm down a group of squirrels and beavers.

"Hey guys." Dash said sullenly, "What's up?"

"Rainbow Dash," Twilight yelled as she pushed her way in, "why is Rarity doing your job?"

She stopped upon noticing the commotion in the house.

"And what in Equestria is going on in here?"

Dash sighed and began stomping around the room, a song once again appearing out of nowhere.

These animals don't listen, no, not one little bit
They run around out of control and throw their hissy fits
It's up to me to stop them, 'cause plainly you can see
It's got to be my destiny, and it's what my cutie mark is telling me

She sat on her haunches, revealing that she now had a familiar trio of butterflies on her flank — Fluttershy's cutie mark. Without warning, Twilight teleported her and I to where Fluttershy was. It turned out she was in Sugarcube Corner, trying to entertain a crowd of bored ponies. And if you can't even entertain Vinyl Scratch, you know you're doing a bad job.

As Twilight and I appeared in the middle of the room, Fluttershy continued singing while Doctor Haywick took over trying to entertain the small crowd.

I try to keep them laughing, put a smile upon their face
But no matter what I try, it seems a bit of a disgrace
I have to entertain them, it's there for all to see
It's got to be my destiny, and it's what my cutie mark is telling me

Sure enough, Fluttershy had Pinkie's cutie mark. Twilight's horn glowed again and I braced myself. Sure enough, she teleported us to where Pinkie was — Sweet Apple Acres. She appeared to be doing all of Applejack's chores.

She picked up the song as Twilight and I appeared. Her mane and tail were completely flat, and lacked their usual puffiness.

I don't care much for pickin' fruit and plowin' fields ain't such a hoot
No matter what I try, I cannot fix this busted water chute!
I've got so many chores to do, it's no fun being me
But it has to be my destiny
'cause it's what my cutie mark is telling me

She sat down in defeat and showed us the three apples on her flank. I looked at Twilight who nodded, and teleported us to where Applejack was — the Carousel Boutique. To our considerable shock, she was trying to make dresses... with John's help.

Suffice to say, it wasn't going well.

Lookie here at what I made, I think that it's a dress
I know it doesn't look like much, I'm under some distress
Could y'all give me a hand here and help me fix this mess?
My destiny is not pretty, but it's what my cutie mark is tellin' me

The three diamonds on her flank told us what we needed to know, and once again Twilight teleported us. I had been teleported before, but never so many times in such a short period of time. We found ourselves back on the bridge, which I leaned against as Rarity continued singing the still-ongoing song.

I'm in love with weather patterns but the others have concerns
For I just gave them frostbite over-top of their sunburns
I have to keep on trying for everyone can see
It's got to be

Even though they weren't there, I could have sworn that I heard the voices of the others. Although I was probably feeling unwell due to the constant teleportation.

It's got to be... Fluttershy sang sullenly.

My destiny... Pinkie and Applejack sang together.

And it's what my cutie mark... Rarity, Dash and Fluttershy sang.

It's what my cutie mark... Pinkie and Applejack added.

The five voices then came together for one final flourish.

Yes, it's what my cutie mark is telling me!

Twilight and I ran back to the library, the former frantic with worry.

"This is bad," she muttered, "this is very, very bad."

"What's going on?" I asked, "Why is this happening?!"

Twilight pondered for a moment before a moment of clarity washed over her and she groaned.

"Shortly after we went to bed last night," she said, "there was a knock at the door. It a special delivery from Princess Celestia."

She trotted over to her desk and took a letter and a book from one of the drawers. She placed the book on the desk and unfurled the letter before reading it out loud.

Dear Twilight Sparkle

The spell contained on the last page of this book is Star Swirl the Bearded's secret unfinished masterpiece. He was never able to get it right, and thus abandoned it. I believe you are the only pony who can understand and rewrite it.

Princess Celestia.

"I then looked at the book," she continued, "and read the spell. Here, see for yourself."

She levitated the book over to me and I took it. Turning to the last page, I saw a single line of text.

"From one to another, another to one. A mark of one's destiny singled out alone, fulfilled.", I paused for a moment, "That doesn't make any sense. It doesn't even rhyme!"

Twilight giggled.

"That's what I said as well."

She then adopted a more serious expression.

"I cast the spell so I could find out what it was," she sighed, "but nothing seemed to happen."

She looked at the Elements of Harmony which were in a glass case nearby. I looked with her and gasped.

"But now I know something did happen." Twilight said dejectedly, "The spell has changed the Elements of Harmony! That must be why their cutie marks are all wrong!"

"So just cast a counter-spell to switch them back." I offered.

Twilight smiled and took the book from me, flipping through the pages for a moment before sighing in exasperation.

"There is no counter-spell!" she groaned.

"Well," I said, "Why don't you just use that memory spell you told me about? The one you used to fix everypony when Discord was still the bad guy and corrupted them?"

"It's not their memories Geo," Twilight deadpanned, "it's their true selves that have been altered!"

"Zecora's cure for the Cutie Pox?" I shrugged.

"That won't work either..." Twilight replied.

"Well..." I sighed, "maybe it won't be so bad. Maybe our friends will grow to like their new lives."

"No Geo," Twilight mumbled, "they're not who they are meant to be any more. Their destinies have changed, and it's all my fault."

She went upstairs slowly. Her mane and tail were hanging limp and she had a crestfallen look on her face. I followed her upstairs and she lay on our bed.

I sat next to her and laid a hand on her head, running my fingers through her mane as she began singing mournfully.

I have to find a way
To make this all okay
I can't believe this small mistake
Could've caused so much heartache

Oh why, oh why?

Losing promise
I don't know what to do
Seeking answers
I fear I won't get through to you

Oh why, oh why?

She sat up and began crying as she finished. I quickly hugged her, almost crying myself. I hated seeing her like this.

"Oh Geo," she whispered, "what have I done?"

"Aw come on Twilight," I soothed, "you're a smart mare, and you'll figure out a way to fix this. These are your friends."

"You're right, Geo." she replied with a small sniffle, "And they mean more to me than anything."

Suddenly, she began glowing. I backed away in shock and looked into her eyes. I saw the faintest trace of a spark appear before Twilight gasped in realisation.

"My friends..." she muttered.

"Uh Twilight," I said hesitantly, "are you all right?"

She turned to face me, a very large smile on her lips.

"I've got it!" she squealed, I know what to do!"

"You do?" I checked, "And what's that?"

"I may not be able to remind them of who they are," she replied, "but I can show them what they mean to each other. They'll find the part of themselves that's been lost so they can help the friend they care about so much! Come on, Geo!"

She leapt off the bed, taking me with her, and then rushed downstairs. She grabbed the Elements of Harmony and put the necklaces in a chest, while putting the tiara on her head.

"Let's go and find Fluttershy," she said proudly, "and then we can fix this mess and get our friends back!"

As it turned out, we didn't have to go far to find Fluttershy. She was at the balloon station in town, a saddlebag on her back. As we approached, she placed some bits on the booth counter.

"Fluttershy, wait!" Twilight yelled, "What are you doing?"

"Oh hello Twilight," Fluttershy replied, "I'm leaving Ponyville."

"But where will you go?" I asked, "And why are you going?"

"I'm moving back to Cloudsdale." Fluttershy sighed, "I don't know what's wrong, but I can't seem to make anypony laugh."

She produced a whoopee cushion and squeezed it. It deflated without even making a sound. Twilight and I looked at each other.

"What about Haywick?" I said, "You can't just leave him."

"I've already talked to him about it," Fluttershy replied, "and he understands. I just need time to get myself sorted out."

"Well before you go," Twilight said, "Geo and I were wondering if you might be willing to give Rainbow Dash a helping hoof. She's really struggling with her animals."

"But," Fluttershy said timidly, "I don't really know anything about animals, so how can I help?"

"That may be," Twilight replied, "but you do know something about Rainbow Dash, don't you?"

"I... know that she's a true friend," Fluttershy said, "and that I'll do anything I can to help her."

"That's the spirit!" I said cheerfully, "Now let's go."

As we arrived at Fluttershy's house, the sound of angry animals was still prevalent, as was a dull thump.

"Argh!" Dash's cries were muffled by the thick wooden door.

"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight called out, "Are you all right?"

"I'm in here!" Dash called back, "Help! I'm trapped!"

We entered the house and gasped at the sight of Dash tied up in a cauldron, which the animals were dancing around. A closer look revealed that the critters were in possession of forks. Spark Plug was in a cage nearby with a sheepish grin on his face. When a bear walked past using a chair as a back scratcher, I nearly lost it.

"Hurry Twilight," Fluttershy pleaded, "can't you do some sort of spell to get her out?"

"No Fluttershy," Twilight said firmly, "you're the only one who can help. Rainbow Dash needs you!"

Fluttershy took a few steps forward and cleared her throat. The animals turned to look at her.

"Um, hello little... woodland creatures?" she said timidly, "Listen, I know that you're all very upset, and that you feel like giving Rainbow Dash a hard time, but we'd all really appreciate it if you'd calm down and, um, maybe... rest for a bit?"

She looked around and spotted a bowl of freshly cut vegetables. She picked it up and offered it to the assembled critter army.

"Oh look!" she said, also grabbing a nearby bowl of nuts. "Here's some nice, juicy leaves for you to munch on. And some crunchy, munchy acorns too. Uh, wouldn't you like to take a break and have a little snack?"

The animals looked at each other and shrugged, dropping their various utensils and crowding around the bowls. They began eating, much to Fluttershy's delight.

"Aww," she cooed, "look at that. I guess you were all just cranky because you were hungry. Oh, you are very welcome, little friends."

The bear came over and picked her up. At first she was worried, but soon relaxed when the bear planted a small kiss on her cheek.

"Goodness," she said, "it's like I can understand them! I... I feel strange, like... like this is what I'm meant to do, like this is who I am! My destiny!"

She began glowing like Twilight had been doing in the library. Twilight opened the chest and levitated Fluttershy's element over, fixing it around her neck. Fluttershy's eyes sparkled for a moment before there was a flash of light. She moaned and looked around.

"Wha... what happened?" she asked.

Twilight gasped and pointed at Fluttershy's flank. Instead of three balloons, three butterflies were now back in their rightful place.

"Fluttershy look!" Twilight squealed as she bounded around, "Your cutie mark! It worked! It worked! Oh, I'm so happy you're back to normal! Now we need your help!"

A true, true friend helps a friend in need
A friend will be there to help them see

"Oh great," I muttered, "another song. What is this, the West End of London? I feel like I'm in a musical."

Twilight ignored me as Fluttershy joined the song.

A true, true friend helps a friend in need
To see the light that shines from a true, true friend

"Um, hello?" Dash said testily, "Friend trapped inside, remember?"

I walked over and untied her before freeing Spark from his cage. Suddenly the scene shifted, and we were in Ponyville.

"Fucking teleportation..." I snarled as Twilight continued singing.

Rarity needs your help
She's trying hard doing what she can

Fluttershy put a hoof around Dash's neck and continued.

Would you try, just give it a chance
You might find that you'll start to understand

Dash flew up to one of the many clouds dotting the sky and tentatively prodded it with a forehoof. It burst, causing her to look shocked for a moment. Within seconds, however, she was clearing the sky and finally allowing the sun to reappear.

As she landed, I noticed that she too was glowing. Twilight and Fluttershy walked over, followed by Rarity.

A true, true friend helps a friend in need
A friend will be there to help you see
A true, true friend helps a friend in need
To see the light that shines from a true, true friend

Twilight placed the Element of Loyalty around Dash's neck, allowing the same feeling of realisation to flood her senses. The glow faded, and Dash was back to normal, cutie mark and all.

"Uh, what just happened?" she asked, "And why do I smell like animals all of a sudden?"

"There's no time to explain," Twilight replied, "but we need your help. Applejack's trying to make dresses!"

"Say no more!" Dash grinned as she looked at Rarity, who seemed confused about the current situation.

Within minutes we had dragged the fashionista to the Boutique. It was in a state of disrepair with some windows broken, fabric and paper all over the floor and even spots of blood which, given the number of plasters he had on his hands, used to belong to John.

Rarity began surveying the shop as Dash started a new chorus. As she sang, Applejack looked up from the sewing machine with tears in her eyes.

Applejack needs your help
She's trying hard doing what she can
Would you try, just give it a chance
You might find that you'll start to understand

Twilight and Fluttershy joined her for the chorus while Rarity gently pushed Applejack aside and took over, grabbing fabric and thread and perusing various designs.

A true, true friend helps a friend in need
A friend will be there to help them see
A true, true friend helps a friend in need
To see the light that shines from a true, true friend

Twilight applied the Element of Generosity to the now-glowing Rarity, who wiped her brow in relief. Another spark, and Rarity had her own cutie mark back. She slumped over her workspace and let out a small gasp.

"Oh my, what a terrible dream I had." she spotted Applejack standing next to a ponyquin wearing a makeshift dress and added, "Or, maybe I'm still having it."

"Rarity," Twilight said urgently, "Pinkie Pie is about to lose the apple farm. We need Applejack's help!"

"Lose the apple farm?" Rarity said forcefully, "Well we can't let that happen, now can we?"

We grabbed Applejack and hot-footed it to the farm, where Pinkie Pie was still trying to fix the broken water chute. Rarity sang as we walked, while Applejack gained a look of determination. John, on the other hand, was more content with sucking his sore fingers.

Pinkie Pie is in trouble
We need to get there by her side
We can try to do what we can now
For together we can be her guide

The others joined her in singing the chorus. I decided to as well, and was shocked to hear even John singing along. As we sang we helped Pinkie with various tasks around the farm, such as harvesting and planting.

A true, true friend helps a friend in need
A friend will be there to help them see
A true, true friend helps a friend in need
To see the light that shines from a true, true friend

The Element of Honesty was placed around Applejack's neck and she returned to normal. She reared up and cheered in delight.

"Yee-haw! Now that's more like it! She said, "Now what's next?"

"The townspeople are furious," Twilight said, "so we need to get the old Pinkie Pie back."

"Ah'm on it," Applejack replied, "an' Ah know just the thing."

She put a stunned Pinkie onto her back and we marched into town. The townsponies were walking around with faces like thunder. Two of them bumped into each other and growled. Applejack's singing attracted their attention and they glared at us.

The townspeople need you, they've been sad for a while
They march around, faces frown and never seem to smile
And if you feel like helping, we'd appreciate a lot
If you get up there and spread some cheer from here to Canterlot!

She slapped a silly nose and glasses combo on Pinkie's face and pushed her in front of the crowd. Almost immediately she began glowing, so Twilight fixed the Element of Laughter around her neck. Pinkie's mane and tail puffed back up and she threw the mask off.

"Come on ponies," she shouted, "I wanna see you smile!"

The crowd went wild.

"PINKIE!" they cheered.

The entire town then turned out for the chorus. It was a majestic affair, with a marching band and everything. Some ponies even did a few backflips.

As the song reached its climax, the girls got together and shared a group hug. John and I were fortunate to get caught up in it as well.

A true, true friend helps a friend in need
A friend will be there to help them see
A true, true friend helps a friend in need
To see the light
That shines
From a true, true friend!

As the girls hugged, I could hear Twilight whispering to herself.

"A mark of one's destiny, singled out alone, fulfilled."

Suddenly she gasped.

"Wait a second, that's it!" she said excitedly, "I understand now, I know how to fix the spell!"

She galloped back the library with us in hot pursuit. She threw the door open and went to her desk. Picking up the book, she grabbed a quill and began writing.

From all of us together," she said, "together we are friends, with the marks of our destinies made one, there is magic without end!"

Twilight closed the book and turned to her friends, who stood in a circle around her. She beamed from ear to ear.

"I did it!" she squealed, "I finished Starswirl's spell!"

Geo scooped her into his arms and held her tight.

"See," he said, "I told you that you were a smart mare. Princess Celestia is going to be so proud of you Twi. But not as proud as we are, right everypony?"

Everyone present nodded.

"I can't wait to tell her," Twilight said excitedly, "I wonder what she'll do with the spell? Maybe it'll go in a museum?"

Before anyone could answer, the Elements of Harmony began glowing with a white light. The respective bearer gasped in shock as her necklace fired out a beam of magic which enveloped Twilight and Geo. A small explosion then rocked the library.

When the dust cleared, Twilight and Geo were gone. All that remained was a a scorch mark shaped like Twilight's cutie mark.

The group cried out in shock.

"What happened?" Fluttershy gasped, "Where'd they go?!"

The exclamations of shock soon gave way to exclamations of worry.

I opened my eyes to find myself surrounded by nothing but an empty void. Twilight was still in my arms, looking just as shocked.

"Where are we?" she asked, her voice echoing.

"Congratulations, Twilight." another voice echoed throughout the area, "I knew you could do it."

The void soon gave way to space as Princess Celestia appeared. Twilight leapt out of my arms and we both bowed.

"Princess?" she asked, "I don't understand. What did I do?"

"You did something today that's never been done before." Celestia replied. "Something that not even a great unicorn like Starswirl the Bearded was not able to do, because he did not understand friendship like you do. The lessons you've learned here in Ponyville have taught you well."

"And what about me?" I asked, "Why am I here?"

"Because you were holding Twilight at the time the spell cast by the Elements of Harmony sent her here." Celestia chuckled, "But in all seriousness, you have been by her side throughout all the trials she has faced lately. Sombra, Discord, Trixie... You have helped her to prove that she is ready."

"Ready?" Twilight asked perplexedly, "Ready for what?"

Celestia began walking away from us. Confused, we began to follow her. As we walked, several screens began appearing on either side. I took a look at the ones on my right. To my surprise, they were scenes from my life.

Our very first meeting, the time we spent talking while I was in the hospital, moving in to the library, the 'dating/mating' débâcle, our first kiss, the party, making love for the first time... basically everything from the night I was shot to when the Elements blasted Twilight and I was there.

On the other side, I saw scenes from Twilight's life. I saw her as a studious young filly (which nearly caused my heart to explode from a cuteness overload), through to her arrival in Ponyville. I also saw her battles with Nightmare Moon, Discord and the Changelings.

I also saw what she went through after I was shot for the second time. She lay idly on our bed, holding some of my clothing close and taking in its scent. The scene shifted to show her and the girls talking to the spirit of Discord.

"I guess he wasn't lying after all." I muttered.

I also saw the joyous moment when I arrived back, followed by everything up until this moment. It all brought tears to my eyes as I relived my life in Equestria all over again. Twilight joined me, and the two of us simply watched together.

Celestia joined us and, to our surprise, began singing.

You've come such a long, long way
And I've watched you from that very first day
To see how you might grow
To see what you might do
To see what you've been through
And all the ways you've made me proud of you

I was mesmerised. Celestia had such a wonderful singing voice. Twilight seemed to agree, as her mouth hung open at the same level mine was.

It's time now for a new change to come
You've grown up and your new life has begun
To go where you will go
To see what you will see
To find what you will be
For it's time for you to fulfil your destiny

As she sang the last line her horn radiated with light as she picked up Twilight, who began squirming with worry. The light soon enveloped me as well, and I felt myself falling.

In Ponyville, John was leading the others in a frantic search for Twilight and Geo.

"Come on mate," he yelled, "this isn't funny any more!"

In the sky above, a blazing flash of purple light distracted their attention. They looked up to see a large version of Twilight's cutie mark, now sporting six white stars instead of five, descending from on high. It manifested itself in the middle of town to reveal Twilight, while Geo came down next to her.

For the umpteenth time that day I found that I had been blinded by the light. I opened my eyes to find Twilight standing next to me.

"Twilight? Geo?" Applejack called out, "Is that you?"

I stood up.

"Yeah," I replied, "it's us."

"What in tarnation happened?" Applejack said, "Ya were just standin' there when the Elements went a bit loopy and blasted ya to Celestia-knows-where!"

"Actually," I replied, "Celestia did have a part in this. She basically told Twilight how proud she was of her for solving Starswirl's spell, and then went on to say that she was ready."

"Ready?" Applejack said quizzically, "Ready fer what?"

We looked over at Twilight, who still had her eyes closed. Suddenly, she opened them — while a pair of magnificent lavender wings flared out from her back.

Everyone gasped.

"Wha..." Applejack stuttered, "I, I've never seen anything like it!"

"Whoa, Twilight's got wings!" Dash said as she prodded the new appendages, "Awesome! A new flying buddy!"

She laughed as Rarity spoke up.

"Why, you've become an alicorn." she said, "I didn't even know that was possible!"

Pinkie hopped past wearing a party hat, a pair of false wings and stilts, which caused me to notice that Twilight was now taller than she was before. She now came up to my armpits, when before she had came up to my waist.

"Alicorn party!" she squealed as she blew a kazoo.

The commotion had attracted the townsponies, and they cheered at the sudden revelation.

"Wow..." Fluttershy said, "you look just like a princess!"

"That's because she is a princess."

We all looked up in confusion as Celestia descended from the sky.

"Hold on a second!" Pinkie said.

She produced a glass of water and drank it before spitting it out.

"A... a princess?!" Twilight and I exclaimed.

Celestia nodded.

"Since you've come to Ponyville," she said softly, "you have displayed the charity, compassion, devotion, integrity, optimism, and of course, the leadership of a true princess."

"But..." Twilight looked shocked, "does this mean that I won't be your student any more?"

"Not in the same way as before." Celestia replied, "I will still be here to help and guide you, but we're all your students now, too. You are an inspiration to us all, Twilight."

Celestia bowed, followed by everyone else present, while Twilight and I stood there dumbfounded.

"But what do I do now?" she stammered, "Is there a book about being a princess I should read?"

"There will be time for all of that later." Celestia giggled, "Right now, there is a coronation for us to plan."

The Canterlot throne room stood silent as Celestia addressed those present. Beside her stood her sister Luna, as well as Cadence and Shining Armour. The Elements of Harmony stood at the front of the audience along with Twilight's parents, who were beaming with happiness. John too had a huge grin on his face.

"We are gathered here today," Celestia said, "in celebration of a momentous occasion. My most faithful student, Twilight Sparkle, has done many extraordinary things since she's lived in Ponyville. She even helped reunite me with my sister, Princess Luna. But today, Twilight Sparkle did something extraordinary. She created new magic, proving without a doubt that she is ready to be crowned Equestria's newest princess. Fillies and gentlecolts, may I present for the very first time, Princess Twilight Sparkle!"

The doors opened and Twilight entered on a carriage pulled by a pair of Royal Guards. Behind her, other ponies carried banners with her cutie mark on them. The room filled with a soothing melody as these banner-bearers sang.

The Princess Twilight cometh
Behold, behold
A Princess here before us
Behold, behold, behold

The carriage stopped and Twilight got off, walking up to where the other three Princesses stood. The choir continued singing as Celestia placed a crown, modelled after the Element of Magic tiara, on Twilight's head.

Behold, behold
The Princess Twilight cometh
Behold, behold
The Princess is
The Princess is here

"Twilight Sparkle has faced many challenges over the last few months," Celestia continued, "but she has faced them with bravery, determination and skill. But despite everything, one man has been there to support her every step of the way. Therefore, it gives me great pleasure to introduce to you, Prince Geo!"

As Celestia called out my name the doors opened, and I walked through. I was flanked by a couple of guards, one of whom I recognised as Dusk Wind. He gave me a sly wink as I approached Twilight and the other Princesses. I knelt in front of Celestia, who placed a crown on my head. It was made of gold, and adorned with rubies, sapphires and diamonds — a combination I was all too familiar with. I stood up and faced the crowd, who bowed.

We then headed onto the balcony, which overlooked Canterlot itself. Below us, the streets were packed with ponies eager to get a look at their new Prince and Princess. Celestia nudged Twilight.

"Say something Princess," she said, "they're waiting."

"Oh, okay." Twilight cleared her throat, "A little while ago, my teacher and mentor Princess Celestia sent me to live in Ponyville. She sent me to study friendship, which is something I didn't really care much about. But now, on a day like today, I can honestly say I wouldn't be standing here if it weren't for the friendships I've made with all of you. Each one of you taught me something about friendship, and for that, I will always be grateful. Today, I consider myself the luckiest pony in Equestria. Thank you, friends. Thank you, everypony!"

The crowd cheered and stomped their hooves in approval. Celestia then nudged me and nodded towards the crowd. I stepped forward and they went silent in anticipation.

"Like my wife," I said, "I cared very little for friendship. I had been through so much in my life and had simply given up on the idea. But that soon changed when I came to Equestria and met Twilight. She showed me that having friends was not only possible but that it was, and still is, a blessing. A blessing made even more wonderful when I fell in love with her. So thank you, all of you, for making me see that friendship truly is magic, and for simply being the most wonderful folks I've ever had the pleasure to meet."

The crowd cheered and stomped again. We turned around to see our friends approaching. Shining Armour came up to us first.

"Twilight! I'm so proud of you!" he turned to me and added, "You as well, brother-in-law."

"Thanks mate." I replied as I pointed at his face, "You've, er, you've got a little something there."

"Shiny," Twilight giggled, "are you crying?"

"Of course not!" Shining said quickly, "It's... er, it's liquid pride. Totally different thing."

He and Twilight both shared a laugh as John came up and embraced me.

"Well done mate," he said, "I'm proud of both of you."

"Thanks John." I replied as I patted his shoulder. He took a step away from me and grinned.

"Just you wait until the party," he said, "I've got a surprise for you."

I grinned back.

"I'm looking forward to it." I said, Whatever it is."

Applejack and the girls gathered around Twilight.

"Way to go, y'all!" Applejack cheered.

"Best coronation day ever!" Pinkie squealed in glee.

"We love you, Twilight." Fluttershy added.

"I love you too, girls!" Twilight sniffled, "I really mean that."

They shared another group hug before Luna came over.

"As much as I hate to break this up," she said, "the ponies of Equestria would like to see their new Prince and Princess among them. So if you'd be so kind, follow me please."

Twilight nodded and the two of us followed Luna.

The cheering of the assorted ponies was deafening, even with the noise cancelling spell Twilight cast. They lined both sides of the street, the Royal Guard in front of them with their spears forming a guard of honour. Various flowers were being thrown into the carriage. Twilight picked up a rose and sniffed it.

She looked at me. I knew what was coming, so I nodded. She nuzzled my face and the two of us began singing.

Life in Equestria shimmers
Life in Equestria shines
And we know for absolute certain

We jumped out of the carriage we were in and fell into line with our friends who were walking behind. They all joined us in singing.

That everything (everything)
Yes, everything
Yes, everything is certainly fine
It’s fine

Without warning, Twilight levitated me onto her back and took off into the sky. I wrapped my arms around her neck as I held on, while she finished our impromptu song.

"Yes!" she said happily, "Everything’s going to be just fine!"

"You can say that again," I replied, "though it's gonna take me some time to get used to this role reversal."

"Role reversal?" Twilight asked, "I wasn't aware of a role reversal."

"There has been a role reversal." I grinned wickedly, "Because you're usually the one riding me."

I couldn't see it, but I knew Twilight was blushing because of the sudden increase in heat around her face.

She looped around and we flew back to the castle for the after-coronation party, courtesy of a certain pink energy ball.

"Could I have everypony's attention please?" John yelled.

The guests fell silent as all eyes turned to him.

"Thank you." he said, "Now, I told Geo... er I mean Prince Geo that I had a surprise for him. Well, here it is."

He walked over to where the band was and picked up a guitar. He strummed a few chords while the stallion on drums began playing.

They continued the same beat for another twenty seconds, before John finally started singing. I recognised the song as 'Prince Charming' by Adam Ant; quite fitting, really, given the occasion.

John finished the song with a final resonating note, to a thunderous stomping of hooves combined with cheering and whistling.

"Thank you everypony," he yelled, "I'm here all night!"

The crowd laughed at his joke.

"But seriously though," John said, "that was for you Geo. I'm pleased to call you my friend. Do us proud mate!"

He stepped away from the microphone and put the guitar down before leaving the stage, where ponies were eager to pat him on the back. I looked at the microphone and then to Twilight, who was talking to Cadence about the upcoming Equestria Games.

Without even thinking, I walked onto the stage and took up the microphone. All eyes were now on me. But I already knew what I was going to do.

"Since we're doing songs for each other," I said, "it's only fitting that I do one for my lovely wife. It's probably not the perfect song, but it matches my feelings right now."

I leaned over and whispered the name of my song to the band. They nodded in agreement and took up their instruments. I took up the guitar John had been using while the drummer began playing. After a few seconds, I began strumming. The music began to build up as I started singing 'Pretty Woman' by Roy Orbison, but I replaced 'woman' with 'pony.'

Once I was finished, Twilight got on stage and kissed me. "That was beautiful." she cooed, "And you're definitely going to be rewarded for that later. But first, I feel as though I should sing a song for you now. So stand aside please, my dear."

I did as I was asked and got off the stage. Twilight talked to the band for a moment and they nodded.

Twilight took up the microphone and immediately began singing 'The Power of Love' by Celine Dion. I began to wonder how Twilight knew the song even existed, unless of course the similarities between Equestria and Earth stretched beyond just our mutual language.

As she finished the song she closed her eyes and allowed a single tear to run down her cheek and onto the floor. While the audience voiced their approval, I leapt onto the stage, sweeping Twilight into my arms and planting one on her lips. She dropped the microphone in surprise before wrapping her forehooves around my neck and leaning back into the kiss, both of us moaning contentedly.

"Does, er, does anypony else want to sing a song?" John asked, struggling to keep his emotions in check.

Everyone shook their heads. Twilight and I eventually pulled away from each other. I picked up the microphone and spoke.

"Thank you," I said, "for the wonderful evening. Today has been one of the greatest days in my entire life, coming second to the day I actually arrived here in the first place. I promise you all that I will not fail you in my duties as Prince... whatever they may be."

"And I will not fail in my duties as Princess." Twilight added, "Also Geo is right. Today has been amazing and I have all of you to thank for it. You are all the greatest friends a pony could ask for."

Everyone cheered in approval. The band left the stage, replaced with Vinyl and Pinkie.

"Hey Vinyl," I said, "I guess this means that I don't have the pleasure of working for you any more?"

"Yeah," she replied, "but do you know what's worse?"

"What?" I asked.

"You're a Prince now," Vinyl huffed, "so that means you're now my boss, instead of me being yours!"

She looked at me for a moment before we both laughed.

"Shut up and get those records playing you silly mare." I said.

Vinyl fired off a mock salute and did as she was asked.

And soon, everyone was possessed by the beat.

Hours later, Twilight and I were entering the library. Although Celestia offered us a room at the palace, Twilight and I both insisted on staying in Ponyville. Our reason was that we didn't want to leave our friends behind.

We paid the foalsitter, who left the building with her nose pressed into the ground, and sat with our children.

"Do you think they're going to grow up to be like Blueblood?" I asked, "You know, spoilt brats who think they deserve it all?"

Twilight shook her head.

"No," she said sternly, "and we'll make sure of that. I want them to live normal lives, and not worry about the other foals shunning them simply because they're royalty."

I held her close as we watched the two of them sleep.

"One thing is still bugging me about all of this." I said.

"What?"

"The girls weren't the only ones affected by that spell," I replied, "their special somepony was too. Spark was helping Dash with the animals, Haywick tried to entertain everypony, and John was acting like a mannequin. Not one of them seemed to realise it was wrong."

Twilight put a hoof to her chin in thought.

"It would seem," she said eventually, "that because the guys are connected to a bearer of an Element of Harmony, the spell affected them as well."

"I shudder to think at what Ace would have done," I said, "had he been at the farm with Pinkie."

"Yeah..." Twilight trailed off, "Where's he been anyway? Is he still locked in his lab?"

"He is," I replied, "and those damn bots of his won't let me anywhere near the place so I can speak to him."

Twilight sighed.

"I'm sure he'll come out when he's ready to talk." she said, "Though I wish Pinkie would open up about her feelings for him. Every time I even mention Ace's name she changes the subject."

"Those two need their heads banging together," I said, "or maybe they need to be locked in a room until they talk."

"Indeed," Twilight replied, "though it's none of our concern at the moment. What is our concern is rewarding each other for those beautiful songs we sang earlier."

She ruffled her wings and grinned.

"And perhaps," she said sultrily, "we can find some way to make use of these?"

"I'm sure we can think of something." I grinned back, "But if all else fails, we could always wing it."

Twilight groaned at my awful pun and walked upstairs with me following close behind.

And then the festivities began properly.

Author's Notes:

This chapter has now beaten 'Magic Duel' for Longest Chapter I've Ever Written. Just the Epilogue to go, and then this story is complete! But fear not, for there are still Bonus Chapters to look forward to.

SONGS USED

John sang Prince Charming by Adam Ant.
Geo sang (Oh) Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison.
Twilight sang The Power Of Love by Celine Dion.

I came up with the idea for John's song, while Seven81493 suggested the other two.