Silverwind felt really weird, one he couldn't fly and two he was now a she thanks to being in Starlight's body. Silverwind looked at herself in the mirror, he had to admit Starlight was very pretty. But why was he put into her body? It didn't really make sense.
"Excuse me ma'am?" A stallion asked coming up to her. "Are you okay? You seem lost."
"I'm going through a lot." Silverwind said.
"Wow...your voice is a..a bit manly." The stallion pointed out. "Do you need some help? Maybe see a doctor?"
"I'm actually doing just fine." Silverwind said annoyed. "My voice is fine as well thank you."
Silverwind quickly got out of there, he really didn't want to deal with this confusion. It had only been a short time, he needed to think. All this happened during his first day on the job. He had walked for awhile and didn't realize he had walked into one of the royal gardens.
"Huh?" Silverwind looked around the garden, it was very beautiful actually. Lush and green with flowers he never saw before. Then he saw a young mare watering some of the flowers.
He didn't say anything at first but she noticed him as well and went over to him. "Greetings Ms. Can I help you?"
"Sorry, I just got a bit lost." Silvewind admitted.
"My name is Komono. And you are?" Komono introduced herself.
"My name is Silverwind." Silvermind smiled at her.
"Isn't that a boy's name?" Komono asked.
"Yeah, long story." Silverwind added.
"So what brings you here?" Komono asked. "Most who get lost come here have something they need help with. So what is wrong Silverwind?"
"Well...you got me, I am worried if I'm any good to be a royal guard for Celestia and Luna. On my first day on the job I failed to keep anyone safe. Are my skills good enough?" Silverwind expressed his concern.
"So you think yourself weak?" Komono put bluntly.
"Ah...I guess so." Silverwind said. "What can someone who's talent is combat do in this day and age?"
"A talent for combat?" Komono looked at him confused.
"I train all the time, I know pretty much everything about weapons. But how does that help anyone I want to protect?" Silverwind explained.
"You know? I think you know the answer. You just doubt yourself." Komono pointed out. She then took a flower from the garden and slipped it into Starlight's hair. "Don't lose faith in yourself. Don't think about your talents. Just be yourself."
"Just be myself huh?" Silverwind looked at the flower and then nodded. "You know? Your right. I have to focus on what I can do. Not what I could have done."
Komono smiled at this and Silverwind ran off. He went back to the city faster then he thought and saw Rarity. Who he knew was Celestia in her body. "Princess?"
Celestia turned and smiled at him. "Hello Starlight."
"Actually it's me Silverwind." Silverwind came over to her. "Princess?"
"Yes Silverwind?" Celestia cocked her head.
"Why did you make me a guard? I can't do much guarding and I'm nobody special." Silverwind explained.
"Because I believe there is more to you then that." Celestia explained. "I also need someone I can count on. And you Silverwind have something most stallions don't."
"What's that?" Silverwind asked.
"That's simple. You have heart." Celestia added. "You have the passion to get things done. Most guards take the job because it pays well and they hardly have to work. Barely any of them train. In fact most of my guards normally just end up looking through mail that comes for me."
Silverwind didn't know what to say. But he couldn't help but smile. Celestia continued. "I watched you train, day and night you would attack those targets trying to get your swing just right. You even went into the forest and fought animals bigger then you to train. You would even be kind to them after a fight. This is why I picked you to be a guard."
Silverwind felt a whole lot better. He doubted himself over something he couldn't stop. What was all that training for if he gave up so fast? "Princess...I'm sorry I doubted myself."
"I'm glad to hear that." Celestia smiled. "Now how about you guard me over some tea. Shall we?"
Silverwind wasn't sure of that was flirting or a joke. But he went with it. "As you command princess."
Before they got anywhere however Starlight's body glowed. Meanwhile with Fluttershy. She was honestly worried about a lot of things. Mostly the fact her long lost sister was here. She knew she worked away from Equestria but didn't know she worked all the way in Unicorn Grove.
She wanted to say something, she just wanted to talk to her and be close to her. Unlike her brother Skyfire actually made something of her life. It was thanks to her that Fluttershy wanted to do something with her life.
Now she was stuck in some stallion's body and there was no hope to get back to her own body as far as she knew. She noticed the animals around her didn't get close or anything like she was used to. But the fact she was in another body didn't help.
"Hey there you are." Fluttershy heard a familiar voice behind her. She turned and saw Skyfire walking up to her. "Oh it's...you?"
"Forgot my name already huh?" Skyfire said sounding a little hurt. But it was a playful act. "Well I'm not surprised. You are quite attractive after all."
Fluttershy blushed from this. She couldn't say she was her sister. She wouldn't believe her anyway. "I uh..."
"Shy huh? That's even cuter." Skyfire said getting really close to her. "So tell me, why are you out here all alone?"
"I'm just...thinking." Fluttershy admitted.
"About?" Skyfire asked.
"Well...I have an older sister, I haven't seen her in years and she doesn't know who I am...and I don't know how to tell her that it's me." Fluttershy said nervously.
"You have a sister huh? I have a little sister and a little brother myself." Skyfire said. "My little sister is actually really famous."
"She is?" Fluttershy asked.
"Her name is Fluttershy, I haven't seen her since she was a baby, I heard she became friends with a princess, she is also a model, and even loves to sing." Skyfire said with a smile on her face.
"You keep track of your sister?" Fluttershy looked at her confused.
"Well as much as I can, of course. She's family after all." Skyfire nodded and took out a photo of Fluttershy as a baby. "Although I only have this to remember what she looks like. I wonder what she would look like now?"
Fluttershy teared up a little. She was happy that Skyfire remembered her. "Oh Skyfire..."
"Look at us, concerned for our families all the time, I send my family about half the money I make here. I heard it mainly goes to my lazy brother though." Skyfire pointed out.
"Say, if your sister was a wonderbolt. Would you be happy?" Fluttershy asked.
"A wonderbolt? Hmmm..." Skyfire thought about it and nodded. "I would be pretty proud of course. But I heard a lot of things about the wonderbolts. Not all good really."
"Well what about a wonderbolt in title but being an idol?" Fluttershy pointed out.
Skyfire looked at her confused. "You ask really specific questions. But if she was an idol. I would be happy. To be honest I would be happy for her whatever she did. As long as she's happy."
Fluttershy nodded blushing a little. "I'm glad to hear that."
Fluttershy knew she still nervous about being a singer. But she loved it so much. It was one of her hidden passions. That and sewing. She wanted to sing and be the pony she grew up wanting to me. But thanks to Skyfire she realized she didn't want to do it just because a few mares told her to try. She wanted to do it because it was her dream after all.
She was scared that nobody else would like that. But to be honest. Everyone she talked to was more then happy for her. She was going to do it. She was going to follow her dream and enjoy every minute of it with her friends and family.
"Instead of talking about family, how about we talk about us~?" Skyfire said leaning in close.
Fluttershy didn't see her get close due to how deep in thought she was. Without wanting to wait anymore Skyfire kissed her on the lips. This made Fluttershy blush like crazy and was in complete shock. "Mm!?"
Skyfire really enjoyed the kiss and Fluttershy's body glowed. She honestly thought it was a glow of passion or something. She broke the kiss and licked her lips a little. "Wow~"
Silverwind looked at what happened and blushed just like Fluttershy did. "Well...uh..."
"That was a good kiss cutie." Skyfire said taking his front leg with hers. "Let's go out."
"O-okay..." Silverwind had no idea what was going on but he was a gentleman to mares so he followed along.
Fluttershy on the other hoof found herself with Dusk and Trixie. "Where am I?"
"Fluttershy, your back in your own body!" Dusk said happily.
"I see you did as well." Fluttershy said with a smile.
"Well Trixie hasn't. Trixie needs her magic back." Trixie said annoyed in Pinkie's body.
"So do we know if anyone else is back to their bodies?" Fluttershy asked.
"Well we know that most of us are." Dusk admitted. "But there are still some that aren't."
"Then let's meet up with the others." Fluttershy said getting a move on. Dusk nodded and Trixie sighed following after them.
"Trixie really hates this...she misses her magic." Trixie said.
"Trixie?" Fluttershy looked at her as they walked. "I hate to say it. But your magic...well it's not very good."
"What do you mean?" Trixie asked. "Trixie is the greatest at magic."
"If that's true. Then why do you only do tricks and effects?" Dusk asked bluntly.
"Uh...well...Trixie..." Trixie didn't know what to say. She was right. She wasn't as good as she claimed to be.
"Now Dusk, it's okay if she isn't the best at magic." Fluttershy said.
Their words hurt Trixie more and more. The worst part was they weren't wrong. "Trixie needs some time alone."
Trixie walked off and Fluttershy and Dusk looked concerned but they let her be. Trixie walked for a bit and then noticed a few kids playing with their magic. "Everyone at Maretopia is so talented with their magic. Expect for Trixie..."
"Haha! What was that? So lame!" Trixie overheard one of the children talking.
She noticed a mare was having trouble using her magic and could barely lift a rock. And one of the other girls was making fun of her for it. "I'm not that bad, I'm going to be the best unicorn ever!"
Trixie smiled at this. She was impressed that the little filly was so strong willed even with bullies like that. She came out and spoke. "Excuse me?"
"Huh? Who are you?" The fillies all turned to her.
"Why does it matter if your skilled in magic or not?" Trixie asked. "The point is to have fun."
"What's the fun in failing all the time?" The bully asked.
"I know a unicorn that didn't give up, she was bullied all the time. But she always believed in herself. Her name is Trixie." Trixie said happily.
"You mean that same Trixie that travels around and can only use cheep tricks?" The filly asked.
Trixie looked at her shocked. "Wha?"
"I heard about her. She goes around and does nice things sure. But always talking about herself like. "I am the great and powerful Trixie. Trixie. Trixie. It's funny how she tries to mask her weakness behind her ego." The filly laughed and the other fillies joined her.
Trixie felt even worse now. She was hoping to help the filly have confidence, she thought she could do something like Twilight, but now she knew that was just wishful thinking. Trixie just hung her head and walked away from the laughing children.
"Kids can be so cruel huh?" Trixie saw Starlight come up to her.
"Cruel..but their right. What's the point of having magic if I can't even do normal magic like a filly?" Trixie admitted. "All I do is say Trixie this and Trixie that. And act big..."
"That's why you have a best friend like me." Starlight added. "I'm the worst when it comes to friendship lessons. But I know my magic lessons. So how about I teach you when this is all over? No more tricks and cheep effects."
Trixie smiled at her. "You and Fluttershy have been so nice to Trix-me…Fluttershy has given me a place to live and you never gave up on me. And all I do is complain about my hard life and say I'm better then everyone else."
"Well...you do have a bit of an ego." Starlight admitted.
"A bit? It's gotten me in more trouble then I can count." Trixie said and then stomped her a bit.
"Relax Trixie, we can work through it." Starlight pointed out.
"And you know what? I won't be so egotistical anymore." Trixie said. "From now on I'll be a better unicorn. no. I'll become...a princess like Twilight!"
"Huh?" Starlight looked confused.
Trixie had a fire in her eyes and grinned. "Twilight has beaten me in everything I've done. Magic. Tricks. Friendship, she even became an alicorn. But I won't lose. I'll become someone everyone will love!"
"Oh yeah?" Starlight smiled at this.
"I'll do it all, and first. My ego will go." Trixie said before she started to glow. "Just like in my shows. I'll make it more about the show itself and less about me."
"That's good Trixie!" Starlight said before Trixie was suddenly in her own body again.
Pinkie pie was currently in Starlight's body. She was getting tired of all the body jumping. She looked at herself in Starlight's body. It was strange. All of her bodies have been people she wasn't all that close to. She liked to think she was close to every pony. But she knew that wasn't the case.
Pinkie had seen a lot of fun things lately, but the problem is she didn't know what she had to learn to get back in her own body. She didn't think she had a problem with anyone. She wasn't that far from an elementary school and saw a bunch of children playing.
She remembered the first body she was in was Dusk's. A filly's body. She noticed the fillies all playing without a care in the world. That was how she always acted. Why worry about anything? But she realized that not worrying about everything got her in this mess.
Pinkie knew that all this was her fault. If she wasn't so carefree she would have stopped and read what was on the kettle and none of this would have happened. She felt bad now that she stopped to think about it.
Sure she was having fun in all these different bodies. But she knew the others weren't. What she thinks is fun and what they think is fun are different things. Twilight loves her books. Rarity loves her fashion. Rainbow Dash loves her speed. It all made sense now. Her child like parties were always the same. Sure she had fun but were filly parties always the answer? Of course not.
She realized that she could always have fun with her friends. But she could act her age and still have fun. She then glowed and without even noticing.
Something was blocking their bodies from going back to normal however and Trixie counted. "Let's see...oh, Starligh. Your the last one. When you get your lesson done. We all have our bodies back!"
Starlight thought about it. She could do this. She just needed to think. "Well judging from the fact I'm in your body…"
Starlight thought about Trixie for a bit and smiled. "I think I know."
"You do? That was fast." Trixie said.
"It's the thing I like about you the most. I have a hard time staying strong on my path to friendship. I always try and cut corners and think to much. YOU go with the flow of things. You don't let others bother you as much as I do. I have to do that. I'm not going to let those things get to me anymore." Starlight explained.
Trixie then noticed Starlight glow. "Boy...you really are a fast learner."
Then suddenly Pinkie. Trixie and Starlight were all back in their own bodies. Trixie smiled at this and hugged herself. "I feel like myself again!"
"Me too!" Pinkie said.
"Let's go meet up with everyone!" Trixie said before they ran off.
Meanwhile however Rarity and Celestia were the only ones that weren't in their original bodies. Rarity was looking at the fashion in the kingdom and loved it. They had beautiful clothes. One that caught her attention. It was a beautiful dress that looked like flames.
There was red and orange tailored flawlessly. The main part was red and there was clear orange veils around it. "Who made this?"
"Oh that would be me." A mare came out of the store. She was a unicorn with a blue coat and an orange mane. "Do you like it?"
"I do very much." Rarity nodded. "What material do you use?"
"Come inside princess." The mare said going back in.
Rarity followed her in and saw many beautiful designs. She was impressed with all of the designer hats and dresses. There was so much and it all looked like it was made from magic. "It's like you took real fire and made it into a dress."
"Actually that's just what I did." The mare smiled. "In Unicorn Grove we use magic for everything. So I get help from these little guys."
Rarity watched as she called in some small glowing orb like creatures. "What are those?"
"Their like Breezies for the most part, their elemental beings that boost magic of a unicorn. They are born from a special flower and love to help those who grew their homes." The mare said.
"Fluttershy told me once about those. But I thought they were a story." Rarity pointed out.
"Do you like dresses princess?" The mare asked.
"Oh very much so." Rarity said. "Can you show me how it works?"
"Well it is a trade secret. I can't just show you how it's done." The mare admitted.
"I understand." Rarity nodded. "But ether way it's beautiful work."
"Why thank you." The mare smiled happily. "We don't get many princesses here."
"Many? So you do get some?" Rarity asked.
"Princess Nova comes by to get dresses here. She loves to try on dresses and other things, she's so kind and caring." The mare said.
"It sounds like princess Nova cares deeply about every pony in Maretopia." Rarity said.
"That's because it's true. It's not just ponies. She cares for every living thing in Unicorn Grove. From Breezies to dragons she has a place in her heart for everyone." The mare said happily.
Rarity got to thinking after that. She thought about maybe opening a store in Maretopia. But she realized something. Being a princess wasn't all glamor and being fancy. Celestia lately wasn't the best princess around. All the lies and mistakes have really left a mark on her reputation.
In fact all the princesses she had met were nothing like the stories she read as a filly. Luna. Cadance. Even Twilight realized how being a princess ruined her life. Rarity had always dreamed of being a princess. But it was a lot more trouble then she hoped.
But seeing all these things that Nova did. She could see that it wasn't always fun and games but it wasn't always mistakes and problems ether. There was a balance. Actually it was like normal life. Princesses are just like her or any other pony.
Celestia's body then started to glow and Rarity knew she found out what she needed to go back to her body.
Meanwhile Celestia was sitting at a hill looking at the sky. She was deep in thought. So much has happened. Everyone she tried to help or protect now hated her. Or at least that's what she thought. And why wouldn't they?
She had lied for so long she not only started to believe them herself but she lied so much it became a habit. She lied about the other alicorns. She lied about Nightmare Moon. She lied to Sunset Shimmer. She lied to Twilight Sparkle. She even lied to herself. Who didn't she lie to?
Celestia didn't mean to lie. She didn't want to do it. But there was a reason for it. Starswirl the bearded told her to follow a certain path. And she did...without question. As she was lost in thought she heard a familiar voice from behind. "Rarity?"
Celestia turned and saw Melody Bloom. "Melody? What are you doing here?"
"I used to be a wanderer. And I heard about this place so I decided to check it out. What are you doing here?" Melody asked.
"Tell me something Melody. You knew Starswirl even before I...before Celestia did. What do you know about him?" Celestia asked.
Melody set her bag down and sat with her. "Hm...it's not like I knew him well. But he was smart and usually right about things."
"So...if he made a list for Celestia to follow...would you hold it against her for following it?" Celestia asked again.
Melody looked at her funny and then thought about it. "I suppose so."
"But if she did it to make the world a better place...is that wrong?" Celestia kept up her questions.
"Rarity. If Celestia did follow a bunch of guidelines from a crazy old man. Would you really forgive her for what she did? I knew Starswirl made those portals and all sorts of stuff. But he wasn't a ruler. Celestia following every word of her teacher to the point she ruined her life. Don't you think it's her own fault?" Melody Bloom said.
"Hmm...maybe it is all her fault." Celestia said with a sigh.
"I'm not a leader Rarity. I've always been alone. Everyone I loved was taken from me. But I know for a fact that being a leader. It's more then giving into the demands of some old man. A real princess needs to make her own decisions."
"But I had to do it!" Celestia shouted. "He was my teacher...the last time I didn't follow his advice Luna turned into Nightmare Moon and Sunset Shimmer ran away into the human world."
"You?" Melody looked at her confused.
"It's me...Celestia, my body was swapped with Rarity's…" Celestia explained.
"Wow...that sounds crazy." Melody said believing her rather fast. "But I'll admit. I've seen weirder."
"I just...before his passing Starswirl gave me a book. It was a book that told me what to do to make sure certain events happened. Like Twilight becoming my pupil. Making her into a princess. I haven't been able to fight in any of the battles because of what that book tells me." Celestia pointed out.
"Are you kidding? It's no wonder your people think so little of you now. You are taking advice from a book written by a crazy old man." Melody explained. "Your not a leader. Your just following a book's orders."
"But he was my teacher..." Celestia said.
"He was also the guy that wore a hat with bells on it, crossed the sea in a bathtub. And didn't know the first thing about friendship magic. Yes he was a great stallion. But he was also a nuts. You can't put ALL your faith into just one stallion. You have to stand on your own four legs for once." Melody said.
Celestia hung her head. She knew Melody was right. But she was scared at the same time. If she did do that. She wouldn't know what the future held for them. She never really lead anyone before. Most of her meetings with other kingdoms was her listen and then signing something.
No. Melody was right. It was that simple, she didn't take charge of her own life and look where it's gotten her. Little respect, a sister that hates her. A pupil that left their world because of her. Twilight felt like a tool and quit being a princess. Everything she worked for was crashing around her.
"Your right...I just do what I'm told...I haven't been thinking for myself since I was a child." Celestia agreed.
"Then don't you think it's time to fix that? I mean you have a lot to make up for. But you can't just ignore it." Melody said.
Celestia nodded. She stood up and smiled at her. "Thank you Melody. From this day forward. I won't let the past define me. I get it now. I don't have to be a princess to be myself. I won't be a failure anymore."
Melody noticed she was glowing and all of a suddenly Rarity's voice was normal. "Huh? Oh! I'm back!"
"Wait...what?" Melody looked at her confused.
"I'm back to myself!" Rarity said and hugged her. "This is great! Come along Melody. We have to hurry!"
Melody was then dragged along with Rarity. Shortly all the girls met up at the central park. Twilight smiled as everyone came back. "Girls! Are you all back to normal?"
"We are!" Applejack said happily.
"It took some time, but we did." Rarity said.
"It feels good to be back in my own body." Fluttershy added.
"I'm just glad this mess is finally over." Celestia said.
"Agreed." Luna nodded. "Having you all in each others bodies was confusing."
Fluttershy looked over and saw Silverwind. "Um…about what happened..."
"I think we both didn't expect that kiss...let's try and...forget that happened.." Silverwind said.
"Good idea." Fluttershy agreed in a hurry.
"So now that we're all back to normal. Can we go home?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"I think that would be best." Rarity added. "This was nice and all but we all have things to do back in Equestria."
They all agreed and were about to head out when they realized they were completely surrounded by royal guards. "You are all under arrest."
"What is the meaning of this?" Luna asked annoyed.
"There has been a….recent change on the throne." Burn out said coming up to them. "I've seen what you all can do before. And I can't let you run around freely."
The guards then all grab the girls. Twilight struggled and tried to use her magic but the guards slipped magic jamming ring on her horn. "Hey! Let us go!"
However as a guard came up to Silverwind he grabbed the guard and threw him into another guard. Celestia struggled as best she could. "Silverwind, get out of here!"
Silverwind growled. "But Princess!"
"Don't worry! I know you'll save us! Now go!" Silverwind kicked another guard as Celestia shouted.
He nodded and jumped into the air before flying off. Rainbow Dash wasn't one to be chained down ether and quickly smacked a guard away and flew off as well. Twilight and the rest were taken down and put into chains before being taken away. "Sir? What about those two?"
"Tch, they are just pegasi. What can they do? Fly? Please. Leave them. It's the princesses we really want anyway." Burn out said grinning as he watched the girls being taken away to castle.