//------------------------------// // A Royal Wedding // Story: To Be The Phoenix // by Solstice Shimmer //------------------------------// Wedding bells. The strong sound of ringing bells. They rang throughout Equestria, joyously. I stood before the altar beside my mother, watching Twilight walk down the aisle. The smile on her face made my heart melt with happiness. Sunset was melting too, I could tell by the love-struck look plastered upon her face. Twilight walked up to us and half smiled at me. There was something off about her, I could tell. Perhaps she was nervous. She then put her hoof around Sunset and kissed her before Sunset whispered in her ear. “I love you, Twilight. With all my heart,” she said. Twilight smiled even wider as she pulled back, gazing into Sunset’s eyes. She bit her lip, in a seductive way then I heard Sunset sharply gasp suddenly. I was confused at first, but then watched in utter horror as she pulled away from her, revealing a dagger buried in below Sunset’s lower neck, burying itself into her heart. “Oh, my darling. If only there was somepony that loved you.” Twilight cooed. Sunset crumpled to the floor, using her magic to try and pry the knife out of her chest. I couldn't move to her though. I wished so desperately to, but the shock was too much for me. Blood ran down her chest as she glanced at me, fear in her eyes. “Run,” she whispered before she fell over. I snapped out of my shock and looked at Twilight. This couldn't be her. Could it? “Twilight?” I asked, cautiously. Twilight’s eyes rested on me, suddenly flashing with a dark green magic. She spread her dark wings, standing before me, her teeth growing longer and sharper, turning into fangs. Twilight’s magic exploded from her body and a dark cloak overtook her body, replacing the beautiful white dress that she wore. My jaw dropped to the floor as Twilight’s now glowing eyes rested on us. She lifted her head and laughed with all her might then she let the dark magic wrap around her. “Hahaha! I shall take everything from you, my love. Then you'll have no choice but to return to me.” Twilight grinned. My heart sunk to the floor the minute I heard her voice. No… I know that voice all too well. “No! No! Help me!" I screamed as I ran from her. Her musical laugh rang through the room, into my ears. I suddenly smashed into a wall that appeared in front of me. I turned and backed into the wall, covering my ears, trying to block out the sound of her laugh. It was hideously beautiful, as she slowly walked towards me. “Haha! Run and hide, my dear. It shall not matter where you go,” she chuckled. “No!” I screamed. Twilight spread her wings ready to take off and pounce upon me, but suddenly a flash of lightning distracted her. Twilight looked up, as did I. A swirl of magic appeared and it morphed into the form of a dark alicorn. She hovered in the air then landed in front of me, spreading her own wings, making herself seem more intimidating. Her eyes glowed with magic as she faced off Twilight, who didn't seem concerned whatsoever by the Princess that stood before her. “Stand down, foul creature, before we send thee to the depths of Tartarus.” Princess Luna spoke in a calm yet firm voice. “Ah, Luna. What a nice surprise.” Twilight chuckled. “Brings back such memories. Don't you remember when we used to do this together before you fell to your sister?.” Luna blinked; unfazed by what she said. “It is true, we have changed for the better. Thou would benefit if thou would do the same.” She raised an eyebrow, her dark green eyes a bit smug. “You mean it would benefit, you; do you not?” Twilight paced in front of us, her dark cloak dragging behind her as she did so. “How fun this is, Luna. To think that you encouraged me to do this, years ago. You were my inspiration back when you were your true self.” “Silence!” Luna yelled in her royal Canterlot voice. Twilight smiled. “Let me have the child, Luna. That is all I want.” Her eyes rested on me as she spoke these words. I cringed. “Begone with you!” Luna charged her horn and shot a beam at her, trying to disintegrate her. “I will come back for you! I always come back!!” Twilight's voice rang in my ears. “Luna!” I screamed one last scream as her laugh grew louder, practically unbearable. Luna immediately lay over my body, protectively then put her horn to my forehead. Make it go away! Please make it go. I suddenly woke up, gasping for breath in a cold sweat as I clutched my bed sheets tightly. Sweet Celestia. It was only a dream... I breathed a sigh of relief as I glanced around my pitch black room. Well, screw sleep then I guess. I huffed in annoyance as the bright morning sun suddenly greeted my closed eyes without warning as somepony threw open my curtains, forcing me to awake. I lazily opened one eye and peeked through my messy mane, which was covering my face, to see who in the wide world of Equestria was brave enough to mess with me when I had fallen back asleep barely three hours ago. To my surprise I saw Rarity bustling about my room, moving some of my furniture around and pulling in makeup bags as well as other beauty supplies into my room. “Come along now, darling. You must get up,” Rarity urged as she set up her beauty accessories onto my dresser as well as my vanity. I groaned heavily before I grabbed my pillow with my hoof, smashing it over my face, trying to block out the excessive light. Oh sweet Celestia… I just want sleep. Rarity would not be discouraged so easily though. She grabbed the covers from my bed with her magic and yanked them off of me. I shivered as the sudden cool air hit my fur, but I stubbornly stayed put. “Solstice Shimmer! You need to get up! If you desire to look presentable at the wedding this afternoon, then you must let me begin my work.” Rarity chastised. I huffed in annoyance, but then a slight memory of what had been discussed last night came back to me. Oh yeah. Wedding. Right. Still that didn't mean that I wanted to get up. I was simply exhausted, my body felt as if I had been through a war half the night. It wasn't a war though, it was the nightmare. I shuddered at the very thought of her. The nightmares that haunted me were horrible, each one worse than the last. Thank Celestia Twilight asked Princess Luna to watch over me while I slept. But I knew that she couldn't afford to watch me every single night. So I asked her to only come when the nightmares were simply unbearable. She complied to what I asked, but there were many nights that I didn't dare sleep out of fear that she might be in my room, waiting to take me from my home. Which is what happened most of last night. I decided to stay up and read instead of sleeping so I wouldn't be a bother to Princess Luna. Sleep then decided to overtake me which then confirmed my fears. So much for that idea. Now I'm paying the consequences. It would be a bit easier if I still lived in Canterlot, but Twilight had me move into her castle with her and my mother, Sunset. I didn't mind moving in with Twilight, but it was a bit difficult to live with the fact that I had given up my chance to be the youngest student ever to go to Crystal University. Well, if I was honest with myself I hadn't given it up, I simply didn't wish to go at such a young age. Besides it would have been strange, and perhaps a bit unhealthy for me. As reluctant as I was to leave what used to be my warm bed before Rarity ridded me of my quilt, I forced myself to rise from my bed and walk towards my vanity like a lamb for slaughter. Except for being killed, I was handing myself over to Rarity’s beautifying mercy. Rarity gently brushed the tangles from my mane, as I closed my eyes, trying to zone myself out for the time being. I had tried to ignore the fear and sleep last night, but they had become so much more aggressive the past few nights, it was beginning to worry me. Sure I hadn't seen... her in over four years, but still… she did say that she would come back for me. Was it true? Or am I simply being paranoid? “Solstice, is there something bothering you?” Rarity abruptly asked, interrupting my thoughts. I opened my eyes and looked into the mirror, meeting her dark blue eyes. I forced myself to smile at the unicorn. She and I had become rather good friends through the years, especially when I met my first colt-friend when I graduated. It was rather strange for me to feel the way I did around another pony so I went to her for guidance. Twilight had always told me how much of a romantic she was, so I decided to go to her, feeling that it may be a bit awkward if I went to anypony else. Rarity was sympathetic to my feelings and told me how she believed I should handle the situation. It was rather funny, how he and I acted, but in the end we didn't work out. After my first breakup, I thought life was over. I thought that I would never fall in love ever again! I believed it was the worst moment of my life. Now that I think of it, I laugh at myself. I was such a drama queen. After that ordeal she and I would talk every now and then. Sometimes she would even force me to come to her boutique, to fit me for some new dresses. That didn't really attract me all the time, but she had been good to me in my time of need, so I complied to her wishes. Now as I sat there, troubled with thoughts that she would surely not understand, I wondered if I should tell her. But in the end I wiped off the wavering worry and simply kept my fake smile. “I'm fine. Just nervous for the wedding,” I said. Rarity rolled her eyes. “It's not even yours, dear. But I understand a bit of excitement. Oh! This is such a wonderful time! To think, my best friend is getting married!” She squealed with excitement as she fluffed my mane, which she had put in a delicate updo. I sighed. It was indeed a wonderful time. Mom’s proposal to Twilight was the most adorable thing I had ever seen. She, of course, told me of what she planned then asked for my assistance in lighting some magical fireworks. I was thrilled to help, and could barely keep the secret from Twilight, but somehow I managed. It was beautiful. Sunset took her to the Canterlot Castle’s gardens, where they walked through the newly blossomed trees and lush green grass, talking as they went. The sunset in the distance as they continued walking then, Sunset led the unknowing Twilight towards the castle until they reached the bridge which overlooked the courtyard. They gazed upon the sunset together, as I patiently waited in the gardens, waiting for the signal. Sunset then got down on her forelegs, bowing before Twilight and presenting the ring to her. I flashed my magic, busting the fireworks into the air. Twilight didn't know what to say at first, it was overwhelming for her, but once what had happened set in, she basically screamed in uttermost joy, “Yes!” Ah… it was a lovely. Now three months later, here we were. In Canterlot once again for the wedding. I snorted to myself as I closed my eyes, letting Rarity put eyeshadow on my face. I got everything I could ever wished for. Two loving mothers that gave me a loving supportive home, where I felt safe, cared for, and wanted. It was as if I were living in a dream. Rarity pulled me out of my deep thought, sighing deeply in content. “There, darling! I must say you look gorgeous, simply gorgeous!” I gazed at myself in the mirror, seeing Rarity’s masterpiece in which she had made me. “I tried to not use too much makeup, since you already have a beautiful complexion. So I simply used more to bring out your eyes, but still give a bit of a mysterious look to your lovely face. As for your hair, I was going for a bit of a mix of Audrey Hoofburn and Jeweli Andrews. It was a bit difficult, due to your hair being a bit longer than theirs, as well as the color, but I think it'll do.” I fluffed my blonde mane gently, admiring her work. Rarity glowed with pride as she gazed into the mirror along with me. “Thank you Rarity. This is wonderful.” I smiled then hugged her. She hugged me back then laughed. “Go along now! You must get dressed. I still have to help Twilight.” I nodded then leaped of the chair, trotting over to my closet. Inside of it lay my dress. It was of Rarity’s making, of course, and it was exquisite. It was a light pink dress, the skirt flowed like a lily petal to my hooves and it had a brown belt around the waist. Simple yet one of the prettiest dresses to have for a best mare. I put the dress on then followed Rarity to where Twilight’s room was. A few of the other beauticians were assisting Twilight with her hair as well as her makeup. When they saw Rarity enter the room, they backed away immediately, allowing the mare full access to the Princess. “Time for the final touches, Twilight,” Rarity warned as she levitated her supplies towards her. Twilight turned her head to look over her shoulder and caught my gaze. I was in awe when I saw how she looked. Her mane was put up in a delicate bun with flowers weaved into it, her bangs now swooped to the side, as two soft curls of hair rested on either side. Her dress was almost as beautiful as she. It had gold lacing along the edge of the skirt and ruffles dressing the rest. The top was smooth, without any ruffles, only having long sleeves that were made of an elaborate lace. The only hint of color in her outfit was a sapphire jewel which hung from a small golden chain around her neck. A gift from her mother, if I remember correctly. “You look beautiful,” I said with a smile. Twilight smiled as she pulled me into a hug. “As do you.” “Thanks.” I blushed. “Rarity is to thank for that.” Rarity scoffed. “I do not create beauty, darling. You already have that, I simply add a few touches to achieve perfection. As I have done…” - she stuck her tongue out and bit onto it as she completed her work - “Now!” She stepped back from Twilight then shimmered her magic from above to show off her brilliance in proper light. Twilight truly was magnificent. I sighed as the emotions ran over me. To think that years ago I had met this pony when she was still a unicorn and became good friends with her, coming to soon see her as a motherly figure, then later I had traveled into such a strange world with this alicorn, to meet my mother. Now she was marrying her. Twilight smiled then turned to me. “Well, Solstice. Looks like this is it.” I nodded. “Are you nervous?” “A little bit. But it's only a wedding, what could go wrong?” I rolled my eyes. “Oh I don't know. You could trip walking down the aisle, Rainbow Dash could accidentally blow up the castle when performing her Sonic Rainboom, Shining Armor could object to the marriage, Sunset could decide that marrying you is a crazy idea and run away…” Before I could continue, Twilight shoved me playfully. “Alright alright! Stop,” Twilight said, a tad annoyed. I laughed. “Don't worry. I'm sure it'll go fine.” “I hope you're right.” “Oh, I am.” I gave her a smug look before I laughed again. “Girls!” Rarity called. We both looked to her and saw that she was dressed in her bridesmaid’s dress and was waiting for us at the doorway. How in Equestria did she get ready so fast? “Come along! It's almost 2:45!” “Oh, dear! I can't be tardy for my own wedding!” Twilight spoke quickly as she hurried out the door along with her bustling servants, that were trying to hold up her skirts with their magic, so it wouldn't stain on anything. I ran along with them quickly. I had to get to the wedding and stand by my place, before it was too late! I stopped Twilight with my magic then hugged her quickly, giving her a peck on the cheek. “See you there.” I said then let her go and teleported to the main hall. My magic burst as I appeared in the main hallway, where I ran into the room where the wedding was being held. Once there I had a spare minute to examine the beautifully decorated room and see my mother standing at the altar, talking to Princess Celestia. I smiled as I saw Sunset was wearing a beautiful white dress that looked almost like my soon to be Aunt Cadence’s dress did at her wedding, except with a bit more yellow lacing. I shook my head then quickly went up the stairs where the altar was, bowing to Princess Celestia as she smiled to me. “Late again, Solstice?” she asked in a kind voice. I scoffed as I looked up at her. “I wasn't late. I have two minutes to spare.” Sunset laughed as she put her hoof around me then ruffled my mane. “That's my girl,” Sunset chuckled. I fixed my mane, slightly annoyed with my mom, but before I could complain the pianist began to play the wedding march, signaling us all that the wedding was about to begin. All of us looked to the doors, waiting for the guards to open them. Once they did the flower fillies, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom, walked down the aisle, scattering petals as they went. Then bridesmaids walked down the aisle. Rarity walked alongside Applejack, Rainbow Dash walked with Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie walked with Pinkie Pie. Whoa… Wait? Another Pinkie Pie?! I nudged Sunset’s shoulder run urgently then whispered in her ear. “Is that who I think it is?” I asked. Sunset glanced over to where I was motioning and nodded. “Pinkie has always wanted to come here, so when she found out about the wedding, she insisted that she come. I warned her that it may not be a good idea, but you know Pinkie.” I glanced back at Sunset’s Pinkie, who was bouncing down the aisle, squealing much to the other Pinkie’s confusion. “But what about everypony else? Aren't they gonna freak out? When they see two Pinkies?” “Don't worry. Princess Celestia charmed her so only a select few can see her for who she truly is. Other see her as some random pony instead of a clone.” As she spoke, Sunset used her magic to cloud my sight so I could see as the other ponies did. Sure enough the other Pinkie disappeared and was replaced with a blue pony with a red mane. I sighed with relief then looked to the door again anxiously waiting to see Twilight. Once the guards opened the great doors with their magic and she appeared there was a collective sigh of happiness and awe. Rarity held her head up with pride as Twilight entered the room, walking gracefully down the aisle, her father Night Light walking alongside her. The crowd that stood in the room spoke in hushed whispers of the beauty of the Princess as well as of Sunset. I held my head a bit higher, proud that the two mares were none other than my parents. Twilight Velvet was tearing up as she hugged her daughter. Twilight hugged her back then walked up the stairs to Sunset’s side. Sunset smiled as her beautiful bride nuzzled her father affectionately before he offered her to Sunset in the traditional passing of the bride. Princess Celestia smiled at her two former students then gazed at the crowd of ponies that were before them. “Dearly beloved, friends and family, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Princess Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer. “True marriage begins well before the wedding day, and the efforts of marriage continue well beyond the ceremonies end. A brief moment in time and the stroke of the quill are all that is required to create the legal bond of marriage, but it takes a lifetime of love, commitment, and compromise to make marriage durable and everlasting. “The exclusive commitment of two individuals to each other nurtures love and mutual support; it brings stability to our society. For those who choose to marry, and for their children, marriage provides an abundance of social benefits, as well as obligations. “Love should have no other desire but to fulfill itself. But if your love and needs must have desires, let these be your desires: To melt and be like a running stream that sings its melody to the night; To wake at dawn with a winged heart, giving thanks for another day of loving; To rest at noon and meditate love's ecstasy with one another; To return home at eventide with gratitude; Then to sleep with a vision of the beloved in your heart and a song of love on your lips. “May you always need one another, not to fill an emptiness in your hearts, but to help each other know your fullness. May you succeed in all important ways with each other, and not fail in the little graces. May you have happiness, and may you find it in making one another happy. May you have love, and may you find it in loving one another. "Ultimately there comes a moment when a decision must be made. Two ponies who love one another must ask themselves how much they hope for as their love grows and deepens, how much risk they are willing to take. Commitment may be a fearful gamble. Because it is in the nature of love to create, a marriage itself is something which has to be created, such that as we come together in marriage, we become a new creature. "Sunset and Twilight, today you choose each other before your family and friends, to begin your life together. For all the days that shall follow, you shall choose each other over and over again, in the privacy of your hearts. Let your love and friendship guide you, as you learn and grow together. Remember to treat each other with great respect, to remind yourselves often of what made you fall in love with one another. Take responsibility for making the other feel safe, give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. Experience the wonders of the world, even as patience and wisdom calm the restless nature. Through your partnership, triumph over the challenges that may cross your path.” Princess Celestia looked upon Sunset, pride in her eyes as she smiled. I knew this meant so much for her. It made me want to cry as she began to speak again. “My dear Sunset Shimmer, do you choose Twilight Sparkle to be your partner in life, to support and respect her in her successes as well her failures. To care for her in sickness and in health. To nurture her, and to grow with her throughout the seasons of your life together?" Sunset lifted her head with pride as she gazed into Twilight’s violet eyes. “I do.” “Then please repeat your vows, my little pony.” Princess Celestia knew that she had written her own and wasn't about to mess with that. “I, Sunset Shimmer choose you Twilight Sparkle to be my wife, to respect you in your successes and in your failures, to care for you in sickness and in health, to nurture you, and to grow with you throughout the seasons of life. I pledge to you endless strength that you can count on when you are weak. I'll be your music when you can't hear, your sunshine when you can't see. You'll never need to look further than me. I'll be your days and your nights when you need them filled, your spark of life in the darkness, and your hope when you're down.” I swear, Twilight and I about broke down into tears when she spoke those words. I glanced over at the girls and saw that Rarity was indeed crying, wiping her tears with a small hankie as Applejack tried to console her. Princess Celestia then looked over at her star protégé, pride in her eyes for her as well. “Twilight Sparkle, my former protégé, do you accept Sunset Shimmer as your life mate and one true love? To trust her and respect her, to cherish your union and lover her more every day, promising to share in all that life offers and suffers, to be there for her in times of need, to soothe her in times of pain, and to support her in all endeavors, big and small?” Twilight took a deep breath before she forced herself to speak her vows. “I do.” she choked. “Your vows if you would?” “I, Twilight Sparkle, take you Sunset Shimmer to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hoof, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live,” “I promise to be faithful and honest in every way, to honor the faith and trust you've placed in me, to make you laugh and to be there when you cry, to care for you in sickness and in health, to softly kiss you when you are hurting, and to be your companion and your friend, on this journey that we make together.” Rarity slyly handed me a handkerchief, for she noticed that that I was full on crying at this point. I took it gratefully and wiped away my tears. This was simply too cute! “May we have the rings, please?” Princess Celestia smiled to little Spike, who walked toward her to offer the rings to her. “These rings say that even in your uniqueness as our cutie marks show, you have chosen to be bound together. Let these rings be a symbol that love has substance as well as soul, a present as well as a past, and that, despite its occasional sorrows, love is a circle of happiness, wonder, and delight. May these rings remind you always of the vows you both have taken here today.” Princess Celestia looked down at the two once again as they took each others’ rings with their magic. Sunset held Twilight’s ring, which was a small gold one with diamonds embellished around it. “I give you this ring as a visible and constant symbol of my promise to be with you, for as long as I live. This ring is a token of my love, gratitude, and friendship. For we both know I would not be standing here if it weren't for you. I marry you with this ring, with all that I have and all that I am. Let it be a reminder that I am always by your side and that I will always be a faithful partner to you.” Sunset gently slide the ring around Twilight's horn as she spoke. That's when Princess Luna caught my eye and gave me an apologetic smile before she had to leave the room, because the emotions were simply too much for her. Heck if I wasn't a part of the ceremony, I would have ran out with her. But I was, so I had to let everypony witness my tears as I let them fall. Twilight now held Sunset’s ring, which was gold as well, with a dark red ruby on the top of it. “I have for you a golden ring. The most precious metal symbolizes that your love is the most precious element in my life. The ring has no beginning and no ending, which symbolizes that the love between us will never cease. I place it on your horn as a visible sign of the vows which have made us.” Twilight let the tears fall as her breath hitched from the small sobs that were escaping. “I accept you as my wife now and for all time. I give you this ring, as I give to you all that I am, and accept you, for all that you are. I bestow upon you all the treasures of my mind, heart, and hooves.” The two ponies put the rings onto each other's horns. Princess Celestia wiped away a tear then lifted her voice so that all of Equestria could hear her words. “I now pronounce you mare and wife. You may kiss the bride.” Sunset didn't hesitate one bit as she wiped away her tears and kissed her passionately. Happiness spread across the whole kingdom as the bells began to ring with all their might and all of our friends and family cheered for the two as they walked down the aisle with the girls and myself following them. I smiled as I heard the cheers, then seeing the whole city of Canterlot in the streets, hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal couple on the balcony. I stood next to Princess Celestia as my mother's now waved at everypony, smiles on their faces. “We have truly come a long way, haven't we?” I asked, looking up at her. Princess Celestia looked down at me with her wise eyes. Eyes that had seen these two mares that she had just married grow up from young fillies. Eyes that had seen the betrayal of one of her students. Eyes that had witnessed the crowning of her prize pupil. Eyes that had forgiven the one she called her own. She sighed deeply then nodded. “Indeed we have, my child. We have.”