//------------------------------//
// Death Do Us Part: Part 1 
// Story: Disharmony's Parallel 
// by Xutiepops 
//------------------------------//

Canterlot sparkled in comparison to the rest of Equestria. Ponies were forced into keeping it clean, for good pay to make sure they did it right. It was also one of the only places in Equestria where ponies were somewhat happy. 
Ponies were given a better pay than other parts of the country, having the leaders as their bosses. Though taxes were extreme, Canterlot was where ponies lived nice and easy. 
Working for Controlling's guard was probably where the joy of the town lacked, Controlling and Thundersmoke worked ponies to the bone, constantly telling them their families would appreciate it. While any other job was easy like fashion design or the events committee. Very few personal businesses existed, other than restaurants, not that many ponies minded, dealing with the strictness that hung over the city wasn't something many wanted to do.
But the city shined in new colors, especially under the Double Rainboom Aurora that stood over the city after Controlling and Rainbow Dash's previous fight five years ago. The streets and buildings were redone with magic, matching the tastes of the leaders to have darker buildings with an almost white street, though many buildings were up to the pony who lived there, 'government' owned buildings were deep colors. 
The biggest difference of the city was the castle. The leaders castle beamed in a lavender color, roses and violets sitting on the rims of the windows, the roofs were a dark blue, almost purple. The balcony's were a yellowish white, with red spikes shooting upwards as the guard without a top rim, keeping it from being a completely successful guard. 
The stairs wore deep red carpets, the old gold accents matched the color of the balcony's, the castles walls matched the castle itself, and the grass shined as the ponies who took care of the garden kept the entirety of Canterlot's greenery looking gorgeous, per Merciless' request.
The alicorn who redecorated the castle and Canterlot absolutely loved the cohesiveness and the way everything matched, even the inside. The inside had cold colors but mostly took inspiration from the alicorn herself's colors. Every room, unless it was another leaders and not her's, was her design. And the ballroom was one of her favorites.
The ball room was decorated for the wedding, and completely different than the rest of the castle. Light blue hydrangea's, white dendrobium orchid's, white snowdrops, and light blue larkspur's draped off of walls, sat in pots that hung from ceilings, and coated the arch a dragon was standing under. 
Chandeliers hung over head, lit up with green fire that did nothing compared to the sunlight that the windows with light blue curtains let in. A white carpet led down the middle of the aisle, the edges littered with blue flowers. White orchids hung off the sides of the pews, those pews held ponies with fake smiles and sweat dripping down their faces. 
The Dragon Lord's gaze switched between a random pony in the crowd to one of his 'friends' as he tapped his claws together nervously. Trickery stomped her hoof down lightly, making him look at the mare behind him dressed in a deep blue tux. She raised an eyebrow at him. "Rarity'll kill ya if yer gonna be this nervous."
"I know!" He hissed back, failing at his attempt to not think of his fiancée. The place looked great and the ponies fake smiles weren't painstakingly obvious. He knew the things ponies said about weddings, something always goes wrong. 
And nothing was wrong so far, absolutely nothing. He was hoping the suit he was wearing would've been a problem, and so his fiancée could have the perfect wedding she had worked so hard on. But no, she had to fix the stupid suit for him the day before, saying she thought he'd like it better if she did whatever she did to it, and now his suit was just as great as everything else. 
He wasn't nervous about getting married, he'd been prepared to marry the demon princess for years, it was the idea that it wouldn't be perfect for her that terrified him. And definitely not the idea that he had yet seen her in her dress and really wanted to. He looked back at Trickery, hoping she did something wrong. 
But just like his fiancée, she'd done everything she could to make sure his wedding was spectacular. He sighed, glancing at the nervous pony that wasn't certified to marry them that was going to declare their marriage. Apparently he used to help the previous Princesses with every event, him and a few others apart of his committee. 
His name was Fancy Pants and he couldn't stop shaking, reading over all the lines he was supposed to say and hoping he didn't screw it up. The Dragon Lord was just as terrified, especially since the ceremony is the thing he really didn't want ruined, and this fool was going to pass out marrying a huge dragon to a gorgeous pony. But it was either this fool that would strive for perfection or a purple alicorn the two knew would ruin their marriage for the fun of it. 
He glanced back at Trickery who used her hoof to shoo him away from looking at her. He rolled his eyes and did it, wondering why she, of all ponies, he chose to be a 'Best Stallion'. It was of course because he wasn't going to be like his fiancée and completely deny their 'friends' any part of the wedding other than sitting in the crowd, and because she wasn't horrible.	
After another random pony in the crowd who widened their smile at his stare, he glanced over at a pink mare at the piano waiting for her turn to play as a band played quietly near her. Pity was wearing a simple pink dress his fiancée had forced her to wear. She looked jumpy, but she wore a big smile on her face and had ever since the wedding date started getting closer and closer.   
After another pony, it was Controlling's turn. The mare wore a suit like Trickery, dark blue, but she wasn't a grooms stallion. She stood on one side of the door, her second-in-command, Thundersmoke, stood on the other side of it. Both looked unbearably bored, as if they'd have more fun checking on the Northern and Western borders for Thievery. 
Merciless was next, wearing a bright, white dress in the middle of the crowd of ponies in colored dresses. Her dress wasn't nearly as extravagant as his fiancée's was bound to be, but it was still white and he knew she'd either get thrown out of the window or stuck in bed for a few days if somepony didn't change it. She sat with a smug smile, as if she didn't think this wedding was a serious matter and her dress wasn't a national state offense.
Thievery sat next to her, her own purple dress easily contrasting the white one. She rolled her eyes as Merciless's dress was coated in magenta magic before it turned a light green. Merciless raised an eyebrow at her, and after a few hisses from Thievery, Merciless rolled her eyes and stomped her hoof, the pink gem on her neck glowing ever so slightly, her dress turned a disgusting dark green.
Thievery looked away from her, looking just as bored as Controlling. She was meant to be the pony uniting them, but both him and his fiancée refused, knowing she'd mess it up on purpose. She wore a deep purple dress his bride-to-be stuffed her in, her mane pulled into a bun with stars as pins. Her purple fur was coated in makeup, and he could only assume she was called too ugly, was smothered with makeup, and was tossed out of a room. 
The Dragon Lord had no idea why she was still wearing it, but he didn't care. She fixed something that could've been such a minor issue to be the 'thing that goes wrong' in their ceremony. 
He jumped as music started playing louder, and was absolutely shocked. Pity actually played a piano beautifully, he assumed she'd fail miserably. Every other part of the ceremony had already happened, the officiate had already walked down the aisle, and announced a few things with a surprisingly steady voice. The only thing next was-- He heard the door open and swallowed before slowly looking over, fear eating at his stomach as he heard gasps across the room and ponies stand.
All other emotions but awe left him. A white mare with her deep purple mane pulled into a hairstyle he couldn't even begin to describe walked down the carpet, a stunning white dress matching her fur. Crystal blue eyes peeked up at him through long eyelashes and light blue eye shadow. He couldn't look away from her as the carpet burst into green flames behind her, he couldn't even try to look at other ponies. 
Her mane held her veil, that was decorated with small, light blue gems. The bodice fit her form while the skirt of the dress hung loosely and dragged across the floor, her veil falling on top of it. The skirt had layers upon layers of fabric that still hung on her, decorated with floral patterns in white. Her hooves wore sparse floral patterns, tinted the tiniest bit blue to separate it from her fur, white heels at the ends of her hooves.
She wore a small, deep green gem on her necklace, her ears held little, silver hearts. Her bouquet covered in her magic in front of her was the same flowers that surrounded them. 
The fire followed her and danced on her dress and her fur, not touching anything else as if it gravitated onto her. The fire extinguished as she stepped up onto the platform in front of him, his eyes following her and her gorgeous smile as she looked up at him. Her bouquet was dropped into Trickery's hooves. 
She was absolutely stunning and he didn't think he was breathing. Vanity smiled gracefully, making him notice how little makeup she was wearing comparing to what she'd been coating herself with in the past few weeks. He couldn't keep the smile off of his face, his mind racing with orders for him to wait to kiss her.
Fancy Pants clearing his throat brought him, seemingly both of them as Vanity quickly turned her head to face him, out of his daze. "T-the ponies of Canterlot, we meet here to witness a sa-sacred ceremony," he started, Vanity's sharp glare at him telling him to stop stuttering if he wants his life. Fancy Pants swallowed. "The union of..." he started, looking between the two almost sadly. "Rarity and Spike."
The Dragon Lord understood and he hoped Vanity did, the guy was marrying creatures he knew with different faces and different personality's, of course he'd be at least a bit upset. Vanity ignored him, staring at The Dragon Lord lovingly. "We come together to celebrate the love and devotion shared by these two that stand before us. We are especially blessed to be joined today by our... rulers.
"The Bride and Groom are honored to you could be here to participate in the important occasion," Fancy Pants said. The Dragon Lord could hear either Merciless or Thievery snicker and didn't dare try to find out which one as Vanity shot daggers in their direction. If he was being honest, he almost found it funny himself. They could care less who was there, the two just wanted an audience. 
"There are few greater joys in life than finding someone who we truly love," Fancy Pants said, his voice much more stable than anything else he had said. The Dragon Lord didn't care what he was thinking to do it, he was just happy to see Vanity's much more satisfied smile as everything seemed to fall into place. "Love is finding someone who we couldn't live without. Somepony-- some one who truly understands us," he continued. 
"Finding someone who we would die for and who we would fall apart without. Someone we will protect with everything with have and someone we would do anything for," Fancy Pants continued his speech, though The Dragon Lord was barely listening. He was only hearing noise and a stallion's tone. 
He couldn't look away from her, those blue eyes or that soft smile or the entire mare he couldn't live without. She essentially saved him from marrying someone he despised, and she made him feel... special. She was a witch, an absolute demon, but she worshipped him and adored him truthfully. 
And she was undeniably gorgeous. He couldn't believe a beautiful mare like herself would love, or even like, a disgusting dragon. A fire-breathing threat and now he couldn't hurt her if he tried. 
"Love is being unable to harm the other, no matter what state their in," Fancy Pants continued, making The Dragon Lord realize, she was that pony he loved. Even if he had known it for so long, it felt real as his heart soared into his throat. "Let us revel in the joy and love on display here today. May we treasure the memories as Rarity and Spike get set to begin their new life together."
Vanity heard more snickers, most likely from both Merciless and Thievery. She couldn't care to look over and tell them they're asking for a death wish with her stare. She was staring up at the monsterous dragon in front of her that was trying so hard to be perfect. 
He wore a deep black suit with a light blue orchid on the front. His scales sparkled in the light as he couldn't keep his eyes off of her or the smile off of his face. She was everything she wanted, except the dragon part at first, but now she loved it. Their love felt like a twisted fairy tail and she didn't mind being fought over by the prince and a dragon. 
She'd been selfish her entire life, except for one other pony, but that wasn't important. The dragon in front of her thawed the cold off of her heart and unknowingly forced her into unfamiliar territory. That unfamiliar territory being words like 'thank you' or 'I'm sorry'. That territory also held some type of care she hadn't seen in a long time. She cared for him and she wanted him to be happy, happy with her mostly, but happy. 
He treated her like a goddess and didn't mind that she was a wolf in sheep's clothing. She doubted he'd put up with her cruelty and abuse if she kept it up, but he didn't have to as he brought out a part of her she hadn't seen in forever. 
"If anypony has cause to object to the forming of this union," Fancy Pants said. "Speak now or forever hold your peace." Vanity heard magic and only assumed either Controlling or Merciless were going to make a joke, and Thievery held their mouths shut in fear of the two ruining the wedding without her. 
Fancy Pants waited a moment before continuing, a smile on his face. He was thinking solely of his wife as his encouragement. Her smile beamed in the crowd and he couldn't look anywhere else, but his speech, of course. "Marriage is a venerated institution, and one deserving of deep reverence. Today, we observe the union of Rarity and Spike in matrimony, a commitment they have chosen to undertake with all the sincerity that it warrants.
"While marriage is a sacred and serious tradition, it is also cause for tremendous joy. Married life is full of surprises, adventures, and memory making. This is all made possible by the enduring power of love," he said, almost enjoying the lovesick stares the Groom and Bride were giving each other. They looked so happy, so truly in love, it reminded him of his wedding as his dislike for the two vanished, at least for this moment. 
"When Rarity and Spike finalize this union, they will begin a new life of partnership, one defined by shared hopes, dreams, and successes," Fancy Pants spoke. He looked at the two rather than the crowd, glad he was chosen for this job, no matter how much he'd rather being sitting with his wife. "Rarity and Spike, as you learn to live as one; you will encounter many challenges that can help you grow. Spend time doing the things that make life precious."
"Cooperate with the other, always make time for the other, laugh together, and never lose the appreciation for the love that you share," he said, noticing the crowds less nervous smiles, and more genuine ones. He supposed love could bring a lot of ponies together, even if said love was held by malicious replicas of their previous Elements of Harmony. "Remember to adhere to the vows you will make today.
"Seek strength from the other, give hope to the other, and let your trials help you grow together," he continued, looking between the two, though he wasn't sure they were even listening. "You will find that as it grows and matures over time, your love for one another is strong, fulfilling, and empowering.
"Yes, there will be challenges in life, but the strength of your bond will offer protection from life's threats. Always make your relationship a priority, and continue to nurture each other. Through a commitment to love, together, you will be unstoppable," he said, all while staring at his wife lovingly. 
"Rarity and Spike," he said, smiling softly as the two turned to him with full attention they hadn't given his speech until now. "I invite you to express your sacred vows to one another. Please face each other as you declare the vows before the ponies of Canterlot," he said, smiling as they quickly looked at the other, as if they were upset they even looked at him once.
"Rarity, you may start," Fancy Pants said. 
Vanity stared up at her Groom with a wide smile. She could already feel tears welling up in her eyes and she hadn't even said anything. She shook her head and blinked them away before she spoke. "I, Rarity, take you, Spike," she started, her voice shaking at the awed stare he was giving her. "To be my lawfully wedded husband."
She huffed a laugh that, other than her shaking voice, told the audience she was crying. "I promise to keep you by my side through everything. You make me feel like the princess I've always wanted to feel like. And even if I don't deserve it, you gave it to me and I'll always be thankful."
He smiled softly as she felt tears rolling down her face. "I vow to stay true to you, honor you, and love you for the rest of my days, until death do us part," she finished, thanking how short they intended their vows to be. She didn't think she could say another word without absolutely bawling. 
She felt on top of the world, she felt like she was dreaming. She felt like a queen. Fancy Pants nodded at The Dragon Lord, "Spike, now it is time for your promise."
The Dragon Lord didn't think he'd be able to speak. Even if their vows were meant to be small variations from traditional pony ones, hers still felt so sincere and personal. But the words fell out of his mouth anyway, only hoping to impress her and give her what she wanted. "I, Spike, take you, Rarity, to be my lawfully wedded wife," he started, telling himself not to grab her and kiss her and wipe those tears off her face. 
"I promise to keep you by my side," he continued, losing the battle and reaching out with one claw to cup her face. She leaned into it as he spoke. "You deserve everything in the world," he said, straying away from the lines he'd been mentally rehearsing for the past month. "You're everything I could've asked for and more."
He took a small step towards her, blinking away his own tears as his voice made words he wasn't thinking about. "I never told you why my fire doesn't burn you," he said, glancing away from her. He didn't care how untraditional this was, he was doing whatever his heart told him to do. He rubbed the back of his neck, digging his claws underneath his scales in hope the pain would do something to distract him. "It's an old dragonness' tale that dragons can't burn their soulmates."
He winced, unable to look at her as her cheek tensed in his claw. "But dragons don't really burn from other dragons fire, so, you could never really tell," he finally said, looking up at her as he felt a warm tear hit his claw. His wide eyes sat on her and he didn't think she could get more perfect. 
She was completely shocked, stunned, frozen. Her mane shined beautifully, the veil on the sides of her neck sparkled in the sunlight, her green gem seemed to be the brightest part of her. He smiled, reaching up to wipe away his own tears before cupping her face in his other claw. "I vow to stay true to you, honor you, and love you for the rest of my days.
"Until death do us part," he finished, seeing her blue eyes sparkle like the rest of her. She couldn't speak and he knew that, he didn't care. That stare, that lovesick, unbelievably vulnerable stare, told him everything.
Fancy Pants wiped the tears from his eyes before continuing, seeing most of the crowd crying as well with wide smiles. "Rarity and Spike, please join hooves-- and claws," he said though neither of them moved, not even to look at him. His grin grew. 
He looked to The Dragon Lord. "Spike, do you take Rarity to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to support her completely and love her unconditionally, so long as you both shall live?" He asked.
The Dragon Lord leaned closer to her. "I do," he said, seeing her jump. He could only imagine it suddenly felt all too real to her then. 
"Rarity, do you take Spike to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to support him completely and love him unconditionally, so long as you both shall live?" Fancy Pants said. 
Vanity leaned closer to him, completely ready to say screw the rest of the ceremony and kiss him right as the words fell off of her tongue. He seemed to have the same idea as he leaned over, taking both her hooves to let her stand at his height. She was ready to be his wife, having waited years for this day. She wanted nothing more to be known as married to him, to be one with him. 
She leaned in closer, her lips almost touching his. Her bright, blue eyes the brightest they had ever been, staring into his. "I--"
The doors slammed open, The Dragon Lord dropping her to her hooves, turning to the doors with a red tint to his usual green eyes, a snarl on his mouth. His wings opened behind him, his claws coming out as his tail swung violently, causing Trickery to jump out of it's way. 
Vanity growled as she whirled to the doors, her horn coated in a light blue as she turned to see the victim. Rage and fury filled her and scratched at her throat. And she wasn't one to stay silent. "Who the hell is ruining my wedding!?" She shouted, scaring the crowd out of their appreciative daze.
A zebra stood at the door, a long mane they had no idea how she'd grown out hanging on one side of her head. Her hooves and body were coated in green vines, her earrings and necklaces being the same vine. She glanced at the two pegasi wearing suits on either side of the door, both with wings flared and narrowed stares on her. 
She smiled as she looked at Vanity and The Dragon Lord, noticing Pity and Trickery's shocked stares. Merciless and Thievery simply stared, wondering who she could possibly be. The doors slammed shut behind her.
Zecora ducked as Thundersmoke lunged at her, causing the pegasi to jump over her and skid to a stop next to Controlling. "Dunno who you think you are, but--" Controlling started threateningly. 
Vanity slowly stepped down of the platform, causing everyone to simply stop and stare as her Groom followed her. Her eyes turned a deep, murky blue, making Zecora notice how bright and full of love they were before. They almost looked brighter than they normally looked. 
Trickery followed them, dropping the bouquet and trotting to catch up to them. Merciless and Thievery shrugged as they flew out of their seats, landing behind the two, Pity bouncing up behind them. "You've got some nerve," The Dragon Lord growled, sensing a threat from this seemingly harmless zebra.
Vanity looked as if she was about to burst. And she did. Her magic activated, picking up Zecora and holding her above the ground. "You dare ruin my big day?" She asked coldly. "We've waited years for this specific date, and some fucking hippie zebra likes you wants to ruin it?" 
Zecora didn't respond, she only stared back, knowing it wasn't her time to speak. Vanity smiled harshly, only to fall back into a severe frown. "You're going to be dragon food, you despicable witch!" Vanity shouted again, The Dragon Lord standing next to her with drawn claws and a swinging tail Trickery was backing up to, once again, avoid. 
Zecora nodded, sensing the end of the threat. "I'm afraid that's not what I came here to be, I only have something I wish for a large group of ponies to see," she said, already seeing the confused faces, not only from their leaders, but the ponies in the crowd. 
"What did she say?" Merciless asked Pity who shook her head. 
"Doesn't matter," The Dragon Lord hissed, making the two look at the other knowingly. They had to shut up or they'd be dragon food like the zebra. 
Zecora didn't say anything as hoofsteps echoed in the distance. The Groom and Bride's stares were on her, though the crowd and the rest of the look-alikes looked around for the noise. Windows crashing shot all heads in that direction, five pegasi having shot through them with protective magenta magic, though on further inspection, one of those pegasi was an alicorn. 
Thievery's eyes widened and her ears dropped as she saw the alicorn. "Twilight?" She asked, noticing that purple coat and that oh-so-familiar mane. Though the scared, depressed violet eyes looked... somewhat new. She remembered that particular fire her replica held, but now it wasn't there.
"What?" Controlling asked, looking over as the black pegasus next to her froze. Her jaw dropped as she saw a cyan pegasus flip her rainbow mane out of her face with a wide, all too smug grin.
The hoofsteps got louder and louder until the two doors slammed open, three earth ponies, two unicorns, and a small dragon stood there, all looking at their horrific replacements. Vanity's magic weakened, Zecora dropped to the ground as something cold chilled her entire being. 
A fire of rage ignited inside her. "Are you kidding me?" She asked, looking at the pegasi that now flew over the crowd. She huffed a laugh. "You ruin my wedding, my perfect wedding, for this?"
Pity and Merciless snickered, a draconequus appearing behind them with a wicked grin. "Didn't we already settle this?" Pity asked, not noticing Thievery's horrified stare. Merciless, Chaos, and her started laughing, Controlling and Thundersmoke reluctantly following. 
Even The Dragon Lord was amused, a less murderous and more confident grin on his face. "I wasn't pissed the last time we fought, and you bitches really wanna try?" He asked, looking around and raising an eyebrow before laughing. "You idiots didn't even bring your precious Princesses!"
Vanity's furious look didn't change as Zecora went to speak, Apple Bloom shoving a hoof in front of her and stepping ahead on her own. "Everypony, leave," she said, though no pony moved. 
Thievery finally smiled wickedly and flew above her group of friends. "Get the fuck out," she said, enjoying how everypony in the pews ran out, Fancy Pant's running out with his wife without a look back. She set herself down in front of Vanity and The Dragon Lord, who moved their angry stares on her. 
She smiled smugly as the pews in the room slammed against the wall in a coat of magenta, flowers falling from the pews and the windows. Everypony in the room moved with a magenta flash, Twilight appearing behind Apple Bloom along with the rest of her friends. She looked back and saw Zecora nod at Thunderlane, the pegasus flying out after the crowd. She looked ahead and saw Vanity and The Dragon Lord standing next to Thievery's wide, maniacal grin. She looked away as her heart dropped.
"A zebra and some little fillies aren't going to help you," Thievery said, narrowing her eyes on Twilight. She smiled as she looked at the small, yellow mare she put at the front of the crowd. Twilight didn't even fight it, she couldn't be more pleased. 
But suddenly, Twilight did look at her, after glancing down at Apple Bloom. Twilight looked up at her as her blood boiled in a way it hadn't in a long time. Despair didn't wash over her as she stared at the devilish grins that her friend's faces wore. And all hope didn't flood out of her at the thought of her replica staring at her once again with those violet, red eyes. 
She took a step in front of Apple Bloom, her head held high and her chest puffed out. She didn't admire Thievery's curious stare, she didn't even think it was beautiful anymore. It was absolutely nauseating. "I told you Harmony would reign over Equestria," Twilight said coldly, staring at the group of her enemy, not just Thievery. "I told all of you that. And I don't break my promises."	
A new courage and bravery washed over her, filled her body as fury flowed through her veins. And her hope and pride only pumped through her more as she saw Thievery's confused stare, trying to understand what gave her the ability to overcome her look. 
She furrowed her eyebrows. "You've all hurt my friends and taken my home from me," she admitted, seeing Thievery light up. "And that is unforgivable," she said, watching Thievery fall. 
She had no idea what gave her this courage, but something suddenly felt right. Something about being in this place at this time in front of their enemy. The sun washed in through broken windows, coating her in the warmth of her mentor. She stood for Equestria, her job was to bring Harmony back. 
And she'd stop at nothing to do it.