Disease in the Darkness

by Kaii-Leiko


This Day Is Going To Be Perfect

The wedding would be coming soon. In under twenty-four hours Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy would be married. Everypony was working hard to make sure the wedding went on without a hitch. Twilight had sent the invitations out the same day Fluttershy had agreed to marry her. She'd only invited her four friends, her brother, Princess Cadance and both the princesses at Canterlot Castle. She wanted it to be small filled with the ponies she cared about the most. The very best part of planning the wedding was that it kept Twilight's mind off of the time passing. Darklight had been unusually quiet and that worried Twilight but she pushed those thoughts aside for the moment. No point worrying about that any more.

The worst part, by far, for both Twilight and Fluttershy was the dresses. Rarity had gone over dozens of designs with them, separately of course. "It's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding, and in this case we have two incredibly beautiful brides!" Rarity had said. It was tedious but neither pony fought it. Indulging their friends wasn't only for ease of planning but it helped keep their friends' minds off of the other upcoming, darker party.

Fluttershy was contributing to the wedding too. Her bird friend were all adamant about singing at the wedding. Twilight still couldn't comprehend how her marefriend, no fiancée, could practically speak to animals. It was endearing though. This also meant music was taken care of. The less things to deal with the better.

Twilight felt so useless though. Anything she could do to help would have required she had magic. Luckily her big brother was there to fill her shoes magically. Rarity's magic was too preoccupied with the making of the dresses to deal with anything else. Twilight felt as though she were a filly again. Relying on her older brothers magic to help her out. It definitely made her feel inadequate but she was grateful to have such a wonderful older brother. Him and Twilight had been at Sweet Apple Acres for almost the entirety of the last two days. Applejack had kindly offered the land for the wedding. It seemed like the perfect spot in Ponyville. It would have enough room and was far enough away so that the rest of Ponyville wouldn't be too close to disturb or for the wedding to disturb them. It was set now, ready for the party the following day.

They'd set up a beautiful arch at what would be the end of the aisle. White lace was strewn across it's entirety. the bird would be atop it humming as Fluttershy made her way down the aisle. It had been decided Fluttershy would be the one to walk down the aisle. They weren't sure why they had decided that. It just seemed like it would suit her best. Chairs were set facing the arch. Only three or four rows. there weren't going to be that many ponies after all. A carpet was lain in front of the arch. it went from the barn all the way to where the marriage would be taking place. Rarity had insisted to make sure grass did not accidentally stick to the dress she'd made.

"Looks like you're all set Twily." Shining Armour looked down towards his sister.

"Yeah." She replied almost inaudibly.

"Something wrong? You're not getting cold hoofs are you?" He spoke with a chuckle softly bumping his sister with his hips to get her out of her daydreaming.

Twilight snapped back to attention turning towards Shining. "No. This I'm sure about. It's just overwhelming to think that this is going to be one of the last things I do."

"Speaking from experience Twilight it could also be the best thing you've ever done." Shining replied honestly.

"You like being married?" Twilight tilted her head.

"Yeah, I love it." He smiled at his own memories. "It means Cadance is always going to mine and I'll belong to her forever."

"You think this means Fluttershy will know my heart belongs to her even after I'm gone?" Twilight voice was almost inaudible again, worried.

"It guarantees it." He said reassuringly.

Twilight smiled and took one final look at the spot where she would be getting married the following day. "Let's go home, big brother."

**

The moment Twilight walked into the door Fluttershy pounced on her, knocking the purple unicorn to the ground. The pegasus had a large grin on her face, not that Twilight got to see it for long as next thing she knew her face was being pelted with small pecks. The unicorn giggled under her fiancée's lips and finally their lips found each other and they settled into a long, soft kiss.

"Get a room." Shining Armour called out playfully as he nonchalantly made his way past them.

"Maybe we will!" Twilight called back just as playfully.

"Not tonight we won't. I have to get home Twilight. It's bad luck to see me before the wedding." Fluttershy nuzzled herself into Twilight neck. Her words said one thing but her actions another. She didn't want to leave but didn't want to risk any more bad luck.

Twilight flipped them over in a sudden movement. Another soft kiss was delivered to Fluttershy's lips before she got up. Fluttershy followed suit. "I've gotta go now." She said again, mostly to convince herself she did.

"I'll be waiting for you at the end of the aisle tomorrow." Twilight grinned.

"I'll be walking down it." Fluttershy retorted with an equally big grin.

With that she left to get a good nights rest before the big day. Twilight decided she should do the same. "I'm gonna go to bed Shining Armour. You'll make sure you wake me up in the morning right?"

"Sure thing, sis!" He called as his sister was already halfway up the stairs.

Twilight smiled. She couldn't remember a time where she'd felt more excited and nervous at the same time. Maybe when she was told she was going to be Princess Celestia's student but even then it was close. She could feel the butterflies in her stomach they almost made her way to vomit; but in a good way of course. This is really happening. She thought to herself, still having trouble believing it.

Suddenly the unicorn's vision blurred. She fell to the side, her body hitting the wall only to slide down and hit the floor right there in the middle of the hall. Try as she might she couldn't call for Shining Armour, she couldn't move; she couldn't do anything. She cursed angrily under her breath because there was only one who could be responsible for this. She knew she was right the moment her vision faded to black.

**

Twilight was standing in the centre of the darkness. Similar to the night this entire thing had began. This time she wasn't scared though. She had nothing left to fear, nothing left to lose. Even if she were to die right there it would be tragic but it was beyond her control. "I thought I was rid of you." She called out. Twilight couldn't see her twisted counterpart but she knew Darklight was around.

"Rid of me? Now that's just absurd." Darklight chuckled. "Excited for the big day?" She called out from the darkness.

"You bet I am. What are you planning to do to ruin it?" Twilight was sure Darklight was plotting something.

"I'm not planning anything, darling. Everything's ready to go as it is. I just hope you enjoy yourself as much as you can tomorrow. It's going to be one hell of a party." She pushed Twilight away. Back towards the world of light.

"What are you planning!?" Twilight screamed again, but it was too late.

**

"Twilight! Wake up!" She was being shaken from side to side. She groaned, wondering what was going on. She opened up her eyes to see her very worried big brother looming over her. It seemed like almost no time had passed at all but it was already morning. Twilight groggily pushed herself to her hooves.

"Are you alright?" Shining Armour asked.

"Yeah. I guess I was so tired I never even made it to my room." She lied, but flashed him the sweetest smile she could muster. She didn't know what was going to happen, but she didn't want to worry anypony. They might consider cancelling the wedding.

For all you know you could drop dead during the vows. Came an all too familiar voice from the back of Twilight's mind.

Twilight groaned again. Now Darklight was able to speak to her at will. "Not if I can help it." She muttered under her breath.

"What?" Shining Armour asked.

"Nothing! I have to get ready!" She distracted her brother.

"You bet, the wedding's in an hour." He said it casually, as though nothing were wrong/

"WHAT!?" Twilight screamed.

"I overslept, I'm sorry!"

Things are going so well already. Darklight cut in.

Twilight silently shushed her unwelcome guest before screaming "Rarity!"

Rarity was the only pony who could make sure she was ready in time. She barrelled down the stairs and ran to Carousel Boutique without stopping once.

**

Rarity was a real lifesaver. The ceremony was mere minutes away and Twilight was ready. She was looking at herself in a mirror and still was stunned at how beautiful she was. She'd never considered herself girly or anything remotely close but it still brought a tear to her eyes. She held it back though, she didn't want to see Rarity's face if she ruined the mascara.

Her dress was perfect. It clung to her form and waves of white silk travelled down her back and ended a couple of hoofs behind her. Her headpiece hid her horn nicely and the white fused with the colours of her horn so that it stood out. A beautiful centrepiece atop her head. Her mane was styled similar to how it had looked at the Crystal Empire. Twilight spun on her hooves to admire the dress.

"Are you ready, darling?" Rarity asked from beside her friend.

Twilight nodded. She didn't trust herself to speak.

"Let's get you to the aisle then, dear. Let's let everypony see how smashing you look." Rarity was almost as excited as Twilight was.

"Thank you Rarity. For the dress, for being here. For everything." Twilight was close to letting her emotions get the better of her.

"It was my pleasure, dear." Rarity paused her attempts to get Twilight outside. It was clear this was important to her friend.

"I-I know you know that. It's just that if I didn't tell you now what if I didn't get a chance to later?" Twilight suppressed a sob.

"Oh, darling. I would have known. Dry your tears now. You don't want Fluttershy to think you're sad do you."

"No, no." Twilight resisted the urge to wipe her eyes.

"Then let's get you out there." Twilight nodded as Rarity guided her towards the end of the aisle. "Oh, one final thing. The princesses are going to be late. They sent a letter to Spike, no worries though. They'll be here after the ceremony."

"That's okay, I guess." They were princesses after all. Twilight was sure they had more important things to deal with than her wedding.

Finally she reached the aisle and turned to the 'crowd'. There was everypony she loved, excluding the princesses who would soon arrive. Rarity took her seat by the rest of her friend. Each of them was looking at Twilight who was the centre of attention. Pinkie Pie even waved excitedly. Twilight returned it with a suppressed chuckle. Her parents were in the audience too. They held each other, silently sobbing to avoid ruining the happiness of the moment. They offered her hesitant smiled. Twilight nodded at them. Her brother was beside her giving her the goofy grin he always had on his face. He nudged her softly as if to say 'It's about to happen, Twi!'. Behind her is where Cadance stood. She would be performing the ceremony herself. She'd insisted and Twilight was more than happy to agree.

Taking a look at everything you're going to be leaving behind? Darklight sneered. Today's my day as much as yours.

No, it's not. Today is my day and you can't have it. So hush up and mind your own business. Twilight replied angrily in her mind.

She didn't want to admit it but Darklight was right. There was no need to be sad though. She knew that now by looking at all her friends. She would be gone but she would never be forgotten. Ever. She would be kept alive in the hearts of all her friends. In the memories they'd created and they adventures they'd shared. In all the times they'd saved Equestria. They formed the Elements of Harmony and that was proof enough that they would always be friends. A piece may be missing, but they could always look back and know that Twilight passed without regrets.

Finally the music began and Twilight was drawn from her daydreaming. The birds Fluttershy had coached over the last few days began humming their song. It was not the traditional melody of a wedding. It was more peaceful and calm than the traditional wedding march. Slower which contrasted with the speed Fluttershy was making her way to the altar; clearly eager to meet her soon to be bride there.

Fluttershy was just as stunning as Twilight. Her dress trailed much farther behind her than Twilight's did. It was to have more of an impact as she made her way down the aisle. Her mane was kept mostly the way it always was although moved behind her ears so it didn't cover her face. She flew, only a few inches off the ground with her trademark blush strewn across her cheeks. For once, whilst flying, Fluttershy seemed grateful and unworried. She kept her gaze focused on Twilight and when finally she reached the unicorn she felt as though her heart would burst from her chest.

Everypony watched as the two lovers met. They were all feeling the same bitter-sweet sorrow. It was such a beautiful moment. Seeing two former friends who'd found love in the most hopeless place. The supposed happiest day of their lives was overshadowed with despair. Their happiness could only last so long yet the fact that they were trying was an inspiration to everypony. This would be a wedding everypony would remember. Not because it was grand but because of what it meant. The symbolism behind the event.

"Everypony." Cadance called out suddenly. It shocked Twilight and Fluttershy. Staring into each other's eyes they had almost forgotten they were around anypony else. "We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two very special ponies. Two very close friends of mine." Cadance couldn't hide a fond smile. "These two ponies have overcome more adversity than any pony should have to. Today they stand together as a testimony to the adversities they overcame together. Just by looking at the two of them it's plain to see how much they love each other. Before you two are wed is there anything you'd like to say to each other?"

Twilight immediately nodded and Cadance gave her the go-ahead.

Twilight faced Fluttershy and took a deep breath before beginning to speak. "It's no secret that soon I won't be around any more." Twilight stated matter-of-factly and most ponies had to stifle a gasp. "I know it's sad to say on such a momentous occasion but it's true and it can't be ignored." Emotions were beginning to overcome Twilight and her eyes were growing moist. She wasn't ready to break down quite yet though. "I've been dealing with so much over the last month and it's been difficult, as you can imagine. I'm not ashamed were it not for Fluttershy I never would have made it." Fluttershy blushed intensely. "When I was a filly I never wanted to find a special somepony. I wanted to study. Get better at magic. It's ironic because in the end that's what cost me everything. I'm not bitter about it any more though because losing everything allowed me to find something so much more important. Love. I love my friends, yes but I love Fluttershy in a completely different way. This mare has been beside be the entire time and lent me her incredible strength." Fluttershy felt like crying at the incredible compliments Twilight was giving her. "She was by me night after night when I felt like I would drop dead from the pain. When I lost myself and didn't want to be found Fluttershy pulled me out from the abyss and made me feel again. I love you so much Fluttershy. I know it's odd, getting married so soon but it feels so right. I know you feel it too or you wouldn't be standing here in front of me right now. You mean more to me than anything and this is the ultimate way I can show you I love you. Like this, when I'm gone you'll know I loved you enough to want to spend my life with you. And I'll always be with you, I hope you remember that part above all else." Twilight had so much more she wanted to say but couldn't bear it any more. Tears were flowing freely now. Not only from her but from Fluttershy, Cadance, Shining Armour, her parents and the rest of her friends too. Never had they heard something so beautiful, so honest and so heartfelt. She wished she had time to say everything she wanted but she could go on for hours. There simply wasn't enough time.

Fluttershy spoke suddenly. "T-that was mean Twilight. H-How am I supposed to speak properly when I'm crying so hard." She was teasing her marefriend, obviously. Twilight let out a mix of sobs and giggles. It was Fluttershy's turn to talk now though so Twilight did her best to suppress her sobs. "Twilight Sparkle. You spoke of my strength but you have to understand I got so strong by watching you and the rest of our friends. I've watched you overcome so many things and when I saw you so broken and needing someone I tapped into the deepest parts of myself to help you. How could I not? Since you've come here you've been nothing but an inspiration to me. From fending off Nightmare Moon to stopping Discord and saving the Crystal Empire. I've watched you do so many amazing things so it's really not so far-fetched to believe when you needed it somepony was there for you. I know you feel like all of this is unfair, and it truly is. Nopony deserves what is happening to you. Not everything is unfair though. I'm here for you, Twilight. I've tried to be a source of inspiration for you now. And despite all the hard times you made me fall for you. I fell hard, Twilight Sparkle. You're everything I always wished I could be. If there were anything I could do to help you if you asked, Twilight, I would do everything to make it happen. I love you too, Twilight. I love you sooooo much. My words feel like nothing compared to yours but I don't know what else to say other than that I do love you. I'll never forget you Twilight, I promise you that. You'll always be in my memories but more importantly in my heart. We're connected, forever." Fluttershy accidentally let a sob escape her and she couldn't go on either. "I love you." She finished, in her opinion rather lamely.

Everypony in the audience was sobbing and they no longer cared about hiding it. In all honesty they all felt like running up and giving each of the lovers a big hug. It was all they could think to do to try and quell the sadness they were feeling. It was impossible to believe the speeches they had heard. Nopony was sure whether they were written beforehand or if they had come up with on the spot but it had been beautiful. The ultimate declaration in love. In front of friends and family and soon it would be complete.

Princess Cadance did her best to steady her voice. "Without further ado, I'd like to...Huh?" Princess Cadance didn't even have time to react. A green beam hit her directly in the side. She crashed into the arch, toppling it over. Everypony gasped as Cadance hit the ground with a loud thud and a groan. It only took seconds for the dozens of Changelings to drop out of the sky. Their Queen fell between the guests and the lovers with a sadistic chuckle.

"Now!" The evil queen screeched.

The changelings had formed a circle around the entirety of the ceremony. They gathered their magic and together shot green beams into the sky. They all connected at a single point and a bubble spread from that point, surrounding Twilight, Fluttershy and all the guests at their wedding. The barrier was set, no escape for anypony.

Shining Armour rushed to his wife's side without thought. Chrysalis had anticipated this and attacked him as well. The magical beam hit him square in the side as well. He screamed in pain, the beam having been far more potent than the one that hit Cadance. He hit the ground equally hard. His hoof was reaching towards Cadance, but he couldn't quite reach. He whispered her name under his breath before his hoof hit the ground.

In the mean time whilst everypony was panicking and unsure what to do the changelings had their orders. They surrounded the guest and formed another smaller barrier around the set of chairs. It trapped Twilight's parents and her four friends. Rainbow Dash crashed against the magical bubble a few times in a vain attempt to break it. They glared towards the chuckling changelings.

Queen Chrysalis was pleased. So far everything had gone off without any problems. She turned towards Twilight and grinned. "Surprised?"

Twilight glared, Fluttershy had cautiously made her way behind Twilight. "Crashing a dying pony's wedding? That's low, even for you."

"Oh Twilight Sparkle, how you flatter me. Since the wedding I've thought of how to extract my vengeance from you. Then you go and lose all your magical abilities and throw this grand ceremony for me to ruin. You're too kind."

"You've got a lot of ne-"

Fluttershy squeaked suddenly. She was lifted into the air and dropped to the ground in front of Chrysalis' feet. Fluttershy was trembling, she'd never been so scared before. It was different than the wedding. She wanted to hurt Twilight and it was clear the best way to hurt Twilight was to hurt her. It was personal.

Twilight was shaking, not with fear but fury. The beautiful dress Rarity had laboured over was ruined, covered in dirt. Instead of happiness Fluttershy was trembling at the feet of the changeling queen. There was unfair and then there was just plain messing with somepony's existence. "You're lucky I don't have my magic or-or I'd.."

"You'd what, Twilight Sparkle?" Chrysalis laughed. "Even at your best you think a lone unicorn could defeat I, the queen of the changelings? Are you a fool?"

You're in trouble now. Darklight chimed in happily.

Not now!

"Don't you dare lay a hoof on her!" Twilight screamed!

"As you wish then." Chrysalis' horn glowed and Fluttershy was lifted in the air. This time it wasn't a squeak that escaped her lips but a scream. She howled in agony and she couldn't but wonder if this were the type of pain she'd helped Twilight face recently.

"Stop it!" Twilight screamed. She was crying again, but there was no joy behind those tears. Chrysalis only responded by laughing.

Want my help? Darklight chimed in.

No! Twilight screamed back.

She's going to kill Fluttershy, Twilight!

Oh no she's not.

Not if you let me help. Open yourself to me and I can end all of this. Her voice was layered with honey again as it had before.

Twilight couldn't focus on Fluttershy's screams and on Darklight at once. She was overwhelmed and the situation wasn't helping her fight off Darklight at all.

I can't trust you! Twilight screamed internally.

You don't have a choice!

Then something happened that settled the deal. In mid-air between her screams Fluttershy opened her eyes and turned her head to Twilight. She whispered softly "Help me..." It was like reliving that night, only with reversed roles. When Twilight felt as though she were going to die from the pain Fluttershy helped her. Fluttershy had saved her and now when Fluttershy is the one who needed help Twilight was powerless.

Her heart broke and she felt as though she died right there. Her emotions shut off and she retreated into the darkness of her mind. She let go and gave Darklight control. Twilight went through a transformation. Her fur darkened into the sickening purple of Darklight's fur. Her eyes shifted colours to the blood red. The worst part was her horn. With dark lightning it mended but it also changed forms. Spikes protrude from it. The tip of the horn was now black the colour changed to red the closer it got to the base of the horn. Darklight was laughing hysterically. She had won.

Red light formed at the tip of Darklight's horn and with incredible speed shot out in the form of a focused beam. It struck Chrysalis in the face and she was shot backwards with enough force to slam into the barrier. When the queen was shot back she lost her hold on Fluttershy and the pegasus hit the ground with a broken cry. Darklight slowly approached Chrysalis with an eerie smirk.

"You fell right into my hoofs. Queen of the changelings? More like queen of fools." Darklight could not stop chuckling. "I'm a rather strong dark entity myself, dear Chrysalis. I could sense you lurking in the Ever Free Forest the moment you got there. It didn't take a smarty-pants pony like Twilight Sparkle to figure out what you were after. There's also the fact that I have access to all of Twilight's inner thoughts and feelings. I could see her desire to get married, anything to live return a sense of normalcy to her life. She still had a few months left to live, but I convince her she's going to die in about a week and what happens? Sure enough lickety-split she puts together a wedding as quick as she can. I was betting you would show up today of all days. The dramatic irony was something you simply couldn't pass up. Once again, don't have to be super smart to figure out you'd hurt Fluttershy. I spew some nonsense about saving her into Twilight's head and then BAM! Twilight loses it. She can't hold me back any more and now I'm in control! It's only for a short while, Twilight's body is too far gone but at least I can have fun with it before we expire." Her head turned back and she winked towards Fluttershy. "Isn't that right sweetie?"

Fluttershy shuddered. She'd heard Twilight talk about Darklight and the things she said. The way that when she spoke things sounded wrong and twisted. Now Fluttershy knew what Twilight was talking about and she didn't want Darklight anywhere near her. The things Darklight might do to her made Fluttershy cringe at the very thought. There was no love for her behind those eyes and Fluttershy buried her head into the ground and began to sob.

Darklight laughed again turning her attention back to Chrysalis whom she had just reached. "Now, let's clear out the trash, shall we?" Darklight began breathing heavily as more magical energy formed at the tip of her horn. For at least a minute she focused as everypony watched on in horror. When finally Darklight was ready a nasty smirk took form on her lips "Here we go." She let out a blood curling howl as the magic released itself. Both the barriers around Twilight's friends and the barrier surrounding them shattered as though they had been fragile all along. All the changelings were blown in random directions, much farther than the outskirts of Ponyville. The queen was thrown along with them. Blasted away to Celestia knows where. Darklight had single handedly defeated the queen of the changelings and all of her underlings. Something Celestia herself had no been capable of.

Everypony got back on their feet still recovering from the blast. Darklight turned to face Twilight's friends with a cruel smirk on her face. One monster had been defeated but it seemed like they had a new one to deal with.