//------------------------------// // Preperation // Story: Save me // by WhiteFur //------------------------------// “Sweet Twilight, the sun is up and it’s time for you to be as well.” That sweet voice holds such happiness. I open my eyes and meet with the purest blue surrounded by the softness orange: Flash. A stupid grin spreads across my muzzle, matching the one on his. I take in the sight of him; he is dressed in his armor once more, the gold shinning with the splendor of Celestia’s sun. He has been by my side since the first moment I got here, and now I can’t imagine my life without him. “Twilight, your friends are going to leave without you if we don’t hurry.” He places an innocent kiss on my cheek, sending shivers all over my body. At his words, I rise from bed going over to my vanity, where I run a brush through my mane. “You do remember what today is right?” he says, sitting in front of me. “Of course! It’s the day of the lover’s ball.” I finish brushing, and give him a sweet kiss on the lips. “Now come! if we leave Rarity waiting she will start pulling out hair.” We quickly leave my room and descend the grand staircase, all my friends waiting at the bottom. They got here just last week, our reunion loud and bouncy, each of us jumping on each other trying to hug everypony. It has been hard to be away from them, and if it had not been for Flash and my family I would not be healing as well as I am. “There you are Twilight darling, we were about to come charging into your room. Come now everypony, let's be off!” She turns sharply, flipping her mane over her shoulder. We all hurry after her on the way to the spa. “Where’s Cadence?” I ask, noticing my sister-in-laws absent. She is supposed to be getting ready with us; Rarity had even designed a dress especially for her, as well as for all of us. “She said she had some last minute plans to finish, she will join us there.” Rainbow Dash says doing a back flip in the sky above us. “Thank you so much for arranging this spa day for all of us.” Applejack says trotting up next to me. Rainbow groans, "Yeah, I sure would love a day at the spa." "It won't be as bad as you think, Rainbow! Just relax and let them work their magic!" Rarity chirps. “You should really thank Cadence, she did all the planning, I just suggested the idea.” I say, humbly. We’ve reached the spa and are rushed inside to be pampered and groomed. Despite Rainbow's protests, the mares usher us inside and begin the wonderful pampering. Sometimes we are all together, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Other times we are separated as we are beautified and treated. Flash is never far from my side though, sometimes whispering sweet things in my ear. As we break for lunch, I take in the beauty of all my friends: Rarity with her regality and generosity, Pinkie Pie with her enthusiasm and easy laughter, Fluttershy with her gentleness and kindness, Applejack with her strength and honesty, Rainbow Dash with her loyalty and fierceness. Each of them beautiful in their own way. I would not have healed so fast if it was not for their friendship and support. The week since they got here was like that of old times: before we were constantly asked to save Equestria, when I was tasked with learning the magic of friendship. “What has your mind in the clouds?” Pinkie Pie asks, arbitrarily cocking her head at what appears to be an impossible angle. “I was just thinking about how lucky I am to have such great friends such as all of you girls.” I reply happily. “Oh Twilight, you are too sweet. You know we value your friendship as well.” Fluttershy says. As one we all stand up and hug each other. We are once again herded away to continue preparations for the ball. When all the pampering is done, I stand in front of a three way mirror, marveling at the beauty within the panes. I have never been obsessed with myself, but as I stand here gawking at how my mane shines and shimmers flowing down and caught in a ponytail with my cutie mark emblem in it, I can't help but feel astonished. The dress Rarity has made for her is equally beautiful, fading from soft yellow to bright pink to pure white, with yellow ribbons draping along the skirt. It is beautiful and simple, the perfect dress for her. “Twilight! Please join the rest of us so I can make final adjustments!” Rarity calls from the adjacent room. Quickly, I join my friends, marveling in the splendor of all of their outfits. Rarity wears a Greeko-Maren period inspired blue sapphire dress with gold trimmings and chords wrapped around her, her mane at its usual curly perfection but with sapphire and gold ribbons entwining it. Rainbow Dash’s dress is also Greek inspired, but resembles more of a toga with gold ropes as well. Her mane for once is tame and woven in a braid and she wears gold leafs on her head. Fluttershy wears a silk dress of the softest greens with ivy stitching interweaving creating the most intricate designs. Her mane is pulled half back letting it fall in its splendor, a fancy leaf broach holding it back. Apple jack wears a red dress with roses for a single shoulder strap; it softly fades to white at the end of the beautiful skirt. Her mane is completely down and in soft curls. Rarity even made her a white cowboy hat with rosses on the rim. Pinkie pie wears a soft yellow dress that fades to blue. Draped intricately around her, it will be perfect for her craziness and dancing. Her main is puffy and curly as always but is combed back in a headband matching the dress. Cadence, who joined us after lunch, is wearing a gown of the softest lavender, with white roses stitched into the train. He mane is pulled back into curls pinned to her head, a crown of white rosses encircling her head. All of our dresses are tight and drape softly about us, each beautiful and perfectly designed for all of us. I stare at my friends, marveling about how we have grown up and matured since the first day in Ponyville when we first met not seven years ago. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Flash-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rarity has shoed me away so that I can’t see Twilight before the dance. And, though I understand why, I still wish I could be in presence of her beauty always. Putting on my royal suit, I can’t help but think about the mare I love, yes love. I plan on telling her tonight to after a slow dance. She is the mare who holds my heart, and I am so proud of her and how well she has healed. Not just a month ago, she was more skeleton than mare, and now she is breathtaking. look at myself in the mirror, trying to tame my unruly mane to no avail. The suit has been tailored by Rarity, making it look high end. It is a white jacket with gold buttons and accents. My three medals pinned to my chest: one for being a captain, one for valor, and one for bravery. My mane refuses to lie flat, so I give it a little shake giving it a disheveled look. I step away from the mirror, collecting the present I bought for my beloved, tucking it into my coat pocket. I glance at the clock; it is almost time to meet Twilight, and my heart races in anticipation. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Queen Chrysalis----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tonight is my second chance at a perfect day, but who should I go as? Starring down at the many ponies naively entering the castle, I marvel at their insolence. Obviously I can’t go as anypony significant, other wise to be caught. But I don’t dare be anypony that is ugly, I am a Queen and will be treated as such. Suddenly, my eyes catch a flame of orange hair a navy blue and gold dress adorning her body. Ahh perfection, beautiful and regal in gait. “Nightingale come, I have chosen my host.” He flies over to me and I point out the mare. “A fine choice my Queen. She is Blaze of the Wonderbolts and doesn’t talk much.” “Perfect .” I purr as Nightingale leaves to dispatch my soon to be double.