ᴛᴡɪʟɪɢʜᴛ ɪ
ғᴀᴄᴀᴅᴇ
Franticly, Twilight darted through the looming trees of the ominous forest; fleeing from the terrors she had encountered just moments ago. Her long tail was thrown out in fury behind her, parallel with the ground, her mane danced upon her neck as the mighty force of her pace tossed it around. The princess wore an ivory dress that was flailing and constricting her hind legs, the branches of the trees seemed to reach out purposefully to snag and tear the silk. Adrenaline raced through her veins as she galloped, fear driving her as she knew that failing to keep up her tremendous pace would result in her death; a fate that she did not wish to receive, not today. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest and the exhilarating sound of blood rushing in her ears, she did not know how much longer she could keep running like this, but she had to continue if she wanted to live.
Shouts and screams echoed faintly behind her, it was almost impossible to make any sense out of the cries as they were drowned out by the sound of destruction; buildings being layed to rubble and trees at the edge of the Everfree burning. She wondered how many of her friends were dead, how many innocents had been made to suffer a torturous death? Twilight's eyes began to water with bitter tears, her vision becoming unfocused and her eyelids becoming heavy. Quietly, she sobbed and began to slow her pace down to a swift trot; she knew she could not stay here for long, they would find her eventually... The ones who did this to them, Changelings. Her sobs became cries as harsh memories flooded her mind, she felt as if she could have done something to help the others, but out of fear she did not even try. Chrysalis had attacked when they had least expected, her wedding to Flash Sentry. Her wings quivered and her chest heaved as she took shallow, fearful breaths; her legs began to strain under her weight and she collapsed to the floor. Screaming, she curled into a ball and rocked herself from side to side, praying it was just a nightmare.
Rarity began to finish plaiting the princess' lavender tail, a French braid as to fit the classical theme of her wedding, her hooves worked with her teeth in harmony as she worked, wanting to make her friend's wedding as perfect as she could. Twilight sighed, she'd always dreamed of this day, but she found herself becoming increasingly nervous; would every pony make it here on time? Would she look pretty? Would she be taken seriously? She tried her best to push these negative thoughts to the back of her mind, today was a day to celebrate the joining of two hearts, not to entertain her perfectionist and anxiety-driven personality. After the ivory unicorn used a magic hold to fasten in the plait, she circled around the bride-to-be,
"You look simply gorgeous, Twilight! That dress suits you better that anything I've ever seen!"
Flattered, the princess smiled and looked up towards her friend, her nerves seemed to melt like butter. She longed to see Flash, how handsome he would look in his wedding suit, she sighed femininely as she thought of him and her cheeks blush bright scarlet. She looked at her reflection in a mirror and chuckled,
"Thanks Rarity, you really know how to work your charm on me."
Twilight hauled herself from the prep chair she was previously seated in, now was the time to face her destiny, Twilight Sentry. Her hooves echoed on the marble floor of her castle, she tilted her head as she reached the door for Rarity to follow her; the fashionista looked beautiful, she wore a cyan dress embroided with jewels of many different hues. Although Twilight had decided to make formal attire optional, Rarity always loved to make a spectacular effort. The pair trotted down to the entrance of the castle where the bride's transport awaited them, ready to escort her to the Ponyville town hall; she had decided on here rather than in Canterlot because it felt like the right thing to do, even though it went against years of tradition. She saw at one her three little bridesmaids, the cutie mark crusaders, each outfitted in a red dress, again designed and made by Rarity. That mare had done so much for this wedding, Twilight was ever grateful for her assistance. Calmly, she took a deep breath and began her walk, she held a conversation with her father, Nightlight, as they journeyed to the town hall.
Eventually, the structure was in sight and Twilight's butterflies returned again; crowds of ponies from all over Equestria had flocked around the hall, calling at her as the party arrived at the venue. She gulped down her fear and watched as the double-doors of the entrance were opened by two Royal guards. This was it. Instantly her fear was gone as she layed her eyes on Flash, he smiled as she walked towards him beside Nightlight. Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo paved the way, throwing confetti on the aisle in celebration. As Rarity took her seat next to Twilight's five other closest friends, she began to cry with tears of joy. Twilight gazed over to Celestia, the mare that would be presiding over the wedding, befor taking her place opposite Flash.
"We are gathered here today to witness the joining of two hearts, Princess Twilight Sparkle of Friendship and Flash Sentry of the Princess' Royal Guard. They will be joined in marriage, till death do them part. They will love one another through thick and thin."
Celestia's motherly gaze shifted over to Twilight, she smiled and asked her,
"Twilight, do you promise to love this stallion until your dying day, through sickness and in health?"
Twilight's eyes continued to flow with salty tears, exitedly she gave her obvious reply to the ancient question,
"I do."
"Flash, do you promise the same?"
"I do."
"And so, is there any reason anypony can think of as to why these two ponies may not become mare and stallion? If so, please speak now."
The town hall seemed to become as silent as it ever had been, not even the tweets of birds could be heard outside. Suddenly, the unthinkable happened, and the world was changed forever. 'Flash' began to chuckle deeply and a spout of green illuminated the floor around him, slowly turning into a burning circle of flame. Screams sounded throughout the town hall, more Changelings revealed themselves and began to bar the exits... No one could leave without a teleportation spell. Finally, the queen's true form was revealed to all, that of a wretched, decaying monster. Queen Chrysalis.
"Twilight, run! I'll deal with her! You must go!"
Celestia yelled frantically, Twilight's head began to swim as she felt herself shifting between locations... That was the final time she would see Flash Sentry, or atleast the image of him...