Twilight twirled once in front of the mirror and the long train of the purple-trimmed gown swirled around her pasterns. A crown of roses was intertwined within her mane and wrapped around the sapphire Element of Magic. Rarity gave one last appraisal to the garment. "Lovely, Darling! You look just like a Princess!"

Twilight smirked and held up her chin. Rarity hummed to herself, deep in thought, studying every inch of Twilight. The intense scrutiny made Twilight cringe somewhat as if she were scared Rarity might detect some secret flaw. At last, she levitated up a golden chain which was decorated with rubies and opals. "There's a traditional Pegasus custom which I rather like. Let's see how it looks on you. Lift your wings."

Twilight unfurled her wings and Rarity twisted the golden strand through the Alicorn's purple feathers. The crimson and white popped against the lavender, the chains looping in ornate strands. Rarity clapped her hooves. "Wonderful! Now all I need is to get you in some make-up."

Twilight shook her head. "I don't wear make-up."

Rarity lifted up some mascara. "But you'd look so pretty!"

"Uh-uh! I tried make-up once when I was twelve and never since."

"Did your mother help you put it on?"

"She helped me take it off and then she helped me stop sobbing."

Rarity frowned. "Not a good experience, I wager?"

"The whole school laughed at me."

"I do hope you mean only your fellow classmates."

"No, I said the whole school. Except Celestia."

"That's simply awful!" Rarity waved the mascara brush like it was a weapon. "Twilight, I am a professional. My destiny, my talent, my reason for being is to bring out the beauty in others."

Twilight shuffled a hoof, glanced downward. "Are you saying I'm not as pretty right now?"

Rarity brought her hoof up to her forehead and growled. "That is not what I meant and you full well know it." The scolding tone did not quite erase the smile on her face. "But, this is your wedding day. It's only going to happen once. Don't you want to look extra pretty just for Celestia?"

Twilight pawed at the carpet. "Alright. Let's start with some mascara."

Rarity squealed and brought out a brush.

...
Celestia trotted along the gardens. The almond trees were in bloom, bursting pink from among the green canopy. She floated a few down and threaded them inside of her hair, glancing down at her reflection in the lake. She was beautiful. The splash of pink complemented her multi-hued strands, reminded her of the color of her hair when she was young.

She wondered...with an application of her magic, her ever-floating locks stilled and shifted, turning pink. She couldn't help but laugh just slightly and do a little twirl. She was so pretty! She wondered what had made her change her colors, why she had slowly started using this form more and more often.

It was no matter. With another spell, she turned it back. Her mane flowed in its eternal wind, green, pink and blue, like a banner. This was going to be a very good day indeed.

She stared at herself in the lake, internally debating. She really did like the pink mane look. After a few minutes of indecision, she just shook her head. She was being nothing but silly.

"Sister?"

The royal whirled around. Luna strode into view. "Are you not preparing for the wedding?"

Celestia was silent for a few minutes and then she smiled. "Of course I am, Luna. I just needed a breather." She ruffled her wings. "What are you doing out here?"

Luna laid on the cool grass. "Nervous."

Celestia remained standing, towering over the smaller Alicorn. "Nervous? About what, Lu?"

Luna's ears twitched. "What did you just call me?"

Celestia bit down hard on her lip. "Lulu."

Luna stared at her. "Strange. I could have sworn...you haven't called me that since I was a filly."

Celestia shrugged. "I've been reminiscing. Do you think I should go back to a pink mane?" She demonstrated.

Luna glanced up at the mane and then shook her head. "This wedding has made you flat out giddy hasn't it?"

"Yes, yes it has." She pranced just slightly and then winced. What was she doing? She sat down next to Luna. "Please, Lulu. Tell me what troubles you."

Luna nervously played with the grass. "Our family's coming to the wedding. I haven't seen Father in so long. What if he's still angry with me?"

"When was Father angry with you?"

Luna gave her a sideways glance. "I mean, over the Nightmare Moon incident."

Celestia stared at the lake. Golden light broke over its surface, rippling into thousands of diamonds. "I see. It has been so long ago and it's not as if you did anything to personally offend him. I imagine him being more disappointed than angry, but honestly, even for a god one-thousand years is an awfully long time, wouldn't you say?"

Luna nodded. "I understand, Sister. But to be honest, it was difficult to even face you or our subjects after our fall. To face him..."

"You were always his favorite anyway. Daddy's little princess."

Luna glanced at her. "Do you really think so?"

"It always seemed that way to me."

Luna patted her shoulder. "He loves you too, you know."

"Oh, I know. Listen, I'm certain he was never angry with you. You just need to buck up and face him."

Luna sighed deeply, studying the ground beneath her forelegs. "You're right. Of course you're right. Good talk. I need to return to preparing for my duties." She stood and trotted off. Celestia rose to her forelegs and gave one last glance at her reflection.

After all, this was a very important occasion. She had to look just right. At last, she was satisfied and began to walk back to the castle. The guards saluted to her, opened the door and she strode onto the marble hall.

...
Luna floated up the silver dress she was to wear and faced the mirror. She wrapped the garment around herself, neatly sliding her wings through the cutouts. Then, she started to pace, from one side of the room to the other. When she reached the far wall, she turned and started her trek again.

The wedding would be in three hours. Celestia was absolutely right. She needed to just face her father. A frown marred her features. Celestia usually wasn't one for tough love. Telling her to buck up, or even using the vulgarism, was strange. Her shoulders slumped. Had she been that moody lately? The thought occurred to her that perhaps her moodiness had started to get on Celestia's nerves.

That line of thought brought a long sigh from her lips and she slumped down. Well, she was rather moody wasn't she? Perhaps, Celestia was just getting tired of it. Several millennia of a whiny little sister would probably get on anypony's nerves at some point.

Maybe that's why she'd called her Lu? Because she felt that Luna was behaving in a foalish manner. Yet, that didn't seem quite right, not for Celestia.

Luna shook her head, sending her dark blue mane spilling in all directions. There was no need to think too much on it. She floated over the black, leather-bound Book of Rites, flipped it open to the section on wedding ceremonies and blew away a layer of dust.

The conversation with Celestia continued playing in her head, a niggling intrusion of memory that just would not go away. The ceremony was in three hours.

Three hours.

I just needed a breather.

Celestia did love the garden. It was a place of calm and meditation for her. Nothing was unusual about that. But why hadn't she been wearing her dress?

Because she wouldn't want to get it dirty, idiot.

The explanation made sense and she settled back down into her chair. After a few moments of attempting to read the book, she placed it back down on the desk, closing it with a sharp clap. The words would not arrange themselves into orderly sentences.

Perhaps her eyes were tired. Yes, that was the explanation. There was no reason she kept replaying that conversation with Celestia over and over again in her mind. Her mind was screaming at her, trying to tell her something. She stood and then sat back down on the chair, closed her eyes and tried to think it through. Why were her thoughts so muddied up?

She reviewed the conversation for about the one-hundredth time. Everything had seemed right at the time. There had been nothing strange about how Celestia had been acting.

Though what was that about me being Daddy's favorite? Does she really feel that way? And then she told me to just buck up.

Was Celestia jealous of the relationship she had with their father? That made no sense although it might have been true when they were adolescents or children. Surely, time had erased such feelings. Celestia would have had one-thousand years with Slepnir all to herself.

Memory tugged at her heart strings. A familiar male voice, speaking to her through layers of darkness and shadow, a sudden embrace, a feeling of safety and love. Loved even in exile.

Luna shook the memory away, wiped away her tears and filed that one for later.

The obvious solution presented itself to her. She circled her desk and floated up a white cup, sipping the coffee within. Celestia's strange behavior was because she had not been speaking to Celestia at all, but rather Chrysalis.

She shot out of the room and slammed open the door. It clattered as it closed behind her. Even calling her Lu was a tell-only two Ponies remembered that nickname and one of them was Chrysalis. A guard, startled from his position, saluted her. "Princess! Is everything alright?"

Luna returned her wings to her sides and held herself rigid, mirroring guard discipline. "I believe Chrysalis has taken on my sister's form."

The guard tightened his grip on his spear lifting it in his wing. "I will alert all the guards! She will be captured!"

Luna pushed his shoulder. "Stop. You do not want to run the risk of capturing my sister nor do we want to spread panic. Remember, I could be wrong."

The guard returned the spear to a neutral position by his side. "So, what do we do?"

Luna rustled her wings, a habit she developed when she was deep in thought. "I will look for her myself. That is the safest way. Alert all guards to be on standby."

"Why are the guards on standby?"

Luna whirled around as did the guard who jutted out his spear towards Celestia who stood in the hallway. Celestia raised an eyebrow. "What's going on?"

The spear trembled in the guard's grip and he glanced back at Luna, awaiting confirmation.

Celestia took a few paces forward and the guard interposed himself. "Stand Down, Red Badge."

The spear's shaking picked up pace as the guard simply stood there, trembling.

Luna lit up her horn and shot out a spell which Celestia deflected with a bubble of golden energy. "What is the meaning of this?"

The guard stepped back when Luna nodded to indicate that it was alright and then she took a few more steps towards what may or may not have been her sister. Then she noticed the almond blossoms in her hair.

That tells me nothing. So, this is the Celestia I met in the garden, but is it Celestia?

Celestia took the spear in her magic and returned it to the guard who placed it beneath his wing though it was still at the ready.

Luna cleared her throat and snapped out her wings, standing between Celestia-if it was Celestia-and the guard. "I need to cast the Changeling detection spell on you."

"Why?"

"I need to."

"You saw my magic. Why would you think I was a Changeling?" Celestia took several steps so that she was nearly muzzle-to-muzzle with Luna.

"Please, Sister. I need to be sure."

"Alright." Her shoulders slouched and Luna cast the spell. Nothing happened. Luna blinked. The guard visibly relaxed and returned his spear to its resting position.

Luna blushed. "Si-sister, I..." I am a paranoid idiot.

Celestia pointed a wing in the direction of Luna's office and Luna trailed behind her. The elder alicorn pushed open the door and they stepped inside. Luna stared at anything except Celestia and stiffened when Celestia patted her with a wing. Luna nuzzled her. "I'm sorry."

"I always did think you were Father's favorite. You were so small and weak."

"I'd be offended by you saying that if it weren't true."

"I even think that's why you took up martial arts and became so...militaristic. Too make up for your childhood frailty."

"Don't try to psychoanalyze me, that's what several therapists get paid to do."

Celestia drew away. "I sounded too harsh when I told you to buck up. Even to my own ears."

Luna mumbled something.

"But you did the right thing. Better an abundance of caution than a lack of it." Celestia gave her another quick squeeze. "Now, I want you to see me in my wedding gown."

Luna chanced a soft smile. "I'd like that."

Celestia trotted out and Luna followed.

...
Twilight stared at herself in the mirror, touching a hoof to the glass. She had never thought much about her physical beauty-too focused on the development of her mind. Eye shadow the same color as her fur accentuated the color of her eyes, brought it out. The softest brushing of foundation from Rarity's skillful magic brought out the range of her violets that made up the color of her fur.

Her face had been transformed, yet Rarity's skill had merely revealed what was already there rather than creating something entirely new. The dress, the tiara, the crown of roses completed the transformation from scholarly princess to royal bride. "I'm beautiful. Rarity, thank you."

Rarity had Twilight's mane in her magic, braiding it into two long strands. "You've always been beautiful, Darling. This is only ornamentation."

"Don't demean your craft like that!"

"I'm not. My craft is ornamentation. I believe everyone has beauty." She twisted the strands of Twilight's main so that two long braids ran down her back. "Perfect. Ornamentation can accentuate and draw attention to what's already there."

Both looked around at the rap of a knock on the door. Rarity used her magic to grasp the handle and open it. Princess Celestia stood in the doorway. Rarity clapped her hooves before dipping into a quick bow. "Your Highness, Darling! I absolute love the new accessory!"

Celestia shyly poked at the almond flowers. "I'm glad. I was hoping my soon-to-be-wife would like them."

Twilight just stared. "It's beautiful."

Celestia strode forward. "As are you." The long hem of her gown swished around her as she stepped inside of the dressing room. She reached out and grazed Twilight's cheek. "Lovely. I could almost eat you."

Twilight giggled. Rarity cleared her throat. "It's bad luck for the bride to be seen before the blessed occasion by the way."

Celestia blinked. "Truly?"

Rarity cocked her head. "An ancient custom, Your Highness."

"Huh. Must be younger than I am."

Twilight spoke up. "It cropped up around six centuries ago."

Celestia moved her hoof downward, kneading into her neck. "Miss Rarity, could you leave us?"

Rarity nodded. "Of course. However, I must ask that you do not ruffle your dresses."

Twilight's face turned crimson and Rarity scampered out. When Twilight looked back at Celestia, she caught her glaring at the door Rarity had just exited. Twilight touched Celestia's cheek. "She didn't mean any offense. In fact, she was probably serious. This wedding has her giddy."

The flash of anger that had twisted Celestia's features melted away. Celestia brushed her forehead with a kiss. "Twilight, my anamchara, you know I can take a joke at my expense."

Twilight stepped back. "What did you call me?"

"My anam...my soul friend. Only a pet name I thought of. Do you like it?"

Her voice had taken on a strange quality when she'd said it. Almost like she'd slipped into an accent. Twilight stepped closer. "Soul friend. I like it."

Her breath tickled Twilight's air and then she crushed her lips so fiercely that Twilight's breath was cut off. Celestia deepened the kiss, grabbing her neck with her forelegs. Twilight tried to reciprocate, but Celestia used her greater size to knock her to the floor.

Twilight struggled out of the kiss. "Celestia! What are you doing!"

Celestia drew back. "What's wrong beloved?" She drew her lips onto Twilight's neck and sucked. "I was thinking we could have some fun before the wedding."

Twilight squirmed beneath her. "C-could you be more gentle?"

She was pinned, effectively trapped beneath the larger Pony. Something was wrong. Something was very, very wrong. Her heart was a drum against her chest and she squirmed, but not in play. Their love play could get rough-very rough. Sometimes, Twilight wouldn't be able to sit down after particularly rough sessions and she frequently used a spell to cure rope burn.

But nothing like this. The larger Pony had her helpless against the ground, bearing down on her, pressing her forelegs down against her chest and a knee on her stomach.

"Gentle? Why, of course, Beloved." Then, her lips were on Twilight's again, suckling her bottom lip before pressing down her teeth.

Twilight screamed as she tasted her own blood in her mouth. Celestia drew away and stared down at her and then licked her bloodied lip.

The young alicorn tried to push her away. Rarity burst inside. "I heard a scream! What's going on?"

Celestia fixed her with a gaze and her eyes glowed a sickly green. So did Rarity's. "Nothing is wrong. All is well."

"Nothing is wrong." Rarity repeated this and then turned to walk out of the room.

Twilight stared up at the ceiling, tendrils of magic wrapping around her brain. Everything was alright, everything was going to be alright.

Celestia stood up and floated Twilight onto her back. She pressed down on the floor and a chasm opened in the ground, a secret tunnel only three living Ponies knew about.

And one of those three was not a Pony.

...
All was well. Indeed, all was well. What could be wrong on a day like this? Her best friend and sovereign were getting married. Oh, there was her dear friend Applejack. Applejack was carrying a platter of some sort of Earth Pony confectionery on her back.

"Hello, Applejack."

Applejack paused. "Rarity. You alright?"

"All is well, Applejack."

Her orange, apple-shaped element glinted in the sun. Goodness, the windows in this place were wide enough to let in the entire glory of the sun-and the moon at night as well.

The Element sure was pretty. It was glowing. Wait, that wasn't the sun.

The Spirit of Truth rose up suddenly, moving in the soul of her Bearer. The Spirit of Generosity reached out from the place beyond all space and time and spoke in a voice that was not a voice.

"Something is wrong with my Bearer, hear me Oh, Truth, my companion from of old."

Applejack stopped in her tracks and really examined Rarity. She was almost swaying, like she'd gotten a mite too much into the drink. Her eyes were glassy and unfocused. "Rarity, you ain't had anything to drink, have you?"

"Oh, certainly not! I have a duty to perform!"

"Yeah. I'm helpin' the chefs. Twi wanted some Earth Pony food, she's gotten a taste for it. I was just about to set out the food. You want to help?"

Rarity nearly stumbled when she wordlessly turned to follow Applejack.

"Alright. Somethin' ain't right here." She stopped Rarity with a hard jerk on her withers. She dropped to the floor as her legs gave out. Applejack gasped and scooped her up, keeping the platter balanced on her tail.

She looked down at her glowing Element. In a surge of intuition, she laid Rarity down and focused on the gem pulsating against her chest.

The Spirit of Truth rose up within her bearer, filling her with its eternal power. Cosmic energies flowed through her and the mortal vessel lifted into the air, her eyes turning white and then a blaze of fire shot forth from the gemstone, enveloping the bearer of Generosity, burning away the deception that had covered her mind.

Rarity blinked and lifted up just as Applejack touched back down. She held her head. "What happened?"

"I don't know. You walked in here all confused, swayin' and glassy-eyed. I used my element on ya. How ya feelin'?"

Rarity rubbed the spot just below her horn. "Still confused. I last remember helping Twilight put on make-up."

Applejack crouched down next to her. "And then what do ya remember?"

"The Princess came in."

"Which one?"

"Celestia."

The air was sliced by the stirring of wings and Dash soared into the hallway. She was followed by the clap of galloping hooves and Pinkie rushed in from the direction of the kitchen. Fluttershy was next, coming from the opposite direction. The Pegasi touched down. All three of their Elements were glowing.

Dash sprinted in front of Applejack. "Okay, what's going on? Me and Pinkie were in the kitchen when our Elements lit up like Hearthswarming."

Applejack placed the plate of fritters down. "I don't rightly know. Rarity says she was helpin' Twilight put on her make-up and then she came in here all woozy."

A shiver passed through Fluttershy's feathers. "Do you think it's Chrysalis? I've read that Changeling mind control can cause disorientation. Read up on it after Cadence and Shining's wedding."

Applejack adjusted her hat which had gone askance when she'd activated her Element. "I reckon that's the most likely possibility. But where's Twilight?"

"I'll find her!" Dash nearly zoomed down the hall, only pulled back by Applejack's teeth.

"Hold it, RD. If this is Chrysalis's doin' then we need a plan."

Dash landed on her hooves and punched at the air. "I have a plan! Knock her lights out!"

Applejack sighed. "I'm as worried about Twilight as you are, but just rushin' in ain't gonna help her. One of us needs ta find a guard and one of us needs to look for Princess Celestia."

The others nodded in agreement.

"I'll look for a guard!" Dash took off, a blur of rainbow. Pinkie chased after her along with Fluttershy.

"Alright. Rarity, let's find Celestia."

...
Dash soared along the castle hall at almost enough speed to shatter the sound barrier as well as the windows and several walls.

"Dashie! Please slow down!" Fluttershy sailed in front of her and Dash stopped just before slamming into her. She reached out and touched Dash's shoulder. "I know you're scared-"

"I'm not scared!"

Pinkie mulled on that from below them. "You look pretty scared to me."

Dash sighed. "I am, I guess. For Twilight. And the Princess too."

Fluttershy patted her shoulder. "We'll get to the bottom of this. Just don't rush in, 'kay?"

"Okay."

Two guards stood at the door several paces away from them and were coming over to investigate the clearly anxious herd.

The guard cleared his throat. "Is everything alright?"

Dash saluted, like a year of training at the Wonderbolt's academy had ingrained in her. "No, Sir, it isn't. Twilight's missing."

The guard returned the salute."Missing? What do you mean she's missing?"

"What I said, Sir! Applejack found Rarity stumbling around and then our Elements all lit up and we all met up because we knew something was wrong, but Twilight didn't come."

"I see. We will look for her."

"Can we come with you?"

"Of course."

The guards marched down the hall and the Bearers crowded around them.

...
Rarity and Applejack stood at the door to Celestia's room. Before them were two stone faced guards.

Applejack stomped her hoof. "Look, we gotta talk to the Princess."

The guard's face remained expressionless. "The Princess has ordered that nopony be allowed in."

"Our Elements are glowin' and Twilight ain't showed up! We think somethin's wrong!"

The guard ground his teeth. "The Princess's orders were clear."

Rarity batted her eyes. "Gentlestallions, do you think the Princess would wish to be told that her fiance was kidnapped by a Changeling Queen while her guards kept her out of the loop? Is that really what you want on your record?"

The guards exchanged a glance and one of the guards slipped inside the room before hurrying out. "The Princess says you may come inside."

Rarity and Applejack pushed the door open and stopped, Rarity holding back a gasp. Clothes were strewn all over the carpeted floor, robes and dresses flung around without care, tossed on the bed and over tables. Celestia stood in the center of the chaos, throwing dresses from her closet.

"Princess!" Rarity galloped into the room before Applejack. "What are you doing? What happened?!"

Celestia whirled around. "The gown you made me! I can't find it!"

Applejack stepped further into the room."Well, we can't find Twilight."

Celestia stopped. "What do you mean you can't find Twilight?" Her voice had taken on a strangely calm quality.

"Applejack found me wandering the halls. I...you came inside. You wanted to see Twilight."

"Rarity...I...I haven't seen Twilight since last night." She continued, her voice shaking. "It can be presumed that Chrysalis has her." She glanced at Rarity's chest. "Your Element's glowing."

"I had to use mine on her. She was under some sort of spell. After I used it on her, all the Elements started glowin' and we all got together-except Twi."

A shiver passed through Celestia's body, making her feathers tremble before her wings snapped out to their full length. "Where are the other Bearers?"

"They went to tell the Guards."

Celestia forced her wings back down to her sides. "That was a wise idea, Applejack. But unnecessary. You all have your Elements. I want you to go find the others and bring them here. I'll show you how to find Twilight."

They raced from the room.

...
A few moments later, the Bearers were assembled. Two guards joined them. They had been sent to find Luna. The Solar Princess was playing with the amethyst necklace that adorned her throat, the very one that Twilight had retrieved for her.

One of the guards avoided Celestia's gaze. "We couldn't find her. I'm sorry."

Celestia's jaw tightened. "I see. So, Chrysalis got her as well. Took my form and gained her trust. Luna is like Twilight. She'd follow me anywhere." She winced and rubbed her chin. "To take advantage of their trust in me...no mercy. Not this time. No second chances."

Dash darted into the air. "So, how do we find'em?"

Celestia cast a glance at her. "As difficult as it is, cool the war-fire burning in your breast. Chrysalis is mine. You shall lead me to Twilight-and therefore, to her. Then I will face her. Alone."

Applejack shook her head. "No can do, Princess."

"You will do it!" The glass shattered and the stone walls cracked from the roar of her voice. Fluttershy yelped and cowered. The others cringed as well, even Dash landing. Fluttershy and Pinkie hid behind her. Only Applejack stood her ground.

"Listen here, Yer Highness. Twilight's gonna be yer wife, but she's our friend. Yer our Princess. We ain't gonna let ya face Chrysalis by yerself."

Celestia's mane and tail had become liquid fire, lashing behind her. "Applejack. Chrysalis once defeated me in battle-granted I was holding back. She'd slaughter you."

Applejack tilted her hat. "We're all gonna die sometime."

The guards stamped their spears. "Same here."

Celestia knelt her head. "This is what I get for creating a culture of loyalty and self-sacrifice. Very well. I will approach her first. If I need back up, I will call for you. Is this acceptable?"

They all nodded in agreement. Fluttershy peaked out from behind Dash. "So, um, how do we find Twilight?"

"Gather in a circle."

They did so.

"Focus on your Elements, then think of Twilight."

They reached their hooves out to each other, drawn by some deep instinct. The glow emanating from the Elements intensified and energy blasted out of the gems, swirling lines of blue, red, pink, white and orange forming a perfect circle that interconnected and flowed together.

They closed their eyes as the power surged through them, the ancient energy of creation itself binding them and seeking the missing link. They saw a flash and then a vision of dark tunnels. The energy faded and the circle vanished.

Celestia stepped through the circle. "What did you see?"

Applejack shook her mane out to clear her head. "We saw tunnels, Princess."

"I see. Chrysalis is keeping Twilight exactly where she kept Cadence. Let's go."

She rushed from the room, nearly slamming the door from its hinges. The others rushed to follow her as she marched down the halls. Her pace was hurried, a fevered pitch as she broke into a run down the stairs, the others struggling to follow her. Dash and Fluttershy took to the air. Even Applejack and the guards were gasping for breath, Celestia not even sweating.

Ignoring the others, she flared her wings and soared down another flight of stairs. The air warped around her, her wings burning, her feathers changing into blades of fire, her mane and tail transforming into long lashes of ever-moving flames. The Element Bearers were thrown back when she banked a hard right. Dash and Fluttershy barely had enough time to catch the others.

"Hold up, Princess!"

Celestia's only indication that she had heard that was to slightly slow her descent as she took several more flights of stairs, a roar building up around her and a wind that blew back the mere mortals attempting to follow her.

When she landed on the bottom floor of the palace, the floor shook and the stone exploded. The Bearers and the Guards still had several more flights of stairs to go. Celestia strode to a hidden panel on the wall and silently asked them to forgive her. This was her fight and hers alone.

She lit her horn and her magic slammed down the panel. Ancient mechanisms older than even she knew creaked and grinded. The palace itself trembled and the wall was drawn up. A yawning maw, like the awaiting mouth of some long extinct predator, was now before her.

The Bearers and Guards arrived just in time to watch her melt away into the shadows. The wall closed down after her.

...
The darkness threatened to drown her at first, but then she snapped her wings open and the darkness was thrown aside. She stalked down the tunnel. The light of her blazing body illuminated the stone tunnels that bore down on her. A well-timed blast broke away a stalactite. The ancient rock formation shattered to bits as she strode forward.

The tunnel split into several passages that curved and coursed deep into the earth. Twilight was in the tunnels, but which one? She took another look at them. Obsidian stone gave way to gleaming crystals, the same diamond-like material from which the engineers of the Crystal Empire had built their city long, long ago.

Had locking Cadence in here been some sort of cruel joke, a taunting reminder of everything the orphaned princess had lost?

The solid crystal crackled from the next stomp of her hooves. The crystals were jagged, zigzagging into hundreds of shapes cut by the slow march of centuries. They glowed in shades of reds and oranges as she passed by.

She glanced at her reflection. Her eyes were glowing red.

There was not a single creature who had seen this form and lived to tell the tale. Celestia the Kind? Celestia the Just?

A war axe made of living fire materialized above her head. She held it in her grasp.

She had another name. Sol Ulcisens.-The Avenging Sun.

Too much had been taken from her already.

Her grip on the axe shook.

Luna and Twilight would not be taken from her.

"Hold on Twilight, Luna, just hold on."

The caverns opened up just enough for her to shoot into the air and the caverns zipped by in a blur. Her flight left ashes on the crystal walls and the floor beneath her warped and cracked, the air itself shimmering with heat.

She closed her eyes and focused. More tunnels opened up, leading deeper into the heart of the mountain. The caves snaked and winded, twisting away into many channels as if they were following the course of some long dried up waterway.

The ground melted away when she touched down, the solid stone reduced to an ashen sludge. Three tunnels were before her. Crooked, edged gemstones dropped down in a perpetual suspension, like teeth around the jaw of a beast. They melted away when she came close.

Her senses reached out, searching for her sister and her beloved, a hoof moving to the amethyst around her neck. Her tears burned against her cheeks. "Twilight, Luna, one of you, please answer me."

The voice that answered hers was faint, a whisper in her mind.

...Tia?

"Twilight?!" She shouted out.

"Tia! I'm here!" Twilight galloped out of one of the tunnels. "I escaped the Queen!"

Celestia stood frozen to the spot. "Nice try. Twilight has wings now."

The Changeling screamed as a jet of flame struck him, knocking him to the side. He twitched and returned to his form. She lifted him up. "Where. Is. Twilight?"

The Changeling spat out some thick green goop that dissolved the moment it got within a few inches of the Sun Princess who slammed him against the wall so hard she heard his exoskeleton crack. The blade was put to his neck. "Where is Twilight?"

Don't you hear me, Princess? My Princess, My Beloved! I'm calling to you!

Celestia put a hoof to her head. That certainly sounded like Twilight.

Tia! Tia! Please! She's hurting me!

"I don't have time for you!"

She flung the injured Changeling aside and rushed to where she thought the voice was calling her, dashing down one of the tunnels into complete darkness. This darkness was so deep that even her fiery form failed to illuminate it. She paused and turned around.

Slashes of green and blue light lit up in the darkness and hundreds of wings buzzed. Celestia shielded herself as bolts of magic rained down on her. Energy built up inside of her and a gout of flame rushed from her horn, the crystals of the walls dissolving into liquid.

The flames rolled down the tunnel and the Changelings screamed as the flames licked at their exoskeltons. They zoomed farther down the cavern, but the flames followed them. An explosion of yellow, reds and oranges rocked the narrow space and what had been rock became rivers of slag.

The screaming of the Changelings ricocheted off the walls for a few seconds. The tunnels trembled and the fires roared onward. Celestia continued her frenzied pace, the flames having no effect on her as she ran further down the cavern. Smoke stung her eyes and she closed them. The screaming Changelings and the crackling of the fires filled her ears just as the raging inferno filled up what had been a tunnel.

...
Twilight was very happy, lying where she was in the grassy meadow. Puffy, white clouds dotted the sky above her. She nestled deeper into Celestia's white fur. Everything was perfect. A yellow butterfly waltzed on a gentle breeze, fluttering over the tall grass.

Celestia's wings held her in a secure, feathery embrace. She squirmed. "Celestia? Weren't we going to do something today?"

"No, Beloved. Only spend time together."

She laid her head back down on the Princess's fur. "Alright. I just thought...something."

Celestia nibbled on her neck, making Twilight giggle. "Oh? Ticklish, I see."

"Meanie." She adjusted herself so she was laying belly-to-belly with her lover. No, not lover. Wife. Her wife.

They'd gotten married, but why couldn't she...? A sharp pain shot through her skull.

Celestia nuzzled her neck and Twilight rested back down on her stomach. A little blue Alicorn filly rushed up, her purple mane flowing in that gentle breeze. Spike was following her. "Mommy, we lost our ball in the woods!"

Twilight nodded. "I see. I'll get that for you." She tried to rise up, but found herself in a prison made of two strong, white wings.

"Hold it. I believe I told you two not to play near the woods."

The blue Alicorn filly's features suddenly contorted. "Bitch."

Twilight gasped. "Young filly! You do not...you do not..." What was the little filly's name?

The little blue Alicorn filly suddenly didn't look so little anymore. "Come, Mommy, come. To the woods. With me. We'll play a game."

Twilight rested on Celestia. "No, we shouldn't go in the woods. Come, rest with us."

The filly suddenly seemed more insistent. "No, Twi-Mommy. No, we must go. Now."

"Dear, why do you suddenly want to leave?" She struggled against the comforting wings which had suddenly become a prison. "Celestia, let me go! I think something might be wrong with...with..." She stared at the little blue Alicorn. "With our daughter."

No matter how hard she stared at her, she just couldn't remember her name. The filly knelt her head. "Very well. I tried the subtle way. Forgive me, Twilight. This will not be pleasant."

Her coat darkened, and she grew taller. Her mane and tail altered, morphing into ethereal mist that curled around her head.

Twilight blinked. "Luna? What are you...aah!" The onslaught of pain drove her onto her stomach. Her muscles spasmed and something inside of her head felt like it was about to break. The illusions of Celestia and Spike floated away like mist. She lifted up on her forelegs. "What's going on?"

"We have been captured by Chrysalis. This is a dream she's conjured up for you. She was not able to subdue my mind and she did not wish to do battle with the Dream Weaver in her own domain." Luna stroked her back. "Art thou well?"

Twilight trembled. "I'm fine. Where's Celestia?"

"She is quite literally tearing the earth apart looking for you."

Twilight rose to all four of her legs. "This is all my fault. I'm so stupid. Shouldn't have invited her."

Luna placed a hoof to her lips. "You might as well blame my sister for putting the idea into your head that everyone deserves a second chance."

Twilight shook her head. "That's not important right now. What's important is getting out of here."

Luna frowned. "I'm sorry, but we're going to have to wait. How good are you at telepathy?"

"I graduated top of my class."

"Of course you did. Celestia is calling out to you. Let her know you're alright. I'll be contacting her as well."

Twilight nodded and focused all of her magic in a center point in the middle of her forehead.

...
Celestia stalked down the tunnel. Steam arose from every crack left by her hoof falls. The voices now came from every direction. She ignored them. Chrysalis should know she would not be so easily deceived.

Tia! Tia, it's me!

I am here as well!

Celestia lifted a hoof to her forehead, gritting her teeth. Is it...is it really you?

Their voices lifted up over the cacophonous din of Chrysalis's falsehoods.

It is us. Sister, I can feel what you are doing up above. You must cease at once. Return to your base form lest you topple the castle on yourself-along with several hundred staff members, nobles, and foreign dignitaries.

I can control it.

I said the same words to you once!

Twilight's voice cut in. Let me try! Listen, Tia, I know you're angry. But a lot of people are in the castle. You won't help me by going on a rampage.

As hard as she tried to hold on to it, she felt the rage slipping from her mind. Twilight's voice was a balm, soothing the troubled seas of her heart. Alright. Alright.

The flames died down and streaks of dawn-like color appeared in her mane and tail. Her wings cooled next, the individual fires extinguishing one by one till her wings were as they had been. She let out a breath. I think I went a little crazy there. Should have brought the Bearers and my Guard. There was a Changeling army. Was. Elite assassins. She really wanted to kill me, lured me down here.

Why does that make you sound surprised?

There should have been more assassins.

She underestimated you, perhaps?

Celestia paused at the entrance to another tumble. This is getting me nowhere. Where are you two?

By your side.

Celestia glanced around. Luna's astral form shimmered into existence. "A neat trick I learned. I can't use magic in this form, but I know where my physical body is. You brought no guards? Nor the Bearers?"

Celestia sighed. "Not my brightest idea."

"I'll say."

Luna pointed with her horn to the tunnel to the left. "Let's go through here."

Celestia stepped a hoof down and then drew back at a blast of energy. She growled. "I don't have time for this!" A golden flash lit up the cavern and she hurtled through the space between worlds. Luna rushed to keep up with her. Celestia galloped through the tunnel network as Luna quickly shouted out where she should go. Changelings attempted to strike her, but each blast bounced off her shield.

Luna's spectral form slided with her, keeping up no matter how quickly she ran. The cavern roof this far in was too low for her too fly. Suddenly, it spread out into a wide opening. Solid blue crystal surrounded them. The crystal glowed and pulsed like a heart beat. In the center of the room, Chrysalis stood.

The Dark Queen grinned, revealing a mouth full of fangs. "Welcome, Old Friends!" She spread her forelegs wide. "Congratulations on your nuptials, Celly! Now, die!"

Celestia jumped out of the way of a bolt of magic, noticing the two cocoons hanging from the roof by green ooze. The blast fractured the crystal it struck. Celestia's mane and tail ignited, flames lighting up her wings and her eyes glowed red. She flung her axe and Chrysalis barely made it out of the way before the axe struck the cocoons, sliding along them.

Chrysalis whirled around and gasped. Celestia slammed into her and threw her against the wall. The queen cried out in pain and she bucked into Celestia's stomach, sending her down onto the floor. She called her axe back to her and Chrysalis knocked it aside with a sword made of solid shadow. Celestia took hold of it and the combatants circled each other.

Chrysalis lunged and Celestia batted aside the sword like it was a toy and swung at Chrysalis's legs. Chrysalis lept into the air and shot at Celestia who blocked the zap with the flat of her axe. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Luna and Twilight struggling within the cocoons.

Using the momentary distraction, Chrysalis thrust out with her black rapier. Celestia tried to parry it, but the rapier slid over the blade of her axe and grazed her shoulder. She screamed in anger, whirling on her side and slamming Chrysalis with her wing. Chrysalis was sent sprawling backwards and just barely regained her hoofing.

Celestia stalked forward, fiery axe in front of her in a guarding position. "I'll give you a chance to surrender with grace."

Chrysalis sneered. Green blood gushed from cracks in her chitin. "Surrender? Why, the fun has just started."

Celestia grinned. "If Twilight and Luna were not in this room-if there were not hundreds of civilians and guards above us-, you would be ashes right now."

Then, she charged, the axe whistled as it sliced through the air and slashed Chrysalis's side. More blood poured from the cracks. She shot into the air, letting loose a barrage of bolts which Celestia swatted away before rushing into the air herself.

Emerald lightning crackled at the tip of Chrysalis's horn and she unleashed it in a burst of power. Celestia teleported out of the way, rematerializing just above her and bringing down her weapon. Chrysalis summoned a shield which shattered to pieces at the swing of Celestia's axe.

The axe landed on empty space and a green flash. Celestia spun around and Chrysalis's back legs slammed into her face. She recovered quickly and landed so hard that the ground shook. Chrysalis hurtled forward and crashed into her shield which held firm against the assault. Celestia lowered the shield and spun on her front hooves, swept Chrysalis's legs from under her.

Chrysalis regained her hoofing and shot out a bolt of magic that struck Celestia in the chest. The Sun Princess was slung backwards. Chrysalis's sneer had turned into a grin and she lifted the sword high above her, drove it down. Celestia flew out of the way and shot out a bolt of her own that Chrysalis deflected with her shield. "You'll find I've learned a few things. That Changeling detection spell? Absolutely pathetic-oof!"

Celestia's shoulder slammed into Chrysalis's chest, cutting her off and she collapsed to the ground, the sword dissipating. Before she could get up again, Celestia's hoof came down on her like a hammer and then she was dragged up so she was face-to-face with her. "Know this, Chrysalis. I once called you friend. That and that alone has spared your life thus far." She was thrown backwards and there was a crunch as her exoskeleton shattered.

She found herself pinned, trapped against the hard stone. The fires in Celestia's mane and tail, along with her wings, had turned a blue that made everything in the room shimmer and warp with heat. "Very few have ever seen me in this form. Congratulations on pushing me this far. I killed the Minotaur Emperor in this state."

Chrysalis gasped as Celestia plunged her hoof into her stomach. "You always did push me to be my best."

"Y-your friend is dead. I-I am the Dark Queen."

"And yet, I allow you to live."

Chrysalis felt beads of perspiration on the skin inside of her shell. "Stop, please stop..."

Her opponent raised an eyebrow. "Stop what?"

"Y-you'll boil me alive!"

Celestia's eyes widened and she dropped Chrysalis. The flames enveloping her cooled, the axe vanished and her shoulders sagged. Twilight and Luna ran to her, supporting her before she could fall. She spread her wings over both of them, drawing them into a tight embrace. She nodded to Luna. "Luna, go calm everyone up above. Let them know I'm alright and make sure my actions did not damage the castle."

Luna pressed her cheek to hers and Celestia did as well. "Of course. Will you be alright with her?"

Celestia glanced at the broken body of the Changeling Queen. "I think Chrysalis isn't going to be in fighting shape any time soon."

Luna nodded and teleported. Celestia fixed Chrysalis with a withering look while Twilight curled into her side. "Strange. You come to what would have to be a feast for one of your kind and attempt to ruin it."

Chrysalis groaned. "I wanted...wanted to kill you...you humiliated me."

"You kidnapped my niece. You hurt my nephew-in-law. You tried to seize control of my empire and enslave the subjects under my care."

"I only do what I must to survive!"

Celestia rubbed her temples and sighed as if this conversation had been replayed time and time again. "You need to heal. Come to the ceremony."

Chrysalis stared at her. "Is that a trap?"

"No, Chrysalis, it is not. When will you learn that love is something that must be freely given? The love generated by the ceremony would heal you."

That silenced her. "Another time, perhaps."

Celestia was speechless for a few moments. "Do you mean that?"

"There's so much love here, love you hoard and refuse to share-"

"We would share it if you let us in!"

She slumped against the wall. "I would come, but these injuries are too severe."

"You need a doctor."

"Yes."

"I'll invite you to the next diplomatic meeting. Come as a friend next time."

Chrysalis's look had grown glassy. "Please. A doctor."

Celestia scooped her up, resting her atop her back.

...
The Element Bearers stared at the wall that led to the caverns. Dash growled. "What do you think she's doing? Luna's already out."

Rarity looked over from where she was helping a maid sweep up pieces of broken vases. "Making sure Twilight's alright, I'd suppose." She levitated up the vases. "Darling, I think I can repair these. Might I take them with me?"

The maid shrugged. "Suit yourself."

She slipped the pieces into her saddlebag.

They all looked around as the wall creaked open and lifted up. A battered, bruised and bloodied Celestia stepped out, a knocked out Changeling Queen slung over her back and Twilight still attached to her side, beneath the shelter of her wing. Celestia helped Chrysalis off of her back. "Guards? Escort her to the medic."

The guards saluted and took hold of her. She grumbled about the rough handling, but let them. Twilight was enveloped in a group hug from all sides. She smiled and attempted to hug all her friends. "Okay. I think we all have a wedding to get to."

They let her go. "Are you two alright?" Applejack asked.

"We're fine." She glanced at Celestia. "Or I think we are. Could you give us some alone time?"

"Of course, Sugarcube."

The others trailed out of the room, Pinkie happily pronking ahead. Twilight turned to face Celestia. "Are you okay? Are we okay?"

Celestia threaded her hoof through Twilight's mane and Twilight leaned into the touch. "I do not like to fight. I do not like war or violence and I was quite serious when I suggested Chrysalis come to the ceremony. Most of all, I do not like the rage state I had to go in to save you." She trembled. "I'm sorry you had to see it."

Twilight crushed her lips against Celestia's and Celestia pressed against her as if she were afraid Twilight was going to vanish. Her wings covered her, drew her close. "Do not apologize for that. You saved me. You saved Luna. She told me not too help you during the fight, that it'd be too dangerous. But I know you wouldn't hurt me."

Celestia held her. "Do you mean that? You weren't afraid?"

Twilight burrowed into her. "No. I love you too much."

Celestia intertwined her forelegs with Twilight's. "Can you love that side of me? The angry, powerful, vengeance-crazed protectress?"

"I love every side of you."

Celestia's eyes watered with tears and they kissed once more. "Thank you, Twilight. I love every side of you too."

They wrapped their hooves around each other, breaking apart only when they heard somepony clear their throat. Luna grinned. "My, well this is heartwarming, but I believe you have a wedding dress to show me."

Celestia, very reluctantly, broke away from Twilight, appraised her own dress. "I see your gown is fine."

"Magically reinforced. Rarity thought ahead."

"Clever girl. You should make her your royal seamstress in your court."

"Already done. I just need to tell her."

Celestia turned to face Luna. "Do you know where my dress is?"

"The guards found it discarded in the hallway and returned it to your room."

"What about the castle?"

"Shining Armor organized the Unicorn Guard in casting a megaspell to repair the damage."

Celestia sighed and shook her head. "I'd promote him, but I'm not sure where you go from emperor." She gave Twilight one more peck on the cheek, then trotted after her sister. Luna led Celestia to her room and Celestia pushed open the door. Luna followed her inside. Celestia grasped the gown from off the bed and quickly put it on. "How do I look?"

Luna smiled and wiped away a tear before laying a crown of roses on her head. "You look marvelous, Tia. There is something I wanted to ask you."

"Is something the matter?"

Luna avoided Celestia's gaze. "Father will be here. I don't know how I'm going to face him."

Celestia placed a hoof on Luna's shoulder. "Father wants to see you. He still loves you and that's never stopped."

Luna sniffled. "I know. He visited me in exile."

"I did too. Do you remember? You were in such an awful state. Neither of us could stand it."

"I barely remember, but it's becoming clearer."

"Listen, Lulu. I know you have the strength within you to see him. He's forgiven you. It's time you forgave yourself."

Luna beamed and threw her forelegs around Celestia. "There's my big cuddly plushy of a sister!"

Celestia patted her back with her wing. "Um...you're welcome? I'm going to go get a shower...and a few bandages."

...
The doors opened and the guests streamed in. Luna took a deep breath when she saw the absolute giant of a golden, eight-legged stallion trail in beside an extraordinarily ancient-yet obviously vital-grey stallion with a patch over his eye. From one side of the door, the Gods of Asgard (in a form acceptable to the denizens of Equus) came in and took their seats. From the other side came the guests and dignitaries from around Equestria and beyond.

Luna walked in at the head of the train of nobles and Twilight's assorted family members. She glanced at Slepnir who was attempting to adjust himself on a bench. The wedding was to begin in ten minutes. Why was she, who had led armies into battle and slain demons, afraid to have this talk?

The other guests took their seats and Luna shuffled towards Slepnir. Slepnir looked up, stood and did not even hesitate to pull her into an embrace. Luna stood, rooted to the spot. Her father's warmth was familiar. Calming. She felt tension she didn't know she'd been holding onto melt away and she melted into him.

"It's been a long time." His voice hadn't changed.

"Too long."

"Come visit me."

"I will. I promise."

"Stop hurting yourself. You know what I mean."

She gulped. "Yes, Sir. I promise."

"I'll hold you to that."

They lingered in the embrace. "Sorry. I-I have to go perform the wedding."

He was holding so tight she was afraid he wouldn't let go. "Alright. Alright. Your mother wants to see you too."

She felt a knife twist in her heart. "I'll visit her."

"Good."

He let her go. She whispered a few incantations and a shadow construct faded away. He nodded and then she began her march up the red carpet, taking her place at the altar.

The trumpets lifted up as one, singing a sweet song of triumph unto the very heavens themselves. The massive doors opened wide and the Crusaders rushed inside, scattering white rose petals onto the crimson carpet, leaving a trail before the two Princesses who paraded inside, Cadence and the Bearers trailing after them. Luna held back the tears about to well up in her eyes.

Cadence took her place at the left side of the altar and the bearers took their seats as Twilight and Celestia stood before Luna, facing each other.

Luna choked back the deep emotions springing up in her heart, trying to speak clearly. "Ladies and gentlecolts, beloved family and friends, esteemed guests. We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Princess Celestia Sol Invictus and Princess Twilight Aurora Sparkle. Do you, Princess Celestia Sol Invictus, take Princess Twilight Sparkle as your wife? Do you vow to care for her and stand by her through every joy and trial as long as love endures?"

Celestia's mind conjured visions of a burning city, a dream-no, a nightmare-she'd borne for centuries. She thought of a brave purple Unicorn who had braved the darkness of her mind to rescue her from her fears where others had turned back. She thought of mistakes and confessions and Twilight who had loved her through it all.

"I do."

Luna turned to Twilight. "And do you, Princess Twilight Aurora Sparkle, take Princess Celestia Sol Invictus as your wife? Do you vow to care for her and stand by her through every joy and trial as long as love endures?"

Twilight thought of the fears and insecurities that had once gnawed at her heart and how they had subsided at the loving touches of Celestia, she thought of being held and weeping into her side when she was scared that she was facing her death from assassins, she remembered studying together over ancient books by candlelight, the beautiful voice singing to her, sharing with her stories of a world only a few recalled.

"I do."

"Then I declare you wed in the sight of the Gods and the Holy Empire of the Equestrian Nation."

They levitated up two golden bands, which they would wear until after the honeymoon, and slid them onto one another's horns. Then they pressed their lips together, sharing their first kiss as a wedded couple. The watching audience broke into cheers. Even Cadence and Luna clapped their hooves onto the wood of the podium they were standing on.

Celestia and Twilight lost themselves in the sweet taste of the other only breaking apart when the clapping tapered off. Then they walked away from the altar and towards their waiting loved ones.