Chapter Three:

Fairy Tale

A.N: These chapters are unbeta'd until further notice, so keep that in mind when reading.

"Twilight, you look so beautiful." Her mother smiled, tears brimming in her eyes, "I knew you would be a beautiful bride. You're absolutely glowing!"

Twilight beamed back at her mother as she took her into her arms. Today was the day they've been waiting for; today's the day that they would be together forever.

It was nearing sunset in Canterlot and nearly everyone came out for their wedding. Acquaintances and friends alike were adjourned in the royal garden for the nuptials. There could be nothing less for the Princess of Friendship and her consort. Her friends rose to the occasion for her, making everything come alive in the best way they possibly could. She hadn't managed to have a dry eye yet.

And neither could Sunset. The day they came over to settle in and prepare for the wedding was the day that she decided that she wanted to see her family. She burned so many bridges and took so much time to muster up the courage that she decided to take Twi's advice and rip off the band-aid. She first went to the Crystal Empire to see her little brother and promptly had the door slammed in her face, which was something she expected. It didn't make it hurt any less. Their relationship was turbulent when she left; she could only imagine what her defection and the long absence would cause.

Her next stop was to see her father in Arbor Hills. Her parents' separation graduated to a divorce not long after Sunburst apparently dropped out of magic school. So much fighting and disappointment caused the family to fall apart, and Sunset fully acknowledged her part in it. Seeing the pain in her father's face nearly made her want to run, but he snatched her off her feet before she had a chance and crushed her into a hug. He refused to think of anything else but the fact that he got his baby girl back.

Her mother was completely hysterical. The moment she set foot in Sire's Hollow, everyone was abuzz at the "Child Prodigy" returned home. She didn't even get a chance to get to her street before her mother appeared in her line of vision, hair ruffled, clothes askew, and eyes running with mascara rushing full speed towards her. She couldn't get a word in edgewise nor could she understand her mother's words as she dragged her down to the ground in a bone-crushing hug. It was nearly an hour before she could say anything, but when she finally could, it was an apology and a heartfelt plea to never leave her again . . . mixed in with liberal amounts of profane anger.

It was the most turbulent week of her life, but she finally felt free from the demons she carried around with her. Light in spirit and in heart, she was ready to marry her princess.

Her parents were still far from reaching the best peace between them, but any animosity or awkwardness melted away when her parents came to see her in her chambers.

The gown she wore was a Rarity exclusive and one of her most exquisite works. It was a creation of pure silk with a mermaid sihoette and a plunging back. Her hair was a tangle of wild curls cascading over her shoulder with a veil pinned in the back of her hair.

She was brimming with excitement and ecstatic that her parents could revel in her happiness too.

"Are you ready Sunny?" Her father walked over to her, arm extended.

"So ready Daddy." She grasped his arm and held out her other for her mother, "Mommy?"

"Of course darling."

Music drifted softly over the garden space. The moment the princesses lifted their arms and wings, the vines leading down the aisle were parted and the first three bridesmaids came down the aisle. Moondancer, Applejack, and Fluttershy walked down the aisle in pale, golden gowns,red roses in hand. The music rose when Sunset came down with her parents. The grins and gasps of appreciation made the bride even more giddy. This couldn't be her life right now. It was too good to be true.

The music once again quieted as the second three bridesmaids walked down the aisle. Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie came down in pale, silver gowns, white roses in hand. Again, the music rose as Twilight walked down the aisle with her parents.

Sunset's heart nearly stopped as she watched the love of her life glide towards her. She was always stunning in anything she wore. This day however, she stole the breath from her body. Twilight's gown was a masterpiece of silk and tulle with diamonds that sparkled against the fading light of the sky. A sweetheart neckline tapering into a tight bodice that flared out into a full A-Line Skirt with a small train. Her veil was liberally infused with diamonds and amethyst, pinned to the back of her hair. It was perfect. It was as if Rarity read her mind.

Twilight was lucky to have her father holding her up. Sunset was a showstopper in a stunning gown that showed off her statuesque beauty. Seeing her standing there waiting for her, surrounded by friends and family brought fresh tears to her eyes. This was real! This was really happening!

There were tears of joy and love throughout the entire ceremony. Celetia and Luna conducted it together, bringing together the message and meaning of love and redemption and how it brought them all together. There wasn't a dry eye left in the garden.

The moment that they were announced wed, the princesses respectively raised the sun and lowered the moon. Sunset scooped up her wife and captured her lips in a searing kiss. The cheers and applause gave way to exclamations of surprise as a bright light exploded from the altar.

Sunset could feel herself leaving the ground, but she refused to release her wife. Something was happening, and she wanted her to be with her when it happened. She could tell in her eyes that Twilight was supporting her all the way, holding tighter to her.

When the light subsided, Sunset and Twilight swirled around each other in a kind of dance, all smiles and love with their hands intertwined. Her wings fluttered gracefully about her body, fanning her curls around her face.

It was the sight of fairy-tale dreams come true.