Marks of Rebellion

Octavia sighed, she didn’t feel nervous although she felt she should be. It was her wedding after all, was she not supposed to be nervous? She kept asking herself, but she felt nothing, except a sick feeling in her stomach. She stared absentmindedly at the small room she was given to get ready. It was a simple marble room in Canterlot castle. She had a few moments to herself, after her long day of pampering.  She had not even really started putting on that poofy ugly thing that was called her dress yet, even though that was why she was left relatively alone.  She realized her gaze drifted to the dress, and had been staring at it listlessly.

She shook her head harshly and stepped forward to her fate. She slipped the gaudy thing over her head and pulled the skirt over her cutie mark. Something struck her as odd about it, but that was silly, she had always had a purple rose for her mark. Gardening was her passion and there was nothing else that it could have been. She smiled softly, pushed the skirt over her tail, and knocked on the servant’s door to signal she was ready to be tightened.

A gaunt green unicorn mare came in and used her magic to tighten the dress to fit. While she worked away, while Octavia thought of the stallion that she was to be joined in matrimony. Blueblood was an exemplary stallion possessing sophistication, handsome looks, and a gentle touch. He was the new leader of Equestria, after the princesses disappeared. His cutie mark reflected his new role as well, a cresent in a sun rising over a horizon. Octavia shook her head, now was not the time to get lost in her thoughts.

“You’re a lucky mare. The Prince is quite the catch.” The maid who was working on the dress decided to make some small talk. At least it was a distraction from Octavia’s thoughts, she mused.

“Yea,” said Octavia apathetically.

“Oh, getting the jitters.” The maid nodded knowingly to herself. “I’ve seen that look enough times to know that you are having your fair share of doubts.”

Octavia was about to respond but the maid had took that moment to tighten the strings on the corset to the point of limiting her breath and thusly her speech.

“Don’t worry deary, It’s perfectly natural, and you’ll feel better once you’re up there on the alter.” The maid continued nonchalantly.

Octavia stared at the ground. Was it just nerves? It didn’t feel like nerves... It felt more like she was disgusted by something. Octavia shook her head again pulled herself together. Then slowly moved towards the door. All she had to do was wait for the organ to start playing and walk down the aisle. She left the preparation room.

Octavia immediately saw Blueblood’s trusted bodyguard. He was to present her to be wed, in place of her father. He smiled warmly at her when she approached.

“Hello Captain Shinning Armor.” Octavia greeted the loyal stallion.

He returned the smile and replied, “Are you ready to walk the longest fifty yards of your life, Octavia?” It was meant as a joke, but somehow she felt it was more of a prophecy.

“Oh yes, I am positively sick with anxiety.” That was not really a lie. She felt ill, it was just not really cause of the wedding. Not that she could really place why. “It’s just a shame that father couldn’t make it.” She looked downcast.

“Oh well, neither you or he can help that he could not leave the negotiations with the zebras. It’s a real powder keg with them right now. “He sighed deeply.” I just wish I can someday find a mare who can stand me long enough to do this with me.”

“Oh Shinning, you are a good stallion. Someday some mare will snatch up and keep you all to herself.” She smiled to him reassuringly. They walked the halls to the door that lead to the throne room. It was not very far, but they kept relative silence.

Then the Organ started playing. Shinning quickly said, “Go time.” Then started walking forward and Octavia stayed with him.

The guards opened the doors for them and let them pass. The grand hall of the palace was packed with noble ponies. The high ceiling and painted glass windows made the whole event grander than it could have been anywhere else. The red carpet was trimmed in gold and flowers were placed at the end of each row of seats.  Up on by the alter was Blueblood himself, smiling broadly.

They had moved a marble podium in front of the throne, for the archbishop to stand at. And right in front of that was Blueblood and herself. She had been so taken in by the scale of everything that she had walked the whole way there before she ever realized.

Archbishop Gospel smiled serenely. Then she began the ceremony proper. “We are gathered here today in the presence of Celestia to bare witness to the joining of two hearts in holy matrimony. Celestia may only watch over us from above, but her presence is in these halls. Her guiding light has brought these two hearts together. Blessing this union, and keeping watch over us all.

“Marriage is a serious commitment that brings great joy and fulfillment. I ask that you move closer and face each other, Prince Blueblood, and Octavia Melody.” Gospel paused to allow them to adjust.

Octavia turned to her future husband and Blueblood turn as well, his smile never fading.  Then Gospel gave them her next instructions.

“Is there anything you would like to say before we continue Prince Blueblood?” She asked.

Blueblood looked deep into Octavia’s eyes and said, “I can hardly believe how far I’ve come.” That confused Octavia a bit, especially when he did not elaborate, simply leaving it at that.

“Octavia Melody, do you have anything to say before we continue?” Gospel asked.

Octavia thought for a moment and then said, “Just imagine how far we will go.” She stated as to finish his thought. Blueblood chuckled at that.

Gospel nodded then continued, “Prince Blueblood, do you take this mare, Octavia Melody to be your lawfully wedded wife and do you vow to love, honor, and cherish her and only her for the rest of your days?”

Prince Blueblood responded, “I do.”

“Octavia Melody, do you take this stallion, Prince Blueblood, to be your lawfully wedded husband and do you vow to love, honor, and cherish him and only him for the rest of your days?”

Octavia hesitated, “I…” There was a long pause, then she shook her head and started again. “I d-“ The west-facing wall of the throne room exploded inward as a loud noise penetrated the hall forcing Octavia to cover her ears and close her eyes. The noise persisted, heavy bass and electronic noise, Octavia realized. It sounded like a familiar, but very terrible form of music. Then there was a screech of a microphone and a very loud.

“I object!” When Octavia opened her eyes and turned towards the hole she saw a white unicorn holding onto a rope with a microphone in her magical grip. Then several more ponies propelled down on ropes into the throne room.

Blueblood shouted. “You! I thought I was rid of your pathetic  ‘Rebellion’ weeks ago.” His voice dripped with hate.

The white mare smiled. “You’ll never get rid of DJ Pon3.” Then she rushed towards Blueblood, but as she was about to reach him, Octavia realized the “DJ” was going for her.

“AHHH! Help me!” Octavia turned to run, but tripped over the train of her dress. Then the world went dark.