THWOMP!
A very heavy book landed on my desk. The title read: Equestrian Diplomacy.
“Really Twilight?” I say looking up at my new fiance.
“Well, yeah Stan. You have to read up on all the essential stuff. After all, that’s what happens when you marry a princess!” Twilight Sparkle said to me
“What?!” I said, maybe a little too high pitched.
“You’re going to become a prince for Celestia’s sake! You’re going to have to learn the ropes of being of nobility!” Twilight said, her tone now serious.
“Alright, alright. But only unless you help me study!” I said chuckling and looking at her in a wry way.
“Oh, is that so? Does my brave doctor need a tutor? This has got to be a first!” Twilight giggled.
“Yes, it is.” I said, feigning shame.
“Well lets get to it. After all, we have a wedding to plan on top of this.” Twilight said, smiling at me.
I stood up and kissed her. She returned the favor and slipped her tongue in my mouth. This made me open my eyes and pull back.
“Oh, we’re in that kind of mood today I see?” I ask her, keeping her close and locking eyes with her.
“Not tonight. I was thinking we could just cuddle, after all, it’s not all about the sex anyway right?” Twilight asked me, her eyes hooded.
“Of course, anything for you honey.” I say, kissing her again.
“Did you just call me honey?” Twilight said, breaking apart again.
“Yea, why?” I asked looking at her, a quizzical expression on my face.
“I like it. It’s cute, just don’t use it in front of my brother,” She said.
“Duly noted,” I chuckled and led her up the stairs to our bed.
The next day was a fairly quiet one. Twilight and I picked out the stationery for our wedding invitations as well as the DJ and reception planner (We picked Vinyl Scratch and Pinkie Pie because they were the 2 obvious choices). Twilight needed her dress of course and I needed my tux, which wouldn’t be hard to find, as Rarity said she’d be honored to both of our outfits as well as the groomsmen tuxedos and the bridesmaid dresses. I had a conversation with her as I was getting fitted.
“Rarity, don’t you think you’re going to be a bit overwhelmed by this?” I asked
“Oh, don’t you worry about it darling! I’ve had far bigger orders and tasks than this! It’s really nothing!” Rarity said waving a hoof at me.
“Well then thank you so much. We are so grateful for your help. Wow, this looks stunning!” I said looking at myself in the mirror.
“Well, I decided to balance your muscular form with the outfit, so it’s not too tight and revealing, but just enough for everyone to get a good look.” Rarity said, making some final adjustments.
“Awesome.” I said.
“All set darling! Now for your groomsmen. Who are they exactly?” Rarity asked me.
I gave a sheepish smile and ushered for the rest of my groomsmen to come in. Rarity was stunned. Now, my groomsmen were as follows: My college friend Rico Suave, who was a sleaze but a good hearted guy underneath. My best friend Dr. Palm Cross, who had traveled with me for 2 years in the Arctic and then found a job in the tropics, and finally Gold Magnum, the PMC I had become really good friends with while in the jungle. Magnum was a tank, bigger than me but wasn’t as muscular, but he did have a slightly Spanish accent, which got him the ladies.
“EH! There’s the man of the hour!” Magnum yelled, nearly squeezing the life out of me.
“Hey Magnum, good to see you again!” I wheezed.
“Ayy lmao” Rico said knocking hooves with me.
“Nice to see you haven’t changed a bit Rico.” I said punching him on the arm.
“Well, well, well. I guess I owe you 250 bits.” Palm Cross said to me, referring to a bet we made while in the arctic that whoever gets to marry a princess first gets 250 bits.
“I’m expecting that along with my wedding present Cross.” I said laughing and hugging my friend that I hadn’t see in 3 years.
“Alright Rarity, are you still up for it?” I ask the purple-maned pony behind me, mouth still agape at my mostly attractive friends.
“I, Um, why of course” Rarity stuttered.
I chuckled and told the guys I had to go home and send the invitations.
I left the boutique and headed home to the castle.
I was greeted by a mass of envelopes addressed to all kinds of people.
“Getting things done as usual I see” Managing to find Twilight in the mass of envelopes, and plant a kiss on her cheek.
“Good to see you too Stan.” She said, breaking her focus on the invitations and running her wing down my face and neck. I did the same to her, except my wings are way bigger and more dexterous than hers, so I could move my feathers farther and more skillfully into the spots that make her turn into a puddle.
“Are they all ready to be sent?” I asked, gesturing towards the pile of envelopes.
“Yep, everything is ready to be mailed. Derpy will be here in around 10 minutes to pick them up.” She said
“Roger that, I’ll go look at that diplomacy book you gave me” I told her, walking to another part of the library.
“Have fun! It’s a loaded book!” She said smiling.
“Yeah, ok then.” I said seeing the book on a nearby table and going over to read it.
I opened the cover and saw a note, it read as follows:
Dear Dr. Stanley Do,
I asked Twilight to bring this book to you after hearing of your engagement. These matters are imperative to know as a prince in Equestria. I urge you to be the best stallion you can be for Twilight and keep her safe, as after you get married, many strange things are bound to happen. The power of love does odd thing that even the best scholars could not figure out. I should know, I am the Princess of Love after all.
Best of wishes,
Princess Cadence
P.S. Try not to be like Blueblood please, he’s enough of a burden around here as is.
P.P.S Shining knows too in case you were wondering, he’s not taking it as well as his parents did
To be honest, I did not expect that note to be in that book. I was taken back by the fact that Cadance cared about me and diplomatic matters, but that was water under the bridge. I was about 13 pages into the book and its intro chapter when a knock came from the front door.
“Twilight! I’m here to deliver your invitations!” Derpy’s voice echoed throughout the main hall
“Stan honey? Could you gather those invitations and give them to Derpy?” Twilight yelled from what I discerned was a bathroom by the echo,
“Sure thing babe” I yell, grabbing the pile of envelopes and handing them to the pegasus along with 10 bits.
“Thank you Dr. Stan!” Derpy said filling her saddlebags with the letters, and flying away.
Twilight emerged from the bathroom while I had gone back to studying Equestrian Diplomacy. I was in the middle of chapter 2 when she hugged me from behind.
“I’m headed over to Rarity’s boutique to get my wedding dress and the bridesmaid dresses.” She said into my ear.
“Alrighty, I’ll be here, studying.” I said in a laid back tone.
She gave me a peck on the cheek and set off.
After what seemed like hours, Twilight returned.
“I found the perfect dress! You’re going to love it!” She squealed, nearly tackling me to the floor from my chair.
“I’m assuming that means it went well?” I asked, smiling at her.
“Yes it did! Oh, by the way, Gold Magnum stopped me and told me to give you this bag. It’s really heavy so I just used magic to bring it home.” She said, heaving the huge military saddlebag onto a nearby table.
“Oh my Celestia! It can’t be!” I said, looking the bag over.
It was a standard Equestrian Navy saddlebag, complete with carabiner clips, internal water bladder, and...
“No way! They’re still there!” I exclaimed, looking at the 2 weapons in front of me. The first was an M416 assault rifle complete with an angled grip and holographic sight. The second was an M9 pistol.
“OH MY GOD!! WHY DO YOU HAVE THESE?!!” Twilight screamed, running back towards the door.
“Whoa, whoa! Easy! Calm down! They’re just relics from my journeys abroad.” I say putting the M416 down.
“What for?” she asked, now a tad calmer.
“That’s how I met Gold Magnum. He and I were both Navy rejects, and he went into the private military contractor business, while I...” I said, trailing off.
“Went to become a vet? Talk about polar opposites.” Twilight said, finishing my sentence.
“Yeah, anyways, he was my guide to the jungle regions and we had to be armed and ready as some of the natives were very hostile. I’m not proud of the lives I took with this weapon. But we had to do what we had to do, they had guns too so we got involved in some pretty close calls.” I say gesturing to my shoulder.
Twilight looked up at my shoulder. I moved away the fur near it, revealing the scar.
“I never noticed that before.” She said, looking sorry for me.
“It’s OK, kind of a good thing too. I took a bullet there while we were running back to base camp. Tribal wars are a messy matter.” I said shuddering.
“Wow, looks like that gives you a headstart on that chapter of diplomacy.” Twilight said, finally easing up.
“Well I think my studying will have to wait, as the wedding is only 2 weeks away.” I said, putting everything back in its proper case and back in the bag.
“Indeed, but we can attend to...other matters...” Twilight purred, easing herself up to my chest and planting a long, deep kiss on my lips.
After a night of intense love-making, we collapsed on the bed, panting.
“Sweet...Celestia...Stan... you...were...a...beast!” Twilight said, in between breaths
“I...can’t...help...myself...you’re...just...as...good” I pant in response.
Twilight pulls me in close
“Stan, I want you to make me a promise.” She said, her tone dead serious.
“Anything for you.” I say, matching her tone.
“Promise me that you’ll love me until the world ends, until we both die of old age?” She asked.
I took her hoof in my wing and kissed her.
“Twilight, I will love you even after that. I will never stop loving you ever. You have my word.” I say
She sniffles and buries her head in my chest, taking a lungful of my odor. I chuckled, remembering how she still loves the way I smell. We fall asleep, probably both dreaming of the forthcoming wedding, whether it be troubled or good.
2 weeks later, I sat in a dressing room in the Canterlot Castle, my tux on my body, my hair neatly messed up. My groomsmen sat behind me, still gawking at my getting married to a princess. A knock on the door roused me from my thoughts.
“Come in!” I said
“Stanley Mitchell Do!” A female voice yelled at me before throwing a punch at my arm.
“Hey sis, been a while right? Long time no see?” I said, smiling sheepishly.
“I was wondering when you were gonna tell me before the invitation came in.” Daring Do said to me as she had tears in her eyes almost.
“Yeah, your little brother is getting married to a princess. I mean, it doesn’t get any realer than that.” I say to her, trying to keep her from crying. It didn’t work.
She collapsed on to me, bawling, her bridesmaid dress flowing behind her.
“Oh stop, it will be OK. Mom and Dad are here, go talk to them. I gotta finish getting ready.
3 hours later I was standing on the altar, facing Twilight in the most beautiful wedding gown I had ever seen.
“The couple has written their own vows, and would like to share them with each other.” Celestia said, then looking at me. I coughed and began.
“Twilight Sparkle, when I met you I was coming back from 4 years abroad. You taught me how to adjust to society again. I felt something special when we were together, something that nopony else has made me feel. You made me feel at peace and relaxed. Will you grant me these continued wishes and stay with me until the day I die?” I say
“I will” was her answer.
Twilight then shared her vows.
“Stanley Do, you lit up my world like nothing has before. You helped me see that there’s more to life than studying and research. We need a companion, wether in love or in friendship. You provided me with both. Someone I could trust and love, without a doubt knowing that you did the same. Will you spend the rest of our time in existence together with me?” Twilight said.
“I will” I answer.
“Then I now pronounce you Mare and Colt, you may kiss the bride.” Celestia’s voice echoed throughout the hall.
As I kissed Twilight with all the emotion I could. Feeling warmth all throughout my body.Then I felt a cold at my legs and travel up my body rather quickly. Thinking nothing of it until the screams came from the crowd. I looked down and I saw my entire body being enveloped by a blinding white orb.
“TWILIGHT!!” I scream before being cast into darkness.
“Arise my son,” A male voice echoed.
“Arise!” The voice echoed louder.
“Who’s there!” I yell, my head swimming.
“Relax now my son.” The voice said, a body now coming into a focus.
Is that...No, it can’t be....Can it?
My vision was clear now to see the figure standing in front of me.
It was a human. I had only heard legends of them, fairy tales that nopony believed except for that pony Lyra.
Wait ‘till I tell her about this.
“Who-who are you?” I ask.
“I am Larson. I’m sorry that this had to be on such short notice but I have to tell you something.” The human, I now knew as Larson, spoke to me, his voice lowered a bit.
“What are you talking about?” I ask, still dumbfounded at what was happening.
I then felt a searing pain on my forehead. It spread and it felt as if something was driving deep within my brain. I screamed, I had never felt a pain this incredible. I let out one feeble cry and blacked out, again.
“Stan, arise” Larson said as I came to my senses.
“What happened?” I asked, putting a hoof to my forehead and finding an object there.
“Wait am I a...” I stammered
“Yes my son, you are now an alicorn prince. It is ok to be frightened at first, but you will get used to it.” Larson said, now at eye level with me.
“Larson, why me? What made me so special?” I asked the human.
“Well my son, Princess Celestia and Luna saw great potential in you, as did I. I decided to take a chance and make you an alicorn. Remember to only use your powers for good. You are now the Prince of Healing, nopony will be able to match your power to heal any ailment or disorder. This also means to heal emotionally, to care, to have compassion. That, my son, is why you are special.” Larson explained
“I understand. I promise to only use my powers for good and not evil. Nor shall I break my vows ever.” I say with my right hoof in the air.
“Now, return to Equestria my son, you are needed there. Finish what you started!” Larson said as he began to fade out of focus.
I awoke to a blinding light and a marble floor. I was immediately rushed by guards and people. I remembered, slowly, what had happened. I felt myself being lifted up and taken away. I passed out again, the pain in my skull still unbearable.
I came to, this time in a bed surrounded by many ponies. My eyes fell on Twilight first, then her parents, then my family, and finally the princess’.
“Uhhh” I groaned.
Everyone yelped and jumped back except for Celestia, Luna, and Cadance. I was wondering why, then a sweet relief spread throughout my body and I felt like I could punch a minotaur in the face. I became instantly aware and looked at the mirror on the opposite side of the room to see a tan horn glowing with a slightly darker aura.
“The Prince of Healing" Larson’s words echoed in my head.
“I’m ok now, feel free to approach me.” I said to everyone in the room.
“Well Prince Stanley, are you going to say hello to your wife?” Twilight said, running up to me and nearly tackling me back onto the bed as I got up.
“Wait, what about the ceremony?” I panicked.
“We kissed, we’re married!” She said with delight.
“If it’s too much to ask right now, I’d like to get to my wedding reception. I do not want to miss that party!” I said, chuckling
“Wait,” Twilight said, “One for good measure?” She asked.
“Anything for you.” I said
As we kissed, our horns crossed and cast a sky blue aura around the room. I felt a rush go through my body. As I looked down at Twilight, I saw the look in her eyes was the same as mine.
“Now, THAT, is true love everypony.” Cadence said to the room at large.