The next day, Sky and Rainbow were still awake, as Rarity had almost fainted when she found out the venue for their wedding was to be the Hall of The Elements. She had showed them books and magazines, she had them try on dresses, she had them pick out flowers, food, and bridlemaids dresses. When the two pegasi left Rarity’s boutique the next day, they had planned the entire wedding, and it was scheduled for the next weekend, which was four days away. Rainbow had questioned the logic of this, and Rarity just said that the Hall wouldn’t be available forever, and it was better to have it sooner rather than later, and, seeing as they had it planned, wouldn’t it be best to just go ahead and do it? Rather than waiting months and months for the big day, they could just wait a few days instead. Sky had then asked how Rarity could have planned it so quickly. The unicorn just said that once she had found out they had the Hall of Elements, everything else just fell into place. Sky doubted that this was the real reason, but went along with it when Rainbow nudged her softly in the ribs, whispering “Drop it.” Five minutes after this awkward moment, Sky and Rainbow left, overwhelmed, and started to talk as they made their way to Sugarcube Corner, where they had promised to meet the others for breakfast.
“So, why did you tell me to drop it?”
“Rarity had that look in her eye. She was obviously lying, but when she gets that look, it’s better just to let her tell you in her own time.”
“Alright. I’m so tired.”
“Me too. I just want to go and find a nice cloud to nap on.”
“Rainbow, you always want to find a nice cloud to nap on.”
“It doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea!”
“I know, but we promised we would have breakfast with the others today. And we have to tell them how much earlier the wedding is going to be.” Rainbow nodded and they continued walking on, until they saw Sugarcube Corner. Sky’s stomach rumbled in anticipation of eating a nice big cupcake.
They walked closer, and saw Fluttershy and Big Macintosh walking side by side, both with big smiles on their faces. Fluttershy seemed more open around Big Macintosh. But then again, that was probably because of Big Macintosh himself. In the two months Sky had known him, Big Macintosh rarely said anything but “Eeyup,” Or “Nnope”. Fluttershy and Big Macintosh walked past Sky and ‘Dash to the front door of Sugarcube Corner. They kissed lightly, and Big Mac’ walked away.
“Bye Macintosh!” Fluttershy said this at a volume barely above a whisper, but the large red stallion turned and smiled.
“Eeyup.” He walked away slowly, and Fluttershy giggled. The three walked in and saw a sight that nopony would ever expect to see, but were nonetheless getting used to.
Twilight and Pinkie Pie were sitting at the usual table in the corner, kissing. Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Sky all sat down at the table, and when Pinkie and Twilight showed no intention of breaking apart, Sky cleared her throat loudly. They broke apart, Twilight blushing, Pinkie Pie with a huge smile on her face.
“Wow, Twilight! You’re a great kisser!” Twilight just blushed even more, and Sky wondered how long it would be before she burst into flame.
“Ummm... I’ve read quite a few books on the subject...” Sky and Rainbow laughed uproariously, and Fluttershy just looked at a point on the wall about five feet above Twilight’s head, an embarrassed smile on her face. Then AJ and Rarity walked in, and joined them at the table. They both looked confused at Sky and Rainbow’s laughing, and AJ said;
“What’s so funny? You guys okay?” Sky stopped laughing for a moment, but started again after a moment and just continued until she ran out of breath. Rainbow stopped as well, and Rarity and AJ just shook their heads and shrugged. Rainbow was the first to speak.
“Well, guys, we have some news.”
They all leaned froward slightly, with the exception of Rarity, who knew what Rainbow was about to say.
“Well, we’ve changed the date of our wedding to this weekend, in four days, and it’s going to be in the Hall of The Elements in Canterlot!” The other four were silent for a moment, but then they shot up and hugged Sky and Rainbow Dash, congratulating them on deciding on the date and venue at last. They separated, and Twilight looked at Sky.
“I was wondering why Celestia wanted to speak to you. She was giving you the venue, wasn’t she?”
“Yep, and she gave me one more request, which could be whatever I wanted.” Twilight grimaced and Sky laughed again.
“Don’t worry, I didn’t ask for anything that would inconvenience her. She offered me money, or a new house, or a job in the royal court, but I refused all three. We don’t need money, Rainbow’s house is the best I have ever seen, and a job in the royal court would bore me to tears. I just want Rainbow to be happy, so I asked Celestia to invite the Wonderbolts to attend and perform at the wedding. She said they would be happy to oblige. Rarity has sent them their invitations already, and she has sent you yours as well. We know it’s just a formality, but Rarity forced us.” The white unicorn smiled, but Sky could see it didn’t reach her eyes. She would’ve questioned it, but then she remembered what Rainbow had said about it. They continued on happily, and ate and talked for most of the morning. Then Twilight excused herself, saying that her and Pinkie were going to go for a walk for a little while. Her and Pinkie trotted away happily. Rarity then said that she had to go and finish making the bridlemaids’ dresses, and excused herself as well. Fluttershy said that her and Big Macintosh were going to go to lunch, --which made AJ cringe-- and she left as well. AJ, Rainbow and Sky sat and chatted happily for a little while, when Rainbow remembered that she had to go and help with cleanup for the aftermath of the storm. She kissed Sky goodbye, and left at speed. Now AJ and Sky sat across from each other.
“You know, when I came to this town three months ago, I never would have expected that the pegasus who I had a crush on would be the one I would eventually marry. Funny how things turn out, isn’t it? I mean, you’re the one that fell in love with the stallion who tried to steal from her farm.” AJ looked surprised, but Sky just sighed.
“Element of Knowledge, remember? Sometimes I just get flashes of inspiration, and anyway, that thing about hiring him from the bank was one of the worst lies you have told since I’ve known you. I mean, I doubt that the Zap Apples just suddenly went rotten.” AJ just shook her head.
“He saved Applebloom’s life!”
“I’m not judging. He seems nice enough.” AJ just smiled, then excused herself, as she had to see to her Apple stall. Sky was left sitting at the table, toying with the Element around her neck. She had refused to take it off, as it was something that would always be able to help in times of crisis.
She saw Mrs. Cake walking around and beckoned her to the table. She pulled out her money pouch as Mrs. Cake got closer.
“How much do I owe you, Mrs. Cake?”
“Oh don’t be silly, dearie! I could never ask you to pay!”
“Is this about the Changeling thing? Because I have already been offered free stuff by just about everypony because of it.” Mrs. Cake looked surprised, but then she squinted, as if trying to figure out a complex equation.
“No... Of course not dearie! Perish the thought! It’s... because of your wedding! You’re going to be married soon, and this is just our way of congratulating you!”
“But, you’re making our wedding cake! Also free of charge, mind you.”
“Well, that is a gift from Sugarcube Corner! This is a gift from me and Mr. Cake!”
“Well played, Mrs. Cake. If you came up with that whopper, you must be desperate.” Sky put away her money pouch, and left Sugarcube Corner, a smile on her face. That one is one of the best lies I’ve heard. It’s almost believable! Sky walked away, to meet the Weather Patrol, and see if she had any duties scheduled for today.