//------------------------------//
// Wedding Party 
// Story: The Second Story of Sky Blue 
// by Capulus 
//------------------------------//


Sky was walking about the courtyard outside the Hall Of The Elements where a party before the wedding was taking place, talking to people, and thanking them for coming. Rarity had said that Rainbow and Sky were both to stay in separate rooms away from the party until the wedding itself, so that they didn’t see each other by accident. Naturally, they had both separately contested this, and Rarity had caved when they --with the help of Twilight-- agreed to rotate their freedom. They were allowed to get out and mingle for an hour at a time each. Sky had been congratulated so many times she was beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed. Then she saw a familiar stripy face, and went over to greet Zecora.
“Zecora! So glad you could come! It seems everypony in Equestria has shown up. It’s nice to see such a familiar face.”
“Hello little Sky Blue,
I am so happy for you.
I hope you enjoy this special gift,
I hope it’s enough to give your savings a lift.”
Zecora smiled and handed her an big pouch full of bits. Sky thanked her for the large gift, and asked her if she was sure about the amount in the pouch. Zecora just laughed and said;
“It’s never too much on your wedding day,
And I’m happy to be helping out a friend anyway.”
Sky thanked her again, and they separated.
Then Sky saw something that made her blood boil. Saralys was standing in a corner, being hounded by some hoodlums that Sky recognised as the bullies Rainbow had pointed out as ‘total bucking jerks’ in one of her old Flying School photos. They were pointing at her and laughing;
“How’d you get in, Changeling? Did you mimic a rat? At least that wouldn’t be hard. I guess we’ll just have to throw you out like the scum you are!” Saralys looked on the verge of tears as they went to grab her.
“GET AWAY FROM HER!” Sky yelled this as loud as she could, trying not to mutter one of the fifty killing spells that popped into her head, and ponies on the other side of the hall looked towards Sky in shock. The thugs let go of Saralys, and she fell to the concrete, crying.
“If anything, I’d say you jerks were the ones who snuck in! I doubt Rainbow would have wanted you here!” Their eyes widened as they realised the one who was yelling at them was Sky Blue, the one who had defeated the Changeling Queen, and the one who’s wedding they had just crashed.
“This is your wedding? To Rainbow Dash?” This was from a short light brown one, with brown hair that almost covered his face.
“That’s right. And Saralys there is my friend. I don’t care if she’s a Changeling. Saralys has been my friend for years, and yet I don’t know anything about you, except that you have now bullied both my wife to be, and my oldest friend. If I were you, I would get the buck out of here now while you still have all of your teeth and vital organs.” The three colts screamed and ran from the courtyard. Sky trotted over to Saralys and offered her a hoof. The Changeling was still crying, covering her head with her forehooves.
“Saralys, it’s okay. Those pricks are gone.”
“I-I’m sorry... I sh-shouldn’t have come... I knew that people still feel uneasy about Changelings.”
“Come with me then, I need to say something.”
“N-no, Sky. I don’t want to make things any worse. I should probably just go.”
“No! I don’t want you to have to feel uncomfortable because of racists. Come on!” Sky pulled Saralys onto her hooves, and walked up onto the stage where a band was performing. Sky recognised the grey cello player as Octavia, who Sky was pretty sure was the ‘leader’, as it was her she had met when hiring the band, but the others she hadn’t met before. Sky just addressed her.
“Octavia, can you get them to stop for a minute please? I have an announcement.” The band slowly stopped playing, and Sky walked up to the microphone.
“Excuse me everyone? I just wanted to talk to you for a minute.” The crowd, many of which Sky had only seen around town briefly, looked up to her with slight confusion. “This is my first, my oldest, and definitely my best friend, Saralys.” She beckoned to her dark-green friend, and she stood next to Sky, with a shy look on her face. Sky could see some barely concealed looks of disgust in the audience. “Now, about two months ago, the new Queen of the Changelings signed a peace treaty with Princess Celestia--” A voice from the audience interrupted with;
“Only because you hurt her mind with your dark magic!” This colt was quickly silenced by Zecora, who kicked him in the leg. 
“And I only used my magic on her because without it, she would have been brainwashed by Discord. Anyway, she signed a peace treaty willingly. But obviously there are still people here who refuse to accept them. I just want to say, that if you hate Changelings simply because they are Changelings, leave my wedding now. I don’t want your thoughts and feelings ruining what is supposed to be a happy day.” With this, five or six ponies left, angry looks on their faces. “Thank you. Sorry to bother you with this, but I just can’t stand by and let this happen. I refuse to allow racists at my wedding.” With this, the rest of the audience broke into applause. But then, an orange stallion trotted up onto the stage, and walked right up to Sky, and stopped a few inches from her.
“How do we know you’re telling the truth? Where is Celestia? Why can’t she tell us this?” The stallion spun around when he heard a voice behind him. Luna was approaching, a nervous look on her face. She wasn’t used to mediating.
“She is here, but she is resting with Rainbow Dash. If you wish to speak to her I can take you to meet with her no--”
“Oh, look! If it isn’t Nightmare Moon, the one who almost put us in eternal night! You won’t brainwash me!” The audience started booing him, and a few objects flew towards him. Luna looked taken aback at the stallion’s sudden outburst.
“I-I-I don’t know wh-what you mean!” Sky was angered by the look on Luna’s face. She looked on the verge of tears. Luna wasn’t used to direct confrontation either. Sky strode in front of him.
“You were hating me, remember? Leave Luna out of this. She’s innocent.” Luna looked grateful of the fact that Sky was standing up for her.
“No she isn’t! She almost put us in eternal night!”
“No, Nightmare Moon did. This is Luna behind me. Nightmare and Luna are two different mares. Discord brainwashed Luna, and Luna became corrupted. Nightmare Moon almost put us in eternal night. Luna has apologised many times for what Nightmare Moon did.”
“Whatever. That still doesn’t make you or the bug behind me any better.” Many of the crowd gasped at this, as ‘bug’ was an awful insult for a Changeling. Sky would’ve attacked him then and there, but she saw a wide eyed Rarity watching from the sidelines, a mixture of awe and worry on her face, and Sky remembered that this was Rarity’s dream wedding. She didn’t want to make it worse by starting a fight.
“The Changelings never wanted to do any of what Chrysalis made them do. Maybe there were a few bad eggs that gave them a bad name, but on the whole they are no different from any of the ponies here. They have hopes, dreams, jobs, families. Do you know how I know that Saralys is one of the best?” Saralys blushed at this, and a smile appeared on her face when she realised that the stallion in front of her was the last Changeling-hater at the wedding, and he was the same one on the receiving end of a ‘I’m not angry, I’m just disappointed’ look that would make Celestia proud. “She is one of the best, and one of the ones that I know would have fought Chrysalis if she had the chance. And I know this because when me and the other Elements, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity and Rainbow Dash entered Chrysalis’ castle when we went there to defeat The Queen, we came upon a squad of Changelings that was meant to capture us on sight. They could have defeated us and captured us quicker than you can say ‘Oh, bucking hell’ with their superior numbers. But instead, Saralys ran towards me and hugged me, saying that she had missed one of her closest friends. She could have captured us and become a General for Chrysalis’ army. But she didn’t. She risked her life and her honour, because she knew Chrysalis’ true intentions, and she still saw me as a friend. Me! Who had avoided her for three years because I found out Chrysalis’ true intentions for myself. Somepony else might have taken us to Chrysalis regardless of the situation. But she didn’t. And do you know how I know she isn’t the only good Changeling?” Sky heard Saralys paw the stage nervously behind her. 
She knows what I’m about to say. She told me this story when she first moved to Ponyville. 
“I know she isn’t the only one because another one of my friends was in that same squad. When Chrysalis tried to run past them when she was escaping us, my best friend for as long as I had known both him and Saralys confronted her. His name was Michelaye. He stepped in front of her and said she couldn’t pass. She told him to move. He refused. She ordered him to move. Again, he refused. She said she would kill him if he didn’t. Do you know what he said to her? He said, word for word, ‘I don’t care if you kill me. As long as it delays you and brings about your defeat, I don’t care if I die.” And you know what? She killed him. On the spot. The other Changelings stood there in silence for a moment. Chrysalis said that that was what happened to traitors. Then, one by one, they stood in a line in front of her, including Saralys. They all said, together, ‘Even if that is what you do to traitors, we will take it if it means you are finally defeated.’ Chrysalis just blew them out of the way with a spell. At least three of them went over the edge of the landing pad, and fell to their deaths. One more snapped her neck as she flew out the door. In fact, only Saralys and two others were left alive after Chrysalis cast the spell. A few days ago, one of them died from his injuries. Does that sound like something a bug would do? Does it? Would a ladybug attack a spider if it meant the spider would eventually die? No.” Quite a few of the audience had begun crying when Sky finished talking. The stallion’s jaw had dropped, and he just said weakly, as though he was trying to hold onto a quickly escaping idea;
“But... What about you?”
“I think the fact that you’re at my wedding clears up whether I’m evil or not, doesn’t it? Now, if you still want to be a racist, leave now. If you don’t, apologise to Saralys and Luna.”
The stallion was blushing hotly, as he looked at Saralys sadly, and quietly said;
“I-I’m sorry... My father never liked Changelings... I-I just g-grew up with those i-ideas... I understand if you don’t want to accept...”
Saralys just looked at him, and Sky thought she was about to yell at the stallion, or not accept his apology. But then she smiled, and Sky could see pity in her eyes.
“I accept. I grew up in a family that despised ponies. If I hadn’t of met Sky, I might still. Turns out she changed both of our ideas’ and beliefs. If you want to learn more about my people, just ask. I’d be happy to oblige. I’d love to educate more ponies about Changelings, and prove wrong all these stereotypes. Like, you called me a bug. We aren’t bugs. We are actually mammals. I never understood where the ‘bug’ insult came from.” The stallion nodded vigorously.
“Yes, I would love to learn the truth about you, and learn how many lies my father told me all my life.”
Sky smiled, but was a bit confused at the sympathy Saralys was showing. But then Sky remembered the first time she had met the changeling, and it became clear.
She closed her eyes for a moment as she remembered their first meeting.
Young Sky was playing in a courtyard. The same courtyard, in fact, where she would later learn how to fight hypnosis. She was playing with her pet parasprite, which Chrysalis had enchanted not to multiply. Then a female Changeling about her size, walking next to a shy looking male one appeared at the other side of the courtyard. She yelled across the large stone square, her voice echoing back and forth;
“And what are you? Are you a pony? My Dad says you ponies are evil creatures, who stopped giving us food when we refused to help them invade other nations.”
Young Sky frowned, and she called back;
“What do you mean? It wasn’t all ponies, it was Celestia. She’s the evil one, not the others.”
“Well she’s a pony too!”
“Her actions don’t define the entire race. Just because one pony is evil, doesn’t mean the rest agree with her. My parents were trying to defeat her in fact!”
“What?”
“My parents were trying to stop Celestia’s tyranny!”
“Tyranny? Never heard that word. Did you make it up to sound smarter? Because Dad says that you’re all stupid.”
“It means that Celestia is evil, and she is oppressing the ponies in Equestria!”
“Oppressing? Are you stupid, or are you just speaking Foreign?”
Young Sky smiled as she went back a few years in language education, and stopped at about grade three.
“It means that she’s controlling ponies and doing evil things against their will.”
“Okay... So, what kind of Foreign are you speaking? Because my Dad said that you ponies copied our language for yourselves.”
“I’m speaking like a proper grade six student.”
“You’re in grade six?”
“I learn things faster than most others.”
“Wow, maybe Dad is wrong about ponies... Hey, my name’s Saralys, by the way, and this is my boyfriend Michelaye.”
Michelaye frowned.
“How many times do I have to say it, Saralys? It was a birthday present, and the card had one love heart on it!”
“And love hearts mean love, right?”
“Umm... Yes... But--”
“So we’re going out!”
Young Sky laughed at this cute exchange, and part of her knew that they did love each other, they just didn’t know how to express it yet. Probably because they didn’t understand it. Sky smiled, and realised that the changeling children, --who were now standing in front of her a few meters away-- were looking at her expectantly.
“My name’s Sky Blue.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“Wanna play tag? It’s not much fun alone.”
“Sure!” Saralys laughed and tapped Sky; “You’re it!” Sky laughed and followed her. She knew that this was the start of what would hopefully be a long friendship.
Sky opened her eyes and smiled. Good memories. The stallion bowed slightly and turned to face Luna. He knelt knelt down, a look of shame present on his face.
“I’m sorry Princess... I wasn’t thinking... My Dad hated you... I’m sorry... He just always hated what you did, and I... And I just picked up those terrible ideas. Please accept my apology Princess Luna.” Luna bowed her head.
“Of course. Not everypony is perfect, and fillies pick up ideas easier from their parents.”
“Thank you.  And, Sky Blue, I’m sorry I ruined this day for you.”
“Don’t be silly. In fact, I think you made it better. Knowing that I have stopped someone from being hateful towards Changelings just because they are Changelings makes me feel happy.” The stallion smiled weakly, but he jumped when Saralys touched his shoulder.
“You said you wanted to learn, so come with me and we’ll get some punch. I’ll tell you more about my race.” He smiled gratefully, and Saralys led him off the stage. Sky walked back to the microphone, and addressed the silent crowd.
“Alright, so that was a little more than a minute.” A few ponies laughed quietly.
“But, we’ve got about two more hours until the ceremony, so go on! Keep mingling!” The crowd dispersed, and Sky trotted happily over to Rarity.
“Sorry if that ruined the day, Rarity.”
“Of course not, darling! You just made me happier that there is one less racist out there.” Sky smiled and continued walking about the courtyard. She looked over to the large gates of the large square, and saw a carriage stop. A latecomer? Probably slept in. Then she saw that strange colt, ‘Zoom’ get out, and walk into the wedding. He showed the guard his invitation, and walked in. Sky lost sight of him as he walked into a large group of ponies who were talking happily. Maybe he just wanted to come to the wedding? Sky doubted this, and felt that Narrative Causality was about to walk in and kick things in the face. She just smiled and disregarded this thought. Then she saw a couple on the edge, chatting happily with each other, while looking over at the crowd enviously. Sky saw that there were a few guards in a loose circle around them. Sky went over to them, but as she approached, the guards appeared in front of her, blocking her path.
“Oh, guys, somepony finally comes over and you block them? Quite rude don’t you think? Let her past. She is the bride, --that is, one of them-- so she kind of gets a special status.”
The guards moved aside slowly, and Sky saw the couple, and recognised them up close as Shining Armour, Captain Of The Guard, and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, better known as Princess Cadance. Sky knew what Cadance looked like from the time Chrysalis had spent perfecting her form. Sky walked slowly over to them, and Shining Armour smiled cheerfully and Cadance asked Sky;
“Congratulations on your wedding! So, are you excited? I must say, today is definitely going better than our wedding.”
She laughed, and Shining Armour rolled his eyes, although with a smile on his face.
“Ummm... Yeah... I know that...”
“Oh, come on, Sky Blue, I’m joking! I’ve heard about your time with--”
“Chrysalis, yes... I’m sorry.”
“Why are you sorry? It’s not your fault!”
“I know, but I was on her side.”
“Sky, according Twilight’s letters, You spent thirteen years with Chrysalis because you believed she was good. In this time, you began to love her as a child loves a mother. About three years ago, you discovered her true affiliation. She blackmailed you when you tried to leave, saying that you wouldn’t have a home, or a place to eat, or even freedom if you left. But you also stayed because you, in a way, loved her. Don’t apologise for that.”
“Ummm... Okay... Princess...”
“Please, call me Cadance.”
“Okay.”
Shining armour was next to speak.
“I’m just glad somepony finally built up the courage to talk to us. I think everypony else is afraid they’ll be thrown in the dungeons if they come too close. I tried to dismiss the guards, but they said they didn’t want the captain of the guard to be brainwashed again.”
Sky frowned and said;
“That’s kind of insulting, when you think about it.”
“Ah, they’re just looking out for me! Aren’t you, lads?”
The guards nodded stiffly.
“Look, I have to go and talk to some more people while I still can, I’ll talk to you later, alright?”
“Alright, goodbye, Sky Blue, and I hope this day goes well.”
Sky left and continued greeting ponies happily, before Rarity came over and said it was ‘Dash’s turn to mingle. She said that she had told ‘Dash the story and Rainbow had been proud of Sky for standing up to the Stallion. Sky smiled and went into her dressing room, where Fluttershy, Twilight, Applejack, and, surprisingly, Pinkie --The Party Pony--, and even more surprisingly, Celestia were talking and laughing, and Sky saw that they were wearing what Rainbow had described as their Grand Galloping Gala Gowns. When they noticed Sky walk in, she was thrown back as the four ponies tried to hug her all at once, but they eventually just settled for a group hug. Fluttershy was the first to speak.
“We’re so proud of you! Rarity came and got us when those bullies ran off, and we heard what you said.” 
Celestia nodded sadly.
“Yes, Rarity recounted everything. I am so happy that there are ponies like you out there, who aren’t afraid to stand up to racists, and yell at them for how they act to people for being different. But it makes me sad that there are ponies like that in the first place. I wish that this world could just accept others for who they are. In fact, I wish that ponies never had any reason to hate others at all.” They all agreed sadly, but Pinkie --as always-- lightened the mood when she explained why they were in the dressing room as opposed to out at the party.
“We’re in here because these parties aren’t really our thing. We learned that at the Grand Galloping Gala.” They all laughed, and Sky remembered what Rainbow had recounted about that night. She ended up laughing loudly with them, and when they had stopped, they just talked happily about whatever came to mind.

Rainbow sat in her dressing room, talking to the others, when Rarity came in and said it was her turn to mingle. She also said that there were some special someponies who wanted to meet with her. Rainbow was confused by this, but bade the others farewell as they left for Sky’s dressing room. Rainbow was ushered out when Sky was safely locked away in her dressing room, and she was pushed out into the courtyard. She was immediately surrounded by ponies, who were congratulating her, and wishing her luck. She pushed past them, and looked around for the special someponies who wanted to meet with her. Then she jumped as she heard somepony approach her from behind, and she heard a familiar voice behind her.
“So, you’re the lucky mare? Or, one of them, from what I’ve heard. So we meet again!” Rainbow spun around, and squealed with fangirl delight when she saw Spitfire from the Wonderbolts standing behind her.
“We just wanted to come and see our number one fan get married! And we were wondering if you would let us perform?” Rainbow almost fainted when Spitfire said this.
“Of course! Having you perform would make this wedding about twenty percent cooler! Oh man, this is awesome! The Wonderbolts... At my wedding! YES!” Rainbow jumped up, feeling as if she could do a Sonic Rainboom with the energy that was coursing through her. She landed in front of Spitfire.
“Sorry about that.”
“No need to apologise. Hey, wanna hang out for a while?”
“You and me? Awesome!” They happily trotted away, and Rainbow saw Soarin’ at the buffet table, putting an entire apple pie on his plate. The Wonderbolts... At my wedding! I love Sky so much for doing this. And it just goes to show that Spitfire at least wants to be here, if she wants to hang out with me! 

Zoom was wandering aimlessly about the courtyard, wondering what to do for two hours. He went and found a secluded spot to sit, and put his saddlebags on the ground. He went through them, and found the talon. It was chipped, and he could see some... Yellow? Shouldn’t it just be stone? Never mind. Yo--I should just put the talon away before someone sees. Zoom did this, and wandered back over to the party, a strange sense of fatigue weighing on him.