//------------------------------// // The Reception // Story: Sungaged // by Summer Dancer //------------------------------// “Here comes the bride! Big fat and wide!” Apple Bloom sang as she skipped. “Here comes the broom! Skinny as a broom!” Sweetie Belle chimed. “Here comes the usher,” Scootaloo finished. “The old toilet flusheeeeerrr!” “Hey!” Pinkie said, her mouth curving downward. “I’m not that old!” They stood near the aisle as several wedding guests began to take to their seats. Sunburst stood at the altar in his tux with a nervous yet excited smile. Sunset and Trixie stood at his left along with Spike, who held a pillow and the two rings. “It’s just an old saying, Pinkie,” Apple Bloom said, setting down her flower basket. “We didn’t mean to offend.” Pinkie Pie’s demeanor changed in an instant. “Oh...well, I knew that!” She giggle-snorted. “But you girls might wanna take your places soon. The wedding’s about to start!” “But we can’t start without a Bride to walk in front of,” Scootaloo said. “We haven’t seen Starlight since this morning,” Sweetie Belle added. “Hmm. Well, you just let me worry about Starlight. Keep an eye out for the Princesses, they’re due to be here any minute!” The three youngsters saluted. “Yes ma’am!” they chorused before scurrying off. “Applejack! Applejack, how’s the buffet going?” The farm mare walked by her with a large platter of cucumber sandwiches balanced on her back. “Just about done! And the Wedding Cake’s good to go!” “Excellent!” Pinkie heard a faint zooming sound before Rainbow Dash dropped in beside her. “I had the Guards close the doors so nopony else gets in,” she grinned. “Everypony else is just gonna have to wait until the reception.” “Great! That’ll be a load off of Twilight’s shoulders.” A velvety voice burst into song upon her arrival, making Rainbow Dash yelp. “PINKIE~” Rarity sang, trotting up to them. “Everypony’s almost to their seats and Fluttershy’s bird choir is ready to perform!” Rainbow winced as she rubbed a hoof in her ear. “We’re not that far away, Rarity,” she muttered. “This is perfect!” Pinkie exclaimed, checking something off on her clipboard. “Everything’s in place. I think now’s the the time to get this Wedding started!” Rainbow Dash scratched her head. “I dunno...I have the feeling we’re forgetting something....” ***** At the altar, Trixie glanced over at Sunburst. When Sunburst eventually made eye contact, she smirked a little and winked. Sunburst visibly winced. He leaned toward Sunset and spoke through his teeth. “She...scares me…” Sunset glanced over at Trixie and opened her mouth, but stopped herself. In the midst of the wedding crowd, two ponies carefully made their way through the crowd. With her breath hitched, her hoof pawed at Sunburst’s shoulder. A middle-aged mare and stallion slowly made their way down the aisle in search of their seats. The stallion carried a large bouquet with one hoof while the mare carried a small blue box tied with a red ribbon. Sunburst and Sunset shared an excited glance before watching their parents approach the front row. They gazed at Sunset, their eyes filled with amazement and love. They gave her tearful grins as they sat in their seats. Sunset matched their grins and gave a small, timid wave. Her mother blew a small kiss in her direction and waved back while her father continued to stare at her with a faint smile on his face. Sunset’s heart swelled. I promised myself I wouldn't cry today... ****** “Are you okay now?” Starlight said with a smile as Twilight finished her glass of water. After one last gulp, Twilight closed her eyes and nodded. She took a few even breaths and levitated her empty glass onto a nearby table. “I’m sorry,” she chuckled. “About all this.” Starlight snorted. “Twilight, you’re fine! It’s stressful to be the wedding organizer, I get it! There’s nothing to worry about. You’re a wonder, Twilight. As always.” Twilight gazed at Starlight and smiled softly. “You’re more of a wonder than me.” She straightened Starlight’s bracelet with her hoof and held onto it with tears in her eyes. “I’m so proud of you, Starlight,” she whispered. Starlight’s eyes started to mist and quickly wrapped Twilight in a hug. Twilight hugged her tightly with tears running down her face. “So proud.” “And as are we,” a voice said. Starlight jumped a little while Twilight lifted her head. “Princess Celestia!” she exclaimed happily. “Princess Luna!” She released Starlight and bowed low. “I’m so glad you could come!” Starlight turned around and stared with wide eyes as the two Royal Sisters strode up to them in all their glory. Starlight had seen the Princesses quite a few times before, but to see them up close at her own wedding was daunting. With a gulp, she followed Twilight’s lead and dipped down to the floor. “It’s an honor, your majesties.” A warm chuckle answered her. “Rise, my dear. It’s your special day.” Starlight lifted her head and smiled up at the Princess. Luna quirked an eyebrow and lifted Twilight’s chin. “And what have we told you about bowing, Princess Twilight?” she chastised playfully, giving her a wink. Twilight quickly straightened up, her cheeks tinted pink. “Sorry...force of habit.” Celestia glanced at Twilight and lifted her eyebrows. Twilight gave a small nod, causing Celestia to smile. “I’m very much looking forward to this wedding…” “PRINCESEEEEEES!!!” Applebloom hollered as she galloped past the group. “There you are!” Rainbow Dash yelled out, flying over to them. Seeing the Royal Sisters, she stopped abruptly and bowed her head. “Your highnesses.” After receiving nods from the Princesses, Rainbow dropped down next to Twilight. “What’s the hold up, egghead? We need to get a move on!” Ponies who were passing by gasped quietly and murmured to each other. “She just called Princess Twilight an Egghead!” whispered one. “Can she do that?” said the other. “We’re coming, Rainbow,” Twilight told her. “Is everything else ready?” “Everything but the Bride...and Father Matripony. He’s kinda...gone.” “...Gone?” Twilight repeated, eyes wide. “What do you mean he’s gone?” Rainbow Dash gave a helpless shrug. “He never showed up.” “But he RSVP’d!” Twilight turned to Starlight. “Didn’t he?” “He did!” “Well, that’s quite alright,” Princess Celestia said. “I could marry you if you’d like.” Rainbow smiled sheepishly. “Actually, somepony already volunteered for that.” Twilight stared at her friend. “...Who?” ****** “If you want my honest opinion,” Discord said to a guest next to him. “I’d give the marriage at least five months.” “Your microphone's on, you dumb dumb,” Trixie muttered. The Draconequus blinked and looked up at the sea of faces staring back at him. “Oh.” Tapping his mic twice, he twirled up in the air and flashed the wedding guests with a smile. “Welcome, mares and gentlecolts, to the most bedazzling wedding of the century!” He winked. “I hope you enjoyed my little comedic routine at the beginning there.” At the end of the aisle, Twilight stood next to Starlight, seething. “Discoooord!” she said through clenched teeth. Sweetie Belle looked over her shoulder. “Starlight!” The CMC scrambled over to their places and readied their baskets. Heads turned, followed by oohs and ahhs at Starlight in her dress. Starlight Glimmer blushed as everypony rose to their hooves. Fluttershy waved her conductor’s wand between her teeth, and her bird choir started to sing. Starlight looked ahead, catching another pair of eyes. Sunburst gazed at her with a slacked jaw. She immediately snorted at his awe-struck expression. He was such a dork. A wonderful, lovable dork. Side by side, Starlight and Twilight started walking, smiling back at everypony they passed. This isn’t so bad, Starlight thought. It’s not as small as I wanted, but this is decent… As they passed by row five, she caught sight of Sugar Belle, Double Diamond, Party Favor and Night Glider waving excitedly. Starlight chuckled as she waved back. Twilight smoldering gaze toward Discord was in stark contrast to the charming grin that was plastered on her face. “I’m going to kill him,” she sing songed softly, not breaking her smile. “Keep it together, Twilight,” Starlight whispered back, beaming at Shining Armor and Cadence as they passed row two. When they finally reached the altar, Twilight inched near Discord and leaned in. “Ruin this wedding, and I will personally go to Princess Luna to discuss your deepest darkest nightmares.” “Twilight,” Discord gasped, holding a paw to his heart. “I’m hurt, truly! Aren’t friends supposed to trust each other?” Twilight squinted her eyes as a low grumble emanated from her throat. With a sharp exhale, she turned to nuzzle Starlight before taking a seat beside Sunset’s mother at the end of the row. “Dearly beloved!” Discord crowded. “We are gathered here today to witness the marriage of Starlight Glimmer, and…” He paused. “And, um…” He glanced at Sunburst and patted his head briefly. “This guy.” Sunburst looked confused while Starlight’s mouth flattened into a line. “They started their relationship as little youngsters. He, a born scholar, and she, a born dictator of many.” Twilight covered her face in her hooves. “Oh no…” “Years after his sister went rogue, Sunburst here earned his cutie mark at a young age and was sent off to join the infamous school for gifted unicorns. Meanwhile, Starlight here went on to pursue a...rather interesting career.” The group shifted while Starlight cleared her throat loudly. “Time passed, and things seemed more than perfect for Starlight Glimmer. That is, until a certain Princess and her entourage came to town. They’re actually here today! Say hi, Girls!” Pinkie lifted her hoof to wave before Applejack smacked it back down. “It wasn’t long before our heroes smelled something fishy in Our Town. One thing lead to another and Starlight was eventually defeated.” He held up a finger. “Or was she?” Grinning toothily, he continued. “Of all the foes the bearers of Harmony have faced, she was the only one to ever escape. But she wasn’t going down without a fight, oh no.” “Please stop, please stop, please stop,” Twilight pleaded under her breath. “Two months later, she was back, and ready for revenge. So, she snuck into Twilight’s castle--” “Wait, what?” came Shining Armor’s voice. “Went back in time, and successfully kept the Sonic Rainboom that brought all of Twilight’s friends together from happening. Several times!” The room was silent, with the exception of a few coughs in the back. Some guests shifted awkwardly while others shot glares in Discord’s direction. Most simply watched with confused glances as they waited for the draconequus to continue. Discord’s eyes trailed the room before he spoke again in a much softer tone. “It was clear then that they were at a stalemate. So, Twilight offered her the one thing Starlight went almost her whole life without. Friendship.” Discord smiled. “Not many ponies know this, but when you’re a villain in power, friendship seems meaningless. It is far better to be feared than loved.” Sunset looked down at her hooves. “Starlight, of course, already knew this. There she was. Star Swirl’s scroll in her grasp, her foe at her mercy. Her revenge was almost fulfilled and victory was at hoof.” He paused. “But she didn’t take it.” Discord let his words hang in the air. “She wasn’t forced. She wasn’t blasted by a rainbow or, in Sombra’s case, had to be blown up into a million pieces…” He winked at the guests. “Amirite? No. She didn’t have to listen to Twilight. None of us would ever give her friendship lectures the time of day! Not me, not Sombra, not Tirek…” “Or Nightmare Moon,” Luna said from the back of the room. “Or me,” Sunset said with a wry smile. After a pause, she nudged Trixie. The magician rolled her eyes and sighed. “Or me…” “Okay, I get it,” Twilight said dryly. Laughter scattered throughout the crowd. Discord grinned and continued on. “Starlight Glimmer, you may be sensitive, overreacting, and maybe a bit psychotic…but who isn’t? It takes a lot, especially for ponies like us, to give up everything you've worked for...for something better. You’re okay in my book. And I wish you both the best.” Starlight chuckled as a chorus of “Awwwws” filled the room. “Thanks, Discord...I think.” “So if any of you can find ANY sort of reason why these two knuckleheads shouldn’t get married, I’d LOVE to hear it!” Ponies looked around and shrugged at each other. “Splendid! Spike, if you please~” With a smile, Spike marched up and held up the small pillow with the two rings. “Starlight,” said Discord. “Do you promise to love and cherish this stallion even if you somehow ever go broke?” “I do,” Starlight grinned, gazing into Sunburst’s eyes. “And Sunburst, do you promise to love and cherish this mare even when she gets disgustingly sick?” “I do!” Sunburst said without hesitation. “Then with the power invested in me,” Discord declared, magically sliding the wedding rings over both of their horns. “I pronounce you mare and colt!” Sunburst smiled as he leaned in, but was quickly tackled in a kiss. Cheers and hollers rose above the long applause that followed, while streamers and confetti shot up into the air and rained down upon their heads. Twilight sat back in her seat and wiped the sweat from under her bangs. “Phew…” "Guys, the wedding rice!" Apple Bloom shouted. "Where's the wedding rice?" Spike quickly wiped his mouth and shrugged. "Beats me!" **** The reception was so loud, Sunset was lucky to hear anypony next to her. All the guests roamed free among the Castle, but most guests had headed for the Crystal Dining room for the banquet. Sunset sat in between her parents, Cloud Burst and Summer Swirl, at the buffet table with their hooves wrapped tightly around one another, their cake untouched. “When I heard you had returned,” Summer whispered,“we were afraid that you wouldn’t want to see us. Of course we wanted to come for Sunburst’s weddin’, but...at the same time…” she trailed off, wiping her nose with a napkin. “We...weren’t sure about how you felt about us,” Cloud Burst admitted, squeezing her tighter. “We weren’t even sure if it was a good idea.” Sunset’s eyes turned downcast. “I can see why you would think that.” The light in her father’s eyes dimmed. “We, uh….” He exhaled briefly. “We know we weren’t the best parents.” “Dad--” “We pushed you so hard to be the best,” Summer Swirl said, her eyes misting over. “It was first place or nothing.” she shuddered a sigh, nuzzling her daughter’s cheek. “At least with Sunburst, we let him study at his leisure, but you, Sunset...you were our first born...the expectations we had, the pressure we put on you...” A few tears slipped down her cheeks and lower lip trembled. “And here I thought you didn’t want to see me,” Sunset said softly. “I’m the one who left all of you.” She shook her head. “I didn’t even say goodbye.” Sunset’s mother patted her hoof. “Well….maybe after the wedding, we can...have a talk? If you’d like to, that is.” Sunset’s eyes shone. “I’d love too.” Sunsets father tapped her on the shoulder and nodded. “I think somepony’s waiting to see you.” Sunset turned around in her seat and saw Princess Celestia standing over by the refreshment carts with Princess Luna. Once and awhile, she would glance over at Sunset while she sipped her fruit punch. She quickly gave her parents a brief hug before slipping out of her seat. “I’ll be right back. I have somepony else to apologize to.” Her parents nodded and scooted over in their chairs in order to let Sunset through. Slowly, she walked over to her old teacher. Celestia noticed this and spoke a few brief words to her sister. Princess Luna looked Sunset’s way and nodded before going over to Twilight and Rarity. The two stared at one another as Sunset neared closer. The unicorn stared up at the alicorn Princess with wide eyes. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Celestia smiled and nodded toward the wedding guests. “A wonderful party, isn’t it?” Sunset looked about briefly. “Uh...yeah. Yeah, it is.” Stiffly, she sat beside the Princess and blankly watched the guests feast and dance. “You must be very proud of Sunburst. He is excellent in his studies and he does such a good job taking care of my grand niece.” “Oh yes. I’m very proud. I’m happy that he’s happy.” She looked up at Celestia before returning her gaze to the floor. “And I’m proud of you, Sunset.” Sunset turned around sharply. “Wait...you...are?” Princess Celestia nodded. “Twilight has been telling me how far you’ve come in the human world. How you helped save the school from the Sirens and how you brought your team together when you were facing your foes.” She leaned down and looked Sunset straight in the eye. “I knew you had that strength in you, dear Sunset.” Her violet eye glistened. “It just took you a little longer to realize that.” Sunset trembled slightly. “I never should have left,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry…” A crowd of mares screamed and squealed as Starlight threw the wedding bouquet. Celestia wrapped a hoof around her student and pulled her close. “I didn’t think I would ever see you again.” Her voice wavered slightly. “But perhaps your time away from Equestria was needed. The friends you’ve made and the lessons you’ve learned would not have the same effect on you under my teachings. I just wish we spent more time together.” Sunset embraced her as much as she could. “Maybe we can start now...” She looked up. “If you can ever find it in your heart to forgive me.” Celestia laughed lightly. “Oh, Sunset, don’t you see? You're already forgiven." ****** “Thank you,” Starlight said for the upteenth time. As the guest trotted off, she shook her head at Sunburst. “If I hear ‘Congratulations’ one more time…” “Congratulations, my little ponies!” “T-Thank you, Princess Celestia!” Starlight squeaked. Sunburst laughed. “Might as well get used to it. Being married to you is a great accomplishment.” He kissed her on the cheek. Starlight blushed heavily. “So cheesy,” she muttered, but couldn't help smiling. “Sunbuuurst!” Flurry Heart yelled as she galloped straight into his legs. “Ow! Oo!” He lifted her up with his magic and chuckled. “Hello my dear!” Flurry floated about in Sunburst’s aura, giggling. Cadence trotted over and kissed Starlight on the cheek. “Congratulations,” she said jovially before moving over to Sunburst’s cheek. Shining Armor crossed over to them, chuckling at his daughter. “Thank you for letting us have our wedding here,” Sunburst said, levitating Flurry Heart onto Shining’s back. “It’s our pleasure,” Cadence said. “You saved the Crystal Empire from an eternal blizzard and helped with our daughter. This was just a token of our appreciation.” As the Royal Family departed into the dining room, a burst of applause and cheers came from the ballroom. Trixie exited through the double doors, out of her bridesmaid dress and into her hat and cape. Her chest puffed proudly as she sauntered over to Starlight. “I just gave your guests the most spectacular show of their lives!” She beamed and flipped her mane, which was slightly singed at the edges. “You’re welcome~!” Starlight grinned and hugged her. “Thanks,” she said in her ear. “Nothing but the best for my bestie,” Trixie replied simply. Just then, Pinkie popped up and squished Starlight and Sunburst into a hug. “Awww, congratulations you two!” Her eyes shined brightly. “Can I be the Godmother to your child?” The newlyweds gulped and quickly untangled themselves from the hug. “Well, it’s nice of you to offer Pinkie, but Trixie is already the Godmother,” Starlight explained. “That is, if we decide to have a child.” Pinkie’s face fell. “Oh.” A split second later, Pinkie’s ears quickly perked back up again. “Can I be Godmother’s understudy?” Trixie laughed as she walked off, waving a hoof. “Pinkie Pie, if anything ever happens to the Great and Powerful Trixie, the child is all yours!” Pinkie beamed before turning to Starlight and Sunburst and clutched onto their hooves. “You won’t regret it!” With that, she bounced off. Sunburst stared at his hoof before looking at his wife. “...What did we just do?” ******* “I’m glad you’re here, Twilight,” Starlight said as they danced. The sky had grown darker, and everypony had moved outside on the palace grounds for the special father-daughter dance. Since Starlight’s father was not present, Twilight was there to do the honors. “I’m glad I’m here too,” Twilight smiled as she shuffled back and forth. Musicians played a lively tune behind the two ponies as the guests ate cake and watched them with happy expressions. Twilight grew quiet for a while before saying, “I’m really going to miss you, Starlight.” Starlight looked over her shoulder as she twirled around. “Well, I don’t think you’ll miss me that much,” she laughed. “We’re only a few wingbeats away from Rainbow Dash’s Cloud Palace after all!” Twilight immediately stopped dancing. “W-What?” Starlight took Twilight’s hooves in hers and started swaying side to side, grinning. “I wasn’t gonna tell you till after the wedding, but I guess I can spoil the surprise.” “Surprise?” “I know I said that I was probably going to move into Sunburst’s place, but…” “But?” “Sunburst knew how much I came to like Ponyville, and he always wanted to live someplace more...quiet. So...we decided to...make our own place in Ponyville!” Twilight’s jaw dropped. “You...you are!? B-But what about Flurry Heart and her teachings?” “We already talked it over with Shining Armor and Cadence! Now that Flurry’s old enough to be more in control of her own magic, her parents can send Sunburst weekly reports in how she’s doing. And he’s going to visit her in the Empire twice a month.” Starlight beamed. “We’re moving in in a week. Surprise!” Twilight let out a girly shriek as she and Starlight jumped up and down giddily. “I’m guessing you told her,” a voice said from behind them. Twilight turned and giggled before hugging Sunburst. “Best surprise ever!” Sunburst chuckled. “We thought you’d like it!” “Guess that concludes the father-daughter dance,” said an amused voice, booming from the speakers. “Now it’s time for the first dance between the bride and groom!” Starlight and Sunburst exchanged glances. “Ooh! Let me get out of the way,” Twilight piped, quickly running off the dance floor. As she made her way through the crowd, she saw Sunset Shimmer and the Princess standing amongst the crowd and conversing quietly, holding drinks in their hooves. Twilight paused in her tracks and admired the sight before her. She had always imagined what it would be like to see Princess Celestia and Sunset Shimmer together. They looked so relaxed and comfortable with one another. Seeing them so happy warmed Twilight's heart. Just then, she caught Celestia’s eye. “Twilight!” she called, smiling. “Over here!” Sunset turned her head. “Twilight!” putting her drink down, the two embraced each other. Sunset placed her mouth next to her ear. “I’ve never felt so happy in my entire life.” Twilight giggled. “You deserve it,”she whispered back. As they broke apart, Celestia leaned down to nuzzle Twilight. “I’m glad you’re having a great time, Princess.” Celestia’s eyes twinkled. “Do you want to know something, Twilight?” Twilight lifted her eyebrows. The Princess of the Sun draped one large wing around Sunset and the other around Twilight, bringing them close. “I think,” she whispered brightly. “That this is one of my favorite weddings.” Sunset and Twilight grinned at each other before looking out at Starlight and Sunburst dancing awkwardly in the moonlight. “Ours too, Princess,” Twilight replied, sighing happily. “Ours too.” Sunset glanced at Twilight. “So I guess we were worried about nothing after all, huh?” “Oh, I wouldn’t say that,” Twilight said thoughtfully. Amusement danced in her eyes. “Your'e his sister. I’m her mentor. It’s our job to worry.”