The Mane Six were gathered in the Canterlot donut shop and seated at a table with the three original bridesmaids, Twinkleshine, Minuette, and Lyra Heartstrings. The purpose of this meeting was to set a few things right.
“And that’s everythin’,” Applejack finished a speech with an apologetic expression on her face. All the other members of her group shared the same expression.
“We should’ve thought to talk to you before blindly accepting the bridesmaids’ positions from that horrible imposter,” an ashamed Fluttershy said.
“I hope you can eventually find it in your hearts to forgive us, darlings,” Rarity added.
“Don’t worry, all is forgiven,” Minuette assured them. Twinkleshine and Lyra both smiled and nodded their heads in agreement. “We’re sorry for supporting that insane liar.”
“Why did Chrysalis replace you three with us during the wedding preparations?” a confused Rainbow Dash asked.
“Probably so she could further manipulate and use us for her terrible schemes,” Rarity said ashamed.
“That wasn’t the only reason,” Twinkleshine said.
“You think Twilight was the only filly Cadance foalsat?” Lyra asked with a sly grin.
“Oooooooh! I get it,” Pinkie Pie said putting it all together and glancing over at Twilight. “Guess you weren’t the only one suspicious of the bride after all.”
“Anyway, we wanted to patch things up with y’all,” AJ said.
“We would like you three to be the bridesmaids again for the real upcoming wedding,” Rarity added.
“It was yours to begin with,” Rainbow said.
“Consider it an apology gift,” Pinkie concluded.
The three mares were surprised and touched by the Five’s gesture. They thought for a moment about how to respond. Then all three of them exchanged smiles to one another silently agreeing on something.
“We appreciate what you’re doing for us,” Minuette spoke. “But I think our doctor said that we should take it easy for a while after what happened to us during the changeling invasion.”
“Yeah, we’re still recovering from Chrysalis putting those mind control spells on us and probably won’t be able to fill the bridesmaids’ roles,” Lyra added.
“We were hoping there were some ponies who would be kind enough to fill the roles,” Twinkleshine said slyly. “Perhaps some ponies who’ve saved all of Equestria recently. Maybe some ponies whom Twilight Sparkle trusts.”
The Mane Six knew what the three mares were trying to do.
“We know what you’re trying to do,” Rainbow said.
“Princess Cadance specifically asked you three to be her bridesmaids,” Rarity insisted. “I’m sure she wouldn’t want it any other way. Right, Twilight?”
“I don’t know,” Twilight replied with false confusion. “If it’s okay with the bridesmaids, I’m sure she won’t mind.”
“But Twilight…” Applejack said. She and the rest of the Five were confused. “How can you be sure?”
“Let’s just say Twilight has a sixth sense for these things,” Cadance suddenly appeared smiling and dressed in her royal garments much to the surprise of the confused Five.
“But Princess…” Fluttershy politely tried to decline.
“Girls, I’ve watched all of you this past week,” Cadance heartfully explained. “I’ve watched you stumble and pick yourselves back up. I’ve watched you repair your relationship with Twilight, and now I see it is stronger than ever. Lyra, Twinkleshine, and Minuette will be at the wedding in the front row of the audience watching everything. So you don’t need to worry about them.” The Five still looked unsure. “I think it’ll make Twilight very happy for you all to be right up there with her at the altar when it happens.”
The Five turned their attention to their best friend who wore an eager smile on her face that begged ‘go on’. The other three mares all had very similar expressions. After a moment of thinking amongst themselves, the Five finally nodded to each other in agreement and looked at everypony with happy and confident smiles.
“Alright, if you all say so,” Rainbow Dash said causing Cadance, Twilight, and the original bridesmaids to cheer with excitement.
“Now where are those hors d’eourvres?” Cadance asked AJ excitedly. “I’ve heard about them from Twilight and I’ve been itching to try them.
The cowpony couldn’t help but give a warm smile.
Shortly after the battle of Ponyville, the heroes had returned to Canterlot to straighten everything out. Shackle, Hildread, and Vivian confessed to their involvement in Jewelius’s schemes. With Jewelius’s corruption revealed and a very heartfelt apology speech by Celestia, Shining Armor, and the Mane Six the citizens of Canterlot welcomed them all back with open hooves and even offered a few apologies of their own for their support to the usurper. Hildread, Vivian, and other supporters of Jewelius received imprisonment in the dungeons of Canterlot, Shackle felt so guilty for her part that she turned herself in and promised that she would be a better and wiser pony after she served her time. The alicorns were reinstated as the rulers of Canterlot, Shining Armor got his title of Captain of the Guard, and everypony was getting ready for the royal wedding that should’ve happened a week ago. Now that she and her brother had reconciled, Twilight Sparkle was given her rightful and well-deserved position as the groom’s best mare. Now that all that was taken care of, it finally time to get the real wedding under way. Princess Cadance had overseen the preparations personally, from Applejack’s baked goods to Pinkie Pie’s reception party, and she really loved what she had seen. Twilight’s friends noticed an extremely significant difference in her behavior compared to the imposter’s, which made them feel even more ashamed for not listening to her. But after a few more heartfelt apologies, their friendship was stronger than ever.
That day, the wedding hall was full of guests all eager to witness the real union between Shining Armor and Cadance, and hopefully without anymore interruptions. Princess Celestia stood up on the alter ready to marry the bride and groom while Princess Luna sat happily in the front row of the audience. Shining Armor stood up on the alter in his favorite uncle’s uniform with his little sister, Twilight, by his side dressed in her best mare’s gown. Twilight noticed that the family crest on her brother’s uniform was crooked and used her magic to straighten it. He had to look perfect for the perfect bride. Their parents were in the audience watching proudly. Twilight Velvet began to shed tears of joy for her son was finally going to be married and had to wipe them away with a handkerchief. After everything the two had been through, they deserved to witness this most special event. When she realized it was time for the music to start, Fluttershy orchestrated her bird choir to start singing the wedding music. Then the hall doors swung open and the Cutie Mark Crusaders, who were serving as flower fillies, came prancing in tossing flower peddles along the way. Following right behind them was the beautiful bride herself, the real Cadance everyone had been waiting for. Cadance looked so beautiful in her wedding gown as she marched toward the alter. Everypony watched her with admiration.
“Seriously, though,” Twilight whispered to her brother. “I get why the queen of the changelings wanted to be with you, but how did you get someone as amazing as Cadance to marry you?”
“I told her she wouldn’t just be gaining a husband,” Shining answered. “She’d be getting a pretty great sister too.”
The CMC stepped aside and allowed the bride to march up onto the alter. Rarity started to get teary-eyed and wiped her eyes with a handkerchief while Applejack decided to put her trademark hat on. When Cadance finally made it to the top of the alter, she and her soon-to-be husband exchanged affectionate glances.
“Mares and gentlecolts,” Princess Celestia announced. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of the real Princess Mi Amore Cadenza-”
“Princess Cadance is fine,” Cadance politely interrupted her aunt.
“Hmm,” Celestia respected her niece’s wish and continued. “The union of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. The strength of their commitment is clear. The power of their love, undeniable. May we have the rings please?” Spike presented the wedding rings, which were placed on the bride and groom’s horns. “I now pronounce you mare and colt!” With that, the two were officially wed and the entire crowd, including the guests in the castle yard, erupted in happy cheering. Both Shining and Cadance stood on the tower balcony and waved to the crowd below while the Mane Six watched them with admiration.
“This is your victory as much as theirs,” Princess Celestia said to Twilight. “You persisted in the face of doubt, and your actions led to your being able to not only bring the real Princess Cadance back to us, but also the real you. Learning to trust your instincts is a valuable lesson to learn.”
“She’s right,” Cadance said. She and her new husband had turned their attention from the crowd outside back to their companions. “If you had completely given up on everyone close to you, none of us would be here today.”
“For a second, I almost did,” Twilight remorsefully admitted. Then she felt the warm and loving touch of her big brother’s hoof on her shoulder.
“We lost contact with each other for so long ever since you moved to Ponyville,” Shining sadly explained. “As much as I hate to admit it, I almost forgot how much we both mean to each other.” The white stallion was unable to hold his tears back any longer. He pulled his sister into a warm and loving hug. “I’m so, so sorry, Twiliy.”
“I’m sorry too, BBBFF,” Twilight tearfully apologized back and returning the warm embrace.
A few of Twilight’s friends shed their own tears at this heart melting sight of true sibling affection.
“I’m glad that you two were able to save your relationship,” Cadance complimented them.
“Us too,” the Five said.
“And us,” the Royal Sisters added.
“Unfortunately, some relationships could not be saved,” Cadance said in much sadder tone.
Suddenly the mood became very depressing once Cadance said that. The other two princesses had sad expressions on their faces as well. It was clear that all three alicorns were thinking of Jewelius. Memories of all the terrible things he had done to them in the past week played through everyone’s minds like a projector. However, despite all the atrocities and betrayals the three princesses couldn’t help but feel sad that they were unable to turn him from his dark path. His terrible fate may have been his own doing, but the fact that they had lost a member of their own family forever was very tragic for them. Twilight, her friends, and Shining all noticed this and shared in the princesses’ sorrow, even though they agreed that he was a despicable traitor who got what he deserved in the end.
“It’s a shame really, I had hoped we all could’ve been a big happy family together,” Cadance said giving a warm smile to her new husband and sister-in-law. She felt both admiration and envy for the bond those two shared. She just wish her relationship with the cousin she once saw as a brother could’ve been the same.
“I doubt any of us will ever forget the impact Jewelius made on our lives,” Twilight said with pity in her voice. The others nodded sadly in agreement.
“One thing’s for sure, I will always love you,” Shining affectionately said to his new wife. Then they both kissed each other on the lips.
As Twilight and her friends watched this touching moment, Celestia whispered something into Rainbow Dash’s ear. “Rainbow Dash, that’s your cue.”
Remembering her important role for this occasion, Rainbow literally flew right out of her bridesmaid gown, flew high in the air above the castle, and set off her long-awaited Sonic Rainboom which spread across the entire sky above Canterlot.
“Best… Wedding… EVER!” Dash cheered as she flew through the air. And it really was. That night they had fun at the reception party and well, you all know the rest.