//------------------------------// // Chapter 32 - Wedding Time! // Story: The Story Of Rainbow // by thedarktome //------------------------------// After Celestia's realization that she was now going to be called Grandmother, and decided to walk away and shrug it off, the family decided to get ready. Of course not without Rarity's help, who decided to stop by "to see how everything was going." Rainbow sighed when she walked out of her room and spotted Rarity levitating a giant box behind her with her magic. "And just who is that for?" Rainbow asked suspiciously. "Rarity you are not putting me in no frilly dress." She stomped her hoof to emphasize her point. Rarity scoffed and waved her off with a hoof. "Do not worry darling, this is all for your daughter. Wow I never thought that world would ever come out of my mouth. 'Rainbow Dash's daughter.' Whoo, rolls right off the tongue, don't you think?" She stopped in front of Rainbow Dash, who was blocking the door into the room and eyeing her with obvious trepidation. "This—" Rarity motioned to the box behind her. "—is all for Scootaloo. I give you my word." Rainbow hummed, but stepped to the side to allow her through. Rarity thanked her and quickly trotted past the guards and doorway up to the bed, where Scootaloo was talking to Celestia. "I like you as a grandma," she told her. She reached up and booped the nonchalant Princess' nose, who cringed the second it touched her. "It makes you more fun." "I'm not...fun?" Celestia asked in confusion. Scootaloo slowly shook her head while Rarity "Not really. The most you do is sit in your castle and work all day," Scootaloo responded, then rolled her eyes and continued talking. Rarity silently set down her box and started to unpack the many dresses. The second Rainbow saw one of them, she squeaked and grabbed Fluttershy's attention by waving a hoof desperately in her direction. The calmly resting pegasus looked over from grooming one of her animal friends and raised an eyebrow in confusion. Rainbow bit her lip and motioned with her head towards Rarity, who was holding a dress over Scootaloo, preparing to drop it right on top of her. Fluttershy gasped and quickly trotted towards Rainbow, who immediately covered her ears the second it was dropped on top of her. "You could be a lot more fun if..." Scootaloo looked down at the clothing that somehow got on top of her and started hyperventilating. "What...what am I wearing?" "Why it's a dress, darling!" Rarity responded happily from behind. Scootaloo turned around and gasped at the twelve dresses lining the wall that Rarity had attached them to for the time being. "I have created thirteen just for you!" Scootaloo only stared at them for a few seconds before she screamed and ran out of the room at a speed that had impressed Rainbow Dash. "Get it off of me!" She yelled. The guards stationed at the bedroom doors looked at each other before they trotted after her inside one of the offices that a mare was currently inside of, sorting through a few documents and had yelped when Scootaloo fell inside and hid under her desk. "Get it off! Wait...who are you?" "I'm the Secretary of—" "Nevermind. Mother!" Rainbow trotted into the room and chuckled at Scootaloo's predicament. She was under the desk with only her little head sticking out, looking up at the guards with fearful eyes. "Rarity tried to stuff me in a dress." "She did stuff you in a dress," Rainbow corrected her. Then used her magic to pull Scootaloo out from under it and reveal the dark orange dress Rarity had thrown Scootaloo in. The filly in question looked at it apprehensively with disgust. "I don't know squirt. Looks kinda awesome." Scootaloo gasped and pointed an accusing hoof at her mother's face with squinted eyes. Then exclaimed, "Who are you and what have you done with Rainbow Dash?!" Rainbow rolled her eyes and set her on her back, then trotted out of the room with the guards right behind her. "Don't give me that," Rainbow playfully scolded. "I'm still your mother, the awesome Rainbow Dash. The fastest flyer in all of Equestria and the loyalest pony of them all. I just..." She stopped on the stairs and waved her hoof around, trying to come up with the right word. "I just matured a little." She continued on her way into the room. "Blech!" Scootaloo coughed. "Being mature is for old ponies." The mares in the room all gasped and looked at Scootaloo in shock like she said a curse word. She instantly backed down and looked at her mom in trepidation. "Was it something I said?" Fluttershy reached up and plucked Scootaloo off of her girlfriend's back, then set her back down on the bed so Rarity could take off the dress. "We are not old," Fluttershy corrected sternly. "We are young adults." "Technically the older version of you," Rarity clarified as she placed another dress on Scootaloo. It was cyan that she immediately took off. "Ughh. What was I thinking making that for you, that is your mother's color. Yuck!" Rarity made an expression of being disgusted then grabbed another dress. This one was red and had a high neckline that reached underneath her chin, adorned with small rubies. She calmly placed it on Scootaloo's body and made a pushing motion with her hoof. Scootaloo stood up and jumped down to the floor, then slowly walked around in it. Celestia tapped Rainbow's shoulder, getting her attention. Then leaned over and whispered in her ear, "She looks great." Rainbow nodded as Scootaloo walked back over and stood in front of her "You like it squirt?" Rainbow asked. She leaned down and looked her over. "I have to admit, it looks great on ya'." Scootaloo looked up from the dress with a smile. "Yeah it's okay." She looked over at Rarity then said, "I uhh...I'll purchase your product." "Nonsense darling, this is on the house—er...boutique," Rarity reassured with a wave of her hoof. "I made that for you. Now if only your mother—" Rainbow quickly trotted over and plugged a hoof into her mouth, stopping her immediately. "Nope," she ordered sternly. "We are not putting me in a dress." Celestia chuckled and pointed at her back. "Then we are all wearing blankets to the wedding. That could be fun. Right, Scootaloo? I'm fun now, right?" The filly shrugged while Fluttershy was busy brushing her mane. Rainbow looked at her back and spotted a large blue blanket on her back. "Uhhh...." She flapped one of her wings and sent the blanket to the floor. "Nevermind that. But I am not wearing a dress. I'll go as is." "Mother, but I want to match!" Scootaloo protested. "Come on, Rainbow," Fluttershy agreed. She trotted up and gave Rainbow a beautiful smile. "Let's make this a family thing. Please?" Scootaloo jumped off the bed and quickly trotted over to smile beside her mom, trying to convince Rainbow Dash who was trying her hardest not to be. She sighed after a few more seconds and then said, "Fine! But only because...Scootaloo wants to." "Yes!" In Ponyville, Twilight Sparkle was anxiously running back and forth in the library, trying to look for the best outfit to wear for the date she had setup with Cherry Berry after the wedding. But she was having trouble finding it. "Where is it, where is it, where is it?!" She yelled in frustration. She stopped and summoned her magic to open all the drawers in her room at once. "If I can't find it in here I'm going to go insane!" Spike poked his head in and commented, "Yeah, if you're not already." Then ducked out before that thrown tome hit the doorway. "Uggghhh!" Twilight groaned while she ripped out clothes left and right, fully aware that she'd have to pick them up later. "Where's my purple dress?!" Spike sighed and walked back into the room, dragging a long purple dress behind him that he tossed over Twilight's barrel. "You just threw it out in the hallway," he informed her blandly. Twilight raised an eyebrow and grabbed the purple garment with her magic, pulling it into view. Then gasped excitedly. "Thanks, Spike!" She turned back around and pulled him into a bone crushing hug, leaving him gasping for air. Then let him fall to the wooden floor and quickly trot out her bedroom door, leaving Spike alone with the hundred something clothes on the floor. He threw up his hands and yelled: "CRAZY MARES!" Twilight quickly rushed into the bathroom downstairs to get ready. Cherry was supposed to arrive soon and then they were all going to the Crystal Empire by chariot with Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Scootaloo. Applejack, Rarity, Cherry Berry and herself were riding in a separate chariot. But Twilight wanted to impress her girlfriend and represent Rainbow well. As well as her future sister-in-law. So she prepped and prettied herself as much as possible before she heard the front door open. Cherry walked in wearing a purple dress and a small tiara. She also had her done up in a bun that she hoped looked good on her. She wasn't really into headwear. Then stopped and looked around the building for her girlfriend. "Twilight? Are you here?" "What happened to knocking?" Twilight asked from the bathroom. Cherry looked over towards the door and chuckled as she made her way over. "You live in a public library. Am I supposed to knock first when I go to a public restaurant too?" "Hmmm...touchè." "Well are you ready?" The door opened up slowly to present Twilight wearing a purple dress and having a know-it-all look on her face, head held high. But Cherry was focused more on something else. "Why are you wearing my dress?" Twilight opened her eyes and gasped at Cherry's wear. She walked out to promptly look her over, her mouth open in disbelief as she circled around her, trying to figure her out. Then stopped and pointed at the dress. "Where did you get that?!" She exclaimed. "Oh! Uhh, Rarity made it for me!" "Rarity made this for me!" They stared at each other for a moment, then at themselves before they smiled, walked closer and shared a kiss. After a few seconds, Twilight pulled back and whispered, "Well...somepony thinks they can out do my style." Cherry rolled her eyes and chuckled. "We're wearing the exact same style, Twilight." "Oh yeah?" She teleported out of view for a moment and returned a few seconds later wearing a light blue pearl necklace. "I beg to differ." Cherry slowly shook her head before Twilight stood beside her and intertwined her tail with hers. "Are you ready to go?" "Do you have your bits?" Twilight lifted an area underneath her dress, revealing two bags of bits. "Had to ask. You're the one treating me out." Twilight chuckled and nodded. "I know." She turned back to the stairs and yelled, "Spike, we're leaving! Are you joining?" "I'm sleeping!!" Twilight and Cherry shared a surprised look for a moment, then laughed as they walked out the door to go and meet up with the others at Rainbow Dash's castle. They stepped out into the fresh air and bright skies, smiles gracing their faces just like the other ponies in Ponyville. It was a beautiful day, just like yesterday. They trotted down the street and into the square, spotting other ponies who waved at Twilight. They were keeping their relationship under wraps right now, which exposed cause some issues among Rainbow Dash's cabinet. So they decided to be "just friends" in public eyes. Except with Spike. And Rarity. Soon they reached the road that led towards Sweet Apple Acres. The only sound being their beating hooves before their tails curled with each other. Since they were away from any neighboring eyes, they could relax and let their emotions show. "So," Cherry muttered, breaking the silence. "When do you think we should tell them?" Twilight sighed and kept her eyes ahead of her. "Well...I don't know. I'm afraid of what would happen, I'll admit." "Yeah, me too. But—" Cherry leaned over and nuzzled Twilight underneath her chin. "I like this relationship. And I don't want this to end. I don't care if we get fired from our jobs, I just want to be with you." Twilight stopped and nuzzle her back. "I as well. Let's continue and hope that nopony saw that." The two girls chuckled nervously and continued walking while keeping an eye out. Soon, they spotted Princess Dash's complex with many of her multicolored guards outside. Along with some of Equestria's press who were waiting for the royal family to step out. The guards had formed a protective barrier around the castle gates, keeping the Princesses protected. Twilight and Cherry untangled their tails and approached the building, walking up the cloud loop. The guards spotted them and immediately parted to let them through. They knew Twilight Sparkle when they saw her. And Cherry Berry too. The two mares walked past the gates and into the complex, looking around. The water fountains were sitting on the left and right, spraying water into the air, but the one in the middle was the most taunting one. The two mares shared a look. Then moved to the far right, stepping on the grass and walking around it. "Uhhh...my grass? Hello?" They looked back in front of them at Rainbow Dash's unamused face. It looks like she just walked out with the others, including Special Agent Sweetie Drops. Scootaloo was crawling on her neck to get to her horn so she could peek over. Laying over her head, her hooves landed in front of Rainbow's eyes and she mouthed while Dash talked, imitating her. "You're stepping all over my grass. Get out my grass. Right now." Twilight snorted and Cherry chuckled. "Yes, your highness," Twilight replied, trying not to laugh at her daughter's playfulness Scootaloo grinned and jumped off of her mother's head and onto the ground. "What took you guys?" Applejack asked. "We've been waiting forever!" "Applejack your home is right there." Twilight turned around and pointed towards the farm a little yards down from the castle. "There is absolutely no reason for you to be upset." Then the secret couple darted their eyes towards Scootaloo, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy, who were all wearing the exact same color dresses. As well as the design. "Family bonding I take it?" She asked, motioning towards the dresses. Rainbow rubbed the back of her neck and said, "Well—" "Mother didn't want to wear it," Scootaloo interrupted. Celestia laughed and scooped her up in her hooves. "You are just the cutest little thing," she cooed. "Wanna go for a ride on your Grandma's back?" Twilight's mouth dropped open in surprise. "Gr...Gr-Gr...Gr-Gr-Gr-Grandma?!" She asked before trotting up to Fluttershy with a serious expression. She grabbed her dress and put her muzzle to muzzle and eye to eye. "Tell. Me. Everything that has transpired here this morning." Fluttershy squeaked and tapped Rainbow's shoulder without taking her eyes off of Twilight's. "Tell her what happened," she whispered. Rainbow laughed and gestured for them to start walking towards the gates while she explained. Twilight and Cherry stood directly beside her to listen. "Well, Scootaloo called Celestia 'Grandma' early this morning after Fluttershy screamed at me and Scoots about today being my cousin's wedding. To be honest, that sleep was great and Fluttershy ruined it. Scootaloo totally agrees." Rainbow put out a hoof to Celestia's back and Scootaloo proudly slapped it with her own, causing Fluttershy to scoff and roll her eyes. "See? Anyway, Scootaloo got upset because her sleep was broken so she decided to go to sleep in her favorite room in all of the castle. The dining hall on top of the cakes." Twilight looked over at Scootaloo who was busy messing with Celestia's mane before Rainbow resumed her story. "So I wake her up—I'm not telling how I did it—and take her back to the room. I may have let the word slip out and said that 'Grandma's here—'" Celestia shot Rainbow Dash an incredulous look. "You did what?" "Yada, yada. So Scootaloo walks in and says, 'Hi, Grandma.' Celestia's eyes go all wild and she's all, "Did you just call me Grandma?' Oh I can't wait to tell Great Aunt Luna. Oh! There I go again—OW! Ma!" Celestia pulled her wing back from the top of Rainbow Dash's head when the group walked out the castle gates and towards the chariots. "You were the one that gave Scootaloo the idea to call me 'Grandma'?" She asked when the family sat in one of the three chariots, ignoring the press that was around them taking photographs. Rainbow looked around nervously. "Uh...I may have been the cause," she answered slowly. Celestia shook her head while Fluttershy giggled. "Rainbow apologize to your mother," she instructed before looking down at Scootaloo. Or what she thought was Scootaloo. "What do you...Scootaloo?" She looked around and grabbed Rainbow, looking her in the eyes. "Where's Scootaloo?!" Rainbow Dash looked around at the bottom of the chariot and gasped. "Scoots!! Sound off!" She yelled to the sky. "Back here!" They looked behind them at the other chariot where Scootaloo was waving from the top of Rarity's head. "I'm chillin' with the kiddies!" Rainbow and her family looked at each other. "Uhhh," Rainbow Dash yelled back. "Can you guys make sure Scootaloo doesn't do something unsafe please?" Applejack waved and yelled back, "You got it!" Rainbow sighed and turned around to face the front of the chariot as they started moving. "Great," she groaned. "Now I'm scared Scootaloo's going to do something dangerous and I'm going to have to fly out of this chariot to catch her in mid air." Celestia wrapped a wing around her shoulders and chuckled. "You'll probably do something as a family activity. And leave that to me." "Mom if you're trying to be fun, stop it, it's not working." Celestia withdrew her wing and gave Rainbow a glare. "Fun just isn't your thing. Luna's more of the fun one. you're all serious and business." Celestia scoffed and turned her head up to look at the sky. "Well one day, I'm going to take my granddaughter out for a trip and show her just how fun I am," she replied. "Please don't take her for a flight while reading her the laws of Equestria. She'll more than likely jump off." Celestia's wing caught the back of Rainbow Dash's head again. After the group had lifted off, enjoying a few minutes of silence, while Rarity was once again combing Scootaloo's hair in the back of the chariot, the quiet mood was lifted once more. Scootaloo poked Applejack in the hip, getting her attention. "Am I a princess?" She asked. Applejack looked at everyone else, who was staring at her in return. Then back down at Scootaloo once more. She asked dumbfoundedly, "....huh?" "Am I a princess?" Scootaloo repeated. "Uhhh....I'm afraid I don't know, sugarcube. You'll have to ask your mother Rainbow Dash about that—that is the most weirdest thing I've said in my life," Applejack interrupted herself. "'Your mother Rainbow Dash.'" "How about, 'Rainbow Dash's daughter?'" Rarity added. "How does that feel?" "Now that is just..I don't know!" Twilight agreed. "It's so awkward. Can you imagine going outside and saying, 'Hey, look, It's Princess Dash and her daughter, Scootaloo?' It. Is. So. Strange." The group responded with a lot of nodding and murmurs of agreements. "I heard that!!" Rainbow Dash shouted from the front. "I can be a mom!! And Fluttershy is practically already one!!" Rarity pointed towards the pink mane blowing in the wind ahead and commented, "Now I can actually envision Fluttershy being a mother. Rainbow on the other hoof would be a more protective older sister—" "Now that is a no!!" Rainbow denied. "I can totally be a mom!! I resent what you said!!" "And I can totally be fun!! See?" Celestia leaned back and let one of her hooves dangle out the side of the chariot, imitating her having a no care attitude. "Is this fun?" "Mom, no," Rainbow shot down. "No, you're trying too hard. If you want to be fun, crack a few jokes here and there. Play a few games, splash the waters a little. Here." Rainbow reached out and grabbed a cloud, then squeezed it inside of the chariot. Water poured out and hit the floor before Rainbow lit her horn and turned it into a bunch of snowballs. Then passed one to her. Celestia looked at it quizzically. "Now. What is the first thing you want to do with a snowball? By instinct, what do you do when you pick up a snowball? What do you do?" "I...put it back down. I have no need for snowballs." Celestia set the snowball back down with the rest of them. "No, see? That's not fun. Well, to you it may be. For some odd reason. What I do with it is totally different. I pick it up..." She grabbed one in her magic. "I pull it back...and I let it go." Rainbow tossed it over head with her magic to fly up in a small arch. Celestia and Fluttershy turned around to watch it fly back and straight into Applejack's face, making the two gasp. Scootaloo gawked and pointed at her the stetson wearing pony. "Awwwweeesommmeee!!!!!" Rainbow Dash got a prideful look on her face and held her head up high. "And that's...how it's done." A bunch of snow suddenly hit the back of her head, making her wince and shiver from the cold temperature. Fluttershy held a hoof up to her mouth and silently chuckled at her before Rainbow grabbed another one and threw it over her head. Applejack dodged to the left, so it soared straight past and into the empty air. Rainbow turned around and pointed an accusing hoof at Applejack, then yelled, "ASSAULT ON A PRINCESS!!" "You deserved it, your majesty!" Applejack retorted before a bunch of snow hit her in the right cheek. But this one came from her own chariot. Everyone looked down towards Scootaloo who was preparing another ball of snow. "Don't worry, mom! I got your back!" She yelled. "You get her Scoots!" Rainbow replied before Fluttershy's wing caught her in the back of her head. "Ow! What is with all the wing slapping today?" "No, do not go get her! Drop the snowball Scootaloo! Rainbow turn around." The two Princesses pouted and cried, "AWWW!" before they did as asked. Fluttershy pointed a hoof at Rainbow's face. "Set a good example today, Rainbow. Or no more love making from me for a month." Rainbow gasped and nodded eagerly. "Wow, supermom Fluttershy!" Pinkie cheered from the back of their chariot. The royals jumped and turned around to see Pinkie in a pink dress sporting a giant grin. "You got Rainbow by the long, clear, and funny moving mane!" Rainbow stared at her in surprise. "Wait, but...you weren't at the castle!—You know what? I'm not even going to ask." "Alright. Hey! Did you get into Fluttershy yet?!" After that embarrassing moment, and Celestia's teasing, the city of Canterlot finally came into view along with the many ponies heading towards the land and preparing for the citywide party that was planned. Twilight and the others looked around before Twilight's tail unconsciously intermingled with Cherry's, taking her by surprise. She squeaked and tapped Twilight's shoulder, ripping her attention from the ground down below to her girlfriend. Cherry made a motion with her eyes to their tails that Scootaloo was poking at, making their hearts stop. "Hey. Why's your tail all weird and—" "It's nothing Scootaloo, they just got crossed," Twilight excused before unwrapping her tail and offering Scootaloo a really fake smile. "Oh. Okay." Scootaloo crawled back between Applejack's hooves and to the side of the chariot to look over. They were coming in for a landing at the castle, which was where they were going to be meeting with Cadance and Shining Armor before heading to the wedding hall. "I've actually never walked around here before," she informed them. Twilight laughed and picked Scootaloo up in her magic to set her down between her hooves. "Well then, maybe Princess Celestia or your mother could give you a tour of the castle. They've both been in there and walked around." "Okay!" The two chariots touched down on the runway on the Castle grounds and rolled to a stop. Sweetie Drops hopped off the front of the chariot and opened the doors for the royalty. Scootaloo just jumped out the back one and started to wave to the crowd at the gates, giving them a show. She clapped her hooves together and shook them while the others were watching and laughing at her. Spotting this, Rainbow came over and picked her up in her magic. Then carried her back to Fluttershy. Then assigned guards to watch over the both of them while she talked to Celestia. "Should we be expecting any trouble?" She asked her as the group made their way towards the one of the many entrances of the Castle. Celestia hummed and nodded. "Well, those after your magic could try to make an appearance. Not to mention the pony who is after you that the Royal Guard is still attempting to track down. They could decide to be a visitor and cause a little trouble. More so than your excitable daughter." They both turned around to witness Scootaloo running around trying to get away from Fluttershy and the guard screaming "Freedom" over and over. Rainbow rolled her eyes and lit her horn, freezing Scootaloo in midstep, surrounded by a cyan aura that carried her over to Rainbow Dash's face. "You. Are in so much trouble." Rainbow turned around and walked into the castle with her posse, carrying Scootaloo in front of her. The halls inside were the same like always. Only after the guards closed the doors did Rainbow let Scootaloo go. She wiggled her little hooves and trotted ahead of the group with her head held high and a grin on her face, ignoring the eyes staring after her. Rainbow slowly shook her head and motioned for her guards to follow after her. "Keep a close eye on her. Actually, Sweetie Drops follow along, please. Have her back at the throne room by two, please." The Special Agent saluted before she followed after. Celestia watched the group leave and turn a corner before she turned to her daughter and continued walking. The others branched off to do their own thing since the bride and groom were in their rooms getting ready, leaving the princesses to talk. "You should consider giving Special Agent Sweetie Drops some time off. She has done a lot for you," Celestia recommended. "I've actually been thinking about it," Rainbow responded. "She's been keeping my daughter safe and I do believe she could use that time, considering that she works for most of the day and usually gets around five hours of sleep. Max." They turned a corner and walked towards the large throne room doors. "But we need to find this pony who is after me. I know they're out there, waiting for me to be alone. And possibly go after Scootaloo or Fluttershy. I did suggest for Fluttershy to at least allow me to place some guards by her place, but she was concerned it would scare the animals. So I suggested she stay at the castle and at least allow some overpassing pegasi keep a watch out for her when at her cottage. She at least allowed me that bit." The Guards stationed at the throne room opened the doors then stepped aside, allowing the royals through. The two walked along the marble floors and made their way towards the throne where Luna was sitting, reading a letter of some sort. "Hey Aunt Luna." Princess Luna glanced up and smiled at the two. Then set down the scroll and made her way down towards them. "I hope my sister did not walk in on you two having coitus again?" Luna asked before pulling Rainbow into a loving hug. "No, Scootaloo did that." Luna looked at her in shock before Rainbow grinned. "You're joking." "I am." Luna sighed in relief and placed a hoof over hear heart. Rainbow turned around and gave Celestia grin. "And that is another example of how to be fun. I hope you're taking notes, mom." Luna looked up and shot Celestia a look begging for an explanation. Celestia cleared her throat and trotted up to Luna with a serious face. Which immediately turned desperate. Then she began stumbling over her words. "Scootaloo said I wasn't fun! Luna, be honest with me. Am I not fun?" "....uhhhh...." She glanced at Rainbow Dash who settled down to the side and then back at Celestia. "Well...you can be a little—okay, yes. You are usually the serious one. An example of this would be my pranks. I usually prank you at least once a week, you at least try to do it once every season." Celestia whimpered and then trotted over to a nearby guard. "Am I not fun?" She asked him. The guard stared at her with wide eyes, then glanced to his partner adjacent to him. He shrugged before the guard spoken to looked back up into Celestia's eyes. "Uhhh...Y-Yeahhhh! Yeah, you're pretty fun!" He said slowly. Celestia leaned in close to him and squinted her eyes. "Tell the truth." "Well...y-you could use a little spice every now and then." Celestia nodded and then turn back to Rainbow Dash. She pointed a hoof at her, then at herself. "You are going to teach me how to be fun after the wedding." Rainbow gasped and flapped her wings to fly in a blurred circle around Celestia's head before she stopped and hovered in front of her. "AWESOME! Now we're talkin'! First thing's first, we need to put you in something awesome for this wedding!" "Wait, Rainbow I said—" Rainbow Dash lit her horn and teleported the both of them to Celestia's bedroom in the castle. Luna blinked and then turned to the guards, who were both sharing the same surprised expressions before Luna tossed a ball of light at the one Celestia talked to. He moved to the right just in time and gave Luna a proud look. "You got me the first time, but it didn't work this time, your highness." Luna chuckled and said, "I was not aiming for you." He blinked and turned around to face the brightly glowing star that was getting brighter and brighter stuck on the part of the throne right behind his head. He sighed before the orb went off, covering him in glitter once again. The guard on the other side chuckled before another one stuck on his horn, he gasped before it went off, covering his entire face in silver glitter. "What, you thought you were not taking part in the festivities?" Luna teased as she walked back up to her throne. "I do this everyday!" Cadance took in a deep breath and looked in the mirror inside of Celestia's throne room as the seamstress continued fitting her in a white dress with a golden hemline. A trio of white and gold flowers adorned her head, along with a pair of hoof shoes. The dresser pulled on another string and then cut a loose thread. After brushing some pieces of the fabric to the side, she stood back up and looked at Cadance in the mirror. "Alright, Princess! Your dress is officially finished! You can choose to wait here if you'd like to avoid all the—" "Alright mom, behind the curtain!!" The two mares jumped and looked over to see Rainbow Dash pushing Celestia behind a privacy screen. "Hold still! I got this!" She darted behind the screen and started making a bunch of noise as she dressed her mother. "Wait Rainbow, what are you doing?! Ow, not there, that hurts! Ow, stop pricking me! Where'd you even get that?! Hold on, not there! Let me go this instant, young lady!" The Privacy screen was pushed away, revealing Celestia in a dark red dress that matched Rainbow's. Celestia stared at it then gave Rainbow a deadpan glare. "Where. Did you get this?" Rainbow grinned and shrugged. "What Rarity doesn't know...is that I can sew too." "Can you really?" Rainbow dropped her hooves and gave Celestia a smile. "Absolutely not! I'm not the type of pony to be sitting behind a sewing machine everyday! I have more important things to do. Now—oh, hey Cadance! Didn't see you there! Wow, you look great!" The two mares that were actually preparing for the wedding were staring at her in shock before the seamstress dropped her face to the ground. "Your majesties! I was not expecting you to be in here!" She apologized quickly. "W-Were you wishing to get your dresses fixed of some sort?" Rainbow sighed and shook her head. "Rise, fellow pony. And no, do not worry about it. I am just teaching my mother a lesson. Are you finished with Cadance?" "Yes, your majesty," she replied quickly. "Okay. I would like to have a few good luck words with my cousin." "Oh! Yes, ma'am!" The pegasus quickly grabbed her things and made her way out the door. She closed it behind her, thus leaving the three in privacy. Cadance looked between the two and then snorted. She motioned a hoof between them and asked, "What's going on, why are you wearing the same dresses?" Celestia sighed and said, "It's a family thing that I believe Rarity had planned for Rainbow, Scootaloo, and Fluttershy. Scootaloo asked Rainbow to wear one with her and Fluttershy, so here she is trying to get me in one too." "And did get you in one," Rainbow reminded her. "See? It fits you perfectly! Now all we need to do is get Luna in one. I bet you it will be really fun. I found these dresses in some of Rarity's stuff when she wasn't looking. She. Made. Ten of them. I think she was expecting me to rip them off. Oh, that reminds me! Cadance, we're trying to make Celestia a lot more fun. Scootaloo called her Grandma and said that she's not fun. And Mom's really bummed out about it. So we're trying to get her fun." "What?" Cadance asked playfully in disbelief. "No! Aunt Celestia's fun in her own special kind of way. Her and Twilight get along great." "Twilight is more fun," Rainbow deadpanned. "Even when she's like doing her nerd thing, at least some of it makes me laugh, no offense mom. All you have to do is get somepony to laugh and you've just become fun. But you're like...." She leaned in close to Celestia's ear and whispered, "How old are you again?" Celestia rolled her eyes and answered, "Five thousand twenty four." "Wait, really?" They both asked. "Yes. Luna is five thousand twenty. We do not like to celebrate birthdays, so we do not bring it up." "Even Luna?!" Rainbow asked. "The fun one doesn't celebrate birthdays?!" "I'll have you know—" Cadance and Rainbow jumped and turned around where Princess Luna was standing firm, glaring at them. "That even though we do not have a birthday party, thy birthday is amazing thanks to what thou give our sister." Celestia nodded and walked over to the bride. "It's true. Cadance you look fantastic. Shining Armor may want to have foals right after this." Cadance's face went from pride to shock while Rainbow Dash stared in surprise. Then started guffawing. "C-Celestia! Don't worry about what we'll be doing after the wedding," Cadance responded with a blush. "Oh, I am not. Because I already know. Lots and lots of—Hey, come back! I am only kidding Cadance, come back here." Cadance quickly walked out the door of the room with a bright red face. She turned a corner and took a deep breath with her eyes closed. Rainbow Dash fell on the floor, laughing her flank off. "Hiya, Cadance!" Cadance opened her eyes and looked down at Scootaloo who was waving a hoof at her, gracing her with a grin. She was surrounded by five of Rainbow Dash's guards, including the strange one with a scar over one of her eyes who was right beside the filly and looking around cautiously. Scootaloo was wearing a smaller version of the outfits Rainbow and Celestia were wearing. A red dress with small gems around the high neckline. Cadance smiled back and looked down at Scootaloo. Then greeted, "Hello, Scootaloo. How are you? Are you enjoying yourself?" "Yep! I've never been around the castle before! I should've brought my scooter. Can you imagine everything I can do in here? So many tricks. Mother won't allow me to ride my scooter inside, she says I have to do it outside." "Yes, it wouldn't be safe to ride that inside. Do you like my dress?" Cadance turned around and showed it to the group. "Eh, Too girly," she responded. "But I guess if you like it, I like it too." The guards around her smirked at Cadance and she hummed in return, silently chuckling. "You're an adorable one. Do you want to help me get Aunt Luna in a dress?" "Great Aunt Luna? Definitely! Come on, guard guys!" She waved her hoof behind her to the guards before following Cadance back to the closed bedroom door. "Are you seriously that old?" Rainbow asked Luna. "I thought you were at least a hundred something." "I am flattered that you think that way of me," Luna deadpanned before the door was thrust open catching all of their attention. "Alright, Great Aunt Luna!" Scootaloo yelled. "It's dress time! Mother we need to put Great Aunt Luna in a dress! The wedding starts in two hours!" Rainbow blinked at Scootaloo then turned back to Luna. Looking her up and down, she smiled. "Oh yeah. You're the only one in here without a dress on. Mom? Now you can be fun. Help me put this dress—" Rainbow reached behind one of the privacy screens and pulled out the same style dress as the rest of them. "—on Luna, and you pass the first exam in the How To Be Fun...lesson class." One of the guards shook his head while the others just stared at her. "What, I haven't been to school in years, I don't remember this." "It's called courses," Celestia clarified. "Yeah, well you read through education stuff daily I bet. I don't, I read through nature stuff." "Maybe I should send some your way?" "A-Alright, Luna! time's up!" Rainbow yelled, successfully dodging Celestia's little threat. "It's time—" She flared the dress out and squinted her eyes at Luna. "—for the dress." Luna stared back at the group with a nonchalant expression. "There is absolutely no way, you are putting that on me." Five Minutes Later Celestia let Luna go from her magical grip. Then the Princesses all stepped back to look at Luna, who was successfully wearing the red dress. Luna was standing frozen with twitching eyes. "I...cannot...believe this," she muttered. "Yeah, it doesn't do too good with your dark color," Rainbow replied. "We may have to dye you or something." "No." Af\ter another hour the ceremony was scheduled to start in another building in Canterlot. There was a route created for the royals of Equestria in a parade-like fashion. With Shining Armor in the front and his family, then the Princesses with Cadance. Shining was in the front so he didn't have to see Cadance in her dress. Everyone else was already there at the wedding hall. Waiting for the groom to arrive. The people of Canterlot and some more parts of Equestria were waiting for them along the sidewalk. Talking, eating drinking, and celebrating. Until some of the guards stationed outside the castle gates blew on horns to announce the departure. Outside the castle and inside the gates, Twilight hopped into the large chariot in the front seat with her brother, giving him a knowing smile. After settling down, he looked over and lost his grin. Twilight was giving him that look again. "...what?" He asked suspiciously. Twilight pouted and shook her head. "Oh, nothing. Just...be careful with her tonight. Don't hurt yourself." "What are you talking..." His eyes widened and he gasped, "Twily! That is my business!" He replied with a red face. "I know, but you don't want to break anything. So be careful on your honeymoon, okay?" She warned, genuinely concerned. "....yeah, okay." The chariot started to move towards the gates while the parents were in the back laughing. In the chariot behind them were Rainbow Dash and her family, waiting for the go ahead. And behind them were the princess of the hour with Celestia and Luna, present in a chariot that had a clear tent. Celestia and Luna were in the front corners of it while Cadance was under the tent. In the spectrum themed chariot, Rainbow was on the right and Fluttershy was on the left. And Scootaloo was on the top of Rainbow's head, hyperactive as ever. Rainbow Dash really regrets hoofing her some of that cake this morning as a wakeup call. "Ooohhh, I see the cameras! I see the lights! I see the action!" Scootaloo cheered aloud as she stood on the top of Rainbow's head with her mouth open in a grin. "I'm gonna do a little dance, a little wave here, a little wave there, then another dance..." Fluttershy shared a glance with Rainbow Dash who glanced back and smirked before the cart started moving. Scootaloo lost her balance a little but held on as the chariot came out of the tunnel and through the gates filled with the cheering and picture taking. Sure enough, Scootaloo started doing what she said she would. A little wave here, a little wave there then she stood up on two hooves and did a little dance on Rainbow's head. Rainbow Dash sighed, but kept a sharp lookout. She had a bad feeling. Just like Celestia said earlier, they were exposed in front of a lot of ponies. All of the Royalty's guards were stationed across the city, but there were still openings. "Oh yeah! Uh huh!" Scootaloo cheered as she danced on the top of Rainbow's head. "Sweetheart, get down from the top of your mother's head," Fluttershy instructed. Scootaloo grumbled but did as asked and got on her mom's back between her wings. While Fluttershy was talking Rainbow Dash happened to look up in the sky and spot a small dot right over the road. There wasn't supposed to be any ponies over the street, no matter the height. It was just floating there. "FOR THE POWER!!" Somepony yelled, getting her attention. The royalty looked around in confusion, and the guards got their weapons. Suddenly, a bunch of ponies strode out from the crowd, jumping over the fences and such before they morphed into some black creatures that Rainbow Dash had never seen before. Thinking quickly, Rainbow, lit her horn and threw her hooves to both sides, summoning the spell. The air on both sides of the chariot suddenly turned into giant walls of ice, leading the creatures to slam into it and fall harmlessly to the ground. The innocent ponies started screaming and running around while the guards quickly rushed towards the chariots to create a protective barrier. Rainbow jumped out the chariot with Luna and Celestia. Then ordered her guards, "Get everyone to the wedding hall and lock it down tight! No one in or out!" Special Agent Sweetie Drops saluted and ran with the rest of the guards to the wedding hall. Fluttershy grabbed Scootaloo and tucked her between her legs as they quickly cruised along, bouncing along the concrete and cobblestones. Along the way, Scootaloo happened to look down another street to see a horde of those creatures running straight for them. She screamed, grabbing Fluttershy's attention. They jumped at the chariot and a few of them attempted to grab Scootaloo but were swatted away by the guard. And actually bucked in the face by Fluttershy. "STAY AWAY FROM MY DAUGHTER!!" She yelled, surprising Scootaloo as she got deep underneath Fluttershy's barrel. The chariot did some type of turn, nearly throwing her off before it parked in front of the wedding hall. Fluttershy reached under her and grabbed Scootaloo by the teeth Then tossed her up onto her back before jumping off and making her way quickly towards the wedding hall with Special agent Sweetie Drops and a few other ponies, including the guards. She quickly rushed inside and was immediately bombarded with a few guards, asking her questions and looking her over while the other guards shut and locked the doors behind her. Ignoring them, she took Scootaloo off her back and started turning her this and that, looking her over. "Are you okay, Scootaloo?! Oh! Oh, I hope those mean bugs didn't bite you! Are you hurting anywhere?!" "Mom, put me down, I'm dizzy!" Scootaloo replied with swirling eyes. Fluttershy flipped her upside down to look under her dress just in case. Scootaloo gasped and immediately crossed and covered her legs. "MOM!!" Sighing in relief, Fluttershy softly let Scootaloo down before the filly quickly darted back underneath her legs. Once situated, Fluttershy walked towards the middle of the hall with Rainbow's guards where Cadance was being looked over by a nervous Twilight and citizens alike. Twilight lifted her wings and moved Cadance's head around. "Are you okay?! Did those things hurt you?!" "Twilight, I am super positive they didn't even notice me," Cadance replied blankly before she turned to the door. "I just hope the others are alright." Everyone else got quiet and turned towards the door, listening to the screams and yelling outside. Sweetie Drops was standing in the middle of a line of guards, all positioned directly in front of the bolt locked doors. Waiting for an intruder.