//------------------------------// // Chapter Seven: Aftermath // Story: As Hard As Velvet 2: The Battle Continues // by Stormbringer //------------------------------// Twilight Velvet, Twilight Glow, Moon Shadow and Dream Walker’s brother; Night Light along with General Moon Light and Princess Celestia were in Dream Walker’s room in the magic hospital at Canterlot Castle. A doctor was talking to everypony. “I’m sorry.” said the Doctor in a black Ψ Unit uniform. “her internal mind is there but the attack has scrambled any connection between her internal mind and her active mind. It’s going to take time for her to get through this… If ever. I’m sorry everypony.” The doctor left the room. “Lieutenant Colonel… Twilight,” said the general, “take as much time as you need, when ready, we’ll talk about new duties.” “Thank you, sir,” said Twilight. To his pleasant surprise, Twilight hugged the general, which he returned warmly. Then the general left. “Twilight,” said the princess, with some trepidation, “the general public and most of the Guard, outside the Ψ Unit believe Dream Walker is dead, there’ll be a funeral with full military honors. We’ll have to maintain this charade because of the possibility of threats to her life, which in her present state, she’s defenseless. And also for your safety. This includes any family that doesn’t know yet. Including any children that come along.” That last part had Twilight puzzled. “I can handle myself, Princess,” said Twilight. “I’m sure you can, but there’s another worry.” Said the princess, “her mind contacted me and explained everything. She wants to tell you while she can. Unfortunately, lucid moments will be few and far between for a while at first. Twilight, if there’s anything in my power to do to help you, let me know.” The princess was heard in Twilight mind, as she hugged her student: ‘Remember that this is her idea.’ Then the princess left after telling the rest of the family that they needed to let Twilight and Night Light have a moment with Dream Walker. Twilight held one of Dream’s hooves, her brother held the other. Dream was able to Ψ talk to them weakly. Night could ‘hear’ but he wasn’t able to respond. It was unnerving with Dream Walker laying there unresponsive and limp as if dead, but she could reach out with her Ψ. ‘Twilight, my only love, I need to be sure that you’re protected until what time, if ever, I recover. And there’s only one pony I’d trust for that. My brother, Night Light, is a bit of a geek and he loves BINGO of all things. But he was always an intelligent, loving and faithful pony. Night, I’m trusting you to take care of my Twilight fully. I mean fully. This has all happened because ponies believe that she’ll have a foal that’ll thwart the return of Nightmare Moon. This is why I must remain listed as killed in action. There’re still ponies out there that believe this as well. That way there’ll be one less weapon they could use against Equestria and especially, against My Little Vixen. I’m counting on you to help. Don’t be shocked, either of you. I might as well be dead, that’s what they want ponies to believe. And there’s no guarantee that I’ll make it back. I love you two so much. Understand, Night, I don’t mean for you to just try to jump in the sack with her right away. She’s a soldier and would tear your body and mind apart if you tried anything that wasn’t consensual. But I know you wouldn’t do anything like that.’ Twilight could tell it was getting harder for Dream to continue. ‘Take your time to get to know each other. If things happen Twilight, remember that he is the same as my blood so if you have a foal, it might as well be my foal. Night, can you give my wife and me a minute?’ Night Light wasn’t able to respond with his mind, but he let go of Dream’s hoof, kissed his sister and left the room. ‘My Little Vixen,’ thought Dream, ‘as odd as that sounded, the princess believes the prophesy. I’ve found that if the princess is worried, then Equestria should worry.’ ‘I’ve found that too,’ thought Twilight. ‘Always remember that it really is alright for you to be with my brother… Even to be in love with him.’ ‘I’ll do my best,’ thought Twilight. ‘I feel like I’m going to need rest soon, so let me get you to promise me two things.’ ‘What are those, my Dream Lover,’ ‘First, no matter what, or how long, never forget me.’ ‘Never, my only love.’ ‘Second, if you do truly have the daughter foretold… Name her, Twilight… After my greatest love………’ Dream Walkers mind went silent. Twilight could feel her there, but it was as if her mind was asleep or just out of reach. Twilight cried hard for a time, just holding Dream Walker’s hoof. In the waiting area, everypony saw Twilight leave Dream’s room. “Is… Is she?” asked Twilight Glow. “She’s resting,” said Twilight getting control of herself. “Now what?” asked Moon Shadow. “We go on with our lives. We live and love and be happy for Dreamy. That’s what she wants.” “Let’s go to the rooms the princess has provided for now,” said the mother, “you need rest, Velvet.” “I’ll be along,” said Velvet. “Night Light is taking me to get something to eat. We have a lot to talk about.” Night Light’s ears perked up. “We’ll see everypony soon,” said Twilight as she and her wife’s brother walked down the hall that led to the outside. In the present… The ponies opened their eyes, tears streaming down the cheeks of mother and daughter. “The day you discovered my past at Canterlot Castle, was the day I’d just received clearance, because of Dream’s recovery, to tell ponies about Dream Walker. I’m so glad that they did,” said Velvet in tears. “So am I, mom,” said Sparkle hugging her mother tightly, “and don’t tell me this time that ‘it’s just water under the bridge’. “No Honey,” said Velvet, “this time, it isn’t.” After several minutes, the two Twilights went and joined the family in the library. Everypony looked at them, but Sparkle went straight to Dream Walker and hugged her tightly. “I love my noble and heroic mom so much,” said Twilight. “I love you so much,” said Dream Walker. After composing herself, Twilight nodded to AJ. They stood together, gave a quick kiss and then announced: “Family,” said Twilight, “AJ and I have decided that it’s time that we got married.” The family cheered. “We have a couple of questions for everypony: Dad, we both would like you to give us away.” “My honor,” said Night Light. “Starlight,” said Twilight, “would you be my best mare?” “Yes,” said Starlight in a squeaky voice, she never thought anypony would think that highly of her. “Apple Bloom,” said AJ, “Ah’d really love it if ya were my best mare,” “Really?” said Apple Bloom excited, “sis Ah’d love to do that!” “Our friends will fill other positions, and perhaps Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo would be ring bearers,” said Twilight. “But that leaves just one more thing,” said AJ. Applejack walked over to Dream Walker. Then taking her hoof said: “Because my parents have passed and Twilight happens to has a ‘spare’. Would ya honor me by standing in as my mother of the bride?” Three moons later… The throne room of Canterlot Castle was packed. Because it was a Royal Wedding and the Coronation of the Princess Consort, there was Guard in the traditional red and white uniforms and ones in the black Special Ψ Unit uniforms lined the aisle facing inward. To signal all was ready, the mothers of the brides were seated, which is usually a quiet affair. But not for two mothers of their rank. Shining Armor opened the doors and announced: “Troops, Attention!” The Guard snapped to attention with a thunder of stomping hooves. A military band then played single ‘ruffles and flourishes’ for the Brigadier General then after a pause they played five for the Field Marshal. Starlight Glimmer and Apple Bloom were resplendent in their gowns by Rarity as they escorted the mothers to their place. But the two older mares out showed them in full Special Ψ Unit dress uniforms with their rank, medals and decorations shining brightly. The band then played the Equestria National Anthem: Equestria, The Land I Love. As they proceeded forward, Starlight and Apple Bloom were almost intimidated by these martial ponies. Especially with the troops saluting as they passed. Instead of being seated they stayed at attention until the National Anthem was finished. Then they bowed low to the three princesses on the dais then took their seats. “As you were!” called Shining. After the bridesmaids went forward and took their places, the brides and their escort appeared at the open door and the well-known bridal march played. When they reached the front, Night Light kissed the cheeks of both mares and handed their hooves to the other. Then the two advanced up the dais and bowed low before the three princesses. It was hard to tell who of the five on the dais was smiling larger. “Be seated everypony,” said Cadence. “My beloved subjects,” said Luna, “what my sister is about to ask is the most important words two ponies can ever pledge. And I can’t think of two ponies that were made for each other more than the two before us. They have faced good times and bad, and it has only made their bond stronger. Now along with the blessings of the Princess of Equestria, I, the Princess of the Night do give my personal blessing for the oldest and most important ritual of the night: that of love. My sister?” “Princess Twilight Sparkle has been my student, protégé and mostly my friend since she was a filly. She has all my trust and all my love. Applejack Apple has been the touchstone of honesty and forthrightness of a circle of friends the like most ponies’ wish they had. Both of these ponies have assisted in saving all three Princesses before you, Equestria and the world itself. I can’t think of a better pair of ponies to be joined.” The princess paused then looked at Twilight: "So I’m honored to ask: Princess Twilight Sparkle, will you have this mare to be your wedded wife, to live together after the ordinance of the Crown in the Blessed Estate of Matrimony? Will you love her? Comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others keep you only unto her as long as you both shall live?" Twilight took AJ’s right hoof in hers and looked her lover in the eyes. "In the name of the Crown, I, Princess Twilight Sparkle, take you, Applejack Apple, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow." Tears were playing at Twilight and Applejack’s eyes. Then the princess looked to Applejack: "Applejack Apple, will you have this mare to be your wedded wife, to live together after the ordinance of the Crown in the Blessed Estate of Matrimony? Will you love her? Comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others keep you only unto her as long as you both shall live?" "In the name of the Crown, Ah, Applejack Apple, take ya, Princess Twilight Sparkle, to be my wife, to have an’ to hold from this day for’d, fer better, fer worse, fer richer, fer poorer, in sickness an’ health, to love an’ to cherish, ’til we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow." “The rings please,” said the princess smiling. Twilight took the ring from Scootaloo; Applejack took the ring from Sweetie Belle. “Rings are a symbol of the love and the promise of marriage. They have no beginning or end. And so the rings are given as a sign and a pledge of your love for all time” said the princess. “Twilight, place the ring on Applejack and repeat, ‘With this ring, I thee wed’.” “With this ring, I thee wed,” said Twilight placing the ring on Applejack's left forehoof. “Applejack, place the ring on Twilight and repeat, ‘With this ring, I thee wed’.” “With this ring, Ah thee wed,” said Applejack as she placed the ring on Twilight's wing. “Can anypony give good reason why these two ponies should not be married?” said Celestia. The brides, the friends and even the princesses looked at Rarity. Mostly as a joke because of the grousing she’d been doing about Applejack becoming a princess. “What?” said Rarity quietly. No other sound from that gathering. “Hearing none, then in the name of the Crown and our August Selves,” said the three princesses together, “we pronounce you wed. You may kiss your bride.” There were cheers and applause but neither Applejack nor Twilight heard. They only heard their hearts beating as one. “May I be the first to introduce Mrs. Twilight and Mrs. Applejack Sparkle. The princesses smiled at the couple. Twilight nodded to proceed. “Applejack Sparkle,” said Celestia, Applejack’s heart leapt at the name, “kneel before us.” Applejack knelt down. “Princess Twilight?” said Celestia. With her magic, Twilight took the tiara from Sweetie Belle’s cushion and placed it on Applejack’s head. “I, Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship, hereby name you, my beloved wife as Princess Consort. Rise and be recognized.” There was great cheering as the wedding party exited. The brides stopped and took the mothers by the hoof and exited with them. After the reception, Dream Walker and Twilight Velvet took the newlyweds aside before they were to depart for their honeymoon… “We have a gift for you,” said Dream, “it was something we’d been given years ago, but we never decided the right time to use it, before it was too late for us.” Twilight Velvet levitated a scroll to the younger mares. They opened it, Applejack didn’t understand it. But Princess Twilight did. “Mom!” said Twilight Sparkle, “I thought this spell was a legend.” “No legend,” said Twilight Velvet, “it is real. Princess Celestia was the pony that gave it to us.” “What is it, Sugar Cube?” asked AJ. “It’s a difficult, two part spell. The first part makes a mare extra fertile,” said Dream. Applejack raised an eyebrow. “What good is that fer us?” asked AJ. “The second part,” said Twilight Velvet, still talking to Applejack but looking at Twilight Sparkle, “temporally changes a Unicorn (or Alicorn) mare’s genitals to fully functional male.” Twilight and Applejack looked in astonishment at the older mares. “You don’t think that we only want grandfoals from Shining and Cadence, do you?” asked the mothers together. “And it’s your duty to carry on the Twilight name,” said Velvet. “Talk it out after the honeymoon,” said Dream. “We’ll help anyway we can,” said Twilight Velvet, kissing the younger mares. “But don’t wait too long, like we did,” said Dream, kissing them as well. The newlyweds just looked at each other and grinned.