//------------------------------//
// Today Is The Day, United In Love 
// Story: Dear Maria, 
// by CalmHeart 
//------------------------------//

Dear Maria,

Hi! Guess what today is?

Our wedding day?

That's right Shady! Ooh I'm so excited! We have so much to do!

Yeah.

So much so, we're gonna have to tell you more later. Let's get to it!

Today's a busy day. I'm what Pinkie's called "nervoucited", both nervous and excited. I have a few last minute things I want to do, and plenty to recap over. When the day is done, I'll be glad to share it with my one and only.

Thank you. Love, your brother,

Shadow the Hedgehog



Shadow really wasn't expecting to do this. But he had to cut the faker some slack, he had done many things to gain Shadow's respect over the years.

And really, besides Silver and Omega, he was someone Shadow could ask this favor from.

This was a few days before the wedding.

On Mobius...

Shadow was running along the sidewalk on a slow day, mid-morning. He was searching for someone. Shadow suddenly caught a glimpse of the blue blur, and headed towards him. Shadow cought Sonic running along the beach.

He ran up beside. "Sonic, I need to talk to you."

Sonic chuckled. "Sure. After I see if you can still match me in a race."

"Sonic-"

Before Shadow could object, Sonic boosted forward, running towards an abandoned pier. Shadow sighed, but followed after, gaining ahead a little from Sonic. Sonic matched him, and the small race consisted mostly of matching speeds and dodging obstacles.

The race ended at the end of the pier, Sonic barely managing to keep steady against the edge of the pier.
"Yep, you still got it."

Shadow sighed begrudgingly as Sonic walked over to Shadow. "Okay Sonic, can I talk?"

Sonic chuckled, resting his arms behind his head. "Nobody was stopping you."

"Sonic, this is serious. Take me seriously."

Sonic immediately did, and dropped his arms. He didn't let his smile leave however. "Ok Mr. Serious. What's up?"

Shadow elaborated. "Pinks and I's wedding is coming up soon. And with that, I was thinking of who would stand with me while at the alter."

Sonic's smile grew a little, before sinking into a small one. That's when the realization hit.

Shadow sighed slightly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I can't believe I'm asking this, but would you like to be my best man?"

Sonic was surprised, and even a little flattered at his asking. He was silent for a good long second. But he quickly regained composure and chuckled. "Of course I will! And let me guess, Silver's up there too?"

Shadow nodded simply. "I can trust you two."

Sonic smiled lightly, turning back to look at the ocean.
"Glad to hear so."



Wedding Day...

Busy. If there was one word to describe today, it would be busy. The wedding was scheduled for late afternoon, and everypony was scrambling.

The Cakes (and the Apple family) were baking/cooking like crazy for the reception, Twilight managing seating arrangements and the guest list, which for an event hosted by Pinkie, was a lot of ponies. (and other creatures too! maybe some from different franchises, ooo) The ceremony would be held at the park, and the reception at the Friendship Castle.

Right now, Pinkie was on her way from the wedding seating to Carousel Boutique, as Rarity was the one putting the finishing touches on Pinkie's dress, and Shadow's suit. As Pinkie entered, she found Rarity scrambling as well. She was running around busily, adding details to numerous dresses and tuxedos.

Pinkie waved, trying to get her attention. "Rarity, Rarity I'm here!"

Rarity heard her voice and blinked once, finally seeing Pinkie Pie standing at the doorway. "Oh! Hello Pinkie, sorry I didn't see you there."

Pinkie looked around at all the sowed clothing covering the front of the store. "Wow! You have so many orders to make!"

Rarity nodded and turned around, adding a small jewel to Rouge's dress. "Well besides you and Shadow's attire, I took charge for the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and just a few days ago Sonic and Silver came in here asking for suits as the best stallion- I mean men!" She quickly corrected herself and trotted over to RD's dress.

"It looks like you could use some help!" Pinkie stated chipper, picking up a roll of sowing thread and appearing next to Rarity. Rarity smiled, but took the thread away from her with magic.

"How honorable for you to offer Pinkie, but this is your wedding, I have to refuse help from the bride and groom."

Pinkie quirked a brow with a lighthearted expression. "And who said I couldn't help you?"

Rarity sighed sharply, setting aside the now finished dress, her glasses starting to slip to the tip of her nose. "Pinkie, I-"

"I think I can help with the finishing details."

Rarity recognized the smooth and sultry voice. She turned her head to the door to see Rouge fly in and land. Rarity pushed her glasses back onto her face, surprised to see her. "Rouge! I wasn't expecting you to arrive so soon. The wedding's not until later today."

Rouge came over to the two mares, noting the formal wears. "I figured you'd need some help, and I would love to assist."

Rarity exhaled hard and sharply with relief, smiling and pointing to some other attire with her needle. "Alright, start on the bridesmaid dress for Amy, then work on Tails' suit."

Rouge smirked, walking over to them.
"And yours of course." It wasn't clear if she was talking about Rarity or Pinkie.

Pinkie chuckled knowingly. "Well that sorted itself out didn't it Rarity?"

Rarity felt a weight off of her shoulders and nodded in honesty.

"I guess it did Pinkie. We've got this here, why don't you go over to see how the food's going? You can come try on your dress afterwards."

Pinkie was already trotting towards the door. "Shady's got that! I'll check up on Vinyl and Octavia with the music!"

"Wishing you some good luck Pinks." Rouge bid some parting words to the mare as she began to bounce.

"Thanks Rouge!"



"We've got cupcakes, cookies, pies.."

Mr. Cake and Applejack were going over the food items with Shadow as they walked around the outside of Sugarcube Corner. There were lines upon lines of food being made, prepared, and presented. Shadow was looking at the lot as they walked past.

"Uh huh, what's not a dessert going on the concessions table?"

Applejack took a look at the list she has holding in her hat. "Well, besides the formal supper scheduled for this evening, Fluttershy and Discord are making cucumber sandwiches, they'll be salads, crackers, Sonic apparently fought tooth and nail for a generous helping of "Chili dogs" to be with the concessions."

Shadow nodded, then smirked. "Okay, alright. Heh, he just can't go one event without having a chili dog in hand."

Mr. Cake wavered the concerns with a hoof, pointing around him as evidence.

"No need to worry, we've got a variety, without the intention of filling anyone up."

Shadow tapped a hand on the side of his forehead, then holding it out as a gesture.
"Of course, we have to save room for the, main course."
He heard somepony groan at the joke, and another laugh.

"Did you just make a pun?" Applejack witnessed.

Shadow let a small chuckle slip. "It was too obvious to ignore."

Mr. Cake urged them inside the Sugarcube kitchen from the back door.
"Then I'd think you'd like what me and Ms. Cake have been working on for the multi-layered wedding cake."

Shadow and Applejack entered the kitchen, and saw the eloquent dessert. Applejack let out an audible gasp, while Shadow looked impressed.

It was a three tier black and pink cake with gold trim, with blue and white fondant/icing/frosting flowers. Ms. Cake was fitting on a pale blue rose near the top. On the top was a figure of a blue balloon tethered to a golden ring.

"Well if that ain't the most beautiful pastry I've seen in my life." Applejack complemented, looking up to Ms. Cake. She finished positioning the flower, and stepped down from her step ladder.
"It's almost done. Just a few more flowers to add."

"You've two done it again." Shadow admired the married couple's hard work as always as the Cakes took a step back to look at the product.

"Who thought of the centerpiece?" AJ asked curiously.

Shadow answered that.
"Me and Pinkie thought of it together. Then we asked Maud if she and her sister Limestone could sculpt a figure out of light rock, and they did. We painted them well and gave them to Ms. Cake to use."

"They fitted well with the vision we had for the cake." Mr. Cake put a hoof around Ms. Cake as she smiled.

"It's beautiful seeing how far you two have come."

Shadow looked away, smiling slightly. "It feels like it's been an eternity."

"Yet it's only been a few years."



The music was on point with Pinkie standards, and everything seemed to be going on schedule. This was going to be the biggest wedding event Equestria had seen, besides the bondage between Cadence and Shining Armor.

It was a few hours before everyone had to start getting ready, so Pinkie quickly took a stop at the Friendship Castle to snack on a hay slider.

Shadow came into the castle looking for her and found Pinkie staring at the portal to Mobius/Earth while finishing the last bite of the slider. He smiled, walking up to her. She heard his footsteps.

"Has it gotten to you yet?"

Pinkie shook her head. "Nope! Even with all the business going on right now, it's not stressed me out."

Shadow came to stand next to her. "Good to know."

Pinkie smirked turning to him.
"What about you?"

Shadow scoffed playfully. "Oh please, this doesn't even compare to the craziness of a busy GUN office."

The two shared a laugh, a quick moment of relaxation.

"They'll be arriving soon." Shadow abruptly broke the silence.

"Yeah, around anytime now actually." Pinkie noted the time.

Shadow turned to Pinkie.
"I wanted to give you something before the wedding starts."

"Oh?" Pinkie was interested.

Shadow handed her a picture of him and Maria before the raid, they were studying constellations in this one.

"Maria said to give it to you."

Pinkie gasped, and looked at the picture with some awe.
"Happy times..." She smiled small.

"Conciser it your wedding gift from Maria." Shadow's features lit up as he watched Pinkie hold the picture to her heart.

"One memory holds a well of endless hope."

The two simply smiled at each other. Pinkie put the picture in her hair. Shadow gestured to her.
"You should go on ahead to Carousel Boutique, I'll be there with the hedgehogs in a little bit."

Pinkie didn't object and turned to walk out.



'Okay..'

Shadow was taking in some big breaths while looking at himself in the mirror.

He was wearing a white tux with a crimson red dress shirt and golden highlights on the collar, arms, torso, and waist. Black bowtie. Pressed black dress pants.

'Calm yourself...'

He took in another inhale and closed his eyes. He was in the Friendship Castle.

Sonic, Silver, and Rouge entered the room he was in, and Sonic ran up behind him.
"How you feeling Shadz?"

Sonic's abrupt presence slightly startled him.
"Ah! Sonic! It's not very polite to sneak up like that."

Sonic chuckled as Shadow turned to see whom was in the room. Sonic, Silver, and Rouge were in their attire. Both the hedgehogs were wearing white tuxedos.

"Got the wedding jitters?" Sonic asked with a playful smile.

Shadow rolled his eyes.

"You're not getting cold feet are you?" Silver asked, recalling what he's heard about wedding jitters.

Shadow shook his head, confused as to why he said so. "What, no. Just a little mixed."

"So you are anxious." Rouge smirked, walking up to Shadow.

Shadow sighed, and relented. "Yeah, well, maybe a little bit."

Silver smiled and put a hand on his shoulder, turning them back to the mirror. "Well of course you're going to feel a little nervous, most grooms and brides do."

Shadow glanced at Silver's hand, then away from the group.

"It's just-"
He paused and gazed into the mirror.

"I never thought I would ever be getting married. I always thought, that because of who I am, and what I do, falling in love would be impossible. A determent even."

He closed his eyes, then opened them again, allowing a small smile to show.

"I'm very glad to be wrong."

Silver grinned at his words. "You should use that in your vows."

Shadow smirked. "I already have something cooked up for that."

Sonic put a hand on Shadow's other shoulder now, testing him.
"You're very lucky Shadow."

Shadow silently sighed, but let it slide as Rouge took a turn to speak.

"To have found somebody that loves you as much as you love them."



The audience was forming, it was time for the ceremony. The groomsmen (Sonic, Silver, Omega, Tails, Knuckles) and bridesmaids (Main 6, Amy, Rouge) stood near the alter.

Cadence was going to be the proprietor of the ceremony and stood in the middle of the alter.

Shadow stood to the left of Cadence, taking in silent, long breaths through his nose. It's been leading up to this. He glanced to his side, seeing his friends give smiles of encouragement. He nodded slightly as the music played, and he looked to the isle.

Flower pedals were thrown by the CMC and Cream the Rabbit (by Shadz request), behind them, was Pinkie Pie in her wedding dress.

It was a fluffy light pink and white dress, with sky blue and light lemon yellow curves complementing her curve. Her mane had a lot more curls in it than usual, and a cupcake earpiece holding the vale on her head. If you looked at the dress long enough, you would see imprints of balloons, sweets, and a couple of rings. She wore the necklace Shadow had given her when they first had to say goodbye.

She joined him at the alter, and when the music ended, Cadence started speaking.

"Fillies and gentlecolts, mares and stallions, and many other creatures alike, we are gathered here in harmony today to celebrate the unity of two different beings, two different worlds, brought together by trust, faith, and a few coincidences. "
"There's no denying the unorthodox happening into their lives, and it has been one of challenges, struggles, and triumphs."

As Cadence spoke, Shadow and Pinkie kept their eyes on each other, taking in the love and aspiration shining bright in their irises. Shadow stared at her longingly, memorizing the details to her face, her stare. Pinkie shared the deep and long gaze, getting lost in his ruby red eyes, floating in the moment.
They could hear Cadence speaking, but paid attention only as much as they needed to.

The mid summer sun was shimmering down on the land of Equestria, the worlds watching in baited breath.

"Now, if you'd please exchange vows."

Shadow nodded, and smiled lightly at Pinkie. "I know you like surprises, so my vows come to you in the form of a poem."

Pinkie smiled long, eyes attentive, excited, and appreciative.

He took in a deep breath, and began.

...

"His Vows"

Before I met you

I wasn't sure of what I needed, you see everything was fine enough on the path I have chosen to walk, but something was missing.

And then I met you.

In the beginning, I wasn't sure.

But when I held your light, a light I hadn't held in the palms of my shattered and fragile hands since that one dreadful day:

I realized that you were here to stay.

To take up my heart and my head in all the best ways possible.

You gave your laughter, your sweetness, your mirth, to me without even having to try.

And now, I give that to you.

My most sensitive pieces, you hold them gently, close to your heart, allowing them to blossom and bloom in full view of those who I would have never shown-

If it wasn't for you.

And for that, I pledge my heart and soul to you, an undying love that will live on after the sweet milk honey moments damper and life becomes mellow.

I know we will chase dreams

I want you to be soothed when the hard times thunder over and beat down on you, on us

I can't describe the correct words for how I feel about you; and I know you are the same.

I will, through life, death, sickness, health. For as long as I live, and for long after the serenity and bittersweet conclusions hush the world to sleep.

...
Once again, Shadow had stunned his friends and crowds. The poem was a heartwarming one, and really touched everyone gathered for this ceremony. Pinkie was tearing up, overflowing with happiness and gratitude.

It was now her turn to speak, and she chuckled, blinking the tears away.

"You know, in the beginning, when I first met you, it was like any other start for a friendship; to make a new friend, and to keep them smiling. What I didn't expect was for you to grow on me. To stick out so much, even when saying nothing at all. I want to thank you for coming out of your shell, for showing me the real you. And I too, will love you with all my heart and soul, the world watching, through sickness and health, through life and long after death.. a death I know that won't be bothering us for decades to come. And while my words may be simple and sweet, you especially know of their sincerity. I have hope for the laughter in our future."

Shadow smiled softly at her words and looked shyly at her. She was right after all.

Candace smiled, and nodded her head slightly.

"Shadow the hedgehog, do you take Pinkamena Diane Pie as your lawfully wedded wife?"

There was no doubt about it.

"I do."

She asked Pinkie the same.

"And do you, Pinkamena Diane Pie, take Shadow the hedgehog as your lawfully wedded husband?"

She closed her eyes with a large smile.

"I do!"

Candace looked to the ring bearer(s), who happened to be Pound and Pumpkin Cake.

"The rings, please?" Candace beckoned.

They walked over to Shadow and Pinkie with the pillow holding the rings on their heads.
Shadow picked up the ring on the string, and placed it over Pinkie's neck. Pinkie picked up the other ring and slid it on to his gloved left hand.

Cadence made her gorn glow to officialize the bond.

"It is done. I wish the longest lasting and happiest love for your future going forward. I now pronounce you husband and wife!"

Shadow held onto Pinkie and dipped her, ending the ceremony with a passionate kiss from the couple. Cheers and silent tears followed the effection, happiness filling the air.

And, one human girl was looking on, proud and honored.



The reception was a fun, filling, and slightly chaotic fashioned "Pinkie Party" and consisted of tears, jokes, romance, and admiration.

As the main 5 were cleaning up, Shadow and Pinkie took this time to go cuddle under a tree, watching the sunset.

"Hey Pinks?" Shadow looked down to her. She looked back up at him.

"Yeah Shady?"

He took a pause for thought.
"I think... no, I know... you're my soulmate."

Pinkie giggled lightly, nuzzling his chest fur.
"Hey, I was going to say that."

He let out a breath, setting his head on hers.

"Good."

The sunset colors stretched across the sky, awaiting for another new day in their lives.





"I'm happy for you Shadow. Take care."