//------------------------------//
// Chapter 15 
// Story: Flurry Heart's Story: My Big Fat Pink Wedding 
// by AleximusPrime 
//------------------------------//

After Chrysalis’s sentence, everyone in the wedding immediately started setting up a new one.  They used the same field Night Shade’s concert was held in a few weeks prior. Pinkie wanted the dragons and others that helped fight the changelings to be able to see her get married, so she suggested they have the new wedding take place outside where there’d be more room. Even King Smite and Queen Chara were able to watch from just outside of the zone the wedding was taking place in and would be joining them at the reception.  Tons of citizens that weren’t even involved in the wedding before pitched in to help get decorations, equipment and other necessary supplies to make it all possible.  They had just enough time to do it since the battle took place in the morning and ended before noon.  The wedding would be a bit rushed and finish later than originally planned, but everyone had no problem going later into the night for the reception.  The recreational center was clear of any damage, so the reception didn’t need anything changed and the cake and everything inside was still intact.  
Pinkie’s dress thankfully hadn’t been touched since Chrysalis used her powers to appear to be wearing one while in disguise.  Rarity left the real dress in Carousel Theater before she was abducted, so she rushed quickly to retrieve it.  Even Pinkie’s ring necklace that Chrysalis had previously worn was recovered by one of her clones that grabbed it before the town hall was demolished.  Cheese had to have his suit replaced since it was scuffed up during the battle, but Rarity had one lying around that fit him just right and let him have it for free.  Other members of the wedding were able to get their clothes replaced with Rarity’s help and several other designers in town.
While the wedding was being prepared, the Ponyville townsfolk continued moving back in to their homes and cleaning up.  Some houses had been damaged badly during the invasion, but some of the dragons, changelings, and buffalos volunteered to help fix them. Tirek and Cozy Glow even helped out to show them they were willing to amend for their past crimes.  Although Discord’s powers would fix things much quicker, the villagers preferred to fix things the traditional way, so he refrained from doing so unless asked.  Pinkie and Cheese planned on using the Party Cannon for the reception, so Discord happily used his magic to repair it, much to their approval.  Discord even decided he would attend their wedding out of respect and to apologize for not being ready for the changelings.  Pinkie and Cheese bared no ill will towards him and were happy to let him attend.

The wedding was ready by mid afternoon and they started at four o’clock.  It began just how it did when the changelings were in control, though this time everyone noticed how different things were.  Scutellum had skipped through most of Twilight’s speech despite having her memories in his head.  This time, the real Twilight Sparkle was ready to give her speech and spoke with much more fervor.
“And I’ll never forget the day Cheese first came into her life. We were in the middle of planning Rainbow Dash’s birthday party and he arrived to Ponyville and volunteered to help out. Most of you might know they didn’t have the greatest first impression, but when it became clear to Pinkie that she was letting her pride get the best of her, she apologized and they made up. Believe it or not, Cheese actually told her that he first saw her years ago in Ponyville throwing a party.  She inspired him, and that’s how he got his cutie mark.  Now I didn’t want to say it at the time, but the moment we all realized these two had a connection, I had a feeling they’d totally get together.  Of course I’m not one to prod someone into a relationship, but I couldn’t have been any less ecstatic when I heard her say that she and Cheese had started dating.  And here we are now.  Two souls will be joined, and not even a changing invasion can stop them.  To Pinkie Pie, the first friend I met in Ponyville, you’ve found the perfect stallion and I’m so proud of you.  And Cheese Sandwich, I’ve got to say, every time I see my friend now, she’s more complete and happier than I’ve ever seen and that’s because you came into her life.  Take good care of her.  I know for a fact you two are going to throw the best parties Equestria has ever seen.”
Twilight bowed and the congregation clapped.  After the remarks, the they sang hymns and the ceremony started.  They lost the organ in the destruction of the town hall, so a nearby shop allowed Spike to borrow a piano to play for the wedding.  The bridesmares and groomstallions lined up on both sides of the altar as the piano began to play.  Flurry, Pumpkin and Annie stood in front of the floral entrance placed behind the seats, wearing their gowns and holding their baskets with flowers.  They waited until Cheese arrived to the altar.  They pranced down the aisle, waving the baskets around as the petals fell out.  Behind them, Igneous Rock Pie walked with his daughter’s hoof in his hand to escort her. They got to the altar and Igneous gave his daughter a hug.
“I’m so proud of you, Pinkamena,” he told her, fighting back his tears.
“Thanks, Daddy,” Pinkie replied.
Pinkie walked up to the altar and stood on the other side with Cheese facing her.  They smiled to each other and held hooves.  Cheese was not used to seeing her cry, but her eyes were a bit misty. He realized that Chrysalis did not do the same thing yesterday for obvious reasons.  This was just further confirmation that his real fiancé was here before him and this was a moment of true love.  Pinkie wiped away one of her tears and continued to smile.  She was even happier than she expected to be because of how well they pulled through with this wedding, despite the drastic setbacks. They both glanced to Twilight who smiled back at them.  Twilight then began the ritual.
“Dearly beloved, mares and gentlecolts; ponies and other creatures alike; those who were already part of this wedding and those who were invited after your display of courage earlier; we gather here today in harmony to witness and celebrate the union of Pinkamena Diane Pie and Cheese Sandwich in holy matrimony.  This is a sacred covenant, a lifelong commitment of love and support.  Graceful presence of Harmony, guide these two beautiful souls into a lifetime of joy and peace.  May nothing come between them.  At this time, I will take the rings.”
Pound cake stepped forward with the pillow and the ring on top of it.  Twilight used her magic to bring it over to Cheese, who then attached it around Pinkie’s neck. Another tear appeared in Pinkie’s eye, which Cheese wiped away for her.  She turned to Pound and gave a wink.  Pound winked back and stood next to Pumpkin.  Now Pinkie and Cheese were ready for the vows.
“Pinkamena Diane Pie, do you take Cheese Sandwich to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love and comfort, to honor and keep for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until you are parted by death?”
“I do,” Pinkie answered.
“Cheese Sandwich, do you take Pinkamena Diane Pie to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and comfort, to honor and keep for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until you are parted by death?”
“I do,” Cheese answered.
There was brief pause before Twilight continued.  Pinkie and Cheese continued to make eye contact. They had finally made their vows and were ready for the next step that would change everything for them.  Pinkie was a little nervous at first, but a feeling of courage came over her.  If they could get through a changeling invasion and still make this wedding possible, there was nothing that could stop her from living her life with Cheese Sandwich from here on out.  Cheese felt the same way and was ready to care for his bride.  They smiled and waited for Twilight.
“With the power invested in me, I now pronounce you mare and stallion.  You may kiss the bride.”
Everyone applauded loudly and stood up in unison.  Cheese carefully removed Pinkie’s vale.  They came together and kissed passionately as the cheering grew louder.  They both looked out to the audience and listened as Spike played the Wedding March song.  Finally they both walked down the stairs to the altar and rushed down the aisle.  Everyone continued to cheer and throw confetti and cupcakes that Pinkie caught with her tongue.  When they reached the exit of the seating area, a carriage was prepared for them.  Cheese opened the door and helped his bride into the carriage.  Some of the audience left their seats to wave after them. Pinkie looked out the window to see many familiar faces waving to her and blowing kisses.  She and Cheese put their hooves out and waved back.
“We did it, Flurry!” Pumpkin said, giving her friend a hug.
“We sure did!  I knew Queen Chrysalis couldn’t stop this wedding from happening!”

In less than an hour, everyone had already arrived at the rec center for the reception.  The rec center had an outdoor area with a dance floor and plenty of table space on the sides.  There was enough room for all the young dragons to watch safely and even walk onto the dance floor.  Everyone took time to sit down and wait until the rest of the wedding party was present and ready to eat.  They spent a half hour eating, and then came the speeches.  Pinkie and Cheese’s fathers gave their speeches, followed by Sans Smirk and Maud.  Sans Smirk broke character and bawled towards the end of his speech and even Maud herself shed some tears.
“Alright!  Get ready for the flower-toss, everybody!” Cheese called.
Pinkie stood up and turned around.  She then tossed the bouquet of flowers she had at the wedding. Several ladies in the audience put their hooves up to catch the flowers until Scorch dashed in front of them, completely unaware of the symbolism of the flower toss.
“HA!  Got em!” Scorch shouted.
“Nice catch,” Billow said, standing right next to him.
“Thanks!”
They both looked to the side to see Buttercream giggling behind her hands.
“What?” asked Scorch.
“Oh nothing…nothing…hehehe…” Buttercream said as she walked by, playfully.
Scorch and Billow watched Buttercream confusedly but just shrugged their shoulders.
“Alright everypony!” Pinkie called to them. “If you don’t mind clearing the dance floor, Cheese and I have a little something for you!”
DJ PON-3 walked in with a portable turntable and some loudspeakers.  She gave Pinkie and Cheese some microphones and they made their way to the center of the dance floor as everyone cleared out for them.  The murmuring died down as they spoke.
“First of all, thank you so much for your patience,” Cheese started saying. “I know it’s been kinda wacky getting this wedding put together at the last minute, but you were all so helpful, and I think it’s only fitting that my wife and I now sing you the song we were promising earlier. Would you like to take it from here, Sweetie Pie?”
“Yup.  Thanks!” Pinkie said, kissing Cheese on the cheek. “Alright, this song was actually supposed to be completed a while ago by both of us.  See, Cheese had a polka song in mind to propose to me with, but things didn’t really go as planned, so it never happened, but what he didn’t know was I also had a song I was writing for him, but I was having some issues with the tune.”
“To make a long story short, we kinda mish-mashed both our songs together.  I slowed it down to a nice romantic ballad, combined a bit of her music and used most of her lyrics.  After we were finished, DJ PON-3 mixed the song together and we have Spike up there, accompanying her on the piano.  Thanks guys!”
The audience cheered as Spike and DJ PON-3 waved to them.
“This song is called How Did I Get So Lucky.  It’s about how we both met and how we’re going to make this love last till death do us part.  You ready, Pinkie?”
“I’m ready, Cheese.”
The lights faded out and the crowd quieted down.  Spike began playing the piano as DJ PON-3 used her soundboard to bring in some synth strings music for the background.  Pinkie started singing the first verse, followed by Cheese.


	Verse 1


	Pinkie:


	When I was just a filly


	Had no idea I’d be


	The luckiest girl alive


	 



	I just wanted to party


	Make others feel my joy


	Then one day you arrived


	 



	Cheese:


	The moment I first saw you


	I knew you’d change it all


	And oh boy was I right


	 



	You helped me find my passion


	Helped me find my laugh


	No wonder you’re the love of my life


	 



	Chorus


	Cheese and Pinkie:


	How did I get so lucky?


	How’d this happen to me?


	You were sent from above me


	Luck had nothing to do with it


	Now I see


	We were meant to be


As the first chorus ended, Spike continued playing the piano and percussion came in.  The song then grew louder and more energetic as DJ PON-3 used the soundboard to bring in more background music before the second verse.  Photos and videos of Pinkie and Cheese on a nearby projector could be seen.  These were the same pictures Cheese wanted to use during his proposal.  Although they didn’t work out for him then, he had plenty of time to plan this for their performance at the reception.  Everything went together perfectly and made him feel even better about not having a flashy proposal.  The wedding still happened despite the changelings invading and the reception was turning out even better than he thought it would.  They both sang through the second verse, followed by the chorus, which ended more abruptly to go into the bridge.


	 Verse 2


	Cheese:


	They say love takes some time


	A friendship to be sure


	A lifetime of commitment


	 



	Pinkie:


	You’ll know it when you feel it


	I feel it in my heart


	I promise I’ll stay with you till the end


	(Oh oh oh!)



	 


	Cheese and Pinkie:


	Nothing can separate us


	We’d like to see em’ try


	We’re ready to take on the world


	(Come get some!)


	 



	One mare; one stallion


	One body; one flesh


	Now that we’re here together


	Let’s spread the magic


	And let the whole world knooooow!


	 



	Chorus


	Cheese and Pinkie:


	How did I get so lucky?


	How’d this happen to me?


	You were sent from above me


	Luck plays no part


	In destiny


	 



	Bridge


	Cheese:


	I can’t begin to explain


	The chance we met is insane



	Pinkie:


	We were rivals when we started out


	So ironic.  Makes you wonder how



	Cheese and Pinkie:


	Now we stand here: husband and wife


	Heart to heart, ready to start a new liiiiiiiiife


DJ PON-3 had her soundboard doing everything it was programmed to do, so she stepped aside and donned an electric guitar.  As the song’s pitch shifted, she jumped up on the piano and did a solo as Spike continued on the piano.  Pinkie and Cheese danced during the solo.  Everyone cheered as the music grew more emotional.  Pinkie signaled for others to join them on the dance floor, as they continued singing the remainder of the song.


	Final Chorus:


	Cheese and Pinkie:


	What are the odds?


	How can this beeeeee?


	 



	How did I get so lucky?


	 (Cheese: Maybe it was just coincidence)


	How’d this happen to me?


	(Cheese: And now I finally see)


	You were sent from above me


	(Oh oh oh)


	Luck played no part in it


	No sirry


	 



	How did I get so lucky?


	(Pinkie: How did I get so lucky)


	How’d this happen to me?


	(Pinkie: Happen to little ol’ me)


	You were sent from above me


	(Oh oh oh)


	Luck played no part in it


	It was no accident


	If someone asks how can it be?


	It was destinyyyyyyyyyyyyy!


Pinkie and Cheese sang one last high note as the chorus music continued to play several more times, eventually fading out with the sound of the piano and background synth.  Cheese took out a remote and used it to have the Party Tank fire several bursts of confetti into the air that fell down like snow.  Everyone was now dancing wildly and enjoying themselves with the newlyweds. They ate the rest of their food and danced into the night until after the sun set.  Pictures were taken, jokes were exchanged and memories were made.
As the reception drew to a close and attendees all went back home, a limousine with a huge “JUST MARRIED” sign on top came by to pick up Pinkie and Cheese to take them to a five-star hotel in Canterlot where they would spend their first night together.  Before they left, they said goodbye to everyone.  Flurry came in to wish her farewell.
“Bye Pinkie!  I had so much fun and I know you and Cheese are going to have a great life together!” she said, happily.
“Thanks again, Matching-Bow-Mare.  Couldn’t have done it without ya!” Pinkie said tenderly before giving the little princess a hug.
Pinkie then walked back to the limo where Cheese helped her inside.  They rolled down the window and looked out to wave to everyone.  The limo drove off, dragging horseshoes behind.  Flurry, her friends, Spike, Buttercream and Elytra watched as they disappeared over the hilltop.  She sighed contently and wiped a tear from her eye.  Elytra stood next to her and they made eye contact.
“Thanks for helping us out, Elytra,” she told the repentant changeling.
“And thank you, Flurry Heart, for giving me a chance,” Elytra replied.
Flurry and Elytra both hugged as the others watched.
“Well team, mission accomplished!  No changelings are gonna stop our weddings anymore!” Pound said.
“YEAH!” the others all cheered as they put their hooves and claws together.
Inside the limo, Pinkie and Cheese both sighed and lay back in their seats.  They looked at each other and just laughed uncontrollably for a few seconds.
“HAHA!  Oh man, what a wedding!” Pinkie said.
“Not what I was expecting, but man did we manage after all that!” Cheese added.
“And it’s made us closer than ever before.  I love you, Cheese Sandwich.”
“I love you, Pinkie Pie.”
They held hooves and moved in to kiss again.  Pinkie then put her head against Cheese.  He held her in his arms as the limo drove on.
Fireworks with congratulatory messages could be seen in the distance being launched around Canterlot.  In the night sky above the limo were several of Pinkie’s clones. They were sitting on top of some clouds, eating cake while humming the tune to How Did I Get So Lucky.  In a larger cloud in the center sat Discord still wearing his tuxedo.  He had the cake figurines of Pinkie and Cheese in his hands, pressing their heads together to simulate kissing.  On the other side of the cloud was Chrysalis.  She wore a white and black striped jail-suit with a ball and chain attached to one of her legs to keep her down.  She had her arms crossed and was visibly not happy with her sentencing. As she pouted, Discord shed a tear and wiped it away with a tissue he summoned.  Although he had said he wasn’t a fan of weddings earlier, he couldn’t help but attend this one after everything that had happened.  He was glad he did and was so happy for Pinkie and Cheese.
“Love is such a wonderful thing.  Isn’t that right, Chryssie?” he said, turning to the angry changeling queen.
“Oh shutup!” she snapped.


	THE END