//------------------------------// // 12. A Manehattan Wedding // Story: Of Coal and Diamonds // by Alaxsxaq //------------------------------// 12. A Manehattan Wedding The cold Friday morning brought a frigid wind across Applebloom's balcony. Clad in a bathrobe, the yellow mare couldn't help but shiver, her teeth chattering. Looking out to her snow-covered estate, Applebloom saw it glisten as the first rays of Celestia's brilliant sun rose up from the horizon. She didn't get much sleep last night, kept awake by a million things racing through her mind. Everypony else was still asleep, warm and cozy in their beds and couches. The only other exception would've been Jeffery, who was likely already making breakfast. Applebloom's three friends slept on cots inside her own bedroom, a place few ever went. As such, slowly returning to the room, Applebloom crept quietly, making her way to the bathroom. Today was a big day; the union of two ponies, and by extension two families. Such an occasion demanded the utmost of hygiene, and right now, when nopony was putting unimaginable strain on the water heater, was the perfect time to take a shower. Disrobing, Applebloom turned the knob and waited for the water to heat up. Looking into the mirror, she sighed and prepared for the crazy day ahead of her. From breakfast to three o'clock, the large house would be bustling with busy ponies doing everything needed to make sure Applebloom's brother and his bride-to-be had the perfect wedding. The food for the reception had to be cooked and the makeshift chapel had to be prepared. Applebloom knew no day at the office could ever compare to the impending hectic time she was in for. After a long and refreshing hot shower, Applebloom combed her mane and brushed her teeth. Creeping through her room full of sleeping ponies, she made her way downstairs into the kitchen. Sitting at the breakfast table were Rarity's parents. They must've just woken up, as evidenced by them still wearing their pajamas. The father greeted his hostess with a wide smile. "Well good morning to you, Applebloom! Didja sleep well, there?" "G'mornin'. Honestly I didn't get much sleep, but that's ok." She replied, the aroma of Jeffery's meal filling her nostrils. "Oh that's a shame. Go on deary, get some sleep." Rarity's mother encouraged. "We'll take care of everything." "Ah appreciate your concern, but Ah'll be fine. What're y'all doin' up?" Before the couple could answer, Jeffery came up behind and levitated three plates onto the table. Three omelets and fried potatoes. "It seems your two guests are early risers. Not as much as I, but they've been here for the past ten minutes patiently waiting for their meal." He turned towards the husband and wife. "I hope you find it satisfactory." Taking one bite, the mustachioed stallion let out a euphoric "Mmmmmm!". His wife let out a similar interjection, and they finished the rest of their meal in record time. Applebloom giggled at this, and took a bite herself. After the three were done and excused themselves, everypony else was starting to wake up, albeit often returning back to sleep. Applebloom was on her way to the living room when Rarity's father galloped up and stopped her. "Hey Applebloom!" He began hesitantly, rubbing the back of his head with a hoof. "I...uh...just wanna thank you for all this. I mean, you didn't have to―" The generous little mare stopped him right there. "Don't mention it. It's a gift. Rarity deserves the best, right?" "I understand this is costing a pretty penny, isn't it?" "Well," Applebloom said candidly, "It's a little more than Ah would've liked to spend, but that's no problem." "I'll repay you someday. Don't worry!" Applebloom knew he couldn't be serious, but the father's tone suggested otherwise. "Really, there's no hurry." "But it'll get done." He started to turn the other way to his room until her perked up. "Oh! I almost forgot! Applebloom, can you keep tabs on McIntosh? He's a good stallion, but I'm concerned for my little filly." The smile on the yellow pony's face became devious. "If he steps outta line, Ah'll have to pull him aside and give him a talk. Y'all gonna be family in a couple hours, and if there's any problems, it'll get solved." Big Mac knew not to cross either of his sisters, but if there was anypony he truly feared, it was his grandmother. "Thank you so much! Say, how did that party go?" Applebloom nervously looked back and forth. "Um...yeah...it went p-p-pretty good. Pretty borin' actually." Naïvely accepting this answer, the old stallion finally left Applebloom to go iron out his tux and get ready for the wedding. Meanwhile, the hostess went to finish her own tasks. While everypony was eating and getting ready, she could do last minute checks and preparations in relative peace. Over the next few hours, the Applebloom mansion was saturated with lines of ponies all waiting for a turn in the shower. Applebloom was yanked away from her duties when the water heater broke and nopony else in the entire house knew what to do. Dripping wet and freezing, many were yelling quite loudly at her to hurry up and finish the job. Before she was done replacing the components, she nearly threw a wrench at her hecklers. And of course, of all days to malfunction, the mansion boiler broke as well. Everypony was chattering and shivering, including Applebloom, before she repaired that as well. After shoveling some coal into the furnace, Applebloom emerged back on the ground floor to thunderous cheering and stomping. She was not thrilled, however. Covered in grease and soot, she exercised owner privileges and claimed the next shower for herself. Finally, after everypony was clean, fed, and at least somewhat quiet, Applebloom fell down on a chair and tried to take a nap. She would never have the chance to fall asleep, though. Sweetie Belle was designated by Babs and Scootaloo to break the news to their friend. Lightly tapping Applebloom, Sweetie sheepishly spoke. "Um...Applebloom." The yellow mare groaned, thoroughly tired of all these shenanigans. "What is it now? Ah suppose some snow cause the roof to cave in! Or a pipe froze over! Or even better it burst!" "No it's nothing like that." "Then what? I'm trying to take a nap." She replied, closing her eyes. "It's 2 o'clock. The wedding's going to start in an hour." "Aw dammit. Fine." Applebloom got up and retired to her bedroom, followed by her friends. Opening her wardrobe, she got out a white dress. Donning the garment, she gazed at herself in the mirror. "How do Ah look, y'all?" She asked, trying to style her mane. "Beautiful!" Sweetie Belle said, stars in her eyes. "Why thanks. You know, Ah don't much care for dresses, but this one ain’t too bad. Nice and simple." "How do ya think I feel?" Babs said. "I'm only doing this for Big Mac and his bride." "Do y'all know who's gonna be the ring-bearer?" "Rarity told us one of the little cousins or something." Scootaloo responded, examining herself in the mirror. "Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and all them are gonna be the bridesmaids. Big Mac's got some friends of his being his groomsponies." Applebloom cocked her head sideways in confusion. "How do you know so much more about this than me?" Scootaloo shrugged. "Rarity told us while you were in the basement." "Alright...and the Maid of Honor?" "She didn't say." Sweetie Belle answered. "But we were told it'd be a surprise." "Seems kinda unprofessional if you ask me." Babs said, rolling her eyes. "That's the way it is." Scootaloo looked at the clock. "Think I'm gonna now. They're probably all taking pictures." The orange pegasus then left the room and headed downstairs. "Me too." Sweetie did the same, leaving Applebloom and Babs alone. Finishing up her ensemble, the red-maned filly suddenly got a thought. "Hey, Babs. How's Spike holdin' up? Ah imagine he's gotten over her." The orange mare laughed. "Haha you'd think so. Nah I tawlked to him earlier today. He's still a little steamed. I'm bettin' he's cursin' the moment when they say 'I do'." "Poor dragon. He'll get over it, Ah'm sure." "That Spike does have some issues though." "Maybe I should...comfort him a bit." Applebloom got a sly smile. Babs smirked back. "What're you sayin', AB?" "I've heard things about dragons." "Like?" Applebloom leaned in quietly and whispered into her cousin's ear. Babs' eyes widened at what she heard. "Oh my. You better keep that to yourself in mixed company." Applebloom just giggled. "Come on, we better take some pictures." Before the businesspony could make for the door, Babs stopped her. "Wait. Listen...I have a very bad feeling." "What do ya mean?" "We should take some precautions. You and I. Just in case." "Are you sure? Ah mean, we're safe here on mah―" "We ain't. At least, we need to believe that." Babs went over to her cot and lifted up the pillow. Underneath was her pistol. "You slept with that under your pillow?" "Of course. I always do." Babs could not be more serious. "Why? It's not like somepony..." Luckily Applebloom caught herself. "Oh...Ah'm sorry." "Where's yours?" Babs asked as she strapped the firearm to her thigh. "In mah bedside." Applebloom opened the drawer and pulled out her revolver. Girding herself up just like Babs, she sighed. "Are you sure this is necessary? Do you really think they'll be needed?" "If I had my way, they'd never be used." Babs solemnly answered. "Now let's get goin'." The pair joined their friends and family downstairs, smiling and ready to take pictures. After all sorts of pre-nuptial photographs had been made, the main event could commence. Two families would be united and one less burden lifted from Applebloom's shoulders. Unfortunately it was apparent many more might rise up to take its place. ---------- The wedding procession began when the groom first made his way into the "chapel", Applebloom's outdoor shelter meant for summer cookouts. Following him were his groomsponies and best stallion. Then his family, the bulk of the ponies present. Applebloom and Babs found themselves in this camp, while Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were in the second. Rarity and her bridesmaids however were relegated to waiting just outside the structure, so as to not disrupt the tradition of having the bride and groom avoid each other before it was time. This meant those six ponies were stuck in the cold until somepony gave them the go signal. Feeling guilty, Applebloom volunteered to summon them into the chapel. "Alright y'all! Sorry to leave you out in the snow, but you won't have to wait anymore. Come on." Just as she was about to leave, Applejack stopped her sister. "Wait, Applebloom! Rarity has something to tell ya." "Can't it wait?" "I'm afraid not, darling." The bride began, her face covered by a veil. "Applebloom, would you be the Maid of Honor?" "W...what? Me? But why?" The yellow earth pony stammered, somewhat irritated. "None of this would be possible without you." Applebloom looked back and rolled her eyes. How cliché, she thought. Even so, she appreciated the gesture and felt honored to have been chosen. Not wanting to leave them waiting, she agreed. Applebloom and the other bridesmaids made their way into the chapel and down the carpet before finding their places beside the altar. Shortly afterwards, a couple small fillies came bouncing up and tossing flower petals. Applebloom recalled her own instance of being a flower filly quite fondly. Next, the bride herself appeared, and slowly but gracefully walked up to her groom. Her parents smiled widely and tried their best not to cry. Their little filly was all grown up, and about to start a family. Meanwhile, Granny Smith was leering McIntosh, just to be sure he didn't get cold hooves. When the bride finally made it, Big Mac lifted up her veil. In front of the altar and chaplain, Rarity and Big Mac met for the first time today, and gazed into each other's eyes pleasantly. A small colt came bearing the rings, or rather a ring and a large necklace of gold. The chaplain cleared his throat and began. Applebloom stood there and listened to him go through the motions before the moment of truth. Then it came, and everypony's hearts started pounding. "Do you, Rarity, take Big McIntosh to be your lawfully-wedded husband?" "I do." She replied, nearly bursting into tears. "And do you, Big McIntosh, take Rarity―" A simple response was all the large red stallion usually gave. It would suffice here, because to his bride, no answer was more sincere than this concise utterance. "Eyup." Rarity levitated the necklace over Mac's head and gently lowered it down on his neck. The stallion took the ring in his hoof and placed it over her horn. The decisive action was done. Now the special words. "I now pronounce you Mare and Colt. You may ki―" Rarity, forsaking all decorum, threw her bouquet into the audience and herself at Big Mac, wrapped her hooves around him, and gave him a passionate kiss. The room echoed with cheers and stomping. Applebloom wiped the tears from her eyes. A beautiful thing had just happened. Wasting no time, Pinkie Pie yelled out to start the party. The newlyweds leading the way, the occupants of the room headed for the reception hall. A wonderful party had been promised, with cake and food and wine. Pinkie Pie had worked all day to make sure it was perfect. Applebloom looked forward to this reception. A piece of cake, a glass of wine, and maybe a good smoke. ---------- Just as the sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, a single automobile pulled up in front of Applebloom's manor. Two suited stallions got out, one a pegasus, another a unicorn. The unicorn took another breath from his cigarette before throwing it on the ground and stamping it out. "Nice place. You sure dis is da place?" "Yep. Look at da letters on da gate." The pegasus then got out a bolt cutter and broke the gate's hinges. Bucking the gate down, the two cantered up the walkway. At the large wooden doors they skillfully picked the lock and entered the house. Looking around at the expensive-looking furnishings, the unicorn thought to himself a bit. "Now where do ya think the pawrty's at?" Looking at him like he were an idiot, the pegasus dryly responded. "Don't you hear da music? Now, get ready." The pair each took out a small pistol. "We've gone undetected so fawr. A couple of quick rounds, and we hightail it outta here. Remember who we're gettin'?" "Yeah. Don't worry. I've looked at their pictures enough times. Da yellow one's a real looker. Shame, really." Meanwhile, in the reception room, Applebloom was sitting at a table with her friends, telling stories and jokes and having an all-around fun time. Big McIntosh and Rarity were dancing, as were many of the other couples. Granny Smith sat down next to her youngest granddaughter and smiled. "Well looky there. 'Ol Mac done found himself a good girl. Ah ain't gettin' any younger. Applebloom, you gotta find yourself a good, strong stallion." "Aw Granny. Ah got other things to worry 'bout. Like mah career." "Don't gimme that. Y'all don't need no more money. Ya have enough to support your GREAT-grandfoals." Playfully rolling her eyes Applebloom just waved a hoof. She then noticed Big Mac take a break from dancing and come to sit down beside his sister. Pulling out a small silver case from her purse, the mare smiled and addressed her brother. "Congratulations, Big Mac!" "Why thank ya, baby sis!" He said while wiping his brow with a napkin. "Ah've been savin' these ones for a special occasion. Care to have one?" "Don't mind if Ah do." Before she could open the case, Applebloom caught site of two unfamiliar ponies entering the room. She stood and got a serious countenance. "Excuse me. This is a private party." Babs, at the buffet bar, turned around to see what her cousin was talking about. The unicorn reached into his jacket. "Our regawrds to da newlyweds." The pair pulled out their pistols. Babs noticed this first and pulled out her own, but she wasn't quick enough. Before the policemare could shoot off a round, the shady pair of stallions shot several times each, hitting her every time. The sound of gunshots sent to room into a panic, and Babs fell to the ground, convulsing in shock. Horrified, Applebloom didn't realize she was targeted next, but thankfully her brother did. "Applebloom!" He yelled before shoving his sister out of the way. He took a couple bullets before Applebloom could draw her revolver. Wasting no more time, she shot the unicorn straight through the chest, blasting a hole that penetrated his heart. He fell to the ground, dead. Seeing red, Applebloom shot again with such precision that she hit the pegasus' right hoof, effectively disarming him. In fact, the high caliber round caused his foreleg to physically come off. Bleeding profusely, he tried to crawl away in the wake of a furious Applebloom coming forward. Rarity saw her husband get shot, and rushed over to him, tears in her eyes. He was still conscious, and luckily wasn't fatally wounded. Babs, on the other hoof, was still shaking and fading quickly. Scootaloo darted to her and switched into doctor mode. "Alright everypony! Back up! I'm a trained Air Force medical officer!" The orange pegasus did what she could to give Babs a little more time. Jeffery just hung up the telephone when Scootaloo began her work. "The ambulance is one its way! Can you give her a few more minutes?" "I'm gonna have to." Scootaloo replied, shadowed by weeping ponies all fearing the worst. Applebloom however wasn't paying attention to that, as she had her own issue to deal with. Looming over the disabled stallion, she grabbed his lapels and slammed him against the wall. He was too weak and she too strong for him to do anything. Punching him several times, she gritted her teeth. "WHO SENT YOU!?" the stallion only whimpered. "WHO SENT YOU!?" His breaths became short and fearful. "P...Palomino. He said...somepony...gave him a hit..." Applebloom leaned in closer. She could crush his rib cage if she wanted to. "Who gave him that hit?" What the stallion whispered next was the single most disturbing and emotion-inducing thing Applebloom had ever heard. "Some...pink mare...uh...Diamond..." Shaking in pure, unfettered anger, Applebloom could not contain herself. She beat his face to a bloody pulp. His cries for mercy fell upon deaf ears. Scootaloo had done what she could for Babs and Big Mac. Turning to see how Applebloom was doing, she saw her about to kill the stallion. Nodding to Rainbow Dash, she flew over and grabbed one of her friend's hooves. Her cyan captain did the same. "Stop! Don't do it, Applebloom!" Try as she might, Scootaloo could not restrain the strong earth pony. "LET! ME! GO!" Fueled by adrenaline and her own muscles, Applebloom swung her forelegs so hard the two pegasi were flung back into opposite-facing walls, knocked quite hard. Breathing heavily, she aimed her revolver as the dying stallion looked up in resignation. One gunshot later, what was left of him fell to the ground. Covered in blood and her rush subsiding, Applebloom looked at the stallion's corpse, and at the two pegasi she threw against the wall. Dropping her gun, she began to cry uncontrollably, and screamed up at the ceiling. Reduced to a weeping pile of tears, Applebloom collapsed on the floor.