It had been a little over a year since Alex had met the love of his life, cold and shivering outside of a city dumpster. Since then, he had gotten to know, and eventually love this beautiful stranger that wasn’t of earth, or even of this dimension. They were in love beyond comprehension, and found safety in each other at the best and worst of times.
Her name was Rainbow Dash, but she now went by the unofficial name of Sarah Golden, college dropout and part time worker. As bad as it sounded, her life was pretty easygoing. She fell in love with the man that had saved her so long ago, a kind soul in a world that was extremely harsh and unforgiving at times. She often wondered where she might have ended up if she didn't find security in Alex and his family.
+++
A very nervous Alex approached the counter at the Jewelry store. With a little under a grand invested in the ring he was about to buy, he felt that this would be the worst or best day of his life. He was about to propose to the love of his life that very afternoon, and all his prayers for the past few months would hopefully be answered.
His hands shaking slightly, he finally stepped up to the counter and gave the teller the work order for the custom ring he had made specifically for Rainbow.
“Oh, hello sir. What can The Gold Mine do for you this fine day?” The young girl asked brightly.
“Uh…I need the ring that goes with this work order, please.” Alex tried a smile, but it faltered.
“Sure, let me go find my boss. I’m sure he’ll know where this is.”
“Thank you”
With a polite smile and a nod, the girl drifted away, heels clicking away on tile.
Alex hadn't the faintest idea why he was so nervous. He’d been here at least once a week over the past month, getting every detail just right. It was a beautiful silver ring, inlaid with multicolored gemstones, representing his love’s namesake. Each stone alone cost almost 200$, the ring costing maybe 400$. Altogether, the price ended up coming out to just about a grand
He’d been alongside the Jeweler as each stone was cut and placed. He made sure Rainbow wasn't allergic to any metals, either. He was willing to wager the nervousness came from the importance of the day.
+++
“Well, I believe this is the ring you’re looking for.” With a flourish, the ring was presented to Alex in a dark green box, laid on a light blue pillow of silk within the box. It was even better than Alex had imagined it to be.
“You truly are a master of your craft, sir.” Alex said excitedly.
“At the Gold Mine, quality and beauty are first and foremost in all our creations, unique or otherwise.”
“And what do I owe you in all for this fine piece of art?”
“After taxes…” a few beeps and clicks on the register, and then a receipt was printed. “a grand, even.”
“Seems about right.” Alex affirmed the math in his head, then counted out the bills.
“Is there anything else we could do for you, as well?” The Jeweler asked lightly. “Perhaps an engraving?”
“Will that be much extra?”
“Nope. Just a few minutes of your time is all we require. Custom engravings come as part of any custom project.”
“Ok. I’d like it to say “To Sarah, you are the light of my life. Love, Alex”
“Short, simple, and heartfelt. Perfect”
A short few minutes later, Alex was on his way to the fashion store where his siblings and girlfriend worked. Today was the day. All of his preparations, nervousness, sleepless nights, and less-than productive days led to this.
+++
With a jingle, the boutique’s door gave way, announcing a new arrival. Alex’s middle sister, Michelle, greeted him with a bone-cracking hug.
“Alex, what brings you to my shop, scruffy brother?”
He smiled in spite of himself. She was the only one who called him that, and the only one who got away with it.
“Nothing much, sis. Got some coffee ready?”
“Always. You want the special?”
“Yeah, double the espresso shots though. I’m feeling sleepy.”
“Coming right up” she drifted away, the tile clicking beneath high-heeled feet.
With that, he eased back into his favorite chair, waiting for hide or hair of his loved one. He wanted to find the perfect proposal point, in full view of the street and his sisters and parents, who were on their way as well. Rainbow, obviously, was the only one not privy to the day’s event.
+++
A moment or two after he drained his caffeine-saturated cup of courage, Alex’s parents had shown up, and his sisters had assembled behind their respective service counters. Each sister had their own little niche in the store, to better serve customers looking for certain items, and to make it easier to sell things. Far as he could tell, nothing looked out of place.
Rainbow still wasn’t due to show up for a little while, so they passed the time chatting. It was slow for a weekend. Usually the college girls would come down from campus to pick up an outfit or two for the coming weekend, especially with the weather still fairly chilly outside. Cold weather meant hot business for the little plaza, which housed several bars, coffee shops, and diners.
Adding this to the fact of young people making messes of themselves, it helped the store turn a huge profit on weekends. It’s not that they didn't cater to men, but the store was more geared toward young women. They sold all manner of clothes, from flirty and fun to casual and business. Thankfully, it stayed slow up until Rainbow’s arrival.
With various hellos and hi’s from those assembled, Rainbow was surprised Alex’s family were all here at once. While not uncommon, Alex’s parents usually stayed home during the winter. They were old and couldn't do much on their own anymore.
After being swarmed with hugs, the sisters took their places at their counters, and Alex’s parents went back to their chairs. What surprised Rainbow the most was Alex’s presence here. He was sleeping when she’d left home almost an hour ago.
“Alex, what are you doing here? You’re on vacation. Rest for once.” Rainbow chuckled at him.
“I did, for like an hour. Then I got bored, so here I am.”
“You crazy man.” She kissed him gently, sending shivers down his spine.
“So, Rainbow…” Alex said a little loudly, to be sure he was heard.
“We’ve been together for six months, and known each other for just over a year, but it feels so very much longer. Every day I spend with you is filled with a new level of happiness and comfort. Whenever things are bad, you make them alright, and whenever things are good, you make them better. I love that feeling every day I come home, and I want to have that feeling for the rest of my life. That’s why, today, we’ve all assembled here in the shop. It’s a very important day, for both of us.
“Alex, what are…” She was cut off by a slow, gentle kiss, and as their lips parted, Alex knelt to one knee, eyes fixed on his girlfriend, a slightly stupefied look upon her features.
“Sarah Golden, will you marry me? To be together until time takes us from this world?”
Tears welled up in Rainbow’s eyes, making their unique magenta color stand out even more. With a hand, she pulled Alex up and to her eye level.
“Alex, I will marry you, to be together forever.”
With that, the family erupted into cheers, hugs, cheek kisses, and generally raucous behavior, and those bystanders who did see were clapping and smiling as well. After the commotion had died down, they all decided the wedding would be held in the next year, right when spring was in full swing, amongst the massive community flower gardens in the park. No more than 100 guests would attend, them being mostly extended families that were close to Alex and his family.
+++
The spring sun shone brightly in the May skies, various birds and beasties traipsing about the gardens on some errand or another. Tables were being assembled in the reception area for the wedding of Mister and Missus Alex Wordsmith. In another, more sheltered area of the gardens, an impromptu “Braided Flower” wedding chapel was erected, a long, red carpet running between two rows of chairs, seating 50 each.
A pair of tables were set up behind the couple’s platform, where the immediate family, those being Alex’s sisters, parents, and best friend would be seated. In this setup, the immediate family had the best view of the ceremony, while the Priest’s pedestal sat between the two tables that sat three each.
Amplifiers, provided courtesy of Alex’s DJ friend, were set up on either side of the seating area, and another amplifier directly behind the priest. With this setup, every word and breath could be heard over the din of the traffic outside of the park.
A microphone sat upon the priest’s pedestal, and another two set up in front of where the bride and groom would be standing.
+++
The reception area, though small, was ornately decorated. Several round plastic tables were assembled, with a long buffet table upon which were heaps of home-cooked food, and farther along the table, drinks and desserts were set.
While the reception area and wedding area seemed ornate and hard to put away, it would take the inside of an hour to load everything back up, not including garbage collection. Since their only son was getting married, Alex’s parents reserved the park for 12 hours. While it cost them a fortune, it was a worthwhile expense, for they loved their children dearly.
Squeaks and whines could be heard as the sound test began for the wedding area. Alex was practicing his wedding march with Irene and Melanie, While Rainbow Dash, AKA Sarah Golden, was getting into her wedding dress with the help of Michelle and Alex’s mother, Bev.
Alex’s father was also hard at work, trying as best he could to aid the sound guy in running wires and adjustments. Alex’s father knew quite a bit about sound, as he had worked on several radio stations in the area for most of his life. With the aid of “that DJ guy”, they had sounds as clear as a bell and twice as loud.
As it was warm out, Alex wore some old clothes that fit like a full suit. While his sisters giggled at his visible pain. He had no idea he’d put on this much weight, and his pants were pinching him most inappropriately, to put it lightly. Thankfully, his suit was tailored to be loose and still classy.
Rainbow was equally as flustered by the wedding dress. It fit her well enough, but old habits die hard, and she still preferred to wander about her home in the loosest clothing she could find. She wasn't allowed to wander naked anymore after a close call with an unlocked door and an unexpected arrival of Alex. (we all know after someone sees you naked, there’s no shame anymore)
With a frustrated grunt, Bev tied the dress just a little bit tighter, nearly knocking the breath out of her prismatic-haired daughter in law.
“Bev, come on, that’s too tight” Rainbow squeaked.
“No it’s not dear, trust me. Your bust will be amazing, and Alex will remember this day for years to come.” Bev chuckled.
With a blush and unnaturally quick movement, Rainbow undid the bindings and pouted.
“I don’t want him to remember my boobs for our wedding day!”
At this, Michelle and Bev laughed heartily. They were only picking fun at the poor girl, and it was so cute when she got flustered.
“Please, tie me back up and I’ll tell you when”
The two women obliged, still chuckling to themselves.
+++
“OK, that’s it, where are my real clothes?!” Alex grumbled. He was thoroughly tired of the repetitive march training and wanted to get his hands on some labor.
“No it’s not, mister.” His sisters stopped in front of him and pushed him back to the start of their makeshift aisle.
“You’re not allowed to do any labor until you walk and stand straight, young man.” Irene screeched.
“Young man? I’m older. By four years. Thank you.”
“Whatever. You still need to walk and stand straight.”
“You’re so very lucky I can’t move in these pants Irene, or I would be chasing you to the creek right now.” Alex grunted.
“You can’t run straight if you can’t walk straight.” At this, Irene cackled and took off, Alex trying to chase her, butt immediately realized it was a bad idea.
“Jesus, Alex, you’re 24, she’s 20. And you both still fight like you were ten.”
“She started it.”
“Forget her for now. This is your day, your wedding, so cheer up a little bit and think of your beautiful bride coming up that aisle over there,” Mel said, pointing to the red carpet and makeshift chapel.
“I guess you’re right. I can’t believe this day is already here.” Alex said joyfully, hugging his oldest sister tightly. “You guys, too. You helped her a lot with adjusting to life. Now it’s like she was actually born and raised here on Earth. Thank you.”
“I knew, once you told me her story, you felt something in here that you never had before.” She said, pointing to his heart.
“Mom told us never to let strangers in our home, under any circumstances. But the one time you did, it worked out pretty well. You’ve been happier in the past two years then I’ve ever seen you. You did something right, and karma returned the favor.”
“I know, Mel. I know. She means everything to me. The promotion, she encouraged me to go for. She’s seen me at my best, worst, and most embarrassing moments. Never once does she speak ill of me or anyone in the family. We’re all she’s got here in this lonely, alien world.”
“Well, not lonely for her, you old poet.” Mel had forgotten her brother’s poetic side. He was always a pretty smart kid, but for the love of who knows what, stuck to labor jobs. It flabbergasted her and many others, but he never once complained about aches, pains, or physical labor in general. Maybe he didn’t feel he was smart enough for anything better, or maybe he liked labor. Who knew? She was certain though, if he put his mind to it, he could have a successful political career. Maybe even President of the United States.
+++
The final preparations had been finished, the guests had arrived, and they were now assembled on either side of the red carpet that served as the path leading to the impromptu altar. Soft, lovely music was playing while the bride was patiently waited for.
“Stop fidgeting, dude.” Alex received a playful punch in the ribs from his best man. “If she sees you wiggling around, you might look nervous and break her confidence. Chill.”
“Easier said than done.” Alex was massaging his ribs, when the ambient music transitioned gently into the wedding march, and a beaming Rainbow Dash glided effortlessly, slowly along the red trail, flanked on either side by Alex’s two oldest sisters. Alex then straightened his posture, crossing his hands across his waist, facing the preacher. He couldn't help but smile like an idiot. He was moments away from his future.
+++
Soft, rippling applause sounded as Rainbow walked past each row of chairs. Most of those assembled were Alex’s family, but the few friends she’d made had attended as well. She was beaming behind the white curtain of her veil, tears brimming in her eyes. Her human life was almost full circle, and she wouldn’t change it for the world.
After the wedding march was done, the preacher began the matrimonial ceremony. His deep, echoing voice resounded off of the trees and surrounding buildings.
“Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here to join this man and woman in the holy state of matrimony. If anyone should feel a need to object to this union, speak now or forever hold your piece.”
After a brief silence, the preacher continued.
“Alex Woodsmith, do you take Sarah Golden as your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, till the almighty lord takes you from this earth to his eternal kingdom?”
“I do.” Alex announced, loud and proud, so the very hills echoed with his affirmation.
“That’s the most confidence I’ve ever heard. That works for me.” The preacher then followed up with Sarah.
“Sarah Golden, do you take this man, Alex Woodsmith, as your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, till the almighty lord takes you from this earth to his eternal kingdom?”
But before she could answer, A gust of wind began swirling around the clearing, eliciting sighs of wonder or shrieks of fright, as a grey and blue portal opened its gaping maw, and seven equine creatures strolled forward slowly. Two were tall and regal, with opposing colors on their coats and manes, and five smaller equines, all brightly colored in pastels.
The lavender unicorn of the bunch, seemingly the most confident and calm, yelled a name loudly.
“Rainbow Dash, we’ve come to bring you home. Please step forward.” Twilight Sparkle shouted, to be sure she was heard.
“Twilight..?” Rainbow whispered in astonishment, barely audible to Alex, who blinked stupidly, not quite registering what he was seeing. Several vaguely familiar ponies were standing in the middle of his wedding.
The name Rainbow Dash was whispered amongst those assembled, some confused, some aware of who that was.
“Twilight! What are you doing?!” Rainbow screeched.
“We finally figured out how to bring you home. Ponyville is waiting, Rainbow.” Twilight said softly, realizing now what she had disturbed.
“Are you…getting married, Rainbow?” Twilight asked confusedly.
“Yes, Twilight. It’s been two years since I was dropped here. This is my new life, now. After yesterday, I gave up on ever getting home.”
“Two years? No, Rainbow. It’s been 6 months in equestrian time.”
“Perhaps, Twilight Sparkle, I should handle this?” The tallest of all the ponies spoke up, her voice soft, but commanding. Her mane glistened with light colored stripes, resembling an early morning rainbow.
“As Earth and Equestria are two separate domains, it’s natural that there may be some inconsistencies with things like time, date, and other variables. The issue at hand however, is Whether Miss Rainbow Dash will choose to return to Equestria or remain here on Earth.”
After a breath, Princess Celestia continued.
“This is her decision and hers alone to make. The portal will remain open for an hour, but time will not pass. When this portal closes, it’ll be just like the same moment it opened. Think your options through carefully, miss Dash. Is there anyone from the human realm you’d like to help you decide?
“Yes, Princess, my fiancée, Alex. He’s the gentleman with the stupid grin on his face.” Rainbow smiled at his face, so full of goofiness and happiness at once.
“Very well.” A golden glow enveloped Alex and he shook his head. He felt warm, as if he were on a beach, surrounded by sunlight. He then realized he was surrounded by several ponies and his future wife.
“Alex, honey, these are my friends from Equestria. They came to take me home, if I choose to go home.” The introductions were made, deliberations beginning.
+++
“This may be your only chance to go home, Rainbow.” Alex said, sadness in his voice evident.
“But Alex, we’re about to be married, and start our life together. I’ve never been happier then when I’m with you. I may never find that again.”
“But this is your one chance. Are you sure?”
Rainbow sighed, sadly. “I need to think by myself for a little while. Please, Alex.”
“Ok. I’ll get to know your friends until you’re ready.”
"Thank you.”
+++
“
Everybody, I think I’ve made my decision.” Rainbow approached the group, her minimal makeup stretched upon her face. She’d been crying, probably a lot.
“What is your decision, Miss Dash?” Celestia asked gently, understanding how very hard it was for her to decide. Miss Dash was not a pony of tears, and she must have been shaken to her very core by their untimely arrival.
“Girls, I love you all, dearly, and I’ll never forget you. But my life is now here, with Alex. I would be suffering every day without his presence. And he would suffer also. I only wish there was some token I could offer you all.”
“Miss Dash, there are five colors within your mane and tail, correct?”
“There were.” Dash chuckled. “No more tail.”
“Well, if you’ll permit me.” Celestia plucked five different colored hairs from Rainbow’s head, and enlarged each into a chain of each color, draping them over each of the five smaller ponies. Then seemingly out of nowhere, Rainbow’s engagement ring began to glow, each gemstone taking the shape of each element necklace.
“These should suffice, and will never break, melt, or become lost for more than a few minutes. Friendship is the strongest magic known to ponykind, as are the feelings you all share for one another.” Celestia grinned at her handiwork
“Sister, there may be a way to bring Mr. Alex with us.” Princess Luna spoke up finally, as she’d remained stoic through the entire course of events.
“Really, Sister?” Celestia asked, astonished Luna knew something she did not.
+++
“It’s an ancient ritual, only mentioned in the oldest of texts. With an assembly of at least three pureblood Alicorns, souls can be torn from other dimensions, and moved. In bare essential terms, Alex’s existence on Earth would be forfeit, but he could also live among ponykind. He would not remember anything of his past except for what the powers above us manufactured for him, and as such, he would need to fall in love over again. But, his essence, what makes Alex who he is, would remain intact.”
“But Luna, you and I are the only pureblood Alicorns left, to my knowledge. Alex may be quite old and fragile by time we found another one of us, and convinced them to help us for the sake of one human.”
“But it’s still possible, yes?”
“Well I suppose, but we would need his full cooperation and faith in us.”
“You have it, princesses. As much as I am of the human world, If it would let Rainbow go back home to her natural dimension, I would happily make the sacrifice.”
“Are you certain? Do you really understand the implications of such a process?”
“Basically, I wouldn’t be born here on Earth, right? There would be another soul to replace me.”
“Well,not as such, but you are right about your soul. It would be like you were never conceived. No records of you would exist anywhere, at any time. A Ghost, if you will.”
“And what of Rainbow? Would she be erased from the pages of time as well?”
“No, only on Earth would she be erased. She would still retain everything but her memories of you and her time on Earth.”
“Princesses Luna and Celestia, I would love to come live among ponykind if it comes to it.” Alex said with finality.
Well, Mr. Alex. We’ll keep your pledge in mind if the opportunity presents itself. Alicorns never forget.”
Hugs and tearful goodbyes were said and given, Alex and Rainbow waving at the departing ponies. The portal closed with a sharp snap, and the world went black.
+++
Alex had a funny feeling that something was amiss, but that was soon forgotten, as he realized what Sarah had said.
“I do.” Her voice echoed with as much confidence as Alex’s
“You may now kiss the bride.” The preacher finished the ceremony to a round of booming applause.
Alex kissed his wife long and deep, holding her to him in complete serenity. With the kiss, the real music began inside the reception area. With the wedding done, it was time for everyone to en joy the provided food and the good grace of the weather for as long as it held out.
+++
Alex stuck around long enough to help disassemble the scenery from the wedding, but was all too eager to get to his honeymoon.