//------------------------------// // Part I // Story: Equestria Noir Epilogue "I Do" // by Jacoboby1 //------------------------------// Equestria Noir Season 1 Epilogue “I Do” By Jacoboby1 Part I Perspective: Private Eye I have never seen one town so excited about a wedding. I swear the whole place is being decorated. New planter boxes have been placed around town, and various types of flowers have been planted adding a lot of color to an already fairly colorful town. Streamers and banners have been hung between buildings, and from lampposts. Originally the wedding was going to take place in Town Hall, but a very valid point, namely the sheer number of ponies attending, had been brought up. So it was moved to the Town Square, and a small dias, and an arbor had been constructed to be the backdrop of the actual exchange of vows. As I walked down the streets of Ponyville everypony was waving as I passed by. All smiled, some of the mares giggled and stallions whooped and hollered about “Ropin’ her in” or something like that. The ceremony itself was in a couple of days thanks to Celestia’s incredible ability to plan a wedding. I’m thinking that in her immortal life she’s had to have organized a few of these herself. In between fittings, Twilight’s consideration for napkins, and flower arranging I was always on the move. Right now was one of my rare breaks for the day. I knew exactly who I wanted to spend it with. I walked down the path and saw her at a small gazebo. She sat there, looking tired herself but smiling blissfully at all this. When she saw me her smile only grew. “Private, sorry I couldn’t get away, Rarity was having me try on fifty different dresses.” “Knowing you,” I said, walking up to her. “You’d be content to just walk down in your princess or gala dress.” “I can’t help it if I like simplicity,” she giggled, giving me a playful shove. We both laughed and I took a seat beside her. She rested her head on my shoulder, wrapping one of her wings around me. “It’s all just so amazing, a year ago I would never have even thought of getting married. I was always so caught up in my studies and adventures with the elements I never found the time.” “I’m just glad you were willing to put up with me for that long,” I said, nuzzling her affectionately. She then looked at me. “Isn’t today supposed to be when our families arrive?” “I’m thinking that’s them now,” I pointed as a carriage dropped down from the sky. It was rather simple, though the pegasi pulling it had been borrowed from the Day Guard. It was still lavender, with a very familiar star pattern on the side, with shiny brass fittings. The door opened, and Night Light, and Twilight Velvet stepped out, pausing to thank the stallions who had pulled the carriage. We stepped off our seats to greet them and Velvet immediately ran to Twilight and hugged her tight. “My little baby! A princess and getting married! I’m so proud of you!” she cried, tears flowing down as Twilight struggled against her mother’s death grip. “Uh, it’s okay mom,” Twilight gasped, trying very hard to breath. “Velvet, I do believe you’re squishing your little filly,” Night Light spoke up. “I can’t help it Night Light,” she said, hugging a little more gently. “I remember when she was a little filly who would sleep on books after she tired herself out. Oh she was simply adorable.” “Mom!” Twilight cried, I tried not to laugh. Velvet finally released her daughter reluctantly. She then went to lean against her husband and I couldn’t help but smile myself. It was good to see that the marriage was intact and filled wi- I saw another pony leave the carriage. It was Cadence, smiling and skipping out of the carriage toward us. The minute her horn glowed Twilight and I shouted, “Don’t you dare!” Cadence laughed. “Sorry, like I said, old habits die hard.” “Some habits I wish just would die,” Twilight grumbled, rolling her eyes. “At least we made it in time,” Shining Armor’s voice sounded as he came out behind his wife. He was wearing a filly carrier and in it was his daughter Skyla. Gosh, she’s getting bigger every time I see her. Skyla saw me and Twilight and smiled happily, the filly reached her little forelegs. “Twilie! Privy!” “Oh my gosh, she can talk now!” Twilight squealed, running over to her niece. “Not sentences,” Shining explained. “She started speaking about a week ago, and despite what Cadence may say, her first word was daddy.” “Just hold onto your illusion dear,” Cadence said, standing beside her husband. Skyla reached for us and Twilight pulled her out of the carrier. She held the little filly and said, “It’s good to see you again my little niece.” Skyla giggled and looked over at me “Privy!” “Yeah it’s me,” I chuckled, going to nuzzle the filly. She hugged my muzzle when I got close and laughed a little. “Soon you’ll be calling me uncle Private.” “Privy!” she giggled, looking at me with her big blue eyes. “Seems she’s found a nickname for you,” Twilight said, smiling at me. Velvet smiled and picked up Skyla from her daughter. Skyla smiled wide and squealed, “Gramma!” “She’s been trying to learn that word her whole trip here,” Night Light explained, nuzzling his granddaughter. “Anyways, I should get you guys to your hotel rooms,” I said. “Maybe I’ll even give you a tour.” “That would be great Private,” Cadence said, taking back her daughter and putting her in the carrier. “Velvet and I are going to just relax a little first,” Night Light said, putting a hoof around his wife. “We’ve had a long trip and just want to soak everything in.” “Okay,” Twilight said, nuzzling each parent in turn. “We’ll meet up at the hotel later, I still got wedding plans to get to.” “Always so organized,” Velvet smiled. “Even as a filly you would sort your diapers before I changed you.” “MOM!!!” Twilight groaned, flushing in embarrassment. We all laughed before I led the royal couple away. I smiled a little, so these are my in laws. I think I won’t have to worry much about them. Except for the fact that Shining could potentially whoop my flank magically if I screwed up with Twilight. I only hope I can keep a cool head until the wedding. ______________________________________________________________ Perspective: Irenius Ever since father fell off the radar in recent days work had been long and tiring. As the head of the company now it fell to me to keep it from collapsing. Luckily the new position allowed for more vacation hours should I need them. I was going to put every minute to good use, especially now that Preventus told me the news he was marrying his beloved. As I walked down the path I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic about all of this. Granted, my wedding with Sparrow was a quiet affair, father didn’t even attend out of sheer spite. But now, my son was getting married and it was a spectacle. The entire town seemed to want to make this wedding work. Goes to show you just how much these small town ponies care about one another. I passed by a gazebo and saw a unicorn couple sitting in it. The stallion was around my age, maybe a little younger, with a blue coat and a well kept blue mane. The mare had to be the same age with a greyish coat and a purple and white mane. They leaned against each other, smiling in that special way you do when you’re with the one you love. “To think, both of our babies would become so grand,” the mare smiled. “I always knew Twilight was a princess, now the whole world knows,” the stallion said. That made me stop. “Shining Armor is a father of his own,” the mare mused. “I thought he’d never get the courage to ask Cadence. A lovely daughter in law she made.” They had to be... “Excuse me,” I said, walking up. “Oh, I’m sorry,” the stallion apologized. suddenly out of his trance “Were we disturbing you, sir?” “No, forgive me for eavesdropping,” I started, putting a hoof to my chest in apology. “I just couldn’t help but overhear, you are the parents of Twilight Sparkle?” They looked at each other, smiled and the mare said, “That would be us, the proud parents of a Princess of Equestria.” “Who would you be sir?” The stallion asked. I gave a smile and said, “I am Irenius Eye, Preventus Eye is my son and Twilight Sparkle my future daughter in law.” They both gave a look of shock. I’m guessing they were taking into account the suit I wore for the occasion. I considered not bringing it so as not to draw too much attention, but my secretary insisted I wear it to represent the company. They were obviously caught off guard by this sudden reveal. The stallion was the first one to speak, “I am Night Light, this is my wife Velvet.” He gestured to his wife. “Private never told us that he came from such a, well known family.” I smiled. “That’s not a surprise, Preventus was never one to flaunt the fact that he came from a privileged childhood.” “I am glad to finally meet the stallion who raised a good son for our filly,” Velvet smiled, but then her blue eyes blinked. “But, I have to ask, where is Private’s mother?” My expression turned a little sorrowful. Velvet put a hoof on her mouth as she realized she may have asked too personal a question. Finally I had the courage to say, “She died, giving birth to my youngest.” “Oh, forgive me for asking,” Velvet apologized. “I had no idea.” I held up a hoof. “It is alright, I’m beyond the point where I break down over her death. Although it still weighs heavily on my heart.” “Again we apologize,” Night Light said. “Private never talked much about his past with us.” “Your daughter, from what I heard, was among the few he completely confided in. You raised a good mare,” I complimented. “Why thank you Irenius,” Velvet smiled. “What do you say to joining me and Night Light for a self guided tour of this lovely town? I’m sure we have plenty of stories to tell about Twilight.” “Wait till I tell you about the time Preventus tried to create a fort out of his mother’s dresses,” I laughed. _______________________________________________________________ Perspective: Tailspin I held the cushion in my lap, the practice ring on top of it. I gently rolled forward as I tried to balance the ring just like Private told me to. I was in the library trying to practice for the role that Private had given me. I was to be his ring bearer along with Spike being Twilight’s. Well, it’s more accurate to say I had given myself the job. Private tried to talk me out of it but that was about as effective as Granny Smith’s hearing. I rolled gently forward, trying to balance it on my lap before the stupid cushion fell again. “Darn it,” I groaned, picking it back up. “I’ve been working on this thing for hours, so far nothing. Maybe I need a break, after all I still got a couple of days to get it right.” I laid the cushion down on a table, taking the practice ring and putting it in my pocket. I then rolled to the door and opened it to the outside. There were a bunch of ponies, out there, all helping with the preparations. Lyra and Octavia were off by the Gazebo practicing their part for the wedding march, Vinyl Scratch was looking through a list, making faces. I guess Private and Twilight gave her their music preferences. As I rolled down the street I caught sight of the flower trio arranging the flowers around the town. I’ve never seen the town so pretty before. Everypony really wanted to make this wedding work. I can’t wait until this gets started! Private gets to be with Twilight! I stopped as I came to the street venders. Most of them were out to sell to the guests that came from out of town. I’ve noticed a lot of upper crust ponies walking the stands, maybe they're hoping for a souvenir? There’s even what looks like an Alicorn, here. She’s really pretty, with a pink coat, and a tri-colored mane and tail. I’ve never seen purple, blond, and pink in a mane before. That’s kind of neat. And on her back is a cute little filly. She doesn't look that much older than Private, maybe a couple of years. Then again, she could be thousands of years old and you’d never be able to tell thanks to her being an Alicorn. The filly took notice of me, she pointed and said, “Mamma!” “What is it, now, Skyla?” the pink alicorn asked, sounding amused, then turned to where her filly was pointing. “Oh. Hello.” “Sorry,” I said, rolling up to them. “I guess she’s never seen a guy in a wheelchair before huh?” I then looked at the filly. “Hi there, what’s your name?” “Skyla!” she cried happily. “That’s a pretty name,” I said, smiling at her. Her mom smiled, “I’m guessing you're a local here?” “Well, technically I’m from Manehatten,” I explained. “But, after Private brought me here this place has become my home.” “Wait,” the pink alicorn said, puzzled looking. “You know Private?” “I think I should,” I smiled. “He’s my bro after all.” “My goodness,” she said, putting a hoof to her mouth and smiling down at me. “I’m Princess Mi’amore Cadenza, Private is to be my brother in law.” “Now I know where I’ve seen you before!” I exclaimed in recognition. “You’re the princess from the wedding last year, the one before Twilight met Private.” “It certainly was eventful,” she mused. “So Princess Mi...mi amo...mi amogaple...” I tried hard to say her name. “Just call me Cadence. I think future brothers in law have that privilege,” Cadence grinned. “Your husband saved my class during the attack, he was so awesome!” I told her. “I can’t believe you and him are going to be my in laws! That’s so cool!” “I’ll tell Shining he has a fan,” Cadence chuckled. “Looks like it’s going to be huge, doesn't it?” “The wedding? Yeah by the looks of it,” I nodded. “I can’t wait, I got Private to make me ringbearer” “Ring wing!” Skyla cried, smiling. “That’s a pretty important job,” Cadence said. “I’m glad Private trusts his little brother so much.” Skyla then started reaching for me, babbling a little. Cadence smiled and picked the filly out of her carrier. “It seems she wants to get to know her future uncle. Well, her other future uncle.” Skyla reached her hooves excitedly as she was placed on my lap. She looked up at me with the biggest blue eyes I’ve ever seen. She smiled wide and tapped herself. “Skyllie!” I smiled back. “I’m Tailspin, nice to meet you.” “Tailspie!” she said, mispronouncing my name but hugged me so cutely I couldn’t hold it against her. “She really likes you Tailspin,” Cadence said, looking at the scene. “Then again, I don’t think there’s anypony on earth Skyla doesn't adore.” “Hey Skyla, check this out!” I rolled into a wheelie on my wheelchair, Skyla laughed happily as we rode along. Cadence was smiling as well. Skyla smiled as she sat on my lap once it was over. “Unca roll! Unca roll!” “I can see you’re now on her favorite ponies list.” Cadence said with a small laugh. I smiled myself then I heard the bell toll. “Aw man, I’m supposed to be at Rarity’s in a few minutes.” “Oh? Oh, probably for your tux for the wedding, right?” the princess asked. “Yeah, Rarity said I had to get it before she’s swamped by everything else.” I explained. “Well it’s been awhile since I saw Rarity,” Cadence said, taking back Skyla into her carrier. “Why don’t we both go? I need to ask her about some business with the Empire.” The journey to the boutique was a pleasant one. The flowers made the whole town smell nice, and all the decorations made everything just seem so festive. We soon reached Rarity’s fantastically styled building. No wonder it’s called the Carousel Boutique. When we opened the door I saw Sweetie Belle and Applebloom clad in their flower girl dresses. They were both standing in front of a curtained area. But before I could ask what was going on Rarity came strolling in, despite working nearly around the clock she still maintained her happy tone. “Welcome to Carousel-” She stopped when she saw us, “Why your highness, it is a pleasure to see you again.” “A pleasure as always Rarity,” Cadence smiled wide. “I hope I’m not keeping you from anything.” “Do not worry your head darling,” Rarity dismissed it with a hoof, “Between myself and my apprentice Cross we have everything under control.” “Great,” I piped up. “Do you have my tux ready yet?” “Just give me a minute darling, and I’ll bring it right out.” She then happily trotted away, back to her work. “Come on Scootaloo!” Applebloom cried from the curtained area “Come on out!” “No way!” I heard Scootaloo’s angelic voice cry from the other side. “You guys’ll laugh at me!” I rolled over to the girls and started, “Hey wha-” Suddenly Sweetie Belle shoved a hoof in my mouth, silencing me. “We promise we won’t laugh Scootaloo!” Sweetie said, smiling wide. “Oh, okay,” Scootaloo’s voice slowly said, the curtain drew and my jaw dropped. I could almost hear a choir. She looked gorgeous. The dress, itself, was fairly simple, with a minimum of decoration, violet in color, with a minimal lace collar in white, and a simple, wine-colored sash. The way she looked in it, though... It was amazing! Sweetie Belle removed her hoof and giggled, “So, whaddya think Tailspin?” Scootaloo saw it was me standing outside, her face slowly turned from orange to red. “Uh, hi T-tailspin.” “H-hey Scootaloo,” I said nervously “You look amazing.” “I, I uh, gotta run!!!” She zoomed out of the boutique, her face red as an apple. The fillies giggled as she left, I was left with the image in my mind of Scootaloo in that dress. Private thinks Twilight is the prettiest mare in the world? Well, I think I found a better contender thank you. _________________________________________________________________ Perspective: Cadence It would seem that young love is in the air. Mutual affection between Scootaloo, and Tailspin. Interesting. I should not meddle, but I can still... “Rarity?” I asked. “What do you know about the little romance that’s going on between Tailspin and Scootaloo?” Rarity smiled, “My dear apprentice Cross is Tailspin’s cousin, Tailspin and Scootaloo are very close from what I heard. Tailspin was attracted to her from the moment he saw her. Although I can hardly imagine why he would choose her. The filly has rather boorish manners that I swear Rainbow Dash encourages in her. But, love is love and the two have bonded over this year. They even did a little dance together last hearts and hooves day.” Oh...my...gosh... My eyes glowed. “That is so CUTE!” I cheered happily. “Oh my gosh the love was just so pure and innocent!” Rarity giggled, “Oh it is simply precious is it not?” Must...resist...urge...to...meddle... Skyla tilted her head as I fought with every fiber of my being not to dive into this very cute relationship. I watched as a unicorn colt stepped in, levitating a tuxedo with his magic. His coat was green and his black mane messy, his green eyes were covered by black rimmed glasses. He looked at us. “Um, did I miss anything?” “Oh, just the ongoing romance of your cousin,” Rarity said. “Thank you for finishing that tuxedo Cross, that last button was about as stubborn as Applejack.” “Hey!” Applebloom cried. “No offense darling,” Rarity smiled. She trotted over to Tailspin and said, “Now, if you need any help at all getting this on you just yell okay?” “It’s okay Miss Rarity,” Tailspin said, taking the suit. “I’m sure I can figure it out if you and Cross sowed it. You guys always try to make your outfits easy to get into.” “Always trying to think of the customer,” Cross said, a smile on his face. It seems he really is Rarity’s apprentice. “Ah gotta get goin actually,” Applebloom said, slipping out of her flower girl outfit. “Applejack wants me tah help with the reception refreshments. Hopefully ah won’t burn the treats this time.” “I’ll see you later Applebloom,” Sweetie called as the yellow filly left. “We still gotta try and help Dinky with her cutie mark.” “Dun think Ah fergot,” Applebloom said, smiling back before leaving. Tailspin rolled into the changing area and then I saw Sweetie walk over to Cross. She smiled at him, “It’s really nice for you to be helping my sister out Cross.” Rarity was purposefully occupying herself with some fabrics. I slowly smirked as I saw a line of red come to Cross’ face. “Well, yeah, I am her apprentice after all.” Sweetie’s lime green eyes looked on him. “You work so hard, most colts my age don’t wanna have anything to do with this stuff. But, I’m glad you help my sister. Also, I’m glad to just have you around.” Must...resist...urge.... “Lov lov!!!” Skyla suddenly cried, I looked over at her and my eyes grew wide in shock, Skyla’s horn was glowing! She was using magic! A tiny little heart came from Skyla’s horn and flew itself first into Sweetie, and then into Cross. The two looked into each other’s eyes, Cross smiled, “Did I ever tell you how pretty you were?” Sweetie blushed, “Aww, everypony thinks my sister is the pretty one.” She shuffled her hooves nervously, well this is an interesting turn. “I don’t,” Cross said, and then raised a hoof to her cheek, lifting her face so their eyes met. “I think you’re the cutest, prettiest, and sweetest filly alive. Plus, I like your voice.” Sweetie smiled cutely and hummed a tune, Cross’ eyes closed as he listened to it. I have to admit, the filly had quite the talent for singing. Cross seems to think so as well. The pair blinked as the spell wore off. They looked at each other, turned very red and zoomed away from each other. Cross looked at Sweetie apologetically. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me!” I looked over at Skyla who was clapping her hooves. “Your first love spell, oh sweetie I’m so proud of you.” I nuzzled her gently as the two foals apologized nervously to one another. Tailspin then came out dressed in his suit. Sweetie and Cross disappeared into separate rooms. The little ones were probably embarrassed about being part of Skyla’s love spell test. I smiled at Tailspin. “Well, don’t you look like you could sweep Scootaloo off her hooves?” Tailspin blushed and said, “I’m just gonna carry a ring to my brother, no big deal.” “Oh don’t act so humble darling,” Rarity said, trotting over. “Why I’m sure you’ll do very well tonight.” “Thanks Miss Rarity,” Tailspin said, and Rarity’s magic helped him out of the tuxedo. “I gotta get back to practicing.” “Maybe I can help,” I said, walking over to Tailspin. “I did coach Spike during my own wedding.” This isn’t an ulterior motive to also coach him about Scootaloo at all. I swear! “Sure, let’s get going, or rolling in my case,” Tailspin joked, rolling out of the building. He can really just joke about his handicap like that? I don’t know whether to feel happy he doesn't let it bother him, or sad that he has to cope with it. Oh well, Tailspin’s a strong colt by the looks of him. I’m sure he’s just taking it like any pony can, one spin of the wheels at a time. ______________________________________________________________ Perspective: Private Eye I looked on at the gazebo where in a couple of days I would be wed to Twilight. I sat there on the grass as I thought about this. Maybe I rushed into this, maybe I was so happy to be alive that I never thought to think about if I was ready. On top of all that, Twilight is a princess now. By marriage I’d be royalty, could I really handle all the responsibility it entails? Would she want to keep married to me with all the more experienced Princes around her? And who for the love of Celestia is tapping me on my shou- I turned around and looked wide eyed at a blue unicorn mare standing behind me. Her long midnight blue mane was cascading down her shoulders. Her musical note cutie mark graced her flank proudly. Her smile grew as her blue eyes betrayed her gladness to see me. “Well, it’s been awhile hasn’t it Private?” “Moongale!” I yelled, hugging my friend and she hugged me in return. “What are you doing here? I thought you were on tour.” “I was,” she replied, letting me go. “But then I heard my old friend was getting married and I figured my talents would be put to better use.” “How’s Arson?” I asked. “Doing very well,” she answered, “In fact, his scars have almost completely healed and he’s starting to make more public appearances as my composer.” “That’s great,” I smirked and jabbed her chest playfully. “And how’s the romance?” She blushed and said, “It’s going very well, you couldn’t resist asking that could you?” “Nope,” I said with a shake of my head. “I remember when you were in second grade and you tried to hook up our teacher with the gym teacher,” Moongale laughed. “You never could look away from a romance.” “Hey, they were made for each other,” I retorted. “Yes and they’ve been happily married for years now,” Moongale laughed a little. “So, how goes the wedding preparations?” I looked down; Moongale’s blue eyes saw me. We knew each other well enough to know what the other is thinking. “Nervous are you?” “It’s just,” I sighed. “I’m wondering if maybe I rushed into this.” Moongale walked to me, and put a hoof on my shoulder. “Private, everypony feels like this as the date gets closer.” She then said, “I knew back in Trottingham that you and Twilight loved each other dearly. Just don’t forget that.” “Thanks Moongale,” I said, looking at her. “I’m sure I’ll sort it out sooner or later.” “So, are you in need of a wedding singer?” she asked, smiling. “So the pep talk was a motive so you could sneak your way into the position?” I said, in mock hurt. She just flipped my hat down. “I just want to celebrate my friend getting married. This is the best way I can help.” I pulled my hat up and told her, “Sure, talk to Celestia, she’s down at the gazebo overseeing everything. I’m sure she can fit you in somehow.” Moongale gulped, “Okay, I’m just going to walk up to the most powerful mare in Equestria and ask if I can sing. Alright, no pressure.” “Come on,” I rolled my eyes. “Everypony is a fan of you after your album came out. She’s friendly and kind, she’ll understand. Just don’t bring up cake.” Moongale nodded and trotted towards the gazebo. “Friend of yours Private?” I looked over and saw Shining Armor coming to sit beside me. “Yeah, she came to volunteer as a wedding singer,” I explained. “Where are Twilight and the others?” “Enjoying the spa when I left them,” Shining explained. “Mom and Twilie got kind of roped by the twins there into getting a free treatment. I took that as my cue to let them enjoy themselves.” “I’m glad Velvet is enjoying what Ponyville has to offer,” I said, looking down at the gazebo. Shining Armor nudged me with his leg. “Pre wedding jitters?” “How di-” I then nodded. “Right, you’re married.” “And I went through the same thing,” Shining smiled. “Truth be told, I was a nervous wreck before the wedding and almost didn’t go out.” This was weird; I’ve always seen Shining Armor as a confident soldier. But, I’m guessing even he crumbles when Cadence becomes involved. “How did you get over it?” I asked. “I didn’t really, I just changed the way I thought about it,” Shining explained. “I wasn’t marrying a princess, I wasn’t marrying an alicorn, I was just marrying the greatest friend I’ve ever made.” He then looked at me. “You just think the same about Twilie and you’ll be fine.” I smiled at him and said, “Thanks Shining, I needed that.” He closed his blue eyes, “That being said...” He suddenly got very close and glared at me. I began sweating as his blue eyes bore into my very soul. “If you even think about cheating on my little sister, I will personally hunt you down, beat the living crap out of you, break all four of your legs and then shove my spear right up yo-” “Shining! Private!” We both looked over and saw Twilight and Cadence walking towards us. Shining smiled and pulled me into a noogie. “Aww hey girls, don’t mind us.” Twilight narrowed her eyes. “You weren’t threatening my fiancé were you?” “Threaten? Naw,” Shining smiled innocently. “Just having a little guy talk here with my future brother here!” He ruffled my brown mane under my fedora. “Hey, cut it out!” I said, squirming out of his grip. Cadence laughed, and then looked at her husband. “I dropped Skyla off with her grandparents. We’re all going to meet up at the hotel.” “How was the spa Twilie?” Shining asked as I righted myself. “Oh it was great.” She flapped her wings. “These have never felt better.” “You’ll look great for the wedding,” I said, smiling at her. “Hey, watch it when I’m around man,” Shining retorted. “You’re not the one marrying her Shining!” I argued. “Well, even still I’m obligated to look out for her.” “There’s looking out for and then there’s obess-” Cadence was giggling. “What?” Shining and I asked at the same time. “Sorry, I can’t help it, you two would make just the weirdest brothers.” Twilight started laughing herself. Shining and I looked at each other and started laughing ourselves. Maybe, it won’t be so bad thanks to having a family like this. Twilight and I smiled at one another. I wasn’t marrying Princess Twilight Sparkle. I was marrying the greatest friend I’ve ever made, and getting into her rather fun family. Somehow, I wasn’t as nervous anymore. ______________________________________________________________________ Perspective: Voidera I walked into Tia’s hotel room after I managed to get away from palace duties. Since Lunard’s defeat Tia had been pouring herself into her work on her student’s wedding. Luna and I talked and we figured now should be time for an, as the modern ponies call it, intervention. I saw Tia at a desk, her golden magic levitating and signing several papers at once. Luna’s moon was outside the window, at nearly it’s highest point. As if it wanted to drive home the point that my love was working herself hard. “Tia?” I called, stepping near her. “Oh? Voidera my love it’s good to see you.” She then levitated over some papers my way. “Be a dear and finalize these forms would you?” “Tia,” I said, as I set the papers aside and she kept working. I noticed that she was working at a very fast pace. “When was the last time you slept?” “Slept?” She stopped temporarily. “Oh, I suppose it was...” She looked at me guiltily. “Two days ago...” I frowned and my horn glowed blood red, all of the forms and quills were teleported into a stack on my hoof. I set them aside and said, “Tia, I know what this is.” “Voidera,” she groaned, walking over to me. “I do love you, but I must return to wedding preparations. I still have a band to organize, Twilight’s bouquet to order and so-” “Tia, I know why you’re working so hard,” I said, my red eyes not giving any sway. She stopped at that. “You did this before, when Solara died you poured yourself into your duties as a princess. You barely slept for a week. I know you do care for your student, but you can’t use her wedding to cope.” She, slowly bowed her head. “I guess it is a terrible habit of mine. I just...” a tear fell down her eye. “I just, for the first time in fifteen hundred years...father...told me he...was proud of me...” “Shh...” I walked to Tia and wrapped my dragon like wings around her. Her head went into my shoulder, my dark coat catching her tears. I fought tears myself as I wrapped my hooves around my love gently. “I know it’s wrong for me to have an excuse like this,” she sobbed, her own hooves clinging to me. “I just, I could’ve lost my father and not have heard him say that. My father...and little sister...both of them suffered so much....and I could do nothing....I had to use my student and her love against him...” “Tia,” I soothed, gently rocking her. “Just, remove the mask that you’ve worn for so long. Just let it all out. None can see us in here I can assure you.” With that, Celestia cried fully into me. I held her as gently and firmly as I could. There were only three times I’ve seen Celestia break down like this. The first was when her mother died, the second was when Luna was thought dead after Discord took her, and the third was when Lunard fell. Oh Tia, how much grief have you kept in you since then? She looked up at me and said, “Voidera, thank you, I needed to remove the mask for a while.” I pulled her into a tender kiss on the lips. She returned it longingly, pouring her heart and soul into it. I was happy to receive it, Tia needed this, she needed me here with her. I slowly stopped kissing her and she asked, “What’s wrong?” “I can’t help but feel guilty myself,” I sighed. “I should’ve been here with you. There’s so much guilt and grief within you that I wasn’t there to alleviate. It's my own fault, I followed Lunard to try and seal the miasma. I got myself locked away and you could only watch as I said goodbye.” She smiled and wiped her eyes with a free hoof. “Had you not have tricked Discord into sealing you and Lunard, the miasma would’ve covered the whole world.” She then laid a kiss on me. “Voidera...” “Yes Tia?” I asked, and watched her leave my embrace. Her golden magic unlocked her regala, and she stepped out of her shoes and set them all on the desk. She removed her crown and set it gently in a chest. “Voidera, tonight I’m not Princess Celestia, I’m not a ruler of Equestria or anything like that.” She turned around, all of her royal trappings gone, revealing her as I’ve known her years ago. Granted her mane was pink back then but times change. “Then who are you?” I asked, stepping out of my own white shoes and setting them aside. “Just, Tia,” she smiled, walking towards me and taking my hoof in hers. “A mare, who’s just happy to have her love here with her.” I smiled and said, “Let it be...like our first time in the sanctuary...” “Without Izanami here to catch us,” she added and we both laughed... “Tia, no matter what I love you,” I said, as she led me towards the bed. “I love you too Voidera,” she said, and then climbed onto the bed. “Let it be, a night for us...” I then stared into her beautiful violet eyes...and gave into my love for her....