//------------------------------// // The Wedding // Story: Sunset's Locked-On Love // by 00RaiserGundam //------------------------------// Sunset Shimmer and her fiancé Lockon Astros were currently relaxing in their shared home with their pet wolf Shadow. A month had passed since that whole ordeal with Tirek, and the engaged couple were both happy to be relaxing and enjoying each other's company. And in that passing month, Shadow had grown significantly in size. A month ago he was only a pup who had just hit his teenage puberty phase. Now, he was the size of a timberwolf. In fact, Sunset was not sure if he was fully grown yet or not. Especially after his freakish magic growth spurt during the battle with Tirek. Upon further research, Sunset discovered that Shadow is actually a living specimen of Lupus gigantormus, a species of giant wolf that was once thought to be extinct. Apparently, Shadow's sudden growth spurt happened out of his desire to protect Sunset and those close to both of them and he returned to normal after the ordeal was over. Sunset was not sure whether Shadow would stay at his current regular wolf size, or continue growing naturally until he became four times that size like he did during the whole Tirek ordeal. But that did not matter to her. He was still as happy and healthy as ever, and she loved him just the same as when she took him in as a pup. Sunset was proud and happy that Princess Celestia, the Mane Six, and even the Elements of Harmony themselves acknowledged her as a Princess of Friendship alongside Twilight Sparkle. The chest had even given Sunset her own throne inside Twilight's new castle home. Most importantly of all, however, was the fact that Sunset and Lockon's wedding date was only a month away, on the very first day of summer. They had been going over the preparations with their friends over the coming days as the big day approached. Sunset and Lockon had already visited Sweet Apple Acres to sample whatever Applejack had in store for the reception's catering. Sunset and Lockon happily approved of the apple fritters that the Apple family had prepared. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were also more than excited to be the flower fillies for the wedding. They still had the dresses they wore to Cadance and Shining Armor's wedding. Applejack even mentioned that she, Pinkie Pie, and the Cakes would all be making their wedding cake. Sunset and Lockon happily approved of this. They arrived at Fluttershy's cottage to find her practicing the music with her songbird choir. "Wow, Fluttershy." Sunset complimented her as they approached them. "That has got to be some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard." "Thank you, Sunset." Fluttershy responded happily while all the birds chirped their agreement. "We are really excited to perform at another wedding. And I want to congratulate the two of you. I just know you two will be so happy together." "You have no idea how right you are, Fluttershy." Lockon told her. Then, he and Sunset headed off for Sugarcube Corner. Along the way, they found Rainbow Dash and Lightning Dust practicing their signature moves: the Sonic Rainboom and the Sonic Lightningboom. They had just finished their climbs and were now getting ready to start their dives. Then, they shot down towards the ground in unison. When they finally broke the sound barrier, the result was neither a Sonic Rainboom nor a Sonic Lightningboom. Instead, it was a combination of both with the resulting shockwave spewing out rainbow colored flames and surging with lightning bolts all over it at the same time. "That was your best one yet!" Sunset told the two of them as they came in for a landing. "Was it really that good?" Rainbow Dash asked in an unsure manner. "Are you kidding?!" Lockon asked incredulously. "Did you even see those shockwaves mixing with each other?! Anypony would be out of their minds insane to even think that shockwave is anything but awesome!" "Yeah!" Sunset agreed. "I mean that's like a Sonic Lightning Rainboom!" "You know what?" Lightning Dust said with an eager smirk. "Let's call it that. That's a pretty awesome name, don't you think Dash?" "Yeah, you're right." Dash agreed. "I also think that's enough practice for the day." "Definitely." Lightning Dust agreed with her before turning to the engaged couple. "Catch ya later, you two lovebirds." And with that she and Rainbow Dash took off towards their homes leaving their signature streaks behind. Once Lockon and Sunset got to Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie was already at the door to tell them that she already put together a list of the games, music, and entertainment that would be at the reception. She also confirmed Applejack's earlier statement about the two of them and the Cakes planning to make their wedding cake together. Sunset and Lockon, deciding not to question Pinkie Pie, thanked her before heading over to Carousel Boutique. "Hey, Rarity." Sunset called to her as she and Lockon walked through the door with the bell chiming. "How is our favorite fashionista doing?" "Oh, stop it you two." Rarity giggled coquettishly. "I am doing quite fine, thank you for asking. And don't think that I have forgotten about your wedding gown, Sunset. I have just been so busy making dresses for all of our friends. I am glad that Rainbow, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Applejack, Twilight and I still have our dresses from Cadance's wedding. I still had to make adjustments to Twilight's for her wings, and then there is making new dresses for Lightning Dust, Moondancer and Lemon Hearts, thank goodness Lyra and the others still have their dresses from Cadance's wedding as well." "It's quite alright, Rarity." Sunset calmly assured her. "We still have a month before the wedding. I'm sure you can whip something up for me by then. Would you like me to model for you for a while so you can get some ideas?" "That would be most kind of you." Rarity accepted the offer gracefully before getting out her measuring tape and magically holding it up against various areas. Then she began making sketches of Sunset shimmer for future reference when designing the dress. "Thanks for the assistance, darling." Rarity called to Sunset as she and Lockon left the boutique. "Bye, Rarity." Sunset answered her. "Say hi to Sweetie Belle for me when she gets back." Sunset and Lockon then proceeded back to their home. "Hey, Sunset, there's something I need to tell you." Lockon said to his fiancé. "What is it, hon?" Sunset asked him while giving him an affectionate nuzzle. "During the last weeks before our wedding," Lockon explained, "I need to head back to Canterlot. I have to observe the royal guard and personally mentor Flash Sentry before I pass my title as Captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard onto him." "When do you have to go?" Sunset asked him in a slightly worried manner. "Exactly one week before our big day." Lockon answered her. "Luckily for us, this will help with the tradition of not seeing each other for a week before the wedding." "True." Sunset nodded in agreement. "And besides," Lockon continued, "you don't have to worry about me. Shining Armor and Discord will even be helping out with the security measures during the whole time I am there." "That's good to hear." Sunset said as she quickly pecked him on the lips before heading off into the kitchen to make dinner. A couple weeks later, it was time for Lockon to leave for Canterlot. Sunset, the Mane Six, Spike, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Lightning Dust, Lyra Heartstrings, Minuette, Twinkleshine, and Lemon Hearts were all on the train station platform to see him off. "This is going to be a very long week without you here." Sunset said as she and Lockon exchanged a hug. "Yeah," Lockon agreed with her, "but what awaits us at the end will definitely be worth it." "Say hi to Flash and Moondancer for me." Sunset smiled at him before they shared a quick yet passionate kiss. Everypony awed at the site, and surprisingly, Scootaloo did not even pretend to gag at the sappiness of the sight. Lockon then boarded the train with all of his luggage and the train puffed out of Ponyville station to head straight for Canterlot. The week that the lovely couple spent apart from each other was uneventful, and felt more like a month or a year to both of them. Soon enough though, the week passed by and arrived at the day before the wedding. Sunset and the others were on their way to Canterlot via train. Lyra, Minuette, and Twinkleshine, and the Mane Six had brought along their bridesmaids dresses from Cadance and Shining Armor's wedding and they were keeping them as safe as they all possibly could. As they got closer to Canterlot, they all saw and then felt themselves passing through a city sized magic protection bubble. Obviously this was Shining Armor's work. When they finally got to the Canterlot train station, Moondancer and Flash Sentry were on the platform waiting for them. "Sunset!" Moondancer ran up to embrace her friend in a hug. "It's good to see you too, Moondancer." Sunset smiled as she returned the hug. "I trust you still want to be one of my bridesmaids?" "Of course." Moondancer replied with an enthusiastic grin. "Well, we better get started with the preparations." Applejack said to the whole group before turning to Sunset. "And you need to hide before Lockon sees you." "Don't worry, Applejack." Sunset assured her. "I cast an illusionary enchantment spell on myself a few minutes ago. If Lockon does see me, the spell will make him think I am somepony else; somepony that he doesn't know." "Nice thinking, bride to be." Spike complimented her. "Let's get cracking then." "Moondancer," Rarity asked her, "Lemon Hearts, Lightning Dust? Can you all come with me? I need to design and make your dresses along with Sunset's." "Hey, Dash." Lightning Dust whispered to Rainbow Dash. "We're still good to make that little adjustment to our move, right?" "Yeah." Rainbow replied with a smile and a wink. "It's gonna be awesome." "See you then." Lightning Dust responded before moving on to catch up with the others. Meanwhile, Sunset went to meet up with Princess Celestia while leaving her maid of honor, Twilight, in charge of overseeing and organizing the preparations. Once she got to Princess Celestia's private quarters, she gave three gentle knocks and entered upon the "come in." Sunset was relieved to find only Celestia in the room. "Ah, Sunset." Celestia acknowledged her former student. "I am glad you and your friends made it." "Thank you, princess." Sunset responded. "I trust that Lockon is out on patrol with the royal guard?" "Indeed." Celestia answered. "I just can't believe this day is approaching so fast; how much Lockon has grown. I still remember when I first took him in. It was one of the best decisions of my life. I just never expected him to grow up this fast." "Don't worry, Princess." Sunset assured her former mentor. "I will take good care of him for the rest of my life, especially whenever he needs it." "I am happy to hear that, Sunset." Celestia told her as they embraced each other. Just then, a knock sounded on the door. Celestia got up to see what it was. It turned out to be just a guard informing her about something. Then, she dismissed the guard and turned back to Sunset as she closed the door. "Well, Sunset," Celestia began, "it seems that your friends are all done with the preparations and are now ready to hold a bachelorette party in your bedroom." "I must not keep them waiting, then." Sunset replied as she headed out the door. "See you tomorrow at the ceremony." Later that night, Sunset, her friends, and Cadance were all gathered at her bachelorette party. "Well, Sunset, I never thought I'd be in this situation right now." Lemon Hearts said. "To think that five years ago, you, Moondancer, Lyra, Minuette, Twinkleshine, and I started off on not-the-best of terms. Now, here you are, a redeemed Princess of Friendship alongside Twilight Sparkle, and I'm here along with you congratulating you as a friend when you are soon to be married." "Funny how things work out sometimes." Sunset laughed with the others joining in along with her. "How are you feeling right now, Sunset?" Moondancer asked her. "To be honest, Moondancer," Sunset answered her, "as Pinkie Pie would say, I am nervicited." "I gotta hand it to you, Sunset." Minuette pitched in. "I never thought that out of everypony in this room other than Princess Cadance, you would be the first of this group to get hitched." "Not to mention you're marrying an alicorn prince who is also a Captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard." Twinkleshine added. "Lockon is one lucky stallion." Twilight added. "I'm the one who's lucky girls." Sunset responded to all of them. "But like I said many times before, I would not even be here if weren't for any of you. So, thank you all." "Well, here's to you, dear." Rarity congratulated her. "Tomorrow's ceremony is going to be so awesome!" Lightning Dust cheered in excitement. "Yeah it is!" Rainbow Dash agreed. "It's gonna be the best wedding ever – no offense Cadance." "None taken, Rainbow." Cadance giggled in response. Meanwhile in a room on the other side of the castle, Flash Sentry, Spike, Shining Armor, and Discord were having a bachelor party for Lockon. "To one of the best Captains that the Canterlot Royal Guard has ever had the fortune of having." Shining Armor raised his mug of cider. "To Lockon!" Discord, Flash, and Spike replied in unison while Lockon just smiled as they all raised their mugs in response before clinking them all together. "So, are you feeling nervous yet, buddy?" Flash asked his long-time friend. "Who, me, nervous? Come on." Lockon said with confidence. "I've taken on entire street gangs and armies singlehoofedly. Gone casco a casco with some of the biggest baddies in Equestria's criminal underworld. Fought monsters, changelings, and demons. I mean, do you really think I'm getting nervous just because tomorrow I'm getting marr...marr...marr..." And then he started getting light-headed and then suddenly fainted. "Whoa there." Flash said as he caught him. "Nice going, best stallion." Shining Armor said with the tiniest hint of sarcasm in his voice. "Hey, just be thankful none of those monsters or changelings ever proposed." Flash said slightly jokingly. "Sunset's quite the lucky mare to be marrying you of all stallions, Lockon." Spike said after downing his mug. "To be honest, I never expected her to confess her feelings for you right after that whole Crystal Empire changeling incident." "In all honesty, Spike, neither did I." Lockon replied. "But it was all worth it in the end, and it gave me the confidence to tell her how I felt about her. I just wish that my sister and birth parents could have met her and been here for the two of us." "Don't worry, Lockon." Discord responded with sincerity in his voice. "They might be gone, but I am positive that wherever they are up there right now, they will always be watching you, and that tomorrow will be no exception." "Well, I think we should probably call it a night, guys." Flash suggested. "We don't want to miss the big day tomorrow because we slept in." "Best advice I have heard all night." Lockon agreed. "Night guys." "Night." The others chorused, filing out of the room before Lockon cleared everything up and got ready for bed. The following morning, Sunset was practically pushed out of bed by Twilight. "Time to get up, Sunset!" Twilight sang. "You don't want to be late for your big day!" "I don't believe I ever asked for a wake-up call." Sunset groaned. "Save the sarcasm for later." Twilight replied, unaffected. "Now, come on. Rarity's waiting for you with your dress." They then met Rarity in the dressing room, where she went to work. She started by styling Sunset's mane into simple yet elegant curls, much like how Cadance's mane looked at her wedding. The dress was perhaps one of Rarity's greatest creations ever by far; the pure white accented by patterns of gold and crimson. The veil was made from the finest silk that Canterlot had to offer and topped with a ring of red roses, orange chrysanthemums, and yellow carnations. "Finito!" Rarity proclaimed before fetching a mirror so that Sunset could see her herself. "What do you think?" "I look…I look…beautiful." Sunset gasped as tears of joy yet again streamed down her face. "Thank you, Rarity. You have no idea how much this means to me." "I can't take all the credit, Sunset." Rarity humbly responded. "I just made and gave you the dress. You did most of the work yourself, especially when it came to looking beautiful. Now we'd best be going. Your escort awaits." Outside the main castle gates, two royal guards were waiting with a carriage to take the whole bridal party to the ceremonial hall. "Are you ready, Sunset?" Moondancer asked her in a kind tone. "Definitely." Sunset nodded. "Let's get going, then." Twilight said before they all got inside the carriage which was now ready to take them to the ceremonial hall. Inside the ceremonial hall, the room was full of guests. This included everypony in Ponyville; Twilight's parents had come to watch her be the Maid of Honor; even Princess Luna was there to watch her adoptive nephew take a big step in life. Celestia was standing center stage at the altar since she was going to conduct the ceremony. Lockon stood immediately to Celestia's left, with Flash, Shining Armor, and Discord all behind him in their respective positions. Outside, the carriage slowed to a stop before Sunset and all of her friends disembarked. "Have there been any problems?" Sunset asked a guard as Lyra and the others went off to their respective positions and/or to take their seats at the ceremony. "No problems whatsoever, princess." The guard answered her. "Excellent." Sunset grinned before turning to her three bridesmaids. "Let's not keep them waiting any longer." Lightning Dust walked up to her spot across from Discord, then Moondancer and Twilight taking up their positions in front of her and across from Shining Armor and Flash Sentry respectively, all the while making sure that nopony saw Sunset yet. Twilight then signaled Fluttershy to begin. Fluttershy then tapped her baton on her music stand three times before conducting her songbird choir while they were performing the bridal march. When the music started, everypony in attendance turned around to see the double doors opening up. The first ones to enter were the Cutie Mark Crusaders, smiling and skipping along as they dropped flowers from their mouth-held baskets along the floor. And then, Sunset in her wedding gown finally came out and started walking. When Lockon first saw her in that dress, his jaw literally hit the floor. His best stallion, Flash Sentry, pushed Lockon's jaw back up into place with ease without even looking. "Wow…" Lockon whispered in awe and amazement as his wife to be got closer and closer until she was right beside him at the altar. They shared one loving look at each other before turning to Celestia just as the music finished. "Mares and gentlecolts." Celestia announced. "We are gathered here today to witness the union of Princess Sunset Shimmer and Prince Lockon Astros. The determination of their commitment is clear, the strength of their love, undeniable. The bride and groom have each written their own vows. You may start them in your own time." "Sunset, you mean a whole lot more to me than anypony else in Equestria." Lockon declared. "Ever since I lost my sister and birth parents, I spent my entire life losing myself and thinking that avenging them was my only remaining chance at happiness. But then you showed me just how wrong I was. You cared about me enough to literally slap some sense into me. You saved me from myself. And now, I know for certain that I cannot live without you." "Lockon, I felt a very strong connection between the two of us since the day we first met." Sunset announced. "I didn't think I ever deserved any friends at all after everything I had done five years ago. But you knew about all of that. You knew about my past and what I had done. And yet, you still offered me your friendship. At first, I was happy just to be your friend, but then I soon realized how much I really cared about you. And now that we are here, nothing would make me happier or more honored than to become your wife." The entire room was filled with watery eyes. "That was so beautiful." Discord sniffed as he produced handkerchiefs for Fluttershy and Moondancer, who both nodded in agreement. "Great." Scootaloo complained with tears in her eyes. "Now they've got me all sappy." Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom just smiled. Unknown to Scootaloo, Rainbow Dash and Lightning Dust were having the same situation, but they did not complain. "If anypony here has a reason as to why these two should not be wed," Celestia began, "please speak now or forever hold your peace." Not a single objection was made. "Prince Lockon Astros," Celestia once again announced, "do you take Princess Sunset Shimmer to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to love her, honor her, comfort her, and cherish her, to have and to hold, in joy and in sorrow, for richer and for poor, in sickness and in health, for so long as you both shall live?" "I do." Lockon answered with a smile. "And do you, Princess Sunset Shimmer," Celestia directed to her former student, "take Prince Lockon Astros to be you lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to love him, honor him, comfort him, and cherish him, to have and to hold, in joy and in sorrow, for richer and for poor, in sickness and in health, for so long as you both shall live?" "I do." Sunset eagerly grinned. "May we have the rings, please?" Celestia said after turning to Spike in his tuxedo. Spike then brought the rings resting on a velvet pillow with a smile of his own. Celestia then took them in her magic and placed them on Lockon and Sunset's horns. "I now pronounce you stallion and wife." Celestia said to the now newlywed couple. "You may kiss the bride." And with that, Sunset and Lockon wasted absolutely no time whatsoever in sharing what probably was their most passionate kiss yet while the entire crowd cheered loudly. Once they finished their kiss, like Shining Armor and Cadance before them, Princess Sunset Shimmer and Prince Lockon Astros walked out onto the balcony to meet the huge crowd that had gathered outside as well, and waved to them all with smiles on both of their faces. "Psst. Dash!" Lightning Dust whispered down to Rainbow Dash. "That's our cue!" Rainbow Dash's face then got a grin to match the one on Lightning Dust's face. Soon the two took off faster than ever, ditching their dresses and leaving behind a rainbow and yellow lightning bolt streak as they made their ascent. Then, as the two began to approach the sound barrier, the two pegasi speed demons began to fly even closer to each other before changing the angle of their flying positions. What happened next was something that blew the minds of everypony in Equestria. As soon as the two broke the sound barrier, the resulting Sonic Lightning Rainboom was as they intended. Because of the way they both angled their flying positions, instead of the usual circular shape that some have seen at least once or twice before with only a rainboom or a lightningboom, the resulting shockwave came out in the form of a heart. The heart-shaped Sonic Lightning Rainboom was planned out at the last minute by Rainbow Dash and Lightning Dust for their friends. This last-minute change was meant to show everypony that love was in bloom, and Rainbow and Lightning Dust worked together on this in order to symbolize their hopes that Sunset and Lockon's love would last forever. The shockwave was so big; it was visible to all of Equestria, from Manehattan all the way to Appleloosa. Even Cloudsdale and the Crystal Empire could see it. "Best…" Rainbow Dash began. "Wedding…" Lightning Dust followed "EVER!" They both finished in unison as they came in for their landing. Soon enough, the reception came. Sunset and Lockon just finished feeding each other the first two slices of the wedding cake, which in their honest opinion, was the best looking and the tastiest cake they had ever seen or eaten. Pinkie, AJ, and the Cakes had really outdone themselves with this one. Then, the newlyweds shared their first dance together as husband and wife. The tune was a tango this time, rather than a waltz. They finished off their tango with a spin. Then, it was slow dances from then on and every other couple was obliged to dance along with them, among those other couples, were Fancypants and Fleur de Lis, and Flash Sentry and Moondancer. After a few more dances, Sunset and Lockon sat down, where they were approached by the Element wielders and the Lyra's group. "Hey there, lovebirds." Lemon Hearts said to the newlyweds. "So how does it feel to have finally tied the knot?" Twinkleshine asked them. "It is the best feeling of my life." Sunset said. "I couldn't agree more." Lockon agreed with his wife before sharing another kiss with her. Everypony just went 'aw' at the site. "Look at our other lovely couple on the dance floor." Lyra said turning her attention to Flash Sentry and Moondancer. Everypony else followed suit. "I wonder if it's them who will be doing this next." Rarity said. "Who knows?" Lockon said. "They have been dating for as long as we have." Sunset answered her husband. "I really hope theirs will last too." "Well, congrats again, you two." Twilight said to Lockon and Sunset. "Ya'll have mah best wishes." Applejack agreed. "Same here." Minuette added. Everypony else agreed before the girls all had a group hug with Sunset. Then after they left. Celestia, Luna, Cadance and Shining Armor came up to the now married couple. "Congratulations, Sunset." Celestia said to her former student before turning to hug her adoptive son. "You too, son. I wish you both the best of luck." "Thanks, mom." Lockon told her. "Yes, thank you so much." Sunset agreed. "I am so proud of you, Lockon." Cadance said as she hugged him. "To think that you found love without my help." "Well, Cadance, I would say that it's more like love found me." Lockon replied. "But I am certainly not complaining." "All I know is that Canterlot's Royal Guard won't be the same without you." Shining Armor replied. "That's what they said when you retired from it to rule the Crystal Empire with Cadance." Lockon responded. "And it turned out fine because you left it in good hooves. And I know that it will still be fine because I am leaving it in good hooves as well. And besides, you can still give the same tips you gave me to Flash." "That's true enough." Shining Armor replied as they hoof bumped each other. All too soon, the celebrations wound down. Sunset and Lockon headed for the carriage that would take them to the blimp port, and then from there, their honeymoon destination in Tahayti. Using her front hoof, Sunset tossed her bouquet out into the crowd. "IT'S MINE!" Rarity shrieked, leaping to an unnaturally great height to try and catch the flowers. Once she reached them however, her hooves ended up knocking the bouquet of roses further away from her. Then, to everypony's surprise, it landed in the hooves of Moondancer, who, along with Flash Sentry, immediately blushed upon seeing what it was. "Enjoy your honeymoon, nephew." Luna directed to Lockon before turning to Sunset. "And Sunset, take care of him." "As one princess to another, that's a Pinkie Promise." Sunset answered her. And with that, the carriage took off to the outskirts of Canterlot. Sunset and Lockon leaned out of the windows on either side and waved to their friends and family, who enthusiastically waved back. Once they got past the city gates, they climbed back into the carriage and snuggled up next to each other. "This is without a doubt the best and happiest day of my life." Lockon declared. "Same with me." Sunset kissed him. "Soon it'll be just you and me, as husband and wife, in warm, sunny, tropical Tahayti." Lockon mused. "I just can't wait." Sunset nuzzled him. "I love you." "I love you too." Lockon wrapped a wing around her with Sunset returning the action. They snuggled up to each other happily and fell asleep in their embrace. Their big day had gone by without a hitch, and now they had the rest of their lives to look forward to, together.