Chapter 6
Pinkie Pie bounced in place, her eyes and smile wide as the train pulled in. Rainbow Dash was at her side, a weak smile adorning her face but her eyes slightly hooded. All four Cakes stood immediately behind the couple, Cup and Carrot remaining calm while their twin children bounced in rhythm with Pinkie Pie.
“Excited?” Rainbow Dash asked, knowing full well what the answer was.
“You bet’cha Dashie!” Pinkie answered without slowing down in the slightest, “I haven’t seen my family in…” Pinkie stopped in mid-air, her face screwed up in thought, “Umm sixteen months!” Pinkie landed right as the train came to a halt and watched eagerly as ponies filed off the train, her eyes scanning the crowd for her sisters.
As the crowd thinned Pinkie’s expression started to become downcast until she heard a pair of voiced call out: “Pinkie! Over here!” The source of voices were a pair of grown mares, one a rich blue with a light grey mane done up in a bun and the other light grey with a darker grey mane.
“Belle! Maggie!” Pinkie zipped over to the two mares and pulled them into a vice-like hug. “You made it!”
“Of course we did,” the blue mare Belle stroked her sister’s back. “We’d never miss our big sister’s wedding.”
“Pinkie…can’t…breathe!” Maggie strained out.
Pinkie smiled sheepishly and released her sisters from her hug, “Sorry, Maggie, but I’m just so happy to see you. Oh I have two little ponies to introduce you to!” Pinkie bounced over to the Cake twins, standing behind them and placing her hooves on their backs. “This is Pumpkin Cake and Pound Cake, they’re Mr. and Mrs. Cake’s foals.”
“How are they…” Maggie was abruptly cut off by Rainbow Dash.
“Don’t ask, Mags, it’s too complicated to explain,” the pegasus waved her hoof.
“Well it’s nice to see you again Rainbow Dash,” Belle trotted over to Rainbow Dash and gave her a hug. “I’ve got to ask though, how did my sister get you pregnant?”
“That’s a story I would like to hear.” The voice of an older mare came from the direction of the train eliciting a loud gasp from Pinkie Pie.
“M-mom, dad?” Pinkie trotted over to the two older earth ponies much more slowly than she normally moved. “B-but I thought you said you were too old to go travelling.”
“We thought so too,” Pinkie’s father, Clyde Pie, stepped forwards, smiling at his daughter, “But once Margaret and Bellamina told us we couldn’t bear to stay away from your wedding day.”
“Oh mommy, daddy…” Pinkie’s eyes began to water and she threw herself at her parents, giving them a less violent hug than she had given her sisters while softly crying tears of joy.
Rainbow Dash had stepped back while observing the scene, carefully wiping away the tears from her own eyes. Mrs. Cake noticed and walked over to Rainbow Dash, giving her a careful nudge. “Is something wrong, Rainbow Dash?” she asked, concerned.
“It-it’s nothing, Cup Cake, just moved by the moment that’s all,” Rainbow Dash brushed her off. Cup Cake didn’t pursue the topic even while the group of ponies headed back for Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie chatting excitedly about all the adventures she had in Ponyville, especially with Pumpkin and Pound Cake, and going into great detail about how Rainbow Dash had ended up pregnant.
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“…and then she said ‘to answer your question form earlier, yes I will marry you!’ and I was happier than I’d been in years!” Pinkie giggled.
“You certainly made the right choice, Rainbow Dash, even if it took you a while. I’m proud of you,” Clyde Pie nodded in the pegasus’ direction.
“Heh, well I just realized where I belonged,” Rainbow Dash waved off the compliment as Pinkie launched into another tale she hadn’t had a chance to write them a letter about.
Rainbow Dash sighed as she watched the family catching up, with Pumpkin Cake and Pound Cake joining in whenever Pinkie’s story was about them. Cup Cake and Carrot Cake exchange worried glances before trotting over and sitting next to the pegasus.
“Are you alright Rainbow Dash?” Carrot Cake asked, his eyes inviting Dash to share what was on her mind.
“I’m fine, just watching a happy family sharing stories.” Rainbow Dash did her best to keep her voice level, but the Cakes could easily hear her voice wavering.
“Are you sure? You could invite your parents to this wedding.” Cup Cake knew she had hit a sensitive spot when Rainbow Dash just slumped forwards on the table, a tear coming out of her eye.
“I don’t think my parents would come even if I could get a hold of them,” Rainbow’s voice was unusually solemn.
“What do you mean dearie?” Cup Cake put a comforting hoof on Rainbow’s shoulder.
Rainbow smiled briefly but sighed again before she continued. “My mom and dad are world travellers… or something like that. As soon as I moved to Ponyville they packed up and started travelling all over Equestria to see the sights and meet ponies. I get a postcard or a letter every so often but by the time they get to me my parents have already moved on.”
“Oh, Rainbow Dash…” Mrs. Cake gave the pegasus a hug which caused Rainbow Dash to smile.
“Does Pinkie know about this?” Mr. Cake asked.
“Yeah, I told her a couple years ago. She wanted to go searching Equestria for them but I told her I didn’t need another loved one lost on a world tour. I love my parents but I just wish they’d been around more often… I haven’t seen them in ten years…”
“You’re not even going to try and invite them to your wedding?” Mr. Cake sounded rather shocked at the idea.
“Even if I could figure out where in Equestria they were, it would be a Luna-blessed miracle if they showed up. Thanks for the support but I’ll be fine.” Rainbow Dash gently pushed Mrs. Cake away and got up, trotting past the door.
“Hey Twilight,” Rainbow Dash muttered as she passed the unicorn, whose state of surprise meant she just nodded as her friend passed her.
“Hi Twilight, how long have you been standing there?” Mr. Cake asked.
“Long enough,” Twilight confessed. “But regardless, I need to speak with Pinkie.”
“Okay, Twilight, what do you need to talk about?” Twilight jumped as Pinkie had suddenly appeared right in her face, something she should have gotten used to by now.
“Well Pinkie, I just need to know who your best mare or stallion is going to be.” Once Twilight asked her question, Margaret and Bellamina stepped up to join their sister.
“So, which one of us is it going to be, Pinkie?” Belle asked hopefully.
“You can think about it for a while if you want,” Maggie added, stepping back slightly and nodding her head towards the youngest sister.
Pinkie noticed Maggie’s actions and nodded, “Well if you don’t mind, I’d like you to be my best mare, Belle.”
“Really?” Belle’s eyes went wide with excitement.
“Of course, I was your best mare so you should be Pinkie’s,” Maggie gave her little sister and encouraging nuzzle.
“Good then, if that’s all I should be going,” Twilight nodded and turned, trotting away to let the Pie family discuss the wedding in further detail.
Rainbow Dash was already out of sight by the time Twilight exited Sugarcube Corner, but that could wait and she began a rather rapid gallop towards the library. “If it’s going to take a Luna-blessed miracle, then I’ll make one happen.”
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“Well, what do you think, darling? I spent all night putting the finishing touches on your dress.” Rarity waited nervously as Rainbow Dash surveyed the wedding dress that Rarity had created. The dress’ core was white and covered with rainbow colored glitter, the veil itself was simple and white and the tail was the same rainbow pattern that every dress Rarity had made for her had ever been.
Rainbow Dash couldn’t really describe the finer details of the dress and she admittedly didn’t have much of an eye for fashion but she gave Rarity a reassuring smile: “It looks great, Rare, I’m not much for this kinda stuff but I’m sure every other pony will think it looks fantastic.”
“Of course of course,” Rarity hadn’t expected the same glowing praise from Rainbow Dash that other ponies gave her, but what she had just said was enough. “Now you simply must try it on so I can make any final adjustments before the big day.”
“Well umm, OK,” Rainbow nodded as Rarity pushed her towards the dressing room, magically lifting the dress from the dressing horse as she did so.
“Ugg, this isn’t really all that comfortable!” Rainbow Dash squirmed as Rarity pulled the dress over her.
“Well forgive me, it’s my first time designing such a complex dress for a pregnant mare, but I must say it’s closer to a perfect fit than I would have expected.” Rarity carefully pulled Rainbow Dash’s wings through the holes on the dress’ back then let her magical aura dissipate. “There how does that look?” Rarity turned Rainbow Dash to face the mirror in the dressing room.
Rainbow Dash just stared for a moment before she finally managed to speak, “Wow, I look good.”
“You look absolutely stunning in that dress,” Rarity said, feeling quite pleased with herself.
A bell from the front door grabbed the fashionista’s attention and she turned to exit the dressing room. “I’ll be back to help you undress in a moment, darling.”
Rainbow Dash sat back on her flank as she listened to Rarity give her greeting to the new customers: “Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything is: chique, unique and magnifique!”
“You must be Rarity then. Is Rainbow Dash here?” Rainbow Dash recognized the voice and even though she was still in her dress she stepped out of the dressing room to see if she was hearing things.
“Mom! Dad!” Rainbow Dash’s mouth hung open as she saw the two pegasi standing at the door. Her parents were actually here!
Rainbow Dash’s mom was a pink pegasus with a sky blue mane and tail and with one look anypony could tell where Rainbow had gotten her unique look. Rainbow’s father was a larger more sturdily built stallion with brown fur and a mane and tail that matched his daughter’s.
Rainbow’s mother smiled and took a short hop, gliding over to her daughter. “You look beautiful, Rainbow Dash.”
“You certainly clean up nicely,” Rainbow’s father grinned at her.
“Just wait until the wedding. I’ll make her look magnificent!” Rarity proclaimed. The three pegasi weren’t listening to her however.
“B-but how? You here?” Rainbow Dash was stammering as her parents came to her face.
“Well, Princess Luna visited us in a dream three nights ago and told us that you were getting married. I thought it was just a weird dream but when your father told me he had the same we decided to fly here as fast as we could. I see that we haven’t missed it yet.” Rainbow’s mom gave her daughter a reassuring nuzzle.
“Sorry about all this, Dash,” Rainbow’s father rubbed the back of his head with a hoof, “I mean I know we haven’t been the best parents with our travelling and all but…”
“No, it-it’s fine,” Rainbow shook her head, as if trying to shake off the tears that were gathering in her eyes. “But why did Princess Luna tell you that?”
“That was my doing.” Rainbow looked over her parents’ shoulders to see Twilight Sparkle in the doorway of the boutique. “After I heard your conversation with the Cakes I decided to give you a little miracle for your big day.”
“Twilight, that’s just so…” Dash’s lip quivered and suddenly she started crying.
“Oh dear. Pregnancy hormones?” Rarity asked, turning to Twilight with a raised eyebrow.
“Probably, why else would Rainbow Dash be crying?” Twilight said, none to tactfully. “But I came here to check on the rest of the decorations and dresses.
“Oh of course, darling, follow me. I think you’ll like what I’ve done here.” Rarity was about to lead Twilight into her work room, but paused and turned to Rainbow Dash, “You can just leave the dress… on the floor,” Rarity’s voice became one of restrained disgust with the last three words, “and I’ll have it ready for your big day, Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow Dash just nodded in reply, wiping the tears from her eyes.
“So tell us, Rainbow Dash, who’s the lucky mare?” Rainbow’s father gave her a nudge as they trotted through down.
“Her name’s Pinkamena Diane Pie, but everypony calls her Pinkie Pie. We’ve been going out for about five years now but I’ve known her since I moved to Ponyville. She’s fun, lots of fun, and she’s always doing everything to make everypony smile.” Rainbow Dash sighed, a smile adorning her face, “She’s really something else.”
“So then, who’s the father,” Rainbow’s mom nudged her daughter’s baby belly.
“Well umm,” Rainbow Dash grinned nervously, “technically it’s Pinkie Pie.”
“Pardon?” Rainbow’s father was understandably confused.
“It’s a long story, a really long story. Pinkie’s better at telling it than I am.” Rainbow Dash picked up the pace as her new home came into view. “You should really meet Pinkie’s family.” Rainbow Dash darted ahead and pulled the door of her house open.
The living room was oddly subdued when Dash and her parents entered. Pinkie was drinking tea with her family; the sight was surreally calm for their house, until Pinkie saw Rainbow Dash enter.
“Dashie! You’re home!” Pinkie ran over and locked her fiancé in a big hug. “Ooh and these must be your parents!” Pinkie zipped around Rainbow Dash and began shaking the two older Pegasus’ hooves with her own as she introduced herself. “Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie and it’s so nice to meet you. I’d throw you a welcome party but I have so so much to do with the wedding and all so I don’t have time.” Pinkie paused for a breath then gasped, “Oh my, I just remembered! Dashie and me have to go now so why don’t you all get to know each other and we’ll be back later. OK bye!” Pinkie grabbed Rainbow Dash and darted out the door before Rainbow’s parents could even get a word in edgeways.
Rainbow’s father blinked, “She’s certainly energetic.”
“Yes, my daughter certainly is,” Clyde Pie nodded solemnly. “My name is Clyde Pie and this is my wife Roxy.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Roxy smiled warmly at the two pegasi.
“Likewise,” Rainbow’s mother moved to sit across from the earth ponies, her husband following after her.
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It was several blocks before Rainbow Dash recovered her senses enough to dig her hooves into the group, grinding herself to a halt. Pinkie’s momentum, however, continued to carry her forwards until she ended up in a bush on the side of the road.
Pinkie poked her head out of the bush, “Are you alright Dashie?” she asked.
“I’m fine, but what about you? Why did you pull me out of there so fast right when I brought my parents home?” Rainbow asked, still a bit miffed at their sudden departure.
Pinkie giggled as she jumped out of the bush. “Silly Dashie! Did you forget what we had to do today?”
“What? Oh right my ultrasound.” Rainbow Dash grinned and scuffed the ground with her hoof, “Sorry, Pinks, but with my parents showing up out of nowhere it just kinda slipped my mind.”
Pinkie bounced over to Rainbow Dahs and gave her a quick nuzzle, “No worries, Rainbow Dash as long as we get to go now!” Pinkie began dragging the pegasus along, but Rainbow shrugged her off and began trotting under he own power, placing a wing over the pink pony’s back as they headed for the hospital.
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“Alright, Rainbow Dash, just hold still a little longer.” Doctor Cardiac magically ran the ultrasound paddle across Rainbow’s tummy. Rainbow Dash shuddered slightly but otherwise held still while Pinkie bounced nearby excitedly.
“Hey Pinks, could ya hold still? I’m afraid you’re gonna crash into something,” Rainbow Dash turned her head sideways and Pinkie stopped in mid-air, coming to rest on the ground a moment later.
“Okie dokie lokie Dashie.” Pinkie nodded before turning her attention to the screen on the ultrasound machine.
“And there we go, that’s your baby,” Doctor Cardiac stepped aside to allow his patients a better look at the monitor. Rainbow Dash could barely make out the fuzzy black and white image and she just squinted. Pinkie, on the other hand, walked slowly around the table and reared up until her eyes were level with the monitor, staring at it with soft eyes.
Pinkie spoke so softly that Rainbow Dash could barely make out what she was saying. “Hi there, can you hear me? I guess you aren’t so lonely anymore. Don’t worry I promise we’ll take good care of you.” Tears began to form in the pink pony’s eyes and she stepped down from the machine.
Rainbow pushed the paddle off her tummy and spoke to the doctor, “Thanks, I think we’re good here.” The pegasus slid off the table and nudged Pinkie who shook her head and gave Rainbow Dash a weak smile before they trotted out of the hospital.
“Hey Pinks, is everything alright?” Rainbow Dash placed a wing over her fiancé’s back and giving her a look of concern.
“I’m fine, Dashie, really!” Pinkie gave Rainbow Dash a big grin, but the pegasus just glared at her. Pinkie sighed then continued, “To be honest, I’m worried if I’m going to be a good mom, or is it dad or… well you get the idea, Dashie.”
“I get it, Pinks, and I’m worried too. But hey, we won’t be alone for this, our friends are here and the Cakes too. We’ll manage, I promise,” Rainbow Dash pulled Pinkie closer under her wing.
“Thanks Dashie, now let’s get back home, I really want to meet your parents for realsies!” Pinkie began bouncing along, completely cured of her worries and Rainbow Dash picked up the pace to avoid being left behind.
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“And there you go, Rainbow Dash! How do you feel?” Rarity stepped back and admired her handiwork.
“I feel and look ridiculous,” Rainbow Dash stared at the image in the mirror in front of her of herself in her wedding dress. Rainbow’s hair had been brushed out to its full length and tied off with a red bow, her tail too had been brushed and now it flowed rather than sticking out at funny angles. Rainbow Dash spread her wings and stretched them nervously.
“You look positively divine, Rainbow Dash: mare on her wedding day positively glowing with life!” Rarity turned away and trotted through the door. “Now I have to get to my place and let Twilight know that everything is ready. Oh, you’re daughter is ready and I must be going,” Rarity spoke the final lines to Rainbow Dash’s father, who nodded and entered the dressing tent as soon as Rarity had left.
“You look beautiful, Rainbow Dash,” he complimented his daughter as he stepped up beside her.
“Thanks dad. I really wish I didn’t have to wear this ridiculous getup though,” Rainbow sighed, her head dipping slightly.
“Nervous?” her father asked, raising an eyebrow.
“About marrying Pinkie Pie? No way! I want this dad I really do but… well I’m more worried about the wedding itself. The last time I took part in a wedding all I had to do was wear a fancy dress and perform a sonic rainboom. This time I’m one of the two getting married and I’m worried that something will go wrong.”
“Well as long as Pinkie doesn’t turn out to be the queen of the changelings I think you’ll be fine,” Rainbow’s father chuckled until his daughter’s glare silenced him. “Bad joke?” he asked, grinning while pulling at the tie around his neck.
“Very bad,” Rainbow’s voice was flat, but she brightened up as she continued, “but it means a lot that you and mom are here, thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” He gave his daughter a hug, careful not to wreck her dress. Rainbow and her father separated once they heard the music begin outside. Rainbow took a deep breath, the moment had come.
Rainbow stepped out of the dressing tent into the fading light of the evening on grassy venue they had chosen for the wedding, the illumination aided by rows of lanterns. The pegasus did her best to retain her composure, strolling down the aisle between the benches, her face becoming uncontrollably red with everypony seeing her wearing such an elaborate dress.
Rainbow forced herself to look ahead and smiled at Pinkie Pie, standing up next to the mare in her tuxedo. Belle gave Pinkie a gentle nuzzle as Rainbow Dash approached her. The mayor stood before them with a smile as Rainbow turned to face Pinkie, Rainbow’s Father stepped aside as the mayor began speaking.
“Citizens of Ponyville, we are gathered here today to unite Rainbow Dash and Pinkamena Diane Pie together in marriage. I don’t think I need to go on about how well they are together or even remind you of how they saved Ponyville from a horrifying storm five years ago. I doubt anypony will disagree with this wedding so without further ado…” the mayor nodded to Belle, and Fluttershy and they took the ear cuffs from Spike in their mouths, “I hereby sanctify your union.” The wedding bands easily attached to Pinkie and Dash’s ears; Pinkie grinned from ear to ear and practically pounced on Rainbow Dash, giving her a deep kiss. Rainbow Dash did her best to stay stable, mostly shutting out the sounds of the ponies around her. This was it, she and Pinkie were married.
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“You really don’t mind that we left the reception so early?” Rainbow Dash asked as she pushed open the door to their house.
Pinkie gave her new wife a reassuring nuzzle. “Of course not Dashie, if you need to rest then I understand.”
“Thanks Pinks, I know you were looking forwards to that party,” Rainbow Dash trotted over to the stairs with Pinkie right behind her.
“As long as everypony else is having fun I’m happy, especially now that we’re married,” Pinkie grinned as she bounced on ahead and through the open door to their bedroom and easily slipped out of her wedding attire.
“Good to hear, now help me out of this dress so we can have some fun.” Rainbow Dash grinned and waggled her eyebrows.
“Okie Dokie Lokie!” Pinkie darted over and in one quick motion she tore Rainbow Dash’s dress from her leaving it fully intact and lying on the floor.
Rainbow Dash blinked and shook her head, “Pinkie Pie, you are so random.”
“I know!” Pinkie darted in for a kiss and found herself wrapped in the pegasus’ hooves as she returned the kiss. The newlyweds slowly drifted over to their bed kissing softly, Rainbow Dash nibbling Pinkie’s neck and Pinkie stroking over Dash’s wings with her hooves.
The two ponies landed next to each other on the bed, still wrapped in one another as Pinkie whispered softly: “I love you Dashie.”
“I love you too, Pinks,” Rainbow replied.
They had done this many times before but somehow now that they were married it felt special, exactly how they couldn’t discern yet they knew this time their love felt more potent than ever before.
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Fluttershy stepped into the hospital’s waiting room. “Sorry I’m late girls, I had to look after a sick bird. How’s Rainbow Dash?”
Twilight looked up from the book she was reading and chewed her lower lip, “Well we haven’t heard anything for a while but there hasn’t been any bad news.”
“Don’t sound so unsure, darling, these things take time,” Rarity nodded sagely.
“Definitely, a baby takes a while to be born even when they decide they wanna be,” Applejack agreed.
“I guess you two would know better than I would.” Twilight sighed and raised her book back in front of her face. Fluttershy didn’t say anything and moved to sit next to Rarity.
The four friends sat in silence for a time, waiting anxiously for news or even noise from the delivery room. Applejack began dozing, eventually leaning on Rarity’s shoulder. Fluttershy did her best to keep still with the only noise being the occasional rustling of paper from Twilight’s book.
The silence was broken by a pain wracked scream from the delivery room. Twilight dropped her book and Applejack shot awake in her seat.
“Sounds like Rainbow Dash is giving birth,” Twilight’s statement of the obvious didn’t even phase her friends as they all crowded around the door to the delivery room, listening to the sounds on the other side. More pained screams greeted them soon after and some words muffled by the door between them and their friend and then… silence.
The four friends exchanged looks of concern and were about to knock on the door when it opened in front of them and Nurse Redheart stepped out. Instantly the nurse and midwife found herself beset by questions.
“How are they?”
“Is Dash alright?”
“How’s the foal?”
“Can we see them?”
“Shhhh!” Nurse Redheart gave the four ponies a stern look that caused them to step back and shut up. Once they were quiet the nurse spoke: “The foal is just fine, but Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash need some time alone. I’ll let you know when you can see them OK?” The four friends nodded wordlessly not wanting to provoke the nurse’s anger again.
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“Beautiful…” Rainbow Dash’s voice was just above a whisper as she held the sleeping infant in her hooves.
“It is, Dashie. You did a good job,” Pinkie gave her wife a soft nuzzle, “How do you feel?”
“Tired, but happy,” Rainbow Dash gave Pinkie a smile before kissing her, “Thanks for staying with me.”
“Oh I’d never let you go through this alone, I Pinkie promised I would remember.”
“And no pony breaks a Pinkie promise,” Rainbow Dash finished. Pinkie Pie sighed and looked close and tiny foal swaddled in a blanket, lifting it carefully from Rainbow Dash’s hooves.
“Hi there, you’re so little now but you’re not a ghost anymore… you’re family. Remember me? I’m Pinkie Pie. I guess I’m your dad now,” Pinkie spoke very softly, her eyes looking up and down the sleeping foal.
“So do you have any name ideas?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“I picked a name out long ago,” Pinkie answered, turning to Rainbow Dash she set the foal back down in the pegasus’ hooves and whispered something to her.
Rainbow Dash gave an odd look but finally smiled: “Perfect, just perfect.”
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A/N: Well that’s the end of this story. Sorry about the rushed nature of this chapter but in all honesty I was getting tired of working on this and my idea pot had run dry so this last chapter is noticeable rushed. As much fun as I had with this story I want to move on and work on something else but I did enjoy this and I really want to thank ButterscotchSundae (assuming that’s still her screen name) for letting me build off the end of “The Party Hasn’t Ended” for this little margin doodle story. I don’t know if or when I’ll post anything new anytime soon but I hope you had fun reading this.
Also I have no plans to submit this to Equestria Daily, I wrote this for fun and I know there are a lot of technical errors in here but I wrote what I wanted and I don’t really feel like going back and hammering everything into a more perfect shape. Hope you all had fun reading this.