116 - Wedding Bells and Love-born Spells
Extended Holiday
Ch 116: Wedding Bells and Love-born Spells
Act 17
Canterlot arcade was always a bit of a contradiction in and of itself, being that the establishment was considered to be far too uncouth for most of the higher and lesser nobility, while simultaneously being in too high class a neighborhood to cater to its more fitting clientele. At the same time, numerous noble foals of lesser and higher nobility often snuck into the arcade, despite their parents’ wishes, in order to attempt to prove they could beat the higher scores of their lessers, a plan which alway seemed doomed abysmally to failure. But, of course, this was neither here nor there, as many noble foals found the arcade doors locked with a sign brandishing the words Closed for Private Function placed over the doors. Had they been willing to dirty their hooves, and go around to the alley, they might have noticed as groups of less opulent foals where snuck inside to enjoy an afternoon of free games with truly endless tokens. After all, the current occupants couldn’t play every game in the building, no matter how hard they tried.
“Remind me, why haven’t I purchased an arcade machine or two for New Unity?” Hammer Strike asked aloud.
“You were too busy stressing over paperwork and smithing projects,” Vital Spark answered as he shifted the buffer for his air hockey puck with his magic to protect his goal from the latest challenger, a young white foal with an orange mane that curved over his eyes in four long spiky bangs.
“Besides we didn’t have a secure room to put them in, with all the Changeling attacks,” Grif called as he played a young teal filly at Parasprite Stallion.
Pensword shook his head as watched his foals and the foals from the Lunar Guard taking up all six skee ball games while competing for highest score. “Well, I doubt we will have long to wait, till we get something like this.”
“Well, we could always build up an arcade of our own at New Unity. You did say you were going to expand out to rebuild the whole city, right?” Vital Spark asked as he and the young foal went horn to horn over possession of the puck.
“Yeah. I guess it is technically on the list already,” Hammer Strike hummed. “Though residential districts will come first, so there is some time before then.”
Some of the foals whined, bemoaning that terrible fate, even as they consoled themselves by immersing further in their gaming endeavors. Pensword simply smiled, even as he lost his game. “Good things come to those that wait, little colts. Besides,” he added with a wink, “we are playing right now.” He looked to Hammer Strike and Grif. “But we definitely have to make ours the coolest,” he noted.
“Might have to wait for the right innovations from some of the gaming companies, then. Reserve some contracts or something,” Vital noted. Then he sighed as the foal shot through his gap in concentration, scoring the winning point. He finished with a grim salute, then stepped down to let the next foal take his shot.
“As tempting as it is,” Grif told Vital as the colt cheered his victory, “we can’t just bring random games into existence because we want to.”
“Are you kidding? All of this is awesome as is,” Pensword said as he swept a wing around the room, only to have Day Moon take said wing in a powerful grip and pull his uncle to play Whack the Gopher. “Come on, Uncle Dad,” he said teasingly. “I want to play against you.”
“Okay, okay. Let me get the mallet,” Pensword said as he picked up said item, stuck a token into the machine, and the two went at it.
“Who wants to see a neat trick?” Grif asked some of the assembled foals as he made his way over to the ping pong table. This garnered some interest, and a crowd soon gathered as Grif lifted one of the paddles, and took a ball. The foals looked on, confused, as there was no one on the other side of the table. They seemed almost disappointed as Grif served the ball, only to release shocked gasps as, seemingly from nowhere, an identical Gryphon appeared at the other end of the table to hit the ball back. The foals watched on, enraptured as the twins played one another in a rousing volley.
Button Mash was hard at work on a brand new arcade game called Tempest. He manipulated the rotary dial with practiced ease as he maneuvered the tiny speck that was his airship along geometric playing fields as the machine spat out one ticket for every hundred points he earned. At sixteen thousand and rising, the trail of tickets had really begun to mount up. Every once in awhile, his eyes would drift to the high tiered ticket items, and a glint of determination shone as he returned to the game.
“How is he doing that?” one of the foals marveled as Button continued to twist and turn his ship, blasting enemies, while avoiding contact with obstacles.
“My friend,” Vital Spark said with a knowing smile, “this is his calling. Video games are his thing.” He looked over at the higher tiered shelf, and chuckled. “And I think I might know what he’s going for.”
“Shh,” Button hushed them. “I’m getting to the boss.” He mashed the button in a manner that was true to his name as he twisted the dial with precision and focus. His eyes narrowed as his breathing grew labored, and a bead of sweat ran down the side of his head. His beany had fallen off in his intense rush of focus, revealing his full fiery orange mane. “I’ve only ever gotten to this point three times before, and I always mess it up here, so, please, be quiet,” he hissed.
Pensword smiled as he and Grif finished their games. “So,” he began, “any two player games you see we could compete against?”
“Maybe, if I held back.” Grif chuckled, before draining a bottle of soda. “But I’ll humor you. Pick something.”
Pensword looked about. “Okay … what about those hoof ball hoops?” he asked, pointing to what looked for all the world like a carnival basketball game from Earth, only here, it was called hoofball, and the hoops were connected to brightly colored tubes with the bottoms cut out of them for easy retrieval.
Grif gestured wordlessly for Pensword to lead the way.
“So should we give our tickets to Button to help him get his prize?” Pensword asked as he picked up a ball, and tossed it towards the bucket, then picked up a second, even as the first was still in motion to keep the game moving.
“Already been doing that,” Grif said as he showed off a bit with some trick throws.
“Sweet.” Pensword grinned, both at the response and the challenge. He didn’t bother wasting time on tricks. He wanted to score as many points as he could, and he knew Grif could afford the extra time with his speed. “I’m sure Button will get the prize, no matter what happens tonight.” He lapsed into silence as a series of bells, sirens, and whistles heralded the end of their time in the competition. Unfortunately, Pensword fell short by just a few points. “I almost–.” He paused and spoke dragonic next. “This is bringing Matthew more to the front. Never got to really play in arcades that much.”
“And? You know how to throw. You’ve thrown a tomahawk to split a melon twenty feet away. This should be easy,” Grif chuckled.
“Why do you think we’re so close in scores?” Pensword asked as his wing twitched.
Hammer Strike’s gaze was firm and implacable as he worked through the timing on the rapidly shifting magical lights on the screen running back and forth. With each runby, he would press the button to stop the light’s motion, and then let it fall where it would on the pile. The higher it rose, the closer it drew to the big money prize. The images of two nigh-identical mustachioed Unicorns grinned down in defiance at the battle-hardened player with every bit he inserted into the coin slot.
Against all odds, he managed to stack a nigh-perfect tower at three blocks each, then two, all the way up to this final block as the light flashed faster and faster back and forth. Hammer Strike timed it carefully, then slammed the button home as the light blinked to a halt over the top of the tower. Sparks flew from the machine as the lights in the screen wavered for a moment or two, before restarting with the sounds of several bells and whistles.
“Congratulations to our big winner! Tell him what he’s won, brother mine,” a recording echoed from a pair of speakers that had been cleverly hidden on the sides.
“Jackpot, brother dear. Our friend here is a bonafide, I say bonafide stacking champeen.”
“To the victor go the spoils!” both voices cried together as ticket after ticket spat out in Hammer Strike’s face.
“I thought the game would have been a little more rigged than this,” Hammer Strike commented as he watched the tickets exit the machine.
“Um, Hammer Strike, I think you broke it,” Vital Spark pointed out as he watched the happy grins on the Flim Flam Brothers break off their hinges to fall into frowns as the lighting flickered, and the last few tickets spewed from the expulsion, before the machine died away in an almost pained sputter.
“... Should have made it better, then.” Hammer Strike shrugged as he looked over the mountain of tickets.
“So what are you going to do with all the loot?”
“I dunno, give it to the kids?”
Vital shrugged. “That’ll work. By the way, your covert escort is waiting for you whenever you’re ready for that little not-prank that I’m not supposed to know about.”
“Don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Exactly.” Vital Smiled. “Have fun.” With that, he made his way into the crowd of foals, whistling innocently as he walked over to a karaoke machine.
“So,” Lunar Fang said as she looked up from her cards, a large black-and-silver stein of cider frothing on the table beside her, “how long before those boys go out to do some immature prank?”
“How long does it take them to find trouble?” Shrial countered.
“How long does it take Grif to get to the other side of a room?” Avalon added.
“I believe what they’re trying to say, dear, is they’re almost always in some sort of mischief or trouble,” Rarity said.
“And Canterlot is no exception,” Avalon confirmed.
“Well most of the nobles pretty much embody what those three despise most in a person,” Lunar Fang noted. “Indifference, arrogance, ignorance. Honestly, if it wasn’t for having to explain themselves to the princesses, I half expect Grif and Hammer Strike would have baptized this city in blood a while ago.”
“That, and the whole risk of collapsing the economy and raising overall panic, darling. And let’s not forget the most important thing of all,” Rarity added.
“What’s that?”
“Hammer Strike can’t be bothered by them, at least not easily,” the mare pointed out as she levitated two stacks of colored chips into the center of the table. “They’re generally not worth the effort.”
“So getting back to our previous topic,” Lunar Fang chuckled, before looking to one of the other spots on the table. The occupant couldn’t currently be seen over the large stack of chips in front of her as a glass of juice with a straw and an umbrella lay casually to the side. “How exactly did you get so good at this, Dinky?”
“Well, Daddy knows this one casino on Mars two hundred years from now, where there’s no minimum gambling age,” Dinky Doo spoke up. “He says it’s the best way to develop a good ‘serious face.’”
“Frankly, I think you look adorable, no matter what face you use. Honestly, I could base a whole line of clothing off of you, and it would probably make me a fortune,” Rarity said. “Oh, and I call, by the way.”
“That depends. Do copyright’s work backwards in time as well as forwards?” she asked. “Because we met this one lady on New Equestria, and she said the same thing, and she ended up doing it!” Dinky explained happily. “Unfortunately, mommy and daddy can’t use any of the money right now, because it won’t be minted for another twelve hundred years.”
“Well, frankly, darling, I don’t think we should risk it, if that’s the case. I’d rather not deal with altering time, unless, of course, it doesn’t actually have a major effect on the whole space time continuum.”
Avalon choked on her drink, much to the other girls’ amusement.
“Sorry, Avalon. I should have warned you about our resident Time Lady here. I’ll just leave it at somebody she knows gave us a hand getting back to the present day, after the war,” Shrial explained.
“Call,” Lunar Fang said, putting her cards down. The groans came from around the table as others put down their own hands. Lunar fang almost crowed in victory, until Dinky placed her cards down: a pair of kings, and three aces
“Full house,” she claimed happily as she pulled the chips into her already giant pile.
Moon River hissed angrily as she shoved her hooves through a tower of poker chips she’d been playing with, strewing them across the table and the floor, before screaming, and smacking her forehooves on the tray, then degrading to childish sniffles as she struggled to pass one of the few chips left to Lunar Fang. After Lunar Fang took it, and kissed the foal gently, Moon River contented herself by attacking a large plastic mouse toy that had been embedded with a cooling rune for her to teeth on.
“It’s just a game, Moony,” Lunar Fang told her daughter, before placing the chip on the filly’s tray, and gesturing for her to keep it. “Don’t worry.”
“Just how long did it take you to learn the game, anyways, Dinkie?” Rarity asked curiously.
“A week.”
“Oh my. Why, Dinkie, dear, if you really wanted to teach Diamond Tiara a lesson, why didn’t you just challenge her to a game of cards, then?”
“Because she’d claim I cheated, and sick her dad on us, and we live in a small blue box in Aunty Carrot Top’s yard, and clear out her fridge twice a week. Daddy looks crazy enough. I don’t want government Ponies misinterpreting things and causing trouble,” Dinky noted. “Amethyst’s paperwork will only stand so much scrutiny.”
“I would think with the number of times he’s supposedly saved the world that Celestia and Luna would’ve given him some type of reward or clemency, wouldn’t they?”
“His clemency only stands so long as he keeps to the Stellar Tracking Articulation Bio-Legal Evaluations from the office of extraterrestrial affairs, regulations, and guidelines. And they're not going to be able to hide the fact that Sparkler’s documents are all falsified, because she won’t be born till twenty years in the future, and is only here now because future Mom and Dad left her with Aunty River to look after, and then she left her with us, and now Mom and Dad can’t contact future Mom and Dad to get her back to her own timeline.” Dinky’s age finally showed as the filly gave an overdramatic sigh. “This is too complicated.”
“Time travel often is,” Celestia pointed out as she walked in with a cart laden down with samples of every cake available under moon or sun.
“It is why I seek only to enter your father’s present dreams,” Luna added, “And even then, only rarely.”
“Now who wants cake?” Celestia asked with her usual mischievous smile. “We’ve got plenty to sample, before the night’s through.”
Shrial sighed. “I’m afraid I’ve still got a little longer to go before I can partake. Do you think you could have your chefs send up something hearty?”
“Assuming you can wait long enough for them to cook it, yes,” Celestia said. “Though I’d recommend you ask Luna. I hear her Thestrals make some wonderful delicacies for meat eaters.”
“Could you, Luna? Please?” Shrial asked as her stomach growled. “It’d really help.”
Luna chuckled. “I’ll see what I can do, Shrial.”
Cadence smiled as she levitated cake slices to each of the mares at the table. “I hope you don’t mind my not joining. Shining says I have a terrible poker face. And besides, I prefer watching, and somepony needs to keep her eye on the rest of the guests. You girls may not be so competitive, but last I checked, Applejack and Rainbow Dash have a bit of a record in that regard.”
“You had to be there to believe it,” Twilight agreed from her place at the other table.
“Hey!” both mares in question objected. The room promptly burst into laughter as Celestia stuffed two slices of cake in both mares’ mouths, then served the other guests.
The Moon slowly dropped from the sky as dawn approached. The arcade was closing down as the last wee hours of the event held only Button Mash, Vital, Hammer Strike, Grif, Pensword, Big Mac, and Spike. All of them wanted to squeeze out every last second of fun in the place. Pensword smiled to Hammer Strike. “So how do you feel about tonight?”
“Hey, that’s supposed to be my question!” Vital said with a tired chuckle.
“It was fun,” Hammer Strike replied with a smile. “Haven’t done something like this in years.”
“Better than getting drunk and waking up sick tomorrow, then being expected to function properly,” Grif noted as he stretched his wings.
“So this is what a bachelor party is supposed to be like,” Spike said. “That was awesome!”
Big Mac chuckled. “Eeyup.”
“And how’s our little gaming champion doing?” Vital asked as he motioned with his head towards Hammer Strike’s back.
“Passed out in the last two minutes.”
“And did he earn his prize for the fair lady?”
Pensword chuckled. “He sure did. He’s wearing it, so he won’t lose it.”
“Those two will be good for each other,” Grif chuckled “She’ll break his shell, and he’ll teach her to think strategically.”
Pensword paused. “I dare not think what they would do when they get older.” He chuckled. “Still, we should get him to bed, before anypony wakes him up.”
“I believe he’s in your room, Vital? Seeing as you’re the only bachelor, you’re rooming with Button and Spike,” Grif said with a smirk.
Vital shrugged. “I can live with that. It’s not like Spike snores, and Button’s pretty cool.” He chuckled. “I still can’t believe they have that necklace from Minecraft here, though.” The necklace was flat and ovular with a bright blue gem surrounded by a golden housing that had been studded with real diamonds and held in place by a fourteen karat solid chain. To finish the piece, a ruby pickaxe had been carefully fused on top of the gem with its picks curving to either side of the housing. “Seriously, the kid would be mugged in a second, if that thing ever made it back to Earth.”
“If we had these kinda gems back on Earth, the Russian blood diamond market would crash in an instant,” Grif said as he tossed a sapphire back and forth in his claws.
“Can we actually do that?” Pensword, no, this time Matthew, asked with a glint in his eyes. “I would enjoy teaching those mobsters a thing or two.”
“You realize they basically are the only thing holding up the Russian economy right now, right, at least when we left?” Grif chuckled.
“Uh, no. I thought they were doing economics like normal. Can we at least mess with NK?” Matthew asked in Draconic.
“Careful. We don’t want to start alienating readers,” Grif responded.
“Don’t pull a Pinkie on me. Please,” Matthew started, then shook his head. “It is too early in the morning for this,” Pensword finished.
“I thought this was the time you usually were awake,” Vital teased.
“You know, I never figured I’d own a house in Canterlot. Maybe I should turn it into low income apartments when I’m done with it, drive the neighbours crazy.” Grif chuckled as they walked down the rows of posh houses.
“Would that even be possible?” Vital asked curiously. “I’d think you’d have a lot of red tape to go through first, wouldn’t you? Oh, and secondly, how many assassins did you two take out while the kids and I were otherwise occupied? I’m curious.”
“I got seventeen,” Grif noted, “unless you discount the one left bleeding from his limbs and unable to move all but his left arm, who I left alive to send a message. I don’t think he’ll survive the wounds, but he should live long enough to tell his boss to send more assassins.”
“I took out ten myself, though two, I think, were gunning for Blueblood. I kind of got into the rhythm, so, yeah. My bad,” Pensword replied with a nervous grin.
“You actually want more assassins?” Vital balked.
“Well, yeah. These guys?” he scoffed, “they were amateurs. You figure someone would send the premo-assassins for wishing Hammer Strike a happy wedding.”
Vital Spark opened his mouth, stared for a time, closed his mouth, then opened it again. “How the heck does that even constitute a wedding present?”
Pensword looked to Vital. “Minotaurs send parties to test the union, Luna could’ve wanted to give an early gift to Hammer Strike. . ..” Pensword continued to rattle off a number of possible reasons for assassins to be sent as he counted them up on his feathers. “Then there are the local gangs wanting to put pressure on the nobles, those not liking the class divide being crossed, and, oh, some folks maybe having a death wish.”
“Accurate,” Hammer Strike commented.
“Some people send assassins after us just to cut down on the amount of hired killers in their area.” Grif shrugged. “It’s when they send assassins after people you care about that you know they mean to hurt you.”
“You’d think they would’ve learned by now,” Vital pointed out. “I mean, come on. It’s Hammer Strike. From what you guys have told me, he’s practically unkillable. If anything, I’d see this as a way to get rid of greenies who don’t know any better, assuming I were in the position of a guildmaster, that is.”
“That’s the point. Cut the chaff out now, so when you need a real figure assassinated, you know you’ve got the best. Every ruler keeps their assassins handy. I mean look at Celestia. She has one of the deadliest assassins of all available.”
“Time?” Vital teased.
“Me,” Grif returned.
“Wow. You didn’t even crack a smile at that,” Vital said, surprised. “I already know you’re the most skilled out there. Just about everyone says so, really. You literally put the fear of the gods into the recruits just by walking past them.”
“I don’t smile, because I don’t boast. I’m not joking or making an idle brag. I’ve scaled the stone walls of a fortress by night, dropped to the ground and killed the sentries seconds later, and by the time the fortress captain left his office to do his rounds at midnight, I’d slit the throats of every Gryphon there. He thought I’d already left when he picked up his pen to write an emergency report, only for the Dust of the Abyss I’d laced the feather with to pull him to his death. I remember every minute of that operation, Vital. Death dealing isn’t a joke.”
“I know, Grif.” Vital sighed as he looked away. “Believe me, I know.” He shook his head. “Sorry. I just killed the buzz, didn’t I? Why don’t we go back to talking about the fun stuff?”
“No, it just shows the growth you haven’t been forced to go through yet. I hope you never get there, my friend,” Grif said kindly as he put supportive talon on his shoulder. “Because looking into that abyss that lies inside your soul, and seeing the monster that feeds within, once you have taken that step, you never forget.”
“Is it … wrong for me to wish you didn’t have to face that pain?” Vital asked. “I mean, I know you wouldn’t be where you are and who you are today without it, but … well, it kinda sucks having to go through it, if you don’t mind my saying so.”
“I wouldn’t say it’s right or wrong,” Grif told him. “I’d tell you that I appreciate the sentiment, but, in the end, you can’t know enough to have a solid viewpoint. And believe me, I mean that with the most sincerity. You’ve killed. You know what that’s like, but you’ve never seen your family die. You’ve never been on the other end of the torturer’s chair. By the Winds, I pray you never will. All I ask is you reserve judgement for whatever I or the others might do, because, until you know, you can never understand.”
“Well, I’ve done a pretty good job of that so far,” Vital said. Then he smiled timidly. “Think I could get a get out of jail free card, just in case?”
Pensword paused, before covering his muzzle with his wings. “If you can’t, I’ll do a jailbreak. After all, no prison has yet been built to hold the three of us.”
Grif chuckled, and pulled a few plastic bottles from his pack. “Well, everybody take one,” he said. When they each had one, and had opened the tops, he held his up. “Now here's to us! Who’s like us?”
Pensword grinned as he took a bottle, held it up, and Hammer Strike and Pensword joined Grif as they finished the phrase. “Damned few! And they're all dead!”
The trio laughed as they drained their bottles of root beer, walking through the street proudly, until they finally reached the house, where Vital proceeded to let loose a titanic belch. “Excuse me,” he muttered sheepishly.
Pensword held his ground for all of about five seconds, before breaking into a fit of laughter that faded to giggles. “That was good. Glad to see we are rubbing off on you.”
“Would you mind taking Button now, Vital? I have something I need to work on soon,” Hammer Strike said.
“Say no more, Hammer Strike.” Vital smiled as his horn glowed, surrounding the foal in his magic, before levitating the game master and his prize safely onto his back. “He’ll rest just fine in my room.”
“And I’ll make sure of it,” Spike promised.
“Good. I guess I will be waiting up for Lunar Fang and Fox Feather. They are not back yet. I wonder what they did for their bachelorette party,” Pensword mused.
“Probably went out on the town, got drunk, and went to a male strip club or something,” Grif said with a wink.
“Wait, they actually have those here?” Vital balked.
“I dunno, but it got a reaction.” Grif chuckled mirthfully. “I need to go arm up to do my rounds. Have a good night, Vital.” With that, Grif turned for the armory.
Vital yawned. “You know, one of these days, I really need to get back at him for all the times he’s pulled my leg. But for now, I think sleep is the best medicine.” He waved tiredly to his friends as he made his way through the main door, and toward the stairs. “Good night, guys.”
“Good night, Vital. I’ll see you later. I am going to stay up waiting for my family,” Pensword said as he headed for his own room on the ground floor. “Have Fun, Hammer Strike, and just, well ... have fun.”
True to the plans Rarity had drafted, the great hall had been positively filled to the brim with forge-themed props and decorations. Instead of the usual chairs, a standing area had been set up for the crowd to watch, while a miniature forge burned merrily on one side. Bins of various smithing materials had been set up around the room, along with work tables and crafting tools for the various stages of smithing, including a ring of anvils. Suits of armor lined the walls, interspersed between honor guards decked out in Hammer Strike’s most recent designs. The rafters had been positively covered in gossamer streamers and bunting. Nobles stood bedecked in all manner of armor ranging from light to heavy, decorative to hard core, each with their family’s colors and designs. The ladies in the room had been spared that particular burden, and instead wore the most luxurious dresses they could afford in an effort to look the part of the regal princess that the noble knights would inevitably sweep off their hooves to take to their halls for a night of romance and passion.
Unfortunately for them, their dresses were nowhere near what the bridesmaids had chosen. Somehow, on top of being fashionable, the dresses still retained a function that allowed for ease of movement, and included light plating to complement the dagger belts they had been given. Rarity dazzled the crowd in a diamond-encrusted blue silk dress. Her mane had been done up in a bun, and Seamripper lay on her back, ready for action at a moment’s notice. Sweetie Belle beamed from her place behind her sister in a plain white dress with a modest jewel collar. Button Mash blushed in his suit of armor as he escorted the ring bearer in her duties. He struggled to put on a stoic expression, even as he battled the constant yawns that tried to break through. After all, he had to look good to anyone that might be watching. It was rather comical, and cute, all in all.
Hammer Strike smiled as Rarity approached slowly down the aisle. Her wedding train was hardly noticeable, until the sunlight fell on it from the windows, revealing the strands of fabric Fluttershy’s spider friends had worked so hard to spin for the event. Naturally, they hadn’t told Rarity that. She was stressed enough already, after all.
The groom wore a glorified version of his usual jacket. The blue fabric and gold hemming had been augmented by a series of shimmering patterns Rarity had added into the fabric with the assistance of some sewing tricks and a bit of magic. Two golden epaulettes with silver tassels hung from his shoulders, and two glowing swords had been strapped to his back, the one a beautiful and elegant short sword with feathery metal wings for its crossguard. The scabbard was pure white ivory encircled by bands of steel and veined with mother of pearl inlay. The other sword pulsed an ugly red as its living eye rolled around, trying to get a fix on its environs, while uttering the occasional string of words that only Hammer Strike seemed to understand. The symbol of his house had also been dyed onto the back of the coat in white, outlined with silver thread, and, in homage to the first time they had met, he wore a white shirt and cravat that had been carefully pressed, and shone in the morning light.
The groomsmen smiled, each wearing their best ceremonial armor, even as the majority of them kept a watchful eye out for any potential threats. For their parts, Luna had chosen to wear her ursa armor in honor of Hammer Strike’s deeds and many contributions to Equestria. Celestia had chosen to maintain her usual regalia, but an added corona of sunlight shone around her head like a headdress, and one could barely make out the glint of metal within. If any assassins were to make an attempt on the sisters’ lives, they would likely be sorely disappointed before they died.
Princess Cadence had come in a simple gown with her crown and some few other ornamental pieces of jewelry. While the theme of the event had indeed been warrior-based, the queen knew that love also needed its place to be represented in the event. A small group of Changelings and nymphs hovered about the room near Me-Me, who had come bedecked in a simple forest-green dress that draped off her sides to trail along the floor like leaves dancing in the wind. Mutatio stood at her side, his thick chitinous armor imposing as ever with its ruby plating. His mandible-like extensions added to the imposing image he cast, even as he remained as close to his queen as convention would allow. In a curious turn of events, the two rulers happened to be standing side by side, two sides of the same coin. Each nodded in acknowledgement to the other as they waited for the event to begin. Behind these two stood the Duke and Duchess of Maretonia.
Twilight stood in the same royal regalia she had worn at her coronation, and smiled happily at her friend from her place next to the two princesses. Her crown shone brightly in the sunlight, casting little shards of light from the gems as she waited for the ceremony to begin.
Zecora stood side by side with the members of the Zebrican delegation, and smiled serenely in her brown leather tribal garb. A single green band twisted like a vine up her foreleg, while the gold bands clung to the other. A taller, more muscular Zebra stood next to her, wearing a unique helmet that let his mane jut outwards, while colored feathers curved to either side, proudly proclaiming the status of his office. A blue-and-white sash with a gold buckle had been strapped proudly over his chest as a small group of Zebras bedecked in war paint, and wielding assegai and the club-like rungu stood stoically around the pair.
Iron Will stood with the Minotaur delegation, wearing a ceremonial loincloth, pauldrons, and gold horn caps. Two larger bulls stood behind him, each dressed in similar garb, and carrying large rough-looking double-bladed battle axes. An identical pair of bulls stood at the back of the delegation. Between these four stood a large long-horned bull dressed in a rough-looking toga made from the hides of several animals. A large warhammer resembling a chunk of granite with a single piece of jade at its center rested on his back. Like the others, he also wore a pair of golden caps. However, these were jeweled, and a brass chain moved from both horn caps to connect to metal ring fixed in the brim of a leather cap he wore on his head. A single cow stood proudly beside him. She seemed to contrast his ruggedness with a refined appearance in her moss-green silken robe with gold filigree worked into the fabric in criss crosses. Her own small horns were capped by ivory caps with a gold ring around them. Several gold necklaces hung from her thick neck, each carrying a stone pendent with different markings. A petrified tree root that had been carved with a series of runes and sigils glowed a warm, gentle yellow in her hand.
Nanami stood next to her fellow warriors in flowing robes. Her sword sat easily at her side as she bowed her head gracefully. A glowing crystal hovered behind them, emitting a wreath of flames to reveal the aged face of Haku as he beamed at the happenings in the hall. The emperor and his wife smiled kindly, and nodded tolerantly towards the nobles and ladies as they looked out over the crowd to the couple. True to their station, each had been dressed in their most formal kimonos.
The nobles stood aghast at the group of tiny ponies who stood near the front of the hall, shoulder to shoulder, four ponies wide and four ponies deep. Each wore highly polished blocky steel armor. What caused the stir were the large flawless gemstones that shined in the plating. Star sapphires, fire rubies, thunder topaz, and frost diamonds all glittered and shone, emitting a gentle harmonic hum as they glowed. The frost diamonds alone were worth more than most noble treasuries held, yet, so far, whenever one spoke to ask where they had found such gorgeous gems, the response had always been, “Shh. Ah’m tryin’ to pay attention.” One noble had gotten too close, and the dwarf had somehow materialized a large shining axe in his hoof, and held it to the pony’s throat, until he backed off. The nobles watched from a distance after that.
Towards the back of the hall, a group of brown-furred creatures stood on their wide legs. Long hollow logs with wax around the end closest to their muzzles created a sound as ancient as their culture. Some continued to use their legs for support. Others laid back on their thick muscular tails, while a couple of koalas munched on leaves as they hung from the roos’ necks. Various dyes along their fur formed a series of symbols and shapes depicting the tales of their tribes and peoples.
The males wore loincloths and a strap of leather where boomerangs were stowed, while a few females had little joeys in their pouch that shook tiny rain sticks like rattles in accompaniment. A large stone sat in their midst with a fresh painting depicting an Alicorn with a strange hammer. An Earth Pony reached up, grabbing the other end of the hammer’s shaft, as if receiving it as a gift. The pair appeared to be in the bottom of a valley surrounded by five mountain peaks. Underneath that image, a Koala and Roo were both busy painting a stylized rendition of the wedding. The chief oversaw the performance as he folded his arms. Two elegant bronze arm bands emphasized the size of his biceps, and his tail ring glowed with a gentle light.
The dragon delegation was made up of just three dragons. Each were large, but not to the point where they couldn’t fit into the building. The main ambassador was a rippling blue dragoness with a lighter underbelly. She appropriately answered to the name Saphira. Her bodyguards were both smaller than she was. One was a rough scarred male with blood-red scales. His body was more rigid than Saphira's, and he answered to the name Throrn. The third was even smaller, with a lengthy frame. From a distance, his long green scales almost resembled grass blades across his body. His face was not so fierce as the other two, and held both the energy of youth and a certain air of wisdom.
Unseen at the back of the room, a figure stood cloaked in the corner. From what was seeable, most would simply assume it was a Gryphon, and, for some reason, no one could find the fact it was cloaked suspicious. Not even the princesses seemed able to look straight at the figure. It’s throaty purr didn’t seem all that strange. It just sat there, watching.
Several armed Gryphons stood at the ready, each bearing the imperial seal and dressed in centurion armor. Inside this armed barrier stood three notable figures. Brunhilda stood at the ready in her armor, but with her helmet off. Jorund Bloodfeather stood beside her, dressed with ceremonial pauldrons over a large blood-red suit showing his acting position as a delegate, rather than a soldier. Beside them both stood a small robin-housecat Gryphoness dressed in the flowing robes of a monk from the Monastery of Winds.
Hammer Strike’s special guard stood at attention with their fellows from Saddle Arabia. A large gabled litter with gauzy drapes sat in the center with its entry wide open to reveal a tall, somewhat portly white arabian stallion with a great turban over his head. A large blue sapphire had been set into the golden clip that held the headpiece together. A long, curly white beard had been carefully brushed, and braided to the sides with a series of golden loops holding them together. Two mares stood at either side of him, each bedecked in cloth saddles and highly polished leather bridles. Their manes had been carefully brushed and treated to hold the appearance of the trickling waters of an oasis. A saddle blanket with the royal insignia lay on each of their backs. All three nuzzled one another lovingly as they looked on.
Twilight took a deep breath as the pair approached the altar together, which had been made using a Luna class smithing anvil with an ornate cloth spread over its top. Two candelabras stood on either end with their candles burning brightly as the youngest Alicorn got up on a footstool that had been prepared specifically for the event. She nodded, and smiled at the gathering, before raising her wing to call for silence. Her horn glowed briefly, and a necklace with an amethyst core that she’d worn just for the occasion began to pulse with a gentle light. She opened her mouth, and her voice washed over the room, spreading to every corner in equal volume.
“Friends, family, gathered allies and acquaintances alike, we stand here today to bear witness to the binding of these two Ponies together in love. Love truly is a great power unlike any other. It manifests in so many ways within our lives: Love for our families, our parents, our siblings, or our children. And let us not forget love for our friends, for what is friendship but love to a lesser degree, and love for our mate? Thought to be the greatest expression of this power, it is known as fact that it was the love of the gods that led to the existence of Equis, and in some shape or form, every race, both those represented here today, and those who are not. In many ways love is like the flames of the forge that heat the metal, the anvil which supports the molding, and the hammer that provides the force. Believe me, the irony is not lost that a novice princess like myself should be the one to forge the bond for one of Equestria’s best craftsmen. Are you sure you wouldn’t rather be up here to handle it yourself, Hammer Strike?” This had the desired effect as good-natured laughter erupted from the crowd. When the laughter had died down, and Twilight had taken a moment to get her breathing under control, she continued.
“I was once told by Queen Cadence that love, true love, is the one chance any being, be they mortal or immortal, is given to craft one perfect creation. It is the melding of two opposites into a single whole, a partnership, a trust. It’s a little like balancing a fine crystal egg over a lake of lava, while large rocks rain down from the sky. Both parties need to take absolute care. One slip, a single miscalculated movement on one side, one person moving too fast or the other too slow, and the damage could be irreparable.” It was about this point spike cleared his throat, which was good, because it made Twilight look into the relatively large crowd of wide eyes staring at her. Twilight let out a nervous chuckle, and quickly moved to her next cue card. “Love is the gift Faust gave us to separate us from non-sapient beings. And so it brings me great pride to be able to join these two together today. Now, if anyone should object to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace.” The metallic click of sword upon sword being slid an inch out of their sheaths echoed through the hall. “... Most likely in the afterlife.” When no one spoke, the weapons returned to their places.
She turned to Hammer Strike. “Do you, Lord Hammer Strike, take Duchess Rarity Belle to be your lawfully wedded companion, to share in her joys and her sorrows, to safeguard and cherish her as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.”
“And do you, Duchess Rarity Belle, Element of Generosity, take Lord Hammer Strike to be your lawfully wedded companion, to share in his joys and sorrows, to safeguard and cherish him as long as you both shall live?”
Rarity stared dreamily into Hammer Strike’s eyes as she fixed him with full power of her most seductive stare. “Unequivocally,” she said as she blinked her long eyelashes at her lover and soon-to-be-husband.
“You may give the rings,” Twilight said, and all eyes fell on Sweetie Belle and Button Mash.
Button Mash gave a stalwart salute to Sweetie Belle as he brought his legs together at attention, causing the young filly to smile, and barely stifle a giggle as she pulled out a small casket, and opened it to present the rings to the pair. The bands were made from gold, and had been etched with a simple message: Together Forever. Hammer Strike reached into the box to take the one for Rarity, and slid it gently onto her horn. Then Rarity levitated the second ring to Hammer Strike, and looped a simple metal chain through it, before tying it around his neck to display proudly on his chest.
“Then by the power vested in me by Faust, Sleipnir, and the kingdom of Equestria, I hereby pronounce you Mare and Colt. You may kiss the bride,” Twilight finished with a smile. “After you sign the marriage certificate, of course,” she noted as she held up the slip of paper between the two lovers. Naturally, this got a laugh from just about anyone and everyone who knew even an inkling about Twilight.
The two didn’t even bother to look as they dipped their hooves into an inkwell, and slammed them onto the paper, even as they engaged in their celebratory kiss. A collective cheer filled the room as the couple were finally wed, and the sound of fireworks going off rang outside, while miniature sets of enchanted fireworks went off in the rafters to shower the room with magic sparkles that disappeared soon after making contact with the floor.
“Now let’s party!” Pinkie screamed as she zipped over to the side of the room, where Vinyl and Octavia were both waiting by a work table whose cover was quickly torn off, before revealing the sound equipment that had been hidden underneath. “Hit it, girls!”
“She does know traditionally people wait until after the march from the altar, before people party, right?” Grif asked.
“Has Hammer Strike ever been one to follow traditions?” Vital countered.
“He supposedly wrote most of them.” Grif shrugged.
“I’m guessing those rules wouldn’t happen to have a Pinkie clause in them, would they?”
“I guess. Anyway, you guys might as well head for the reception. I need to check in,” Grif said as he took wing.
Vital shrugged. “Well, boys, I guess we should let the lovers be, and get to the reception, then. If I’m lucky, maybe I won’t have to give the best man’s speech,” he said with a chuckle.
“Maybe, but I doubt it,” Pensword said with a mischievous smirk. “I’ll see you all at the reception.” With that, he took wing, and flew to join in the festivities.
“Eeyup,” Big Mac agreed with a playful wink, before he made his way onto the dance floor to join Little Willow.
“You’re pretty much doomed,” Spike agreed, “but if Twilight could do it, then you should be able to handle it no sweat.” He smiled, and patted Vital Spark on one of his forelegs. “See ya later, Vital. I’m gonna see about getting me a slice of that cake.” He licked his lips, and began to skillfully bob and weave through the crowd between the legs of Ponies and delegates alike.
Vital Spark sighed, and shook his head. “Oy vey,” he grumbled as he pulled nervously at his necktie.
“The great and powerful Trrrixie comes to your rescue, it seems,” a voice spoke up beside him as he turned to see the mare in a black-and-white swirled gown holding two pieces of cake on separate plates.
Vital chuckled as he levitated one of the plates to hover next to him. “That depends. Do you think you could help me to put together a slamming speech without making a fool of myself? I mean, it’s one thing to plan a bachelor party. It’s another to have to speak about a lord I’ve only known for a short period of time, relatively speaking.”
“Unfortunately, Trixie’s powers are limited,” she said with a disappointed tone that Vital Spark just missed.
“Says the mare with the power to fuse light and dark. If you’re powerless, then I’m a Diamond Dog.” He smiled kindly at her. “Besides, if I make a fool of myself, I doubt Hammer Strike will mind.” He chuckled. “I guess I’m just nervous about disappointing myself.” He immediately proceeded to fork a piece of cake into his mouth, and he sighed contentedly. “I don’t think I’ll ever get over just how delicious everything tastes here.”
“Is it really that bad over there?” she asked.
“Not bad. Food here just tastes better is all.” Vital shrugged. “I don’t know if it’s the larger amount of manna flow, or the fact you still all use natural organic means for your cooking and farming. Whatever the reason, though, I definitely enjoy it.” He chuckled. “Let’s just say sugary treats like this are a guilty pleasure of mine.”
“Well then, Trixie hopes we will be able to find more for you to enjoy amongst this crowd.” Trixie laughed as she turned to the swarmed table.
“Slow down there, Trixie,” Vital laughed as he followed after her. “The night’s still plenty young. Let’s let everyone else get their share, too. Besides, this is Hammer Strike and Rarity’s big night. We should probably get ready for their dance. Seeing as I’m the best stallion, I just happen to have one of the best seats in the house, if you’d care to join me. We can talk shop while we wait.”
“Why, are you asking Trixie to be your date, Vital?” Trixie asked with a giggle.
Vital blushed. “Um, that is, I err–.” He cleared his throat. “Yes? As friends,” he clarified. “That’s not … too awkward or anything, is it?” he asked sheepishly.
“No, no, it’s fine,” Trixie said. “Lead the way.” She managed to hide her disappointment, until he took the lead.
Elsewhere in the room, Rarity turned to face her beloved as they finished their slices of cake. “Well now, Mister Strike,” she said as she stroked his face gently with a hoof, “are you ready for our dance?”
“I certainly am,” he replied as he held out his hoof. “Shall we?”
“I do believe we shall.” Rarity allowed herself a girlish giggle as the two made their way out onto the dance floor, and a space was cleared for the couple to follow a tradition as old as weddings themselves. One could say it was a tale as old as time as the music began to rise, and the pair took their positions. The dance that followed was slow, graceful, and left not a dry eye in the hall as the two drew near for another kiss, while the music closed.
Vital wished he could give a thumbs up to Octavia for the arrangement, but, for now, a simple nod and a smile would have to suffice. He did so, and then returned his attentions to Trixie as the next set of music began to play. Then he rose from his chair, and extended a hoof. “I know I’ve got the clumsiest set of hooves on the planet, and I’m likely to leave you in the medical wing, should you accept, but would you care to have this dance?”
“Trixie would be delighted,” the mare responded with a small bow, before letting herself be led onto the dance floor. Many more couples soon followed.
Pensword and Lunar Fang were amongst the dancers, and he couldn’t help but laugh into her mane, before pulling back to talk to her. “What is the deal with songs being from that company?” he asked with a smirk. “The same company that played our song just played the first dance song for Hammer Strike and Rarity.”
“Perhaps the best stallion thought to take a note from the playbook of a certain meddling Gryphon?” she suggested with an amorous smile.
“True. And if so, it makes the songs all the more beautiful and special,” Pensword replied. “I hope you don’t mind my sharing half the dances with Fox Feather,” he added hastily. The slight change in his expression was all she needed to know that Matthew had spoken that last part.
Lunar Fang couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh, my silly little human,” she said, before kissing him on the cheek. “She’s part of the family, too. Of course you should dance with her.”
“This still feels strange, my little Thestral,” he responded with a grin. “Still, thank you for putting up with a very old war Pony,” he finished whispering as they danced.
Meanwhile, on the roof of the castle, Grif landed on the final tower. He’d finished most of the checks, and Gilda would be returning soon with her report on the rest. The bodies of a few dozen assassins had been disposed of over the side of the cliff. He perched, whistling It’s a fabulous night for a moondance as he waited for her.
As pre-arranged, Gilda flew in, and landed on the roof behind him. “My sector is clear. We had only three who got out of line, but they’re all taken care of. We’re waiting for the Canterlot Guard to record their IDs, before we dump the bodies.”
“Casualties?” Grif asked.
“Sprained wings on two newbies. They’ll be ground-bound for two weeks. That’s all, thank the Winds.”
Grif nodded. “You did well tonight, Gilda. I’m going to be relying on you a lot more now.” He gave her a smile. “But as things stand, I’m pretty sure you’ve probably got a tom somewhere waiting to take you skydancing on a night like tonight.”
“Skydancing, Sir?” Gilda asked.
“You know, skydancing? You’re telling me you’ve never skydanced before?” Grif seemed rather shocked as his eyes widened, and his green crest feathers stood on end.
“Uh, no, not really. The Pegasus camps didn’t really focus on that too much when I went to flyer school, and I’ve mostly been on the road since. I’ve been more worried about my next meal.”
Grif blinked a couple of times. He looked to the main hall, where the party was going on inside, then at Gilda. ‘I suppose the girls would forgive me a dance,’ he thought to himself. He held a talon out to her. “Well let me show you.”
Gilda paused. “Uh, aren't we still on duty, Sir?” she replied, even as he reached to take the talon, albeit somewhat hesitantly.
“You're only on duty so long as I say you are,” he told her with a smile as he grabbed her talons, and pulled her into the air. The moon shone down on the two as they danced through the air currents amongst the sea of stars to the unheard music of the spheres.
It was close to a half hour later when the lights dropped suddenly, and a spotlight centered on the small stage at the front of the grand hall. Pinkie smiled down at the crowd as a curtain descended to cover the space behind her, though no one could explain what suspended it.
“So, everypony, in honor of Rarity and Hammer Strike’s wedding, I’ve managed to book a super extra extra special surprise for everybody!” She was practically bouncing in all her excitement. “Where does he come from? No one knows. You would not believe how hard it was to book him, but ladies and gentlemen, for tonight only, in a special comeback appearance, Blue Eyes and the Rat Pack!”
The curtain pulled back, revealing several musicians wearing uniform fedoras. A familiar music instantly filled the hall as Pinkie vanished, and the microphone did several flips in the air as a blackbird-panther Gryphon wearing a black felt fedora with dual grey rings swept in to catch it in his talons. He opened his beak, and, in a smooth deep voice, belted out, “Fly me to the moon . ..”
The reaction from the crowd was instantaneous. People cheered loudly, and a few mares swooned as the dance floor was quickly occupied. As the song finally tapered out, the Gryphon smiled to the crowd. “Hello, everybody. I did a show in Ponyville a little under a year ago, and then I hear everybody's looking for me. What, did I forget to pay my tab or something?” The joke wasn’t all that funny, and yet the way in which the Gryphon voiced it seemed to get people chuckling. “But seriously, everybody, I heard about how this couple was getting married. I heard the gal was some sort of hero, saved a bunch of lives and everything, and then I heard she was marrying Hammer Strike! Well, I immediately says to my bartender, ‘now, Bob.’ His name’s Bob. I says, ‘hey, Bob, how’s a mook like that get a babe like her?’” Rarity’s blushing reaction elicited more giggles. “Anyway, everybody, we’re here to celebrate a beautiful marriage for a beautiful couple, and I’m going to sing a little song with the help of my amazing, swell gang of gals and pals here. Let's get a round of applause, and/or stomps for the band, folks!”
The grand hall shook with the resounding response, and the band members each nodded their appreciation. “So who here has been to Zebrica? Zebrica, anybody? No, not you. You’re the Zebra delegation, wise guy. We know you're from Zebrica. Anyway, this song was taught to me by a young Zebra I met in my travels. Apparently, in Zebrica, there is a place, a magical place all couples should go, a wonderful, magical place called … Upendi.”
Pensword shook his head, but at the prompting of Lunar Fang and Fox Feather, the three of them took to the air to dance, and leave room for others on the floor. The three proceeded to engage in an aerial performance that was a mixture of flight and dance in a manner of courting as ancient as their cultures.
“You know, Trixie, it’s funny. I grew up with this song,” Vital said with a smile. “The word is based on a language from back home. I suppose the word must have carried over to this world, too.”
“Oh?” Trixie asked. “And what is the meaning of this mysterious word?”
Vital chuckled. “It’s one of the most powerful magic words of all, but it can only work if the feeling behind it exists in both halves.”
“And would you be willing to share that power with Trixie?” the mare asked.
“Let me whisper it in your ear,” Vital said. Then a sudden blush rushed to his cheeks. ‘Whisper in her ear? What are you thinking?’ he thought to himself.
‘Yes, yes, yes, yes!’ Trixie screamed in her mind as she leaned in at his invitation.
Vital gulped as he moved in close to her ear, and was hit by the sweet and spicy scent in her mane. His heart began to pound as beads of sweat formed on his brow. His mouth felt dry as he smacked his lips, and tried to swallow. ‘Keep it together, man. Keep it together.’ “It means. . ..” His throat didn’t want to move. He swallowed again, and cleared it. “It means love,” he whispered.
Trixie’s cheeks were scarlet as she went to pull back, when, suddenly, another Pony bumped her shoulder, and the two were suddenly knocked muzzle to muzzle in a kiss. For that one moment, it was an accident, but Trixie recovered it almost immediately, and seized the opportunity for all it was worth as she leaned into the kiss. Vital Spark’s eyes widened, but his legs wouldn’t move. His horn sparked, and his bowtie began to spin of its own accord as red rapidly consumed his face.
The song ended just as the two separated, and more applause and stomping echoed through the stadium. Blue Eyes held up his talons, nodding appreciatively to the crowd. “Thank you, everybody. Now I want to say something about marriage. That's what we came for here tonight, isn’t it, marriage?” He used one talon to indicate quiet, when the crowd cheered in approval. “So, Mrs. Blue Eyes likes to say that marriage is like a battlefield. When I got out of the hospital, she realized she may need to re-think that mindset. But the important thing is, my friends, that you need to enjoy the positive.” As he spoke, the band began again. “Some might even say you even need to Ac-Cent-TcHu-ATe the positive. . ..” The song’s beat was slower than the other two, but the crowd soon found the rhythm, and the dance floor thrummed with life again. The Gryphon crooned it out smoothly as he made use of the stage to strut, while signaling to different guests or winking at random mares who would faint. He ended the song with a bit of a drag on the last note.
“Well, ladies and gentlemen, you’ve been a great audience tonight, but, unfortunately, it’s almost time for me to fly.” There were more than a few awws and boos from the audience. “Hey, hey. None of that. I’m a free bird, see? I come for a while, and sing. Then I fly away. If you’re nice to me, I might come back, and sing some more. If you scare me, you might never see me again, and then what? The Pegasus over there knows what I’m talking about.” There was a thump as Fluttershy fainted outright. Angel Bunny glared from the sea of faces as he tried to revive her. “But before I go, I just want to tell you all that you make me feel young!” Much like his entrance, he sang this song bombastically in smooth, deep, fluid tones, while dancing around the stage to the entertainment of the crowd. The band played a little past the final note as the Gryphon’s voice carried out into the crowd. “Good night, everybody. You’ve been a wonderful audience.” He tossed his fedora into the crowd, only to have it caught by a certain Thestral filly as he vanished in a cloud of black feathers.
“That guy sure can sing, huh?” Grif said to pensword from a spot beside him on one of the rafters, where he had not been last time Pensword looked. He was holding a large piece of cake and a fork, which he quickly used to the fullest advantage.
“Why do you have to do your speed indoors? It scares Ponies,” Pensword replied, even as he struggled to maintain his composure. “Grif…” he paused, and his eyes narrowed. “That is two for two,” he muttered as he eyed the Gryphon suspiciously. Yet he didn’t look the same. And no matter how fast Grif may have been, he wasn’t fast enough to remove the makeup that would be required for the disguise, grab the slice of cake, and start eating it, while arriving at the rafter mere seconds after the singer had left. He shook his head. Maybe he’d tackle this mystery later, when he was done rebuilding the military. Besides, why ruin the fun of the party? Naturally, Matthew wasn’t too pleased with that reasoning, but he couldn’t deny Pensword had a point, considering this was meant to be Hammer Strike and Rarity’s big day. Lunar Fang and Fox Feather would never let him hear the end of it, if he did something to disrupt it.
Grif chuckled as he made his way through the crowd to Trixie and Vital, who were currently doing that telling not-look-at-each-other thing people do when they’ve just kissed for the first time. “Well now, hello to the two love birds,” he chuckled.
Vital blushed all the more. “Shut up, Grif.”
“Well then, if you can separate yourself from Madam Great and Powerful for a minute, I need to speak to you alone.” Grif motioned for him to follow with a wing.
Vital looked somewhat nervously back at Trixie. “Um, do you mind? It’ll just be a minute … I think.”
“Trixie will be waiting.” She smiled at him, even as she lowered her head demurely to stare through the curl in the front of her mane.
“I’ll, uh … be right back,” Vital said as he forcibly put a hoof up to his bowtie to prevent a repeat of the incident from just a few minutes earlier. He hastily followed the Gryphon to a smaller side door, and watched as he passed through, before entering and closing the door behind. A silent corridor yawned out into the shadows of evening. The torches had yet to light themselves, so the pair were in relative darkness and seclusion with little to no risk of being discovered. “What’s this all about, Grif?”
“I spotted it about forty minutes ago in the south, a large cloud formation lacking any signs of a storm. It will likely stop four miles or so outside of Canterlot, and linger there for a while. You need to be up before dawn. Can you do that?”
“I’ll make it happen,” Vital promised as the import of the words Grif uttered dropped on him like a bucket of ice water.
“It’s likely the amount of love in the castle tonight drew her in, but she’ll be gone before noon. Most importantly, you can’t tell anyone, especially any Gryphons. I’m taking you to see something only two of my own people have seen in almost six hundred years. No outsider has ever seen her before. You understand what this could cause, if it got out?”
“I would assume mass political and theological upheaval the likes of which Daedalus can’t really afford to have right now, and would probably give you a bit of a headache in your own compound. Don’t worry, Grif. I won’t tell anyone, if you don’t want me to. Though Clover does know that I intend to try meeting with the lady of love to help the egg hatch. I don’t want the egg to die, and I don’t think she would want it to either.”
“Get a cloud walking charm from the arcanium. Tell them it’s classified, and flash them this lunar seal,” he said as he tossed an intricate silver medallion into the Unicorn’s hooves. Meet me in the courtyard, and think of Trixie while we’re in the air.”
“Grif!” Vital whined.
“I’m not teasing.” Grif leveled a cold stare at him. “She is the lady of love: puppy, carnal, paternal, maternal, fraternal, sisterly, or any other kind. She guards the balance that all living things find true connection in. The last time she was tempted near enough to speak with her, Shiral and I had just celebrated our honeymoon in the middle of a typhoon. The more feelings of love you put out, no matter what kind it is, the easier this goes. Look, Vital, I’m happy for you. And, honestly, I hope this all works out. But trust me, fear is not the way to go right now, so you grab those feelings you’ve been having tonight, and you hang on to them for everything they’re worth, understand?”
Vital gulped. “I, uh … don’t think that’ll be too much of a problem.”
“Cheer up, bud. You just kissed a pretty young mare, and tomorrow you're going to see something Hammer Strike himself is unlikely to ever lay eyes on. So have some fun, get some sleep, and I’ll see you in the morning.” Grif clapped Vital on the shoulder, and squeezed gently. “Now I have to go make the love coming from this place even stronger. You get back with Trixie, and have the time of your life.” And with that, he left the passage.
Vital Spark shook his head, and sighed. “Bad day,” he muttered in a forced Chinese accent, then chuckled to himself. “Nah, probably not the best phrase to use in this situation. I think I’ll go with the good old Charlie Brown standby. Good grief!” he said as he looked up to the dark ceiling, before chuckling to himself, and making his way back through the door to the party, and the waiting Trixie. He absently levitated two punch cups as he made his way over. If this really was going to turn into a proper date, then he might as well act the proper gentleman.
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My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Fanfiction
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That was awesome. I love how you guys continue to expand the crossovers to a degree. I can't wait to see what happens with Vital and the bird of paradise. I'm glad that Hammerstrike and Rarity got to have a moment of happiness. Anyway as always awesome chapter and waiting for more.
Eragon, that was an old reference, the movie sucked, but the books were good
Somehow, I think Button would get more use out of Links glider. Especially te next time he falls off the airship.
given the shere amount of weaponry there, not suprising overall that the wedding went generally quiet enough, though the number of assasins dealt with would in many terms be called a decent sized army. Especially when theyre looked at as specialists instead of normal infantry.
Wonder how the next meeting is going to go, and why Hammerstrike and Rarity still cant attend.
So many wedding guests. Sphira instead of Ember.. Zecoras husband? Or brother? would those be the shamans from Australia, or Wizards from Oz?
So many shoutouts.. need a list.
Sorry for teh short, early day this morning, early day tomorrow and try any further and things will get incoherent.
thanks for the story.
The part where they are at the end of the bachelor party grif goes all serious about the base he assassinated and says vital never will know, if i remember correctly, he killed a changling with medical impliments when it tried to kill trixie in the medical wing of the castle, from when chrysalis attacked new unity.
Hammer Strike, Vital Spark, and likely a few others still need to go back to Zebrica in the pre-unification era.
Hammer Strike still needs to go back and raise Celestia and Luna when they were fillies.
Those are the only temporal anomalies left to deal with.
And now I have to wait for the next chapter :( (yes, I basically binge read this over the past week.)
8259381
There is a difference. Vital defended a friend in a small skirmish battle. Grif LIVED the intense, unholy violence that is war.
8260618
Just pointing out vital isnt trully untainted and innocent anymore. Heck it was because of those actions he captured trixie's heart.
8260622
Comparatively speaking though, Vital is a babe in the woods next to his friends.
8260646
I will agree on this. Now onto the important part whens shall we see vital get with a certain bacon color haired girl whos also a reformed villian. Huh i just realized vital goes for the girls that went through an evil/naughty phase.
8260646
I will agree on this. Now onto the important part whens shall we see vital get with a certain bacon color haired girl whos also a reformed villian. Huh i just realized vital goes for the girls that went through an evil/naughty phase.
8260658
I suspect that Sunset shall have to find another good boy to fall in love with, cause I don't see him as having a harem like Pensword and Grif lol
8260667
Dude you know where this though is going, sunset and the dazzlings, plus real human twilight. He shall have a true harem. I hadhoped hammerstrike would have pinkie and fluttershy as his wives also.
That will eventually come to bite you in da butt, especially if you discover what poison joke is, Vital!
8260674
Okay, with all due respect, Ihatehaters, I'm going to have to pull you up short right there. This is not going to turn into a harem situation. We've been keeping it pretty subtle, but we've dropped hints that Vital has had a Christian upbringing. That includes the idea of the necessity of a monogamous marriage. It's going to take a lot of time before Vital gets anywhere near comfortable with the idea of having more than one person romantically involved with him at a time, if it ever happens at all. Also, frankly, you've seen the interactions Vital has had with Twilight previously. Trust me, there is no attraction there, and I doubt any will ever rise. Friendship, certainly, but I'm pretty sure that's it. As for the Dazzlings, I speak on behalf of Vital Spark (Seeing as I write him) when I say he would never in a million years consider dating those three. The possibilities with Sunset Shimmer are things I'll leave to you and the other readers to speculate on, however. After all, half the fun is coming up with predictions, and seeing whether they'll come true.
8260997
Oh, he's well aware of the dangers of Poison Joke. That being said, it would be a pretty funny situation if that happened, wouldn't it?
8262684
Hey im not gonna lie, vital is a great character, i was excited when he "didn't" leqve the TP for bluebloods house. Ill sit and watch, the future will only tell.
8262690
Indeed my friend, indeed... (crackles madly)
I don't know why, but my brain decided upon the incredibly unlikely venture that Vital was going to date Blueblood and turn him into less of an arse. I find this hilarious.
8258372
sphira is a reference for saphira, Its in the Eragon book series, and so were the green and red dragons, its a good read
Been looking at this story for a while, but never actually got around to reading it, am I missing out, and if so to what degree? The synopsis doesn't really tell me enough so if someone could give a better description of the story plz?
8271231
It's difficult to give the whole story synopsis in just a little bit. It's always evolving. The best way I can describe it is that it's like a play with multiple acts. Each arc is its own story in the overall progression. It's definitely worth it with the character development as you progress, though the first thirty or so chapters are difficult to get through, since the writers were getting their overall writing styles to gel together, and they didn't have an editor yet.
The opening premise of the story is three humans who are preparing for a night of Halloween fun wind up falling through the cracks between the worlds to end up in Equestria. They're each mistaken for what their costumes imply, and for a time, they have to pretend to be those things. From there, they go an a series of adventures both related to the show's episodes and their own original arcs as well, including a gigantic war, time travel shenanigans, and much, much more. The lore and development involved with the stories for each of the races is also very engaging. Granted, this is just my personal opinion. Some of the highlights include Chrysalis and the wedding, Discord shenanigans, time travel with Doctor Whooves, CMC development, it's too much to list. All I can say is that it is a very enjoyable and engaging read. Personally, I think the war arc is one of my favorites. It's from about 36 on, though if you want to see the growth and stuff leading up to it, I'd start around chapter 32.
I hope that helps.
~Vital Spark
8273137
Thanks m8, that really helps a lot. I'll try to get through the first 30 chapters and see what I think of it then, thanks !
8273686
My pleasure. Good luck on the read. I hope you'll enjoy what comes then and after.