High up in Cloudsdale, it was a typical Wednesday morning. Teams of weather Pegasi flew to and from the Weather Factory, others... making their way into the Rainbow Factory. Lightning Storm however had a day off from work. After rolling out of bed he gathered the mail and newspaper from his front door step.

Walking to the kitchen, he threw the mail in a corner on the table, staring at the headlines on the newspaper. "Hmm... Spectra production is down a few percent this month." He said, taking note of it in a black binder. "I'll make sure to let the Chief of Production this tomorrow."

As he finished his morning coffee, and the newspaper, he turned his attention to the stack of envelopes he had thrown into the corner of the kitchen table.

"Bills... Bills... God's message to you? What the hay is this crap?" He said, tossing that one in the garbage can. "Bills... Bills... Hmm?" He spotted an envelope addressed to himself from... Princess Celestia.

He opened it up and found both a letter and a small card inside. He turned his attention to the card first. Opening it, it obviously a wedding invitation. "The Princess's of Equestria, Celestia and Luna, cordially invite you to attend the royal wedding of Rainbow Dash and Applejack, to be held at 8AM on the Friday of August 23, 2013." He read, spitting his coffee out.

"Royal Wedding?" he said once again in surprise... staring at it for a few more minutes, before turning his attention to the letter that accompanied it.

"Daddy, I hope you are reading this first. I'm going to be coming to Cloudsdale next week to visit you. I'm going to bring Applejack along so you two can finally meet. Hopefully you can take next Monday off, cause that would be awesome if we could just spend the day together. Until then, I love you. Rainbow Dash"

He held the letter in his hoof as he remained motionless for several minutes. He re-read it a second time just to make sure his eyes weren't playing tricks on him.

"Dashie... is coming home after... so many years now" he said gently.

He walked into the living room and took a seat on his cloud chair. Closing his eyes he remembered the night before Rainbow ran away.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Sweetie, did you finish your homework?" a younger Lightning Storm called out. After not receiving a reply, he called once again, "Sweetie?"

"Yeah Daddy?" He heard, coming from down the hallway. He trotted off in that direction, pushing open the door to Rainbow's bedroom, he saw his daughter sitting in the middle of the floor reading the new issue of Wonderbolts Weekly.

"Dashie, shouldn't you be doing your homework?" Lightning asked.

"Nah, it's not important." Rainbow replied calmly as she turned the page, and began reading a biography of Smokescreen, the current Wonderbolt superstar. "Ohhhhh!" She squeed, turning the page looking at the full page picture of him. "He's so amazing! Blue hide, super short spikey mane!"

"Dashie that's nice and all, but your homework should come first over boys." Lightning said, turning around to walk out of the room.

"Daddy?" She called out, causing Lightning to return.

"Yes sweetie?" He asked patiently.

"Is mom ever coming home?" she asked, Lightning just looked at the floor, smiling softly he replied, "someday sweetie, someday she will. But for now... no."

"Where is mom then?" Rainbow asked.

"She's... living near Ponyville sweetie. That's ALL I know." he lied. Lightning hated lying, but he couldn't let his daughter meet her mother. "Even though you live near Ponyville... you would never let your daughter know you are her mother... that's what... we agreed upon." He thought to himself.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Then she left me... that night." He sobbed to himself. "I went to her room to wake her for school and she was gone, all she left was a note... didn't tell me where she went... and I NEVER went looking for her. I don't... deserve to see her again."

A knock could be heard from the front door. Lightning answered it, and standing before him were two guard ponies and Princess Celestia.

"Oh Princess, to whom do I owe the honor of your visit?" He said to her.

"At ease guards" she said, as she entered the house behind Lightning.

Lightning showed Celestia to the living room, where he offered her a seat and a drink.

"It looks exactly the same as the last time I was here." Celestia said, looking around the living room.

"22 years to be exact." Lightning said, looking at a picture on the wall. "The last time you were here... was the day Dashie turned 2."

"How time flies" the princess said. "Is her room still?"

"I haven't touched it since she ran away..."

"May I?" Celestia asked.

"Please, by all means." Lightning said, leading the way to the bedroom.

As Lightning opened the door, Celestia stepped into the room that time forgot. She stood in the middle of a dusty enclave. Wonderbolt posters scattered the walls, while a few figurines littered an unmade bed. Celestia sat down on the edge of the dusty bed, and pulled from the nightstand a worn book. Opening it, she read the last page that had been written in.

"July 22, 2003" she began, "Another birthday has passed by, and once again my mom did not come to visit me. Daddy says she lives near Ponyville, so that is where I'll start looking for her. He says I should focus on school, but I'm the best flier there, so what's the point of going to school. I'm not sure what I'll do in Ponyville, but if I can find my mom, it will be better than living here. I'll miss my Daddy and all, but I have to meet mom. So Daddy, if you're reading this, I'm sorry for leaving you without saying anything tonight, and I'll be safe. I love you, but I need to find my mom, it's important to me."

Celestia handed the book to Lightning. "Did you know?"

Lightning took the book, and read over it a few times. "No, I never thought to read this. A week passed by and I started to give up hope. After a month, the Cloudsdale guard ended their search for her."

He placed the book back on the nightstand from where Celestia had taken it. "How is she?"

Celestia placed a wing around the lonely stallion's body. "She is doing fine. She has a few wonderful friends, and she is getting married next month. I hope you will be attending."

He nodded, looking at her. "She's gonna ask me to invite her mom... you know that right?"

Celestia nodded. "She'll be there."

"But will she know?" He asked.

"She must never know, it would hurt her too greatly." Celestia whispered. "Oh look at the time" she added. "I must be returning to Canterlot. Luna is probably overexerting herself trying to restore the castle."

Lightning nodded: showing her to the door, she embraced the old stallion once more before taking her leave.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Mom... where are you?"

Rainbow walked along a silent embankment, just outside the confines of Sweet Apple Acres. Taking a breather, she sat down and stared up into the sky, and focused on the full moon. It was nights like this Rainbow was grateful for the return of Luna. Never before in her life had she witnessed such clear night skies, surely, the Princess of the night took pride in her work.

Rainbow was pulled from her train of thought by a warm sensation pressing into the side of her body.

"You ok hun?"

Rainbow pushed into Applejack's side a little harder. "Yeah I guess..." she whispered.

"What's wrong sugarcube?" Applejack asked softly.

Rainbow lowered her head, meeting Applejack's. "I've been looking for my mom for 10 years now... I ran away when I went looking for her."

Applejack perched an eyebrow. "Y'all never told me ya ran away."

Rainbow nodded, and told her the story.

"So you've been searching for 10 years now nonstop, and still haven't found her?" Applejack asked.

Rainbow nodded, staring into the sky once again. "Daddy said she lived near Ponyville but... I've looked everywhere... Ponyville, Canterlot... Fillydelphia and Manehatten. And every little town in between, but..." she broke off, tears forming in her eyes. "What if... what if my dream was true..."

"Which dream dear?" Applejack asked.

"The one I had the day I was in the hospital, when I sprained my wing." Rainbow started. "The one where... Daddy was sitting in front of mom's grave." Closing her eyes, she vaguely remembered the dream.

xxxxx

She was in a meadow, with nothing in sight for as far as she could see. "Where am I?" she asked. Looking around, she realized that she was directly underneath Cloudsdale. "How did I get here?" she asked. Stretching her wings she attempted to take off but immediately plummeted back to the ground. She tried a second, and a third time, but to no avail. "Why can't I fly?"

In the distance she saw a lone tree and decided to head for that for now. "Strange," she thought to herself. "I wonder what Dad is up to?"

Growing ever closer to that tree, she soon answered her own question, as her father came into view, crouching next to a small grave marker.

"Dad..." she whispered.

"Why?" He said. "Why did this happen? Why didn't I stop you all those years ago?"

"Dad what's wrong?

"I let you go, thinking you would be safe, and that you would find your way... but now, it's my fault you are here and not in Cloudsdale where you belong!" He sobbed quietly for a few moments, allowing a few tears to slip and fall onto the earth by his hooves. "Your wishes... that you be buried here... at both your homes"

"Dad talk to me!" She said, standing up next to him. "You're not making any sense... tell me what's wrong!" Rainbow shouted, her dad seeming to not even acknowledge her presence. "Dad... is this Mom's grave?" She asked, while her father continued to sob.

"My Mom..." Rainbow whispered. She thought back, trying to picture what she looked like, but remembering what her Dad told her years ago. "That's right, Mom left dad after I was born. She didn't want the responsibility of raising me." She looked at her father, as he sat there alone and defenseless in his own little world. "Dad, come on, lets go home." She said to him, again not reacting to the sound of her voice.

"Lightning Storm! You listen to me right NOW!" Rainbow shouted at the stallion, and took a swing at him with her hoof, only for it to pass straight through him with no resistance. "What the hay?!" She shouted, once again placing her hoof by her fathers back, and pressing forward, only to see it pass through him as if he weren't even there.

Sweat built on her forehead, slowly running down the side of her face. Fear had completely taken it's grip on the young Pegasus. She did the only thing she could do... she ran.

Rainbow ran as fast as she could. She didn't know where she was going, but she knew she had to get away from that place. She had been running for what seemed like an hour, she took the moment to gather her thoughts while galloping along. "What.. the hay... happened?" She asked herself between breaths, picturing her Dad sitting there, and her hoof passing through him. Panting, and out of breath, she felt her body getting heavier with each and every step she took. The next thing Rainbow knew is she was on the top of a cliff, overlooking Ponyville. She collapsed, panting furiously.

"Why Rainbow?"

Rainbow turned to see her father facing her. "Dad! What are you doing here!" she shouted.

"Why did you leave me?" he said in a monotonous tone.

"He can't hear you Rainbow." said a soft voice.

Rainbow looked to her side and felt an immeasurable pain to her left flank, and the next thing she knew is she was rolling towards the cliffs edge. As she started to go over, she grabbed the edge and flapped her wings violently, but she could not muster up enough strength to even begin to lift herself.

A pony slowly descended from the sky and landed in front of Rainbow. Rainbow could not make out any details to this pony, as she was covered completely in a black robe.

"Who are you?!" Rainbow shouted.

Looking more closely at the shrouded pony, she made out the details of her face, and immediately snapped back into reality.

"It's HER!" Rainbow shouted.

"In my dream! The pony... the one who overlooked me and my father... It's her! Shooting Star!" Rainbow said. Quickly standing up, trying her best to remember the rest of the dream.

xxxxx

"Now your father won't have to burden himself with the thoughts of where you are, or how you are doing. Your mother... well she never cared for you anyway, and oh... my... gosh, how could I forget your big brother!" Said Shooting Star, still hiding behind that black cloak.

"My... big brother? I don't have a big brother you freak!" Rainbow shouted.

"Well, if you really want to believe that then be my guest, because..." The shrouded pony kicked her hoof into Rainbows front legs, causing her to tumble off the side of the cliff. "Because... in a few moments, you won't have anything at all!" She shouted at Rainbow, laughing as she watched her flap her wings in an ill attempt to fly.

"Sugarcube... Sugarcube." Shouted Applejack, pulling Rainbow back out of her mind. "Sugarcube... why would it be Shooting Star?"

"I don't know... but... I think that dream was a vision of the future." Rainbow said, worry overcoming her voice once again.

"Hogwash! Ain't no such thing as visions of the future." Applejack retorted.

"Then WHY is it now that I can see Shooting Star behind that cloak." Rainbow asked. "And why would I have a dream where she talks about my brother, before I ever knew I HAD one!"

"Ah don't know sugarcube... but... all it is, is a dream. Nothing more." Applejack said, not convincing Rainbow at all.

"But!"

"Rainbow... let's go to bed... we're going to Cloudsdale tomorrow remember? I have 2 days left on my cloud walker spell, so let's make the best of it." Applejack said, standing up and taking her fiancee's hoof, and pulling her up so that their muzzles met.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Cloudsdale in August was quite chilly compared to the ground. This coldness never affected Rainbow, she never questioned it. Maybe Pegasi were built with a ticker hide to compensate for this, but Applejack on the other hand, had to put on a scarf and winter boots to compensate for the change in temperature.

An hour after their arrival, they approached a small cloud house, with a bit of a blue tint to it. Rainbow knocked on the door, only to be met face to face with her father after a minute of waiting. Upon seeing his daughter, Lightning immediately pulled her into an embrace, and let loose a magnitude of tears that he had built up during the 10 years that Rainbow had been gone.

"Daddy..." Rainbow started.

"Dashie... you're home." Lighting said between sobs. "Is this?" He started.

"Daddy..." Rainbow said, breaking away from the embrace, and pulling her fiancee by her side. "Daddy... this is Applejack... my fiancee."

Lightning smiled warmly at the earth pony, he hadn't expected his daughter to be marrying a mare, but he did not care. As long as Rainbow was happy... and safe, he could care less if she was a filly fooler or not.

"Nice to meet you Applejack." Said Lightning.

"Likewise Mr. Storm." She replied.

"Please, just call me Lightning... just like everyone else does." He asked politely.

Applejack nodded. "Awright then, nice ta meet ya Lightning."

He bowed, stepping out of the way so that the two mares could enter the house. He showed them to the living room, where Applejack took a seat on the couch.

"Would you like something to drink?" Lightning asked.

"Yes please, whatever ya have, ah'm not picky." Applejack said.

"Dashie, do you want anything?" her father asked her.

"I'll have the same as AJ." She replied.

Nodding, Lightning storm walked into the kitchen. Rainbow nudged Applejack's side, causing her to face Rainbow. "Pss." Rainbow whispered. "Follow me."

Applejack quietly got off the couch, and followed her fiancee down the hall. At the end of the hallway, they went through a door on the right, and entered an extremely dusty room.

"Rainbow, is this?" She started.

"Yup, this is my old room... exactly how I left it 10 years ago." Rainbow replied, looking around her room. The room... fitting of a younger Rainbow Dash, no longer fit her... mature personality.

Lightning Storm reentered the living room a few minutes later, carrying a tray with 3 cups of tea on it. He was shocked to not see anypony, but heard whispering down the hallway. Placing the tray down on the table, he walked down the hallway, and stopped just short of Rainbow's bedroom. He watched as the two mares sat side by side on the small bed. As soon as they started caressing each other, he decided he had intruded enough, and walked back to the living room, where he picked up his newspaper, and continued where he had left off that morning.

Back in that bedroom, Rainbow and Applejack sat on the edge of the bed, sharing a passionate kiss. Rainbow broke away, and took the opportunity to look around the room once more. Everywhere she looked, dust seemed to take charge over every piece of furniture.

Rainbow stood up, and to Applejack's surprise, she started removing the Wonderbolt posters that cluttered the walls.

"Sh... Sugarcube... what are..." she started, being stopped when Rainbow placed a hoof to her mouth.

"This room portrays a 14 year old me. It's time... that it portrays the real me." She said, looking to her fiancee.

Applejack nodded, standing up she helped remove the posters. As they finished, Rainbow walked into the kitchen to grab a trash bag. Her father was reaching the front door. Turning around, he told his daughter that he was going to the store and would be back in a few hours.

Rainbow nodded, knowing that the only reason he was leaving, was to give her and Applejack some alone time.

When Rainbow returned to the bedroom, she held a bag with trash bags and various cleaning materials, and some cloud coloring dyes.

Rainbow and Applejack spent the next 2 hours cleaning, reorganizing, and painting the bedroom walls. When they were finished, what lay before them was a product of a mature Pegasus. A simple room design, with a lone bed, lamp, and a corner nightstand, adorning the freshly painted elegant light blue walls and white crown molding.

As they were removing the last of the masking tape from the walls, Lightning Storm took the trash bag from Applejack's hoofs, and took it away smiling. As he returned, he took a seat on the edge of the bed next to his daughter.

"I'm proud of you Dashie." He said, smiling at his daughter.

"Proud of what Daddy?" She asked.

"For growing up." Lightning laughed, being joined by Applejack.

That night Lightning, Rainbow, and Applejack spent their time eating a lavish dinner, followed by an evening of story telling. For the first time in Rainbow's life, she felt like her family was real. She had never experienced laughter inside this house of hers, or any feelings other than those of melancholy.

"Isn't it about time you and your fiancee go to bed? Lightning asked, being met with a nod of approval from both of the mares. He followed them as they walked to the bedroom, and as they stood there, he whispered to his daughter. "Dashie?"

"Yeah Daddy?" Rainbow replied.

"Can I... can I tuck you in? Like old times?" He asked, nervously.

A puzzled look formed on Rainbow's face, yet was soon replaced with a warm smile. "Sure." she replied, nodding to her father.

Rainbow and Applejack did their best to squeeze into the tiny bed, and Lightning pulled the sheets up to their chins. He kissed Rainbow, and Applejack both on their foreheads, causing both of them to giggle and squee in embarrassment. "I love you Dashie." He said.

Rainbow closed her eyes and replied, "I love you too Daddy."

As Lightning turned around and headed towards the door, his daughter spoke to him once more. "Daddy?" she whispered.

"Yes Dashie?" he answered, turning around to face his daughter once more.

"Will you invite mom to the wedding? I know you know where she lives, and I know there is a reason you aren't telling me. So... I won't ask where she lives... just... please ask her for me... I really want her to be there for me... for... us" she said, turning to smile at her fiancee.

Lightning smiled, closing the door he replied. "I will."

Rainbow slept that night in peace, knowing her mother would be invited to the most special day of her life.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A week remained until the latest royal wedding would take place. By now, every pony in Equestria had heard about it. As such, many protest groups were now taking place just outside of the Canterlot city limits giving their best attempt to halt what they called an "immoral justification of equal rights."

Every room, of every hotel in Canterlot was now sold out; even the high dollar luxury suites were being reserved by the poorer ponies working together to pay for them. Each hotel had a charity event going on, where 10% of every reservation would go towards the preparations for the wedding. You can thank Princess Luna for that idea.

For the final week, Rainbow and Applejack were asked to live at the castle, for security reasons. They didn't mind, in fact it was an amazing experience for the two of them.

Walking down the main castle foyer, Rainbow stopped to look at the elegantly placed pictures on the wall depicting earlier times in the Princess's life. The one thing that struck Rainbow the most was the increase in the number of guards since the recent attack. At this point in time, the Princess's had no less than 4 guards accompanying them wherever they went. Rainbow on the other hand refused such treatment.

"Sugarcube what in tarnation are ya doin?

Rainbow turned to see her fiancee walking towards her. She smiled as she approached. "I'm just looking at these pictures." Rainbow replied.

"Ah don't think that's all yer up to." Applejack implied, with a mischievous grin on her muzzle.

"Alright, you got me. Actually I wanted to head into town. This whole staying at the castle thing is getting boring and I wanna get out and stretch my legs." Rainbow said.

"You should stretch your wings too hun. When WAS the last time you used them?" Applejack asked, not knowing herself when the last time Rainbow flew was.

"No clue... probably at least a year now. But it's whatever, I'm still the fastest flier, even when I'm NOT using my wings." Rainbow said with a laugh.

"OK sugarcube, well you have a good time out. I'm going to go help Pinkie with the decorations." Applejack said. She kissed her fiancee and was on her way.

Canterlot was exceptionally busy. Everywhere you could see there was an abundance of ponies crowding the streets. The repairs on the city were nearly completed, yet due to the wedding they have been postponed. Everypony that met Rainbow dash exchanged smiles with the soon to be bride, and many offered their congratulations.

One pony in particular stood out among the rest. Rainbow watched, and was certain that it was Shooting Star, heading into an older looking shop that mysteriously did not seem to suffer any damage from the recent attack at all.

Rainbow galloped to the window, and peered in. Witnessing a transaction take place. Shooting Star, handed over a large bag of bits in exchange for a small black package, and at the same time pulling a dark cloak over her.

As she turned around to leave, Rainbow ducked behind a wooden crate. She watched as Star disappeared into the crowd of ponies. Unable to track her, Rainbow decided to pay this shop a visit. Stepping inside she was met with a most peculiar looking pony. She was old, dark orange with a black mane, dressed in what appeared to be an ancient purple royal robe.

"Anything... I can help you with deary?" said the old voice.

Rainbow did not like this voice, lowering her ears she replied, "no... not really... actually" she responded. "I'm interested in what you sold that orange Pegasus that was just in here a moment ago."

This old pony shook her head. "If you must know, she said something about a wedding, and needing to get her friend a gift... or something like that. Kind of creepy pony if you ask me. Now if you're not gonna buy anything you need to leave... it's lunch time and I want to eat." She said, almost shoving Rainbow out the door.

That evening at the castle, Rainbow had told Applejack what she witnessed, as she paced back and forth.

"Sugarcube, you're sweatin small stuff. She probably just got you a gift... where's the harm in that?" Applejack said.

"The cloak... the mysterious shop... it's too... sketchy" Rainbow said.

"Now come over here, and let's get some shut eye Rainbow. Ah'm tired, and those bags under your eyes are clear sign that you are too." Applejack said, grabbing Rainbow's tail and leading her to the bed.

On the outskirts of Canterlot, Star was sitting on a cliff edge staring at Ponyville down in the distance. From behind her, a matching Pegasus came into view. As Star sat on the ground, she watched as the other "Shooting Star" approached her. "Did you get it?" She asked, as a white light surrounded the Pegasus, revealing herself to be Buster.

"Here ya go." Buster replied. Tossing the package to Star who held it quite graciously.

"So... this tiny thing..." She started.

"Yeah... hard to believe it... you can't use it yet tho." Buster said.

"Why not?" Star demanded.

Buster sat down and placed his gaze onto Ponyville, watching the lights go out one by one.

"The lexicon needs time to search your feelings, in order to understand how to best assist you." He said. "Place it around your neck... it will take about 8 months to be ready."

"8 months?!" Star questioned. "But! The wedding is in 5 days!"

"I know but... if you were to use it now... it would most likely strip you of your wings..." He replied, as she grumbled. "Now... about my payment."

"Here." She said, handing him the key to her Ponyville home.

"Excellent." Buster whispered. "That whore of a Princess won't think to look for me there. I just need to hide out for awhile." He said as a white light emanated from his horn, engulfing him and transforming him into a yellow stallion. "I'll be off Star... good luck with your plan."

As he left, Star floated there quietly staring at the lexicon which was settled in her hoof. She placed it around her neck and instantly a sense of calmness overcame her body. "Oh yes Rainbow... you will be mine... you're gonna regret breaking my heart!"

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The day of the wedding.

It had come fast. Rainbow couldn't sleep the night before. She had slept in Celestia's room, while Applejack slept in Luna's.

"Are you ok dear?" Celestia asked Rainbow.

Rainbow, who stood there getting into her dress replied, "no, I don't see why we have to follow that whole 'not seeing the bride before the wedding' tradition."

Celestia chuckled, as she used her magic to finish tying the sash on Rainbow's dress. "It's for good luck, and for a long marriage." she said, twirling Rainbow around to meet her face to face. "How... are you feeling?" asked the regal princess.

Rainbow put a bit of a frown on. "To be honest... I'm nervous..."

Celestia nuzzled Rainbow, closing her eyes and taking the closeness in. "It's perfectly fine for you to be nervous dear... this is a big change in your life."

Rainbow nodded, and turned around to look at herself in the mirror once more. "I asked my dad to invite my mom..."

"Did you now?" chuckled Celestia.

"I hope she comes..." Rainbow said, trailing off.

Celestia invited Rainbow over to her bed, where they both took a seat on the edge of it. "I promise that she is going to be there Rainbow, even if you don't know it."

"How can you be so sure? I've never met her... I don't even know what she looks like." Rainbow added, letting her eyes fall to the floor.

"Rainbow... your mom has been closer to you than you've ever thought possible." Celestia began.

"You mean like in my heart and all?" Rainbow asked.

"Yes silly." the princess laughed. "But also... physically close to you."

Rainbow widened her eyes. "My mom... has been close to me this entire time? Who... who is she?" she asked herself.

"Princess..."

"Yes dear?" Celestia responded.

"You know my mom?" Rainbow asked abruptly.

"Yes I do... I know her very well." Celestia added.

Widening her eyes even more, a sense of joy overcoming her now, "Can you tell me... who she is?"

Celestia only shook her head. "No I cannot Rainbow"

"Why not?!" Rainbow asked... no almost demanded.

"I promised your father many years ago... 22 to be exact... that I would not divulge that information to you." She replied, Rainbow lowered her ears. "Don't be upset my dear... she will be at your wedding, I promise. Now... do you remember how everything went yesterday at the rehearsal?"

"Yes..." Rainbow replied.

"OK then... I'm going to go check in on Luna and Applejack and make sure everything is going well."

In the other princess's bedroom, Luna was just finishing putting a bow into the back of Applejack's mane. "So..." the princess began.

"So... what?" Applejack replied.

"What's it like?" Luna asked.

"Come again?" Applejack asked.

Luna chuckled and asked again. "What's it like... you know... getting married."

Applejack laughed, turning to look at herself in the mirror. "It's amazin... but... at the same time ah'm nervous, scared, happy, and sad... is that normal?"

Luna shrugged her shoulders. "Beats me... that's why I was asking what it was like... but... out of all of those feelings... why are you sad?"

"I'm not really sad... but... marriage means... I'm gonna be losin my last bit of independence I have... ya know?" Applejack stated.

"Hmm..." Luna hummed. "I think I know what you mean but, you love her right? So... shouldn't you WANT to share everything with her?"

Applejack stood and thought about that for a minute. "Luna's right." She thought to herself. "I'm ready for this." Applejack nodded, and a overjoyed Luna smiled and let out a squee of delight.

A stern knocking was heard at the door, and a few seconds later, in walked princess Celestia.

"Sister!" Luna called out.

"How goes your preparations Luna?" Celestia asked.

Luna eyed Applejack once more time. "She is perfect, a bride fit for a princess... If I do say so myself."

Celestia giggled, eying Applejack as well.

"Are you ready sweetie?" Celestia asked the young pony.

Applejack nodded in approval, to which, Celestia smiled.

"OK then. Luna" Celestia spoke. "The wedding starts in 30 minutes."

By now the ceremonial hall was packed with all sorts of ponies, from all over the land of Equestria. In the corner sat a restricted section, only for the members of the Apple family, which was filled with every member.

"OK girls do you remember how to do this now?" Twilight asked.

Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Applebloom all looked at her smiling. "Course we do." Applebloom said.

"Yeah! It's just like at princess Cadence's wedding!" Sweetie Belle added.

"But!" Scootaloo interjected, "This wedding is for Applejack and Rainbow Dash, so.. it's... gonna...be... AWESOME!"

Twilight nodded. Celestia took her place at the head of the ceremonial hall, soon after being joined by Luna, Cadence, and Twilight. A few moments later Celestia gave the cue and Fluttershy and her bird ensemble began the Bridal Chorus.

Every pony turned to face the door, where the three flower fillies began their walk down the aisle, showering flowers in their wake.

Back in the meeting hall, Rainbow Dash and Applejack had just met for the first time as they prepared for their walk.

"You look beautiful." spoke a blushing Rainbow Dash.

"Thanks sugarcube... so do you." Applejack replied.

"Rainbow! Applejack! You're up!" said a royal guard. Applejack and Rainbow proceeded down that aisle, beside them... walked Lightning Storm, and Big McIntosh.

As they walked, every pony watched in awe as the two beautiful mares made their way down the aisle. Not a single one of them seemed to be protesting in any way possible. Rainbow and Applejack both watched as Rarity and Pinkie Pie sat together near the front, tears streaming down their faces in pure happiness. Once they reached the alter, Celestia smiled warmly at the two of them, and with a glow of her horn, all became quiet.

Rainbow and Applejack stared into each others eyes. This was their day, the day they had waited for their entire lives, the end of the first half of their lives... and the start of the rest.

"Fillies and gentle colts" began Celestia.

"We are gathered here today, to witness the union of these two ponies, in an everlasting bond of love... trust... honesty... and loyalty."

Applejack's eyes glistened as Celestia spoke. "Oh sweet Celestia... Ah've gotta be the happiest girl alive right about now." She thought to herself as she stared into her lovers eyes.

"Do you... Applejack... Take Rainbow Dash to be your lawfully wedded wife. Through sickness and in health, for better or worse, till death do you part?"

"I do." Applejack replied.

"And do you... Rainbow Dash... Take Applejack to be your lawfully wedded wife. Through sickness and in health, for better or worse, till death do you part?"

She turned to face Rainbow who was smiling almost too much to speak.

"I do!" She squeed in delight.

"Then... by the power invested in me... as Princess Celestia of Equestria... I hereby pronounce you... wife and wife..."

Rainbow, and Applejack both turned to face the princess as she spoke those last 5 words.

"You may kiss the bride."

And with that the two mares shared a most delicate kiss. It was perfect, and they never wanted to leave that moment. The hall was soon thundering with the sounds of all the ponies cheering and stomping their hooves.

The two of them parted their kiss, turned and began to walk back down that aisle. They had each other, forever... and no pony could ever pull them apart. As they walked, both of them waved to every pony, and before exiting, they both threw their bouquets, and from the corner of Rainbow's eyes... she swore that for a moment... she saw Shooting Star... with a disgusting grin on her face.