Fallen Eagle

Chapter 60: Another Canterlot Wedding: Part 1

Hello all, and welcome back to Fallen Eagle! Today we've got Part 1 in a Two Part arc of Luna and Checkered Flag's marriage! But first, as I said in my previous chapter, my dad and I got to go to Tacoma from September 30 to October 2 to see REO Speedwagon and Def Leppard LIVE at the Tacoma Dome! And by god was it COSMIC! From performing songs from their 1981 High 'N' Dry album, to their 2015 self-titled album, Def Leppard STILL kicks ass! Just hearing my favorite songs like Hysteria, Armageddon It, Love Bites, Rock of Ages, Let's Go, Let's Get Rocked was one of the best experiences of my life. If Def Leppard is playing in a town near you, DON'T let that opportunity slip!

Also, I just want to say that tomorrow (October 15) marks two years that I've been constructing this story, and the realization didn't hit me until yesterday. I mean, TWO YEARS still working on the same story? I really want to thank every single one of you who've clicked on this story and have followed it for as long as you have. All of your support means the world to me, and it wouldn't be as fun without good, honest reviews such as yourselves.

Oh, and I also just recently watched Equestria Girls 4: Legend of the Everfree on Netflix the other day. If you haven't seen it, I won't put in any spoilers. All I'll say is that Rainbow Rocks and Friendship Games were better movies. I LOVED that we got to go a new location. Not that I don't like Canterlot High, but I appreciate that we got a little variety. But, it just didn't have the same entertainment value that RR and FG had.

Monkeyboy0118: Glad to hear your house is okay!

ShiningShadow1965: Well, actually I already have the name of the colt and the race of pony he'll be, but both those details won't be revealed until Luna gives birth! :P

WarHusky2000: Well he was born in Alaska which was purchased by the U.S. in 1867 from Russia, and his name is Russian, so he's got a little Russian characteristics in him. But anyway, when I saw Dungeons and Discords (GREAT episode by the way! Loved seeing Spike and Big Mac hanging out together. Parsnips...) I knew I HAD to have the guys all try that during a guy's day.

headreviewermk2: LOL, I had to have a friend help proofread on how girls actually talk when no guys are around. And I'm glad I tricked you at first! I was hoping everyone would react like, "Holy shit, new villain!"

OBSERVER01: Well, I've never been to a spa so I can't vouch!

Fur Poi: Sure for a quickie review XP

Caleb200888: Woah...I appreciate the compliment, but the woman wrote HARRY POTTER! And created her own universe with the books. She is LIGHTYEARS better than a fanfiction author!

dixie: I try to make their couple moments tender and not corny :P Oh God, if they were Canon, the fandom would have a meltdown that makes Chernobyl look like lighting a campfire with vodka. As for the conversations, notice how the girls wanted to know about AJ's sex over the weekend, yet the guys NEVER breathed a word about sex with the exception for Soarin wanting to just shut up Discord? Oh...just wait for Luna and Checkered's colt to get a glimpse of that :3 And is THAT how you spell it? Jeez, no matter how many times I rewound that scene where Spike says the name of the game, I SWEAR he said 'Ogres and Oogliettes.'

SquritlePWN: Really? Oh boy. Well...magic and all that...yeah...But believe me, it was FUN finally getting to see Glock and Checkered join in with the guys. I know Glock especially hasn't gotten too much screen time, but that's beginning to change, and I like seeing him out of his element of the castle. Besides, Celestia WANTS Glock to relax once in awhile since he's been her personal bodyguard for twenty years and rarely took time off. As for FlutterCord and Sparity, well, I think you'll like what I have cooked up for them.

All right guys, let's kick off Fallen Eagle's Two Year Anniversary with a wedding!

---

(Canterlot Castle Kitchen; Ivan's POV)

"Ivan, can ya pull that sheet 'o mini fritters outta the oven?" Applejack grunted whilst frosting Luna and Checkered's huge wedding cake. As I held the ladder steady, I looked over to one of the many ovens in the kitchen, trying to spot which one was done.

"You sure you got this, AJ?" I took a step away.

"'Course Ah do, Sugarcube," she snorted and wiped some flour from her cheek. "Don't forget Ah've done this before fer Shinin' Armor 'n Cadence." With her confirmation, I released my grip on the ladder and headed toward the oven, making sure to maneuver around the chef ponies that were galloping around the kitchen with their own tasks. Today was the big day for Luna and Checkered Flag, and we all had to get to the castle around 0500 hours to start on the assignments that were given to us. Since my task had been completed weeks ago, and both the bride and groom wanted to be surprised, I opted to help my girlfriend cook all the treats and carve an ice sculpture in the shape of a crescent moon with a checkered pattern. The official ceremony would not begin for at least another three hours, so we had plenty of time to get dressed for the occasion once the food was cooked, and everyone else's tasks were done.

"Delicious," I licked my lips when the aroma of Applejack's cooking hit my nose from inside the oven. Due to the constant noise in the kitchen, and my focus on the hot treats, I didn't notice the kitchen door swing open as I took the mini fritters out of the oven and set them on the counter next to the other sheets of fritters. It was tempting to sneak one, but I knew the consequences of sneaking Apple family food without their say so. "Applejack, anything else you-"

"Hi Cougar!" I turned around to see Twilight's grinning face and a levitating quill and clipboard.

"For the love of God, Twilight!" I exclaimed, glaring at her as my heart rate slightly increased. "You're about as bad as Pinkie or Discord when you do that."

"Sorry," the alicorn chuckled. "I was just checking up on everypony's assignments for the wedding. Is everything on schedule at the moment?" She peered around me at Applejack and the ice sculpture.

"Well, this was the last batch of mini-fritters, the sculpture is done, and AJ is putting the finishing touches on the cake," I explained.

"Howdy Twilight!" The mare waved back at us with her own grin before sliding down the ladder. "Comin' in ta check everythin' off huh?" Twilight nodded in reply, scribbling something on her clipboard.

"Food and ice sculpture, check!" She said giddily. "Checkered Flag should be here in a few minutes to have a little taste of the food. He was just talking to Pinkie about the reception party." Twilight looked back up at us as a chef split the three of us.

"How do Luna and Checkered avoid each other with confirming all these important tasks?" I questioned, referring to the bad luck myth of the bride and groom seeing each other before the wedding.

"With my carefully and scientifically plotted out schedule!" Twilight dug into her saddle bag and produced a piece of parchment. "With this, the lucky couple should have no problems with bumping into one another before they're supposed to. Besides," she tapped the quill on the parchment, "Luna should be occupied until the ceremony with fitting into her wedding dress with Rarity's help."

"Three hours sounds about right with Rarity's keen eye," Applejack chuckled. "Want ta try a mini-fritter, Twi?" She scooped a cooled dessert into her hoof. The alicorn slipped it into her mouth with her magic with little hesitation, licking her lips appreciatively.

"Mmmm, delicious as always Applejack!"

"Thank ya kindly Twilight," my girlfriend beamed proudly. The alicorn princess gently rolled the schedule scroll back up and put it back in her saddle bag before making a few more notes on her clipboard.

"Well, it appears all of the food preparation is complete. We just need Checkered's approval, though I'm sure he'll love it like everypony else," Twilight grinned.

"Who else do you need to check off, Twilight?" I grabbed one of the mini-fritters that Applejack graciously allowed me to have.

"Hmm, I just got done overseeing the Wonderbolts and a few pegasus guards putting decorations up in the throne room, so I'm gonna have to pay Starlight a little visit!"

"What job did you give her again?" I asked, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. With Starlight's sudden appearance a few weeks ago, there was no doubt that she would be invited to the wedding now that she was Twilight's student, but I never caught what preparations she would be helping with.

"Actually she's helping Blueblood, Spike, Vinyl Scratch, and a few castle workers set up the gardens for the reception."

"I thought that was Pinkie's job?" That struck me as odd if Twilight had seen Checkered discussing the reception party with Pinkie.

"Pinkie plans the reception party, but the gardens have to be prepared for the guests," Twilight explained. "You know, setting up the snack tables and chairs; clearing space for a dance floor. Once Checkered Flag approves of Pinkie's plans, she'll head down to the gardens to help put the finishing touches on it."

"Hmm," Applejack scratched underneath her hat. Twilight looked in her direction just as AJ opened her mouth, "Spike 'n Blueblood together. Are ya sure that's a good idea considerin' the last time they interacted?"

"I think they'll be fine," Twilight shook her head. "Spike and I trust that Blueblood wants to start anew, and Spike's not going to harm him or anything for no reason, especially since he apologized to Rarity." Speaking of Spike and Rarity, the dragon didn't come and tell me or Big Mac that he had even attempted to ask Rarity to the wedding. We didn't want to pressure him, but I still felt that Rarity would give him a friendly shot or a dance at the very least. Bringing it up to Twilight however, that wasn't going to happen. "One more thing before I go look over the gardens," Twilight put her hoof over her muzzle, scanning her eyes across her clipboard.

"Do you need to look closer at the cake?" I wondered exactly how she would do that without having to taste it.

"No, I think it looks great," Twilight put her list down, "but….Applejack could I please borrow Cougar for a minute?" Applejack was just as surprised as I was, more so due to Twilight's uneasiness about asking to talk to me.

"Ah think that's more up ta Ivan than myself," Applejack looked curiously at me.

"Sorry, I just meant do you need his help for anything at the moment? I need to talk to him about something." The southern mare simply shrugged, holding her hoof out from me to Twilight.

"I suppose I could spare you a few minutes," I smirked. Twilight suggested that we go out into the hallway where it was a little less hectic and cooler than the kitchen, so I followed the alicorn out. Though, I really had no clue what she wanted; only two things popped into my mind. She didn't seem upset with me, so hopefully Spike didn't blab that the guys and I tried to get him ask Rarity to the wedding.

"Okay," she began by tucking the quill behind her ear, "not counting the reception party, just about everything that Celestia, Luna, and Checkered assigned us seems ready," Twilight looked up from her clipboard. "Except one thing," the alicorn bit her lower lip. Immediately, my head flopped down to my chest with a sigh, knowing precisely what Twilight was getting at. "Could you please tell me what song you've chosen for Luna and Checkered's first dance?"

"Twilight," I picked my head back up with a chuckle, "believe it or not, Luna and Checkered are the only ones who've yet to ask me what it is."

"Be that as it may, I still want to be able to cross it off the list. I'm over the fact that the bride and groom haven't even listened to it, but all I want to know is the name."

"Try to understand that I want it to be a surprise for them, Twilight. I told Checkered it would be a surprise, and he was all for it," I explained. "I want to be able to see how happy they are in the moment of their first dance. If they already listened to it, it sort of loses its magic and meaning." Twilight's face fell flat.

"Look, I get that Cougar, but even if you tell me, I wouldn't ruin the surprise for Luna and Checkered," she swore. Although it was a little demeaning for her, I reached over and petted the top her head behind her horn, only displeasing her a little more.

"I trust you Twilight, but I want it to be a surprise for all couples." With a frustrated groan, she plucked the quill from behind her ear and pretty violently crossed out my task from her clipboard. "Sorry to frustrate you, but if Luna trusted me to pick a song, I'm gonna make sure it's special for everyone."

"No," she held up a wing, "it's perfectly fine. I do appreciate how serious you're taking your assignment," Twilight offered me up a smile. "And with your track record at the Gala, nopony should be worried."

"You do know I won't actually perform it, right?"

"That honestly never crossed my mine," Twilight shrugged. "I just meant your taste in music is fairly decent, and the music from your world is interesting to say the least." 'Fairly decent?'

"I'd have to agree with you there, Twily," another voice chimed in. I looked up and Twilight spun around to see none other than Cadence, Shining Armor, and Checkered Flag approaching us. "Right Cady?" Shining Armor added.

"Absolutely!" Cadence agreed. Twilight gasped excitedly and galloped over, nearly tackling her sister-in-law and brother to the ground.

"When did you two get here?!"

"Just a few minutes ago," Cadence giggled. "We just had to drop off our wedding attire in our room before we came to see you." The Princess of Love stole a glance from me and smiled, "And hello to you, Cougar."

"Cadence, Shining Armor," I replied as Twilight released her hug on the two ponies, "and the stallion of the hour." Checkered trotted over to me and stuck out his foreleg which I grasped and shook. "Feeling nervous yet?"

"Maybe just a little," the earth pony admitted. "Making the rounds with all of your friends was fun. I can't wait to taste what your marefriend's cooked up."

"Ooh!" Twilight squeaked. "So do you approve of Pinkie's reception party plan?" She took the quill from her ear and the clipboard from under her wing.

"Absolutely! I think everypony will have a blast." Twilight hummed as she crossed off Checkered's approval, mentioning how good Applejack's food was, but he still had to taste it.

"There's Equestria's newest knight!" Shining Armor patted my back. Twilight, unsurprisingly, had written her brother and his wife about the whole ceremony, including the fact that I had been knighted by both Luna and Celestia. "Feel any different now, Cougar?"

"Not really. I don't have to report to either Luna or Celestia, and I don't have to live in Canterlot. In actuality, all Luna explained to me was that I have to report any incidents that I deal with to Twilight, and I have the authority to bring anyone under any suspicion into her castle for questioning."

"Well, since you're never afraid to do what's right, I'm sure you'll get accustomed to it quickly," the unicorn shrugged. "And I suppose you and I are like brothers now; don't forget I was captain of Celestia's guard before I married Cady and moved to the Crystal Empire with her. I'd trust you if you were on the Crystal Empire guard," he added.

"Thanks Shining Armor," I grinned, patting his shoulder as Twilight led us back into the kitchen. "You know, speaking of you and Cadence, and since you two had your wedding here, do we need to run a quick rehearsal of the wedding?"

"Lulu and I talked with Celestia about that last night actually," Checkered chimed in, stopping so a few chef ponies could trot past him. "And we told Celestia that the only things that really needed rehearsing were our vows, and we've got them memorized. Plus, everypony's been through a wedding before; Spike knows when to give us the rings, Applejack's sister and her friends already know what to do with the flower petals, and you've already got our first song picked out. The rest is easy," Checkered reassured me.

"AJ, we've got a few more tasters," I announced to my girlfriend who was still frosting some decorations on the cake. She turned around to see myself and Twilight accompanied by Cadence, Checkered, and Shining Armor before hopping off the ladder.

"Well all right then!" She grinned happily. "Nice ta see ya yer highnesses. An' congratulations Sugarcube," AJ shook Checkered's hoof. "Ivan's laid out all the mini-fritters on the counter; take yer pick," the mare insisted.

"Mmm, I could smell your cooking when we arrived," Cadence sniffed the air and licked her lips.

"It's the strange cravings already starting," Shining Armor leaned closer to me and Twilight, whispering his joke. Unfortunately for the stallion, when he turned back to grab a mini-fritter, his wife took one and proceeded to smother it all over his face.

"Hehe," Applejack had to cover her mouth to stifle her snickering.

"Aww, don't worry Shiny, I still love you," Cadence cooed and licked some of the fritter off his muzzle. The stallion swiftly wiped the rest of the food off his face, only to throw a foreleg around his wife.

"Hey Checkered, this is what you're in for, buddy," Shining called to the racer. "You sure you're up for this?" He grinned. Applejack, Twilight, and I peered over at the groom-to-be as he was in mid-chew.

"Oh Shining, play nice!" Cadence scolded teasingly. "Don't fill his head with second thoughts; I look forward to calling him Uncle Checkered."

"I'm just teasing, Cady," Shining rolled his eyes and nuzzled his pregnant wife. "Aunt Luna and Checkered have honestly looked ready for months."

"You don't have anything to worry about, Cadence," Checkered swallowed his mini-fritter, trotting over to give his future niece a hug. "I would never second guess marrying your aunt. I've been looking forward to this possibility since I was younger than you," he pointed to Twilight.

"Wait, you've had feelings for Luna since you were around your twenties?" I did a double take. "But she's only been back for what, five years, give or take a few months?" I turned to AJ and Twilight.

"Sounds 'bout right, Sugarcube."

"Well," Checkered sighed, "I've only told Lulu and Celestia this, but when I was in school and being taught Equestrian History, I couldn't believe how beautiful Luna was, even though her pictures were just drawings in books. Even though some textbooks were slightly bias against her, I just related to her situation." Now it was Twilight's turn to do a double take.

"Uh Checkered, I'm no expert on Earth Pony Racing, but I've seen some of those trading cards that Applebloom has. Your bio clearly states you're an only child." The cheerful atmosphere in the room dialed back a bit. Checkered's happy grin seemed a lot more forced, as if he didn't want us to know his true feelings.

"You're not wrong, princess," he forced a chuckle. "Luna only did what she did because she felt like her sister was purposefully hogging the spotlight and relished that Equestrians back then didn't appreciate her night sky. I agree that attempting to overthrow Celestia was wrong, but I still took up the time to truly study her whole life leading up to her banishment, even during my early racing career. All I could do was hope that she could come back one day and that I could at least get to see her beautiful form in pony," he explained. "I never thought that I'd get to marry her one day or conceive a child with her," his forced grin all of sudden seemed genuine once again.

"So, you spent all of your teens, twenties, thirties, and early forties without at least a steady marefriend?" Shining Armor's jaw dropped.

"Of course not," Checkered shook his head. "I had a few flings here and there, but they were all only after my money and fame. Which I know is what a lot of potential suitors for royalty only want," he exchanged nervous glances with Cadence and Twilight. "But I assure all of you that Luna's happiness and love is what I want out of her. Even when textbooks said we were supposed to fear her, I loved her, and I wanted to show her that mistakes can be forgiven."

"Aww!" Cadence gushed and picked up the small stallion in a bone crushing hug. "Welcome to the family!" Twilight and Applejack cooed as well at the sweet moment while Shining and I simply smirked at the situation.

"Th-thank you, C-Cadence!" The racer gasped for air.

"I think I'll just add something to the checklist," Twilight grinned, jotting down a note on her clipboard. I peered over her shoulder to see that she had written down, 'Checkered having a family moment with Cadence and Shining Armor,' and had checked it off. "Everything seems to be going off without a hitch!" The alicorn said happily. "This is gonna be the best wedding in the history of Equestria!"

"Hehe, well, at least until you get to plan your wedding to Flash, little sis," Shining Armor pulled Twilight close. Twilight's eyebrows shot up to her hairline and her face turned tomato red.

"Mmm," we heard Cadence moan as she snuck another mini-fritter from the counter, though Applejack didn't have any issues with it considering she and I made enough for a crowd of about three-hundred guests. "I just love, love, love your cooking, Applejack!" Twilight, AJ, and Shining Armor suddenly whirled around in their spots, staring at Cadence in horror and leaving Checkered and myself in the dark.

"Did she say the secret word?" I asked, scratching my head.

(A Short time Later)

Not too long after the cooking of the food, most everyone had joined up together in the dining hall for a quick lunch before the final preparations would be made and everyone would have to get dressed for the occasion. Hell, even the Wonderbolts, Vinyl, and Discord were eating with us. The only ones that were not eating with us were Rarity and Luna who were still preoccupied with Luna's dress, hair etc. And Blueblood was with Luna as well, apparently trying to spend some quality time with his aunt before her big moment. "Peanut butter and jelly?" Discord eyeballed his sandwich, opening it up. "How simple," he took a huge bite.

"Keep quiet, Discord," Glock took a swig of cider. "There's nothing wrong with a classic."

"Yeah, and we just needed something to eat that AJ could whip up in no time," I agreed with the captain, licking some peanut butter off my lips.

"Plus we need to save our appetite for a big dinner," Fluttershy added after cutting the crusts off her bread. Discord had actually arrived in Canterlot early this morning with us because Fluttershy asked him to assist her with her songbird choir for the wedding march. Knowing the draconequus, I knew he'd never pass up a chance to spend one on one time with the shy pony. Everyone's attention in the room was suddenly drawn to the door as it swung open forcefully in a grand entrance.

"GET DOWN!" Pinkie Pie declared, jamming a bowl full of chips over Checkered's head and shoving the poor stallion under the table. All of us were torn between seeing who had arrived and if Checkered was okay.

"Pinkie! What are you doing?!" Checkered demanded, struggling under the mare's hold.

"I'm here everypony!" Rarity's elegant voice sang while she strolled into the room. "Luna's dress is coming along-" She stopped dead in her tracks, however, when she noticed Checkered being held hostage by Pinkie Pie under the table. "Um, Pinkie darling?" Rarity asked cautiously, "why does Luna's groom-to-be have a bowl strapped to his head under the table?" Pinkie breathed a sigh of relief and tossed the chip bowl back onto the table.

"Are you okay, Checkered?" Celestia questioned. The stallion nodded and went to return to his seat, but instead trotted to the other side away from Pinkie.

"I was worried that Princess Luna was coming through the door!" Pinkie explained. "You know how much bad luck it is for the bride and groom to see each other on their big day before they get hitched!"

"Oh Pinkie," Rarity shook her head, "while I am one who loves to entertain that superstition, attacking the poor dear is a bit much."

"Who would've thought Twilight's separate schedules for the two would be the least crazy way of keeping Luna and Checkered apart?" I cracked a smile while Rarity joined us at the table. She thanked Spike who got up from his chair and pulled out the last vacant one for her. Twilight sent me a displeased look in reply at my joke, balling up a piece of parchment and tossing it into my face with her magic.

"Anyway, what were you saying about Luna, Rarity?" Checkered smiled at the seamstress. Twilight pushed aside her plate to make room for her checklist.

"Oh! Well her dress is coming along fabulously! I'll put the finishing touches on her once I've had a quick meal. Believe me Checkered, she'll look like an angel once the entire ensemble is completed," Rarity squealed in excitement. "By the way," she turned to a waiter who was refilling Fluttershy's water, "Princess Luna requests a small snack and glass of Colta-Cola please." The waiter nodded and trotted his way back into the kitchen to complete the order.

"Hey," Flash Sentry sniffed the air, "is something burning?" He asked.

"Smells like sulfur," I scrunched my nose, darting my eyes around the room. My eyes landed on a certain yellow Wonderbolt who had been sitting quietly next to Soarin the entire meal. I could see a tiny wisp of smoke rising up from underneath the table.

"Misty!" Soarin exclaimed. "You're smoking inside Celestia's castle!?"

"We've been practicing the flyby all morning, Soarin!" Misty argued, holding the cigarette in between her feathers. "I need something to calm me down!" She took a quick drag of the cancer stick.

"Well there are countless guards in this castle who may tickle your fancy," Discord said in a snarky tone.

"Discord!" Fluttershy squeaked, trying to hide the blush on her face. Misty Fly simply glared at the draconequus, waving him off with her wing. Celestia cleared her throat and gently took the cigarette out of her mouth with her magic.

"Hey!"

"Miss Misty Fly, I don't mind ponies who partake in smoking, but may you please do it on the balcony so we may all breathe?" Celestia requested politely, giving the pegasus her cigarette back.

"Yes your highness," she tried to reply as civilly as possible, but still came off as grumbling. The mare took a short flight outside to the balcony to enjoy her smoke, leaving us to enjoy the rest of our lunch.

"Oh Cougar," Celestia added right as I was about to grab a second sandwich. I took my hand back to give the princess my undivided attention when she dropped something I was getting a little tired of. "As excited as I am for Luna's wedding, I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am to hear the song you've chosen for her first dance with Checkered. I trust you've chosen the best one you can," she smiled.

"Oh boy," I pinched the bridge of my nose. Knowing what was upsetting me, Applejack said not a word, but she massaged my back with her hoof to placate me. "Look guys, I'm going to level with all of you because you're all my friends," I announced, releasing my nose. "It was fun teasing everyone that I won't reveal what song I picked, but I swear that the next one who asks me again is getting chucked over that railing," I pointed to the balcony that Misty Fly was currently occupying.

"That's a bit excessive Cougar," Cadence remarked softly, putting her hoof over her mouth.

"What? It's not like anyone would be hurt," I shrugged. "The Wonderbolts are here, and we've got three of the four alicorns of Equestria in one room; anyone I'd throw over would be saved. Besides, when the bride and groom are the only ones who have yet to ask me the song, then there might be a problem," I added. Despite my explanation, there were still a few that weren't very happy with my announcement.

"Still, don't ya think that response is a little inappropriate for a simple question, Ivan?" Applejack nudged my arm. "Ah know yer a lil tired 'o bein' asked, but keep in mind that there's nothin' wrong with bein' a lil curious."

"Eh, I kind of agree with your coltfriend, Applejack," Rainbow Dash came to my defense. "Curiosity only goes so far before it annoys the buck out of somepony," she shrugged, taking another bite out of her sandwich.

"Like I said, Applejack, it was fun at first, but now that today's the day, asking about the song is a bit redundant," I hugged my arm around Applejack's torso.

"But, if we're asking questions around here," Rainbow continued, slowly turning to Fluttershy, "if nopony else will ask it, then I will. You actually agreed to take Discord along to the wedding as your plus one, Fluttershy?!" She exclaimed. Ah yes, Discord had taken my advice and eventually talked to the nature loving pegasus about going to the wedding together as friends. Surprisingly, no one had said a thing until now. Though, Fluttershy didn't say anything until last night when we all got together to form a game plan for today.

"Is that really your business, Rainbow Crash?" Discord sneered. The draconequus and pegasus got up from their cheers, ready to butt heads right above Fluttershy. The poor pony looked completely stressed with two of her closest friends arguing, looking in between them and not knowing what to do.

"When it concerns you going on a date with my best friend, you bet your flank it's my business!" Discord gasped loudly as his face contorted into horror and I swear a tiny blush appeared on his cheeks.

"Pfft!" He attempted to play it off. "Were you even listening last night? It's not a date, not even close!" Discord shook his eagle hand before pointing a talon at Rainbow Dash.

"Oh I was listening all right! I just couldn't believe it and hoped it was just a bad dream!"

"Please don't fight!" Fluttershy begged, flapping her wings to get in between Discord and Rainbow Dash. Most everyone at the table ceased eating at the events unfolding while a few continued to eat, enthralled by the drama. Soarin had clasped his hooves around his girlfriend's tail, trying to prevent what Discord did to him a few weeks ago from happening to Rainbow.

"Is there anything I can do to help, Fluttershy?" Lullaby pushed her chair back. Soarin finally yanked Rainbow Dash back down to her seat, holding her shoulders down to keep her from getting up again.

"Thank you, Soarin," Fluttershy exhaled. "Now Rainbow Dash, I know you're my oldest friend, but you really don't have anything to worry about," she explained, slowly descending back to her seat as Discord did the same.

"I just wanna make sure he doesn't lead you on or anything," Rainbow ground her jaws together.

"Mmm, the amount of trust you have in me makes me feel so assured," Discord dryly replied, drumming his lion paw on the table. I simply stared at the three in the middle of the argument, a confused look on my face.

"Aww, have a little faith, Rainbow," Fluttershy cooed. "I know Discord's ways of entertainment may not be the most polite, but I have a lot of fun in his company. Besides, he explained that he wanted to celebrate how far our friendship has come, and that he wants it to be a way of thanking me for being his friend," the Element of Kindness gave a sweet smile to Discord. "Plus, I trust that he'd never do something like that, to me or anypony," she leaned over in her chair and gave Discord a quick hug.

Discord gladly returned the hug, but not without sticking his tongue out at Rainbow Dash. "I'll make sure you have one of the best nights of your life, Fluttershy!" He boasted. Applejack gently nudging my arm tore my gaze away.

"Ah don't suppose y'all had a hoof in Discord askin' Fluttershy ta go with him?" She whispered teasingly. I snorted quietly and gently pulled her closer.

"Well, the poor guy came to me for help. He said something about my luck with you might be able to help give him good advice on asking Fluttershy," I explained. The sound of the dining room door opening again prevented me from saying anything further to my girlfriend. Pinkie Pie subsequently tried to hide Checkered again, but Celestia was watching over her brother-in-law.

"Thanks Celestia," the racing stallion breathed a sigh of relief as the Princess of the Sun levitated him behind her chair rather than forcibly shoving him beneath the table with a large bowl over his head.

"Ah, nephew!" Celestia chirped to the most recent member of the dining room. Upon turning around, Prince Blueblood was already halfway across the room, walking in a brisk pace like he had something urgent on his mind. "Come to join us for lunch before the guests arrive?"

"Good day everypony," Blueblood cleared his throat. "I hope the planning is going well for the day?" He added, stopping right next to Celestia's chair.

"No hiccups from what my mom's recorded so far," Spike said, holding up the parchment that Twilight had him triple check.

"Does Princess Luna need an adjustment for anything?" Rarity asked, scooting her plate forward to stand up. "She just sent me to get something to eat, but I don't mind coming back early."

"No, Miss Rarity," Blueblood chuckled. "She's overjoyed with all that you've done for her today, but Aunt Luna did send me here for a reason."

"Everything okay, Blueblood?" Checkered emerged from behind Celestia's chair. "I know we can't see one another, but is she all right? Does she need Celestia or Cadence?" He asked with genuine concern. Now would be the time for the butterflies in Luna's stomach to be swarming, that is if she were feeling nervous. Even though Celestia wasn't married, she would be the most likely that Luna would call upon for cheering up.

"Actually, she requested the presence of her good friend Cougar," the stallion explained.

"What?" I immediately turned from hugging on Applejack. What the hell could Luna possibly need to see me for? I'm happy to talk to her, but what help could I be? I most definitely was not married, so I wouldn't have any advice to share. Or maybe because I wasn't paying too much attention, I heard him wrong. "Say again, Blueblood?" I asked.

"My aunt Luna wishes for you to appear in her chambers," the unicorn repeated. "Though, she didn't give me any reason as to why, other than it was urgent." I stole a glance from Celestia who simply responded with a shrug. With a quick swallow, I put the last few bites of my sandwich back on my plate, giving a confused look to Applejack.

"Go on then, Sugarcube. Y'all don't wanna keep the princess waitin'," she encouraged, lightly pushing against my shoulder. Since it was only the bewilderment that kept me in my seat, I truly saw no reason to not go with Blueblood.

"All right then," I accepted, getting up from my chair just as Celestia's nephew more slowly and regally approached me, rather than quickly trotting like anyone else. "Lead the way, Blueblood," I motioned to the still open door of the dining room.

"Excellent," the prince replied, making a little more haste for the door. I'd begun following him, but something held me back, something I just felt needed to be done. "Cougar, are you not coming?" Blueblood asked curiously, surprisingly not sounding impatient.

"Just a minute," I held up a finger, turning around and swiftly moving back to Applejack's chair. The mare looked at me incredulously, wondering why I wasn't leaving as fast as possible. Without saying a word, I tenderly cupped her face and planted my lips onto her own before moving a hand onto her back. Applejack had jumped at the sudden kiss, seizing up for a minute before kissing back.

"Oooooh!" Pinkie and Surprise exclaimed.

"I'll be right back, okay?" I asked after pulling away from my now flustered girlfriend.

"S-sounds good, Sugarcube. Now go on 'n get ya scoundrel," Applejack joked, giving me a quick hug and then a gentle shove in Blueblood's direction. Right as I turned to rejoin Blueblood, I noticed Cadence giving me a sly wink and motioning toward Applejack with her wing. The uncertainty of visiting with Luna shortly before her wedding was now washed away thanks to a tender moment between myself and my girlfriend, but that didn't mean the walk over would be a piece of cake.

Despite Blueblood willing to walk me back to his aunt's room, it's still a huge adjustment witnessing him acting nice and polite. We'd accepted his apology especially since Luna and Celestia were more than willing to give him a chance to redeem himself, but just like my feelings toward Starlight Glimmer, I wouldn't put my trust within him right away; he had to earn it. Spending six months in Griffonstone adjusting his attitude was one thing; applying that to real life situations was a different story entirely. Though I had to say that he had gotten off to a good start upon his return.

"So," the stallion said flatly. I figured he'd only said it like that because neither of us was really trying to strike up a conversation considering our past. "My aunts have brought me up to speed on just about everything I have missed in half a year."

"Really?" I replied, trying to both amuse him and make the journey go by faster. "What really surprised you the most?"

"Well, at first it was that Auntie Luna was engaged, which I'm happy about mind you," he cast a sideways glance in my direction.

"I kind of figured some of the Canterlot Elite wasn't too thrilled she was marrying an Earth Pony," I shrugged. Fancy Pants and his wife, Fleur-de-lis, told us that while they too were happy that Princess Luna would be settling down and starting a family with the love of her life, some Canterlot Elite A.K.A. unicorns didn't think an Earth Pony was worthy of Luna giving him the time of day. Thankfully though, it was only a minority of unicorns that believed it. I recall Rarity gagging on her tea in her Canterlot Boutique when Fancy Pants uttered the words, 'Anypony who disapproves of the marriage simply because the groom is an Earth Pony can go buck themselves to be perfectly honest.'

"I know, I used agree with their mindset," Blueblood admitted. "But I have never seen her so happy, and that's really all that matters to myself, Cadence, and aunt Celestia. Besides, I had an audience with Checkered a few days ago. Very soft spoken and wise; he's truly in love with aunt Luna, not her status or money like I've seen so many suitors seek out over the years, especially from aunt Celestia," his voice started to turn into a growl.

"How about the idea of having a new cousin?" I asked as we passed a group of guards making their rounds.

"Honestly, I haven't been around children much in my life, so having a baby in the castle will be a new yet odd experience. But….it is auntie's baby, so I'll welcome him, no matter how loud he'll cry at night or how many messes he makes," Blueblood shuddered, not that I could blame him from how much work a kid is. "I just hope she nor her husband call upon me to foal sit; my inexperience with children may not end well."

"Celestia might be the first one to volunteer for that job," I reassured the stallion.

"Hmm, indeed," he eyed me. "You know, I was brought to light on something else." I returned his gaze, curious as to what he meant. So much has happened since he was shipped off to be kept under the watchful eye of the Griffon King that I really couldn't narrow down any possibilities. "I didn't bring it up upon my immediate return because I didn't want to sound callous toward you in case it was still a tender subject," he explained, slowing down his pace. "And….I know it won't mean very much coming from me, but I wish to apologize." That made me come to a complete stop without slowing down. Hearing that particular word slip from the mouth of Blueblood is something I would probably never grow accustomed to, even if he does earn my trust back.

"What are you getting at, Blueblood?"

"Your scar," he said lowly yet didn't point at it with his hoof. "Auntie Luna told me about how you were given that scar whilst protecting and saving her in Draconia," the prince explained. I couldn't do a thing except stare at Blueblood. While I was confused and not displeased, not a single one of my friends ever brought up my little war prize from Draconia after my little meltdown in the infirmary shower with Applejack. I was glad no one spoke of it, and I was getting more used to it every day, but I still found it hard to even discuss. "I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for what you and your friends had to endure, even if it was for a noble cause of saving my aunt and her unborn colt."

"You uh," I stammered, looking briefly into my reflection in a window behind the prince, "you know you had literally nothing to do with that incident, right?"

"Of course I do," he snickered, "but that does not mean I am forbidden to be sympathetic." He had a point, I couldn't deny that. I looked at him, still feeling a little incredulous, and nodded in agreement. "And I am happy that everypony returned alive, even though the injuries were many," Blueblood continued. "Though, if it were up to me, I would've had the four demons that held my aunt hostage killed on site," he growled, his eyebrows scowling. My attention was finally drawn away from my reflection. While there was a part of me, and I'm sure everyone else, except for possibly Twilight, that would've preferred the dragons dead, their fates were in the right hands.

"I don't think less of you for believing that," I replied, moving in front of the stallion who was now snorting like a bull. "But King Horntail and Princess Ember are taking care of them. I'm sure whatever they're doing is worse than what any of us could have done," I explained. "Except for that dragon that Celestia beat into a coma," I muttered to myself.

"It does not matter, Cougar," Blueblood looked up at me. "Their actions deserve no less than death in my eyes. Taking an Equestria Leader, my dear aunt, hostage and inflicting injuries upon her, yourself, several royal guards, and a few Wonderbolts are the actions of monsters and no less!" He barked.

"Trust me, had Horntail's guards and his daughter not found us, Celestia would've finished off her dragon, and Luna was ready to rip Garble to shreds just for hurting me, let alone what he did to her," our eyes locked, clearly in disagreement with one another. "Look, they attacked us first, so we hit them back," I continued. "King Horntail granted us to do whatever was necessary in order to survive. Plus, we made allies with Draconia in the process."

"Harrumph!" Blueblood scoffed. "I'm glad that you did inflict pain upon them, but if you ask me, dragons should be exterminated for the evil that they are. I do not trust this, King Horntail, or his daughter that you and my aunties speak so highly of. How do we know they weren't plotting on the inside in order to get closer to Equestria to overthrow it?"

"Hey," I pointed my index finger at the stallion, "You're fucking lucky that Twilight isn't here, or else you might find yourself back in Griffonstone," I warned him about his rather speciesist remarks. "You're learning, I can see that, but you've still got a lot of ground to cover Blueboy." The prince's expression softened upon my mentioning of his lessons, but before he could say anything, a familiar gruff voice interrupted him.

"Ah Cougar, there you are. Princess Luna is expecting you," Bat Fang said. When neither I nor Blueblood said anything, the bat-pony marched forward, giving Blueblood a distrustful glare. "He's not bothering you, is he?" The two of us still hadn't acknowledged the lunar guard's presence, but instead gave each other a sly smirk.

"Nah," I finally said, "Bluey here was just telling me about his lessons with Celestia and Luna," I explained. Blueblood didn't seemed very pleased with the nickname I'd given him, but nonetheless kept up the charade for Bat Fang, breathing not a word of our disagreement.

"Yes, I thought I'd help pass the time on our way to auntie's chambers," he cleared his throat.

"Very well," Bat Fang rolled his eyes, turning back to me. "Come on, Princess Luna wanted to ask you about something," he explained, trotting his way past me and around the bend in the hallway.

"I shall see you at the ceremony then," Blueblood gave me a polite bow before turning hoof and heading back to the dining hall, leaving me to follow Bat Fang and see just what Luna wanted to ask me.

(Luna's Chambers)

"Princess Luna, Sir Cougar has arrived per your request," Bat Fang announced the moment we entered Luna's chambers. The metallic sounds of Luna's hoof plates trotting against the marble flooring of her bathroom was the only response Bat Fang received until Luna poked her head out of the door. A large smile spread across her face as her sight settled on me.

"Cougar!" She said, excitedly exiting her bathroom. The mare didn't slow down as she approached me and threw her forelegs around my shoulders.

"Woah," I exclaimed, not expecting her to hug me like this. The mare only tightened her grip, so I reached around and patted her back. "Good to see you too, Luna," I added. She eventually let me go and fell back on all four legs, still grinning.

"Apologies, it's just good to see fresh faces," she apologized. "Not that I don't like Ms. Rarity's help, but it's not easy being cooped up inside my room all day," Luna explained, opening her balcony door with her magic.

"Ahem, do you need anything else, your highness?" Bat Fang stepped forth.

"No thank you, Bat Fang. You may take a break," Luna granted. "I need to speak with our friend in private regardless," she looked at me, though I could detect a hint of shyness in her voice, Luna's voice, which normally dripped with command and confidence. The lunar guard bowed his head and exited the room to give us privacy, gently shutting the door behind him.

"So…" I began.

"Please," the princess interrupted, magicking a chair over next to her bed. "Have a seat, Cougar," she requested, venturing over to her bed and sitting on the edge, patting the top of the chair.

"All right," I nodded, not wanting to waste her time or offend my friend. "You know, I think you look great, Luna," I complimented as I took a seat. While her hair remained the same, she was wearing a nice form fitting silver dress with dark blue images of stars, moons, and her cutie mark where it usually is on her flank.

"Thank you," she blushed, "Ms. Rarity did a phenomenal job on it; I only hope Checkered likes it," the alicorn stood up and patted her flank, showing off how well the dress fit against it.

"I-I'm sure he'll love it," I averted my eyes and thought of Applejack. I guess my attraction to Applejack, and being around nothing but ponies for close to a year, has helped fuel my interest in mares, not that I was complaining. Though, Luna giggled at how I looked away, sitting back down and put a hoof on my shoulder.

"Oh Cougar, you're simply adorable with your shyness around other mares. Your marefriend is lucky to have a loyal stallion such as yourself."

"Thanks," I managed to force a smile. "Checkered came to taste the food for the reception," I changed the subject, feeling a little more comfortable now, "and then he joined us all for lunch."

"How is he doing?" Luna immediately asked.

"Well, he admitted he's a little nervous," I thought back to our conversation, "but Checkered's looking forward to the ceremony," I replied. The mare sighed happily, allowing a small smile to appear on her face. "Do you miss him?" I asked out of the blue. Sure, it was a bit of a silly question, but if talking about Checkered made her happy, then I wanted my friend to be happy.

"I spent thousands of years without a special somepony, Cougar," Luna looked at me incredulously. "I believe I can spend a few hours apart from him since we'll be together forever soon enough," she folded her forelegs across her chest.

"So you do miss him?"

"Yes," Luna admitted, her forelegs falling to her sides. "You try being forced away from the one you love whilst being in the same building," she explained.

"It'll be worth the wait, trust me," I gently rubbed the mare's back in between her wings. "This isn't the first time a bride to be has asked to see me before a wedding," I revealed. Luna's ears twitched excitedly at my statement as she turned her head back in my direction.

"It…it isn't?"

"Nope," I shook my head.

"You mean, Lyra wanted you to be in her presence before she married Bon Bon?" Luna asked curiously.

"Yea- no, no," I corrected myself, giving Luna a weird look. "Do you remember my friend Adam?"

"Oh, of course," Luna grinned in embarrassment. "I'm sorry," she tried to apologize.

"You're fine," I held up a hand. "But," I removed my hand from her back, "this brings me to my question," I admitted much more seriously than I'd been with Luna.

"Oh?" Luna blinked. "What do you have on your mind, Cougar?"

"I don't mind spending a little one on one time with you Luna, but why did you need to see me specifically? Not to sound rude, but if there's a problem or something, don't you think maybe your sister could help better, or even your niece who is already married?" Luna just stared at me, rubbing at her shoulder nervously before averting her gaze. "I didn't mean to-" I tried to explain.

"No, you have nothing to feel ashamed for, my friend," Luna looked back up at me, biting her lip. "I really don't know how to ask you such a….personal question. It's something that neither Celestia nor Cadence can help with," she professed.

"Personal?"

"Well, it's more important than personal," Luna explained, removing her hoof from her shoulder and replacing it back onto mine. "And it bears a lot of responsibility. In fact it may be one of the most important aspects of any wedding," she added.

"It's not about your song is it?" I asked, failing to hide the irritation I felt about the subject. Luna's face fell flat as she shook her head in response.

"….No, I thought I said I trusted your decision about my and Checkered's song?"

"Sorry, it's just that everyone wants to know what I picked and it's starting to piss me off," I rambled. "But, that doesn't matter right now. What do you need me to do?" I got right back to the point.

"Cougar, let it be known that I do not wish to ask too much of you," she curled her hoof into my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "And if you do not want to go through with it, I shall hold no grudge against you." I nodded, encouraging her to go on. "My friend," she gulped, "since my father is not here, would you….would you be willing to walk me down the aisle and give me away to Checkered Flag?"

I felt as though the Hulk had just punched me in the gut. "I….what?" My head nodded involuntarily before I regained control and shook it in shock. Me? Giving a bride away to her husband? Let alone a princess? "You want me to…." My hand slipped out from Luna's hoof and began to massage my forehead.

"If you're willing, please walk me down the aisle," Luna repeated with her ears drooping anxiously. "I-It's customary for a bride to be given away to her husband at a wedding," she tried to explain.

"I know that," I retorted, having been to two weddings previously where the bride had been walked down the aisle and given away. "But are you sure you're asking the right man? If your and Celestia's dad isn't here, then shouldn't Blueblood take ahold of that duty? He's the closest blood related male relative, right?" The pounding in my chest rivaled that of a bass drum; that was indeed a huge responsibility to uphold, and it only made me uncomfortable because I wasn't related to Luna at all. And despite us being friends for nearly twelve full months, it just didn't feel….right.

"Indeed he is," Luna confirmed, blanketing her wing over my back. "However, I've already inquired him about the role."

"And he declined?!"

"Surprisingly yes. I was about as taken aback as you are right now, Cougar."

"But, why did he?"

"My nephew told me he believed he had not yet earned that honor, and wouldn't have enough time to earn it back before my wedding day," Luna delineated.

'Of all the times for Blueblood to give a shit about others,' I thought. "What about Shining Armor? I know he's not blood related, but he married your niece, and got her pregnant too!"

"I did actually consider asking my nephew-in-law," the mare answered, standing up from her bed, her wing brushing over my hair as it returned to her torso. "However, when Blueblood declined, the next male I contemplated was you yourself," she now stood directly in front of me, eye to eye. I didn't even bother trying question why; Luna knew all to well that's what I was going to say next. "Cougar, you are quite possibly one of the most honorable beings I've ever known. You put everyone before yourself, always offer your assistance, are very forgiving, faithful not only to your friends, but your marefriend as well, not afraid to step up for what's right, even at the cost of your own life," she listed off before reaching out a hoof toward my hand once again. "And I would feel so honored to have a man with a heart as good as yours to escort me to my marriage with Checkered Flag."

"Luna…"

"I understand that this a lot to ask of you, and I will not feel anger toward you if you don't wish to go forward with it," she continued, giving me a hopeful smile. With a drawn out sigh, I slipped my hand out from Luna's hoof and stood up, making her take a few steps back.

"Luna," I started again before gently engulfing the mare with a tender hug. "You were the first friend I ever made in Equestria, and you were kind enough to visit me in my dreams the first few weeks I was here. And I'd dare call you one of the closest friends I've ever had. I felt honored enough just picking out a song for your first dance with Checkered, but I don't know what to say to this," I monologued, pulling back to look at her. "Except yes, I'd love to be involved more in the biggest part of your life. I'd feel blessed to be able to walk you down the aisle and make you proud," I smiled, moving a hand to her shoulder and squeezing it.

"Thank you!" Luna exclaimed, jumping up and hugging me again. "Thank you for doing this, and bringing me back to my Checkered Flag!" She continued, squeezing me even tighter by the minute. "Please," she finally released me, looking like an excited rock fan at at concert. "If there's anything I can do for you, simply name it!" She gushed.

"Well, since I'm already doing two important tasks for your wedding now, can I be excused from making a speech at your reception?" I asked. I was honestly dreading having to make a big speech at her reception because I'm not very good with words, except with the mare I love. Even though I wasn't expecting to say anything at her reception except for her and Checkered to get on the dance floor, I wouldn't be rude and refuse to say anything if I was called upon.

"Done!" Luna exclaimed. "And don't worry about telling my sister; she already approved of you being the one to do this," she assured me.

"All right then." A sudden knock on the door cut our conversation short as the door creaked open and Rarity poked her head in.

"Oh dear, I'm not interrupting am I?" She asked.

"No, we're pretty much done here, right Luna?" I turned to my alicorn friend who nodded in agreement.

"Excellent! Princess Celestia just sent me down to let the two of you know that guests will be arriving soon, and I have to do some finishing touches with you, princess," Rarity announced. "Which means you must get dressed for the occasion, darling," the fashionista put on her red glasses.

"If you say so," I sighed with a click of the tongue. "At least Applejack likes it when I have to dress up," I added, opening the door to Luna's room.

"Honestly darling," Rarity said flatly, "it isn't that bad."

"Eh, I'll see you girls later," I replied over my shoulder before exiting the room.

-X-

The countdown was nearly at zero for Luna and Checkered; all of the invited guests were waiting in the throne room along with Celestia, Discord, the Wonderbolts, and Checkered Flag. My friends and Starlight were supposed to be in as well, but Twilight had a little issue with who Starlight invited to the ceremony. "Trixie? You invited Trixie to Luna's wedding?" Twilight interrogated Starlight.

"Nice to see you too, Princess Twilight," a blue unicorn mare known as Trixie replied condescendingly.

"What's the matter, Twilight?" Starlight questioned. "I met Trixie in the sauna of the spa during our trip. She and I were having the same problem trying to make new friends and not really knowing what we were doing," she explained.

"You have no idea what Trixie is capable of!" Twilight exclaimed. "She tried and succeeded in taking over Ponyville with a mystical amulet!"

"Wasn't that for like, half a day or something?" Pinkie pondered.

"It doesn't matter if it only happened for twenty-two minutes!" Twilight snapped at her party-loving friend. "I just have a very hard time trusting her," her tone softened as she looked at her protege.

"But all six of you are pushing me to make new friends beyond yourselves," Starlight retorted.

"Well, why not start with Cougar here?" Twilight pointed at me with her wing.

"Hey, don't drag me into this!" I exclaimed. Yes, I still didn't fully trust Starlight, but that didn't mean I wouldn't try being nice to her. However, I hate being drug into arguments I have no part in.

"I'll try making friends with him when he's ready!" Starlight raised her voice. Well then, she just earned a few points from me. "The fact of the matter is, how can you push me to make new friends, but want to drive away the first pony I meet?"

"Because Starlight, the only two times we've met, Trixie's been up to nothing but trouble! I can't help but feel a little cautious when she's around," Twilight explained, trying to reach a hoof out to her student.

"And you don't have an issue with this, Princess?" Rainbow asked Luna.

"No, it's good that they're letting off their steam now in private," Luna replied kindly. "Well, as private as this is," she corrected herself.

"Do you believe Trixie cannot redeem herself, Twilight?" Trixie…asked in third person. "She apologized and swore the last time we saw each other that she would work on turning a new leaf! Yes, when Trixie met Starlight, she had no clue that you were her mentor, but once Starlight told me, Trixie saw it as an opportunity to help bury the hatchet between us."

"If you all can give me a second chance, then why can't you give Trixie one?" Starlight glared at Twilight.

"Technically this would be a third chance," Spike corrected. I was waiting for Twilight to either tell Spike to be quiet or just glare at the dragon to get him to shut up, but instead, the alicorn stayed silent as she analyzed her student's question.

"If you won't let my friend stay, then we'll just leave, Twilight," Starlight threatened.

"Perhaps we could stop by the market for some peanut butter crackers?" Trixie suggested.

"No wait!" Twilight begged. "Don't go, Starlight!"

"And why not?"

"You're right. It's not fair of me to give you a chance to redeem yourself and just leave Trixie out in the cold," she admitted.

"Oh?" Trixie raised an eyebrow.

"Yes. Even though I'm your teacher, Starlight, I shouldn't make every decision for you or micromanage your choices," Twilight said, approaching her student once again. "As a student, you're still learning, and it's good for you to make choices for yourself, even if I may not agree with them at first. If you want to be friends with Trixie, then I support your decision," she gave her student a hug.

"Thank you, Twilight," Starlight smiled.

"Just….be aware that it might be a little bit of an adjustment for us," Twilight nervously chuckled.

"It will be the same for Trixie too!" Trixie agreed. "But she is willing and ready to start things over you and your friends," the magician held out a hoof which Twilight accepted and shook. "And she for one understands how odd this will be; she would not blame you for feeling uneasy about this transition."

"I'm sorry for doubting the two of you," Twilight replied. "But hopefully we can put this behind us."

"Yeah because Princess Luna's wedding can't start late, right Twi?" Flash Sentry tapped his girlfriend's shoulder. Twilight froze for a brief moment before yelping, realizing that the ceremony was due to start very shortly.

"Oh, I hope you're not angry with us, princess!"

"Perish the thought, Twilight Sparkle!" Luna shrugged. "Honestly, waiting here in silence would've driven me mad." Everyone suddenly silenced themselves as one of the massive doors to the throne room cracked open.

"Ahem, if you're all ready," Discord said impatiently, poking his draconequus head from in between the doors. "Princess Celestia says that it's time to begin the ceremony," he announced.

"Oh my, we don't want to keep everypony waiting," Fluttershy exclaimed gently. The pegasus was about to enter the throne room herself, but stopped when she realized that she'd be the center of attention if she went in alone. Luckily for her, Rarity took charge.

"All right, places everypony!" The fashionista exclaimed, sorting everyone into a neat, single file line with myself and Luna at the back. "Now Sweetie Belle, I know you've done this before, but I still want you to be on your best behavior and do it exactly as you have in the past. Understand?"

"I'll make Princess Luna proud!" Sweetie Belle squeaked, hoisting up her flower petal basket with her magic.

"That's my little sister!" Rarity ruffled the younger unicorn's mane before taking her place in line.

"Good luck, Sugarcube," Applejack said, quickly turning around to kiss my cheek before it was too late. Luna's wing cheekily brushed against my back while our friends minus the Crusaders shuffled into the throne room, the door shutting with a quiet click. I had not the slightest idea how long we'd have to wait for everyone to get situated before it was our cue. However, at least we knew the cue was the playing of the organ.

"You okay there, Luna?" I asked when her wing went a little stiff around my shoulder. The poor mare tried her hardest to hold a straight face, but she couldn't help biting her lip.

"Oh…I'm just f-feeling a little queasy, Cougar," she replied, looking a bit ashamed as she looked up at me.

"I'd be surprised if you weren't," I offered her an encouraging smile, shrugging her wing off my shoulder before gently grasping the end of it in between my fingers. "You'll be fine, Luna."

"This is just a big step in my and Checkered's life," she continued, blinking hard with a quavering voice.

"Well, you two already have one down," I replied, glancing down at her tiny baby bump. "What's one more?" I asked, gently rubbing her feathers in between my fingers for comfort. I didn't really know what else to do, especially since I've never massaged anyone's wings before. It seemed to be helping Luna, however.

"Cougar, Checkered deserves the best wife and mother to his colt that Equestria can offer. I…I want to be sure that I can give him everything he deserves," she opened her eyes which were revealed to be a little damp.

"Come on," I released her feathers and quickly wiped her tears away with my thumb before the mascara that Rarity put on her ran down her cheeks. "You don't have a thing to worry about, Luna. I've seen it; we've all seen it," I motioned to the Crusaders who were still waiting patiently for our cue, yet giving Luna and me privacy to chat. "He loves you, and you love him. Don't think about it too hard, and don't try to change yourself at all; Checkered loves you the way you are, even back when he was in high school and studied you in history texts," I added.

Luna's quivering lips slowly turned into a smile. I pulled my hand away from her face, only for her to gently rub her cheek against my palm. "Thank you, Cougar," she said gratefully.

"Like I said, it's normal to feel a little nervous. At least you're worried about being the best spouse for Checkered," I smiled in return just as the booming of the pipe organ in the throne room interrupted us. The Crusaders all squealed as quietly as they could, getting back in line and raising their baskets of flower petals. Luna and I still stood side by side, turning to face directly in front of us as Celestia's golden magic engulfed the throne room doors and slowly pushed them open.

The guest list was actually much smaller than I'd anticipated, though a couple hundred was no picnic. Nonetheless, with all of them standing up and turning to face us simultaneously, they sounded as though they numbered in the thousands. Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle all did exactly as they were instructed. The trio of friends skipped their way down the red carpeted aisle, tossing flower petals behind them and to their sides.

"Here we go," I whispered out of the corner of my mouth. On cue, Luna and I stepped forward in rhythm toward the altar where the groom and our friends were patiently awaiting us. To be honest, as we made our leisure pace, I took a few glances at the mare whose wing was wrapped around my right arm. She no longer seemed as nervous as she had been out in the corridor. Her eyesight was fixated on her soon to be husband, mouth curled into an overjoyed smile, and ears lying flat on her head in relief.

As we reached the front row of seats for guests, Fancy Pants and Fleur-de-lis just so happened to be sitting in the last two chairs closest to the aisle. The stallion of the duo gave both Luna and me an approving nod while his wife's magic held a handkerchief near her eye. The Crusaders ceased tossing their flower petals, all following one another before standing in front of their respective sisters. Checkered Flag stood in front of Celestia, patiently waiting for Luna and I to arrive with a few of his racing friends, Shining Armor, Blueblood, Big Mac, Soarin, Glock, Flash, Discord, Spike and even Twilight and Shining's dad were standing off to the side. The rest of our friends, including Cadence and Twilight and Shining's mom stood on Luna's side.

"Thank you," Luna said softly to me as we came to a gentle stop. The mare quickly wrapped her forelegs around my torso, squeezing me tight.

"Go get your stallion," I whispered into her ear when she let go. The alicorn and earth pony reached out held each other's hoof, uniting for the first time today, trying to keep their eyes from bursting.

"You look beautiful, Lulu," Checkered greeted his fiancee. I on the other hand, gave a polite bow to both Celestia and Luna before journeying over to join the rest of the guys on Checkered's side. Even though I was more than happy to join the guys, deep down. wanted to stand with Applejack. Nonetheless, the pipe organ gently quieted, allowing Celestia to speak. The great princess cleared her throat, making Luna and Checkered drop the other's hoof, turning to face her.

"Ahem," Celestia opened up a scroll. "Mares and Gentlecolts, we are gathered here on this beautiful April afternoon to witness the momentous union of Princess Luna of Equestria, and Checkered Flag of Applewood in the bounds of holy matrimony," the alicorn announced. Luna took the opportunity to lay her wing across Checkered's back, massaging his tuxedo lovingly. Across the way, I could already tell that Rarity was struggling to hold back tears, making Rainbow Dash look more irritated than usual.

"Friends and family, please remember that everypony, no matter what age, race, or even species," Celestia looked over at myself, "deserves to love, and to be loved. And the joining of my b-baby sister," Celestia started to stutter her words a bit, her voice beginning to strain. "And her sp-special somepony Checkered Flag is proof of this. Th-that two souls, no matter how different physically or socially, can be united to-together as one, so long as they love each other."

It wasn't Celestia, but someone was now quietly sobbing. Someone crying at a wedding was perfectly normal…..except it was coming from our side. Discord and I looked to the far right of our line to see Shining Armor dabbing his eyes with a handkerchief. "Are you…crying?" Discord snickered as quietly as he could. "Stallion up!"

"Shh!" Night Light shushed the draconequus.

"Luna and Checkered," Celestia continued after taking a moment to gather herself. "Everypony who truly knows the two of you understands the amount of love that fills your hearts. But rejoice in the fact that marriage will only strengthen that love, and your expecting colt will make it stronger than even today. Let your union be an awakening, so that you may learn, laugh, and fall in love all over again. We, your f-friends, and y-your b-big si-sister wish y-you a-all the happiness in E-Equestria," Celestia began to falter once more. "The bride and groom," Celestia roughly swallowed her tears, "will now exchange their vows," the alicorn held up a hoof to her mouth.

The happy couple turned to face one another, taking a step back to give themselves some room. Checkered sighed, reached his hoof out and caressed Luna's cheek. "Lulu," he began, "from the moment I was taught about your history in school, I was in love with you. Even though the images of you were simple drawings in text books, I believed you were the most beautiful mare I'd ever seen." A few mares in the audience, Rarity and Fluttershy included, awwed, at the opening statement. "And despite the fact that the tone of the history texts painted you as a monster, I sympathized with your situation, and how you felt leading up to….that day. I sympathized with you because you felt shunned and outcast by your citizens, the same way my own mother shunned and abandoned myself and my father in the Applewood hospital the day after I was born."

"Holy shit!" I couldn't help from commenting on the admission. And apparently I wasn't the only shocked one. Even Luna's face looked both shocked and disgusted by Checkered's revelation.

"But," Checkered continued, "the more I truly studied you, and ignored the tone of the textbooks, the more I fell in love with you. You were a good pony who made a mistake, but I didn't let it define who you were. All throughout my life, I waited, even prayed a few times, for Celestia to lift your banishment from the moon. I just wanted to show you that there were still a few ponies in Equestria who admired and respected you, even loved as I did. I never had a true relationship in hopes that maybe I could have a chance with you. And that night in the Crystal Empire when you accepted my invitation to the Charity Bowl, and I was granted the honor to meet you in pony, felt like a dream come true, no matter how much a few of my friends said my standards were too high," the stallion turned around and winked at his racing friends.

"Still, I'm thankful everyday for your return, and that somehow I now have a special somepony that I can call my wife and the mother of our colt. Like your moon in the night sky is the only moon, you'll always be the only mare for me, Luna. And I'm just so happy that I can give you the love I've held in my heart for over thirty years. I vow to love you more each day, to treat you like a queen, to be your shoulder to cry on, to take care of you when you fall ill, and to protect you and our colt with my very life should it come up. I love you, Lulu," Checkered concluded, still caressing his future wife's cheek.

One look across the way was the perfect summary for how just about every mare in the room felt. Most mares were either crying, wiping their eyes, or blowing their noses as what I would admit was a damn good vow straight from the heart.

"Checkered," Luna sniffled. "Th-that was beautiful," she allowed his hoof to wipe away her tears.

"I do believe auntie found the one," Blueblood murmured, his mouth slightly agape.

"I-I'm sorry everypony," Luna apologized, "I m-may need a moment," she announced.

"Take all the time you need, Lulu," Checkered replied sweetly, moving in to hug her. I had to confess that it was pretty damn adorable how the two shared a hug, and Luna rested her chin atop Checkered's black and white mane for comfort. Thankfully, no one in the whole room demanded for ceremony to proceed, not even Discord. Every guest respected the bride's wishes and allowed her to collect her thoughts and feelings before she could go on with her own set of vows.

"Checkered Flag," she said after a deep breath. "I truthfully never gave love too much thought in my life. Of course, Tia and I had each other when we were young, and I still had her sisterly love when I was brought back to Equestria, plus the love of friendship from the Elements of Harmony," she began. "However, I believed that was all I needed. Even my niece's marriage didn't stir up any feelings within me to find a special somepony. It didn't help that many potential suitors were after only my royal status or money," she added. "However, my entire outlook on love and sharing it with a special somepony changed the moment your invitation was delivered. I knew nothing about your sport of racing, but Tia insisted I give it a go and do a special appearance since it was for charity. And I am forever thankful that I listened to her because I never would have met you, Checkered."

Luna paused momentarily to let that moment of her and Checkered's first meeting sink in for everyone. "I've seen kindness and generosity first hoof from my friends Fluttershy and Rarity, but I was blown away by how you treated all of your fans like family. Never for a moment did you show any thinning of your patience, if there was any. And you were so charming during the dinner after the charity race, making sure everypony was taken care of, especially the younger fans. Somepony as caring and selfless such as yourself is a rare treasure that should never be taken for granted. I knew that night, after you offered to take me a moonlit walk with you around the empty race track, that even if we would only stay friends, I would do everything in my power to be a part of your life. A-and that night you asked m-me to be your special somepony, I felt a sense of completion that I never knew I needed. Just like a dragon protecting its treasure, I will never let you go. I feel a little empty whenever I have business to attend to and you must go race somewhere, but every time you return, it feels like Hearth's Warming Morning in my heart, and I swear to you that I will love you even after I take my last breath, and that I would never have another stallion be the father of my colt." Luna bent down and nuzzle her nose against Checkered's, letting a few tears finally fall.

There was a quiet, almost golf-like, round of applause once the bride finished her vows. And yet, I couldn't help but look over at Applejack, and feel that same sense of completion that Luna had mentioned. I couldn't stop the smile from forming on my face when she looked around and quickly slipped her stetson onto her head from under her dress. We'd only been together a few months, but just as I've told her dozens of times, she's the only woman I've loved, and I couldn't find another as perfect as she was. I'd never tell Applejack what was on my mind this early in our relationship, but maybe another year down the road when no doubtably our friends would begin settling down.

"Th-thank you, Luna a-and Checkered f-for those w-wonderful vows!" Celestia choked. I couldn't blame her for struggling to keep her composure since it was her only baby sister getting married. It was rather sweet actually. "Now, the rings please, Spike," she announced. The dragon, who had been holding the two rings on a pillow the whole time, stood up straight and briskly walked over behind the bride and groom so that he was facing the audience.

"Your rings, your highnesses," he bowed politely as Luna's magic engulfed one ring, and Checkered picked up the other with his teeth.

"Ahem, Checkered Flag, do you take Princess Luna of Equestria as your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, forever and always, 'til death do you part?" Celestia said a little more quickly than expected, though she managed to say it without forcing back a sob.

"I do," Checkered replied, lifting the ring up to Luna's bent head to put it on her horn. Luna bent her head back up, eyes welling up with tears as the silver and dark blue ring slid down to the base of her horn.

"And do you, Princess Luna, take Checkered Flag as your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, forever and always, 'til death do you part?"

"I do!" Luna exclaimed, slipping a small chain around the ring before tying it around Checkered's neck, the same way Lyra gave Bon Bon her ring at their wedding.

"Th-then," Celestia's composure had lost the war, "b-by the p-power vested in m-me, I n-now p-pronounce you M-Mare a-and C-Colt. Y-you may k-kiss my baby sister!" She exclaimed, wiping some tears away with her golden magic. A few of us politley chuckled at Celestia's slip up, finding it more charming than horrifying as some might.

Luna and Checkered took one last look at each other before nuzzling their noses once again, and Luna's magic coiled itself around Checkered's hooves, lifting him up to her height. The bride and groom cocked their heads to the side and shared their first kiss as husband and wife. Without missing a beat, the audience erupted into applause and cheers. Everyone on both sides joined in with Pinkie Pie firing a party cannon straight in the air, letting her confetti fall gracefully around Checkered and Luna.

As Luna put Checkered down and hugged her husband tightly, Celestia and Cadence trotted over, sharing in the hug for their newfound family member in Checkered. "Ah'm proud 'o ya, Ivan," Applejack said as she quickly galloped over to me and threw her forelegs around my torso. "Hope ya saved me a dance, Sugarcube," she added when I gladly returned her affections.

"Only for you, Applejack," I said, running my hand below her hat and kissing her.

"IT'S PARTY TIME!" Pinkie cheered, jumping back onto her hind legs. One job down, one to go, and I was going to make sure it went just as perfectly for the couple as the ceremony did.

End Chapter 60

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So, Luna and Checkered are now married! I hope you guys enjoyed this first part in the two part Lunared Flag wedding arc. I really wanted to aim to show how close of friends Luna and Ivan really are with this chapter because I felt I haven't done too good a job with that so far. Plus, I really hope that Checkered shedding some light on his past will be well received. I know we didn't really know too much about him before, but I was saving all that for his and Luna's wedding day.

The next chapter is pretty much fan service, but in a good way!

Please review, and rock on my friends!