I am glad that I managed to get this chapter done before the year could end. As awful as this year has been, I'm glad I could end it on some kind of a high note.

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Today... Today was something special. I am still reeling a bit from everything that had happened. Both before and after I awoke from my nightly slumber. I really should mention both as they were each quite spectacular in their own ways.

I do not know when I finally drifted into sleep, but I found myself in a very peculiar location once my senses came to me. I was alone. And apparently standing atop a tower of ghostly whites and grays surrounded by a dark blue horizon that reached on forever both outward and above. And below, I could not even see what the tower was even attached to. All I saw was a vast void of reds and blues swirling together and hiding everything that may have been below it.

It felt familiar. Too familiar as if I had seen it very recently before I had come to Equestria. And unnatural. The tower below my bare feet had a hard almost metallic feel to it as I was only clad in the pair of boxers I had fallen asleep in. And while it certainly appeared to be manmade, it felt...off somehow. Beyond being merely artificial. Something just felt...wrong about it. And spread across the round floor of the tower's top was a familiar sigil engraved into it. An upside-down white heart with its lower half replaced with three branching barbs or spikes reaching out in the three other cardinal directions. The same sigil served as spires lining a number of spots at the edge of the tower's ramparts as decorations. One name came to mind as I recalled the exact name of my current location. "Of all the places I could dream about..."

Being in such a ghastly and lifeless location left me feeling more than just a bit unnerved. And it was quiet. Too quiet. No ominous looming of something dark or the comforting presence of something bright. Everything around me felt devoid of virtually anything I could feel. Neither dead nor alive. Too unnatural to truly comprehend. Even the sound my feet made as I walked along the floor resonated with a strange hollowness. And yet, I knew this was likely a perfect opportunity for my royal friends and I to have another dream session together. All I could do was wait and hope that Luna or Nightmare Moon would find their way to me.

Thankfully, I did not wait long. I soon heard a sound before I turned and found a circular rift had formed beside me. And standing on the other side was none other than the Princess of the Night herself as she greeted me with a smile. "Good evening, my friend. Is this a bad time?"

Seeing someone so alive filled me with a sense of relief. I reached out to her, compelling Luna to step forward and leap into my arms for a hug before the rift vanished behind her. "Oh man, I never thought I'd be so happy to see anyone... I didn't know how creepy this place is when alone and...actually in it."

"Actually in it? Are you familiar with this place?" Luna asked as we released each other with her hooves dropping back to the floor. The moment they made contact, Luna seemed to show awareness of how unsettlingly unnatural the world around us was due to her natural magical properties. "Something does not feel right... This is indeed the dream realm, and yet... What is this world? It feels...wrong... James, where are we?"

I decided to be direct and provide the simplest answer I could while I turned my gaze to the empty horizon that surrounded us. "Atop the Castle That Never Was."

Luna just looked up at me, understandably perplexed by such a title. "Strangely apt name for a world that does not truly exist..."

That got a chuckle out of me. Truly, it was a world you can only dream of. Still, I decided to bring up the obvious. This was a dream from my memories. A world of fiction. And a world of danger. A perfect opportunity for the two of us to hone our skills. "Yeah, it is. Anyway, I think it would be wise if you would call Celestia and Nightmare Moon over. I don't think they would want to miss this."

My royal friend immediately cast me a knowing smirk. "Oooh, it's that kind of world, is it? Then I shall send for my sisters at once. But first, let us get you dressed for the occasion."

With a flash of magic from her horn, I found myself suddenly clad in my enchanted armor. She knew exactly what to expect. The Lunar Shield was clasped to my left arm with the Celestial Sword tucked in its scabbard on the backside. Even my helmet was in place, its intangible plume emanating out of the back. Luna then turned to nothing in general as her blue magic aura billowed over her horn. "Now, where are they... Is that Celestia? No, that is just Twilight Sparkle. Perhaps that is Nightmare Moon over there... Oh, there's Celestia!"

At those words, another rift opened to reveal Celestia in the middle of what I am certain was a nightmare. She was surrounded by mountains of paper as she hurriedly signed document after document that was set before her. I know she is not fond of that stuff to begin with, so seeing her surrounded by it was a bit jarring. Even Luna could only stare in bewilderment before she spoke. "Sister...?"

Celestia froze upon hearing her sister's voice. She then suddenly glanced our way before barging right through a tower of papers and into the world we were standing in. "Freedom! Sweet freedom!"

Luna and I staggered back as she rushed into both of our embraces. Her wings draped over both of us as she laughed and cried in joyous relief. Luna then asked, "Another dream about too much paperwork?"

The Princess of the Dawn giggled uneasily as her sister closed the rift before us. "I guess... I really need to stop signing those late in the day." She then lowered her hooves to the floor and took a moment to calm herself and examine our surroundings. "So... I have the strangest feeling that you did not rescue me from that nightmare on a whim. I take it we will be seeing some action before long?"

"Yep. And I don't think Nightmare Moon would appreciate being left out of this." I replied, now feeling much more at ease in this hauntingly lifeless world with two of my dearest companions in my presence.

"That she would not. Give me just a moment and I will locate her." Luna replied before her horn was once again engulfed in her magic aura. "Hm? Is that her? And...she is with Cadence?"

It sounded like Nightmare Moon was already visiting someone's dream. And from the sound of it, the dreamer was none other than Cadence. And sure enough, once that rift opened to reveal the dream of another, there she was. Nightmare Moon was standing on the other side while looking at something beyond the edge of the rift. But... Something was not right. She looked disgusted or unnerved. She did not even notice us at first. I then decided to speak out. "Uh... You OK there?"

Nightmare Moon barely turned her head to look at us with an unblinking stare. She then moved her hoof to he edge of the rift and said, "See for yourselves..."

As if pushing a camera, Nightmare Moon adjusted the location of the rift. We were greeted by the sight of Cadence sitting in a hospital bed while cradling something in her arms. Had she just given birth? But rather than look exhausted or happy, she looked...just as unsettled as Nightmare Moon herself and was frozen in silence. Was something wrong with her baby? And... What was up with the size of those wings?

"Something's not right with that foal... Why are those wings so large?" Celestia muttered as she leaned forward to get a better view. Cadence was indeed cradling her child in her arms, who was wrapped up in cloth with the exception of the wings. Those wings... They were almost as big as those on Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and any other pegasus you can name. The foal was looking away from us at the time, so all I could see was the mane on its head, which was two shades of pink or purple with strips of sky blue while having a light pink coat. That, and it had a shockingly long horn jutting out of its forehead. But then... It turned to look at us.

We all stood transfixed in a special kind of horror. That face... And those eyes... Those huge round doll eyes. The foal was disturbingly malformed in such a way I struggle to describe. I have long since become accustomed to the general cute nature of most things in Equestria and I do know what actual baby ponies look like, but everything about that foal pushed the cuteness factor so hard that it looped right back around to the point of coming off as creepy. Newborn foals should NOT look like how that thing did! As it looked unblinkingly at us while its mouth started to open, we were graciously spared from anything else as the rift suddenly collapsed.

The three of us looked at each other while all showing the same look of shock on our faces. Still, I found the will to speak. "What just happened...?"

"I think...Cadence woke up?" Celestia said slowly and quietly. We did not wait much longer as another rift suddenly opened nearby only for Nightmare Moon to jump on through before it closed behind her. She still looked just as unsettled as before. Celestia then turned to her sister and asked, "So... I assume Cadence awoke just now?"

Nightmare Moon could only nod in disturbed silence. Wondering just what the hell I saw, I decided to speak up. "And I thought this world was creepy. What in the name of all that is holy was that thing?!"

"An abomination that should not exist. I pity Cadence and whatever effect that nightmare is having on her right now." Nightmare Moon replied in stoic fashion as she still seemed to be reeling from what she had just seen. "It destroyed one of the doctors with a burst of magic from its horn..."

Nightmarish. Simply nightmarish. Cadence had given birth to a monster and watched her spawn murder one of the doctors with its unholy might. I knew something was off about that kid... I then turned to Luna and asked, "That kid was an alicorn... Do they all look like that at birth?"

Luna and Celestia suddenly glanced at me as if they had just been insulted. Not that I fault them. I too would have been offended if someone implied that I too had looked so unnaturally horrifying at birth. The Princess of the Night replied, "Heavens, no! You know what newborns look like! That thing was just a product of one's darkest fears! Even Celestia and myself looked nothing like that in our infancies!"

"Sorry! But... Can alicorns even be born normally like that?" I asked, knowing just how powerful they are. Then again, Cadence is not a natural alicorn if what I heard from them is true, but still...

Celestia shook her head and said, "Only if they are born directly from the royal family. My sisters, our mother, and I are the only ones who can bear alicorn foals. If Cadence ever has a child, it will never be an alicorn. So... That nightmare we just witnessed will always be just that. A dream nopony wants to see come true."

"Heh... Point taken." I replied, the horror of that sight starting to wear off. I then turned to Nightmare Moon and tried to get her mind off of what we had just seen. "So... Uh... Nightmare Moon. You ready for some fun tonight?"

The Princess of Dreams turned my way and asked, "Fun? Whatever do... Oh, you are clad in your armor? That can only mean..." She then gave me a smirk as she asked, "Well... Who shall we be facing off against this time?"

"Um... Not sure. I mean I don't exactly see anyone out here. And I don't think we should go down the stairs over there..." I retorted as I walked along the edges of the tower's flooring. Nothing had changed. The swirling blues and reds below us remained with the horizon still showing nothing of interest.

The three royal sisters began to explore the top of the tower around us. They seemed perplexed by the artificial nature of the structure we were on and even went airborne to examine the sides below us. They did not go far, most likely finding the ocean of blues and reds to be a sign of danger and not something they should make contact with. I knew what we were likely going to encounter, but there was no sign of anything alive out there. Or even so much as movement. Where was it?

Eventually, the three sisters began to approach me. Nightmare Moon then asked, "Are you certain that there is a threat here we are supposed to engage?"

"There should be. I don't see a towering door at the end of a path of light, so... Wait..." I began to say before noticing a subtle change occurring. The vast dark blue horizon was starting to clear even as the ocean of reds and blues began to fade as well. But instead of a sky or a sea above and below us, both were one and the same. A vast darkened city spread out far above and below us. Like both the sky and ground mirrored each other in perfect symmetry.

"The horizon has faded... What does it mean?" Nightmare Moon asked as we all gazed out at the vast darkened and silent metropolis above and below us.

It was Luna who was the first to detect exactly what we were looking for as she pointed out to the distance after looking behind herself. "Over there! What is that?!"

At one point far ahead of us, the cities above and below reached out to each other in a surreal mishmash of buildings piled high. And between them while surrounded by a greenish barrier in a shape that resembled an incandescent light bulb was a mass of ghostly white and pale metallic blues whose features was impossible to make out from where we were standing. But I knew what it was. "Yep, there he is. And I think he knows we're here."

And then, just as waves of light began to surge from the barrier, it happened. The unholy entity of lifeless hues began to unfurl. We were soon unable to see beyond the light for a brief moment, but it soon faded to reveal the mass now alive and beginning to fly rather gracefully towards us. How do I even describe it... It certainly had the look of an artificial being, perhaps even more literally than the tower below us. It appeared to be entirely mechanical, almost draconic even, with metal plating and little purple lights dotting certain areas of its body. It had two long flat arms connected to its narrow body ending in clawed flat digits with a pair of equally flat wings with several large and thin 'feathers' holding it aloft that were adorned with the strange sigil that we were standing on. Its narrow body was broadened by two large cylindrical attachments that each had two smaller cylinders affixed to their outer sides. Its long narrow tail ended in four thick spines, completely its draconic form. And atop its vaguely draconic head appeared to be a mane of reddish hues set into a cavity within its skull. As it passed us, it let out a discernible cry while the entire tower shook from the sheer force of the wind it kicked up. And almost immediately afterward, we felt the ground beneath us beginning to tilt in one direction as the tower's top began to gradually collapse. We had to depart.

"James, what was that?! And what's happening?!" Celestia shouted as we all tried to maintain our footing on the increasingly steep incline as the tower's top felt like it would slide right off the rest of itself at any moment.

"That's what we're going up against tonight! You ladies ready?!" I replied as I spread my armor's wings, ready to take flight and pursue the massive machine dragon that looked as if it was trying to escape from us.

"That thing... That is our opponent?!" Luna retorted as she looked at me with a gaze of utter bewilderment. I doubt she has ever had to face off against an unholy terror like that in her very long life. Especially one of that size.

However, Nightmare Moon merely laughed at the proposition. "Ha! You never disappoint with these dreams of yours, my friend. Let's be off! This will be a most interesting challenge!"

"Well said, your highness. Let's fly!" I leaned forward and sprung myself off the side of the nearly vertical floor and flapped my wings to take to the air. My royal friends quickly followed, spreading their magnificent wings and following after me as we began to chase down the colossal creature.

We rushed through the air on our wings and had little difficulty catching up to the pale machine dragon as the floor and ceiling of countless darkened buildings far above and below rushed past us. It was truly a surreal experience befitting of a dream. We maintained our speed while making sure our target did not get too far ahead of us as it carried itself along on its great wings. Luna then called out and asked, "So, what approach shall we take with this?"

"We've gotta take it apart piece by piece! Just keep shooting it until something happens!" I replied while the golden yellow aura of my right gauntlet coated my hand and forearm to prepare a spell. I decided to start small and just bombarded the dragon's thick tail spines with magic beams as the massive beast swerved and swayed with its flowing and unnaturally smooth movements in flight. My royal friends joined in, firing bursts of magic from their horns. Unfortunately, the output of our spells did not appear to be doing much, if at all. We would need to hit it harder to get anywhere.

Nightmare Moon was the first to notice our lack of progress. "This is geting us nowhere! The armor plating is... What's that?!"

As if summoned from nowhere, four glowing pods of some sort came flying at us from ahead while firing off bursts of glowing purple arrowheads. We had little trouble banking around them as the shots missed and the pods flew past us and disappeared into the vast horizon to our rear. Minor distractions at the very least. However, we then got an answer as to just what those large cylindrical attachments were at the dragon's sides. Circular ports opened on each of them as the dragon rushed ahead of us with a burst of speed with blue flames flaring out of the openings. Massive rocket engines for evasive maneuvers.

"Is it trying to get away from us?! We barely did anything to it!" Celestia shouted as the machine dragon began to turn itself around while curling its body inward as it faced us.

"Uh... Heads up! Keep moving!" I called out as it flicked its tail at us. The thick spines lining the tip had a function after all. As the tip flew up in front of us, dozens of black circular rifts opened all at once for just a second before unleashing a barrage of spiraling metal torpedoes at us. My friends yelped in shock as we swooped high and low to escape the projectiles while they did chase us to some degree. They ceased their pursuit once they had passed us as the massive dragon propelled itself with impressive grace and turned around once more to focus on flying ahead.

We caught up again quickly and had to evade another quartet of glowing pods opening fire on us as they passed. By this point, Nightmare Moon let out a shout. "I'm not letting that thing get ahead of us again! Luna! Assist me!"

Together, the sisters of the night unleashed bursts of lightning magic upon the dragon's tail. Seconds later, the massive creature retched as an explosion engulfed the length of its tail. The spines were gone, leaving the tail much more narrow at the tip than before. Luna called out in triumph, "Huzzah! Now we are making progress! What's next?"

"Let's take out those rocket engines next!" I replied as I began to pick up speed with my friends staying near. We pulled up along the creature's left while it continued to drift along through the air. But as we set ourselves at a safe distance, the machine dragon began to tremble as its body stiffened with its body and arms curling inwards. "Huh? Why'd it... Agh!"

I only barely got the Lunar Shield up in time to block the incoming attack. The dragon suddenly flexed itself outward as glowing white glyphs suddenly appeared before us in steady succession, each looking like three of the deformed white heart sigils we had seen more than once with the top spines touching in a triangular formation. One by one, each fired a concentrated white laser of sorts as they appeared. My shield held, but my friends were unable to evade all of them and shrieked as they were blasted right out of the air. I watched in fright as the bombardment ended with the glyphs having all faded away, the three alicorns plummeting to the city below for a few seconds before they regained their composure and quickly caught up with me once again. While they seemed fine, they looked rattled as I asked, "That looked like it hurt. Are you all OK?"

Celestia shook her head for a second before she said, "It did! What even was that?! It was not hot like fire... It felt... I can't even describe it! What do you even call that type of magic?!"

"We'll discuss it later. For now, just unload on that engine!" I replied before holding out my right hand and launching orbs of fire from my right hand at the massive rocket engine. Celestia did the same while Luna and Nightmare Moon unleashed more bolts of magic lightning. The massive engine proved to be more durable than the tail spines, but we still had to be mindful of the occasional attack pods that would pass by. Eventually, the machine dragon retched again as an explosion engulfed the rocket engine before the massive cylinder detached and plummeted to he dark city below. "Next!"

My friends and I flew under the soaring creature to make our way to the right side to attack the other rocket engine. This time, we were much more observant of the machine dragon as it once again began to tense up. Like before, it summoned a series of glyphs to bombard us with beams of that unholy energy. This time, we saw it coming and did everything we could to evade. We weaved, barreled, and dove in all directions to escape its attack until it all ceased. We repeated the process once more, attacking and evading passing shots of its little helpers. However, we were surprised when three large objects that were bigger than any of us appeared in flashes of strange silver light and just floated near us. They had an uncanny resemblance to alarm clocks and even twitched in time to the nonexistent ticking of one as the three long appendages hanging from the underside twitched back and forth. That strange sigil adorned their faces while we all paused in our attacks to glance at them. Celestia then asked, "Um... What are these? Alarm clocks?"

I knew what they were and called out in alarm. "Explosive devices! Hurl them at the enemy before they blow!"

"They're time bombs?! Fiendish!" Luna yelled before all three of them grabbed the bombs with their levitation magic and threw them all right into the massive rocket engine before us. They lived up to their type, each bomb exploding with a flash of bombastic flair before a few more bombs appeared once more near us.

We ceased attacking directly and opted to use our enemy's explosives against them. This went on for a moment until another explosion occurred followed by the second rocket engine dropping off and falling into the city below. The massive unnatural creature had become much more elegant and streamlined in form without such bulky equipment weighing it down, but we had no time to admire the impromptu makeover as Nightmare Moon laughed in delight. "Ha! That's another one! Where to next?!"

"Let's take out the wings! Better do it from the front though." I replied before swooping high with my friends staying close to me. We avoided the massive flapping wings and even got an effective vantage point for the dragon's head while all but passing right over it. We got a good look at the 'mane' coming out of its cranial cavity and saw that something was not right about it. Instead of looking like hair or even feathers, it looked like a large mantle draping over its head and a short ways down its neck. And we could almost see someone seated at the very base of it.

Luna was quick to notice the silver entity seated in the dragon's cranial cavity and asked, "Is someone there?! There, on its head!"

"So there is! Shall we take the fight to the pilot?" Nightmare Moon asked while looking eager to make a detour towards the dragon's head and attack the one controlling the massive beast.

I knew better than to try at that moment. "Not while its still moving around this much. Let's take out the wings first!"

Placing their trust in me, my royal friends followed me as I flew on ahead of the dragon until we were directly in front of it. My intention was to slow down a bit while ascending and let the dragon catch up to us until we were right in front of its left wing. However, the creature caught us by surprise as it suddenly accelerated until it looked like it was about to ram us. This got a good scare out of all of us with the creature pulling up at the last minute and rising over us. We did not have long to ponder this tactic as a mass of familiar spiraling torpedoes dropped down from somewhere under the creature and tried to collide with us.

It was a close call, but we evaded every last one of them as the machine dragon fell behind and returned to its previous altitude. We wasted no time in closing the distance to one of its wings, now having to fend off more time bombs and a new type of flying drone that had a flat narrow body being supported by two large vertically rotating rings at the ends. These drones would fire off glowing arrowheads that would converge and home in on one spot. And just as we were getting the hang of things once more, more glowing glyphs were summoned from nowhere to fire lasers at us without any sort of warning from the dragon's body language. Even I took a direct hit from this attack, my armor doing little to blunt the blow from this strange energy. And it certainly was painful. Like it simply triggered the pain receptors in my body out of nowhere.

Despite the machine dragon now putting far more effort into its defenses, we still managed to destroy its left wing in a flash of explosive fire. And even that still was not enough! It continued to fly along gracefully with only a single wing supporting it! Nightmare Moon called out in exasperation, "What is this tripe?! How does it still fly?!"

"Good question, although we might as well clip its other wing!" Celestia replied while we once again tried to make our way to the other wing. The process repeated as we fell silent in intense focus, attacking and evading the same tricks as before until once more, there was a fiery flash as the dragon's one remaining wing was blown clear from its body. With nothing keeping it aloft, the colossal creature began to rapidly decelerate as we too slowed down to not get too far ahead. The slender serpentine creature writhed as it plummeted surprisingly slowly towards the city below. It was apparently trying to stay aloft somehow and was only mildly succeeding.

"Hm... Well... I have to say that for how exhilarating it was to chase that thing down and shoot it out of the sky... I must confess that I am a little unsatisfied." Luna spoke as the four of us hovered in the air above the falling abomination.

Celestia nodded and said, "Yes, it just didn't have the kind of variety one would expect from such a challenge. Fun, yes. But it needed more."

I let out a quiet snort at their observations. Indeed, that creature could have been so much more interesting to fight. But I knew what was really happening at that moment. "Oh, you're not wrong. But there is a very good reason for that."

Nightmare Moon cast me a bemused gaze and asked, "There is? And what reason could there be for such an underwhelming climax?"

I then turned my gaze downward at where the dragon was now making contact with the darkened city below. "The reason is because we're not done yet!"

No sooner had I sad that did something begin to happen below. The colossal dragon had turned itself around and had fallen into the city backside first. But rather than crash into the many buildings below, it had merely sunk into it as it slowly flailed its arms with a vortex of dark fog swirling up all around it. A massive expanding void of pure black began to blanket the city around it and even the creature itself with silvery gray slender wisps arcing everywhere erratically. We were not spared as the dark fog began to rise and surround us in its vortex.

"What's happening now?! And... Does it feel like the gravity is shifting?!" Celestia called out while we all looked around in caution. And she was right. It felt like we were rotating in place as we hovered in the air. Or...was the world rotating below us?

The fog suddenly cleared a moment later. And Celestia's observations proved correct. The entire world had turned on its side, the darkened city that had once been below us now towered before us as a gargantuan wall with no visible top or bottom. And there wedged into the wall before us was the same unnatural machine dragon gazing back at us. It was as if its entire body had merged with this unnatural world with only its upper body still exposed. Drastic changes had occurred in its design. Two massive fins of sorts in the form of half circles were affixed to its arms with the outer edges lined with massive decorations in the form of that familiar deformed white heart sigil. Two massive new wings had appeared at its back that reached far to the sides, but they were clearly not designed for flight. They were lined with massive canisters of some sort, most likely a type of weapon system. And from all around the now stationary creature as it moved subtly like a living breathing entity were the same red and blue hazes that had surrounded the tower from earlier, now spreading out in all directions from it in a spiral as they merged to form an indigo gas. As we beheld this new development, Luna just shook her head as she stared aghast at our opponent. "I have seen many dreams, but...so few have taken me to worlds so explicitly dreamlike...! This world defies all matter of sense!"

"I concur! But now, our friend has nowhere to run. Shall we?" Nightmare Moon added while all three of the royal sisters turned their gazes to me. They had no idea of what to do, but I did.

I nodded as I prepared to approach our opponent. "Yeah. All that's left is to take out the pilot now that his vehicle is grounded."

With flaps of our wings, we rapidly closed the distance as the disabled machine dragon made no attempt to ward us off. We descended until we had landed in the cavity on its head. The floor was mostly metal, but distorted into shades of blue and purple at the edges of the cavity as if transitioning into a very nonmetallic substance. And before us stood a type of throne bordered by four large metal thorns on each side with a massive deformed white heart sigil affixed to the wall above it. The mantle we saw before was indeed draped over the back and was a shade of yellow near the base while the color turned more red along the more distant sections, two strips of it taking on almost winglike shapes that draped along the floor. The mantle, true to the indecipherable nature of this world, reached around to our right along the wall and had taken on a much more metallic consistency.

And there, seated upon the throne, was the one we sought. Clad in a very stylish suit of silver and pale blue plate armor sat a lone and silent figure. Emblazoned upon his cuirass was none other than that deformed white heart sigil we had seen time and again. The helmet almost appeared to be designed to partially function and resemble the crown of a king, two long fins reaching back from the sides while a pale gold crest that looked far too much like a classical king's crown rested atop the helm. The pauldrons were of asymmetrical design, the right coated with a fluffy ruff of pale feathers while the other bore a half crown design reminiscent of the one on the helmet with spines reaching high. And in his right hand stood a very long sword that was held straight up. The hilt was easily one of a greatsword, as was the length of its blade, but... What a bizarre design! The blade was very wide and split in twain down the middle, one side yellow with the other a dark red. And wedged between the two halfway up was that same white sigil again while tilted on an angle. Were the situation was not so dire, I would have laughed at its ridiculous and impractical design. Whoever was under that suit of armor raised his head slightly to gaze ahead at the three of us. He knew we were there.

Before we could do or say anything, our attention was turned upward. Every moment or so, one of the buildings lining the massive wall before us would float by as if having been uprooted out of the wall by an unseen force. Our eyes followed one such building until we looked back. A grim sight greeted us. The swirling indigo gas was thickening as it was drawn to the opposite wall and had become much more opaque. The deep indigo hue began to split back into reds and blues with the red being far more dominant in presence, spiraling inward towards a round dark singularity. A hole in the wall which the uprooted buildings drifted into never to be seen again. A black void that devoured all that that entered it.

While we seemed to be unaffected by the void's pull, the very sight of it was unnerving to say the least. So we turned our attention back to the armored figure before us. Celestia then asked, "As absurd as that sword looks... I'm not too keen on getting close. Can we trust you to lead the charge while we provide cover fire?"

"That's exactly what I was thinking, Celestia." I replied as I drew the Celestial Sword from its scabbard, its blade shining with a bright white glow. I was especially curious of just how well that armor would stand up to my weapon's unrivaled sharpness. "Time to wrap this up."

"Allow us to make the first move!" Nightmare Moon declared as she and her sisters spread out while maintaining their distance. Together, they began to pepper the armored entity as he remained rooted to his seat. He flinched and twitched as the beams of magic smashed into him one after the other. After maybe two seconds of constant bombardment, he decided to do something about it. He suddenly let out a bold shout as his left hand shot forward, conjuring up a wall of silvery light filled with interlocking translucent square tiles. All magic shots were deflected in every which way, prompting my friends to halt their assault.

I knew that defense would not stay up for long and had already rushed forward before it could fade away. With a mighty swing, I cleaved my sword right through him. Indeed, the Celestial Sword proved too much for his armor as my blade sliced through him with barely any resistance. And yet, he remained in one piece! Any damage his armor had sustained had already been mended! Just what was that armor even made of?!

Even though he absolutely should have been finished by that bisecting slice, the armored figure before me lifted his massive sword to his left. I barely had time to shake off my confusion and bring my shield to my right as he let out a yell while swinging that huge sword right into me. I was knocked through the air a short distance away and barely managed to stay on my feet upon landing. Luna was quick to notice how he survived an unsurvivable sword slash and shouted, "How?! That slash cleaved right through him! Why does he remain in one piece?!"

While our enemy remained silent, I pondered the nature of our opponent. I knew what he was, but... Everything all started to make sense as I remembered the source material. "They do not bleed... They have no bones to break... Is that what creatures made out of nothing are really like?"

"Nothing... Creatures crafted of nothingness... No... He's a...?" Celestia asked as a look of horror filled her eyes. What was she even assuming about our enemy?

Nightmare Moon was quick to catch her sister as she called out, "Of course he isn't! If he was, he would have been reduced to nothing by that attack! That warrior is still standing, so he cannot be one of them!"

I glanced back and forth at the two sisters as I was left confused by what they were speaking of. Our enemy was being remarkably patient as he remained seated while we were out of reach. Or was he simply not able to cast off the mantle and stand up? "Um... Am I missing something here?"

"Think nothing of it, James. Besides, we have a foe to slay, do we not?" Luna replied as if she was trying to avoid the topic. I decided to not pursue the subject further. It likely was not important.

Not wanting to get clubbed by that huge sword again, I held out my left hand and began to bombard our enemy with bolts of blue magical energy while my friends did the same. Our enemy had no means of attacking us while out of range. But this did not go on for much longer. With a sudden wave of his arm, the armored foe generated a wave of unseen force that sent the lot of us hurtling away from him at breakneck speeds! I did not even know what hit me! We all yelled as we tumbled aimlessly through the air and towards the void behind us. He had cast us towards the black hole for it to devour us!

"No no no no no no!!!" Luna shrieked as we tried to stop ourselves from falling into the inescapable pull of the void behind us. Thankfully, we soon began to lose momentum and managed to right ourselves with our wings and a bit of self levitation. As we hovered in the air, we found that while bits of rubble and uprooted buildings were indeed drawn into the void behind us, we were left entirely unaffected. "Oh, thank goodness... That wretch!"

"Huh? Wait a sec..." I mumbled as I realized something was missing. I had lost my grip on the Celestial Sword the instant I had been flung away from our enemy. It was then that I turned back and watched in exasperation as the Celestial Sword drifted into the void and was consumed by it. Not even the light that was being emitted from its blade could escape it. "Aw, crap! There it goes!"

"So it seems... Allow me to fetch that for you!" Nightmare Moon retorted as her horn was coated by her own magic aura. A second later, there was a flash of white light before I found the Celestial Sword safely back in my right hand's grasp. "Do hold onto it next time. It seems the void consumes all that is not in contact with us."

"Stay alert! He's not done with us!" Celestia then called out as we all turned our gazes back towards the unnatural metallic behemoth before us. With a wave of its massive arms, several black rifts opened before each launched an uprooted skyscraper at us with each tumbling rapidly through the air. Immediately after the rifts closed, the dragon threw up its arms and locked the two crests on each arm to form a massive circular shield with the same deformed heart sigil we had seen many times emblazoned on it in the form of gaps in the pale metal plating.

While we were able to evade the incoming buildings, I was quick to notice that the dragon's massive wings had started to rigidly tuck themselves behind it. Each of the massive canisters lining its wings rigidly pointed outwards one by one. All at once, the canisters launched large rods of red light that shot through the air and began to converge on our locations. They were thankfully easy to avoid so long as we stayed on the move. But just then, something happened that I did not foresee. The armored controller on the dragon's head spoke to us.

"Your majesties... Are you certain you can trust this...warrior?" A bold and deep voice spoke seemingly from everywhere despite our distance from him. I suppose I was expecting him to speak at some point, but... Why was he addressing them with royal terms? He was only a dream. He surely could not discern between us and the individuals from the source material who would be facing him in combat!

"Did... Did you all just hear that?!" Luna called out as she too glanced around in confusion. It seemed that I was not the only one who heard him.

Nightmare Moon too seemed flustered by the words we had all heard. "It was him again... Was he supposed to recognize our royal visage?"

"I doubt it. I've never heard him say that before..." I retorted while nothing short of perplexed. And yet, I felt like I should not be terribly surprised. He always had a knack for seeing the bigger picture that others were blind to...

Celestia then flew upward as she called out to us. "Regardless, I doubt we can get by that shield from the front. Let's get the drop on him from above!"

With the battle having reached a momentary lull, we took advantage of the lack of action to ascend. But when we began to draw near, the machine dragon suddenly thrust its colossal shield outward. Even without touching us, it generated a powerful gust of wind that repelled us and even pushed us right back to where we had started as its wings began to prepare another volley of glowing red beams. Nightmare Moon let out a groan as she yelled, "Confound this abomination! How do we get through?!"

I quickly had an idea. I pointed my sword at a number of uprooted skyscrapers that were slowly tumbling through the air aimlessly. "How about we try throwing one of those at him?"

Luna looked at one such building and smirked at me. "A bold stratagem, my friend. Allow me!"

As we all went on the move to avoid the next barrage of glowing red projectiles, Luna snatched up that drifting skyscraper in her magical grasp and sent it hurtling right at the enemy's massive shield. I could only look on in sheer awe at the magnitude of such an attack, the building smashing into the shield so hard that the entire creature was left reeling from the loud impact. It was not quite enough to really knock out its defensives since it then brought its arms back together to reassemble the shield, but I already knew what to do. I then called out to my two other royal friends, "I got this! Get ready to back me up!"

With the use of the teleportation spell, I placed myself in the path of the same building as it veered towards me after bouncing off the shield. I held the Celestial Sword high as I channeled my right gauntlet's solar magic through it. The a scorching white hot aura coated the blade and shot up from the tip, increasing my blade's reach by several times. With the building coming up before me, I swung my sword straight down and cleaved the entire thing in two. Celestia and Nightmare Moon were quick to act, snatching the two halves up in their levitation magic and sending them hurtling at the shield's two halves. This spread out attack proved too much too soon as the building's two halves all but exploded upon impact with the dragon's arms being knocked away from each other and forced to return to a more passive position.

However, at this moment, our opponent spoke again. "Are you sure this warrior...has your world's best interests at heart?"

He was trying to sow seeds of doubt in my friends' hearts. But how? Why did he act like he knew who they were? Regardless, these words fell on deaf ears as Nightmare Moon shouted back. "You know not what you speak of, shade! Do not attempt to turn our faith against us!"

Her bold defiance of his trickery only made me smile before we swooped in to close the distance between us and our enemy. However, he still had one last line of defense to try and keep us at bay. Those familiar glowing glyphs appeared in groups of three and began to try and blast us with their unholy lasers with each converging on a single point while they slowly rotated around each other. We barely had time to evade these while only being able to do so by ascending or descending. These glyphs eventually faded before we found ourselves once more standing before the throne upon the dragon's head. Only this time, more defenses had come online to repel us. Six glyphs appeared to the sides of the throne and began to unleash more lasers of that strange energy, each slowly converging on a point towards the front of the room.

This time, we stood back as far as we could. The lasers ran their course without touching us before starting again. Their path was set and could not touch us so long as we maintained our distance at the very edge of this dilapidated throne room. We once more unloaded on him with bolts of magic while our armored foe flinched and grunted with each hit. He eventually grew weary of this and once more sent us hurtling away from him at startling speed before his massive unnatural beast put up its shield again. This time, I did not drop my weapon.

The three royal sisters bantered at each other out of both exhilaration and annoyance at our enemy going out of his way to draw this battle out. However, I was distracted by his voice as he began to speak to me. "Warrior... Are you certain those three are not...beneath you?"

My eyes went wide upon hearing those words. What was he trying to make me consider? His words were not overlooked by my friends as Celestia then asked, "Beneath us...? What are you implying over there?!"

Her words did not reach him. And he continued to goad me with words of temptation. "Are you sure they are not yours to tame...? Yours to...conquer?"

I knew exactly what he was trying to play upon. And I took immense offense to it. With bile starting to boil in my stomach, I scowled at the massive shield far ahead of me and pointed my sword at it. "Oh, don't you EVEN go there with me!!!"

This had just become personal and I was going to put him down myself. Forget the buildings floating by. I was going to destroy that shield on my own terms! The three royal sisters looked on in horror as I began to tap into my right gauntlet's mighty solar magic, a blindingly bright orb of white magical fire forming at my sword's tip. Celestia, having far more experience with it than me, spoke out in caution. "Careful, James! Do not use too much or you'll destroy us all!"

I allowed the orb of solar magic to grow until it was around the size of a beach ball before I unleashed it towards our enemy. He must have assumed that we were of no threat from such a distance since no new attacks came our way. But the instant that orb of scorching magic struck the shield... Just what had I unleashed? A massive explosion of holy fire engulfed the entire shield and much of the space beyond it. The machine dragon's pilot let out a growl of frustration as the blast no doubt caused some degree of harm to him. When the blast faded, I stared in awe at the extant of the damage. The explosion had not only obliterated the shield. It had even torn much of the dragon's arms off! Now even more crippled than it was when it merged with the world behind it, the dragon had no means of warding off attacks. However, I was not done. I then called out to my friends while preparing the teleportation spell, "He's mine!"

An instant later, I found myself standing before the armored entity as the throne's defense system kicked in yet again. Six lasers of unnatural silver light converged on one spot, but I was not going on the defensive this time. I cast aside the Lunar Shield and reached out with my left hand, projecting the levitation spell onto him. "I'm done playing by your rules!"

My opponent let out a yelp as I yanked him right off the throne and out from under his mantle with his massive sword falling from his grasp. He fell flat on his face with a clank as the glyphs that lined the wall faded. I watched with caution as the armored entity seemed to be struggling to stand up. It was as if the armor was restricting him. As if it did not entirely recognize him as its master. Once he started to reach his footing, I approached at a brisk pace. And just as he looked ahead at me, my enemy let out a groan and gasp as I ran the Celestial Sword right through him.

He staggered back, helmet tilted down to see the glowing base of the Celestial Sword's base lodged in his abdomen. Not a drop of blood was spilled as he remained standing, struggling to move against his armor's restrictions. With him right where I wanted him, I lifted my right hand as I began to channel my gauntlet's solar magic right into my sword. "And that makes checkmate!"

At my call, a towering pillar of celestial fire engulfed the armored entity before me as he let out a long howling roar of agony that echoed throughout the world around us. Seconds passed as the light of my sword's magical fire began to engulf absolutely everything around me. And then...silence.

A voice soon spoke near me even as I could see nothing but a veil of white before my eyes. I recognized it as Celestia's. "Is it over...? Was that it?"

"No, no, it can't be over. We are all still here. The dream continues." Luna's voice replied as the tension from earlier began to fade. A calm had settled over us, although I did not relax entirely. Round 3 was on the verge of commencing.

Finally, Nightmare Moon spoke up from nearby. "Indeed. We would know if the dream had ended. But what still remains? James? Are you near? Can you tell us what you see? All I see is white."

"Same here. It's a complete whiteout here. Just give it a minute. There's only one more phase for us to get through." I replied while remaining rooted to the spot. And soon, the veil of white faded only to reveal a different type of white.

All around us... It was like something out of an abstract painting. Walls of white bending and winding while dotted with gray patches of random shapes were constantly moving around us in the great distance. Several spots saw these walls spiraling into a white singularity leading into a blank void of nonexistence. The area was so bright and pale that the Celestial Sword's blade had responded accordingly with the glow surrounding it having completely faded to reveal its white metal length. A constant gentle sound, a chiming of sorts, could be heard all around us. There was no visible floor beneath us despite the fact that we could feel a solid flat surface below our feet. This realm felt strangely unsettling, yet calm all at once. It was Luna who commented on our surroundings first as her head swayed from one side to the other. "The deeper we delve, the more bizarre this world becomes... What lies beyond this level?"

"There isn't. This is the zenith of this little dream ride." I replied as my eyes were focused on the sight before us. Marching towards us was a lone hooded figure. Most definitely the armored foe we had just faced despite having been engulfed in a column of the hottest type of magical fire. He had discarded the uncooperative armor from just minutes ago and had donned a hooded long coat, his hands and feet covered in black gloves and boots. The coat itself was white while the zipper was left undone below the waist. Each side was adorned with symmetrical black patterns that seemed to be stylized barbs and thorns. The hood was left completely white and effectively concealed our opponent's face. His footsteps made no sound as he walked along the unseeable floor. He eventually came to a stop maybe twenty paces from us as we observed in silence while staying close to each other. Neither side spoke, almost as if we all were afraid to disrupt the calming chime that flooded the air.

He did not move nor speak. Almost as if he was judging us. It was Nightmare Moon who spoke first in a whisper. "That form... He is...human?"

"Not...really..." I muttered in reply. I did not want to speak much just yet. I had never seen him do such a thing in the original source material and had never seen him with that hood up in that particular coat. I was most curious of what was going to happen next now that he had already thrown us a few curveballs during our confrontations.

We did not wait much longer for a response. Eventually, his hands began to rise. My friends anticipated an attack and assumed more defiant stances, but soon relaxed as his hands grasped the edges of his hood. He then pulled it back, revealing his lightly tanned face before gazing at us in silence with his lips not curving in either direction while his bold orange eyes maintained a very focused stare. His long wild silver hair reached just past his shoulders with a few bangs draping a little ways down his chest. Long bangs hung over the sides of his face. I assume Celestia took notice of his facial features since she then muttered, "He... No... No, he isn't one of them..."

We all stared him down while he stared right back. My friends soon glanced at me out of the corners of their eyes. Almost as if they were waiting for some clarification. I assumed they wanted to know the identity of our opponent. And so I decided to speak his name. "Xemnas."

With their curiosity sated, my royal friends turned their gaze back towards our silent enemy. His gaze remained unwaveringly focused. He soon began to raise his arms and held them aloft in some sort of grand gesture. And once again, he caught me by surprise as he spoke in that deep and bold voice. "Denizens from beyond this realm. I will not allow it to end like this... Not yet."

"He's not supposed to say that..." I muttered as I knew he still had plenty of fight left in him. And that long moment of palpable silence... Why had he refrained from following the unspoken script?

The royal sisters looked just as jarred by his words. As if he knew something about us he should not. Luna spoke first as she took a step forward. "What is it you mean by that? Of us being denizens from another world?"

Xemnas continued to hold his arms aloft as if he was making some sort of grand speech. A penchant for the dramatic, I suppose. "I mean exactly as I said. The four of you. I have seen many worlds. And you... You do not belong here. Here or anywhere else. You are...from beyond the walls that lie beyond the walls of all worlds in this vast and wide realm. And this world... It is but an illusion, is it not?"

Nightmare Moon's eyes opened wide in silent alarm as she was the first to comprehend what our dream opponent was saying. As did I. "You know."

"I do." Xemnas retorted as he finally lowered his arms. "I cannot feel sorrow. But I can feel that this world... It is nothingness beyond nothingness. An illusion that could fade at any time. And myself along with it..."

Celestia was next to speak as she gave Xemnas a most perplexed gaze. "You are...strangely self-aware for a mere dream."

"We really shouldn't be that surprised, to be honest..." I mumbled as Xemnas remained silent to allow me to speak. "That's definitely a trait he has. He's very...aware of the bigger picture that others do not see. It's very much in character for him to notice that...something isn't right about himself."

"Very perceptive. I have never seen you. And yet, you seem to know me. You can read me like a book despite myself not being able to read anything about either of you." Xemnas retorted as he pointed one finger at us. He maintained a bit of a grand display in his body language and manner of speech, though he had an air of emptiness about himself. It was all an act. Not a shred of true emotion lied behind that face.

"Well... If you are aware of your nature as a product of this dream... Perhaps there is no need for us to continue this conflict." Luna then said as she appeared to relax. Now that the farce was known to each side, we had nothing to gain by continuing to clash with each other.

"Indeed. What point is there in pursuing conflict with no cause? However..." Xemnas said before pausing as he once again pointed at us. "There is something about you that intrigues me. The magic you each possess. It is unlike any I have ever seen. Cut from a very different cloth than the magic used in this realm."

I started to notice a change in his tone that left me uneasy. Why change the subject like that? He had nothing to gain. Celestia glanced up at her own horn as she asked, "Our magic? What of it?"

"Its sheer versatility. You can move and manipulate the world itself with it. Generate frigid frost and deadly lightning. And even the all-consuming fire of the sun. And there is no limit. No reliance on finite magical energies. Truly an impressive power to possess. Although I cannot help but wonder..." Xemnas explained before falling silent for a moment. However, he then cast us a most disquieting smirk. "If only it were in more.....capable hands."

I felt a twinge of alarm. Was this product of my dream really displaying ambition to try and become something more? Nightmare Moon was quick to notice this implied threat and barked at our foe. "Enough of this farce! You are but an image projected on the lid of a sleeper's eye! Before long, this dream will end and you will fade into memory along with everything else in this world. Such is the transient nature of dreams."

Xemnas continued to smirk at us for a few seconds before letting out a quiet and low chuckle. He then extended his arm and pointed at the Princess of Dreams. "No more transient than that radiance of yours."

My eyes opened wide as he made his intentions clear. This was no longer just a dream. We were in very real danger if his words had any weight behind them. Xemnas floated off the floor and held his arms apart, silver lightning beginning to spark around his hands. I immediately assumed a proper combat stance with shield ready. "He comes!"

My royal friends too responded in kind as they spread out to give each other room and prepared their magic auras. Xemnas continued to stare us down with an unfittingly calm smile. "Who will awaken? The dreamer? Or the dream?"

I expected him to make a very sudden move and close the distance, but I ended up being caught by surprise. He instead rushed at us headfirst while gradually fading out of existence over the course of a second or two as he passed us. But before he could fade out entirely, I saw him in the distance before us as he called out. "Begone!"

"Move!" I shouted before running to my left. My friends scattered as Xemnas hurled two small orbs of some indecipherable energy that glowed in a silver light. They very soon expanded to many times their size in sparking orbs of bluish silver 'lightning' in quick succession. It was the only way I could describe the appearance of this unnatural magic. They were easy to evade as they only remained in place for a few seconds before fading while Xemnas repeated the process. At worst, he was only making it difficult for us to get anywhere near him by conventional means.

My friends broke into a full gallop and began to circle Xemnas while peppering him with bursts of magic. With only two hands, he could launch only two of those explosive orbs at a time. He withstood the barrage at first, but soon broke out of it by changing tactics. He lifted his hands before suddenly thrusting them out towards Celestia and Nightmare Moon. "Bind!"

What appeared to be 'vines' of white and black lined with thorns burst forward and engulfed the two sisters while they shrieked in pain as the vines ran through them before fading away. The attack drew no blood, but was clearly painful as they both staggered from the hit. Luna took this opportunity to retaliate as she summoned several ice spikes over Xemnas and sent them smashing into him. He groaned from the surprise attack as the ice shattered upon impact despite no sign of blood or even puncture wounds. Even his coat showed no signs of visible damage.

I wasted no time in closing the distance to avenge my friends. With the use of the teleportation spell, I found myself standing right in front of Xemnas as he gave me a glance of surprise. He started to bring his hand down, but I was not about to let him get in a counterattack. "You're not getting away!"

I cleaved the Celestial Sword right through him as if he was butter. Over and over, I slashed through him without losing momentum to try and maximize damage before he could break away. Despite being made of nothing, he was proving to have supernatural levels of endurance. Anything else would have been dead by that point.

Just when I was about to lash out with a slash to his head, Xemnas got the chance he needed and slammed his hand right into my armored chest as more of those unnatural black and white thorny vines surged around his arm and hand with an unholy silver light. Even without actually holding me, he lifted me right off the floor and looked into my eyes with that fiendish smirk. "We will go together!"

He spun around to gain momentum as I was dragged along helplessly before he hurled me straight up into the air. Just before I could get my bearings, I was blindsided by a strike from behind. Xemnas had burst out of a white abyss that was circled by shadows, black and white thorny vines bursting from it as well as he lashed out at me with beams of reddish light that extended from his palms. They did not feel like blades. More like bludgeoning weapons that clanked against my armor with each hit. While my armor did withstand each hit, their composition of an unnatural energy or magic still managed to bypass my armor's enchantments enough to make me feel a very unpleasant tingling sensation.

No matter what I did, I could not break free or evade Xemnas' attacks as he would fade away before bursting out of another circular rift to attack me again. It was just a chain of hit and run attacks that I could not escape from. I simply did not have the supernatural reflexes or senses to evade them. Thankfully, I was quick to be reminded that I was not alone in this struggle.

"Enough of this!" I heard Nightmare Moon shout before I was surrounded by three flashes of light. An impact reached my ears as Xemnas' attacks collided with one of three domed magic barriers that were being projected before the three royal sisters as they hovered around me in a triangle formation. Xemnas kept vanishing and reappearing from the same kind of rift, striking with slashes and even sweeping kicks, but his attacks could not bypass their defenses. I had even managed to regain my senses enough to self levitate until I could get a better idea of how to respond to our enemy.

It was at this point hat Xemnas caught us all by surprise by proving he was not following any sort of script. He appeared from another rift right above us and hurled another of those silver orbs of unnatural energy right down at me through the barriers' blind spot. I managed to see it coming and tried to call out to my friends while raising my shield above me to block it, but they could not respond in time and were sent flying as it exploded in all directions like those from before. Xemnas got the opening he wanted and appeared to my right before swiftly clubbing me across the head with one of his glowing ethereal blades and kicked my sword right out of my hand.

That blow was enough to rattle my senses as I began to fall right out of the air. Momentarily disoriented, I plummeted headfirst as the calming chimes of the world around us reached my ears while creating a disquieting dissonance in spite of the violent struggle that was currently taking place within it. Xemnas dove after me in pursuit with his blades ready. Just as my vision cleared, I noticed the Celestial Sword coming back towards me while engulfed in a golden yellow aura. I reached out to it and took it in hand and held up both sword and shield to block a strike from Xemnas' right blade. But as he was about to bring his left into my head, Celestia suddenly appeared beside me in a flash of light and blocked the blade with her own horn. It was now engulfed with a scorching aura of white solar magic that was twice her horn's length. I could see the Princess of the Dawn grit her teeth while pushing her head against Xemnas' blade. Now at a stalemate, Xemnas had enough sense to disengage by spinning himself around with a circular slash and throw us away from him with his momentum.

Celestia and I dropped back down to the invisible floor and could see Luna and Nightmare Moon taking up positions at the far ends of the unseeable battlefield. The two of us looked at each other and flashed a quick knowing smile and nod to confirm we were both all right. However, the calm was soon interrupted as Xemnas appeared from nowhere and circled us very briefly while conjuring up more of those glowing beams of reddish light that remained a safe distance from us. "Pierce!"

Almost immediately after vanishing, the three beams of light suddenly shot forward and slammed into us like bursts of exploding gas. I dread to even imagine how much that would have hurt had my armor not been there to take the hit. Although my armored shell was starting to show signs of wear and tear with a number of small dents and scrapes.

Xemnas was too quick and left no real openings for us to exploit. Even Luna and Nightmare Moon were too far away to have any magic shots reach him in time before he would vanish. He would appear, set up a few projectiles, then fade before they would be launched at Celestia and I. They were at least easy to block, but then he appeared and completely circled us while setting up a full ring of those reddish beams of light. I actually tried to chase him down that time, but Xemnas and his projectiles maintained the same distance no matter how much I ran as if I was stuck in place. As he faded away once the ring was complete, he declared his attack. "Fire!"

Celestia and I had to act quick. My royal friend conjured up a partial barrier on one side while I held up my shield. Every last one of those beams of light shot into us at once. My shield held, as did Celestia's barrier. They just glanced off our defenses and zoomed off into the shifting white void around us. But we barely had time to think as a voice spoke from our sides. "Why will you not vanish?"

We barely had time to turn to Xemnas as he floated nearby before he started bombarding us with more of those beams of light from his hand. Thankfully, this left his backside open to attack, which Nightmare Moon and Luna put to good use. As he bombarded the two of us with his magic projectiles, the two night princesses were sending ice shards slamming into him from behind. Xemnas endured for as long as he could before he finally snarled and vanished in a flash. Celestia and I were left somewhat dazed and quite sore since we did not have enough time to really manage a defense, but we were still standing. However, I then heard Xemnas speak words that I dreaded hearing just to my left. "Can you spare a heart?"

"You're not getting mine!" I yelled before holding up the Lunar Shield to my left. I was fortunate to have reacted in time. Whatever it was he did failed to get through to me. And while he was focused on me, Nightmare Moon came swooping right at him while engulfing herself in a blue lightning aura.

"I grow weary of your resistance!" Nightmare Moon roared as I peeked out from behind my shield. She was going to ram him unless he did something about it.

And that was exactly what he was going to do. I looked on in horror as Xemnas looked over his shoulder with that devious smirk. "As do I."

Before I could even warn Nightmare Moon, Xemnas turned and thrust out his hands. Unholy silver lightning burst from his palms while accompanied by those strange black and white vines as his hands were engulfed by an orb of that sinister unnatural energy while Nightmare Moon was stopped in her tracks. Her arms were being restrained to her sides while held aloft as she was being held in a similar orb of unholy silver energy with a faint glowing red web of sorts fading in and out of sight around the prison. Knowing what would happen if she was left trapped in there for too long, I flapped my wings to rush in and attack Xemnas.

He saw me coming and landed a firm kick squarely into my armored head. I was sent flying right back at startling speed. I managed to at least land on my feet as Luna and Celestia quickly joined me at my sides. Luna called out at her sister as Nightmare Moon grimaced in clear pain, "Sister! What is he doing?!"

"That's gonna kill her if we don't interrupt it!" I yelled before rushing forward without thought. Before I even knew what happened, I ran headlong into a wall of that unholy energy that had been conjured up as a familiar barrier. While Xemnas remained where he was, a physical copy of himself had been conjured up to keep me at bay. I snarled at the distraction, but hoped that Celestia and Luna would take advantage of me keeping it busy.

I hopped back as the copy of Xemnas rushed in to summon another stinging barrier right into my face. I held up the Lunar Shield as barrier and shield clashed. Thankfully, Luna and Celestia took the chance I had given them. I looked past my opponent as the Princesses of the Dawn and Night appeared right under Xemnas with the use of the teleportation spell. Celestia wasted no time in blasting Xemnas' left arm with a bolt of magic, disrupting its use of that unholy magic by being thrown up. Luna's approach was much more direct. While channeling lightning magic into her horn, she swooped up to Xemnas and swung her horn right into his open palm. The two magical energies clashed, blocking each other as Nightmare Moon fell free. I caught her in the levitation spell to gently lower my aching friend to the floor while Luna suddenly teleported away right as Celestia unleashed a furious gout of yellow magic fire right up into Xemnas.

"You OK?!" I shouted as I rushed to Nightmare Moon's side. My opponent had vanished in response to Xemnas' attack being harshly interrupted.

Nightmare Moon's stance was unsteady, but she soon regained her composure as she looked at me with fatigue in her eyes. "This fiend... You certainly picked a nightmare of a foe for us to face tonight."

"Hey, I had no idea he'd be this tough in reality! Guess I should've known better." I retorted while letting Nightmare Moon lean on me for a moment. We turned our gazes up at Xemnas, who was floating a good distance above us after having been thrown upward by Celestia's spell.

The cloaked nightmare wheezed while clutching his chest. A look of profound frustration had begun to settle into his face. We had him on the ropes. That, or he was starting to run out of options. Finally, he thrust his hands out to his sides as they were engulfed by that unholy silver lightning. "I will NOT...be the one to fade!!!"

"Oh hell no... He's at his limit! Here comes the big one!" I yelled as I realized that we were so very close to triumphing over him, yet had one last impossible obstacle to overcome. "Everyone, get close!"

As my three friends hurried to my side, Xemnas brought his hands together as a sparking orb of silvers and blues engulfed his hands before he lifted it above his head. Black and white vines of thorns burst forth and reached out everywhere as the shifting world of grays and whites around us were all but immediately covered in a layer of blackness. Xemnas was still plainly visible above us, but he was soon joined but a frightful sight. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of glowing beams of light formed in the blackness until they had created a dome over us.

My friends and I looked around at our prison that also served as a death trap. I knew what was coming, but we had no way to evade them. It was simply not possible. There was only one hope to get by this one and Celestia was the first to realize it. "Everyone! Barrier!"

Together, we took up positions in the four cardinal directions. I channeled the magical energies in both gauntlets to conjure up a barrier dome over all of us, as did they. The combined hues of golden yellow and deep blues created a barrier of a spectacular shade of green. With that, Xemnas thrust his hands forward and unleashed his attack.

One by one and in constant succession, those beams of light bombarded our barrier as more appeared to take their place in the dome of light. At first, it was not that bad. With the four of us sharing the strain, the amount of stress being placed on our focus was minimal. But that quickly changed as the beams of light began to bombard us in greater numbers and frequency. I could feel my mind ache as if an invisible force was being applies to my skull. The next thirty seconds felt like an eternity as we groaned and pleaded to just hold on for the last of the beams of light to run out. So many began to engulf us that their fiery explosions engulfed us all in bright light to the point of being able to see what was beyond them.

The instant the bombardment ceased, we all too eagerly dispersed the barrier and collapsed to our knees. I panted and held myself up on one knee while trying to find my bearings. The darkness had faded and the world of shifting grays and whites had become visible again. However, my respite was ended too soon as I was clubbed over the head by another of those infernal ethereal blades extending from Xemnas' palm and sent flopping over the invisible floor until I had landed in a heap.

"James! You..." Celestia shrieked before falling silent as Xemnas held his palm out to her with its ethereal blade extending and being held along her face as if prepared to slay her with a single stroke. Luna and Nightmare Moon looked on in horror as Xemnas was clearly prepared to take her out.

Thinking quickly, I managed to muster a defense. As Xemnas lifted his hand to prepare a fatal strike, I used the teleportation spell to send the Lunar Shield forward as it was placed between the blade and Celestia. Xemnas' attack clanked against the shield less than a second after the Lunar Shield appeared beside the Princess of the Dawn. He flinched in frustration, but was not prepared for the incoming assault from the three sisters.

Celestia, Luna, and Nightmare Moon wasted no time. We were all at the limits of our patience with this most persistent enemy. Celestia summoned a fiery aura over her horn that tripled in length before she dashed forward and ran Xemnas through on it. With a roar, she threw her head up to hurl him into the air while Luna and Nightmare Moon took flight with magic lightning coating their horns in the same manner. I could only watch in awe as the royal sisters flexed their magical might and aerial speed and maneuverability, swooping and circling Xemnas while performing passing slashes with their enchanted horns as if they were blades. They finally performed and unexpected tactic where they swooped under him and all delivered a powerful kick with each of their hind legs to launch him quite high into the air.

The three sisters dropped back down to the invisible floor and held their heads close together. Their magic auras surged around their horns as their unique elemental energies became apparent. Fire coated Celestia's horn, misty frost for Luna's, and crackling blue lightning for Nightmare Moon's. I watched from where I had fallen with utter awe as they prepared the final blow. Luna was the one to carry out the command. "Together, sisters!"

All at once, the three mighty alicorns unleashed their magic in a spiraling beam of elemental energies. Xemnas had only barely managed to regain control of his movement after being sent careening through the air, but was in no position to stop this attack. He looked on in frustration as the blast of magical energies blast right through his torso, leaving him impaled on it for a moment. The magic eventually ran its course and faded with Xemnas falling out of the air. He remained floating maybe a good ten feet off the floor, but... His hand clutched his chest with silver lightning sparking around both of them. His face was directed at the floor with eyes closed and teeth clenched. He was done.

I breathed a long sigh of relief as I slowly rose to my feet with the Celestial Sword still in my right hand. Xemnas was alive, but no longer able to fight. All that was left was to deliver the final blow. The three royal sisters turned to me and looked on in silence, although Nightmare Moon soon said, "Shall we give you the pleasure of delivering the coup de grace?"

Too fed up with this challenge and eager to just get everything over with, I nodded in silence while I stepped past them. I look up at Xemnas as he lifted his head enough to gaze back at me with his bold orange eyes. He was exhausted, yet his eyes were still filled with a foul ambition. Whether or not his words had any weight to them or that he did indeed have the potential to escape into the real world, I knew he was beyond salvation.

Without a word, I lifted the Celestial Sword high before channeling my right gauntlets lethal solar magic into it. A scorching white aura of celestial fire engulfed the blade before shooting straight up, increasing the blade's reach tenfold. I aligned the edge with our enemy and with a heavy sigh of relief, I lowered my blade with a halfhearted chop.

The blade of searing energy cleaved through Xemnas with no resistance. I expected him to let out a yell of some sort. And yet, he was strangely quiet. Instead, his final breath carried words that may or may not have meant anything at all. "Nothingness...is...eternal..."

Clutching at his chest and twitching in his death throes, Xemnas soon glared at us and reached out with one hand in vain. Fragments of the thorny black and white vines he had often summoned earlier began to scatter from his coat and engulf him before...distorted pillars of space itself began to shoot up around him before I literally saw Xemnas gasp his last breath as a look of frightful oblivion filled his face. Swirling black threads spun around him as he leaned back before fading away into utter nothingness while only leaving behind a very brief flurry of those black and white thorny shards and a black and white fog. And very soon, even those were gone. It was over.

The four of us stood in a row as we gazed up at where Xemnas had once been with only the gentle chiming of the world around us reaching our ears. The scorching aura faded from my sword's blade as I truly let myself relax. However, Nightmare Moon then asked, "So, what's next? A world of pure white with no depth? What will he use against us next?"

I got a little snicker out of my friend's excessive caution and turned to look at her and her sisters. "Nope. That's it. He's gone. That was his last stand."

All three of the royal sisters let out a rather humorous sigh of relief. They clearly had enough conflict for one night. Not that I could fault them. Still, I then smiled at them and said, "And just let me say... I'm amazed by just how well you three can handle yourselves in an up close fight like that! You really know how to adapt to he situation."

They all smiled gratefully while Luna even let out a laugh. "Well, we have to be! With the responsibilities that come from wearing a crown, we must have the means to defend our people from threats the royal guard cannot handle! We need to be powerful to lead our world and we know how to use said power should the need arise."

Celestia then added, "So... What next? It doesn't look like we can go anywhere from here... It just goes on forever."

"Yeah, we're pretty much stuck here. How about a change of scenery?" I asked, knowing that our only way out was either for me to wake up or for one of the night princesses to alter the dreamscape.

"Hmmm... Well, I say some recuperation is in order after that skirmish. I'm still sore after...whatever he hit me with. Allow me to set us up something more fitting." Nightmare Moon retorted as her horn was engulfed by her deep blue magic aura. Seconds later, the world of twisting whites and grays around us was blown away to reveal a vast tropical beach under a midday sun and the crashing surf nearby. A gentle warm breeze caressed my exposed face, but Nightmare Moon then added, "Now then, let's get you into something more fitting."

With another flash of light, I felt the Celestial Sword vanish from my hand along with the rest of my armor. I was only clad in a pair of floral patterned swim trunks. ""Oh, much better! So, what's... Um..."

"Yes?" Luna asked while the three of them looked at me in a row. All three of them had a slight bit of change in attire as well. Gone was their royal jewelry. In their place were pairs of sunglasses set over their eyes. On top of that, Celestia was wearing a very wide sun hat, Luna was wearing a wreath of tropical flowers around her neck, and Nightmare Moon was already slurping away on a pineapple smoothie that was floating near her head. I immediately forgot what I was going to say and just laughed at how eager they were to just unwind after that fight. I know I was.

A resort of sorts was nearby, so we all made a beeline there. I enjoyed a strawberry banana smoothie while Luna and Nightmare Moon frolicked in the surf with a beach ball. Celestia had chosen to catch some rays on a beach chair nearby while keeping her head covered by that hat. We were aimless and did not converse much for a good while. All we wanted to do was relax.

Eventually, Luna approached me at the juice bar and pulled up a stool before ordering a mango smoothie. When I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye, she glanced at me and smiled. "Quite a dream to experience right before your big day. And to think you'll be spending a full ten days at such a resort very soon."

I knew exactly what she meant. Today... My wedding day. And a nine night ten day stay at Cantercun for the honeymoon. I was immediately filled with a complex surge of anxiety and excitement. "Heh... Yeah, it is... And we will..."

Luna cast me a smirk as her magic aura pulled her sunglasses down enough to peer over them. "What's wrong? You're not getting cold feet, are you? A beautiful wife. A spectacular vacation. And you even have a darling foal on the way. Why so uneasy?"

"Heh... I dunno. I think it's a natural reaction for a bachelor to be nervous on his wedding day. Just worried something might go wrong. Or that getting married is a massive commitment I might not be ready for. I know I shouldn't be worried since not a whole lot will actually change, but still... It'll be fine. I know that. Even if my nerves disagree with me."

I felt Luna's wing drape across my bare back. "There there, my friend. I may not have experience in romance, but I can promise you that there is nothing to fear. Nothing will go wrong today. My sisters and I will see to that myself."

"Thanks... I'm glad all three of you can make it." I replied while having no idea what to expect. For the longest time, I have never been all that comfortable at weddings until after the ceremonies. But now I was going to be having my own. Wow... And here I thought it would never happen to me.

Eventually, my thoughts went back to our recent adversary. His choice of words early on... They still bothered me. "Luna? The stuff Xemnas said back there... Was he really capable of...escaping the dream realm and into the real world?"

The Princess of the Night took a long slurp of her drink before glancing at me. "In all honesty? I strongly doubt it. He may have been quite powerful in the world of his origins and was remarkably self-aware for a dream, but he was still just that. A dream. I have never heard of an incident where an entity within a dream escaped into the physical realm. Although if that were possible, Equestria would have a new breed of nightmares roaming every now and then, so let us be thankful such a phenomenon is not possible."

"Heh... Yeah, thank goodness. Wouldn't want the things I've dreamed up getting loose into Equestria." I said with an uneasy chuckle while going right back to my drink.

Not much later, I felt a subtle twitch. As if the world around me pulsed for a second. Luna glanced out at the horizon behind us. "Hm... That time already?"

"Time to wake up, huh?" I asked before slurping down the last of my drink. Even though it felt like we had been there for hours, it still felt too soon to wake up.

Celestia and Nightmare Moon must have detected it as well since the two of them came swooping over to us before trotting up to the bar. Celestia was the first to speak. "We felt it, Luna. This world is on the verge of fading."

"And I wanted to try some of that fire juggling at sundown..." Nightmare Moon grumbled in mild disappointment. Indeed, the sun was nowhere close to setting.

Still, the three sisters soon smiled at each other before looking at me. They obviously enjoyed this exhilarating dream we all shared. I smiled back and asked, "I'll see you all again today, right?"

"That you shall, my friend." Nightmare Moon replied as I saw her smile fade. She seemed to notice and put it right back up, but I still could not help but wondered what thoughts had crossed her mind.

Regardless, I did not have long to ponder it. The vast blue horizon over the sea nearby began to fade into an encroaching white void. I was on the verge of waking and it was time to say goodbye. Celestia then smiled at me while Luna waved goodbye. "It was a spectacular time, my friend. See you soon!"

My vision was engulfed with white before I felt my eyes open a second time. The ceiling of my bedroom hung over me. It did not take long for me to remember what day it was upon awakening. I went from feeling drowsy and relaxed to quite excited as I became alert. Fluttershy responded to my stirring as she too rolled over and looked at me. Her eyes suddenly lost their sleepy stare and became much more alive. We knew what day it was. Our wedding day.

"Morning, honey... It's a big day for us, right?" I asked while stroking my lover's lovely face as she grinned most brightly.

"Mmhm... I can't believe it's here. But... Is it normal for me to be this nervous too? There's going to be so many watching... We've invited guests from all over..." Fluttershy whispered back while looking both thrilled and uneasy. She never was fond of being the center of attention. And neither was I.

"Uh... Yeah, good point. Well, at least it's just for today. And after the party, we'll be heading south by train to Cantercun. So we've got something awesome to look forward to." I then explained while really looking forward to our honeymoon. What is Cantercun even like? I was looking forward to finding out.

That seemed to perk Fluttershy up as she tried to work up some bravery. "Oh, right... That really is something to look forward to. I'll be brave until I can finally relax... And I think somepony else is excited for today."

Knowing exactly what she was implying, I pulled the covers down. Gladesong was awake and squirming inside her mother's womb. My fiancée's heavily swollen belly was constantly shifting with little hooves pressing against the inner walls of her womb. She had gotten so big... We only have a month or so to go before she is here. I could not help reaching out to my lover's belly and rubbing over it. "Morning, sunshine. Mommy and Daddy are getting married today. Aren't you excited?"

At my words, Gladesong seemed to give a very sudden and strong push against Fluttershy's belly. "Ooh! I think she is!"

I could not help but laugh. I was genuinely looking forward to seeing our foal. But we could not stay distracted. We could not waste time today. "Anyway, we had best get ready. I'm gonna go wash up, all right?"

"Mmhm. I'll go ahead and get started on breakfast. I know Scootaloo is looking forward to getting out here and rehearsing for her part as one of the flower fillies." Fluttershy replied as she made her way to the hatch over the stairs. I wasted no time in hurrying into the bathroom and washing up. It was too soon to don my wedding attire, not to mention it was being kept at Rarity's place, so I settled for some khaki shorts and a green polo for the time being.

Scootaloo was sleeping late and Fluttershy was busy in the kitchen, so I decided to head around back to see if there were any eggs to collect. That, and there was someone I was hoping to see there. I reached the coop without incident and found that the chickens had not yet left the coop. I felt a twinge of delight in my heart, knowing that there was likely someone inside who was compelling them to remain on their nests. Smolder was probably in there.

I had not seen her since the last time we crossed paths and that was just a week ago. I knew she was apprehensive about meeting anyone else at the time, but I knew she liked using the chicken coop as a safe zone for sleeping in peace. However, when I got down on my knees to peer inside, I found that there was no one in there. The chickens were indeed roosting, but there was no sign of any guests.

Mildly disappointed, I let out a long sigh. However, I then heard a thump on the top of the coop. And it was soon followed by a familiar voice. "Looking for someone?"

I immediately lifted myself up until I was seeing a familiar orange dragon child looking back at me with a cheeky smile on her lips as she lay on the roof. I was about to speak her name, but then saw her extend an open hand to me. It was not so much to help me up as it was just a request to hold my hand. I returned the favor, grasping her hand in my own before rising to my feet. "Welcome back. You've been gone a while."

Smolder rose to her knees while still firmly holding onto my hand. She looked rather guilty, but still smiled. "Yeah, sorry... I was just trying to find the guts to stop by again... I haven't exactly had the best experiences when trespassing."

"I understand that. But remember, this is my house too. If anyone were to try to chase you off, I'd vouch for you." I replied while using my other hand to stroke her round smooth head. Smolder obviously enjoyed this as she swiveled her head to let me reach every spot I could.

"Yeah... I know, but... I'm just not ready, I guess..." Smolder mumbled as I drew my hand away from her. However, she suddenly caught it with her other hand and brought it to my other, pinning them between both of hers. I had no idea what to make of this as she looked down at our hands, but she soon glanced up at me without moving her head. Her beautiful blue eyes gazed at me as she spoke softly, "I really missed you..."

I let out a long sigh as I felt myself sharing the sentiment. Smolder released my hands so I could put my arms around her for a gentle embrace. "I missed you too."

I am not sure how I could tell, but I could feel Smolder smile as she pressed her face against my chest. "You always make me feel happy..."

We just stood there in silence, holding each other in our arms. However, Smolder soon turned her head to look up at me and ask, "Say... You still need to get the eggs?"

"Huh? Uh... Yeah, I should." I replied before seeing Smolder slap her tail spade against the chicken coop's roof several times. I soon had to stand aside as all the chickens started pouring out of the entrance. "Well... I guess they've started to listen to you?"

"I guess. Not sure why." Smolder retorted before she hopped down from the roof and crawled inside. She then started to pass me the eggs before crawling back out as I hoisted the eggs in a pail. "So... You got any plans today? I'd love to hang out with you like last time if you're not going anywhere."

As much as I sincerely enjoyed her company last time, I knew I had a fair bit of business to tend to. At least I would not have to go far. "Well... I am busy for a while today, but I'll still be in Ponyville. I'm getting married today."

Smolder seemed to have no understanding of what I was saying as she leaned against the coop with arms crossed and head tilted to one side. "Married? Uh... I don't know that word."

I was hardly surprised. I doubt there is such a practice in the more barbaric lands she hails from. Still, I tried to explain it the best I could. "Well... How do I put this... It's a ceremony of sorts where two lovers come together and become a couple. Fluttershy's my lover and we'll be getting married this early afternoon."

She appeared to be starting to understand what I was getting at, but Smolder's expression began to look uneasy or alarmed. "Wait... You mean... You have a mate?"

That certainly is a rather primitive term to use, but I could tell she knew what I was getting at. "Well... I guess you can say that."

I did not get the response I was expecting. When I said that... The light in her eyes... It just faded away as she slowly turned her gaze to the ground. "Oh... That's...cool, I guess... Good for you."

Her voice... Her usual tone had become akin to the monotone she spoke with at our first meeting. Perhaps even moreso. Only it sounded even more unhappy than back then. What did I do? "Smolder...? You OK?"

"Yeah..." She muttered without even looking at me, her arms returning to her sides. She began to walk towards the edge of the pen that was nearest to the Everfree Forest. "I should go..."

"Smolder, hang on. What's wrong? Was it something I said?" I asked in alarm as I began to fear I had just done something terrible. What happened to her? What did I say?

She turned her head to look at me, eyes nearly closed as I saw no life in them. "I'm fine... I'll be OK."

"No, you're not... Look, why don't you stay for breakfast? My wife would be happy to have you over." I replied while not being able to find a better term to refer to Fluttershy. Knowing how much she adores young dragons, she would be all too happy to meet Smolder.

My words did nothing to soothe Smolder. She turned away as she said, "Lost my appetite..."

"Smolder... Just... What did I do? You're scaring me..." I said while becoming increasingly worried. I did not want to see her in the exact same state as when I first found her. I wanted her to be happy, but now she seemed even more miserable than back then. If she were to leave now...

She did not even look at me. Smolder then spread her wings as she prepared to take flight. "Sorry... I'll go now so you won't have to worry about me."

I expected her to take flight like during her first departure. And yet... She did not. Or rather, she could not. She just could not muster the drive to flap her wings hard enough to take to the air. She could barely flap them at all. With that, she just gave up and climbed over the low fence before approaching the forest. I called out to her again only to see her look back at me with the same empty stare. "Look, I... I need to be alone for a while."

I wanted to stop her, but I could not find the will to pursue her. Not while knowing I had hurt her in some way. All I could do was watch as Smolder disappeared on foot into the Everfree Forest. Guilt gnawed at my nerves. I had no idea what I had done, but I knew I had done something awful. I just wish I knew what. With nothing else to do and knowing Smolder is more than capable of taking care of herself, I gathered up the pail of eggs and started to make my way back around to the front door. I had to try and at least distract myself with the matters of today.

Breakfast was all but ready when I stepped back inside and headed into the kitchen. Scootaloo was up by then and seated at the table. She immediately looked my way and smiled with a greeting. "Morning, Dad! You ready for the big day?"

"Uh... About as ready as I'll ever be." I replied while trying to hide my emotions. Smolder's sudden and worrying departure was still weighing heavily on my mind and I did not want either of them to notice that I was worrying about a random stranger neither of them knew. I doubt Smolder would want me telling just anyone about her.

Not much of interest happened for a while. Scrambled eggs, hash browns, fruit on waffles, the works. It was all good stuff and Fluttershy was going the extra mile to give our special day a great start. Unfortunately, my appetite betrayed me as I could scarcely bring myself to eat at all. Fluttershy was the first to notice and asked, "Is something wrong, dear?"

I let out a sigh of frustration as I realized that I had blown my cover. Still, I did not want to trouble her or Scootaloo with something they had no connection to. So I said, "Just... I guess it's my nerves getting to me. Never thought I'd ever really get married, you know?"

What I did not expect was for Fluttershy to smirk at me before walking over to me. "That's all? Well, Mama Fluttershy can fix that."

"Fix it? Just how do..." I said before I was caught in a loving embrace and found Fluttershy giving me a most impassioned kiss. Since when was she that bold?! I noticed Scootaloo gag out of the corner of my eye and turn away with arms crossed, but she kept sneaking brief glances at us out of a strange morbid curiosity. For being such a tomboy, I think she does have a soft spot for romance growing.

I let out a gasp as Fluttershy broke the kiss. Indeed, that did derail my train of thought and left me dazed as Fluttershy smiled at me. "Feeling better?"

"Um..... Yep!" I retorted while finding a smile spreading across my lips. She was right about one thing. Today was a day I should be thoroughly enjoying. I was concerned for Smolder, but I knew I would see her again after the honeymoon. She would be fine. I hope...

It was around that time that Scootaloo brought up a good point. "Get a room, guys! I can't believe you're tying the knot after only two years..."

Fluttershy and I fell silent as she looked at Scootaloo and then each other. Two years. A measly two years and we were getting married with a foal on the way. For just a few seconds, I saw a glimmer of doubt flash through Fluttershy's eyes. I am sure my eyes did the same. Even so, we soon pushed those doubts out of our thoughts. We had already had such a discussion months ago and came to a conclusion. We knew what we both wanted and things were all going to be all right.

Still, I could tell by that look in her eyes that Fluttershy wanted to cover that subject with Scootaloo. As did I. Fluttershy then returned to her stool while we both turned our gazes to Scootaloo before she said, "You're right, Scootaloo. It has been only two years since James and I met."

I then added, "But you know that doesn't mean you should get hitched and have kids after only two years with your lover, right?"

"Huh? It's not? But... You two are always so happy together! You go together so well! What's wrong?" Scootaloo asked in surprise while glancing back and forth at us.

I smiled at Fluttershy while she smiled back. "You're right. We do. Your mother and I love each other very much and we have no desire to leave each other."

However, Fluttershy then looked at Scootaloo and spoke with a more serious expression, "But that doesn't mean we didn't rush into it. We were both worried we had made a mistake of going too far too fast when we found out I was pregnant. I fell in love with him after knowing him for only five days and I knew that I might have been too hasty in pursuing a relationship with him."

"Uh huh... And that's a bad thing?" Scootaloo replied, being very naive about the subject even though I know she is kind of in a budding relationship with Button Mash. Or as much of a relationship as a pair of preteens can be.

"Yeah, it can be. Relationship's need to be built up slowly and carefully. I know there have been relationships that have been built up even faster than ours that lasted a lifetime, but it's still wise to use caution. If you ever wind up in a relationship, don't rush it. And don't discuss having kids near the start. That's for something to think about much further down the road." I then explained while hoping she would understand. Fluttershy and I have meshed together spectacularly, so I was hardly worried that anything would go wrong in the long run. But it was not an example just anyone should follow.

Scootaloo nodded in understanding. She seemed to get the point. "I gotcha. Take my time when I find the right colt, huh? I can do that. Thanks for the heads up."

"No problem. Relationships can be a messy business and I know what it's like for one to end badly." I retorted before going back to my meal now that my appetite was restored. Now in better spirits, I thought ahead to the wedding. "Say... You and the other girls are the flower fillies, right?"

"Yep! Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were the flower fillies at Cadence's wedding, so we know how to do the job right! We'll do a good job." Scootaloo retorted while suddenly sounding pretty excited about the whole thing. She must have really enjoyed that role. "Just checking, but the wedding starts at 5 PM?"

"Yeah, but I think the guests start showing up as early as 3 PM... Man, how many will even be showing up? Who did we send invitations out to again?" I replied before providing a good question myself. I could not for the life of me remember every last name on the list. Shining Armor and Cadence were invited and I know Fancy Pants would be attending, but... Who else?

Fluttershy looked at me in unease while I looked back. Neither of us have ever been comfortable being the center of attention and we were about to be just that for a lot of guests from all over. Fluttershy cracked an uneven grimace as she said, "Well... I hope they have a good time and...don't bother us too much..."

"Yeah... I'm nervous too." I retorted while trying to just look forward to the honeymoon that would be happening immediately afterward. The train for Cantercun would be departing at sunset and we were to be on it.

Before long, Scootaloo headed off for school and Fluttershy departed for Rarity's place to make some final preparations for her wedding dress. I decided to stay behind and do the dishes before heading out for Ponyville. I had been giving the day off from work to enjoy some time to myself and to make certain I could make any extra adjustments for the wedding.

Pretty much the instant I entered Ponyville proper, I noticed something was not right. Every few rooftops had a pegasus perched atop it while clad in gilded armor while equally armored unicorn stallions were spread out here and there as well. Why had the royal guard been dispatched to Ponyville? And on the day of my wedding?

Eventually, I came to the town square. The town hall was set to be used as the chapel for the wedding to take place in. Equestria as a whole does not seem to be a world that concerns itself with religion, so wedding ceremonies do not seem to be dictated or influenced by some belief in a higher power. Very refreshing, I must say.

I stood in the road and looked up and down at the town hall. There were on signs of any external decorations unless you could count the four pegasus guards on the roof as some. All the decor was reserved for the inside. However, I was then approached by Applejack while she held a pear in one hoof. She was even wearing that red neckerchief I got her over the holidays. "Howdy, James! Lookin' forward ta yer big day, huh?"

"Morning, AJ. And yeah... At least I would be if I wasn't so nervous about it." I retorted while she took a bite of her snack.

Applejack could not help speaking while still chewing with her mouth open, probably because she did not want to make me wait for a response. "Oh, that's nothin'. My ma and pa had butterflies in their stomachs all day until after their vows. It'll get better for ya. I guess it's just natural ta...pardon me... Mm, sorry. Had ta swallow. But it'll get better."

Before we could even say anything else, Rainbow Dash suddenly came galloping in from nowhere and pointed her hoof right at Applejack. "Hey! Trying to pull a fast one on us, huh?! Nice try! Applejack's all about apples! Not pears!"

Applejack and I looked at each other in confusion before she glanced at her snack and back at Rainbow Dash. "Huh? Pears?! Come on, Rainbow! Just because I run Sweet Apple Acres don't mean I don't like other kinds of fruit! At least unless we're talkin' about grapefruit since that stuff's sour enough ta turn yer face inside-out."

"Don't gimme that! Why do ya think we've got guards all over the place! Hey! We've got a spy!" Rainbow Dash replied before shouting into the air. I could only watch in utter confusion. Was I missing something here?

And if that was not enough, Pinkie Pie suddenly popped up from behind me and pointed at Rainbow Dash while letting out an exaggerated gasp. "Oh my gosh! Rainbow Dash is actually standing! On the ground! Which means she's NOT Rainbow Dash since Rainbow Dash is always flying!"

Now it was Rainbow's turn to be confused. "What?! No, I've just gotta keep my legs in shape! They'll get weak and flimsy if I only fly everywhere I go!"

"All of you! Freeze!" A voice commanded to my left before we saw one of the royal guard's unicorn personnel approaching us with his magic aura surging around his horn. I took it as a threat and remained still, as did my three friends. The guard went from one to the other, moving his horn up and down on each side like a metal detector at a security checkpoint. Once he had finished with me, his expression relaxed somewhat while his horn's aura faded. "You're all clean. Carry on."

While the guard trotted away to resume his patrol, I looked down at my three friends. "OK...? What was that all about?"

"So... I guess that means you two aren't Changelings?" Pinkie Pie then asked while looking extremely apologetic. As was Rainbow Dash while she rubbed the back of her head with a hoof.

That was a term I was not familiar with. Changelings? Like...the demonic fae of myth? Only they likely were not that. Rainbow Dash was the first to apologize as she had difficulty looking Applejack in the eye. "Uh... Heheh... Sorry about that, AJ. I...uh..."

"Ah, save it, Rainbow. We're all kinda on edge today. I was thinkin' the same thing as Pinkie Pie when ya came runnin' on over instead of flyin' like ya usually do." Applejack retorted before taking another bite of her snack.

Again, I spoke up. "All right. Changelings. That's something I've never heard before. Am I missing something here?"

"I believe I can answer that best." I heard a familiar voice speak up. Approaching us was none other than Shining Armor. Only instead of being decked out in his usual suit of armor, he was wearing a very snazzy red jacket that looked strangely familiar. Had I seen that before on someone else as a costume?

I was quick to smile at my friend and welcomed him. "Hey there, Armor. Didn't think you'd get here this early."

He smiled back at me and said, "Yeah, well, I had to be here to supervise the royal guard. You've probably already seen them here and there around town and it's not without reason. Princess Celestia, Luna, and Nightmare Moon themselves insisted that we take some extra precautions today."

"Ooooh, so that's why there was one right outside my bathroom window! And here I thought he was just being a peeping tom! Could you tell him sorry I threw my bath sponge at him?" Pinkie Pie replied while making the rest of us laugh. That must have been an unpleasant experience for both sides.

"Uh... Yeah, sorry. The less other folks know, the better. It's just that... You remember what happened at the last high profile wedding, right?" Shining Armor chuckled before regaining his more serious composure.

"Yeah, we were there. Yours, right?" Rainbow Dash retorted while I was still in the dark about everything they were talking about.

"Again, what are Changelings and why are they a problem today?" I asked again while hoping to get some answers.

Shining Armor quickly replied, "Oh, they're not a problem today! Or at least we're making sure they won't be. We're taking every step we can to make sure that incident doesn't repeat itself."

"And what incident is that?" I asked, now sincerely curious as to what happened shortly before my arrival in Equestria.

The captain of the guard let out a long exasperated sigh while his eyes looked elsewhere. "Yeah... My wedding from a little while back. That was a special kind of fiasco there. So many warning signs and yet we failed at every turn to prevent it. Long story short, the queen of the Changelings herself infiltrated Canterlot, abducted Cadence and took her place, and duped me like nopony's business to set up a full-scale invasion of Equestria's capital. That was the most embarrassing failure in pretty much the entire history of the royal guard and it really struck a nerve with Princess Celestia herself. Things still turned out fine in the end and really quickly at that, but that day was a huge wakeup call for us to not make those kinds of mistakes again. We overhauled pretty much all of our guidelines, developed spells to detect disguised Changelings, you name it. Nopony is gonna mess this day up for you."

"Yeesh, that sounds like it was a mess... But again. What IS a Changeling? And...how does a Changeling disguise herself as Cadence?" I asked while taking in every word he said. I was kind of glad I was too late to the party to even get to witness such a unique kind of calamity.

Rainbow Dash was the first to respond and with a fair bit of gusto. "Oh, you know. Butt ugly bug ponies with blank blue eyes. Black carapace. Chunks missing from their legs. Thin buzzing insect wings. That kinda ugly."

"Still doesn't tell me much." I retorted while having a hard time even picturing such a creature in my head.

Shining Armor then explained, "I'll tell you what you need to know. Changelings get their name due to the fact that they are shape shifters. They can mimic ANYPONY. And they have been declared enemies of Equestria. That invasion was the first real act of any sort of mention in ages since they had long been such a reclusive race. And... Well... I don't really understand how myself, but they seem to feed on love. However that works. I think that was the real prize they were after when they invaded."

I could only cross my arms and turn my gaze to Canterlot in the distance. "Sounds like a fairly base motivation. But... Wait, you seriously think the Changelings would have an interest in this wedding?"

Shining Armor rolled his eyes a bit as if not entirely sure himself. "No clue, but we're not taking chances this time. If anything were to happen to you or Fluttershy, it wouldn't bode well for Equestria. Changelings or no Changelings, we'll make sure nothing goes wrong."

Applejack then brought up the very same point I was thinking of. "Now hang on a minute. I mean I get why that queen thought you and Cadence were worth goin' after. Yer the captain of the royal guard and Cadence's got some strings with the royal family. What's so special about James and Fluttershy?"

"Do I really need to say it?" Shining Armor replied as his expression darkened before turning his gaze to me. "You and Fluttershy are the bearers of the Elements of Humanity and Kindness. And from what I understand, Equestria can't afford to let anything unfortunate happen to you two."

I had all but forgotten. The Elements of Harmony and Humanity. Yes, we are absolutely needed for them to function. I lowered my arms as the realization dawned on me. "Yeah... We are... Thanks for being here for us, captain."

Shining Armor quickly shook off his dour look and smiled at me instead. "Hey, it's what we're here for. I'd hate to see my good friend's wedding get ruined by a bunch of unwanted party crashers." He then turned his gaze to my three friends. "And don't trouble yourselves over anypony doing something unusual. If there's a Changeling in town, my men will notice. Don't go trying to do their jobs for them."

"Yeah, sorry. I'll keep my nose outta their business." Rainbow Dash replied while looking rather sheepish over being too eager to make accusations. She was probably just looking for some action at the time.

"Right then! The wedding's not for several hours anyway, so I'll leave you ladies to it." Shining Armor then said while my three friends said their goodbyes and went on their ways. They likely had some things to take care of before the wedding anyway.

Now that Shining Armor and I were alone, my friend took the moment to get my attention. "Hey, James? If you've got a minute... Got a quick question for you."

Somewhere in my gut, I had a good idea of where this was going. "Sure. What's on your mind?"

His expression became a bit odd as if he was struggling to find the right words. "Well... Cadence woke me up early this morning and... Well... She asked me if we could put off having kids for a few years."

Yep. It was exactly what I was expecting. "Um... Is that a problem?"

"Well... No, I wouldn't say it's a problem, but... Cadence has always loved kids and even babies. We've been talking about starting a family for a while, but... I have no idea where this came from! I mean I have no problem waiting a while longer, but... This just doesn't seem like her. And she looked really freaked out when she told me. Any idea what to make of that?"

My thoughts went back to the night from before when Nightmare Moon allowed me to peer into Cadence's dream. To see her holding that...unholy abomination... And it was that abomination that horrified her into waking up in the first place. "Uh... I'm guessing she had a really freakish nightmare about giving birth to a demon child and wants to wait things out until she thinks the curse has passed?"

I did not get the response I was expecting. Shining Armor just stared at me before bursting into raucous laughter. To be fair, it was a really hilarious thing to think about in hindsight. "Ooooh, that's a good one! And I can actually see her thinking that! Sorry to bother you about this. That conversation's been on my mind all day and I just needed to get a second opinion."

"No problem. Anyway, should I let you get back to your rounds?" I replied while wondering if it was a good idea to keep the head of security at my own wedding distracted for so long.

Shining Armor looked a bit startled to be reminded of his duties. "Oh, yeah! I need to check in with Estoc soon for a status report. Need to be updated every hour. I'll let you go now. See you again when the wedding starts!"

I watched as Shining Armor galloped away before turning my gaze back towards the town hall. I think it is frequently used for private grand parties or important occasions. Even though I would expect such a place to serve as the mayor's workplace, I could not help but wonder if that was the case for a building that was so spacious on the inside. I doubt it even has a private office in there. Regardless, I decided to take a peek and see how the preparations were going.

With all said, I was a bit underwhelmed by what I saw as I nudged the front door open a bit. Perhaps it was because preparations were still underway, but there was not a whole lot worth mentioning. A red carpet rolled down the middle of the hall to a low platform with an extra smaller platform in the middle as a white arch topped with a golden spire stood behind it. Rows of white chairs with wire-like frames stood at the sides of the carpet while white banners hung everywhere while being joined by twin wedding bells for the sake of decor. Several pegasi were busy hanging up more and I even saw Derpy Hooves among them. I decided to leave them be and quietly closed the doors behind me. I could only imagine what would be there when the ceremony began.

With it still being too early for lunch, I went for a walk through the park to help pass the time. And for once, nothing of any real mention occurred there. I visited my favorite pond, fed the fish, and walked laps around the water's edge. I frequently have someone show up on days that I choose to chronicle, but this was not one of them. After maybe an hour or two, I started to make my way back towards Ponyville proper. Still a little too soon for lunch, I decided to pay Rarity a visit. She was likely putting the finishing touches on Fluttershy's dress and my suit. Or was she even making me any attire for the wedding? I had asked Rarity a while ago about it, but she insisted that she had everything planned out.

Upon arriving at the Carousel Boutique, I found a sign hanging from the door. 'Closed due to private event'. Rarity certainly was not about to miss the wedding of her best friends. I pushed the door open, the bell hanging on the other side letting out a jingle. However, there was no sign of anyone in the main workroom. Knowing that Rarity keeps her most personal projects within her own private chambers, I made my way upstairs and down the little hall on the second floor. Before I got far, I could already hear the voices of Rarity and Fluttershy on the other side of the wall.

From the sound of things, Fluttershy was very delighted at whatever Rarity was doing with her dress. Rarity never disappoints when it comes to attires designed with a personal touch. And yet the more I listened, the more that wretched uneasiness boiled in the pit of my stomach. Are wedding days always that stressful? I knew that I loved Fluttershy and that she loved me and we never get tired of each other, so why so uncertain? I knew I had nothing to worry about. Was it just the apprehension of locking myself into a union that could not be annulled without a messy divorce procedure? I silently scolded myself. Once it was over, everything would be just fine and we would both be happier for it. I just needed to push on through in spite of my nerves.

Not wanting to just barge in when Rarity was not expecting visitors, I knocked on her bedroom door. I heard the two mares yelp in surprise. They really were not expecting anyone to come upstairs. Rarity quickly regained her composure and spoke from the other side of the door. "Who is it?"

I was about to respond, but took a second to think up a wittier reply that she would adore. I adopted a more refined accent as I said, "Your prince, m'lady."

A loud gasp reached my ears before the door was flung open and I was pulled inside by an unseen force. Rarity then suddenly embraced me as she shrieked, "Oh, just who I was hoping to see! You've come at a good time, my love."

"Make some room!" Fluttershy then added before I found myself being embraced from each side by both of my dearly beloveds. I could only chuckle as I embraced them back, the two of them taking turns to plant soft kisses upon my lips. They really do play off of each other quite well.

"Sorry to stop by unannounced. I'm just trying to kill time before the ceremony. How's our outfits coming? They ready?" I asked as my lovers released their grips on me. I glanced around and saw nothing unusual aside from my stylized white tux I had worn to the Grand Galloping Gala this year. However, there was a curtain draped around a spot along the wall. "Is this it?"

Rarity was quick to get between me and the curtain. "Oh no no no no! No peeking until the wedding! It'd be best to see it when your betrothed is wearing it, no? Be patient."

Fluttershy let out a giggle at Rarity's insistence. I did not mind and stepped back to honor Rarity's request. "I guess that's a good point. But is it ready?"

"Mmhm. I tried it on myself and it looks wonderful. But what will you be wearing, dear?" Fluttershy replied as our eyes fell upon Rarity. Where was my suit for the wedding?

Feeling herself become the center of attention, Rarity rubbed one hoof over her scalp. "Well... I must confess that no matter what I put on the drawing board..." She then pointed at my white tux. "I just could not come up with anything that could top that!"

"You mean...this?" I asked while I approached my full suit from the gala. It was pressed and ironed, ready for use as its components hung from hangers.

Rarity walked alongside me as she explained, "Quite! I think I really outdid myself with this one. Why wear it to just the Grand Galloping Gala? I'll never be able to make something that says 'you' as much as this. Why not let this ensemble be your response to every formal occasion?"

She had a point. It fits me well and really does look like it would work in any special occasion that calls for formal attire. I crossed my arms and smiled while I beheld my personal custom suit. "I see your point... And it does look perfect for a wedding. No need to make a new one if what you have is already ideal, huh?"

Fluttershy smiled as well while she said, "It is, isn't it? I just can't imagine anything else being better for the wedding."

I was about to say something in response, but then noticed Rarity gazing longingly at what was set to be my wedding attire. Fluttershy was the one to break the silence and ask, "Is something wrong, Rarity?"

Her best friend's words caught Rarity's attention as she very quickly turned her gaze towards us. "Oh? No, nothing's truly wrong. It's just..." She then looked up at me with such a somber stare. "I just wish I could join you both at the alter."

I let out a quiet sigh as Fluttershy's face also showed a solemn frown. My fiancée then said softly, "Me too... I know the three of us would be very happy together."

I was at a loss for words. I knew what she wanted and I knew I wanted it too. But such a thing was impossible without drawing the wrong kind of attention. Despite my reluctance to pursue such an unorthodox relationship in earnest, I loved Rarity too much to not want her to join Fluttershy and I at the altar in marriage. And knowing she would be left out did leave my mood feeling quite low.

Rarity must have noticed my melancholy expression since she then used her magic to lower the blinds over every window in the room. I watched her climb onto her bed before resting upon it and patting the blanket with her hoof. "Come here, darlings... While we have time, may we...just be together?"

My eyes glanced at Fluttershy, who also looked back at me. I had a hunch of what she wanted and Fluttershy likely thought the same as she smiled. I just nodded at Rarity before approaching and lying on my back beside her. Fluttershy then climbed onto the bed and rested by me with Rarity on my other side.

I let out a long sigh as the two beautiful mares adjusted themselves so that their heads were nearly parallel with my own. I glanced back and forth to see my beloveds smiling most tenderly at me. Rarity reached out with her hoof and cupped my cheek to pull my face into a brief yet sweet kiss. Her gorgeous azure eyes gazed into mine with such adoration as she whispered, "Our wonderful stallion..."

Before I could even say anything, Fluttershy reached over and cupped my opposite cheek before doing the same. She pulled my face over to her before planting a kiss of her own upon my lips. My beautiful pregnant lover gazed at me with the same adoring eyes as Rarity while she whispered, "Our dear husband..."

I felt my heart swell with almost giddy elation as any dourness faded from my senses. Back and forth we went, turning to Rarity and Fluttershy as we shared many sweet kisses as lovers. They were in almost perfect symmetry. Understanding and trusting each other unconditionally. There is no mare Fluttershy trusts more than Rarity and vice versa. And I love them both.

Eventually, Rarity pressed into one such kiss with renewed passion, muffled moans humming in her throat as our tongues danced in tender love. She tasted wonderful in ways I cannot describe. A flavor that was hers alone. Our eyes remained closed until our lips parted ways with our eyes gazing dreamily at each other. And then it was Fluttershy's turn. I turned to gaze at the mare who would soon be my wife and was greeted with a powerful kiss of her own. Rarity's lingering taste mixed with hers, treating my tongue to a most wonderful fusion of those two wonderful mares I love so dearly. My hand joined in as well, rubbing over Fluttershy's swollen round middle as our daughter quietly stirred within as if to say how she approved of us basking in each other's love.

As we kissed, Rarity stood up and changed locations. She soon rested on the opposite side of Fluttershy and rested her hoof upon my hand as it caressed her best friend's swollen belly. My eyes remained closed, but I knew where she was and what she was doing. Her hoof slid off my hand and began to caress Fluttershy's belly while my fiancée let out tender delighted moans deep in her throat. When we finally broke the kiss, Fluttershy's face was flushed with a clear blush while Rarity and I tended to her delicate belly and the foal that stirred within. The foal Rarity had named. "You... You're both being so good to me..."

"Because we both love you." I whispered back as my fingers slid over a small bump in her belly. Rarity did the same, placing her hoof over a bump where her goddaughter was likely reaching out to her. Fluttershy set her head back and let out short quick breaths as if she was almost being tickled. Rarity and I continued to feel along her heavy round belly, caressing her and feeling for the foal within.

"That we do, darling. We love you." Rarity said as she placed a sweet kiss upon Fluttershy's cheek. My lover let out a delighted giggle as her eyes closed. In that moment, it felt like we were already wed to each other. Two mares to one man. Loving each other and being loved. My thoughts went back to the discussion we had not that long ago. I was feeling so much more sure of myself by now. It felt so right, the three of us being together in such a way. I knew I could do it. I knew I could love each of them in a balance. I began to wonder when and where I would be ready to try. Certainly not today, but maybe... Just maybe someday soon. I love them both too much to have them as anything less.

This continued for several minutes. Fluttershy and Rarity giving me such loving kisses while Rarity and I caressed Fluttershy's belly to feel the child the three of us would soon raise together as a family. Eventually, I think Fluttershy started to enjoy our touch a little too much. "James... Rarity... I think that's enough... I'm starting to feel...too good..."

She was right. A very faint scent began to fill the air that reached our nostrils. Rarity and I both hastily pulled our hand and hoof away from Fluttershy's belly as our elegant friend stammered, "Oh! Oh, yes, we should probably stop. I didn't mean for things to progress into THAT when I..."

"Yeah, sorry. I forgot how much you love your belly rubbed when pregnant..." I added while nervously turning my gaze to the canopy that hung above the bed. However, I then felt her hoof upon my arm. I turned to look and saw Fluttershy gazing at me with a very happy smile, her other hoof resting upon Rarity's.

The three of us shared a long quiet gaze as Fluttershy reached out to each of us. My fiancée then whispered, "I love you both so much..."

Rarity looked like she was struggling to hold back tears. And I too was touched in a way I did not expect. Fluttershy wanted all three of us to be together. And so did Rarity and I. It did not feel wrong or sinful at all. I wanted to make this work. I then looked at Rarity and said, "We can make adjustments to the plans when we leave tonight. We can arrange for another room at the resort..."

However, Rarity just shook her head and said, "No, don't you concern yourself with me, dear. This honeymoon is for just the two of you. You two darlings just go out there and enjoy yourselves to the fullest. You deserve it."

"Really...? You... You don't have to stay behind. We can make room for you." Fluttershy retorted while looking quite disheartened.

"Yes, I'm absolutely sure. Perhaps we can have a family vacation sometime in a few years. And besides..." Rarity replied before looking a bit uneasy. "I have a number of deadlines to meet this coming week. I can't just drop everything and leave these commissions alone at the drop of a hat."

"Ah... Work before pleasure, I guess. We'll try to bring you a souvenir." I replied while happening to notice a number of rough drafts pinned to the board at her personal workstation at the far end of the room. Ten in all. Thank goodness Rarity enjoys her job and loves an occasional challenge. She always pulls through in the end.

The three of us held each other in an embrace while we remained on the bed for a moment longer. Truly, this was meant to be. Those two mares are almost like sisters. And I am honored to be the man they love. I made a promise to myself as I felt their hooves rest upon my hand. Someday... Someday, I will invite Rarity to truly join our family. As my mare. It will all work out. We will find a way. And we will all be happier for it.

Before long, I started to notice a faint sound from Fluttershy. Rarity must have detected it too since she looked up at Fluttershy's face right at the same time I did. Fluttershy had drifted off to sleep and snored lightly while looking so very happy. Rarity then looked over at me and asked, "She fell asleep for a nap?"

By then, I was hardly surprised. I let out a quiet snicker before explaining, "Yeah, that's one of the downsides to pregnancy when it's in its later stages. All that extra mass tires her out faster. She loves the experience, but she runs out of energy quicker these days. So that means more naps to compensate."

Rarity held a hoof to her mouth while letting out a quiet giggle. "Oh, I can tell she loves being swollen with life. Regardless of the downsides, it will all be worth it in the end." She then rested her hoof over my hand while casting me a most loving smile as she batted those luscious eyelashes at me. "Perhaps someday I too will get to experience it for myself."

I felt giddy at the thought. I know I have already documented it before, but Rarity really would make a wonderful mother. And I know she wants me to father her foals. Even with the risks... Even at the potential harm it could do to her career, she was prepared to risk it all. Just to be happy and live the life she wanted. Rarity is far braver than one would expect and I love her all the more for it. I turned my hand over to grasp her hoof in it and whispered, "Maybe someday, dear... I know we would all be very happy with it."

"I know... But for now, I'll just have to spoil this little one rotten." Rarity said with a playful smirk as she rubbed her hoof over Fluttershy's belly. Gladesong responded in kind with a hoof pushing against her mother's womb and forming a bump under her godmother's hoof. "I can't wait to meet you, child..."

I could only smile warmly at Rarity's desire to meet my daughter. She really will be a wonderful aunt to her. It was only then that I happened to glance at the clock hanging on the wall. It was about to strike noon. I would have to grab some lunch. I hesitated on asking Rarity to join me since I was not sure if we should leave Fluttershy alone, but she seemed to have read my body language and replied to my unspoken question. "Oh, you go ahead, darling. I'll stay here and make sure to wake Fluttershy up when the time is right. It wouldn't do for her to be late to her own wedding."

"Thanks, Rarity. I'll meet up with you again when the wedding gets started." I replied before climbing to my feet. However, my eyes then fell upon my stylized tux. I then looked back at Rarity and asked, "You think it would be fine if I put that on now and save me the round trip?"

Rarity liked the sound of that and nodded. "Oh, the sooner I get to see you in that, the better. Go right ahead."

I went ahead and undressed before retrieving my suit and its matching black shoes. But not before Rarity caught me from behind in an embrace and rubbed her hooves over my bare torso with her face nuzzling my bare back. "Mmmm... I couldn't help myself, dear... I just had to feel you without any fabric getting in the way."

"It's fine, dear... And you have the smoothest hooves. Like polished glass." I replied softly while rubbing my hands over her arms. She eventually relented and allowed me to dress myself. I took a look at myself in a nearby mirror, liking how I looked. I was tempted to fetch my cane as well, but this was my wedding day. Not a night out on the town. Still, I could not help smiling at myself clad in Rarity's masterpiece. "Man, I don't think I'll ever get tired of this suit. Fabulous, my love."

Rarity giggled in delight, though I think it was more in response to how I addressed her instead of the praise I gave her work. "Mmmhmhmhm! Only the best for the love of my life."

Before I could leave, I still had one last thing to do. I got down on one knee and held Rarity in my arms, kissing her deeply in thanks. We both sighed while we gazed into each other's eyes. "Thank you again, dear. I'll see you soon."

"You are most welcome, my love. See you at the wedding." Rarity whispered back quietly. I then placed a soft kiss upon Fluttershy's cheek while she slumbered peacefully and quietly made my way out of Rarity's home. It was time for lunch.

My trip to the café was without incident. Although there were empty tables outside with some even having a few stools around them instead of hay piles, I felt it would not do to dine outside while in formal attire. For once, I went inside and pulled up a seat at the bar. There was a decent lunch rush at the time with the bartender passing me a menu. I felt tempted to eat light in order to save room for the buffet after the wedding, so I started to browse the list of sandwiches.

A minute or two later, a voice spoke up from right next to me. "May I have this seat?"

"Sure, go right... Wait..." I started to say before I noticed the voice registered with me. I had heard it before. Upon looking to my left, I saw a familiar face looking back at me. "Trixie! You're early."

That beautiful magician looked back at me with a delighted smile. I had not seen Trixie since Hearths Warming Eve. She had discarded her stage attire for the time being. "Well, I had to show up a little early to meet up with Pinkie Pie. She insisted that I help with the festivities, so I needed to plan ahead."

"You'll be helping with the ceremony? Doing what? Adding a little flair to things?" I asked while the bartender passed Trixie a menu of her own.

"Oh, something to that effect. Something very appropriate." She replied with a bit of a sly smirk. Knowing we both had a schedule to keep, we soon placed orders for sandwiches with no side dishes. We both had the same idea, not wanting to fill up too much before the really good stuff became available.

Trixie soon propped her chin up on her hoof as she looked at me. "So, how's Fluttershy? She's due anytime now, right?"

"Yeah, pretty soon. I'd say no later than a month from now." I replied while glancing at the rows of premium liquor lining the back of the bar. I wondered what some would taste like, but knew better than to spend money on expensive booze at a bar. Not worth the cost.

"You excited? Or maybe nervous?" Trixie then asked while starting to smirk. I could tell she was just trying to have fun rather than antagonize me.

I took a long breath to try and find the right words. "A little of both, really. I don't think any amount of preparation can truly prepare you for your first child, but we've done everything we could to prepare ourselves for it. It's not like our first choice was to keep the kid, you know."

My friend's expression became more sincere as she took in my words. "You kept your options open, huh? That's good. I don't know what it's like to have kids, but I can't imagine myself deciding to keep it if I suddenly found myself pregnant one day."

"Nah, I'm not that cocky. Impulsively choosing to keep the kid upon finding out your lover is pregnant is just a folly of pride. I've seen what happens when you do that and it's not a pretty picture. Kind of scared me straight, to be honest. But... In the end, we decided we wanted to keep the little one and have been taking every step we can to prepare. Fluttershy's really looking forward to meeting her. And she's really enjoying the experience as a whole." I replied while thinking back to my beloved. Once again, a complex mixture of excitement and uneasiness flooded my senses. Although I suppose that is normal by now.

Trixie gave me a sudden wink. "You're smart. And I'm glad to hear she's having such a good time during the whole thing. She found a wonderful man to father her foal."

I was at a loss for words upon hearing that from her. Still, Trixie is not one for subtlety. We did not get much time to talk as our orders were soon delivered to us. Conversation was kept to a minimum while we ate, even though it only took us a few minutes at most to finish off our meals.

I did not expect Trixie to have to depart so soon as she started to climb down from her stool. But she still gave me a smile and said, "I'm sorry to have to part ways so soon, but I really wasn't expecting to find you while grabbing a bite to eat. I still have some final preparations to make for my contribution. But I'm sure we'll be catching up on lost time very soon."

"It's cool. I'll see you at the main event. See you soon, Trixie." I replied while watching my friend trot out the door. I stayed behind to finish my glass of water before standing up and making my way outside as well. I was thinking of stopping by the town hall to see how things were going.

I noticed more ponies milling about in the town square once the hall came into view. Fluttershy and I had insisted on personal discretion for attire instead of a specific dress code, so just about everyone was without formal attire. Most I knew, some I did not. Though with me being the only human in town, and therefore being very easy to recognize, I suppose it was not entirely surprising to see so many locals who barely knew me showing up to wish Ponyville's only human well on his wedding.

Many waved and said hello from a distance and I returned the favor before peeking into the town hall once more. Not much had changed aside from all of the decor having been finished being put up aside from a pile of white, yellow, and pink roses stacked high on a pair of pedestals at the sides of the altar. Now that it seemed everyone was done, I felt it would be fine for me to step inside and take a look around.

The one thing that really caught my eye was a table that held a stack of wrapped presents. I had completely forgotten about that part of a wedding. I was not expecting gifts of any sort. "Heh... Looks like Christmas came early."

Hardly anyone else was left in the hall as I looked around, but I soon bumped into Twilight Sparkle while she too seemed to be inspecting things here and there. She was quick to greet me when our eyes locked. "Hey there, James! Today's the big day! You nervous?"

"I think that goes without saying." I replied while still unsure of exactly what to feel. Taking note of Twilight's presence and remembering how she is the town's organizer for the Winter Wrap Up event, I suspected her presence was not without reason. "What you up to? Taking notes?"

Twilight was inspecting the white arch at the end of the red carpet while she said, "Oh, I'm just doing my part. Pinkie Pie planned out most of this, but she's mostly busy setting up for the buffet and party over at the banquet hall. I'm just here making sure everypony gets everything done on schedule. And they finished up just a bit ago."

Before I could comment any further, the door opened suddenly to reveal Shining Armor. "Perimeter's secure, Twily! How's... Oh, hey! You're a bit early! Again."

"Hey, I'm just trying to pass the time and keep myself distracted. Being nervous is a normal response to your own wedding day." I replied while Shining Armor trotted right over to us. I then looked down at Twilight and asked, "You in on this whole Changeling thing too?"

"My brother told you? Yeah, I am. If you know what happened, it was a very personal dilemma for me, so I'm just as determined to make sure no Changeling's crash your wedding." Twilight explained as her smile turned into a slight scowl. I stepped back while she and Shining Armor whispered to each other. Twilight is no royal guard, but I am sure her book smarts can compliment her brother's leadership skills as a sort of impromptu advisor.

It seemed that whatever they were discussing went well since neither showed any signs of concern after a moment. I took a moment to consider how hard these two siblings were working to make sure nothing went wrong on my wedding day. Experience is a harsh mistress and they were making very sure they learned from it. While I could not comprehend just how nasty of an experience that day must have been, I took their constant vigilance at face value and walked up to them. "Hey, thanks for working so hard to make sure nothing goes wrong today."

"Hey, you'd do the same for us. I'm actually really glad you weren't there to see what happened. That was...a dark day." Twilight replied before she glanced at her brother as he tapped her on the shoulder. "Hm? Yes?"

Shining Armor suddenly looked very uneasy. As if he had some very uncomfortable thoughts on the mind. "Twily? It's just... You know I wasn't really me that day, right? When I...said things I..."

Twilight silenced her brother by placing her hoof over his lips. All she did was smile and say, "I know, big bro. It didn't take long for me to figure that out. Everything's OK now. All right?"

Armor quickly donned a very relieved smile once his sister lowered her hoof. "Yeah... Yeah, everything's fine. Just...couldn't help but think about back then. Man, it sucks when you're not really aware of what you're doing because your mind is foggy from some sort of spell."

I decided to not inquire and just watched as the two of them held each other in a hug. Changelings... They sound like bad news. And I cannot even fathom what they look like. Insect ponies? How does that even look? Are they giant beetles with pony heads? Uh... I have a feeling they are less hideous than what I just thought up in my head.

Before we even knew it, someone trotted up to us before we even noticed her approach. Cadence stood beside her husband before Twilight responded in utter delight and the two mares performed that same adorable greeting they always do. "Sunshine sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!"

"Man, that never gets old to watch. Good afternoon, Cadence." I said once the two giggling mares shared a hug. That little routine is always a pleasure to observe.

Cadence soon let go of Twilight and walked right up to me before reaching up and holding me in a friendly hug as well while I returned the favor. "I just got off the train with a bunch of other guests. And I'm so happy for you and Fluttershy. Congratulations."

"It's great to have you here, Cadence." I said in return while cuddling with that sweet mare. Cadence just has such a pleasant aura around herself. She really knows how to make people smile. It felt so good to have her attend.

"Dear, if you don't mind?" Shining Armor then said before Cadence glanced at him and let go of me. She dropped down onto her hooves and faced her husband while his horn was coated in his magic aura. "Just gotta be sure. You'd be a prime target for impersonation."

"Oh, that! Go ahead, honey." Cadence replied while allowing her husband to scan her. Armor lowered and raised his horn up and down the sides of her head before dispelling the aura. "How do I check out?"

"Everything's good! Sorry, but you know what happened last time." Shining Armor replied with a relieved smile. They were wasting no expense for this event. No one was spared from a security check.

While Twilight and Cadence chatted, I turned my gaze to the table that was stacked high with wrapped gifts. What could they be? I have no idea what most wedding gifts tend to be. Fine wine? Baby gifts? Blank checks? I could only guess.

Eventually, I noticed Shining Armor and Twilight stepping over the gift table while sounding like they were discussing transporting them after the wedding was over and to where. That stack was only going to get bigger the closer the clock ticked to the ceremony. However, my gaze then fell upon Cadence as she stood near me. She was just watching her husband and sister-in-law as I started to cast her a smirk. Once I was certain we were out of earshot, I asked, "Had any good dreams lately?"

Cadence's ears suddenly flicked upward as her eyes opened wide. She suddenly looked up at me and asked, "Armor told you?"

I decided to throw her for a loop by being completely honest. "Oh, he didn't just bring it up. I saw it last night. Nightmare Moon paid me a visit in my dreams and I was there when she...took a peek into yours. Seriously, what WAS that thing?"

Cadence looked utterly traumatized as her gaze wandered for a moment. "That was my baby... A baby that...was an abomination..."

"Yeah, I could tell just by looking at its face. Those huge round dead doll eyes... And those ridiculous proportions. I haven't been around in Equestria for all that long, but do all baby ponies look like that upon birth?" I asked in return with my arms crossed.

The alicorn before me suddenly looked up at me as she said, "No, of course not! But still... I'm an alicorn. But I wasn't always an alicorn! What if my baby undergoes some sort of mutation?! What if it turns out exactly like what it was in that dream?! What if..."

I reached out and grabbed Cadence by the horn to get her attention now that she was dissolving into hysterics. "Hey, easy there. Spazzing out like that is Twilight's thing. And if not her, then it's Pinkie Pie's."

Cadence stared up at me in silence while I held her horn. Her eyes then glanced up at my hand before her magic aura began to surge around it. Her apprehensive expression softened until she was showing a calm smile. "Hoo... I needed that."

"Um... Needed what?" I asked as I released her horn from my grasp.

My friend's wife then explained, "I was just sensing how much love you have in you. And I could swear that it's only grown since last time. I can't help but feel happy when I feel that much love. Fluttershy really found herself a good man."

I could not help cracking an uneasy smile at that claim. "Heh... I hope so... But you're feeling better now, right?"

"Yeah, I'll be OK. But... I think I'll wait a good while longer before talking about starting a family with Shining Armor. That memory's going to be with me for a while..." Cadence retorted while once again looking uneasy. She then quickly tried to distract herself by shifting the subject towards a different baby. "Anyway, how's your foal coming along? Fluttershy is due in maybe a month, right?"

I thought back to my lover and all the preparations we have taken to prepare for the approaching birth. "Yeah, around that time. We asked Rarity to be the godmother and she named it too. We've decided on Gladesong for the name."

"Oh, that's such lovely name! I bet she'll look just like her mother." Cadence exclaimed with such a delighted gleam in her eye. She then winked at me and said, "You know, I could offer my foalsitting services if you ever come to Canterlot. I might be a little rusty, but I'm sure I'd do a good job."

"Oh, I've heard from Twilight how you were the best foalsitter ever. I'm sure Rarity will probably be handling most of the foalsitting in town, but I'll definitely keep you in mind if we ever come to Canterlot for a night on the town." I replied while having nothing but the best expectations from that sweet mare.

It was right around then that I started to hear some voices from the open windows. A number of guests had likely shown up and some of the voices sounded familiar. I glanced down at Cadence and said, "Excuse me, Cadence. I'd like to see who else has shown up."

"Oh, don't let me stop you. This is your big day, after all." She replied happily before I began to make my way to the door.

Upon stepping outside, I found pretty much what I was expecting. A number of ponies that were clearly from Canterlot were milling about with local guests. Not many since not a lot of invites were sent out up there. I think most were associates of Rarity, but I noticed one in the crowd approaching me. "Ah, Master James! It's so good to be here."

Only one man calls me that and I recognized him immediately. I turned to face Fancy Pants as he drew near and cast a smile at the humble gentleman while he trotted towards me. "Good to see you, Fancy Pants. It's good to have you here."

The gentleman bowed his head while carrying a noticeable wrapped package on his back. Another gift for the pile. "And it's such a pleasure to be here for such a wonderful day. Where may I find the lovely bride-to-be? Is she around?"

"Oh, she's taking a nap before the wedding right now. She's pretty late in her pregnancy, so she gets tired more easily these days." I replied while turning my gaze to the southeast. Was she waking up by that point?

Fancy Pants had a delighted gleam in his eye as I brought that up. "Oh, of course! The little one is nearly here, is it not? Tell me again, which is it? A charming colt? A darling little filly?"

It made me smile to see just how supportive he was being. "It's a filly. And we've chosen the name Gladesong."

"Oh, that's a delightful name..." Fancy Pants said while I glanced around at the guests who had just arrived. Some were filing into the town hall to drop off gifts while others mingled with the more local guests. He must have noticed my mood since he then asked, "Master James, are you well?"

I suppose it was obvious I was not all sunshine and rainbows. I turned to look at him once more and said, "Well... I guess I'm more nervous than I've been in a very long time. I'd be lying if I said I was expecting to get married at some point."

That got a chuckle out of him, although he was far from dismissive about it. "Ah... I suppose that is only a natural reaction. Marriage is a great commitment and it's normal to second guess yourself. But it'll all be over in a few hours and you'll be looking back on today with a smile, mark my words."

While it would be remiss of me to not mention my conversations with the rest of the guests, I am sorry to say most of my conversations went roughly the same way as with Fancy Pants. I have never been much of a social butterfly, so engaging with so many while being the center of attention was a bit much for me on top of the nervousness I was already experiencing. I still spoke to everyone who approached me while I sat on a bench on the town hall's veranda. Many familiar faces came to me to give their regards. Mitta, Button Mash and his mother, and Zecora to name a few. I was especially surprised and delighted to see that Saffron Masala had managed to attend, even though our conversation was not much different from the rest. She did end up drawing a fair bit of attention to herself with her exotic appearance and attire and took the opportunity to do a bit of advertising for the Tasty Treat. Maybe she will be getting some new customers before long. No sign of Coriander Cumin though. He likely had to stay behind and mind the restaurant, but I did not have the presence of mind to ask Saffron about him at the time.

There was one person in particular that I do want to mention. While I sat there and watched the guests mingling in the town square and file into the town hall to find a seat or leave a gift on the table, someone approached me from just out of the corner of my vision. "May I have this seat?"

"Huh? Oh sure... Wait..." I then looked down at my feet and saw none other than Diamond Tiara looking back at me. And on her back was a small flat box one might see used in jewelry stores. One thought immediately came to mind. "You did it?"

The filly hopped up onto the bench beside me and let me reach for the box. She then asked as I took it in hand, "How'd I do?"

I glanced around to make sure no one was nearby before lifting the lid. I saw exactly what I was expecting. Two simple gold bands. One large enough to be a bracelet with the other being a ring for a human finger. I even slid it onto my finger just to make sure the size was right. It was a perfect fit. And to think I had all but forgotten that I had asked Diamond Tiara to be the one to forge our wedding bands. "They're perfect... Thank you."

However, Diamond Tiara then shook her head and placed her hoof upon my upper arm. Right over my cutie mark's location. "No. Thank you."

I put the ring back and set the box aside before placing my hand upon Diamond Tiara's back. "Have things gotten better since back then?"

She readily nodded and showed a grateful smile. "Mmhm. Lots better. Nopony's afraid of me anymore. And I have a lot of friends. I... I don't even know why I was such a jerk back then... All I did was hurt ponies. Why wasn't I better than that?"

I did not offer a response at first. I cannot imagine a pony becoming a bad person without some sort of outside influence. The innocent do not work that way. Innocence must be corrupted to become chronically cruel. "Do you know why by now? You've had a lot of time to think about it."

Diamond Tiara did not respond for a moment. Her gaze turned to the floor. That look in her eyes... That was the same empty stare I saw in Smolder's eyes that morning. "I think I do...but I don't wanna talk about it."

"Then don't. It's not important now anyway." I retorted before pulling the forlorn filly into my side with my hand on her opposite shoulder. "I'm proud of you. You're a good kid, Tiara."

The light gradually returned to her eyes while she let out a sigh and nuzzled her face into my chest. "Thanks... It feels nice when other people tell you you're good."

"Really though, thank you for making these. You really did your cutie mark justice with them." I said while glancing back at the box at my side. However, I then thought I heard the voice of Filthy Rich calling out my little friend's name. "Hey, was that your dad calling?"

I heard the distant voice call again as Diamond Tiara's ears perked up and swiveled about to try and discern which direction it was coming from. "Yeah, that's him! I better go. It was good to get to talk to you. Bye!"

Diamond Tiara then gave me a quick nuzzle to my cheek before hopping down from the bench and galloping off. I then took the box in hand once more and looked around from where I was seated. Button Mash had volunteered to be the ring bearer, but was it right to give them to him right away? It would be a disaster if he lost them.

I decided to just wait a while longer and chill in the shade. It was a very warm summer day and I did not want to be out in the sun. My current attire was best suited for slightly cooler weather. Finally, I noticed a trio of very familiar faces conversing with a few of the royal guards and Shining Armor himself. Celestia, Luna, and Nightmare Moon had arrived.

My gaze was focused on the three of them while they likely checked in with their subordinates on the security in town. There was no sign of alarm, so everything was likely in the green. Luna soon broke away from her sisters and trotted my way. Once she was before me, the Princess of the Night spoke to me in greeting. "And so we meet again, my friend. I trust the tension of our little adventure last night has passed?"

"Yeah, only it's been replaced with a new kind of tension. Weddings tend to be a big source of stress for the bride and groom." I retorted while managing to crack a smile.

"I'm sure. But you need not worry. I will be presiding over you and Fluttershy as you say your vows." Luna then said while flashing me a wink. I quickly put the dots together and realized that she would be the one Fluttershy and I stood before at the altar. Quite an honor to have the Princess of the Night herself serving as the minister. But she then threw me a curveball. "And are you aware of who will be speaking before the proceedings?"

I had all but forgotten about that. We made that choice months ago. Fluttershy and I had chosen three to speak at the wedding before the procession. "Uh... Yeah. Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and... Celestia, if she was up to it. I forget if she agreed."

Luna let out a laugh as she said, "What sort of thought is that?! Of course she agreed! She even rehearsed in front of a mirror this morning."

I raised an eyebrow at the thought of such a scene. "Is that normal for her when she gives public speeches?"

The Princess of the Night let out a snort at such a notion. "As amusing as that would be, no. I suppose she only does so when she wants to prepare herself for a more personal project. She will be speaking about you after all."

The thought of the Princess of the Dawn singing my praises at my own wedding was enough to get me a bit flustered. I chuckled in flattery as I said, "About me?! Well, that's quite an honor."

"What is such an honor?" A familiar voice then asked to my left. Luna and I both abruptly turned our heads to see none other than Celestia and Nightmare Moon standing beside us. The Princess of the Dawn then flashed me a wink as she said, "I told you we would meet again today. You looking forward to your honeymoon?"

While Celestia was certainly cheerful, Nightmare Moon displayed a more reserved expression upon her face. Almost as if she was not entirely comfortable at the time. Perhaps she was just not entirely fond of weddings? Regardless, I rose to my feet and held the two sisters in my arms for and embrace. "Yeah. And it's great having you here."

The Princesses of the Dawn and Dreams each draped a wing over me as I held them. Celestia continued to speak softly to me, but Nightmare Moon remained silent. Luna soon distracted Celestia by insisting they enter the town hall to inspect the arrangements while I passed the wedding bands to them for safekeeping until the proper time, leaving Nightmare Moon behind with me. The two of us shared a silent gaze for a moment as I was left perplexed over why my dear friend was being so somber on such a special day. "Are you all right?"

"I am not certain..." The Princess of Dreams retorted while her eyes wandered for a moment. She was not happy. I could see it in her eyes. It would be one thing to just be bored, but I could see it was more than that.

"You just not enjoy weddings? I can kind of relate to that. Depending on how your mind works, the ceremony can be really boring until the party afterward starts." I said while trying to emphasize with her.

"No... No, it's not that. I am indeed happy for you and Fluttershy, but..." She muttered before looking back at me. I saw it in her eyes. A gaze of longing. As her eyes met mine, I felt it too. Somewhere in the depths of my heart, I felt a sensation I had not felt in some time. I wanted to reach out to her. And so she whispered, "My guiding light... May I just...hold you for a moment?"

Somewhere in my mind, I felt the faint desire to cry. Something about those words pierced my heart in ways I did not expect. I lifted my arms to her and stepped forward. "Please..."

I wrapped my arms around my friend's neck while she folded her wings around me. The two of us just stood there, oblivious to the activity in the town square while they remained miraculously oblivious to us in turn. Her embrace soothed me even as a tear or two leaked from the corners of my eyes. I did not even really understand why. What was wrong with me?

By some miracle, we stood there for a few minutes without ever being interrupted. Not a word was spoken as I stroked one hand through the beautiful alicorn's wavering mane. Eventually, she did whisper to me with her head on my shoulder. "She is most fortunate to have you... Do be kind to Fluttershy from now on."

I could not find the will to speak. Words failed me as more tears flowed. All I could do was nod. Nightmare Moon continued to speak to me while remaining still. "You are a wonderful man... So full of love and so eager to please... She will be very happy with you."

I nodded again as tears continued to flow from my eyes. Why... She sounded so mournful and it was affecting me just as badly. Why was I so upset as we held each other? What was my heart trying to tell me?

As Nightmare Moon's wings began to loosen their grip upon me, my embrace on her only tightened as my eyes closed. I did not want his to end. Not yet. "Please... A little longer?"

The Princess of Dreams remained silent for a moment before I felt her wings cling to me once more. "As long as you desire, my dear."

No more words were spoken. We just stood there for minutes on end without moving from that spot. Even as I write this, I still do not understand what had come over me and it frustrates me to not know why I was feeling as upset as I was. I was afraid to let go of her. I wanted to have her in my presence at all times.

Sadly, we could not remain there on the veranda forever. Our silent embrace was finally interrupted as Luna's voice spoke from nearby. "Um... James? Sister? Is something wrong?"

With great reluctance, the two of us slowly released each other from our embrace. We gazed into each other's eyes for a few seconds before turning our gaze towards Luna. Nightmare Moon was the one to answer as she flexed her neck. "No... Nothing is wrong. You know I am not one to find much enjoyment in weddings."

"Mm. I know. Still, it's good of you to be here with us. Celestia was looking for you." Luna replied while glancing at the open doors near us. Nightmare Moon merely nodded before casting me solemn stare. I could see her trying to smile, but it just did not happen. The somber mare then walked inside and out of sight while her sister watched.

I felt far too melancholy to even try to speak. Luna could see that something was amiss and asked, "You do not look well, my friend. Is something troubling you?"

A long sigh escaped my nostrils before I looked down at her. "I don't know... I really don't. But... Nightmare Moon. Is she OK? I never really enjoyed weddings all that much myself, but... It feels like it's more than that."

Luna hesitated. Her eyes wandered. I thought she was trying to think up a lie, but she eventually relented. "I'm not entirely certain... You know my sister is a complicated person. She has not smiled at all since this morning. I am sure it's merely temporary. Just...give her some time."

"Yeah... Sure." I mumbled before seating myself upon the bench I had been using a short while earlier.

My royal friend then approached me and displayed a calm smile upon her face. "Do not be so glum, my friend. Today is a most special day for you. Wouldn't you rather enjoy your wedding day instead of wallowing in this folderol?"

She had a point. I was not getting anything out of feeling down over something I did not even understand. With a long breath, I started to push those feelings to the back of my mind and just enjoy the afternoon for what it was. "Yeah... Yeah, I really should. I've got no reason to be mopey today."

"Much better. We still have some time before the ceremony begins, so feel free to mingle with your guests until then." Luna replied with a more sincere smile. She soon ducked back into the town hall while I cast my gaze at the steadily growing number of guests milling about out in the town square. Already nervous enough, I decided to let my guests come to me and remained where I was.

I wish I had more to describe, but most of the conversations I got into with any guests went roughly the same way. Nothing of any real significance was discussed that I feel is worth mentioning here, though everyone who approached me offered their best wishes for me and Fluttershy. I was sincerely happy to have them all there.

At one point, I got up to take a walk around the square to help pass the time. It was only then that I noticed security had tightened further as the ceremony drew near. A glance at the town hall's roof revealed several pegasi of the royal guard armed with crossbows while keeping a constant vigilance. Seeing that the sentries were very visibly armed, I quickly sought out Shining Armor on the veranda and approached him. "Hey, Armor? How's the perimeter looking? Any trouble?"

My friend turned to me and cast me a surprisingly relaxed smile. "Nope! No signs of Changelings all day. Just...uh...don't mind the guys up there. You never know if you'll get any last minute interruptions."

"Yeah, point taken. Thanks again for all of this." I retorted before noticing that all of the guests were starting to file towards the side of the town hall where the door was located. "Hm? Is it time?"

"Looks like it. You ready?" Shining Armor asked in return while showing a slight smirk. As a married man, he probably knew exactly what I was feeling.

A new surge of anxiety flooded my senses as I realized that it was finally happening. I was excited, yet uneasy. And yet, I know that is likely normal for a bachelor. "Heh... About as ready as I'll ever be."

The two of us stepped into the town hall before the doors closed behind us. Shining Armor trotted down the middle of the isle before joining Cadence in an adjacent seat. The rows of chairs were lined with colorful rows of ponies, many familiar and some not so familiar. There were even some guests up in the balconies higher up including Nightmare Moon. As a last minute show of caution, unicorn members of the royal guard were passing each row of chairs while casting the same spell they had used on me earlier. They were taking no chances on anything.

My eyes were directed ahead at the raised floor at the end of the red carpet. Luna herself stood at the center and cast me a smile as if awaiting my approach. I could tell it was not yet the time for the ceremony to start, so I remained by the door. But I soon heard a loud whisper from next to me. "Congrats, James! You and Fluttershy finally gettin' hitched, huh?"

I glanced down to my right and saw none other than the three Cutie Mark Crusaders. They each had a basket of pink rose petals at their sides as they had volunteered to be the flower fillies for the wedding. I am pretty sure it was not their first time doing so too. Still, I could only smile nervously as I said, "Yep. Felt like a good time to propose. And it's good to have you girls here."

Scootaloo then glanced around before looking back to me and asking, "Hey, have you seen Mom? Shouldn't she be here too?"

It was Sweetie Belle who provided an answer. "Oh, Rarity was with her! She said Fluttershy wanted to keep her dress hidden from James right until she walked down the aisle. Said she wanted to surprise him."

That romantic filly then gave me a wink to nail her point. I felt a little giddy as I suspected she and Rarity were right outside the door. Watching from the windows until the proper time. As if to prove my point, the door opened quietly before Rarity stuck her head in. "Oh, I do hope I'm not too late. Fluttershy will be along very shortly."

"I'm glad you made it. Can't walk down the aisle without my best mare." I replied while showing Rarity a sincere smile. However, right as the door closed, a melody filled the air. I turned towards the piano at the far side of the room and saw the same pianist I had seen performing at the Grand Galloping Gala twice over. He must have been hired to play at my wedding. A gentle melody filled the air, signaling the start of the ceremony.

"That's our cue, girls! Flower fillies, away!" Apple Bloom whispered loudly before she and her friends snatched up their baskets in their jaws. However, Rarity was quick to stop them by standing in their way.

"Oh, no no no! You go before the bride walks. That's my cue. It's the groom's turn. You'll know it's your turn when the right music plays." Rarity whispered to the three fillies while they recoiled in mild embarrassment. To be fair, even I am not terribly familiar with the protocol wedding processions follow.

Rarity and I stood beside each other at end of the aisle and slowly walked along it together as the melody continued. I glanced down at Rarity as she glanced up at me. "Do be good to her, darling. You know she can't lose you now."

I could only nod. All eyes were on me as I shuffled down the aisle at an almost sluggish pace. I think Rarity even let out a quiet chuckle at just how nervous I was. Eventually, I reached the end of the aisle and stood to Luna's left while Rarity took her place near a podium where Celestia and Rainbow Dash were waiting by. Celestia even took a moment to use that spell to scan Rarity, much to my friend's bewilderment. Celestia just smiled crookedly when it became obvious that was indeed the real Rarity. I glanced at Luna, who smiled and winked at me in support. But then, I heard the music come to a stop. And then... That melody. The one melody everyone knows that heralds wedding vows.

I immediately looked ahead at the doors as Celestia's golden magic aura coated the door's handles before pulling the two halves open. And what a sight I saw. Right on cue, Scootaloo led her two friends down the aisle, happily hopping along with their baskets swinging side to side as they scattered their petals. And right behind them was none other than my beloved. Fluttershy entered the room.

The moment our eyes locked, we did not look away. She was gorgeous, clad in a flowing white dress that shimmered like a blanket of freshly fallen snow. A crown of white roses sat upon her head, a painfully nervous yet happy smile set upon her lips. As the three fillies before her stood to the side after reaching the end of the aisle, Fluttershy continued to slowly march down the aisle at an even slower pace than I had done. All eyes were on her, a number of guests visibly shedding tears as the melody continued to fill the air.

My heart was aflutter while butterflies flittered in my stomach. I felt so anxious yet so happy. And I could see in my betrothed's eyes that the same feelings filled her heart. Just as the song ended, Fluttershy reached the aisle and stood to Luna's right. We looked at each other and smiled. It was all we could do. We had no regrets on where we were now.

The two of us turned to the Princess of the Night as she presided over us. She spoke gently, yet clearly for all to hear. "Dearly beloveds. We are gathered here today join these two in precious matrimony."

That was all I heard before Luna's words became white noise to me. I could not take my eyes off of Fluttershy while she gazed back at me. So much had happened since a mere two years ago. And yet, here we were. Our wedding day. I knew it had not been a smooth journey getting to where we were now. But I could not be happier. Fate had been most kind to us in the end.

I eventually noticed that Luna had stopped speaking and was now casting her gaze towards the podium nearby. Fluttershy too turned to look as Rainbow Dash took the stand. Our brash young friend glanced at us and smirked before looking down at what was likely a sheet of paper on the podium and tapping the microphone at the front to test it. "Wow... You ever get that feeling when you find out one of your longtime friends is getting married and you have no idea what to think of it? Yeah, that's what's going through my head right now."

The room became filled with chuckling as Rainbow Dash started her speech with a tiny bit of humor. Finally, she started on the speech properly. "Fluttershy and I go way back. And she was pretty much the same way back then as she is now. Always a really sweet and sensitive mare who always wanted the best for everypony. Always had so much care to give, but never had anypony to give her that kind of care in return. I didn't think it would happen. I didn't think a stallion would ever be interested in somepony so demure... So shy. But...she found him. Or maybe he found her. Not a stallion, but a man. And..."

Rainbow Dash paused for a few seconds as she closed her eyes. Her smile faded while she bowed her head. "And... Just such a sweet guy... Just the right kind of guy she needed."

A sigh escaped my throat. I could see she was pained. I knew she loved me. And I know I love her. It must have pained her to see the man she loves most being wed to her friend instead. However, Rainbow Dash quickly shook off her moment of weakness and smiled again. "And not just because of that. He was someone who helped her as much as she helped him. Don't get me wrong, Fluttershy's still Fluttershy. But...I've seen it. It wasn't as obvious as before, but now it's clear that she has the heart of a lion. You've gotten stronger ever since you found him, Fluttershy. You've become a better mare and I can't stress how proud I am of you for that. I know wherever life takes you now, you'll never be alone because the perfect guy for you will always be there for you in the same way you'll always be there for him. And I'll continue to watch and support you as you friend during this long journey we all call life. Fluttershy... Congratulations."

Many of our guests clapped their hooves in modest applause as Rainbow Dash stepped down from the podium and took her seat at the front row with the rest of our dearest friends. She showed a tearful smile as her hoof rubbed said tears away. I thought she would make a big fuss out of being caught crying in front of an audience, but it looked like she simply did not care this time. Fluttershy and I certainly did not think any less of her for it. That was a marvelous speech I never would have expected out of someone like her.

Next up was Celestia. The Princess of the Dawn took the podium and paused momentarily. She did not have a script to read off of, so she was going to have to recite from memory. All eyes were upon the regal ruler of Equestria as she began to speak softly, the microphone transmitting her voice throughout the vast chamber. "It is rare to see a couple come to be that consists of differing species. Even rarer when one of the two happens to be human. But I suppose that's what happens when that human is the only one of his kind on the planet."

It was a weak jab of humor, but I still cracked a smirk at it. A quiet rumbling chuckle filled the air as a number of other guests also found it mildly funny. Still, Celestia continued in earnest. "I have been watching you since you came to this world out of the blue. For so long, your kind were beings of myth and speculation. And to finally see you here in the flesh was a truly unexpected development. I was left wondering how you would mesh with our world. How you would merge with our society and what impact you would have upon those around you. You did not disappoint."

I knew Celestia was not being entirely honest. It was she and her sister who brought me to this magical world in the first place. But the public could not be allowed to know that. Not yet. Although there was some truth to what she was saying. It was indeed a gamble to bring someone like me from a world that is so radically different from their own and filled with ideologies that are entirely incompatible with Equestria's way of life. It was a bold move. And I was glad to see that she did not regret her decision.

Celestia glanced at me during a brief pause and smiled. I smiled right back before she continued. "You have shown a deep appreciation for our world and our people. And that appreciation eventually blossomed into a powerful love for one specific member of our society. And I cannot stress how fortunate she is that she has you now. You are a man who knows how to listen. You are a man who knows how care. And you are a man who knows how to love. So very much. Any mare you wished to spend your life with would only be richer for it. You love our world and its people. And they would all love you right back if they grew to know you. As I have."

Such words... I was touched. I felt myself even tear up a little at her sweet words towards me. Celestia then cast her gaze directly at me as she said, "I know you will go far with Fluttershy as her husband. I know you will always strive to make her happy as she will do the same for you. And I know all will smile at the happiness you two share. Best of luck, my friend. I wish you both the happiest of futures."

A hearty applause filled the air as Celestia stepped back to allow Rarity to take the podium. I glanced down during the transition and saw Fluttershy looking like she was on the verge of tears while she smiled back up at me. But our gazes soon had to look away as Rarity took the stand. She is our best friend and so much more. It would only be right to save the best for last.

Our elegant and beautiful friend cast a tender smile at the two of us before she turned her gaze back to our audience. She took a long breath before speaking into the microphone. "I have known Fluttershy for some years now. A mare of quiet grace and beauty with endless kindness that few can truly match. And we have always been the best of friends. And I have known dear James since the day he came to this world. An equally quiet man with a generous heart and a deep appreciation for true beauty. Barely a week into his stay with us and these two dears were already more than mere friends."

Fluttershy and I shared a quick glance with each other before looking back to Rarity. Our beautiful friend then continued, "Two gentle souls that mesh in a special kind of harmony. The soul of a butterfly and the soul of a dove. Could there be a more fitting bond? And truly, I have seen the subtle changes in each of them as the months went by. They never stopped being themselves, and yet they only became something more than what they once were. Drawing off of each other. Growing stronger with each other. I look at them now and I can see... They are more than what they were when we first met. And they are all the more blessed for it."

I could see that Rarity was struggling to hold back tears as she spoke. She eventually gave up and just let them flow while she continued to speak with a smile. "As your friend, I have nothing but the best wishes for each of you. You have come so far and I know you will only continue to excel together. You two are meant for each other and we all can see that. James. Fluttershy. May only joy be found in your future."

Rarity quietly wept as she left the podium while everyone in the room applauded her. Applejack was quick to give her a reassuring pat on the back when Rarity took her seat at the front row along with our four dearest friends. I could only quietly smile at my best friend and secret lover. It must have been difficult for her to give such a speech. I wish she could have been there at the altar with us and I knew Fluttershy wanted that too. We would make up for it someday. At least I certainly hope we do.

"Would the ring bearer please step forward?" Luna then spoke once everyone had taken their places. Off to my left, I saw Button Mash approach with a small square cushion of fuchsia hues carrying our wedding bands resting atop his head. He had swapped out his usual propeller beanie for a fancy black tuxedo jacket and was looking quite darling. Even Scootaloo was giving him a look of amazement from nearby.

I could only smile at my little friend as he stood before us and bowed before the Princess of the Night. Her magic aura engulfed the cushion and lifted it from Button's head before he smiled up at us. I whispered quietly, "You did well, Button."

That quiet smile turned into a big grin before Button Mash trotted happily to his seat at the front row. His mother sat by him and whispered words of tender praise for how he handled himself. I think Scootaloo was just as impressed since she kept her eyes on him for a moment longer. Finally, all eyes fell upon Luna as the ceremony neared the moment we were all waiting for. "Kind words have been spoken from those you hold dear. Words of those who have known you long and known you well. They honor you and your love just as their presence does. Now, if anypony feels these two dearly beloveds should not be wed here and now, let them speak their peace."

I knew that such a statement was only made out of protocol. No one in the audience had such a thought. Despite this, I was still surprised as Shining Armor suddenly started pushing his way to the aisle. "Wait, excuse me! Hold everything a minute! I just remembered something!"

All eyes fell upon the captain of the royal guard himself as he fell flat on his chest after struggling through the row of guests just getting out of the row of seats. Fluttershy and I were equally confused as he climbed to his feet and trotted toward us. "You're the one person here we haven't checked. Just be still for a second."

The royal guard had completely overlooked performing a check on Fluttershy? All eyes fell upon her as Shining Armor's horn was engulfed in his magic aura while he raised and lowered his horn beside her head. Fluttershy must not have been briefed on the security in town or why they were there since she just looked more baffled than alarmed. Finally, Shining Armor lifted his head away from her as his magic aura faded. "She's good. Everything's OK."

"Um... It is?" Fluttershy asked in bewilderment before glancing up at me for some answers. I just shrugged my shoulders and let Shining Armor do the talking.

Speaking of him, he just gave Fluttershy a whimsical wink. "Yeah, just had to be sure. You know what happened at the last wedding you attended."

That got a healthy dose of laughter out of many of the guests. Even Fluttershy let out a hearty giggle. She knew exactly what the deal was by that point. Shining Armor then excused himself and returned to his seat beside Cadence. Luna then glanced around as if daring someone else to voice any disapproval for the wedding. Once no one else spoke up, Luna then made ring cushion float higher. A hush fell over the room as she silently beckoned us to take the rings.

No words were needed. Fluttershy and I turned to each other. I decided to go first as I took her bracelet in hand and dropped to one knee. I debated over which hoof I should slide it over until Fluttershy lifted her left. Her eyes were locked with mine as I took her left hoof in hand. She looked like she was on the verge of tears. I too had butterflies flittering around in my stomach, but a special kind of joy was tapping inside my heart. I gently slid the bracelet over Fluttershy's hoof until it was fit snugly above her ankle. She let out a quiet whimper as she gritted her teeth, the tears finally flowing free as she struggled to contain her emotions. My hand immediately went to her cheeks to wipe the tears away and her uneven smile showed her appreciation.

Now it was her turn. I remained on my knee while Fluttershy calmed herself and reached for my ring. She delicately balanced it between her lips while she lifted my left hand with a hoof under my wrist. I splayed my fingers as she brought the ring to its designated finger. The moment it slid into place, I let out a ragged wheeze as I too felt a surge of emotion. It was done. Our rings were set. There was only one thing left to do.

I rose to my feet as we turned to face Luna as she set the ring cushion aside. Luna smiled at the two of us. However, I was quick to notice Nightmare Moon up in one of the booths on the second floor. She was looking away... For just a moment, that feeling from earlier surfaced in my heart. The distraction was short-lived as Luna looked directly at me. "And so the sacred questions must be asked. "Do you, James, take this mare to be your lawfully wedded wife? In sickness and in health, in fortune and folly, for the rest of your days?"

My eyes glanced at Fluttershy as she looked back at me almost in tears. Everyone around us watched with bated breath. I could scarcely bring myself to breathe. But I knew what my heart wanted and I knew why I was there. With a deep breath to steady my nerves, I spoke my intentions. "I do."

Fluttershy's smile only widened. Luna's gaze then fell upon hers as Fluttershy turned to the Princess of the Night. "And do you, Fluttershy, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? In sickness and in health, in fortune and folly, for the rest of your days?"

My beloved's only response was a painfully quiet whimper as tears once more flowed down her cheeks. Luna and I were left puzzled by the lack of an audible response. She then asked, "I beg your pardon? What was that?"

"Mmhm..." Fluttershy mumbled a little louder in a high-pitched squeak. A low murmur flowed through the audience as some started to chuckle. I too was tempted to laugh at just how endearingly cute Fluttershy was being. The poor thing just could not overcome her nerves to speak a proper response.

Just as Luna was about to ask again, Rainbow Dash called out from her seat with arms held high. "She does! Of course she does! Take my word for it, she's crazy for him!"

That finally got a laugh out of just about everyone there. Myself included. Even Fluttershy let out a quiet giggle at her friend's show of support. Luna then smirked at Fluttershy as the laughter died down and asked, "Is this true?"

Fluttershy's response was an eager nod of her head. That was apparently good enough for Luna since she then said, "Then I hereby royally decree that you are now husband and wife. Congratulations."

Even with those words, we were not done. And our guests knew it. One last sacred act was needed to complete the ceremony. Fluttershy and I faced each other while I got down on one knee. After mere seconds of hesitation, we could not wait any longer. She all but jumped into my arms as I pulled her close. Our eyes closed. Our lips touched. The guests burst into applause. It was done. We were now officially a couple.

I... I really cannot find the words to describe how that felt. Surrounded by friends and associates cheering us on as we finally became more than mere lovers. Even as I write this now, I cannot fully convey how that felt. It puts a whole new perspective on the experience of marriage.

However, there was still one last step that we did not foresee. Once our kiss ended and we gazed into each others' eyes with such delight, Fluttershy and I noticed out of the corners of our eyes that the stacks of roses nearby were starting to glow. I immediately had a hunch of what was going on and scanned the rows of guests. Eventually, I spotted Trixie in the mix. And her horn was coated in her magic aura. She knew I was looking at her and winked at me with a smirk on display.

It was only then that we discovered exactly what kind of services she had been requested to provide. Seconds later, a flash of three colors came from the piles of roses as they shot up into the air and began to float around the town hall much to the delight of everyone there. Their forms had changed. The white roses had take on the form of featureless doves while the pink and yellow roses did the same in the form of butterflies. Our cutie marks dancing together in a frenzy of glowing shapes.

It lasted no more than a minute before the glowing forms dissolved back into mere flower petals that gently floated down among our guests. Some caught them as keepsakes, some even had them as snacks. But Fluttershy and I managed to catch one of each. Yellow and pink on her hoof and white in my hand. We looked at each other with a smile before placing our hand and hoof together with the petals locked between them. Once again, Trixie surprised us. Something felt off after a few seconds and we pulled away to see what had become of the petals.

What we saw was indeed an inspiring sight. The three petals had merged together to form a heart shape that was a mishmash of the three colors swirling together. It floated between us for a moment before bursting into a puff of even smaller flower petals. The two of us chuckled in delight before I scooped my bride up in my arms while she beamed at me with one of the biggest smiles I had ever seen on her. Now that the wedding had properly concluded, it was time to head to the catering hall for some fun and refreshments.

I wish I could say more about what happened, but our time at the catering hall was quite simple. Fantastic food, plenty of music and dancing, and good company. Fluttershy was in no condition to get on the dance floor with the weight of Gladesong in her belly, so we just chilled out in the corner while engaging in conversation with all who would approach us. Fluttershy's dress did a good job of hiding her pregnancy from a glance, but once someone got a good look at her, they would shower us with best wishes and all sorts of questions about our child. It got pretty flattering after a while.

Finally, as the sun began to set and all but a few guests had left for home, Fluttershy and I had swapped out of our wedding attire and were at the train station all packed up and ready to head out on our honeymoon. Our dearest friends and the Cutie Mark Crusaders had come along to see us off with the train having only minutes to go before departure.

They were all so happy for us and... Well... To be honest, Fluttershy and I were quite tired by that point. We were ready to settle in for the night in our sleeping quarters on the train. Still, Fluttershy was very thorough in making certain that Applejack would take over her animal care taking while we were gone. She is the only one who lives close enough and is enough of an early riser to handle the morning routines. Scootaloo would also be staying with her while we were gone and Apple Bloom was looking forward to her company. We all shared one big hug as the last call was sounded and reluctantly boarded the train as our friends saw us all off.

I am writing this from one of the train cars the day after we left. Turns out it takes roughly two days to get from Ponyville to Cantercun. Fluttershy has been getting a lot of sleep since then while I have been writing this bit by bit in what seems to be a train car used many by those who travel as part of their job. Businessmen and the like. Typewriters are provided for such roles.

We had to stop in Appleloosa along the way for the train to refuel, so Fluttershy and I took the time to stretch our legs. Even bumped into Braeburn of all people, who very enthusiastically showed me around town while Fluttershy recounted her first visit to the place. Sounded like it was quite a mess at the time and I was glad I missed out on bearing witness to that godforsaken musical number Pinkie Pie came up with. I was especially surprised to see buffalo there when they looked rather out of place and brought up some unsettling parallels with my homeland's past, but they got along just fine with the locals to the point of making me smile at the mere sight of them. They were very curious about me as well. It had been a long time since my human heritage got that kind of attention. Needless to say, I am not in a hurry to go back. Too hot, dry, and dusty for my tastes and the lack of more modern necessities made things too rough. I never was that big on wild west settings in fiction and that lack of interest still translates to real life. Thankfully, we only stayed for a few hours before setting off again.

The sun sets in the horizon now as I think this is a good place to stop. The first day of our ten day and nine night stay starts tomorrow when the train pulls into the station in the morning. God... I still cannot fully process everything that just happened. I am married to Fluttershy. She is my wife now. And... I feel so happy about it.

Well, time to stop here and get to bed. My wife is waiting for me and I am most definitely looking forward to tomorrow.