Gravemind

by Prisoner 24601

Rating: everyone
Tags: Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Rainbow Dash, Other, Romance, Adventure, Tragedy
Length: 5252

it's 300 years sinse the Mane 6 defended Canterlot from an oncoming invasion of changelings.

DATELINE: 300 Years after Cangeling invasion of Canterot. Equestria has been taken over by a hivemind, that goes by the name Gravemind (no, not the one from Halo). Equestria is enslaved by Gravemind, to dig out the ground, looking for the ancient artifact known as the Transverse Key. But Graveminds grip on the ponies slowly dissapates over time, resulting in the release of a Pegasus stallion named Overcast. Overcast, or as his friends used to call him, OC, Must escape the Hivemind Defenders, and free the rest of his comrades from Gravemind. But will it be enough? Overcast has a secret love: Rainbow Dash, who he would gladly die to save. But will he?

Published 2012-08-16 15:44:01 UTC
Last updated 2012-08-16 15:44:01 UTC

Chapter one: Rainbow's secret love

Overcast, a tall grey Pegasus stallion, flew through the air, racing his girlfriend, Rainbow Dash. They were both incredibly competitive, which probably led to their relationship. Rainbow was no where in sight, and Overcast was sure he'd win this time. He glided a few hundred feet over Ghastly Gorge, and sucked his wings to his sides in freefall. A few yards from the ground, he pulled his wings out again, and used his momentum to level out at incredible speeds. As his finale, Overcast soared at least a mile up into the air again. Then, directly over Ponyville, he tried something that everypony thought only Rainbow Dash could do. He went full speed straight down, until he was as physically fast as he could push himself. Then he went into freefall, almost doubling that speed. A small concentration of air started forming around Overcast, and he finally pushed himself hard enough to break it. Then it happened: A Sonic Rainboom! Except, since Overcast wasn't rainbow colored, his was more a bland grey explosion in the sky. He had done the impossible, and now he had to finish the race. He pulled up right before hitting the ground, and like lightning flew straight up through the cloud layer, and to the top of Cloudsdale tower. He pulled his wings in in exhaustion, and fell to the ground. He figured that as far ahead of Rainbow Dash as he was, he had time for a quick nap. But before he could fall asleep, he heard Rainbow's voice saying, "Well, It's about time you showed up"

Overcast Looked up to see Rainbow standing in front of him, looking Cocky. It all made sense now. Overcast could never out fly his Girlfriend, and she wasn't in sight, because she already finished! "Well, Don't get up on my account." she said, "Get back to what you were doing. I'll leave you be." She jumped over the edge, only to predictably pull up at the last second, then freefall through the cloud layer. Overcast felt lucky to have a mare like her, and resumed his nap. Before lulling himself to sleep, he slit his eyes open ever so slightly, and saw Rainbow returning to watch him. She didn't know he was watching, and she sat herself down. Overcast couldn't help having a small smile on his face before letting sleep take over his every muscle.
*****

Overcast woke up, still on Cloudsdale tower. He looked to his right, and Rainbow was sleepng on the other side of the roof. He stood upright, walked to Rainbow Dash, and started stroking her mane with his hoof. Then, he turned, and launched off of the roof. He took his afternoon fly around Cloudsdale, before finishing at his job at the Rainbow Factory. (With nothing to do with the fanfiction Rainbow Factory)He trotted inside, and started his job stapling rainbow orders from Canterlot. His shift started at 3:00 and ended at 7:00. he came into work at 4:15 today, and his boss, surprise, took him into her office.

"Now, Overcast," Surprise began, "You know how important it is that those orders get stapled, so they can be delivered to the factory, right?"

"Yes, Ma'am." Said Overcast, hanging his head down. He knew how this would end.

"And you know that this is the fifth straight day that you've been tardy, right?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Quit calling me Ma'am. Just say yes." Surprise was very sensitive on how she was addressed.

"Alright." Overcast said.

"Well, Overcast, it gives me no great pleasure to do this, as you're our number one Order fulfiller, but..." She paused, and hesitated her next words, "Overcast ... We're going to have to let you go."

"Alright." Overcast said in a half-sigh. He stood from Surprises desk, and left out the ornate arch door into the Rainbow Factory. He wasn't eager to break the news to Rainbow, but it had to be done sooner or later, so he flew back to the top of Cloudsdale Tower. Rainbow was still there, but no longer sleeping. Instead, she was reading 'Daring Do and the Wendigo Shrine', the newest in the series. She was waiting for Overcast to get off work.

As soon as her boyfriend came onto the roof, she turned quizzical, closed her book, and said,"Well, you're off of work early. what's wrong?"

Overcast looked to the ground. He was ashamed to tell Rainbow the news, but if he lied, it would eventually turn out worse. so he just said, "I...I got fired."

Rainbow sighed and said, "Oh, ... Is that all? I thought you were going to say something like 'I broke me leg', or 'I broke my wing', or even 'I broke my skull'. Most of my worst case scenarios involve you breaking body parts."

Overcast looked up again, wondering why Rainbow was taking this so well. He said, "You mean...You're not mad at me?"

"Me? oh, nonononono, of course not! why would I be?"

"Because now, without my job, we aren't making nearly enough money to live off of. I mean, you still have your weather patrol job, but thats just about two thirds of the money we need to pay all the bills."

"Don't be upset, OC," OC was a name Rainbow and the rest of her friends called Overcast. O for Over, and C for Cast, "You can get a job at the weather facility as a weather patroller. then, we'll be making more than enough to live by, and we'd get to see each other all day. I mean, what's not a great idea about that?

Overcast was at a loss. He just said, "Alright, I guess that's an idea. I'll apply tomarrow."

"Why not today? Come on, let's both go." Rainbow flew off of the roof, and over to the Weather facility where she worked. Overcast quickly followed. He was eager to get a new job. Rainbow landed in the job registration area. OC landed behind Rainbow. "Can I speak with Lightning Joe, please?" asked Rainbow Dash to the whaite pony with lightning bolt shaped hair.

"Speaking." said the Stallion behind the counter, "What can I do for you?"

"I'd like a job application, please."

"But Rainbow," Said Lightning, "You already work here. Has Twilight been casting spells on you?"

"No. I need a job for my boyfriend, Overcast." She extended a hoof to Overcast, Who nodded his head in agreement. "I was wondering if he could get a job in the weather patrol center."

"Er, uh... I dunno, Rainbow, I'll have to talk to Soaren, our director. Give me a moment." Lightning Joe went back and inside the Director's studio.

Rainbow turned back to Overcast. He was obviously nervous about something. "It's fine OC," Said Rainbow, "I'm sure they'll give you an application like that."she said while snapping, somehow, despite a complete lack of fingers. "Just be optimistic, okay?"

Lightning Joe came out again, but he had no application with him. Instead, he only said, "We're gonna need to perform a background check. If I can see your flyer's license, sir?"

"Sure," said Overcast, handing Lightning Joe his identification, "Here you go."Lightning returned into the director's studio. "Why do you think they need to perform a background check?"

"It must just be procedure." said Rainbow Dash.

"Did they do this when you applied?"

"Well, no, but-"

"But what?"

"But---procedures change."

Overcast heard strange noises and looked to the Director's studio. Rainbow followed his gaze. through the window, they could see two silhouettes, Soaren on the left, Lightning Joe on the right. They argued back and forth, and finally Lightning Joe came out again, holding a piece of paper. he placed this paper on the desk, and Rainbow could see the title at the top: JOB APPLICATION. Overcast stepped up, took the application, sat down, and started filling it out. Rainbow sat next to him, and leaned her head on his shoulder as he wrote. Overcast couldn't resist a smile. He loved Rainbow, but he could never work up the courage to say it. Instead, he allowed Rainbow Dash to express her opinions for the both of them. Example: 'I think we should start dating', or 'I think you should get a job at the Rainbow Factory', or what he was hoping for, 'I love you, Overcast.'

Truth was, Rainbow almost came close to saying that, but honestly, she was as nervous as Fluttershy in this situation. She was about to say it when they both once went on a glide over Ponyville at midnight. That's when they kissed for the first time, and that was when Rainbow ment to think, I love you, Overcast, but instead she said it in a quiet voice. Once she realised what she had said, she looked to Overcast, to see if he would respond. He must not have heard it, she thought, and they continued their flight.

But Overcast had heard her that night, and was about to say, 'I love you, too', until he saw Rainbow's worried eyes that he would hear. Overcast decided not to have heard it, and their relationship had been slowly going downhill from there. He was nervous that today, since they were both going into the same career, That Rainbow would say those four little words that would change the whole mood between them. Why was this a problem? Ever since the night Rainbow silently confessed her love for the Grey stallion, he began actually thinking what their life would be like from that point. He had even arranged a timeline in his head:-They would agree that they were in love--the relationship would get serious--they would get married--children.... That word haunted Overcast at night. What if that were to happen? what would his life be like? He wouldn't be able to take as many night flights with Rainbow, which for years has been what was keeping the relationship alive, and he definately wouldn't be able to pay for all of it. Overcast now dreaded the day Rainbow would say those words, and was hoping that the day would not come for a long time.

Overcast gladly finished the application, and stood. Rainbow had fallen asleep on his shoulder, so he was careful not to wake her up. No matter how much he didn't want to say it, he did love Rainbow Dash, more than anything. He walked up to the desk, and handed Lightning the application. "Looks legitimate" said Lightning, "I'll just have to go over it with the director. One moment." He walked again into Soaren's office, and Overcast returned to his seat next to Rainbow. She was still sleeping on the arm of the chair, so Overcast gently put his hoof behind her head, stroked her mane a few times, and gave her a kiss on the forehead. He sat in his chair, pulled out Rainbow's Daring Do book, and began reading.
*****

After an hour-and-a-half, Lightning finally returned. Overcast was careful not to disturb Rainbow Dash's rest again, as he got up and walked to the desk. "How'd it go?" he asked

"Congradulations, Overcast!" exclaimed Lightning Joe, "You got the job!"

Overcast smiled, turned politely, and walked to Rainbow. He gently nudged her cheek, and she sleepily regained lucidness. "Yeah, OC?"

"I got the job." He said. "Now wake up, let's go home." It was true that Overcast and Rainbow Dashed lived together, but it was at Rainbow's house. It all had began when they first met.

flashback

Rainbow woke up that morning feeling refreshed and ready for anyhting. Her plan was to go fly down to ponyville, and say hi to Twilight and the rest of the pony gang, but as soon as she left her front door, she met a bum, asking for food. he began saying 'can you spare a single sugercube', but he stopped halfway through, and just stared. He was in awe at the beauty of the mare before him. For Overcast, it was love at first site, but for rainbow, it was just another lowly begger. "Look," she said. To Overcast, Rainbow had such a beautiful voice, that it put her looks to shame. "I don't have any food to spare, but..." she looked around, "Here. have this." She tossed Overcast 100 bits! Before he could thank her, she flew away. He wouldn't have been able to say thank you, however, because he was still awestruck by the beautiful mare. He decided to put this money into his chances for a relationship with Rainbow. He flew down to Ponyville, and payed a visit to Carosuel Butique, where he got cleaned, groomed, and made into a respectable Stallion. He then flew back to Rainbow's house, and waited for her.

She arrived at dusk, and Overcast made his first move, saying, "Hello. I'm Overcast. You gave me 100 bits this morning."

"Oh, yeah, the begger." said Rainbow, trying to avoid conversation with this bum.

"Not anymore. With that money, I was transformed into a respectable citizen, but I still have no where to sleep. would you be so kind as to tell me where I can find a comfortable Ponyhole, or even dumpster full of foam?"

Rainbow genuinely realized how sad this stallion was, and she was able to see his real personality."Actually," She said, " I'll give you my first floor bedroom, if you want. But don't expect anything but a bed, and plenty of food."

"Yes. that would be fantastic." Said Overcast.

Over time, Rainbow and Overcast became good friends, but nothing got serious until one day, when Overcast challenged Rainbow to a race. Of course, Rainbow accepted, and she saw how skilled at flying this begger was. That's when Rainbow said, "You know, Overcast, I like you. You're welcome to help yourself to anything I have to offer." And that's how it began. Eventually, they went on that magical midnight flight through Ponyville. They flew circles around each other, slowly getting closer, and closer, until they pulled up, and Overcast looked deep into Rainbow's eyes, and...It happened. Rainbow and Overcast's heads got closer and closer to each other, and they embraced their mouths together in an unexpected, amazing, feelings-changing...kiss. That's when Rainbow fell in love with Overcast, her emotions all turned into burning love. she couldn't help from saying those four, quiet words, but to her, Overcast couldn't tell. They finished their flight, and returned home. They gave eachothe one last kiss before going off to bed.

The next day, Rainbow came up to Overcast while he was watching an old repeat of a Wonderbolts derby on TV. She turned to him, they gave each other another kiss, and Rainbow said, "I think that we should start dating." and so they did. Overcast and Rainbow dash were in love, and they went on nightly midnight flys through Ponyville. They kissed every morning, and every evening, but none compared to the genuine kisses they gave each other on those midnight flights. Rainbow eventually stopped taking care of this lowly street begger, and started Living with her boyfriend. They each took half of the bills, and pooled their money to pay for them. When they were running low on money, Rainbow suggested that Overcast get a job at the Rainbow factory. They also took weekly races around the area, which ended on their daytime hideout, the top of Cloudsdale tower. This is where our story began.

End Flashback

The two lovers went home, gave each other a goodnight kiss, and went to bed. while laying in his bed, and thinking of the first time he an Rainbow met, he made a decision that would change his life. Tomarrow, he would take Rainbow into Ponyville, and carry out the dream he had ever since he met Rainbow.

The next morning, Overcast waited in their living room, until Rainbow came down. She asked, "What's the big idea?" she said, spotting Overcast's smile, and his fancy clothes, not to mention a mysterious lump in his pocket.

"Come on, Rainbow, we're going into Ponyville." Overcast said. They left the house, and flew down to Twilight's library, where Overcast had told all of Rainbow's friends to meet them. He had a party in mind. all the time going there, Rainbow was confused by the lump in Overcast's pocket. Once they got there, Rainbow went inside, followed by OC, only to be met with her friends, so happy.

"Really, OC, what's the big idea?" She turned around, to see Overcast kneeling on his back hooves. He reached into his pocket, and pulled out the lump. It was a small red box, covered in velvet.

"Rainbow Danger Dash..." He said, putting one hoof underneath the box, and one on the front of it. He continued to say, "Will you Marry me?" He opened the box to show a diamond ring.

Rainbow Dash couldn't help but shed tears. She wasn't even worried her friends would see. She was secretly waiting for the day that Overcast would propose to her, but until now, it seemd only a distant dream. She was having trouble speaking through the tears, but she managed to say, "Yes. Yes I will!"

Rainbows friends cheered, and confetti fell from the sky as Overcast fitted the ring onto Rainbow's hoof, somehow, despite the ring being far to small. He stood again, and he and Rainbow embraced each other, and gave each other a magical kiss, that emphasized that fact that this would change their lives forever. Rainbow Dash still had a question in mind, which she asked as soon as the kiss was over, "Overcast, why now?"

"Because, Rainbow," he said, gulping his fears, "I love you!"

This brought on more tears for Rainbow, who continued to respond, "I love you, too, Overcast.!"

They had now gotten engaged. The party was magnificent. By the end, all of Ponyville was there. Overcast got drunk, and didn't remember most of it the next day, and Rainbow Dash was so wore out that they forgot their Nightly midnight flight. But it was worth it, because now the two ponies who loved each other more than anything were getting married. They set the date to the Summer Sun Celebration next month.

Chapter 2: The Wedding

Overcast looked across the sofa at his Fiance, Rainbow Dash. it was only a month ago that Overcast proposed to his unmatched love, and tomorrow, at the Summer Sun Celebration at city hall, they would be bound together in marraige. Rainbow wasn't sleeping, or eating, and she could barely speak. But it's predictably. Why wouldn't the Bride be the smallest bit anxious about their own big day. In the passing month, Overcast had assembled the Groomsmen: Thunderlane, Soaren, and Icy winds; and he had chosen his best man, and fellow begger, Wings McGee. He had also given Applejack the job of Food preparations, and the reception would have been hosted by Pinkie Pie, but Rainbow had chosen her, Twilight, Fluttershy, and Rarity to be her Bridesmaids. Overcast had chosen the one to wed them, Mayor Mare, and even the usher, his Ponyville friend, Caramel Apple. The wedding was planned to go off without a hitch, but knowing the reputation of weddngs and Ponyville recently, that probably wouldn't be the case. But Overcast was prepared for the worst: If their wedding was ruined, he had set up a backup secret wedding to be held at the top of Cloudsdale Tower. OC wasn't about to let his wedding be ruined by some crazy monster, or Chongeling, or even some kind of huge, underground, creature from the Multiverse with tentacles that dig up through the ground and control everypony's thoughts through some kind of evil system called 'Gravemind', or something crazy like that. Nope, Overcast was prepared for the worst.

Now, Rainbow managed to say, unexpectedly calmly, "You know, OC? Let's take today off. I mean, tomarrow we're getting married, and we have plenty of time to be stressed out then. For now, let's just pretend like we're friends again. You know, before that midnight flight, or your proposal. just a while after we first met, okay?"

This was just what Overcast needed to take his mind off of the wedding, so he said, "Yes. that would be fantastic." The very same thing he said when Rainbow offered to take him in. "What do you want to do?"

"Hmmm" Rainbow thought of her favorite things, and said, "How about a race. from here, all the way to Canterlot Mountain, through Ponyville, and Ghastly gorge, then a rainboom for me, and for you if you're up to it, and finally, we meet up at Cloudsdale tower. just like the last one we did."

"You're on." And so, Rainbow took a commanding lead immediately. This is just what she needed to get her confidence back: going as fast as any Pegasus could ever have gone. Overcast followed close behind, on the stretch to Canterlot Mountain. At one point, OC even overtook Rainbow, only for her to rocket ahead again. Their competitive spirits were unmatched, even by each other, which I know doesn't actually make a whole lot of sense, but they did anyway. Regardless, Rainbow made it to the peak first, only a second or two ahead of Overcast. They went off towards Ponyville neck-and-neck, but urban flying had always been Overcast's specialty, and so he took a huge lead over Rainbow through Ponyville. He stopped ay the road out of Ponyville, and waited for his love. She didn't acknoledge OC, so she flew directly over him. He liked a challenge, and he caught up with Rainbow at Ghastly Gorge, where she did regain the lead. Eventually, they met up again, and started going up to the correct height for a Sonic Rainboom. OC followed Rainbow down as they tried something never before attempted. Rainbow broke the barrier of sound, and a huge rainboom colored the sky, then OC did the exact same thing in the center of the Rainboom, creating a dazzling array of every color ever concieved, and even inventing a new, breathtaking color, that not even I can describe in human words. This gave both the bride and groom all of their confidence back as they broke the cloud layer, and landed on the top of Cloudsdale Tower.

Overcast narrowly beat Rainbow for the first time ever. He was rooting for himself, and Rainbow, even though she lost, couldn't help laughing at what a fool Overcast was making of himself. He didn't know, or care, he was just happy that their willingness to get married was restored.

Their feelings to each other were out in the open now, so Rainbow had no trouble saying, "I love you, Overcast."

"Me, too," Said Overcast, "I mean, after all, who wouldn't love me?"

Rainbow started laughing again, and said, "You know what I mean."

"Yeah, but I was just trying to make you happy. You know, you have the most beautiful laugh I've ever heard."

"Of course. You tell me every time I laugh."

"It's just that; you haven't laughed since I proposed to you."

Rainbow walked over to Overcast, put her hoof around his neck, and said, "Well, you know how it is for a bride to get married. It's like nothing in the world exists except for stress. I'm sorry if it seems like i've been not wanting to do this. I do. I really, truly love you, and want to spend the rest of my life with you. It's just that, I've been thiking of our future. I mean, what if we-"

Overcast placed his hoof over Rainbow's mouth, and said, "I've been thinking about this, too, and i've had the exact same question. But let me assure you, If anyone else is to come into our family, I'll be ready for anything that ensues. I promise."

"I'll hold you to that." Rainbow said as she looked into the sky. The sun was at it's Zenith. "Come on, OC. Let's get lunch."

Overcast and Rainbow Dash went to cloudsdale's finest restraunt to eat. There, they talked about their future.

"So," said Rainbow, "Tomorrow, after we get married, what do you think we'll do next?"

"Like I said before, I've been thinking a lot about this topic, and have so many questions, much like you. For example, what will we do for our honeymoon?"

"I had an idea about that. What do you think about taking a trip to Appleloosa, to visit Applejack's cousins."

"That might work. What questions do you have?"

Rainbow looked at her food, and started playing with it with her fork, which she was somehow holding. She looked up, and said, "What'll we name the kid?"

Overcast was taken aback by this question. He was unaware that they even duscussed the possibility of children, except for that question on Cloudsdale Tower. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, If we have children, what'll we name them?"

"I was unaware that we decided we were going to have children."

"We never did, but in every married couple's life, they consider children. And i'm not completely rulng out the possibility that I want to be a mother."

"Tell you what: We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. for now, lets enjoy our last day together, before we're husband and wife."

"Sure." Rainbow Dash raised her glass of sparkling apple cider, and said, "To marriage"

"To Marriage."
*****

The next day, Rainbow was in a real hurry to prepare evrything. Her bridesmaids perpared her dress and makeup, and Overcasts groomsman delivered the flowers. Overcast and Wings McGee were chatting in the city hall, where the wedding was to be this afternoon. Overcast was already prepared like his Groomsmen, with a fancy black and white suit. Everypony in Ponyville was there for the last time Celestia made an appearance in Ponyvilles summer Sun Celebration for over 300 years! Overcast couldn't have made a better decision chosing the location. Wings was asking a lot of wierd questions, though, and Overcast was getting suspicious.

"Are you sure you want to hold this wedding here? now?"

"Why not here? Why not now? This seems like the best time to hold a wedding: where absolutely everypony in Ponyville and parts beyond can see!"

"Haven't you heard?"

"Heard what?"

"Last night, there was a strange lightning storm."

"Lightning storm? There was no storm scheduled for last night."

"Exactly. It's startin' up a conspiracy theory about the pegasi. You should be careful having a Pegasus weddin' here in Ponyville."

"I'm sure eveything will be fine. And besides, if this doesn't work out, I have a backup wedding planned."

Wings shook his head. "You know, that lightning storm wasn't the only strange thing last night."

"What else was there?"

"Ponies in Cloudsdale all reported sayin' that they heard a wierd voice in their head, and it said the same thing to all four of em': Find the Key."

"Those four all probably got drunk, and made up a plan for popularity. it happens all the time in big cities."

"Alright. If you have nothin' to fear, carry on with this weddin'. But I warned ya."

Overcast walked off. The ceremonies for the Summer Sun Celebration were about to begin: Celestia would raise the sun, Then they'd move onto Overcast and Rainbow Dash's wedding. Then, Everypony would go home. Simple as that.

"Fillies, and Gentlecolts!" Began Mayor Mare, "May I present to you, our tyra-um, er I mean, Terrific ruler and Dicta-um, umm, Dilapodaseous Princess Celestia!"

Everypony cheered as Princess Celestia stepped onto the balcony. Overcast watched in awe as her horn began to glow golden, and brilliant sunlight shimmered through the darkened windows. It was amazing to see a pony raise the largest thing in the solar system, from millions of miles away. When the sun was raised, Celestia walked back off of the balcony, and Mayor Mare stepped to the wedding setup. "And now, Ponyville," Mayor Mare began, "We shall move on to our next order of business: the wedding of Overcast, and Rainbow Dash! Icy Winds!" Once again everypony cheered as the first Groomsman, Icy winds, took his place farthest to the right of the center. "Soaren!" The second Groomsman, Soaren, stepped next to Icy winds, closer to the center. "Thunderlane!" The third Groomsman took his place. "And the Bridesmaids! Rarity!" The first Bridemaid took her place farthest left of the center. "Fluttershy!" Fluttershy stood next to Rarity, not making eye contact with the crowd. "Pinkie Pie!" Pinkie stood next to Fluttershy, and launched confetti into the air, "Twilight Sparkle!" Twilight stood closest to the center on the left. "Now, the Best Man!" Wings McGee stood next to Thunderlane, closest to the center on the right side. "The Groom: Overcast!" OC stood right to the right of the center. "The Ring-bearer!" Spike came and stood at the foot of the stairs on the right side. "And now, the bride: Rainbow Dash!"

Overcast watched in unbearable love as his soon-to-be wife, Rainbow Dash walking up the center lane, being given away by Big Macintosh, the closest thing to a father Rainbow had. Rainbow stood across from Overcast, closest to the center on the left side. Big Mac sat down.

Mayor Mare stood at the podium, and began her speech: "We are gathered here today, on this happy and joyous occasion, to join this mare and this stallion in holy matrimony.

Marriage is a solemn institution to be held in honor by all, it is the cornerstone of the family and of the community. It requires of those who undertake it a complete and unreserved giving of one's self. It is not to be entered into lightly, as marriage is a sincere and mutual commitment to love one another. This commitment symbolizes the intimate sharing of two lives and still enhances the individuality of each of you.

Overcast, do you take this Mare to be your wedded wife? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, remaining faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"

Overcast smiled as he looked into Rainbow's eyes, "I do."

"Rainbow Dash, do you take this stallion to be your wedded husband? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health, remaining faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"

Once again, Rainbow was brought to silent tears, "I do."

"Then by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Overcast and Rainbow shared a long, loving kiss, symbolising the mutual love between them so strong that it has bonded them inseperably in holy matrimony. It was official: Rainbow Dash and Overcast were married, and now they began their life, their unexpected married life, full of surprises.
*****

Overcast and Rainbow couldn't have been happier that next week. They visited Appleloosa, took the express to Canterlot, and partied there, then returned home. Only a month after sharing the same room, Overcast got suspicious. He was seeing less and less of the happy Rainbow Dash, and more and more a easily tempered Rainbow Dash, not to mention her packing on a few pounds. One day, overcome with concern, and nervousness, Overcast and Rainbow Dash to go to the hospital, see if somethings wrong.

The next day, when Rainbow got back, she gave Overcast the news. He couldn't be happier. Or more worried.

Rainbow Dash was pregnant.