My Life on a Cassette Tape

I straightened my tie, fixing how it sat for the umpteenth time in ten minutes. I checked over my mane, looking for any imperfections - and of course I could see them all now. Double nudged me, giving me a grin in the mirror. I took a deep breath, trying my best to steady myself.

This was it, this was the day. No more delays, no more hang ups, and certainly no reason to be freaking out. We had done all the planning, made sure of everything. Catering was here - thank you Pinkie Pie - and Rarity had confirmed that all clothes had been finished and delivered to the respective ponies. Everything was as it should be and all I had to do was walk up to the stage and look pretty. This day was going to be perfect. Still didn't settle my nerves at all.

Yesterday's rehearsal had gone perfectly, we even had enough time to do a second run through because we had nailed it so well first time around. We were prepared, everything was ready. I took another breath, trying not to get psyched out. I wasn't going to bail, that wasn't an option. This day meant too much to too many ponies. Sure, the amount of time we gave everypony certainly didn't allow for many of them to make it, so the crowd was significantly diminished, but even so.

"You guys need anything?" Rainbow asked, popping her head into the dressing room for what wasn't the first time that day.

"A glass... eh, make that a pitcher of water and some glasses?" I asked, my anxiety making my mouth dry. Rainbow gave me a salute before darting away. She had been more than helpful today and yesterday. She had, by volunteer, been our runner to get whatever we needed whenever we needed. She had done the last minute run to get the red carpet - which we had all somehow forgotten in the haze of the day.

"We only got about ten minutes until the big event starts." Double noted, his calm demeanor unchanged despite the looming event. Sometimes I wished I was unflappable as he was. He really made this all look so easy; not letting any of this get to him as he just straightened his coat and gave a last adjustment to his tie. It honestly looked like he was born for this day, that he had been ready since before he even proposed.

Dash zipped back into the room, setting down the pitcher and glasses, taking off the lid from the pitcher that had spared it from spilling during her flight to and fro.

"Thanks..." I said, taking a glass and pouring out some water. "You're a lifesaver, Dash, you know that?" Dash puffed out her chest.

"You bet. If you need anything else I'll be around, you just gotta call." She dashed away in a blur, only to poke her head back in a second later. "Oh, and Twilight wanted me to tell you to get that last bit ready. She'll send me to get you when you'll need to form up for the procession."

"Thank you, Rainbow, we'll be ready." Double said with a smile while I gulped down some water. Dash gave a nod and then zoomed away, leaving us alone once more. Double turned to me, shook his head, and then poured himself his own glass. "No reason to be so wound up, Cress. Anxiety is the least efficient emotion - it literally gets you nothing. You just gotta push through and go through with it." I set down my glass, breathing hard to try and release the emotions from me that way.

"Yeah, sure, emotional efficiency is what I'm aiming for." I muttered, looking at my glass. "You know, before I met my mares I had never thought about marriage? I literally just thought 'hey, maybe I'll meet a nice mare and we'll live together and maybe have some foals' but marriage wasn't in that picture. This certainly is not the sort of day of which I've dreamed since I was small. Maybe the kind I had nightmares about with how stressed it's getting me."

"I guess it shows you really are serious about your mares then." Double commented before taking a drink, swirling the water around his mouth a bit before swallowing.

"Yeah... I guess." I poured a second glass, my hands shaking as I did. "I kinda wish I had just elected to elope. Would've made life so much easier. So much less stressful."

"I think your mares would've lynched you. They spent quite a few bits on that ring and on their dresses by what I'm told. I think they want the ceremony, and I think you do too." Double was right. I did want the ceremony, it was important. I needed it this way. I needed for more ponies than just me and my mares to know and to see that we were more than just some horny ponies living in the same house. They were each special to me, and I needed everypony else to know that.

I also was suffering what was, to that point, the closest I had ever been to a nervous breakdown - that was if this wasn't already a nervous breakdown. Performances had gotten me to a degree before, but this... this was something different. Messing up a speech meant a bad grade, messing this up. Woof. That was grounds for a hanging. This wasn't just some occasion to have everypony gather around and say they looked lovely in their gowns. This was something well beyond that.

"I just don't want to ruin this for my mares." I admitted as I set the still full glass down. I fell down into the couch, letting out a long sigh. Double sat down beside me, giving me a comforting grin. Then he punched me in the shoulder.

"Hey, Cress, we've got this." His words, despite him, did provide me some comfort. "We're just gonna walk out there as the organ plays, stand on that stage, wait for our mares, say some words after Twilight, and then do what we do best."

"I ain't making fucking my mares part of the wedding vows." I said in as deadpan of a voice as I could manage. A second later we both broke out into laughter.

"Don't worry, you can just kiss 'em then." Double shot back, smacking me in the back. My laughter subsiding, I took a breath in, the air coming in easier this time, a great deal of the weight now gone.

"Thanks, Double. I don't think I could do this without you." I said with a smile of genuine gratitude. "Brothers until the end, eh?"

"Aye! Tonight we'll dine in Valhalla!" He said with ample amounts of theatrics. We both laughed again. We needed this, I especially needed this. Laughter was the best medicine after all. "It's almost a shame that we are getting married together. It would've been nice to have been your best stallion and you mine."

"What you don't know is that I have fooled you all into letting me off the hook!" I said with a chuckle before shaking my head. "Yeah, well, anyway, I think that our choice for joint best stallion is a pretty good one considering." As if on queue, the adjoining room opened up, Button struggling with his tie.

"Hey, is this the rabbit and does it go under then over or was it this part that loops around the tree?" He asked, thoroughly befuddled. I chuckled, standing up and moving to help him out. This was good, this was right. I smiled, giving Button's now finished tie a last tug.

"There we go, right as rain." I commented, straightening my coat one last time. "Well, this is it. Do or die."

"Surely it isn't that dire?" Button laughed awkwardly.

"It is that dire, and don't call me Shirley." I said with as serious of a tone as I could muster, turning to Double for confirmation.

"He really hates being call Shirley." He confirmed. Button just blinked at us for a few seconds trying to process all of this. Both of us broke out in laughter, Button joining in after a bit. It wasn't too long after that Rainbow reappeared in the door.

"Showtime, y'all!" Rainbow called. We all brought our laughter under control before giving one last nod before filling out. Time to go. We passed by the door where the mares were all getting dressed, marked by an Applejack who just nodded to us, ushering us forward. No bride peeping today.

We all formed up behind the door that led into the chamber of the castle that had been converted into the stage for our wedding. Apparently the Ponyville townhall had had a roof malfunction - something about an unexpected discharge of lightning. This was it, the moment was now.

The organ began to play, and Pinkie and Rainbow pushed the doors open. Double and I took a step, and then another. Walking down the aisle together with a short distance between us. I breathed at a steady rhythm, locking my eyes ahead towards where I needed to be. Step by step, my heart threatened to burst from my chest as I made my way on down.

The room was filled with ponies, not as many as I had seen in other weddings, but even so. I recognized a good bit of my extended family, and some of those who - through the oddity that was a family tree - were only technically related to Double. I saw ponies who were from Thyme's branch of the family - as had been pointed out to me the day previous as they arrived in Ponyville - and the stoic faces of Raven's parents, ever prim and proper. They had been 'kind' enough to attend their daughter's marriage, probably the nicest thing they had done for her. I almost regretted the fact they had agreed.

And then I saw them. Right beside my parents, whose joy was barely contained at seeing their only son walking towards the end of the aisle, was Berry's parents. Beside them was Cherilee, Berry's barely older sister, and next to her - sitting in a small wheelchair - was the still healing Piña Colada. A smile broke out on my face, and then a germ of an idea formed, growing into a scheme. Taking up my position, I watched as Button walked down the aisle behind us. I folded my hands behind my back and thanked my lucky stars that I didn't have to wear a microphone for this.

One more wouldn't hurt.

"Last bit, Darling, don't move." Rarity fussed as she affixed the train to Periwinkle's dress. The process of fitting one mare into her wedding gown was an immense and laborious one, one that required all of her attention and energy. Setting up four mares with intricate, and thoroughly distinct, designs was monumental.

Berry smiled at herself in the mirror, happy to stay in the small side room where Rarity had put the final touches together on her dress. It was magnificent. If she were to be so bold, she felt she looked like a princess. Perhaps just settling for 'an immensely wealthy pony' would do for now.

"You look gorgeous." A voice whispered in her ear. Berry closed her eyes, a gentle smile across her features as she simply nodded. She felt the touch of the pony as they placed their hands on her shoulders. She had to not cry, already so much effort had been put into her makeup, it would be a waste to cry now.

"I'm so proud of you." The sweet voice came again, now right in front of her. It was a struggle, a truly harrowing fight. "I love you so much." Berry finally let out a breath she didn't know she had been holding and opened her eyes. Before her was a small mare, smiling at her.

"Do us proud, mommy." She said simply, a sad - yet oh so happy smile - on her face. Berry placed a hand on the mare's cheek. She could imagine the warmth of the pony, the feel of the pony, but even now she faded. She hadn't been fully solid to start with, but she had been real. Oh so very real. Berry continued to smile, her hand still cupping the invisible cheek.

"Alright, Berry Punch, time to... Berry?" Rarity froze, looking at the mare. She stood still on the small podium, a hand extended forward as if holding - or maybe touching - something that wasn't there. In the mirrors, Rarity could see the mare was doing her best to hold back tears. It struck Rarity like a soul crushing weight what must be on the mare's mind. It was barely a month since the anniversary of that day. Rarity stepped inside, taking Berry's hand, guiding it down while a handkerchief enveloped in the uncorn's magic dabbed at the bride's eyes.

"There there." She comforted, running her other hand along Berry's arm. "I'll give you a few seconds, but the day won't wait long. When you're ready, though." Rarity pressed the handkerchief into the mare's hand before stepping out, leaving Berry alone once more.

Berry continued to look into the space where the whisper of a mare had been, still a gentle smile on her face. She took a deep breath and gave a slow nod before turning to face the room, Rarity standing at the door. Berry gathered herself up, and took a step off the podium.

"Thank you... my little Pinchie." Berry whispered, dabbing the last few tears from her eyes. Today was going to be a good day. It was fitting she'd see her Pinchie just that once more. It was all the better she hadn't made herself seen when Berry was walking down the aisle. That might've not been the best of times for a heartfelt word of encouragement.

Berry gave a squeeze to the handkerchief before passing it back to Rarity, giving the unicorn a smile of gratitude. This was it.

Finally the moment had arrived for Double and I to be quite the pair of lucky grooms. The organist picked up the tempo, the song coming into its own as the doors reopened for the second time. I took a breath in as I watched Spring Thyme walk down the aisle, her father holding her arm with pride, as the doors closed once more behind them. They slowly made their way down, each step filled with purpose and grace. The dress was spectacular, Rarity sparing no talent on making sure the dress was just perfect. Beyond perfect really.

The long train behind her rolled in cascading folds of silk that slowly ascended her, ending with smooth waves that traced the lines of her sides, fully covering her chest up to her neck. The dress' lack of sleeves was made up for with long gloves that elegantly flowed from the tips of her fingers, up past her elbows, and almost halfway up her bicep. The shimmering white of the dress caught the light in every which way, small rainbows seeming to fall down like waterfalls across her form. The veil, sheer in its fabric, barely revealed her face, but stood no chance against her bright smile that shone even through its confines.

"Wow..." was all I heard from Double. Once more, his unflappable nature had met its match and had been flapped. I could only continue to smile. This was altogether lovely. Her father, at Twilight's beckoning, gave his daughter to Double, who then ascended the stairs to the stage, leaving me and Button standing on the lower level.

My attention once more turned towards the doors, the organ beginning its tune once more, renewed vigor in every keystroke. The doors opened, and my breath hitched as I looked on my mares.

Periwinkle's dress looked like something out of a foal's fairytale that had found Rarity and had asked for some pointers on how to look splendid instead of ridiculous. Rarity's advice certainly had paid off. The rather deep collar let some cleavage show, though actually less than a lot of the mare's tops did on the regular. The 'V' of the neckline swooped up, leading the eye to the sleeves, with their slight amount of puff that started at the shoulder and ended about halfway down the bicep, smoothing out into an arrangement that could either be a well hidden pair of gloves that slipped into the sleeve or just the sleeve developing into a glove. Either way, the 'glove' only went around her palm and let out her fingers and thumbs without issue, revealing her delicate digits. The dress itself flowed with a minorly pleated look into its train that rolled splendidly behind her.

Berry wore what was likely the most modest dress I had ever seen her in since I had know her. The neckline was at the collarbone with a slight amount of frilling or lace that ran the edge. The fabric was just thin enough that I could see the color of her underneath - which led me to the understanding she had counterbalanced how modest it looked on first glance by not having anything behind it. The fabric did its job by making everything beneath obscure enough that you might even believe that it was all just an effect of the dress - her nipples and nethers fully hidden as if censored. Beyond its thinness, it had little flare beyond the lacing around the neck and at the cuffs of the sleeves that reached to her wrists.

And then Raven. Before the ceremony, before even the rehearsal, Raven had told me that she had a dress made and that she wouldn't be using any of her magic to make or enhance the dress. It would all be Rarity's work on display. I could see now that that was less out of deference to Rarity's work and more to the fact that Rarity had made something amazing beyond any enhancement or alteration. To change it would be to defile art, a crime most grievous.

The dress and veil were one whole, it seemed. While Berry and Periwinkle had elected for a veil much like Thyme's - something closer to a traditional veil of sorts with only minor differences - the one on my Raven was wholly unique, much like her dress - much like her.

My Raven, oh so beautiful, walked down the aisle in her changeling form, hiding nothing except what the dress did for her. Her veil had the appearance of well crafted spiderwebs that hung delicately from a tiara that looked like it had been woven together by both birds, spiders, and butterfly cocoons - all rendered in resplendent white and silver. It hid, and yet elegantly traced her divine features. Through the fabric, I could see the gleam of her iridescent amber eyes. It was amazing.

Her dress extended from the side of the veil it seemed, continuing the design with expert technique. Webs crossed over her, covering and revealing, wrapping around her arms but leaving her hands free from the wrist onward, while also moving down her sides, hugging her curves neatly before trumpeting out at the waist, cascading down into her train.

"Woah..." I said as if concurring with Double's previous statement. My mares approached me, their smiles visible through their veils. I returned the smile, in awe of their beauty - and, admittedly, a little jealous. There was only so much that could be done with a suit before even putting a groom in it didn't save the piece from becoming overly gaudy. Brides had a rougher time of it, but they were rewarded with being able to have dresses that allowed for things like what I was looking at right now.

"Mares," Twilight began in a rather regal tone, "I have been given to understand that you all have not only agreed to give yourselves away to this stallion, but also to each other. You have, as I have been made to understand, elected to enter into quite the complex arrangement of interchanged vows with each other. Is this all true?"

"Yes." The three of them said in near unison. My smile grew.

"And you, stallion," I turned to her, "I have been made to understand that this arrangement is well and good with you. That you have elected to not only take these three mares to be your wives, but that you wish and are well pleased that they take you for husband and each other for wives as well. Is this true?"

"Yes." I replied, never more confident in my life. My anxiety melted away in that moment. This is what I had been waiting for. This was what it had all been leading to. Twilight nodded with a smile to this.

"Join me on the platform, and let us begin the ceremony." She pronounced happily. I smiled, extending my hands to my mares. Periwinkle grabbed my left and Raven and Berry grabbed my right. Slowly I led them all up the stairs, taking up our positions properly at the top. It was beautiful.

CRASH!!

We all turned around to the source of the noise. There, at the entry of the hall, where once stood some doors, was a cloud cart, now smoking after impact. From it, and from the billowing smoke, strode out three shapes, indistinct in the gloom. I looked over to Double, both of us giving a nod, before slowly striding forward and down the stairs to form a first line of defense and offense. The sound of clapping felt very appropriate as it came from the tallest figure in the haze.

"Wonderful, simply wonderful." A chittery voice similar to a mare's rang out. I folded my left hand in preparation. "I'm sorry that we couldn't come in quietly, but the guards didn't seem to agree we should be here today." She said, not even hiding the mirth she felt.

"And who are you?" I called out, my right hand just itching to activate the Straight Record to wipe these wedding crashers off the face of the planet. Dare interrupt my wedding? Dare antagonize MY mares‽ That was asking for a bad time!

"Oh, just some ponies who really want to see what happens next." She teased, the smoke finally dissipating enough to reveal them. A unicorn mare, a pegasus stallion, and - at the center - a tall changeling mare. "And trust me, the rest of you won't want to miss it either." She flashed a menacing grin to all the wedding goers. I stretched my right hand, ready to go, ready to make it end. A thousand thoughts flashed before my mind - ways to end this now and get back to the day - some felt so very good, so right.

"You better back off." I warned, cutting ahead of Double, who cast a glance to me. A flash of concern from him tickled my brain, but I swiped it away.

"Oh, I don't doubt you think that I should, but I want to watch this myself." She gave a sneer towards me. "It doesn't happen every day, after all. This is quite the rare occasion."

"Sorry if you weren't on the invite list. Friends and family only." Double shot back. "Now leave before we make you wish you had." Several other stallions, and some mares, stood up at this point - some going as far as to roll up sleeves or throw off coats. The changeling just laughed at us, sending a twinge of anger through my system. If she knew who I was she wouldn't be laughing. She wouldn't be laughing in too long either way.

"Trust me, I wouldn't miss this if Celestia herself threatened to drop the sun on my head." She set her eyes at the podium. "Now," She began, grabbing something from behind her in the cloud cart, "Time to set off the fireworks." With a blur of motion I watched as she brought out a crossbow from the wreckage, shouldered it, and then fired.

Time seemed to slow as the bolt flew through the air. I watched as unicorn aura after aura appeared and then died away. It tugged at me, even as I watched it zip past my face. My eyes widened as I recognized the feeling even as time sluggishly let the bolt flutter past me.

Dark Stone!

A cry of pain. Tears. Anger. Rage. Unending and unyielding hatred.

Click.

Oblivion. Not just any oblivion. Blue oblivion with black hair.