//------------------------------//
// Episode 25: Wedding-Crashed Part 1 
// Story: Elements of Heroism: Season 2 
// by Bahamut0 
//------------------------------//

Burst let out a yawn as he and the guys went to meet Twilight and the girls. Apparently, they'd all been summoned to Canterlot. "Any idea what the big deal is Twi?" Burst asked.

Twilight's eyes went wide when she opened the envelopes Princess Celestia had sent! "My big brother's getting married!" Twilight's face then contorted in rage! "And to some princess I've never heard of!"

"Princess you never-Oh! You must mean Celestia's niece! Cadence!" Burst said with a smile. Twilight then grabbed Burst by the coat!

"WHY DO YOU KNOW SO MUCH MORE ABOUT HER THAN ME?!" Twilight begged.

"Easy. I'm dating Celestia. Remember?" Burst asked.

Twilight blushed. "Oh...right. Well, I guess that info actually helps a lot. And now I'm actually happy Shining's getting married! And to my old babysitter no less!"

"Well since you seem good to go.." Burst and the guys summoned their weapons. "Let's be off then."

"Um, Burst? Why are you and the guys bringing along your Duelist Arms?" Twilight asked.

Burst's gaze then turned serious. "Those mutant changelings we fought were sent to take me and the guys out because we were seen as a threat to the plans of the changelings. I've been thinking over when they might strike..." Burst then stole a glance at the group's wedding invite. "And this wedding might just be the place where they're planning to strike."

Fang looked to Narico. "Narico? I know you're not in the hive anymore, but can you pick up on any changeling thoughts?"

Narico frowned in concentration. "I've...heard whispers about a 'perfect day'. But I can't pick up on any specifics. Sorry if it sounds a bit self-centered, but I'm just glad that I'm not the center of their attention anymore."

"It's cool Narico." Inferno said with a nod before giving him a joking smile. "But still, we're bringing you along anyway. Spot out any changelings looking to feed on the love fest." The group shared a laugh before making their way to the train station. It was a long ride, but they helped pass the time with conversations. The girls were hoping to play parts in planning the coming royal wedding. The guys on the other hand, had more pressing matters of discussion. Namely, the bachelor party. The two group had gotten so caught up in their talking, they almost didn't notice they'd arrived. They made their way to the castle, and were greeted by Twilight's brother. The captain of the guard. Shining Armor.

"TWILY!" Shining called out as he ran to meet his little sister. "It's so good to see you again!" He then noticed Twilight's friends, and Burst and the others. "Looks like you brought all your friends along too."

"So you're the guy who's been taking care of the Elite Guard while I was gone!" Steel said with a smirk. 

Shining was surprised to find out that the captain of the Elite Guard was so young! Not to mention part of a team that fought the spirit of chaos itself! "Looks like I'm in the presence of some heavy-hitters."

Burst smiled, and stepped forward. "Wanna see how we stack up?" Burst then summoned his Duelist Arms. "I've got a whole lot of minutes to kill."

Shining Armor smirked. "Bring it on!" Shining Armor's shield and sword glowed with enchantments as he drew them. The two circled each other before locking blades! Shining Armor may have been the captain of the guard, but the training Burst's father had given him was of a legendary avatar. Not to mention a surviving knight of Faust. Burst soon forced Shining Armor's Sword into the ground, and fired off a shot from one of his Twin Burst blasters! But when the smoke cleared, Shining Armor was protected by a pink dome of magic! Shining Armor smirked as he lowered his shield slightly. "Nice move! But my weapons are named Guardian's Resolve for a reason. They reflect my duty to protect Equestria. This shield spell stands as strong as my resolve!"

"Then let's see whose resolve is stronger." Burst said with a winning smile. He then holstered his weapons, and summoned the Chaos MAX Cannon! "Chaos Neutron Blast!" Burst fired a blast of chaos energy from his arm cannon, and it broke Shining Armor's shield! And as if it reacted to Shining's defensive spell, Shining Armor was sent flying twice as hard into the nearby wall! "Looks like the dragon's come out on top this time." Burst helped Shining Armor out of the impact he'd made in the wall.

"Remind me not to get you mad." Shining Armor said with a small smile as he dusted himself off. "Still. If you can break my strongest shield spell, it's a good thing we've got you and the other Elements of Heroism on our side." Shining Armor's expression then turned serious. "Besides...we just might need a few extra fighters." Shining Armor then cast a shield spell over all of Canterlot. "Canterlot's been under threat of an invasion. So Princess Celestia's tasked me with putting up a shield that'll keep anyone from getting in. Or any spies trying to get out."

"Well, I think we can make it easier for you Shining." Burst said with a nod. "Because my friends and I know exactly who's threatening Canterlot. The Changelings."

Shining Armor just chuckled. "Well, they'll be bugs against a window thanks to this shield spell." He then let out a fond sigh. "And I'll be able to enjoy the best day of my life without any fear of danger occurring." Shining Armor's smile soon widened when he caught sight of a particular woman. "Speak of my soon-to-be wife..." Burst and the others took a moment to take in Cadence's appearance. She had medium pink skin, her eyes were purple, her hair was a mix of light gold, pink, and purple. She had wings the same color of her skin, and her outfit consisted of golden shoes, a light pink dress that had a teal heart ornament at the center, and a small golden crown on her head.

"Is there a problem here?" Cadence asked crossly. Twilight was so happy to see Cadence that she started the chant they used to do! But to Twilight's shock, Cadence didn't even seem to recognize it! Narico was puzzled as to why Cadence would act so distant. From what Twilight had told them, they were very close. Narico probed Cadence's emotions, and instantly recoiled! What he saw was nothing like the person Twilight had described. But what furthered Narico's fear was the aura Cadence emitted. An aura he had only encountered in the hive. Narico began to shiver in fear. And much to his dismay, "Cadence" noticed. She was about to engage him when Burst stepped in.

"You'll have to forgive our friend." Burst said with a nervous smile. "He's just nervous being in such a big city!"

Cadence's mood quickly turned pleasant. "Oh. I'm sure he'll adapt. I've adjusted quite well myself." She then shot a flirty smile at Burst. "Pleased to meet you. I am Princess Mi Amore Cadenza."

"Name's Burst Stream. Leader of the Elements of Heroism." Burst said with a polite smile.

"You know, I'm called the Princess of Love." 'Cadence' said as she brought herself closer to Burst. "I certainly wouldn't mind showing you some."

Burst backed away. "No thanks. I've already got someone who holds my heart." Burst then narrowed his eyes. "Besides, you're acting a bit too friendly for a soon-to-be-bride. Also, we need to head to our rooms." As they left, Burst pulled the entire group for a meeting. "Guys? Wasn't Cadence acting radically different from the way Twilight described her? It's like she's an entirely different person. Plus, I was picking up on an odd energy from her."

"She IS going to be married soon darling." Rarity pointed out. "Stress tends to bring out our more irritable sides. Especially since such a special day is so close!"

Inferno frowned. "I've had to deal with plenty of stress during my time on stage. But even then, I never acted like a completely different person. Plus, is Shining Armor SURE he wants to marry that woman? She got WAY to friendly with you out there Burst!"

"Actually, you're not the only one who got a bad feeling about her." Fang added. "I can usually sense the intent of a person by sniffing them. But when I caught a whiff of Cadence, her intent was almost impossible to decipher. Like she was hiding. And..." Fang looked to Narico. "Narico tried to probe Cadence's emotions. Changelings feed off of love, so that allows them to have empathic senses. They can read emotions. But what Narico saw...it scared him. He's still shivering!"

"Then I'll keep an eye on Cadence!" Twilight said with determination! "I've got to find out why she's acting so weird!" Twilight then looked to each of the girls. "And I'd like for you five to also keep tabs on her. Make note of anything unusual about her!" The girls left to their plans while the guys headed for their rooms. But before they left, Burst stopped Fang and Narico.

"Fang? Could I speak with Narico for a moment?" Burst asked. Fang nodded. Burst knelt in front of Narico with a contemplative look on his face. "Narico? I know whatever you felt back there was scary, but you need to tell us what it felt like. And why it's got you so afraid. Please Narico. If you don't feel safe talking about it, I'll stop pressuring you."

Narico stopped shivering in fear and looked Burst in the eye. "When I probed through her emotions...I found almost no love. But..b-but that's not what scared me the most." Narico began to shiver again. "The aura I sensed from her...it was a presence I've only felt back in the hive."

Burst narrowed his eyes. "Looks like my hunch was right. I think I know what the 'perfect day' those changelings you were listening in on really is. But we can't go in without any substantial proof. It looks like we'll need to work on a plan as we go. For now? Let's get some rest." Burst and the others soon retired to their rooms. Each drifting off to a restful night's slumber. However, the dreams of Canterlot soon had an unexpected guest. Nightmare Moon was drifting through the dreamscape when she happened upon, well, a nightmare. 

"Another avatar?" Nightmare mused as she sensed the dreamer's essence. She peered in, and saw Cadence being locked away under the caverns. Wasting no time, Nightmare entered the dream and vanquished the terrors plaguing the avatar of love. However, Nightmare made sure to keep herself out of sight.

Cadence slowly raised her head to find her dreams were barren. "..Hello?" She asked nervously.

"Do not fear." Nightmare's voice called out from everywhere. "Your bad dream has ended. Yet, I know it is one spawned from the waking world. Who are you? And what troubles in the waking world weigh on you?"

"C-Cadence." Cadence answered nervously. "I'm called Cadence. And I've been kidnapped and impersonated by a changeling queen. She...she plans o-on taking my place at my wedding a-and taking over my home!' Cadence broke down crying! "My Shining Armor doesn't even realize I'm gone..." Cadence felt an invisible hand wipe away her tears.

"No need for that." Nightmare replied. "Help will come. I shall see that." Nightmare left Cadence's dreams, and searched the dreamscape for those who had ties to Cadence. However, she paused when she felt a familiar presence. "It's him..." Nightmare travelled to the source of the presence, and found a familiar face. She gazed into Burst Stream's dreams, and found him contemplating thoughts that were in-line with Cadence's troubles. "Your theory is quite correct."

Burst froze in his dreams as he heard the voice ring-out from all around him. "Who's there?!"

"We've met before Burst Stream." Nightmare Moon said while keeping herself out of sight. "And we will meet again. However, there are more urgent matters that you must attend to. You are right to be weary of Cadence. For she is not Cadence at all."

Burst narrowed his eyes. "I knew it. But why are you telling me this? Who are you? And where's the real Cadence?"

"You've already seen me. As for why? I guess...I just don't want to see a wedding day ruined. The real Cadence is located in the caverns below Canterlot. A location not so easily navigated. This is all I can tell you. Farewell..." Nightmare soon left the dreamscape, and opened her eyes. "I never imagined to encounter you so soon." Nightmare then fell into her own slumber once again.


The Next Morning

Burst was troubled as he brushed his teeth the next morning. "What a weird dream last night..." he thought out loud. Burst was soon dressed. 'That voice said the real Cadence was trapped under the caverns below Canterlot. But how am I gonna get to her? I can't sense her energy because I've never met her. The only clue I even have to get to her is that she's the Princess of-...wait. That's it!' Burst rushed over to the guys, and got in Fang's face. "Fang! I need to borrow Narico!"

Fang blinked. "Um...okay? But what do you need my adoptive little brother's help for?"

"It came to me in a dream." Burst said with a smile. "I'll need to fetch Twilight too! See ya!" Burst soon got Twilight, and soon informed the two of his dream. "The voice said the real Cadence is in the catacombs beneath Canterlot. But I can't go it alone. Narico? I know it may be asking a lot, but I need you to sense out Cadence's love. Or at the very least, try to sense it. Twilight? You'll help navigate. All I can ask now is if you two are in."

"No way I'm sitting this out!" Twilight said with a determined look in her eyes! "I gotta make sure Shining and Cadence's special day goes perfect!" Twilight then blushed sheepishly. "Plus...I could really use some proof to expose the impostor."

Narico nodded. "I'll do my best if it's to help my new family. But Twilight's gonna have to find us a way into the catacombs first. Can't go in for the rescue if we can't even get in."

"Leave it to me!" Twilight said with a grin. Twilight focused her magic, and soon found a passage not far from them. "A quick phasing spell should get us through!" Twilight's hands glowed with the pink aura of her magic as she cast the spell on herself, Burst, and Narico to phase them through to the passage. "Okay Narico. This is your time to shine!"

Narico nodded, and his horn glowed with a faint green aura. His eyes snapped open not a few seconds later! "I found her! Follow me!" And the trio took off sprinting through the catacombs!

Meanwhile, near Cadence's prison, three members of the Heart of the Swarm stood guard. Silk Snare sat on a mini-web of her own making. Tied to many strands of nearly invisible webbing that would alert her comrades Carapace and Constrictor to any possible intruders. Carapace was sitting with his arms and legs crossed. A frustrated expression on his face ever present. Silk took note of Carapace's mood. "Pace? What's wrong? You've been cross ever since we got here. Aren't you happy to be of service to the hive?"

Carapace shook his head. "I hate this plan." He said flatly. Buzzing his wings for emphasis. "This isn't like Queen Chrysalis. Not the one we knew before we were sealed in those cocoons. The whole hive is left empty save for any nymphs, and all the able-bodied adults were called in for this plan. Then again..." Carapace's face went grave. "...this could be a result of the queen's madness."

"I've only heard whispers about it from drones." Constrictor chimed in as he stretched his extendable middle section. "They say the queen's been telling a voice to 'shut up' and that she's not better than these princesses here in Equestria. I don't know who she's arguing, but I'm hard pressed to agree with the queen. Makes me wonder why we just don't try to spread the love so we can just breathe it in."

Silk sighed. "You know the we don't have that problem Constrictor. A little side effect from our mutations. Though, it is nice not to feel my stomach clawing at my mind every few minutes. But we've also lost our shape-shifting." Silk then looked at the floor. "Still...you've got a good point." Silk then noticed one of the strands of webbing she'd laid out tremble. "It looks like we have guests." Silk then sniffed the air. "And it appears one of our kind is leading them." At the same time, Burst, Twilight and Narico were closing in on Cadence's presence. Only to be met with a wall.

"Cadence should be on the other side of this wall." Narico informed. However, Burst soon forced him and Twilight to the ground as a strand of webbing shot out at them! Silk used her extra spider legs to crawl out of her hiding spot. Twilight was equal parts fascinated and terrified to see one of the mutant changelings Burst and the guys had faced-off against a week or two prior to now. "You again?" Silk sighed as she leaped down to the floor, and raised her hands. "All right. No point in trying to push you back."

Burst was confused. "Wait. You guys don't want to fight?"

"You and your friends together kicked our chitin." Constrictor noted. "And since you're an avatar, you'd wipe the caverns with our backsides. I'd prefer not to spend another week in a healing cocoon." Constrictor then noticed Narico shivering. "Well I'll be. I didn't think there were others like us."

Narico blinked in confusion. "What do you mean?" Narico shrunk away when Carapace leaned down and scanned him with his magic. "H-how am I like you?"

Carapace backed off. "Because you do not have the hunger. Like us. And you have also lost the ability to shape shift. Yet your appearance is also less hostile than a regular changeling." Carapace moved aside. "Yet I can tell you weren't born like that. There may be hope for our people yet."

Burst gave the three mutant changelings a small smile. "I knew you weren't all bad. The Duelist Arms would've done a lot worse to you if you didn't at least have some form of good inside you. But you might wanna stand back." Burst drew one of his blaster pistols. He then shot a charged blast that decimated the wall! Revealing Cadence in the process. "Princess Cadence. I believe there's someone who's been dying to meet you." Twilight rushed to Cadence, and the two shared a hug. Cadence nervously stepped out when she looked to the mutant changelings. "Don't worry. They're not gonna give us trouble. But now we've gotta save Shining Armor. And I've got a plan."

"But how are you going to do that?" Cadence asked. "That impostor won't let Shining Armor out of her sights!"

Burst smirked. "My plan involves a bachelor party..."