//------------------------------// // The Canterlot Wedding....is cancelled! Pt.1 // Story: Twilight's Realm: Advanced Generation // by CosmicAlchemist24 //------------------------------// Location: Canterlot Castle, 2 days after Twilight left. After two days, the wedding preparations had progressed smoothly since Twilight left for the Hoenn Region. Strangely enough, everypony hadn’t really noticed her abrupt absence, since rumors and gossip had been floating around about her exclusion from the ceremonies. She clearly isn’t wanted here, so who cares where she is now. Shining Armor, Princess Celestia, and the rest of the elements were all painfully aware of the groom's sister would not be in attendance, and even still, as the girls were helping Rarity with last minute preparations in the main room, lining chairs and such, there was a dreadful silence in the air, the ponies sharing quick glances at each other while they worked. The wedding had continued to go as planned with the ceremony being held this afternoon at 3. The Mane 5 were still all but ecstatic that the wedding was so close, but there was still that awkwardness that resonated throughout the room, like everypony knew what the other was thinking but, nopony wanted to talk about it. Rarity looked around, tightening a ribbon bow that was tied to a pillar, and decided she would be the proverbial pic to break the ice. “Oh, just four more hours and the best wedding of the century will start!” Rarity said, everypony turning to her, since the silence had been grading on them for awhile. “I know right, I can’t wait for the after party! I got DJ Pon-3 to play for us, it’s going to be great!” Pinkie said appearing behind Rarity with a large smile, causing the seamstress the jump. It appeared that enthusiasm for the wedding hadn’t dwindled too much, despite their friends disappearance, especially in Pinkie’s case.. Applejack nodded with a new smile before turning to Fluttershy, glad that the room’s mood had been lifted. “It’s going to be something alright.” Applejack said. “I just hope my birds do their best, I’d hate for one of them to be off key again.” Fluttershy added quietly. “Don’t worry about it Shy, nopony will even worry about the music after my Sonic Rainboom.” Rainbow said in a cocky tone. The girls all rolled their eyes, except Fluttershy, who had a small grin on her face, odd considering the lack of tact in Dash’s statement. Everypony went back to that they were doing, another moment of silence passed, the smiles beginning to slowly fade into the monotony of their work, before one Fluttershy spoke up. “Umm...girls don’t you think-” “Don’t even ask Shy.” Rainbow said cutting Fluttershy off quickly, not turning to face the pegasus, and with an annoyed expression. “Nopony wants to hear it.” “But-” “We’ve been over this Fluttershy, Twilight went too far with what she did and now she has to deal with the consequences.” Applejack said in a stern tone, looking at Fluttershy with confidence “Agreed, she was being too overprotective of her brother and she made Princess Cadenza cry. As far as I’m concerned, she isn’t in the position to feel entitled to come .” Rarity said. “Seriously, accusing her of being evil over and over and over again and having her run out of the rehearsal was really uncool.” Rainbow said crossing her hooves. Pinkie and Fluttershy both looked at each other and looked down. “I guess you’re right she was being...pretty unreasonable...but.” Fluttershy said quietly. “And a party pooper.” Pinkie interrupted, still a little unsure as well. Fluttershy looked down, not sure how to continue. “Exactly, so I say leave her to think about what she’s done. Maybe this will teach her not to overthink things in the future.” Applejack said with a confident nod. Rainbow and Rarity nodded their heads as well, looking at each other with, before turning to continue their tasks. Fluttershy sighed, and nodded to herself, and her and Pinkie also went to doing what they were doing, unaware that a certain Alpha pokemon was watching them all from a golden portal from the distance. “Unbelievable.” Arceus said in a disappointed tone, with stern glance. “How could the Elements have chosen such ignorant and distrusting ponies to protect Equestria. I’d sooner choose that Giovanni then these five to protect my world.” Arceus said angrily. Pokemon Advanced Arceus closed the portal showing the Mane 5 and took a deep breath. “This can’t go on much longer, I have to warn Celestia.” Arceus said. He then opened another portal showing Celestia standing outside on her balcony. The sun shone  before the princess, it almost being the time for her to begin the suns decline into the horizon. She looked deep in thought, something clearly teetering on her mind. Before Arceus stepped through the portal, Celestia began to talk to herself, slowly, and methodically.. “Maybe...I was a bit tough on her, but she was being so paranoid about Cadance.” Celestia then sighed. She looked up, slightly more boldfaced. “I know she’s my student and I think of her almost like a daughter, but she needs to learn her lesson this time, on her own” She said before turning around, and by the time she did the golden portal had already closed. Arceus had heard all he needed and was borderline pissed at this point. “I ought to give her a good Dragon Pulse to the face for that.” He said angrily. “I should just leave them all to their fate…. but I’m not the ruler I once was.” Arceus said to himself, turning somber as he remembered the way he was long ago. “Seeing as how I’d end up attacking them out of anger if I meet them, I should focus on another matter.” Arceus opened another portal revealing ‘Cadance’ getting ready for her big day. “I know what you are, all I have to know is where she’s hidden the real Princess Cadance.” He then stared at ‘Cadance’ as his eye began to glow red. “Mind Reader!” Arceus said. Arceus was now seeing what was going on in the ‘Cadence's’ mind. His vision was intruded by a quick flash, and as the blinding effect faded, he soon found himself in the room ‘Cadence’ was in, only this time he was alone. The room seemed cleaner to, any clutter or mess, like the room had just been tidied. “Why am I here?” Arceus asked himself in his head. He then heard the door open and saw Cadence walking in with a smile on her face. “Hmmmm….Is….is this Cadence real?” Arceus asked. Cadence then laid down on her bed and she pulled her pillow over her face before squealing into it. “HE PROPOSED! HE PROPOSED HE PROPOSED!” She yelled in pure joy. If Arceus could he would be giving the young princess an amused look. It was raw emotion, the kind nearly impossible to fake, which was recognized wholy by Arceus. “Yup, that’s Cadance alright.” Arceus said, but something was off. “Hold on, That’s the real Cadance! So was this whole thing really a misunderstanding?” Arceus said in a worried tone, wondering if Twilight was overreacting after all in the very back of his mind .Cadence then pulled the pillow off her and began giggling. “I can’t believe this is happening, I truly can’t believe this is happening! This is the Best. Day. EVER!” She said happily. Arceus genuinely thought that he had entered the young Alicorns mind, and this made him even more worried about his potential mishap, which seemed impossible, seeing as how he had never been wrong about this kind of thing before. “I think I may have-” “Oh I can't believe it either, congratulations Princess Cadenza.” Arceus and Cadence turned to the balcony and there, a large black pony with insect wings, holes in her hooves and a misshapen horn stood. Arceus stared at the creature in shock. “So this is the mind of the fake and this is her true form.” Arceus said relieved that the fake Cadance was real. Cadance quickly got off her bed and got into a defensive position. “Who are you and how did you get in here?” Cadance asked. “I am Queen Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings and how I got in here is none of your concern, but why I’m here is.” The Changeling Queen said with a devious smile on her face. Cadance took a step back, but kept her guard up. Arceus continued to watch the scene unfold already knowing what was going to happen. “Why?” Cadance asked. “I’ve had my eye on you for a while now and when I saw that the Princess of Love had fallen in love with the captain of the royal guard I was so shocked.” The queen said. Arceus glared at Changeling Queen. “Just like a Changeling to prey on young lovers.” He said. “It was then I knew I had to have the love you both had for each other….for myself!” Chrysalis said before firing a green laser at Cadance. Cadance quickly put up a light blue defense shield only for it to be shattered in a matter of seconds. Arceus wanted to help her, but quickly remembered that this was nothing more than a memory. Cadance was soon blasted across the room before hitting the wall and groaning in pain. “That’s gonna hurt tomorrow.” Cadance said struggling to stand up. “You won’t have to worry about that dearie.” Cadance looked up to see the Changeling Queen slowly walking up to her. “Because you won’t be here to see tomorrow.” Chrysalis said before shapeshifting into Cadance. Cadance’s eyes widened and she began to sweat. “Y..You can't-” “Yes I can!” Chrysalis said stomping Cadance’s face knocking her out. Arceus’s anger was about to boil over as he watched the changeling laughing at the unconscious alicorn. “I Swear, this insect will pay!” He said. Chrysalis then surrounds herself and Cadance in a shield made of green flames and began to phase through the floor. Arceus followed the two until they got to a cavern underneath the castle. Chrysalis began to chuckle. “I hope you'll be comfortable down here Princess Cadenza because you won't be leaving anytime soon.” She said before teleporting back up to the castle. The world around Arceus went black and he found himself back in the present day. Arceus shook his head and looked at ‘Cadance’ still getting ready. “I see, so that’s what you did to the real Cadance.” He said with a slight growl. “I must find her before the wedding.” Arceus said before closing the portal in front of him. “I do remember Celestia telling me about a maze of tunnels underneath the castle for prisoners, but I thought she was just kidding. I obviously can’t ask Tia to help me find Cadance, she’ll think I’m as crazy as she thinks Twilight is.” Arceus then then began to think before an idea came into his head. “But I know someone who might.” Arceus then opened another portal to reveal a certain dark blue Alicorn looking through a telescope on her balcony. “Nothing out of the ordinary so far and the wedding is in 3 hours. Whoever made this threat against our home must have reconsidered.” Luna said in a confident tone. “On the contrary old friend, the threat to your home has already infiltrated the castle.” Luna turned around to see Arceus walking out of the golden portal. “Lord Arceus!” Luna said before bowing to the Alpha pokemon. “Rise up Luna, no need to bow to an old friend.” Arceus said with a chuckle. Luna stood back up and hugged Arceus who hugged her back. “It’s been so long Arceus, how have you been? Last time I saw you, was when we defeated Tirek and we haven’t heard from you since.” Luna said with a smile. “I’m sorry Luna, I’ve been very busy. My world has been in constant chaos lately and I’ve been watching over a certain someone as well.” Arceus explained. “I understand, I’m guessing you’re here for the wedding?” Luna asked. Arceus’s expression turned serious and Luna saw this. “Judging by the look on your face, I’m also guessing you heard about the threat?” She asked. “Yes and I know who’s behind it.” Arceus said. Luna’s eyes widened. “You do, who is it and what are they planning?” Luna asked wanting answers. “Before I answer, let me asked you, have you noticed anything strange about Cadance lately?” Arceus asked. Luna raised an eyebrow at the question. “Not really, although she has been a bit too demanding when it came to preparing the wedding and she’s been acting like…..like… Blueblood.” Just saying that gave Luna a chill up her spine. Arceus was happy that Luna noticed Cadance’s changes. “I’m glad you notice, the Cadance in the castle right now is an imposter.” Arceus said. Luna looked the the Alpha pokemon with a shocked look on her face. “She’s ponynapped the real Cadance and left her for dead in the maze underneath the castle.” Arceus said explained. Luna’s face turned right from shocked to anger. “Thank you for the information Lord Arceus, I have to tell my sister and Bearers of Harmony right away.” Luna said walking off only to be stopped by Arceus. “I wouldn’t recommend that Luna, unless you also wish to be cast out of the wedding along with young Twilight.” Arceus said in a soft tone. Luna looked at the Alpha pokemon with a confused look on her face. “What do you mean by that?” She asked. Arceus took a deep breath and told Luna about the events that transpired a two days ago. Once Arceus was done explaining, Luna had a look of shock and disgust on her face. “What! In! FAUST’S NAME IS WRONG WITH OUR SISTER AND THOSE PEASANTS! THEY SHALL FEEL OUR WRATH ONCE WE GET AHOLD OF THEM!” Luna yelled in the Royal Canterlot Voice. Arceus stared at Luna and took a small step back. “I’ve forgotten how scary she can be when she’s angry.” He thought. “FIRST WE TAKE CARE OF THE IMPOSTER, THEN WE ARE GOING TO GIVE OUR SISTER, SHINING ARMOR AND LADY SPARKLE’S ‘FRIENDS’ A PIECE OF OUR MIND!” Luna yelled before spreading her wings and taking off. Arceus flew after her and quickly got in front of her. “Luna believe me when I say, I want nothing more than to stop the Changeling and put Celestia, Twilight’s brother and her ‘friends’ in their place, but right now we have other priorities. We have to find Cadance, you’re the only other pony I know other than Celestia that possibly knows how to navigate through the maze. Will you please guide me through?” Arceus asked. Luna’s anger was calmed slightly and she nodded. “Of course, saving Cadance is our first priority. Come with me, the entrance to the maze is in a secret passage in the throne room.” Luna said flying past Arceus who followed behind her. Location: Throne Room Luna and Arceus arrived in the Throne room and walked over to one of the stain glass windows that had Discord on it. “It’s right here.” Luna said before she put her hoof on the wall and once she did a secret entrance opened under the window. “How did I not know about this?” Arceus asked. “Well, me and Tia have our secrets too.” Luna said entering the chamber. Arceus shook his head and followed the Alicorn. The two descended down a flight of stairs until they came to the maze. “This maze is huge, you really sent prisoners into this place?” Arceus asked. “Yes, but Tia told me she doesn’t use it anymore.” Luna explained. “I can understand why, if I was trapped in here even for a day I’d probably go mad.” Arceus said. “Let’s just hope Cadance hasn’t descended into that state.” Luna said in a worried tone. “Have some faith Luna.” Arceus said. Luna nodded. “Alright, we better get started. Cadance has to be in here somewhere. Which way should we go?” Arceus asked. “We should take a left here, there’s a pit hole filled with spikes if we go right.” Luna said turning left. Arceus looked at old friend with a shocked look on his face. “Why would you-” “It was Tia’s idea, she was a bit….devious back in the day.” Luna said with a sheepish smile. Arceus made a note of that for later,  but right now he had to focus. “So tell me Lord Arceus, what have you been up too these last few centuries?” Luna asked. “Keeping my world from falling apart for starters. That's mostly been the reason I've been gone so long.” Arceus said with a chuckle. “I can understand that, I've always wanted to see your world. You've told us all about it and the creatures that you rule over. The humans and the Pokemon, is that right?” Luna asked. “That is correct, my world in magnificent, it does have its flaws.” Arceus said in a somber tone. “What do you mean? Luna asked. “We had a war over one hundred years ago, A man made pokemon clone tried to take over my world and a human tried to throw off the balance of my world by capturing three powerful bird pokemon.” Arceus explained. Luna stopped walking and looked at the Alpha pokemon with a shocked expression on her face. “So yea, my world isn’t perfect. It’s better now though, the Humans and pokemon are living and working together in peace.” Arceus said reassuring the alicorn. Luna nodded and continued to walking. “That's good, i don't know what me and my sister would do if Equestria had a war that long…..actually I don’t know what we would do if a war happened at all.” Luna said looking down. “Hopefully you'll never get to there.” Arceus said. After about 30 minutes of walking, the two had come up with nothing. “Ugh this is getting irritating, How could we not have found her yet?” Arceus asked. “I don’t know, we’ve been through half of the maze. I doesn’t make any sense.” Luna said putting a hoof on her head. Arceus shook his head before an idea popped into his head. “Let me try something.” He said before his eyes turned white. “Foresight!” Arceus said. Luna wondered what was happening. “Lord Arceus, what are you doing?” She asked. “It’s a move called Foresight, I’m using it to look for Cadance’s Aura.” Arceus explained. He looked in every direction until he saw a faint pink and blue aura off in the distance. “I think I found her, she’s on the far left  side of the maze.” Arceus said as his eyes went back to normal. “Far left side, that might be a problem.” Luna said. “Why’s that?” Arceus asked. “The far left side was  the part of the maze that I designed and you could say that…..it’s the most deadly.” Luna said scratching the back of her head. Arceus just looked at the Alicorn and shook his head. “How deadly are we talking?” He asked. “I’d rather not say.” Luna said. “Can you lead us through it without setting off the traps?” Arceus asked. “Yes, but we have to be careful.” Luna said walking off with Arceus close behind her. They soon arrived to Luna’s self made part of the chamber and they both felt a sudden chill up their spines. “What was that?” Arceus asked. Luna sighed and looked to Arceus. “Remember when I said this part of the maze is the most dangerous?” Arceus nodded. “Well, what makes it so dangerous is that I cast a spell that causes all who enter it to face their worst nightmare. The chill we just felt was only the start, it’s supposed to make you feel like something is watching you. Next, the paranoia will overtake you until you start hearing voices that aren't there and start thinking you're going crazy. Then, you start seeing illusions of the ponies telling you that you are nothing and that you are a waste of equestrian blood. Then-” “Ok ok, I get it! Terrible nightmare spell and that fact you made it is really concerning me.” Arceus said not wanting to hear more. “I was in a very dark place back then, I'll tell you about it some other time.” Luna said in a sad tone. “Very well, but is this spell is as dangerous as you say,  then I'll provide protection for us.” Arceus’s body was then surrounded by a golden aura which also enveloped Luna. “Safeguard!” The aura soon died down and the chill running up Arceus’s and Luna’s spines were gone. Luna looked at herself then looked to Arceus. “What did you do?” She asked. “It's another move called Safeguard, it protects me as well as friends from status moves. So your little spell won't have any effect on us.” Arceus explained. “You certainly have a lot of tricks , don’t you?” Luna said with a smile. “Well, I'm not the ruler of my world for nothing.” Arceus said proudly. Luna chuckled and the two continued through the maze. Arceus kept his eyes on the pink and blue aura and noticed that it was slowly fading. “Something’s wrong, if that is Cadance I’m seeing then we need to hurry.” Arceus said in a panicked tone. “Why, what’s wrong?” Luna asked. “Her aura is fading, that mean she her life force is fading as well. Something is causing the life to be sucked out of her.” Arceus explained. Luna went pale and gritted her teeth. “What are we waiting for then, we have to go NOW!” Luna said galloping off and Arceus followed after her. They soon made a left turn and what they both saw horrified them. They saw Cadance on the ground, her mane a mess, she was covered in dirt and her eyes were red, stained with tears. “Sweet Faust.” Luna said softly. Arceus had seen many things in Equestria, but never did he see a broken mare and he wished he never did. Luna then went up to her niece. “Cadance?” She asked only for the young alicorn to jump back in fear. “STAY AWAY FROM ME!” Cadance screamed covering her muzzle. Luna and Arceus flinched at the pink Alicorn’s outburst. “She’s under the effect of the Nightmare spell, she’s losing herself.” Luna explained. “That doesn't explain why her aura is fading.” Arceus said. “I may hay a theory about that, Cadance is that Princess of Love and Changelings feed off of love. What is the changeling isn’t just feeding off of Shining Armor’s love for Cadance.” Luna said. Arceus thought about this and caught on to what Luna was getting at. “Are you saying she feeding off of Cadance at well?” He asked. “Yes, she loves Shining Armor with every fiber of her being and the Princess of Love being in love is like a buffet to a changeling.” Luna explained. Arceus nodded and looked to the trembling alicorn. “I’m going to see if I can free her from the spell and give her some strength back.” Arceus said walking over to the pink alicorn. “Cadance, please listen to me.” He said getting closer to her. “GO AWAY!” Cadance screamed. Arceus didn’t stop and once he was in front of her, her placed a hoof and her head and took a deep breath. “Refresh!” He said in a calm tone. After a few seconds, a green light washed over Cadance and she felt so warm and relaxed. Luna watched what was happening and she hoped that whatever was happening was helping Cadance. “Heal Bell!” Arceus said. Cadance was then covered in a pink light and she felt a sudden surge of magic course through her body causing her to quickly stand up and extend her wings. She then took a deep breath and blinked  few times. “Awwwwww…..headrush.” Cadance said rubbing her head. “After what you’ve been through, I’m shocked all you got was a headache.” Cadance looked to see the Alpha Pokemon standing in front of her. “Lord Arceus... is that you?” The Alicorn asked. “Yes old friend, it’s me.” Arceus answered. Candace was still a bit weak, but she smiled and hugged the Alpha Pokemon. “It’s so good…. to see you?” Cadance said weakly. “You as well.” Arceus said hugging her back. Luna was relieved to see her Niece had recovered and she walked over to her. “Cadenza!” She said. Cadance looked to the dark blue Alicorn walking over to her. “Aunt Luna!” Candace said as she tried running to her aunt, but she ended up falling to the ground. “Cadenza!” Luna said helping the young Alicorn up. “Are you alright?” She asked. “I’m fine, just a bit wobbly.” Cadance said. “I can understand why. Come, we need to get out of here before it too late.” Luna said.  Arceus then walked up to the two Alicorns. “She’s right Princess Cadance, we have to stop that Changeling who is impersonating you.” He said. “What are you talking abou-” Cadance stopped herself and memories of the Changeling that trapped her down her started flowing back. “I remember, that Changeling she...She-” “We know and We’re going to stop her dear Niece.” Luna said rubbing Cadance’s back. Arceus nodded in agreement and began walking. “Then let’s get a move on, we have a wedding to crash.”