Episode 39:
Canterlot Wedding Part One
On a bright sunny day in the park, the Lion and Pony Guard all got together for a picnic where everyone was enjoying their sandwiches and cake.
“It is gorgeous out. Just gorgeous!” Rarity remarked at the beautiful weather as she wore her wonderful light yellow sunhat and pink ascot.
Just before Twilight could take a bite into her apple she is suddenly met with Spike arriving at the scene.
“Twi... light!” Spike spoke to her in between breaths. “...I... have... Lemme just...” He said with a raised finger as the others look on in concern as he takes a deep breath and belches out a letter from the Princess.
“Dear Twilight, I am sure you are as excited as I am about the upcoming wedding in Canterlot.” She suddenly stopped as she turned to address the others. “Wedding?” She expressed confusion before continuing with a shrug. “I along with King Simba will be presiding over the ceremony, but would very much like you and your friends to help with the preparations for this wonderful occasion. Fluttershy and Ono, I would like you two and your songbird choir to provide the music.”
“Hapana!” Ono said in delight.
“Oh my goodness! What an honor!” Fluttershy also exclaimed albeit a little more softly.
“Pinkie Pie, Bunga I can think of no one more qualified other than you two to host the reception.”
“Hip, hip, hooray!” Pinkie Pie happily cheered as she and Bunga perform front flips up to in front of Twilight and Spike while leaving dents in the cake along with spilling the tea pot.
“High five!” Bunga also cheered as they shared a high five together.
“Applejack, Beshte, you two will be in charge of the catering for the reception.” Twilight continued as she quickly fixed up the little mess they made.
“Poa!”
“Well, color me pleased as punch!” Applejack expressed rather pleased along with her hippo friend while Fuli rolls her eyes as Rainbow looks on rather bored.
“Rainbow Dash…” Twilight then continued as she yawned. “…I would very much appreciate it if you could perform a sonic rainboom as the bride and groom complete their "I do"'s.”
“Yes!” Rainbow then cheered with immediate interest.
“That sure got your attention!” Fuli commented rather amused.
“Fuli, you will be responsible for coaching Rainbow Dash to make sure the routine goes smoothly.”
“All right.” Fuli accepted it no problem.
“Rarity, you will be responsible for designing the dresses for the bride and her bridesmaids.” Twilight continued as Rarity was left very stunned at this royal honor.
“Princess Celestia wants me to…” Rarity spoke as she trailed off as she moved to faint as Fluttershy tried to catch her before she could fall over “...wedding dress? For a Canterlot wedding... I, ah, ooh, oooh!”
She then fell over the opposite of where she expected her to fall with a wide grin.
“Aw, geez.” Kyoga just rolled his eyes and face-pawed herself. “Not again.”
“And as for you, Twilight, Kion, and Kyoga you three will be playing the most important role of all: Making sure that everything goes as planned. See you all very soon. Yours, Princess Celestia.” She finished reading the letter as she flipped and looked around the sole parchment paper for more left out information. “But... I don't understand. Who's getting married?” She wondered as Spike remembered something as he presented another letter.
“Oh, wait! Uh, I was probably supposed to give you this one first.” He said apologetically as she read the other paper as the other’s gather around her from behind wanting to find out who exactly is getting married.
“Princess Celestia cordially invites you to the wedding of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and...” She then gasped in shock. “My brother?!”
Needless to say this completely stunned Twilight to the point she is left frozen in shock trying to understand what she has just processed.
“Your brother's getting married?” Applejack asked as she walked over to the still stunned unicorn and picked up her hoof with both of her own hooves to shake it. “Congratulations, Twilight! That's great news!”
“Yeah, great news.” Twilight returned rather annoyed and sarcastically as she walked off. “That I just got from a wedding invitation! Not from my brother, but from a piece of paper! Thanks a lot, Shining Armor.”
“Twilight…” Beshte asked seeing that Twilight is not happy about hearing this.
“I mean, really, he couldn't tell me personally?” She further went on as she picked up a sandwich to use as a puppet to mimic her brother. “Hey, Twilight, just thought you should know I'm making a really big decision that changes everything. Oh, never mind, you'll hear about it when you get the invitation.” She said in a deeper tone to which worried the others before continuing in her normal voice. “Princess Mi Amore Cadenza?” She added as she fake smiled at the mention of the bride. “Who in the hoof is that?!” She then exclaimed as she snorted angrily.
“Talk about a big expression.” Bunga whispered to Pinkie who had nothing to say about it.
“Um, Twilight? Are you okay?” Fluttershy asked as she held out a hoof to her.
“Sorry,” She apologized as she walked away. “It's just that Shining Armor and I have always been so close. He's my B.B.B.F.F!” The others returned questioning looks. “Big Brother Best Friend Forever?” She added rather annoyed as she turned back to explain it better to them.
”Ohhh!”
“Before I came here and learned the importance of friendship, Shining Armor was the only pony I ever really accepted as a friend.” She further explained as a bird flew onto her hoof. She nuzzled it compassionately before letting it fly away as she began walking ahead while singing to a rather somber tone.
“When I was just a filly, I found it rather silly
To see how many other ponies I could meet
I had my books to read, didn't know that I would ever need
Other ponies to make my life complete.”
She sang as she recalled the memory of her when she was a filly solely focused on reading her book while bypassing the many fillies playing around her as she walks down the street
“But there was one colt that I cared for
I knew he would be there for me.”
She sang as her young self bumped into a pony in front of her while she was preoccupied with her reading. A unicorn with a bright white coat and a blue mane with some brighter shades of blue streaks in it with matching blue eyes who’s serious frown turned into a warm smile. Young Twilight eagerly returned as she dropped her book as she happily galloped around her before he brought her in for an affectionate hair brush before they shared an embrace together.
“My big brother, best friend forever!
Like two peas in a pod, we did everything together
He taught me how to fly a kite (Best friend forever!)
We never had a single fight (We did everything together!)
We shared our hopes, we shared our dreams
I miss him more than I realized
It seems...”
She sang as she recalled her brother teaching her how to fly a kite, along with evenly splitting an apple in half, along with encouraging that she can master basic levitation when she struggled to pick up a book, along with her being by her brother’s side when saluting along with the royal guards during early training, and the sad memory of Twilight waving goodbye to her brother as she is sent to Ponyville to which Twilight in the present teared up upon the memories.
“Your big brother, best friend forever
Like two peas in a pod, you did everything together.”
The other girls sang along as Twilight looks on at the Canterlot Castle as the others shared concerned looks for her.
“And though he's, oh, so far away
I hoped that he would stay
My big brother best friend
Forever...
Forever...”
She then concluded her song as she stared into the sky before lowering her head towards the ground as she teared up again.
“Hevi Kabisa.” Kion just said rather stunned hearing this surprising revelation upon learning that she too has an older sibling and how long they have been away from each other. “I’m really sorry to hear that.” He said as he approached her and gave her a comforting hug as Applejack also shared some words of comfort as well.
“As one of your P.F.F.'s...Pony Friends Forever...” Applejack began as she had to clarify as everyone shared the same questioning looks at hearing the abbreviation.
“Ohhh!”
“...I wanna tell you that I think your brother sounds like a real good guy.” She then finished as Twilight walks off ahead still feeling rather blue back to the picnic setting towards her slice of cake.
“He is pretty special. I mean, they don't let just anypony be captain of the Royal Guard.“
“So let me get this straight.” Rarity asked with sparked interest upon hearing that. “We're helping out with the wedding of not only a princess, but a captain of the Royal Guard?”
“I guess we are.” Twilight replied still sadly and yet annoyed as Rarity dramatically passed out again to which Twilight levitated a pillow towards where she landed her head just as she passed out with a wide grin as the ponies all express excitement over this upcoming wedding while the Lion Guard could only wonder how to make Twilight being a pony who’s had a great relationship with her brother yet have grown so apart and distant throughout the years.
A scene which was closely observed by Scar’s magic as he raised a paw up to pull the image of the current events.
“Must be so disappointing, isn’t it.” Scar commented at the sight. “For you see I’ve been down that path too and suffice to say it didn’t go out very well but ultimately it ended up doing what was best for me.” He added as he pulled an image of her brother currently working his spell around the Canterlot Castle. “And pretty soon you’ll see why.”
As soon as Scar was done spying on Twilight, Zira and her pride approached him from behind as he turned to face them.
“Everything ready?” Scar asked of them.
“All according to plan, Scar.” Zira returned with a sinister smile.
“Good.” Scar said as he made towards the Canterlot Castle on the horizon. “Have your fellow lioness remain in position just outside of that castle. You all know what to do?”
“And do it we will!” Zira vowed as she viciously bared her claws and swung them to slash a dead tree from nearby to which Nuka barely dodged to which frightened him upon seeing that display as he looked up to where her claws made contact with the branch.
“Yikes!” He exclaimed upon seeing the claw marks on the tree.
“Pretty soon, a day that was meant to bring joy in beloved new weds turns tragedy thanks to tragedy befalling upon everyone. A very unfortunate tragedy that will bring disappointment and chaos to pave way for the rightful ruler to take her place as the one true king.” He then sinisterly vowed as he chuckled evilly before teleporting away in a flash.
Shortly after receiving the letter, the group all made their way to the train station where everyone in the Guard all boards on the ride over to Canterlot so they can all get started on the wedding preparations.
“A sonic rainboom? At a wedding?! Can you say "best wedding ever"?!” Rainbow exclaimed in excitement at the task she was given.
“Best wedding ever!” Pinkie screamed in joy as they ride went through the dark tunnel the train traveled through.
“So you all get to help with the big fancy wedding…” Spike then said with Rarity and Fluttershy nearby him. “…But I'm the one who gets to host the bachelor party! I have just one question. What's a bachelor party?” He then asked to which everyone expect for the young members of the Lion Guard laughed as they too don’t know what it is aside from Ono who flies over to explain it to him.
“A party given for the groom which is by common knowledge a party for colts, stallions, and all known guy friends he would like at this particular party.”
“Oh!” Spike realized as he laughed himself. “Looks like I’ll need to get an idea of what the groom likes himself.”
“Shouldn’t be a problem since the groom is Twilight’s own brother.” Bunga replied as he turned to the unicorn’s direction. “Right,Twilight?”
Twilight however was not paying attention to their conversation as she was zoned out while facing her window up at the front of their cart opposite and away from her friends to which both Kion and Applejack took notice of as they both walk over to check up on her.
“Why the long face, sugarcube?” Applejack asked.
“I'm just thinking about Shining Armor.” Twilight replied as she crossed her forearms and rested her head on them still not making eye contact with them still staring in her window. “Ever since I moved to Ponyville, we've been seeing each other less and less. And now that he's starting a new family with this "Princess Mi Amore Ca-whatshername", we'll probably never see each other.”
“Come on, now. You're his sister. He'll always make time for you.” Applejack attempted to assure her as she still refused to make eye contact.
“Couldn't seem to make time to tell me he was getting married.” Twilight responded still not feeling any better as she angrily pulled down her window shade.
“I’m sure he didn’t mean to.” Kion tried to say to make her feel better. “Maybe he just got a little pre-occupied with his job since he is the Captain of the Royal Guard.” He suggested.
“If so, he better have a good explanation for that.” Twilight bitterly remarked still not paying any attention to them to which Kyoga was all ears and eyes seeing of how upset Twilight is feeling right now. Once so close, have been becoming farther and farther apart potentially failing with the lack of communication and love they once had she feels.
“We're here, we're here!” Pinkie excitably announced as their ride arrived at the castle borderlines which had two guards with spears standing in front of a large pink dome covering the entire area whom both lift them as the train passes through.
Everyone was surprised as they all passed through the magical dome and as much as the many guards at every known post all around the castle.
“Whoa, what's with all the guards?” Rainbow asked as their ride arrived at their stop which had multiple guards at every spot.
“I'm sure they're just taking the necessary precautions.” Rarity reasoned. “Royal weddings do bring out the strangest ponies.”
“And most likely potential threats trying to take over a kingdom with an attack.” Kyoga agreed as Pinkie let loose a sneeze of confetti to which she raised a paw with a small shield of magic to block the sneeze as she then happily walked off.
“All right everyone knows what to do?” Kion asked everyone before going their separate ways.
“Yep!”
“Affirmative!”
“Oh yeah!”
“You bet!”
Beshte, Ono, Rainbow Dash, and Fuli all answered as Rarity wasted no time in wanting to see to it that the preparations are already started.
“Now, let's get going! We've got work to do!”
“And you've got a big brother to go congratulate.” Applejack added to Twilight as she is the last pony to leave the train cart.
“Yeah. Congratulate. And then give him a piece of my mind.” Twilight answered still irritated as she walks off ahead to do so as she walked off ahead while ignoring the smiling guards lifting their spears so she can pass as she is fully focused on really letting him have it to which the others expressed silent confusion and concern.
“Talk about a grudge for her B.B.B.F.F.” Bunga commented.
“And that’s saying something if she is that ticked.” Fuli added.
“And that’s putting it mildly.” Ono agreed.
“You can’t really blame her for being upset. She did find out about at the last minute.” Beshte responded thinking they shouldn’t be too hard on her.
“And this was from someone close to her before meeting all of us.” Kion added in an understanding tone.
“Makes sense to me.” Kyoga replied as she followed after her. “I’m going to go follow her.”
“I’ll come too.” Kion said as he called out to the unicorn marching ahead. “Twilight! Wait for us!”
On one of the tall towers was Princess Celestia keeping watch through a telescope on the watch tower as if they are expecting and looking out for someone dangerous on the horizon. To which Scar was smart enough to keep his followers well-hidden from detection.
At the castle’s western border walls was King Simba as he was suited in red armor with a yellow gold badge on his breast plate with a matching yellow helmet with a red buzz cut like appearance on top of it as he leads a group of guards for a patrol and scout on the castle borders.
At the castle’s eastern border walls was another group of guards all following orders from a muscular stallion with a white fur coat and a blue mane. Twilight’s brother, Shining Armor, who like the lion king is wearing purple and gold armor for protection while on patrol too.
Just as Shining Armor directs a couple of peagsus guards to scout the skies he and the other guards were greeted by the sound of Twilight’s voice.
“I've got something to say to you, mister.” She sternly said to her brother as she approached to his post to which the guards held their spears ready to use against her if needed as Kion and Kyoga follow after her.
“Twily!” Shining happily greeted his little sister as he took off his helmet as the guards stood down upon seeing who is really approaching them or more specifically Shining Armor. “Ah, I've missed, you, kid. How was the train ride? I–“ He added as he placed a hoof on her cheek to which she quickly retracted as she wasted no time in chewing him out.
“How dare you not tell me in person that you were getting married I'm your sister, for pony's sake!”
“It's not my fault! Princess Celestia has requested a major increase in security.” He insisted innocently as she looked aside still glaring at her brother. “Didn't you see all the guards at the train station?”
“Yeah, there's a big wedding coming up. Maybe you heard about it?” She returned as she walked ahead to the near puddle of water while still not even looking at him while Kion and Kyoga are left unsure if they should say something or not.
“It has nothing to do with the wedding. A threat has been made against Canterlot.” He explained as he again approached her and got her to look at him. “We don't know who's responsible for it, but Princess Celestia asked that I help provide additional protection.” He added as he looked upon the horizon before lifting his sister’s head up to get her full attention. “This, you need to see.”
The elder sibling backed up as he fully concentrated his horn which produced a bright violet red glow similarly to his sister’s magic aura to which the three all shielded their eyes as he sends magic up towards the dome surrounding the castle to strengthen the force field’s barrier. Once he was done casting the spell he dizzily shook his head as he developed a small headache from doing so and apparently for quite a while.
“Hevi Kabisa!”
“Amazing!”
“He certainly is her brother all right.”
“No question about that.”
The two remarked upon seeing this magnificent display of magic.
“The burden of keeping Canterlot safe and secure rests squarely on my shoulders. Staying focused on the task at hand has been my top priority.” He further explained apologetically as they walked together side by side as Kion and Kyoga do the same while following the two until they all stopped at the bridge in between the nearby two towers overseeing the many soldiers on patrol.
“Okay, okay, I get it. You've got a really important job protecting all of Canterlot with a force field only you can conjure up.” Twilight returned more understanding of his reasons. “But still... how could you not tell me about something as big as your wedding? Am I not that important to you anymore?” She still asked while still hurt from hearing this at the last minute with lowered ears.
“Hey. You're my little sister. Of course you're important to me.” He assured despite the time they have seeing each other less throughout the years. “But I'd understand if you didn't want to be my best mare now.” He added with a small smile.
“You want me to be your best mare?” She asked feeling very enlightened by this offer as she smiles for the first time in their conversation.
“Well... yeah.”
“I'd be honored!” She replied with a bow as both lions smile at seeing that everything is all good now as her brother approached her and hugged her until she broke apart from it with her anger resurfacing again. “But I'm still pretty ticked you're marrying somepony I don't even know! When did you even meet this "Princess Mi Amore Cadenza"?”
“Twily, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza is Cadance, your old foalsitter.” Her brother gently replied and clarified.
“Cadance? As in the Cadance?” Twilight’s anger turned into delight and excitement. “As in the greatest foalsitter in all the history of foalsitters?!”
“You tell me. She was your foalsitter.” Shining returned with a chuckle as she turned towards the sky.
“Ohmygoshohmygosh!” Twilight began to ramble as she recalled the memories of her when she was young from greeting her with a hug upon arriving, to bandaging up her wound when she fell off of her scooter while wiping away the forming tears, and pushing her on the swing set. “Cadance is only the most amazing pony ever! She's beautiful, she's caring, she's kind...”
“I am so lucky to have you as my foalsitter!” Young Twilight happily expressed.
“I'm the one who's lucky, Twilight.” Young Cadance returned.
“You're a princess.” Twilight returned as her foalsitter rolled her eyes. “I'm just a regular old unicorn.”
“You are anything but a regular old unicorn.” Cadance assured as she removed her from the swing set so they can do something special they share together. A special hoofshake where they trot in place, lay down on the ground with covered eyes before locking eyes and clapping hooves together, followed by shaking their flanks together
“Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!“ The two chanted before landing on their backs to share a good laugh together.
As the two were later walking through the streets in Canterlot, they came across an arguing couple.
“I am going for a hooficure and that is that!” The mare stated.
“You are not going–“ Her husband argued back.
“I am! I am!”
“I've already paid for three this month!”
“I... no! My girlfriends are all getting their hooves done! And you said that onl–“
“Please, we've done this at least–“
As Twilight grew worried for them, Cadance nonchalantly works her magic in forming two halves of a heart together with her horn glowing blue as the two halves come together. Suddenly they forgot why they even argued.
“Oh! Ho, ho, ho.”
“Oh, sweetie. You just did that face.”
“How many unicorns can just spread love wherever they go? I only know of one!” Twilight then recalled. “And you're marrying her! You're marrying Cadance! You're marrying Cadance!” She then excitedly bounced around before nearly bumping into Kion and Kyoga. “Whoa! Excuse me!” She greeted them with a giggle. “Almost didn’t see you both there.”
“That’s all right.” Kion returned with a friendly smile before turning to the colt she was talking to. “So this is your brother?”
“Yep.” Twilight replied while gesturing her friends and brother so she can introduce them. “Shining Armor, this is Kion, and this Kyoga.”
“Hi!”
“How’s it going?”
The two greeted as the former waved while the latter replied with a more casual tone and matter.
“Nice to meet you both!” The white unicorn greeted them before turning to the lion cub. “And I understand that you are the Guard’s fiercest and leader of the Lion Guard.”
“That’s me.” He answered with a smile.
“I gotta tell you kid, it is really great to finally meet you.” Shining Armor expressed very pleased. “I have heard great things about you along with you and Twilight’s friend Kyoga along with your special roar and her magic.”
“Well, it’s all in a day’s work.” Kyoga humbly shrugged as she thought nothing of it. “It’s all part of keeping balance in the Circle of Life.”
“Considering you have only three legs, that sure is quite feat.” Shining complimented.
“So is being Captain of the Royal Guard.” Kion returned. “I mean you got hundreds of guards under your command. I’m just a regular lion cub leading a crew of capable friends in protecting Ponyville and the Pride Lands.”
“Oh, don’t be silly, Kion.” Shining returned with an affectionate brotherly gesture by placing a hoof on his mane. “You are more than that. You are anything but a regular young lion cub. You along with my little sister are both leaders of the Guard that protect all of the Equestria and the Pride Lands.”
Kion smiled hearing that as well as having the pleasant feel from that kind of brotherly affection as he never expected such high praise before.
“I hope I'm not interrupting anything important.” A pink coated alicorn voiced as she appeared in a rude tone.
She had a long multi-colored mane like Celestia’s yet not flowing on its own accord, had gold slippers on her hooves, a matching-colored tiara and necklace, purple eyes, and a crystal heart cutie mark on her flank.
“Cadance!” Twilight happily greeted as she moved to perform their signature greeting with the following movements. “Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!”
“What are you doing?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Awkward.” Kyoga muttered under her breath.
“Cadance, it's me, Twilight!” Twilight responded while still sporting a smile to remind her as Kyoga felt some strange vibes around the mare.
“Uh-huh.” She returned with a rather uninterested expression as she just walks by ignoring her while embracing her brother as he wraps a hoof over her shoulder.
“I've gotta get back to my station…” He told Twilight. “…but Cadance will be checking in with all of you to see how things are going. I think I speak for both of us when I say we couldn't be more excited to have you here. Right, dear?”
“Absolutely.” She returned with an evil looking smile directed at the three to which left Twilight and Kyoga taken aback seeing this while Kion was unsure of what to make of it.
“Well, we'll let you get to it.” Shining Armor said before he and Cadance walk away together.
“Well, I guess we better check up on the others too.” Kion then stated of what they need to do.
“Let’s.” Twilight agreed as they all walk in the opposite direction together to do so. “Is it me or was there something off about her?” She asked the others.
“I wish I knew.” Kion could only reply.
“No, I notice and feel it too.” Kyoga said as she wondered. “But I can’t put my claw on exactly what it is.”
As the three walk back inside the castle, Scar secretly monitors with his magic from inside one of the underground caves to witness the scene as he smiles to see that everything is going according to plan.
The three then make their way to the kitchen where Applejack and Beshte are both at work there as they have donned chef hats as the latter made sure the wedding cake and the ladder are in place for Applejack to put the finishing touches while the three watch their progress.
Kion looked impressed, Kyoga found it decent progress, Twilight was the only sitting while frowning with crossed forearms and levitating a notepad and pen in her magic.
“Cake, check.” Applejack stated as Twilight checked it off with her angered expression still remaining as Beshte moved to make the finishing touches on the ice sculpture while Applejack hold it steady.
“Ice sculpture, check.” Beshte stated as Twilight checked it off again with the same expression as Applejack moved to remove some baked goods from the oven.
”Best darn bite-size apple fritter you ever tasted...” Applejack then placed three of them in their three friend’s mouths who were all amazed with how great they tasted as even Twilight’s mood changed upon tasting them.
“Mmm. Check.”
“Impressive.”
“Well done.”
The three complimented.
“Thanks.” The hippo smiled as they were all then drawn to their attention to Spike playing with the cake figures of Shining Armor and Cadance.
“I do. Do you? I do!” He mimicked the two’s voiced while making kissing noises to which Twilight quickly confiscated them.
“Aren’t you a little too old for that?” Kyoga asked.
“A little.” He admitted with a nervous chuckle just as Cadance came inside to check up on the preparations with every pony in the room sans the main cast bowing to her.
“Hiya, Princess!”
“What’s up?”
The Guard’s strongest greeted.
“Please, call me Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.” Cadance insisted with a bored expression as Twilight’s anger as she and Kyoga suddenly frowned upon seeing her along with her attitude again.
“Oops. Sorry our bad.” Beshte apologized.
“Hiya, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.” Applejack greeted as pleased. “You come to check out what's on the menu for your big day?”
“I have!” She answered with a brief smile that is attempting to be friendly to which neither Twilight nor Kyoga buy the act for one second as they lock eyes on the frowning alicorn’s direction as she picked up one of the apple fritters for sampling with her magic.
As she munched on it, Kyoga and Twilight both noticed that the magic aura on her horn is green rather than crystal blue Twilight’s remembers which definitely increased their suspicions that something is very wrong here.
“Delicious! I love-love-love them.“ She returned with a somewhat forced laugh as the two don’t budge an inch compared to Kion who is in between wondering why her closet friends are frowning upon her while trying to understand the strange magic she was using.
“Aw, shucks.” Applejack replied feeling flattered.
“Thanks.” Beshte replied happily.
“Why don't you take a few to go?” Applejack then offered a bag full of them to which she after a split second of reluctance accepted. “I know how you brides can be. So busy, you forget to get a little somethin' in your belly.”
Once the alicorn made it to the door she quickly tossed it in the trash when the two chefs were paying attention to her leaving before shutting the doors after her.
“Did... you see what she...” Twilight began before they quickly turned their attention to the nearby black smoke from one of the ovens.
“Whoa nelly!” Applejack exclaimed as she ran off ahead to deal with it personally.
“Sorry, Twilight. Gotta help Applejack take care of this. Is it that okay?” Beshte kindly told them before joining the cowgirl in assisting her as Twilight groaned before relenting and moving on to the next item of business.
As the three make their way over to check up on Rarity and Ono, Kyoga heard a faint voice as if it sounded like Cadance’s from down below. And much like Twilight she is beginning to see that buried evil is in works here not helped by the green glow of the pony’s horn that came inside and faced them.
“Oh, you should have seen how she acted back there. I don't know when she changed, but she changed!” She addressed her issue to the two busy at work while mocking the bride’s rude tone. “"Please, call me Princess Mi Amore Cadenza."”
“Did I hear someone say my name?” Said mare arrived with the bridesmaids following her to which Rarity and Ono quickly faced them.
“Your highness! Let me just start by saying what an honor it is to play a role in such a momentous occasion.” Rarity began as she and Ono bowed before her.
“A very, very, great honor.” Ono added for emphasis.
“Uh-huh.” She returned unenthusiastically as she walked to the side. “Is my dress ready?”
“Yes, of course.” Ono stammered a little as she and Ono walk and fly alongside her their work a white and gold dress with blue ribbons and a blue gemstone on top along with a pink and blue hairpiece on the mannequin.
“We've been working on it ever since I was given the assignment, and I think you'll be pleased with the results! Mmm!” Rarity told her to which the three watching from the side of the room personally felt they were great seeing they captured what she would like very well as always even when Twilight and Kyoga were still frowning upon the alicorn.
“I was hoping for something with more beading and a longer train.” Cadance responded in a rather condescending manner as she turns and walks away.
“Oh, yes, of course.” Ono replied as Rarity jotted it down in her notes just going with what she wants.
“And those should be a different color.” Cadance added while turning to the bridesmaids dresses.
“I think they're lovely.”
“Me too!”
“I love them.”
The bridesmaids all voiced input on the matter as the princess shot them glares at them to stop to which they looked aside upon getting the non-verbal message.
“Make them a different color.” Cadance still demanded.
“Gee, maybe her name should be "Princess Demandy-pants." Twilight expressed before moving on to the next item of business.
“Maybe.” Kyoga agreed as Kion briefly stuck around to talk to the two at work.
“Honestly, I thought what you both came with is great the way it is.” Kion told them.
“I know.” Ono acknowledged. “But I guess what she says goes, huh?”
“Yeah.” Kion sighed. “I’ll catch you both later, okay…”
“Okay…” Ono waved as Kion moved to regroup with the others as Kyoga heard the distant and faint cries of help from down below.
Next up was checking up on Pinkie and Bunga although in secret as Twilight wanted to observe the princess unnoticed.
“Okay, let me see. We've been over the games...” Pinkie went over while hopping around as Bunga went over one of the set-up game boards and rolled the dice “...the dances...” She added as she and Bunga did the chicken dance with similar music to when the former used it to take care of the parasprite problem a while back.
“I think this reception is gonna be perfect! Don't you?” Bunga asked as she and Pinkie eagerly voiced while hopping up and down.
“Perfect!” Cadance began with a forced smile before walking off with an irritated expression. “...If we were celebrating a six-year-old's birthday party.”
“Thank you!” The two returned as both Twilight and Kyoga still shot irritated frowns at her before they pull Kion along so they can continue their observations of the princess.
Later that night, Princess Luna flew over to the observatory tower so she can take over the night shift of watching over the castle borderlines.
“Rest, my sister. As always, I will guard the night.” She told her sister as she turned and walked away leaving Luna eyeing the telescope on watch for whatever threat is around, unaware the Zira and her pride have used this spit-second opportunity to sneak towards the nearby caves undetected.
Elsewhere, Twilight, Kion, and Kyoga were able to meet up with the others after a hard day of preparation work for drinks at a nearby open table at a bar.
“Bet I can guess what you're all thinking.” Twilight expressed as she joined her friends at the table in a cheerful manner.
“What?” Bunga asked.
“Cadance is the absolute worst bride-to-be ever.” She answered with a frown as she placed her drink in a little hard for emphasis to which left many questioning eyes directed at her for saying that.
Well expect for Spike as he tried to take the moment to place with the figurines again.
“Who, me?” He said in a high-pitched voice.
“Spike!” Applejack exclaimed. “That goes on the cake.”
Spike laughed nervously as he placed the figurine on the table.
“Seriously? How old are you?” Fuli asked rather disturbed by him playing with dolls.
“Um…around ten.” He honestly answered as his face slightly blushes red. “It takes more than a few years for dragons to grow out of that phase.”
“Oh…” She replied now feeling a little awkward as she should have expected that. “…never mind.”
“Twilight, whatever are you talking about?” Rarity asked as Twilight sipped her drink. “Cadance is an absolute gem!”
“Rarity, she was so demanding!” She pointed out as she pushed aside her drink.
“Well, of course she is! Why shouldn't she expect the very best on her wedding day?” Rarity replied taking no offense to it as Twilight placed a slightly exasperated hoof on her forehead.
“Applejack, did you know that after she told you how much she just 'love-love-loved' your hors d'eouvres, she threw them in the trash?” Twilight then asked Applejack as she recalled that memory.
“Aw, she was probably just trying to spare my feelin's.” Applejack responded in the same manner as Rarity before taking another sip of her drink.
“No, she was just being fake and totally insincere!” Twilight asserted otherwise
“She did raise her voice at one of my birds during rehearsal.” Fluttershy brought up.
“See? Rude!” Twilight pointed out while smiling with crossed arms.
“But he was singing really off-key.” Fluttershy then added as she brought up said bird who did sing out of tune as Twilight covered her ears before turning to Pinkie.
“Pinkie Pie, you had to have noticed how Cadance treated–“
But she along with Bunga are too busy playing with the figurines to even pay attention to a word she said.
“Never mind.” She said with rolled eyes. “Rainbow Dash, you're with me, right?” She turned to the blue peagsus for help here.
“Sorry, Twi.” She responded more focused on rubbing her muscles and stretching her wings. “Been too busy prepping for my sonic rainboom to pay much attention to the bride's bad attitude.”
Twilight growled in increased agitation that her friends are dismissing her concerns again after sipping from her drink.
“Kion, you and Kyoga were with me. Please tell me I’m not the only one making this up.” She turned to them to back her up here.
“You’re not and I believe you every word.” Kyoga supported her claims to which Twilight smiled upon hearing that. “And considering that she is supposed to be the Princess of Love something sure is off here.”
“I don’t know…” Kion voiced otherwise as Twilight shot him a questioning look. “I mean don’t agree with what she has said and done but what else can you do?”
Twilight returned a rather hurt look as Kyoga once again looked at him rather perplexed that Kion is saying that even though he was there too.
“The princess is about to get married. I'm sure any negative behavior she might be displaying is simply the result of nerves.” Rarity tried to reason with her with a hoof on her shoulder.
This only further infuriated the unicorn as she slammed her hoof on the table nearly spilling her drink in the process.
“And I'm sure it's the result of being an awful pony who doesn't deserve to even know Shining Armor, let alone marry him!” She fired back.
Before anyone from the Lion Guard could voice their thoughts on the matter to try to calm her down Applejack spoke up.
“Think maybe you're bein' just a tiny bit possessive of your brother?” Applejack suggested with the rest of the ponies replying in agreement.
“Uh-huh.”
Needless to say, this did not improve the situation whatsoever as it only succeeded on further angering Twilight more so than ever.
“I am not being possessive, and I am not taking it out on Cadance! You're all just too caught up in your wedding planning to notice that maybe there shouldn't even be a wedding!” She responded angrily as she slammed her hooves on the table causing everyone’s drinks to spill all over the table before storming off.
“Twilight come back…” Beshte tried to call out to her as she refused to listen to another word.
“Why girls?” Kyoga then seriously asked them. “Why did you all have to go and say all of that?”
“Because she is acting over-protective of her brother.” Applejack assertively responded back. “Isn’t it obvious?”
“Seems to be what’s obvious is that you girls are all too pre-occupied with this whole wedding to even listen or even hear her out.” Kyoga fired back. “Twilight is on to something here.”
“What do you mean?” Fuli asked.
“For starters the Princess of Love even though I have never met her before sure would be a lot friendlier for sure. And I noticed that her horn was glowing strange green magic in contrast to the pink or blue magic I was expecting to see.” Kyoga explained to everyone.
“Hmm, that is kinda strange.” Ono then thought.
“I did thought she would be a little nicer about it.” Beshte then thought.
“Maybe we should look at Cadance a little more closely.” Fuli suggested.
“Still thinking y’all are wasting your time here.” Applejack warned.
“Well at least the Lion Guard has Twilight’s back here compared to all of you being more caught up the wedding.” Kyoga dismissed her as she turned to the Lion Guard’s Fiercest. “How about you, you in for being there for your best friend?”
“Yes.” He replied feeling after thinking about it for a moment. “I’m in. Let’s go.” He ushered the others to follow him after Twilight.
Once everyone got inside the castle the group stopped so they can figure out how to deal with this.
“What’s the plan, Kion.” Fuli asked.
“We’re going to watch Cadance closely and keep watch on her so that way we’ll be ready to deal with her should Twilight be correct.” Kion stated.
“Which she is.” Kyoga muttered under her breath before speaking up clearly. “Good. Karabi, Lite, Kovu and I do some investigating downstairs because I got a feeling someone is trapped down there.”
“Okay.” Kion agreed with her decision without question. “Let’s go!” He declared as they went to search for both Twilight and Cadance as the former made his way to his brother’s home just as he was trying on his outfit for the wedding. A red captain’s jacket with gold trimmings on the collar with a silver sash with a badge on the chest with the star from his cutie mark on it.
“Twily!” He happily greeted her as she walked inside. “Your big brother's looking pretty good, don't you think?” He proudly said as he then noticed his little sister’s frown. “Huh. Everything okay?”
“We need to talk. I think you're making a big–“ Twilight began before Cadance herself cleared her throat apparently already inside and right behind her from the top of the stairs.
“Oh, uh, hi, sweetie.” He greeted her as she made her way down the stairs.
“She sure has a way of sneaking up on people.” She muttered to herself.
“Could I speak to you for a moment, dear?” She asked as she walked to the side.
“Better see what she wants.” Shining quickly said to her sister before following her to a private room so they can converse.
“Look, we need to talk.”
“I'm here to talk.”
“It's about your sister, okay?”
“I– look, look, she's okay–“
“Just... listen to me…” Cadance then said while trying to talk over Shining Armor. “…alright? No no–“
“I'm listening, I'm listening.”
During this Twilight secretly snuck up to the door and peered her eye as she tapped the door slightly open so she can spy on them.
“I thought I made it perfectly clear I didn't want you to wear that.” Cadance voiced her disdain towards his planned outfit.
“This was my favorite uncle's.” He insisted.
“And?”
“And I think I should wear it.” He asserted.
“Are you disagreeing with me?” Cadance challenged.
“I guess I am…” Shining stated as he got another painful headache from his constant casting of his force field spell. “…Ah!”
“Oh, dear. Are you getting another one of your headaches?” Cadance said to him with fake concern as he collapsed before working her green magic on him that made his eyes spinning green as she helped him up.
Twilight secretly witnessing this remembered that little detail from earlier while recalling the real Cadance’s magic aura was blue not green.
“Feeling better?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“She isn't just unpleasant and rude. She's downright evil!” She concluded as she quickly ran out of the house just as the two walked out of the room together.
“Twilight! He called after her to no avail.
“Let her go.” Cadance insisted with a smile as she rested her head on the side of his chest.
“Huh. It seemed like she had something else she wanted to tell me.” Shining couldn’t help but wonder what it was before she ran out as Scar secretly witnesses this from the nearby window.
“Oh, she sure did big brother.” Scar secretly commented. “And surely you would have realized that before the love of your life interrupted.” He chuckled as Cadance spotted him before winking at his direction while Shining Armor wasn’t paying attention.
Twilight then made her way to find the other girls to which caught Princess Luna’s attention.
“Who goes there?” She shouted before softening up upon seeing Twilight. “Stay indoors, Twilight Sparkle.”
Just as Luna turned back to watch over the telescope she is greeted by Kyoga who appeared in the observatory room with her.
“Kyoga! What are you doing here?!” She asked while slightly alarmed by her sudden presence.
“Forgive me for the intrusion, Princess Luna.” Kyoga started with a bow before continuing. “But I need to talk to you about something very important.” She then brought her in for a whisper while she continues watching over through the telescope as she returns understand nods and perplexed reactions to what she was just told.
“Don’t worry, Kyoga. We’ll take care of this.” She vowed.
Back at the girl’s room, Twilight barges inside to warn them.
“Shining Armor's in real trouble! You have to help–“ She began before seeing the girl’s are all in dresses. “Dresses? What are you–?” She began before Fluttershy flew over to explain.
“Can you believe it? We're gonna be Princess Mi Amore Cadenza's new bridesmaids!” She said as she lifted the skirt part of her dress up rather excitedly.
“New bridesmaids? What happened to her old bridesmaids?” Twilight questioned taken aback hearing this.
“She didn't say. But she did tell us that she would love-love-love it if we'd fill in for them.” Applejack replied.
“Seeing as we've been working so hard and everything.” Rarity added.
“And you had your doubts about her.”
“Told you she was an absolute gem!”
The two then stated that there is nothing wrong with her as Twilight could not believe what she was hearing.
“You sure this is what I should wear?” Rainbow asked the fashionista as she examined her dress and looked a little uncomfortable. “Doesn't seem all that aerodynamic.”
“Hmm. I'll see what I can do.” Rarity offered as she led Rainbow to another room to help her readjust it more.
Seeing the girls aren’t going to listen to her here, Twilight then turns away feeling downcast of how too swept up and deep they are more in the wedding preparations and their own self-interests to hear her out.
“Looks like I really am on my own.” She lamented to herself as Scar secretly watched her leave from the nearby railing just out of her and Luna’s sight.
“Sure seems that way, Twilight.” Scar couldn’t agree more. “And now for the part where I think you’ll sure see things my way. For you are about to fully understand of where it all started for me.” He added with his sinister green eyes locked on the unicorn with her back turned as he prepares for a life changing experience she’ll never forget.
Throughout the night, the Lion Guard has all been keeping their guard up in monitoring Cadance. Aside from the green magic found nothing out of the ordinary other than her rude and condescending attitude towards others that try to help her out when they try to assist her. But during it they have never come across Twilight as she is choosing to act on her own accord.
No matter, because the Lion Guard will always have Twilight’s back even with the Mane Five are more interested in dealing with the upcoming wedding tomorrow afternoon. They kept guard just outside of the room where Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, Princess Celestia, King Simba, Spike, and the Mane Five all get together for a rehearsal so they can all be ready to act when necessary.
With wedding music playing in the background with Simba and Celestia both standing side by side on top of the altar while Shining Armor stands in front of them with Spike standing two steps below them with a pillow containing the rings om them just as the Mane Five proudly walk on the carpet towards the steps.
“Perfect, girls. No need to rush.” She commended them as Rarity and Rainbow share an excited giggle. “Then of course, Cadance will enter.” She then said as she used her magic to open the doors where the bride is standing just outside.
Just as Cadance walks inside and on the carpet leading up to the stairs towards the groom, Twilight followed after her from her hiding spot from the very far corner of the nearby hallway to which the Guard noticed from hiding in their corners.
“Twilight!” Kion tried to call after her to which didn’t get her attention as she knew what to do from there.
“What is she doing?” Fuli whispered of what to make of this.
“I don’t know.” He answered just as lost as they follow after her just as she prepares to burst inside.
“We'll say a few words, and then we'll begin with the vows.” Simba then said as the two affectionately lock horns together. “Shining Armor, you'll get the ring from your best mare.”
The two turn to where they expect Twilight to be standing by their side only to see she is not there. Instead is Spike being caught red-clawed playing with the figurines for the third time in a row.
“Do you? I do!” He mimicked in their voices as he suddenly saw the surprise everyone is seeing.
“Hey... has anypony seen Twilight?” Shining Armor asked as she appeared and burst open the doors to confront the bride.
“I'm here! I'm not gonna stand next to her! And neither should you!” She answered and stated which left her brother rather embarrassed by her sudden outburst.
“I'm sorry, I... I don't know why she's acting like this.” He apologized somewhat nervously as Cadance returned an irritated expression.
“Maybe we should just ignore her.” She recommended rather rudely.
“You have to listen to me!” Twilight exclaimed stating one more time for everyone to hear her out as the Guard peers their heads from the doorway so they can watch this.
“Oh, goodness! Are you okay?” Fluttershy asked as she rushed over towards her.
“I'm fine.” She calmly replied.
“Ya sure about that?” Applejack questioned while leaning towards her to which is met with having her hat placed over her muzzle as Twilight continues with what she has to say.
“I've got something to say!” She said as she stepped forward towards Cadance while pointing an accusing hoof in her direction. “She's evil!”
While Shining Armor quickly moves in front of his bride’s defense as she flashed a brief alarmed look seeing that she is on to her while everyone even the guards share concerned chatter amongst themselves.
“She's been horrible to my friends…” She added as she teleported right behind Cadance. “…she's obviously done something to her bridesmaids…” She added as she backed the alicorn up against the nearby wall as she realizes that Twilight has her dead to rights. “…and if that wasn't enough, I saw her put a spell on my brother that made his eyes go all…” She briefly turned back and had her eyes rattling around like her brother’s the other day while sticking her tongue out.
Everyone all shared surprised looks as Cadance could only look around nervously before grinning nervously until being glared at by Twilight who smirks at her to make it clear that the jig is up. Cadance then started tearing up after a panicked gasp with her back against the corner.
“Why are you doing this to me?!” She cried tears before running off.
“Because you're evil!” Twilight declared with a hoof in her direction as she ran out of the room. “Evil!” She exclaimed again as she teleported at the doorway to call out in her direction. “And if I don't stop you, you're gonna ruin my brother's life!”
Everyone in the Guard could only share shocked reactions at Twilight’s bold accusation and outburst as she turns back inside the room feeling proud, having succeeded in taking care of her…
…at least before bumping into her brother standing right in front of her who became very angry with her for what she had just did. She tried to offer a smile to lighten the mood but he wasn’t having it as he really let her have it.
“You want to know why my eyes went all…” He briefly rattled his eyes. “Nuh! Because ever since I started having to perform my protection spell, I've been getting terrible migraines.” He said as he walked around Twilight. “Cadance hasn't been casting spells on me. She's been using her magic to heal me!”
Twilight tried to speak up to explain herself before being cut off as the Lion Guard watch on rather frightened by this display of sibling anger.
“And she decided to replace her bridesmaids because she found out the only reason they wanted to be in the wedding was so that they could meet Canterlot royalty!” He further shouted as the girls were looking on just as shocked as the Lion Guard as he slams his hoof on the ground. “And if she hasn't been on her best behavior with your friends, it's because with me being so busy, she's had to make all the decisions about the wedding!”
“I was just trying to–“ Twilight again tried to explain herself only to be cut by her pacing brother.
“She's been completely stressed out because it's really important to her that our big day be perfect!” He continued before looking at Twilight directly in the eyes. Something that obviously wasn't important to you!” He angrily added as he had another pained gasp from another headache. Despite the fight, Twilight offered to help her with a small smile to which he angrily refused. “Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go and comfort my bride.” He then made his way out of the room to do so. “And you can forget about being my best mare.” He added as Twilight's ears dropped in shock along with Kion’s as that was getting too much for him to handle. “In fact, if I were you, I wouldn't show up to the wedding at all.”
As Shining Armor stormed out of the room, Twilight sat down dejected while turning back to the girls for comfort while Kion took some deep breaths to calm his nerves down from the shock of the scene as he and the others watch on feeling sorry for her along with the girls at least until the only pony Applejack spoke up feeling she deserved that.
“C'mon, y'all. Let's go check on the princess.” She told the others as they all quickly do so not even bothering to look at her sans Applejack who shoots her a dirty look at her without letting the shocked unicorn explain herself as she feels further saddened and hurt that they are all quick to turn their backs on her while Spike can not believe that her friends are even doing this.
Even Princess Celestia agreed with them as she walked out on her and followed after the others.
“I was–“ Twilight tried to explain to her.
“You have a lot to think about.” She coldly cut her off not even batting an eye glance at her as she used her magic to slam the doors shut after the guards left the room too leaving the poor unicorn driven to tears with her mouth and ears dropped agape alone with the Lion Guard who all were left speechless and stunned by that while Simba also had the same thoughts.
“Twilight…” Spike softly spoke to her still in shock still trying to process what had just happened.
“Maybe I was being overprotective.” Twilight thought to herself as she walked back to the stairs. “I could've gained a sister. But instead... I just lost a brother.” She lamented of what she had just lost as she signs a brief and somber tune again.
“He was my big brother, best friend
Forever...
And now, we'll never do anything
Together...”
She sang before crying to herself as Kion is the first to approach her with a much needed hug with Spike quick to join her.
“You okay, Twilight.” Beshte asked.
“That sure was intense.” Fuli commented as she shook off the shock.
“No I’m not okay.” She answered as she miserably choked while speaking. “I’ve ruined everything!”
“I wouldn’t say that.” Bunga tried to make light of it while being glared at by Fuli. “What did I say that time? All I was trying to say that they had no right to be mad at her like that.”
“Of course they had every right to.” Twilight cried in pain. “I made my future sister-in-law cry after accusing her of being evil and just pretty much ensured that my brother wants nothing to do with me in less than three minutes.”
“Twilight. It’ll be okay.” Simba assured her as he placed a comforting paw on her back. “He just needs some time to cool down and realize how much you mean to him.”
“Exactly. He’s not going to disown for that.” Spike added with a smile.
“And if he does then he can just…” Bunga added.
“Ahem.” Simba interrupted with a stern look to the honey badger warn him to watch his mouth. “Careful, Bunga. I was just warming up to you."
“Sorry.” He awkwardly responded as he quickly shut up.
“Anyways…” The lion king continued as he looked at the hurt unicorn in the eyes. “…Don’t worry about what had just happened. And if it helps we’ll go talk to him and the princess and make sure you get to be the Best Mare you deserve to be at the wedding.” He then offered.
“It’s least we can do after what you did for me and Kiara.” Kion encouragingly added with a warm smile.
“Okay.” Twilight sighed with a small brief smile. “Thanks.” She added as the two lions hugged her before they led the way out of the hallway.
“Everyone makes mistakes, Twilight.” Fuli gently said to her. “Even me.” She slightly bragged as Twilight briefly chuckled a little to thank her for having the decency to not say “I told you so.”
“Just you wait, Twilight.” Beshte smiled. “Everything will be okay.”
"After all he will still be your B.B.B.F.F." Spike assured with a friendly nudge in the shoulder.
“Just go on to your dorm and get ready.” Simba warmly advised. “Because I’m sure this will all be forgotten in no time at all.”
Everyone then all went ahead to do so while Twilight took a minute to recompose herself before doing as she was told to when she suddenly heard hoofsteps from right behind her…
…From Princess Cadance who appeared at the top of the steps with a warm forgiving smile to which Twilight quickly approached her seeking her forgiveness.
“I'm sorry!” She tearfully apologized with sincere remorse.
“You will be.” She responded with an evil and vengeful tone as her glaring eyes glowed green as the unicorn suddenly finds herself completely shocked as she is surrounded by green flames which dragged her underground to make her disappear without a trace.
As soon as Twilight was dealt with, Scar appeared from behind.
“Well done my princess friend.” Scar commended her. “And now that she is dealt with, we now can proceed with the plan.” He chuckled to himself as he recalled the memory of his fellow Lion Guard members walking out on him after he too was berated by his brother with their father even agreeing with Mufusa before walking out on him along with the others to leave him alone.
Scar angrily gritted his teeth upon being abandoned after a moment of feeling surprised and hurt by what had just happened before his visible grating wrath turned into an evil smile which turned into a vicious teeth sporting grin similarly to what Cadance had just did a minute ago before they both walk side by side in the present to prepare for what is about to happen…