//------------------------------//
// Arc 17-2: Here comes the Queen 
// Story: My Little Pony: One as a Family.  "Trials of Friendship" 
// by SaburoDaimando 
//------------------------------//


	Here come the Queen



Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator were hiding out on top of the wall that surrounded Canterlot.  Numbers of Changelings were at their side.
“So,” Quickstrike said.  “How long until the boss gets here?  I’m getting rather antsy here.”
“Patience, brother,” Inferno said in a calm voice.  “We have to wait for the signal from the royalty.”
“Yeah,” Quickstrike said, anxiously.  “But I wanna terrorize those ponies.  I wanna scare them half to death.”
“Waspinator with Inferno on this one,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator enjoys launching sneak attack on ponies.”
“Eager to give those soft skins a taste of fear, are we?” Inferno’s eyes shifted to the side, where Queen Chrysalis and Princess Chrysalis II emerged from a doorway and approached the changelings.
“Royalty,” Inferno said.  “I take it that fool Buck Withers is under your control.”
“About as easy as stealing candy from a baby,” Queen Chrysalis chortled.
“Bout time,” Quickstrike said.  “Now when do we get to give those flea-ridden varmints the one-two?”
“Not yet,” Queen Chrysalis said. “Once Phase three gets into play, that’s when you all give those ponies the terror of their lives.”
“Aww man,” Quickstrike said, sulking down.  “But I’ve waited all day to give those soft skins something to scream about.”
Suddenly, they heard the sound of a jet flying through the sky, causing Waspinator and Chrysalis II to jump up in the air screaming.
“Where is that loud noise coming from?” Queen Chrysalis said.
Inferno looked down at the meadow outside of the city and noticed a helicopter of some sort landing in the grass nearby.
“Royalty,” Inferno said.  “What do you make of that?”
Queen Chrysalis looked down at the helicopter in the valley area.  The door to the copter’s passenger quarters opened up, and stepping out was Gold Banks, who looked cross.
“Well.  What do we have here?” Queen Chrysalis said, amused.  “That must be the matriarch of the Banks family.”
“Oooh,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “That looks like someone they can deal with.”
“Why not?” Queen Chrysalis laughed.
“Royalty,” Inferno said. “What do you wish for us to do with that money-grubbing moron?”
“Go have some fun while you wait,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “And make sure she suffers as horrible as possible.”
“It will be done, my queen,” Inferno bowed.
As Queen Chrysalis and Princess Chrysalis II walk off, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator transform into members of the royal guard.  They flew from the top of the wall and landed in front of the gate to Canterlot as Gold Banks marched up to the duo.
“Out of my way you fools,” Gold Banks demanded.  “I’ve got a bone to pick with my husband.”
“None may pass,” the disguised Inferno said, stomping his hoof on the ground and causing Gold Banks to come to a stop.
“Didn’t you hear what I said you buffon?” Gold Banks yelled.  “I said, OUTTA MY WAY!”
“And as I said,” the disguised Inferno said.  “None may pass.”
“Yeah, you heard my fellow soldier,” the disguised Quickstrike said.  “Now GET LOST YA TIN-HORNED IGGIT!”
“What kind of royal guards treats me, the most important pony in Equestria, like trash?” Gold Banks snarled.
“You?”  the disguised Inferno laughed.  “Most important pony in Equestria?  Don’t make me laugh, you simpleton.”
“Now you just listen here,” Gold Banks roared.  “When my boys at the Stallion News Network hears about this, you will be spending the rest of your lives in Tartarus.  Do you understand me?”
“Go ahead and tell them,” the disguised Inferno laughed.  “It won’t save you from your worst nightmares.”
As the three disguised changelings began to laugh, Gold Banks just looked at them totally confused, but still mad.
“What is going on here?” Gold Banks said.  “Why are you all mocking me?”
But just as Gold Banks finished speaking, the Predacon brothers transformed back into their changeling form, laughing in a sick, demented tone.
“That’s because idiot bug is about to face the wrath of the Predacons,” Waspinator laughed.
With a loud scream, Gold Banks ran off from the Predacons, shouting “CHANGELINGS!  CHANGELINGS ARE LOOSE IN CANTERLOT!”
As Gold Banks ran off in the distance, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator stood there with a satisfied look on their faces.
“Now that my brothers,” Inferno said, “Is how a Predacon always wins.”
“Waspinator loved doing that,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator felt invincible.”
“You think that’s fun,” Quickstrike said.  “Wait till our queen gets up phase three.  That’s when the real fun begins.”
And with that, the Predacons all gloated into the morning air.

Meanwhile, Gad Zookes, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score were standing outside a fence.  They looked through to see Karen the Bulldog chained to a post.  Her wings were clamped down, her horn had a magical ring hooked at the base, and her mouth was muzzled.
“Wow,” Score said.  “Poor dog.  What the hay happened here?”
“I think it has a lot to do with the owner,” Gad Zookes said. “One moment, he let the dog loose to terrorize Princess Wanda and her friends.  The next moment she’s being punished for something I can’t even imagine.”
“It doesn’t make any sense,” Dumbbell said.  “If the owner of this dog is sadistic, why resort to something like that?”
“It’s because the Man’s Cub chose to show sympathy to the dog.”  Gad Zookes turned to his right to see Chancellor Cinch walk up to him and the three colts.
“Chancellor,” Gad Zookes said.  “What’s this about sympathy?”
“I found out why the owner of the alicorn bulldog did this,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Turns out, he didn’t like the idea of Karen being buddy-buddy with the younglings who befriended her.  Furthermore, it turns out he was starving her on purpose.  So as punishment, he chained her like that until she reverts to her ravenous self.”
“That’s despicable,” Hoops said.  “I don’t want to see the side of that dog, ever again.”
“No one does,” Dumbbell said.  “After what she did to us while that angry, I think we prefer the new mutt.”
Chancellor Cinch turned her attention towards Gad Zookes and said “Mr Zookes.  The wedding will start this afternoon.  I suggest you head towards the palace and prepare for that big day.”
“I’m on it,” Gad Zookes said before running off in the opposite direction.
“Bah,” Hoops said.  “Who needs to attend some stupid wedding?  It’s just some silly celebration involving marriage.”
Cinch just laughed and said “Oh you three don’t need to attend.  But I do have something for you.”
“Aww man,” Score said. “Why’d you go and open your big mouth, Hoops?”
Cinch turned to the trio and said “The moment you see a changeling in the distance, release that dog into the streets.”
Immediately, Hoops’ tone went from sour to sinister.
“Wait,” Hoops said. “You said release the dog the moment we see a changeling, correct?”
“I did,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Rumor has it the changelings are going to try to crash this wedding.  And I know that will upset the owner.  But considering what he’s been putting her through is more than a good enough excuse.  Remember.  One sign of the change, release that dog.  Got it?”
In response, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score saluted Chancellor Cinch.
“Very good,” Cinch said.  “It’s time I was off.”
And with that, Chancellor Cinch turned tail and walked off in the opposite direction, leaving Hoops, Dumbbell and Score behind.
“Wow,” Dumbbell said.  “So the owner of that dog neglects her.  I really want to get the heads up and release her.”
“Not yet,” Hoops said.  “You heard her.  Word has it that the changelings are coming here to crash that wedding just out of revenge against Twilight Sparkle. Once we see one changeling, we’ll cut her loose and let ‘em have it.  Agreed?”
“Agreed,” Dumbbell and Score said.

Meanwhile, in the hall room of the castle, near the royal bedrooms, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were walking down, talking with each other.
“So Twilight’s been too entranced with the upcoming wedding,” Princess Luna said.
“It’s a bit worrisome,” Princess Celestia said.  “But I assure you that she will play her part in this wedding.”
“Well,” Luna said.  “You did assign her to the flower girl.  I think she’s too caught up in the fact that she’ll be leading Lemony Gem down the aisle to Buck Withers.”
“Reminds me of the first time I attended a wedding,” Princess Celestia laughed.  “Remember that?”
“That was more than a thousand years ago when we were fillies,” Princess Luna said.  “But then again, I miss those days of being young.”
“And we both miss the very pony that was the sunshine and the moonlight of our lives,” Princess Celestia said.  “Queen Eternia.”
But as Princess Celestia reached the doorway to her bedroom, she looked inside and saw Eleanor Young fly in through the balcony window before her wings disappeared.
“Princess Celestia,” Eleanor said.  “I have some news you need to hear.”
“Will you excuse me, dear sister?” Princess Celestia said.  “I need to talk with Eleanor about a recent development.”
“Take your time, sis,” Princess Luna said.  “The wedding is not till later today.”
Princess Celestia stepped through the doorway and closed the door behind her, leaving Princess Luna by herself.
“No doubt the changelings will do what it takes to crash this wedding for their own gains,” Princess Luna said to herself.  “But regardless, this plan will go without any problems, whatsoever.”

Below the royal bedroom,  at the banquet room of Canterlot Castle, Golden Lace, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie and Ditzy Doo gathered around Juniper Montage, who showed them the video on her phone.
“Wow,” Applejack said.  “You recorded all of that during our time in the Golden Land.”
“Not just at the Golden Land,” Juniper Montage said. “I also recorded footage of the refugee crisis from La Maresa.  But I also figured out how to tie it into a story that goes from the calm and carefree attitude to the despair and worry that we’ve all been through.”
“You sure are a great recorder, ”  Ditzy Doo said.  “It’s too bad we won’t see you submit that to the film festival.”
“Now Ditzy,” Rarity said. “If that even does occur, we should all attend it to support Juniper’s video.”
“By the way,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Where are the others?  We all know this is going to be the beginning of the end for us here in Canterlot.”
“You’re right,” Fluttershy said.  “After the wedding is over, we’re heading back home to La Maresa.  Truth be told, I miss being there.”
“We all miss being there,” Rainbow Dash said.  “And I chose to stay with you guys because it would be lonesome without you.”
“You’re all lucky,” Juniper Montage said.  “Right now, I don’t know if my folks or even my uncle will find me here.  Looks like I’m going to be stuck in Canterlot until further notice.”
“Well now I wouldn’t say that,” Pinkie Pie said, confusing Juniper.
“Now why exactly would you say that?” Juniper Montage asked.
“Well take a look at the doorway over there,” Pinkie Pie said, pointing to the entrance of the room.
Juniper Montage looked towards the doorway, and her face beamed with excitement.  Standing there was an ecstatic earth pony with a pale, light grayish gamboge coat, a grayish malachite green and light malachite greenish gray mane tied up in a ponytail, black glasses and a movie camera cutie mark.  Despite his smile, there were tears flowing from his eyes.
“Uncle Canter Zoom,” Juniper said. “How…how did you know I was here?”
Wiping a tear from his eyes, Canter Zoom said “When I heard about what happened at Daisy Joy Tech, I feared for the worse.  But now I’m glad you’re alright.”
Smiling as warm as the sun, Juniper Montage ran up to Canter Zoom and gave him a big hug.  The two held each other, tears flowing from their eyes with pure joy.
“I saw your video, my niece,” Canter Zoom said.  “You’re starting to showcase how you are as a director, and I couldn’t be more proud.”
“Thanks uncle,” Juniper said.  “I hope mom and dad enjoyed my video.”
“Oh they did,” Canter said as Juniper hugged him tight.
As Canter Zoom and Juniper Montage held each other tight, Pinkie Pie scooted up to Rarity with a smug look on her face, catching the fashionista’s attention.
“Pinkie,” Rarity said.  “Don’t tell me that you were the one who knew who Juniper Montage’s uncle was.”
“Not directly,” Pinkie Pie said.  “But you can thank a certain former teacher for telling me about him.”
The moment Pinkie Pie finished speaking, Argyle Starshine walked up to the group, to which Pinkie pointed to him.
“Juniper told me about her memories with her uncle,” Argyle said.  “So the moment I was able to, I contacted Mr Zoom and told him to come down to reunite with his niece.  Her parents also know about what happened.  But they are too occupied with their job to meet up with her.  So Canter Zoom agreed to come by.”
“Well that’s a darn shame,” Trixie said.  “The fact that her own parents are too busy to attend to her own needs while her uncle makes sure she’s okay.”
“You know,” Rarity said.  “I wonder if Canter Zoom is here not only to reunite with Juniper Montage, but also because of the wedding.”
As Rarity finished speaking, Canter Zoom walked up to the group with Juniper by her side.
“That I can answer,” Canter Zoom said. “I’m actually a close friend of Buck Withers.  So when Mr Starshine told me that she’s going to be attending his wedding, I knew that would be the right time to see her again.”
“So I assume she’ll be leaving with you after the wedding is over,” Rarity said.
“She will,” Canter Zoom said.  “And we have a studio in the Ponyville Providence area.  So you all can visit, anytime you wish.”
“Well that does sound good,” Pinkie Pie said.  “But I think Golden Lace and Cozy Glow will be sad that Juniper will be leaving Canterlot.”
“Yeah,” Juniper said.  “I know it will be hard to leave her behind.  But I hope her friends here will keep her happy while I’m gone.  Maybe I’ll invite her down to the studio to show what my uncle is capable of.”
“That might be a grand idea,” Canter Zoom said.  “If her father and Princess Celestia approve of it.”

But at the Grand Foyer of the palace, Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer, Princess Cadance and Golden Lace were greeting the guests that walked in while Abigail and Spike stood on the sidelines.  The four looked exhausted, but optimistic.  Though Golden Lace looked excited.”
“How are you doing, sis?” Wanda asked.
“Exhausted,” Sunset said.  “But I’m doing fine.”
“Same here,” Princess Cadance said.  “I can understand why Princess Celestia doesn’t like to spend her time greeting the guests.”
“On a side note,” Wanda said.  “Do you see what’s going on with Lace?”
Sunset and Cadance looked on to see Golden Lace in a trance of some sorts.
“Hey Lace,” Sunset said.  “You’re acting a bit like Twilight.  Something up?”
Immediately, Lace snapped out of her trance and turned towards Sunset Shimmer.
“Oh, sorry,” Golden Lace said.  “I was thinking too much of Juniper’s uncle: Canter Zoom.  I mean, she told me alot about him and his legacy in film directing, and she even showed me one of his works: Dawn of the Bread.  But I never thought I would get to see him in person.”
“Come to think of it,” Sunset Shimmer replied.  “I have never seen any of Canter Zoom’s films in my life.”
“Then when I have the chance,” Golden Lace said. “I should show you and Wanda one film that Juniper gave me.”
“That sounds like a great idea,” Wanda said.
“Only if mother finds it appropriate,” Princess Cadance said as she shook the hoof of another pony.
But Golden Lace’s eyes shifted towards the front, where she saw her father Silver Banks.
“Daddy,” Golden Lace said, waving her hoof in the air. 
“Hey, something’s wrong,” Wanda said, noticing Silver Banks’ depressed look.
Golden Lace, upon seeing her father’s frown, ran up to him and tapped him on the arm, catching his attention.
“Daddy,” Golden Lace said. “Is something wrong?”
“Lace my precious,” Silver Banks said.  “I just got word that your mother is on her way here.”
“Oh no,” Golden Lace said. “Why her of all ponies?”
“I assume she found out about what I did to break you and your friend out of Daisy Joy Tech,” Silver Banks said.  “Furthermore, I believe she will interrupt the wedding just to confront me on my decision.”
Golden Lace held her father’s arm and said “But I don’t want to see her again.  She’s become a monster.”
“So do I,” Silver Banks said.  “And even if Princess Celestia placed a restraining order on her and had the royal guard defend this event, she will do whatever it takes to push them aside and treat the order like it was nothing.”
Golden Lace let out a sigh and said “Now I’m afraid for the wedding itself.”
“Don’t worry,” Silver Banks said.  “As long as I’m by your side, I won’t let her harm you.”
Nearby, Sunset, Wanda and Cadance had been observing Silver Banks and Golden Lace’s speech while shaking the hooves of other ponies.  Spike and Abigail walked up to the three sisters with the little kitty cat rubbing her paw on Wanda’s leg.
“What do you suppose is going on?” Wanda said as she picked up Abigail.
“Sounds like Gold Banks will be coming here,” Princess Cadance said.  “And she’s not happy.”
“Not Gold Banks,” Sunset Shimmer facepalmed.  “The last time I saw her, she tried to put my sister and some of her friends in cuffs.”
“As long as mother is with us,” Princess Cadance said, “She won’t let that fiend do anything bad to you both.”
“I hope so,” Sunset said as she allowed Spike to walk up to her.
As Spike cuddled up to Sunset Shimmer, Wanda looked at Golden Lace from afar, petting Abigail on the forehead.
“As long as we can find a way to comfort Golden Lace,” Wanda thought to herself, “She will be able to smile for us.  I swear to that.”
But just as Wanda continued to pet Abigail on the head, she felt a tap on her shoulder.  Wanda turned around to see Buck Withers hovering over her.
“Bucky,” Wanda said.  “You’re already here.”
“I am,” Buck Withers said, holding out the box with the rings inside.  “And I have a favor to ask you and your sister.”
“Are you asking us to be the ring bearers?” Wanda asked.
“Yes,” Buck Withers said.  “Will you and Sunset do it?”
Wanda looked at Buck in the eyes and said “I’ll do it.”
“That’s the spirit,” Buck Withers said as he handed the rings to Wanda.  “Take good care of it.  I already let your mother know about this.”
“Thanks,” Wanda said. 
Buck Withers nodded to Wanda before he turned tail and walked down the hallway, leaving Wanda to hold the rings with Abigail yawning in her other arm..  Sunset turned around and saw Wanda holding the rings.
“Where’d you get those?” Sunset asked.
“It was Bucky,” Wanda said.  “He asked us to be the ring bearers.”
“Really?” Sunset said, looking down at the rings.  “That’s great.  I’m game if you’re game.”
“That makes two of us,” Wanda replied.
But as Wanda and Sunset cheered, Princess Cadance looked down at her sisters with a smile on her face.
“And here I thought Twilight being the flower girl got in over her head,” Princess Cadance said.  “But then again, mother told me that she was considering having them both be the ring bearers.  Guess they get to experience their first wedding up close.”
But as Buck Withers walked down the hall, he slid up behind the wall and looked down at Wanda, Spike and Sunset cheering with Abigail leaping out of her arms and joining in.  
“It’s only a matter of time,” Buck Withers said.

Meanwhile, Lemony Gem paced back and forth in her wedding dress, looking a bit anxious.  Princess Luna walked on in, noticing the bride’s worry.
“You okay, Lemony?” Luna asked.
“Not really,” Lemony Gem said.  “I’m worried about how bad this wedding will go down.  What if something terrible happens, like the cake falls on our heads, or our wedding rings fall into a place that we can’t reach.  Or what if he leaves me at the altar?”
Luna just laughed before she said “Oh please.  I’ve seen that before when I last attended a wedding.”
“Wait,” Lemony Gem said.  “You had that kind of experience before?”
“Of course,” Luna said.  “The last bridge who went to get married had that same kind of worry as well.”
“You’re just lying, aren’t ya?” Lemony Gem replied.
“No I’m not,” Luna said.  “I’ve seen my fair share of weddings where the bride was like that.  And my sister, Princess Celestia had grooms who also felt like that.  But in the end, they each turned out well when it came to matrimony.”
“Are,” Lemony stuttered.  “Are you sure of that?”
“Oh I am,” Luna said. “I didn’t live for more than a thousand years to not record every wedding that I’ve been to.”
“You know,” Lemony said in a calm voice, “I think that may have helped out a bit.  Not a lot, but just a bit.”
“That’s good to hear,” Princess Luna said.  “We’ve got plenty of time before the wedding starts.  And at this moment, I assume Buck Withers is arriving at the altar to prepare for this big day.”
“At this point,” Lemony Gem laughed.  “I think he already has.”
Suddenly, the door opened and in came Queen Novo and Princess Skystar, catching Lemony Gem’s attention.
“Wait,” Lemony Gem said.  “You went out of your way to bring in the queen and princess of the Hippogriffs for my wedding?”
“Well they were going to bring in King Myrrh and Prince Hoofar from Saddle Arabia,” Queen Novo said.  “But they had some last-minute business to take care of.  So apologies for them being unable to attend.”
“That’s okay,” Lemony Gem.  “I don’t want my wedding to be that big.”
“But it’s your big day,” Princess Skystar said.  “You deserve to have a storybook wedding with a happy ending.”
“She’s right,” Princess Luna said.  “Besides, they’ve agreed to be bridesmaids for the wedding.”
“Aww,” Lemony Gem said.  “Thank you, everyone.  This will make my day so perfect.”

It was later in the morning in the banquet hall, all set up to look like a wedding.  Buck Withers was at the altar, waiting nervously while Gad Zookes, Chancellor Cinch and Shining Armor stood by him.  Princess Celestia stood at the center, holding a book out.  Every pony was gathered in the audience, waiting for the bride to make her appearance.  But five ponies waited nervously: Danged Spell, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer and Cozy Glow.  Sitting below the ponies were Spike and Abigail, who were fast asleep.
“I never thought I would be attending a wedding in my lifetime,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “This is so exciting.”
“You’re telling me,” Sunburst said.  “In fact, that makes the two of us.”
“I don’t understand what this whole wedding this is like,” Cozy Glow said.  “Nor this use of marriage.”
“It means two ponies unite together in matrimony,” Sunburst said.
“Matrimony?: Cozy Glow replied.  “I don’t think I can understand that.”
“Hey Spell,” Moondancer asked.  “What were weddings like in Lio Lani?”
“You know,” Danged Spell said.  “I never even saw a wedding at all, much less one in Lio Lani.”
“Actually, I can answer that.”  Moondancer looked up to see Fortwright and Shanoa sitting next to them with Shanoa holding Baby Dreamseeker.
“Mr Fortwright,” Moondancer said.  “You know about weddings in Lio Lani?”
“Of course,” Fortwright explained.  “We usually have our weddings outside in the open air, and we recited songs and chants to unite the couple together.  Our blessings would go something like ‘Ei-Ah Eha-No.  Ka Malohia Oh-Na-Lani.  Mea A-ku A-Pau.’  It means ‘May peace from above rest upon you and remains with you now and forever.’   How does that sound?”
“So there are different ways that ponies get married?” Starlight Glimmer asked.
“Spell,” Moondancer said.  “I didn’t know your kind had weddings like that.”
“I didn’t know, either,” Danged Spell said.  “But then again, I am banished from Lio Lani.  Remember?”
As Fortwright laid back in his chair, Shanoa reached over and cupped her hoof around her mouth.
“That’s what he thinks,” Shanoa whispered.
Around the audience, many ponies were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the bride.  Adagio Dazzle and Aria Blaze sat in their seats patiently while Sonata Dusk looked eager.  Juniper Montage sat next to her uncle Canter Zoom with Golden Lace and Silver Banks sitting next to them.  Spitfire was dressed up in her Wonderbolt uniform with Airazor and the other Wonderbolts on standby.  Even Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie and Ditzy Doo sat, eagerly awaiting the ceremonies with Bright Mac, Buttercup, Granny Smith, Filthy and Spoiled Rich, Argyle Starshine, Bright-Eyes and Sunlight Starscout sat there patiently.  Nearby, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara slept in their cribs.
“Doesn’t this remind us of the time we got married?” Buttercup said.
“Yeah,” Bright Mac said.  “Except we had ours near the apple fields when we planted those seeds into the ground.”
“I kind of wish father wasn’t so harsh when we got married,” Buttercup said.  
“What’s past is past,” Granny Smith said.  “You’re already a part of this family, and I couldn’t be more proud of ya.”
“Yeah,” Buttercup said with a fake laugh.  “I am proud.”
“Buttercup,” Bright Mac said.  “It’s okay.  As long as we’re together…”
“It’s not that,” Buttercup said.  “It’s Applejack and the other young’uns.  After this event is over, they have to return back to La Maresa.”
“I know,” Bright Mac said. “They really like being around Wanda and her friends.”
“Not just that,” Filthy Rich said.  “There’s a lot of rich history surrounding Canterlot, and the royal family.  They were all honored to have known the Princesses of Equestria.”
“That may be true,” Granny Smith said.  “But I bet some of them are a bit homesick.  Plus, La Maresa and San Di’Neighgo have their own branch of rich history embedded within them, like the famous zoo and Balbronco Park  Plus, they still have their responsibilities when they return home.”
“Oh, right,” Filthy Rich said.  “Plus I still have to help with the trade with other cities in Equestria.”
Bright Mac turned to Argyle Starshine and asked “So Mr. Starshine.  What’s your plan now that you don’t have a job with Daisy Joy Tech?”
“Well,” Argyle Starshine said. “I was recently hired by Princess Celestia to become a new teacher at the School for Gifted Unicorns.  Furthermore, once I accepted the job, she set me and my family up with a new place to live in Canterlot.”
“Congrats,” Bright Mac said, clapping his hooves. 
“To be honest,” Argyle said, “I loved the proposal that she gave me.  In fact, I’ll go as far as to say it was far better than what Headmistress Honey Twist offered me when I had to work for her.”
“I’ve heard about the perils of Daisy Joy Tech,” Spoiled Rich said.  “No doubt the work of my selfish sister Gold Banks.  In fact, I heard that a certain warden from Coltsom now works there as the second-in-command.”
“You mean Warden Steel Bolt?” Bright Mac said.  “I thought he transferred over to a supermax juvenile facility.”
“In this day and age,” Granny Smith said, “anything can be considered a juvenile prison.”
Suddenly, the lights began to dim, catching the audiences’ attention.  Bright-Eyes and Sunlight turned towards the back end of the banquet hall, where two lights shined on the doorways.
“This is it,” Bright-Eyes said.  “The bride is about to walk down that path and present herself to the groom.”
“Just like how I walked down to your father, Bright-Eyes,” Sunlight Starscout said.
The doors opened as Twilight Sparkle emerged, wearing a bright pink dress and holding a basket full of flower petals.  She waltzed down the aisle, sprinkling the petals around until they fell to the floor.  Behind them, a number of bridesmaids, which included Queen Novo and Princess Skystar, led by Princess Cadance followed Twilight Sparkle down the aisle.
“Wow,” the crowd said.  “Look at that.”
“I think they notice me, mother,” Princess Skystar said.
“Silly daughter,” Novo laughed.  “They’re taking notice of the bride that will follow.”
Immediately, the organist played ‘Here comes the bride’ on the pipe organs as Wanda and Sunset followed from behind the bridesmaids, carrying the respective rings on the pillows.  And behind them walked Lemony Gem, wearing her gorgeous wedding dress, with Princess Luna walking alongside them.
“I wish my parents were here to see this,” Lemony Gem thought to herself.  “After all, this is a day I’ve been waiting for in a long time.”
As Princess Cadance led the bridesmaids, Wanda, Sunset, Luna and Lemony Gem down the aisle, Buck Withers stood there proud, and yet nervous.
“You got cold hooves?” Shining Armor said.
“No,” Buck Withers said.  “But I never thought that Lemony Gem would be this gorgeous.”
“Now now, Romeo,” Chancellor Cinch smirked.  “The big moment is about to arrive for you.”
As Twilight Sparkle walked up the aisle and sprinkled more flower petals onto the altar, she immediately stood by Princess Celestia as Princess Cadance and the other bridesmaids walked up and formed an arch around Buck Withers.  Wanda and Sunset walked up to the altar before moving opposite of each other, positioning themselves next to Queen Novo and Princess Skystar respectively.
“You’re a lucky stallion, Bucky,” Gad Zookes said.  “This is where your life reaches its new heights.”
As Princess Luna stepped aside, Lemony Gem walked up to the altar where she bowed to her groom Buck Withers.  The duo turned towards Princess Celestia, who proceeded to open her book and look down at the pages.
“Dearly behooved,” Princess Celestia said.  “We are gathered here today to join this stallion and this mare in harmonious matrimony.  Since the time they came together, they have journeyed through adventures across all of Equestria, aided us in our fight against the Windigos Guild and the Changeling hive, and have proven to be friends to those who need it.  And now, they are ready to take up the status of husband and wife.”
As Celestia recited the wedding speech, one member of the guest looked at Buck Withers with a sinister look in her eyes.
“It’s only a matter of time,” the guest said.
“On this day,” Princess Celestia said, “When the vows are read, two lives will become intertwined into one family.  And as a family, we are one together.  That being said, if there is anyone who objects to the marriage of these two, speak now, or forever hold your peace.”
With that, the sinister guest raised her hoof and yelled “I OBJECT!”
The crowd bursted into outrage, turning their attention to the smug guest, who sat there with a smile on her face.”
“You there,” Princess Celestia said.  “Tell us the objection to their union.”
“That’s easy,” the rogue guest said.  “Because I’ve waited a long time for my revenge and I WILL GET IT!”
Clouds formed above the rogue guest, causing the audience members to scream in agony.  It even woke up Spike the Dragon, Abigail Albright and the foals, who all cried or screamed in agony.  Wanda and Sunset dropped their pillows and rings as they held each other in fear.  Shining Armor quickly ran up to Twilight, who’s cheerful face turned to fear.
“Hide, Twili,” Shining Armor said.  “I’ll keep you safe.”
As Twilight nodded to Shining Armor and hid in a nearby corner, the rogue guest began to transform, horrifying the crowd even further.  When the transformation was complete, she had become Queen Chrysalis.
“YOU!” Princess Luna snarled.
“That’s right,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I’m back for my revenge against all of Canterlot for that humiliation I got during the Grand Gallopin Gala.  And I aim to collect.”
“You won’t,” Princess Celestia said, standing in front of Wanda and Sunset.  “You just made a fatal mistake in showing your presence here, Queen Chrysalis.  As long as I stand strong, you will not lay a hoof on my daughters.”
“Well now I wouldn’t say that,” Queen Chrysalis smirked.  “Isn’t that right, slave?”
Immediately, Buck Withers’ eyes turned green as he turned his attention to Wanda and Sunset.  Before anyone could react, Buck pulled his whip out and ensnared both girls with it before pulling them away from Princess Celestia.
“MOMMY!” Wanda yelled.
Princess Celestia turned towards Buck Withers, who held Wanda and Sunset with his left arm.
“Bucky,” Lemony Gem cried.  “What’s going on with you?”
“The wedding is off,” Buck Withers said.  “And so is the rest of your life.”
“How could you?” Queen Novo said.  “You betray your own wife and the younglings that look up to you?”
“They  mean nothing to me,” Buck Withers said.  “Now my life is dedicated to Queen Chrysalis.”
But before Buck Withers could move, Shining Armor pointed his horn at him.
“Let them go, Bucky,” Shining Armor said.
Queen Chrysalis walked up to Shining Armor and said “Oh you wouldn’t want to harm the groom, unless you want something horrible to happen to the ring bearers.  Would you?”
Shining Armor’s eyes popped out in horror.  He lowered his head down in shame as Buck Withers leaped away from him, still carrying Wanda and Sunset in his arms.
“I’m sorry,” Shining Armor said as a tear fell from his eye.
“You did your best, Shining,” Princess Cadance said as he hugged Shining Armor close.
Princess Celestia turned towards Queen Chrysalis, who gloated loudly with Buck Withers next to her, all he held Wanda and Sunset close to him.
“Mommy,” Wanda cried.  “Help us.”
“You won’t get away with this you witch,” Sunset snarled at Chrysalis.
“Oh I already have,” Chrysalis said with a grin.  “And flattery will get you nowhere.”
“You let them go this instant,” Princess Celestia yelled.  
“I beg to differ,” Queen Chrysalis said, turning her attention to Princess Celestia.  “Surrender Twilight Sparkle and control of your kingdom to me, or NEVER SEE YOUR DAUGHTERS AGAIN!”
With a frightful laugh, Queen Chrysalis formed smoke clouds that surrounded her, Buck Withers, Wanda and Sunset.  Celestia and Luna ran up to them in a hurry.  But when the clouds faded away, they were gone, causing Celestia and Luna to come to a stop.
“No,” Luna said, frustrated. “They got away!”
Immediately, Celestia slammed her hooves on the floor before shouting in the air “CHRYSAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!”
At the altar area, Twilight Sparkle was pulled out from the corner by Princess Skystar, who held her tight, while everyone turned their attention to a distressed Princess Celestia.
“What happened?” Twilight said.  “Where’s Buck Withers?”
“He’s betrayed us,” Princess Skystar said.  “And he took Wanda and Sunset with him to where Queen Chrysalis wants to take them to.”
All Twilight could do was cry into Princess Skystar’s chest.

But outside in the hall of the palace, Magistrate Creme Dream and Majesty were eavesdropping on the events that had transpired in the banquet room.
“So that miserable queen of the changelings has pulled another stunt in Equestria,” Creme Dream said.   “Interesting.”
“So what are we going to do about it, mother?” Majesty asked.
“I’ve got a lock on where that queen is,” Creme Dream replied.  “How would you like to come along so we can confront her?”
“Would I?” Majesty said with excitement.
“After all,” Creme Dream replied.  “It’s time Queen Chrysalis knew the truth about this wedding, and the danger she put herself into.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Clash of the Tyrants