“Pick you up at eight” indeed. More like eight days later. We couldn’t find a single night to spend by ourselves for an entire week. Was it a week? I was losing track of days in the grind of our routine. Meetings after meetings upon more meetings. We had to strategize about the Changeling invasion, but that didn’t mean our regular royal duties stopped. The Empire still had to be run, and, on top of it all, I had to be re-taught my own day to day responsibilities along with Princess etiquette classes. Which also slowed us down. It was a miracle that we even had time to eat and sleep. Fortunately, the Changeling attacks had stopped after those first two.
For now.
Flash returned from “absconding” with Twilight, and instantly butted heads with Shining in just about every conversation they had. I was exhausted being in the room to mediate for those two meatheads constantly. At least they were keeping it civil. Ever since I screamed at Shining about Twilight on the balcony, he had kept his temper in check around Flash. Flash responded by keeping his cool as well. It also probably helped that I pulled him aside and said that if he kept disrespecting Shining to his face, I would just stand back and watch his butt get court-martialed. Everything was pretty smooth after that. It was a fake truce held together by fear of me, but smooth nonetheless. Flash ended up heading out on the larger perimeter patrol duty yesterday, and it was finally more relaxing in the castle. I was sick of the constant heightened tension, and both colts pretending they weren’t avoiding each other. I hadn’t seen him return since then, but he was probably just playing keep away again. Maybe he was nervous around me as well?
None of that mattered tonight. We were finally able to grab a few hours to go out to dinner in the city. No evening meetings were scheduled and we canceled anything that came up, claiming that we were already booked. Not untrue, though maybe a bit deceptive. Pell wrangled the servants to help make sure we were undisturbed. I told her to tell the head chef that our dinner on the town wasn’t a personal insult to him, and that he would always be my favorite chef. Apparently, he burst out laughing and told Pell he would find it in his heart to forgive me. Then he recommended a restaurant on the outskirts of the capital. It wasn’t the nicest side of town, but they served the best crepes he had ever tasted. Shining confirmed the recommendation, nodding his head quite enthusiastically at the mention of it.
We decided not to make a reservation since it may draw a crowd if word got out that the royal couple were dining there. It was probably going to happen anyway, but this way we may have a quiet outing for a little while. I envied the Changeling’s ability to alter their appearance. Going in disguise would make sure no one bothered us. I loved mingling with everypony, though I was worn down from meeting new ponies all the time everyday. Always being on stage and needing to be presentable as a Princess. Shining suggested we put on hats, sunglasses, and long coats. I wasn’t into that idea. It seemed much lamer than just being recognized. Plus, we would look even more conspicuous, which would end up giving us away anyway.
I sat on my heart pillow in the red room while Pell fixed up my hair much differently than normal. It was simpler than her usual stylings, yet there was something youthful and charming about it. She pulled it back into a pony tail, and tied it behind my ears with a quaint turquoise bow. I wore a violet dress that was long and slender with a high slit that revealed the Crystal Heart cutie mark on my hip. I was destined to connect with the Crystal Heart ever since it was magically imprinted on my flank when I came of age. I had a destiny and purpose that I could neither remember or control. I looked at my neck in the mirror as Pell placed a familiar turquoise necklace around me. Yet another Crystal Heart. Another reminder of what I couldn’t remember.
Below my necklace was a pink pleated collar topping my dress and matching two of the three tones in my hair. Pell didn’t put my usual crown on. Probably because it would have looked cluttered and obscured the bow. My hair and outfit looked simple, yet elegant.
Pell couldn’t stop grinning ear to ear. One might have thought she was the one going on a date.
“This is a new look.” I said, watching her through the mirror.
“Actually it’s an old look.” She hummed quietly as she applied a light layer of powder to my face. Even my make up was much simpler tonight.
“Oh is it?” I tilted my head, curious.
“Indeed.” She nodded, looking back at me in the mirror. “This is how you used to style your hair when you attended Canterlot Academy.”
The gears in my head started turning, as realization hit my face.
“I was hoping it would…” her smile mutated into a devious grin. “...spark something in Shining Armor tonight.”
“I…” My cheeks turned so red, I could feel the warmth in my face. “You’re a demon.” I narrowed my eyes at her.
“I’ve been called much worse, my lady.” She half bowed in her mocking manner. I wanted to banter back with her, but I just kept staring at the innocent looking pony in the mirror. Was that really me? It must have been at one point. I looked younger in this hair style, much more “cute” than “regal.”
“Have you thought more about what you want?” Pell said, reading the thoughts in my expression as always.
“I have, actually.” I ran my hoof through the pony tail. My tail mane was tied similarly with a matching bow. “And I do want him. I want to be with him.” I could tell Pell was being serious since she didn’t jump on the obvious innuendo.
“But…” She let it hang in the air.
“I want him, but I’m not sure if he wants me.” As soon as I said it, it sounded dumb. “I mean…” Pell let me find my words, not interrupting. “He wants his wife back. He wants Cadance. But I don’t know how to be Cadance. No matter how long I spend trying. No matter how many things I learn about her. No matter how many years I get to practice, I don’t think I can ever truly be her without my memories. And I don’t know if he can accept that.”
Pell rubbed my shoulder, and I felt myself release some of my built up tension. I placed my hoof on top of hers. I had no memory of my immediate family or my childhood. I hoped that this is what it was like to have a mother. I felt so loved here. Not just by Pell and Shining Armor, but the entire kingdom. I was at home here, even though I grew up in Equestria.
“I’m afraid he’ll wake up one day and the illusion will be shattered.” I continued, shaking my head. “He’ll realize that I’m someone else, and it will break him. I don’t want to think about what that will do to him. To us. To the Kingdom.”
“Then break him now.”
“What?” Pell’s flat tone shocked me.
“We all hope that you get your memories back, my lady.” She squeezed my shoulder firmly. “But, until you do, he has to realize that things are different. And it will hurt him much less now than many years down the road.”
“What should I do?” I thought for a moment. “Or rather, how do I do it? What do I say and when?”
“You should go on your date, and have a wonderful time. Make some new fond memories that both of you can remember.” Her eyes softened as her smile returned. “And then tonight, don’t wait, do it tonight.” Her voice was so forceful, I couldn’t help but nod back. “While you’re somewhere private, make him understand.”
“Make him understand.” I repeated softly.
“You’ll know what to say when the time comes.” She patted my shoulder and gestured to the curtain that led to the hallway. “But for now, your Prince awaits.”
I stood up and turned to face her.
“Well, I am getting pretty hungry.” I walked toward the exit and Pell went ahead of me to pull the curtain open. “I suppose I can tolerate joining him for dinner as long as the food is good.” I curled my muzzle into a mischievous grin at Pell, and she returned it.
“The crepes are to die for.”
“So I’ve heard.” I rolled my eyes. “They better live up to everyone’s hype or I’ll be sorely disappointed.”
“Mhmm.” She mumbled as she held the velvet red curtain open, revealing the jagged crystal columns in the royal hallway. I opened my mouth to say something else, but she cut in first.
“Tonight, my lady.” She pointed at me accusingly. “Don’t wait.” Her expression was full of parental conviction.
“Right.” I looked away from her to continue down the hallway, to where I knew Shining Armor was probably waiting for me. I could feel Pell’s eyes on me as I went on my way.
I continued down the hallway lost in thought. The extravagant luxury of the castle, my home, blurred into background noise. Along with the nods and well wishes of the servants who saw me in the hall. Everyone knew what the royal couple were doing tonight. Many of them beamed with joy as they greeted me in passing, as if it were their own date. I can hardly remember if I smiled or greeted them back. I suppose I must have. No one seemed to be put off by my demeanor as I passed. My daze was finally broken by a familiar voice.
“Cadance?”
Shining Armor’s eyes widened with awe as he looked me over. Something childlike and wondrous crossed his face which soon shifted to a more primal and hungry look. He quickly caught himself, bringing his expression back to something more reasonably neutral. The charming and regal Prince of the Crystal Empire stared back at me, smiling with an air of confidence and pride. He wore a red velvet vest with gold trim. His usually sloppy mane was tamed and parted to the side. The back was combed into a wavy curl which rested on the side of his neck.
He extended his hoof to me as I approached him, and I placed mine on top of his. He gently pulled me towards him until our muzzles were almost touching. My breath was taken from me as I was too afraid to breathe this close to him. I finally took in a breath, and his scent was like wooded amber. Was that a cologne he was wearing or his natural scent? I couldn’t remember what he usually smelled like, if anything. My mind went blank as I lost myself in his eyes. An elegant bliss until he spoke,
“You look so hot.” He blurted out. His charm evaporated into a goofy grin.
“Well, there goes your mystique.”
“What?”
“Nothing.” I leaned in to kiss him on the cheek, and I thought he might float away in excitement. I felt his muscles twitch under his skin at my touch, as his fur stood on end.
“You remembered.” He stared at me with childish glee when I pulled back to face him again.
“Remembered to kiss?” I asked as my cheeks went warm.
“No, I mean…” He rubbed the back of his neck. “That was great, but I mean the hair.” His eyes traveled down my pony tail and over my flank as well.
“Pell remembered.” I looked away from his burning gaze.
“Remind me to give her a raise.”
“I won’t.” I rolled my eyes. Pell got the exact reaction she was hoping for. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was watching us from somewhere laughing.
“You remember more than you think you do.” Shining said softly. I would have missed it if we weren’t pressed so close together.
I ducked my head slightly to hide the heat creeping up my neck. “Pell suggested we should go make new memories.”
Shining smiled at that, nudging me gently towards the door. “Let’s not disappoint her then. Or the other dozen eyes watching us right now.”
I snuck a glance over my shoulder, I couldn’t see anyone. But Shining was probably right.
“Shall we?” He asked, escorting me through the door and out into the early evening air. I nodded and let myself relax.
The walk was quiet. The city was well after regular business hours, and the usual bustle had long since passed. I often enjoyed watching the commotion from the royal balcony, and this was my first time walking the streets myself. Citizens smiled and only waved at us - which was refreshing. How many ponies had Pell told it was our date night? It’s like they were purposefully leaving us alone. I had no idea where the restaurant was, so I let Shining lead the way and stuck close to his side. The street lamps were lit even though the sun wasn’t quite set. There was a lovely purple/pinkish hue to the evening light. The cobblestones beneath our hooves were echoing our steps. Lighting bugs flickered in flowering window boxes of the neighboring homes. Soft warm light pouring out from behind the interior curtains. I took it all in. It felt good to have my hooves on solid ground, and not up in a castle.
I abruptly realized we had walked a few blocks in complete silence. Comfortable silence, but now that I recognized the quiet, it slowly turned awkward.
“So… umm… How was your day, Dear?”
Shining tripped on nothing and stumbled like my words had spooked him. “Dear?” Isn't that what he wanted?
“Sorry, are we not doing pet names?” I cringed at my own sentence. I forced a smile to hide my discomfort.
He collected himself quickly. “No, no, it’s fine. My day was fine. Everything’s fine.” I saw him swallow as he turned his head away from me. I thought I was awkward, and he was giving me a run for my money.
I gave him a side smirk. “Are you nervous?”
He stared straight ahead putting one hoof in front of the other like walking a straight line was the most important thing on his mind. Or, he was clearly hiding something.
“You are nervous.” I teased. “Why are you nervous? I’m the one who should be nervous.”
He stopped walking and turned towards me. Truth pouring out of his mouth in a rush. “I guess it’s the fact that we haven’t done this in so long. Like a real date. Just us. And then you style your hair like that. And suddenly I’m back at Canterlot Academy all over again. Walking beside you like this and having to hold back.”
“Hold back?”
He nodded. “It made me remember what it was like.”
“What?” I urged him.
“To be the nerd in love with a Princess.” He admitted shyly. “Wondering if she’d ever look my way.”
I was stunned by his words. I felt my chest tighten and expand with every breath. Little butterflies in my stomach doing dances.
I am Cadance, I told myself. I could see why I fell for this stallion. I was falling all over again. Although, the new me liked to push his buttons. I offer him a mischievous smile.
“Aren’t you glad I looked?”
He grinned back. “Very much so.”
I nuzzled my face into his shoulder, as we continued to walk together. Our pace slowed like we were savoring every moment. “I’m glad too.”
I didn’t care how good the crepes supposedly were. This walk meant more to me.
I almost didn’t hear the frantic beating wings until a pegasus slammed into the ground in front of us.
“My Lord, my Lady.” Flash Sentry stood before us with his wings spread full. His golden armor and yellow fur glowed in the late afternoon sunset from behind him. The low lighting made him look like a bronze statue staring down on us.
“Flash?” I blinked incessantly at the imposing Captain. Something was different about him today.
“You must come with me quickly!” His furrowed brow eased as he gazed at us. Something was clearly troubling him.
“Flash.” Shining’s annoyance poured out of his mouth and into his words. “We're on our date. I told you not to bother us unless the situation was dire.”
“You’re on a d-” Flash's momentary confusion vanished from his face as quickly as it arrived. “Of course.” He said with a bow, tucking his wings into his side. “I'm terribly sorry to interrupt, but the situation is indeed dire.”
Flash bowed to Shining Armor, taking his eyes off of his Prince as he stared down at the sleek crystal road. “There has been an incident. It’s a lot to explain, but if you follow me…”
“Changeling test him.” I interrupted Flash and he jerked his head back up out of his bow.
“Princess?” His eyes widened as he looked my way. Shining looked surprised as well. Something about the way Flash spoke and acted seemed off to me. He was always polite and professional when he addressed royalty, at least until Shining did something to piss him off. He had also been minding his “Ps and Q’s” lately since I threatened to let Shining Armor follow through on one of his court martialing threats. Nothing he had said or done was particularly wrong, yet something felt off about him.
“What makes you say that?” Shining asked with a clam, but firm expression. It was difficult to describe it in words. Flash’s politeness was a little too polite. His bow was a little too low. He always kept Shining in his peripheral view, even when bowing. His urgency was too calm. Whenever Flash interrupted us with important bad news, there was usually something desperate and earnest in his voice. This Flash was lacking that.
“Well…” How was I supposed to say it? It felt insane and paranoid just thinking it. “Just do it. Something feels off.” I had to hope Shining would trust me.
“Maybe just to be safe, Flash?” He gave an apologetic nod to the Captain as he took a step towards him. Flash took a step back in response.
“Is this really necessary?” Flash continued to backpedal from Shining’s approach. “T-time is of the essence. We need to get moving.”
“Get moving to where?” Shining’s brow furrowed and his eyes grew cold.
“Uh, well…” Flash came to a halt when he backed into a street lamp. “North, uh… the incident is north and…”
“What incident? What happened?” Shining’s voice was eerily calm. None of the usual annoyance or banter was in his tone.
“W-well… It’s a bit complicated. As I said, I’ll explain when we get there. There’s no time to waste.” Flash leaned against the black ash colored lamp post holding his hooves in front of him as Shining towered over him.
“The spell only takes a second or two to cast. I could have done it several times since you started dodging it.” Shining Armor’s horn glowed with a magenta magical hue. I could sense from the spell energy that he wasn’t charging the Changeling test spell.
“I’m not dodging it!” Flash said a bit too loud. He cleared his throat and regained his composure, standing up tall again to look Shining Armor in the eye. “If you and the Princess think it’s necessary, then by all means.” He gestured to Shining with his hoof, as he donned an unconvincing smile.
“Very good, Captain.” Shining powered down his spell. “By the way, Flash. How’s Twilight doing?” My jaw dropped at his question. Flash looked confused, tilting his head and narrowing his eyes.
“Princess Twilight?” The confusion filled his voice. “She’s doing well as far as I know.”
“Yeah, well I suppose you wouldn’t know, would you?” Shining called on his magic again. This time the spell was more intense and swelled with immense power. My eyes widened in fear of the destructive power Shining was prepared to summon. “This will only take a second.”
“Of course, my Lord.” Flash went to bow again, but it was a trick. He used the bow to hide himself prepping for take off. He sprung into the sky, spread his wings, and took off towards the edge of the city. I bent down and prepared to take off myself. Shining couldn’t fly and I assumed it would be me who would have to chase him.
“Oh no you don’t!” Shining discharged his beam in the direction that Flash was flying. The heat coming off his horn caused vapor ripples in the air around him. I squinted my eyes at the brightness of the beam, which collided with Flash causing his body to ignite in a flaming magenta haze. He cried out as his wings failed and was sent careening back down to the crystal street. Before he hit the ground, his armor melted away and his fur turned into black, greasy skin. His golden wings were replaced with transparent ones as his body slammed onto the hard ground. Crystal did not make for a very soft landing. For a moment, I thought that Shining had killed him in midair. Or maybe the fall did. It wasn’t until I saw him squirming on the road that I realized that I was seeing the true form of a Changeling.
He was hideous.
His hooves were full of holes, and his mane was a burnt maroon. The greasy texture of his skin and hair looked like something out of a nightmare. I ran over to him as he rolled over. He looked up at me with fear, and something else I couldn’t place, in his eyes. His eyes were a solid dark purple. I could scarcely tell which way he was even looking as his iris and pupils melded into a gradient rather than a solid shape.
“Curse you Shining Armor!” He screamed, as Shining came up to my side.
“That was an incredible shot.” I said with my eyes glued to the invader. It was surreal to see a creature so menacing, yet vulnerable and pathetic at the same time.
Shining ignored my comment as he grabbed the Changeling by the neck. The creature groaned as Shining hoisted him off the ground. With one hoof, he held him up with his incredible strength.
“Where are you holding Flash Sentry? How many others have you abducted and replaced?” Shining yelled in the Changeling's face.
“I don’t remember.” The Changeling’s voice was raspy and strained. I couldn’t tell if it was how he naturally spoke or if he was affected by his injuries and Shining’s grip. Perhaps a little of both.
The Changeling’s head swiveled to look at me, which only angered Shining more. “Don’t you dare look at her.”
The Changeling smirked and licked his bleeding lip. “Did I ruin date night?”
“Answer my questions, Changeling! You better start remembering before I make you forget everything.” Shining’s eyes darkened as he tightened his grip. The Changeling coughed and gargled as he was choked. His figure squirmed and struggled in vain.
“Shining.” I placed my hoof on his shoulder as he continued to ignore me. I had never seen him like this before. The anger. The hatred. Nothing about him was anything like the kind and dorky stallion I had seen just a moment ago. The one I had gotten to know in the short time I could remember.
The one I had fallen in love with.
“Tell me!” Shining screamed, releasing enough of his grip to let the Changeling speak. Instead of talking, the Changeling laughed. He cackled so loud it rang in my ears.
“You call yourself a Prince, but you are nothing but chattel to us.” His insidious laugh shook something inside of me.
“Tell me where he is or else…”
“Or else what?” The Changeling interrupted Shining. “Do you have the stomach to do it, Prince?”
Shining’s neck stiffened under my touch. I could feel him trembling.
“Tell me what I want to know, and I’ll spare you.” His voice was so quiet it filled me with dread.
“Does it occur to you to tell your lunch where the other vegetables are before you consume it?” The Changeling laughed in Shining’s face again.
“I’ll give you one more chance.” Shining’s eyes narrowed as a vein bulged and throbbed on the side of his head. I looked around the crystal street, and saw many ponies watching the whole affair. Most of them were far away and trying to hide as they observed their Prince interrogate their enemy. Faces peered out of windows of the obelisk shaped shops and houses. Ponies dared to peek around corners and bushes, desperate to hide their presence, yet gazing all the same.
“Shining.” I called to him, but he just gritted his teeth as the Changeling cackled louder. His opaque eyes mocking Shining as if he were the captor.
Sick of being ignored, I gripped his shoulder much like he held the Changeling.
“Forget him.” I commanded, finally catching his attention. His head swiveled to me, and for a moment, the hatred in his gaze pointed straight into me. It took all my self control not to reel from it. From him. “We have to go save Flash.”
“I can’t just let him go.” Shining’s hateful stare softened as his scowl remained.
“I’m sure the guards are on their way. Let them take him prisoner.”
“What guards?” Shining yelled at me. He was stressed and not upset at me, but I didn’t like being yelled at. “They’re all engaged elsewhere. Or possibly captured by his kind.” Shining leered at the Changeling again. His smug face caused Shining’s shoulder to stiffen in my grip.
“Shining he-”
“He can’t be allowed to leave here. I won’t let him claim another victim ever again. I have to…” Shining hesitated for a second. “I have to-”
“Kill him?”
The dead air hung for a few seconds as the dirty deed was finally suggested out loud. Just the presence of that idea made the air smell foul and darken the essence of everyone around.
“Don’t do it.” I whispered to him and squeezed his shoulder. I felt his muscles relax under my touch.
“What choice do I have?” With his meek question, he averted his eyes to the street. He did not loosen his grip on the Changeling.
“There’s always a choice.” I looked at the Changeling who stared at me with an expression I couldn’t place. “There’s always a chance to be better. Better than them.” I said that last part directly at the Changeling.
“‘Better than us’, she says.” The Changeling scoffed at me. “I suppose the rumors are true.”
Shining shook him violently. “What rumors? What do you know?”
The Changeling’s eyes rolled around in his head as the dizziness slowly wore off. “The great Princess Cadence…” He looked past Shining and directly at me. “You really have lost your memories.” My heart froze for a beat as my brain washed over with panic.
“How could you possibly know that?” Shining shouted more than asked. There was no point in playing dumb. He said it so confidently.
“Oh, we know everything about you.” His cruel smile twisted to the side of one cheek. “All of you.”
I couldn’t move. Couldn’t think. I felt naked and exposed. Many Crystal Ponies in ear shot had heard him. It was an open secret within the castle walls, but now our enemies knew our weakness.
My weakness.
Did everyone already know? How long had they known? Did they all roll their eyes at my speech, knowing full well I was lying. Was their support all theater? The Changelings knew I couldn’t heal my ponies from their attacks. That’s why they were so bold. Why they felt confident to attack. Confident enough to infiltrate and replace us.
“Shut up!” Shining squeezed again and the Changeling gagged in his grip. He squirmed and grabbed at Shining’s arm, desperate to free himself from the stallion Prince’s superior strength. Shining’s horn glowed a bright mauve. The same color as my eyes. I shivered as I felt his spell begin to manifest. The energy from his essence was maligned with hatred. I knew what this spell would do to the Changeling if cast.
I had to get a hold of myself. If my subjects didn’t love and respect me, I had nowhere else to go. If Shining Armor killed this Changeling in front of me, I wasn’t sure I could look at him the same way ever again. His smile would be tainted. His goofy and boyish charm would feel like a lie. Underneath would be a cold hearted murderer. I knew he had never killed in cold blood before. I could tell by the way the Changeling affected him. He was a warrior, and had seen combat, but this was different. It was a cruelty that would change him forever, and I couldn’t bear to watch it happen to him. I didn’t have time to wallow in my own pity and self doubt. I had to act. Even if I was nothing. Even if I wasn’t worthy of my station, I had to do something.
“Crystal Ponies!” I let go of Shining and turned to the open street that appeared deceptively empty. “I need your help, please.” Would they heed my call? Would they even come? Especially after hearing what the Changeling said. After knowing that I lied to them.
I watched for a moment as the street remained vacant.
“Please.” I closed my eyes and bowed my head. “I promise there is no danger. Everything will be alright. Please, we need your help.” I couldn’t bear to open my eyes. I held them shut for some time, until I felt a hoof on my shoulder. I looked up to see Shining Armor smiling at me.
“They’re helping us.”
No hatred or fear. He looked like his normal self again. He gestured with his head behind him, and that’s when I saw it. Scores of Crystal Ponies had come out of hiding, and gathered in the sparkling capital street. The Changeling was restrained by three stallions as the rest of the onlookers stood by, ready to help if the Changeling caused any trouble.
“We’ll handle this, Princess.” One of the citizen stallion sentries said.
“We’ll make sure he doesn’t go anywhere until the guards can take over.” A mare in the crowd stepped forward. I recognized her.
“Rain Flower?” It was the mare from the first town that was attacked.
“Yes, my lady.” She bowed briefly and smiled at me.
“What brings you to the capital?”
“I thought it would be safer than our home for the time being.” She glanced over at the Changeling and scowled. “And I would like to do my part to help keep it that way.”
“Thank you.” I was at a loss to think of anything else to say.
“We have everything under control here, my lady.” She nodded. “Please go save our captain.”
The crowd mumbled words of agreement. Their love and trust for me left me spellbound. I would find a way to repay them for their kindness and loyalty. I would make it right for everyone, no matter the cost.
“Let’s go get Flash.” I grinned at Shining, but dropped the smile as soon as he said,
“Go where?” He held his hoof up in question. “We have no idea where they took him, and I don’t think the Changeling is going to tell us.”
My cheeks burned as I bit my bottom lip. I had been so relieved to see Shining back to his normal self, I had forgotten that we were stuck with no leads.
“We’ll have to form a search party.” I began brainstorming.
“Which will take guards away from our patrols.” He replied as we spoke in rapid succession.
“And that could leave us open to attack.”
“But we can’t afford to lose Flash and his stallions.”
“We don’t even know how many we’ve lost yet.”
“Or who is false.” Shining finished as we stared at each other for a long time. Just as I was about to say something, a magical discharge went off to my left. I jumped without thinking, throwing myself between Shining and the strange magical attack.
“Shining? Cadance?” A familiar voice said. I looked up and saw a holographic projection of Twilight Sparkle. “Oh thank Celestia, you’re both together. I don’t have to cast a scrying spell twice. It’s exhausting.”
It was then that I noticed I was standing on my hind legs with my front hooves covering Shining Armor.
“I appreciate the thought, babe, but I don’t think Twilie is going to hurt us.” He grinned sideways at my awkward pose, which brought his muzzle right next to mine. I could feel my face go red as a tomato. Partially because I looked stupid, but mostly because he called me “babe.” Guess we were doing pet names after all.
“I have to warn you both.” Twilight’s semi transparent image spoke. “Flash Sentry has been captured and replaced by the Changelings.”
I got back on all fours, finally out of that ridiculous position. I turned my head to look behind me when I heard some shuffling. Most of the ponies who formed the crowd had stepped forward to bow to the image of Princess Twilight.
“Yeah we just found out about it.” Shining nodded at his sister. “We captured his Changeling copy a moment ago.” His head tilted sideways as he squinted one eye. I watched as the gears turned in his mind. “Wait, how did you know about it? Aren’t you in Canterlot?”
“I am.” Twilight nodded. “Flash just scryed me a moment ago from captivity. He told me-”
“Flash can cast a scrying spell!” Shining’s jaw dropped. “I can’t even cast a scrying spell.” He said much quieter.
“Yes, he can. Especially when I give him a scroll of scrying, and teach him how to use it.” Twilight frowned as she nodded. “He’s a better pony than you give him credit for.”
“When did you-?”
“I taught him when he escorted me back to Canterlot.” Twilight’s cheeks turned a mild shade of red as she looked away for a moment. “I wouldn’t let him leave until he learned how to do it. We promised each other that if something happened to either of us, we would let each other know right away with this spell.” Twilight’s lip quivered, but her eyes stayed hard and focused.
“Did he say where he was being held?” I chimed in.
“He told me he was being held in a cave in the Crystal Mountains. The same one where Cadance was held when we found her.”
The back of my neck clenched with guilt. I had been a liability ever since I was taken captive. Now other ponies had to suffer.
“Huh…” Shining rubbed the back of his head. “That seems way too obvious of a place to reuse. They must have been confident that we wouldn’t find any of their spies.”
“Queen Chrysalis is known for her hubris.” Twilight said, and my mind flooded with rage at the sound of her name. “We’ll be sure to use it against her.”
“Who else has been captured? Did he give any names?” Shining demanded, and I was thankful for the change in subject.
“He didn’t give me any names or numbers.” Twilight shook her head. “He-”
“Why not?” Shining looked flabbergasted. “Doesn’t he realize how vital is is that we-”
“He didn’t have time!” Twilight yelled as she interrupted him back. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I took satisfaction in seeing Shining being talked over for once. “He only had a few seconds before the Changelings saw what he was doing and stopped him.”
Twilight and Shining were quiet for a few moments. No one in the gathered crowd dared to interject in the Royal drama. The Changeling’s mouth had been gagged with some mare’s mane bow, so he couldn’t taunt us with a comment either.
“Shining.” Twilight finally spoke. Her voice was not that of a Princess, but a little sister standing up to her big brother. “You’re wrong about Flash.”
Shining said nothing. He just let Twilight continue.
“He’s a great colt, and…” Twilight choked on her own words. Shining’s eyes softened as they drifted to gaze at the crystal street.
“I love him.” Twilight stared directly at her brother. “I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to him. Please-”
“I’ll save him, Twilie.” Shining said. “Nothing is going to happen to him. I promise to bring him home safe.” Shining spoke with Princely confidence.
“Safely.” Twilight said as she sniffled. Clearly holding back tears.
“What?” Shining looked confused.
“You said, ‘Bring him home safe’ but proper grammar would be ‘safely’ in that context.” Twilight corrected.
“Oh you cannot be serious right now.” Shining rolled his eyes.
“What?” Twilight threw up her hooves. “It’s true.”
“I know it’s true, but you’re being such a dinklebus about it.” Shining crossed his front hooves and sighed.
“Dinklebus?” I raised an eyebrow as I was completely ignored by them.
“You’re the dinklebus, you dorkopolis rex.” Twilight pointed directly at Shining.
“How about I go to your castle library in Ponyville and unsort all of your books?”
Twilight gasped as if personally insulted.
“You wouldn’t dare! If you do that, I’ll turn you into a pumpkin!”
“And I’d win the county fair for sure.”
Neither of them could hold it in after that. They both burst out laughing. I couldn’t help but smile myself.
“Thank you BBBFF.” Twilight said after a few moments.
“Of course, Twilie.” Shining grinned. “You know I always have your back. Thanks for the vital intel. We’ll find him.”
“Good luck, both of you.” Twilight said and her image vanished.
“Let's go, BBBFF.” I said, smirking at Shining.
“Oh yeah.” He rubbed the back of his head. “BBBFF stands for-”
“Big Brother Best Friend Forever.” I said casually as his eyes lit up with excitement.
“You remember.” The pure joy on his face sent a chill of guilt down my spine.
“No.” I looked away from him. “It just seemed obvious.”
“Nah.” He waved my dismissal off with his hoof. “Those memories are coming back, I know it. You'll be back to normal in no time.”
“Shining…” I began, but he was lost in his own calculated thoughts. Planning our next move.
“I'm gonna gather every available guard I can find. I'll meet you back at the castle and we'll head out from there.” he prepared to trot off.
“Shining.” I repeated louder.
“I know. We didn't get to do our date. I promise the next one will be even better. We'll take a week off and go to Rainbow Falls or something.” His head was stuck in formulating a rescue mission. He wasn’t hearing his own name.
“Shining!” I yelled to no avail.
“I'll see you in a few. We gotta hurry!” With that, he was off. Running away from me, enacting his plan.
“My memories haven't come back.” I whispered to no one as his figure ran down the twilight glowing crystal streets.
Tell him tonight. Pell’s voice rang in my head.
“I don't think they're ever coming back.”
****