It's been a while, but for once everyone was free for a get-together. They took the opportunity to have a picnic, and everyone was having a very good time, chatting and enjoying some food and activities. And it seemed like everything was going great, as nothing would give any signs of trouble.

"Makes you wonder what life would be like if every day was like this." Cali wondered as she sky gazed.

"Incredibly boring." Zenix replied bluntly, tossing a cupcake into the air and letting it fall into his mouth. "There's merits to some chaos, nyehe."

"It also leads to opportunity. Opportunity for profits is every merchant's dream."

"...You really are a greedy guy." Flint commented, taking a bit out of a sandwich.

"You can never have too much capital buddy." Zenix cackled as he laid down, closing his eyes. "Still, makes me wonder how the company's faring without me."

"Yeah, they're probably having the time of their lives, making a new opportunity for me when they see me."

"Well you aren't the only one who's got one heck of an opportunity." Rainbow teased, pointing over to Xavier and Jasmine, where the latter's head was on the former's and both of their faces were hidden under very red blushes.

"What the- when did this happen?!" Zenix asked in shock, him and most of the others giving faces that all were in shock.

"Jasmine wasn't watching where she was lying and ended up landing on her boyfriend. The two haven't moved since."

"W-well, s-she j-just looked comfortable and m-moving might s-startle her- n-not that I'm doing this because I-I think she's cute here-"
"I-I never intended t-to do this! B-but i-it was surprisingly c-comfy... N-not that I-I'm saying that b-because I'm t-taking advantage of him- oohh..."
The two fumbled with their words for a while, before going silent in embarrassment, practically steaming from embarrassment. Everyone just looked at them.

"It's like they're made for each other." Huston commented, everyone nodding in response.

"Twi... light!" Suddenly, they heard someone call for Twilight, and soon Spike ran into the middle of everyone, panting like he ran the marathon. "...I... have... Lemme just..." As he recovered, Spike suddenly gagged, burping out a letter like always. Twilight of course took the letter in her magic.

Dear Twilight, I am sure you are as excited as I am about upcoming wedding in Canterlot.

"Wedding?" Twilight questioned, continuing to read as everyone's interest peaked.

I 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, I would like you and your songbird choir to provide the music.

"Oh my goodness!" Fluttershy gasped in surprise before smiling happily at the news. "What an honor!"

Pinkie Pie, I can think of no one more qualified than you to host the reception.

"Hip, hip, hooray!" Pinkie cheered, jumping into the air with an excited grin on her face.

"That's the spirit!" Applejack said, patting Cali's shoulder. "Let's do out best." As everything was happening, Rainbow was the only one uninterested in the situation, only yawning in response.

Rainbow Dash, I would very much appreciate it if you could perform a Sonic Rainboom as the bridge and groom complete their 'I do's'. This got Rainbow's attention as she perked up to the point she flew into the sky in excitement.

Rarity, you will be responsible for designing the dresses for the bride and her bridesmaids.

"Princess Celestia wants me to– wedding dress? For a Canterlot wedding... I, ah, ooh, oooh!" Rarity stammered for a bit before swooning, falling over onto a pillow that Huston had prepared at the announcement.

Huston, I would like to ask you to create a painting for the moment the bride and groom finish their 'I do's'

"Sounds like your reputation exceeds your expectations." Zenix chuckled. "You'll do fine, dude."

And as for you, Twilight, you will be playing the most important role of all: Making sure that everything goes as planned. For everyone else, you all are invited for the special occasion. See you all very soon. Yours, Princess Celestia. Once she finished, she looked at it confused. "But... I don't understand. Who's getting married?"

"Oh right!" Spike remembered something and pulled out another scroll from behind him. "I was supposed to give this to you first." Rolling her eyes, Twilight unfolded the next letter Spike handed her and began reading it.

Princess Celestia cordially invites you to the wedding of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and... Upon seeing the second half of the marriage, her eyes went wide and gasped. "My brother?!"

"...YOUR WHAT!?!?" The group paused for a moment to process what she said, but when they did they all shouted in shock.

"It's never come up." Twilight answered, though she seemed off for somepony who's just learned their family's getting married.

"Dang, well congrats ay guess." Alex said, not sure what to say. "Ay know ye said he was successful, but he's managed ta snag a princess as a bride. He's quite the man- erm, pony."

"You must be feelin' pretty proud Twi." Applejack congratulated, patting Twilight on the back.

"Oooh, this is so exciting!" Jasmine squeed, her face clearly showing her excitement. As everyone's excitement rose, Xavier noticed something about Twilight.

"Uh, hey Twilight? You okay?" He asked, getting confused looks. "You don't seem all that happy."

"Why wouldn't I be?" She replied, though one could hear irritation in her voice as she stood up. "I just got news of my brother getting married by a piece of paper instead of by his mouth." She began to levitate a sandwich to her as she vented anger. "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."

"Is it just me or is she not actually excited?" Pinkie asked as she leaned over to Zenix.

"I didn't realize there was a third princess here." Huston commented. The humans then all turned to Zenix, looking for answers.

"Erm, I never looked into that. Not sure about her." Everyone sighed as they looked at Twilight who was still a bit angry.

"Sorry, it's just that Shining Armor and I have always been so close. He's my B.B.B.F.F!" Twilight explained, though the last part made everyone look at her confused. "Big Brother Best Friend Forever?"

"Big Brother Best- oooh" Everyone realized what the acronym meant, so they let her continue.

"Before I came here and learned the importance of friendship, Shining Armor was the only pony I ever really accepted as a friend."

"Aww." Jasmine smiled, getting some lighthearted headshakes from some of the group. Twilight looked up at Canterlot, a mix of emotions in her eyes. Then the music began to play, the more recent humans began to look around confused.

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

But there was one colt that I cared for
I knew he would be there for me

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...

Your big brother, best friend forever
Like two peas in a pod, you did everything together

And though he's, oh, so far away
I hoped that he would stay
My big brother best friend
Forever...
Forever...

"...Where did that music come from?" Alex asked, looking around like he was going to find the source.

"And why did she suddenly break into song?" Flint asked as well, though he only tilted his head.

"Okay Flint I can understand, but you Alex?" Zenix looked confused. "Do you not remember cider season."

"Back on topic..." Applejack said, bringing the conversation back to the main topic. "As one of your P.F.F.'s..." Everyone looked confused again. "Pony Friends Forever..."

"He is pretty special." Twilight replied. "I mean, they don't let just anypony be captain of the Royal Guard."

"*cough* *couch* *Cough*" They were interrupted by Rarity and Huston coughing on tea that they were drinking. "So let me get this straight. We're helping out with the wedding of not only a princess, but a captain of the Royal Guard?" Twilight paused, but when she answered she looked more down than before.

"I guess we are." At this answer everyone in the group began to dance about in excitement again, ready to be a part of this wedding. Twilight wasn't though as she was still skeptical, but someone who was there since the beginning was concerned for the future.

The gang didn't waste much time getting ready for the wedding and to stay for a while at Canterlot, and within the hour everyone was riding the train to Canterlot while they chatted away.

"A Sonic Rainboom? At a wedding?! Can you say 'best wedding ever'?!" Rainbow excitedly proclaimed, to which Pinkie leaned out of the train.

"That's all good and all, but I've got a very big task myself." Spike said proudly. "So you all get to help with the big fancy wedding, but I'm the one who gets to host the bachelor party! have just one question. What's a bachelor party?" Everyone laughed at Spike's confusion and continued to chatter. There were two who were off to the side, and one approached the other who was quite down.

"I'm just thinking about Shining Armor." She admitted with a sigh. "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." Xavier looked at her with both a sympathetic eye and a pained eye as he thought to his own life with siblings.

"...I know he won't ever forget you." He said in a low tone, a tone that wasn't normal for him, even when angry, and this caused Twilight to pause.

"Just, trust me Twilight. From what you've told me about him, he won't forget you until the very end." Xavier's tone confused and concerned Twilight, it was like he was trying to make up for regrets. "If he does however..." His face darkened ominously, as his eyes formed a glare that seemed even more intense than before. "I'll make him regret it..."

"Is the giant pink bubble a feature of Canterlot?" Before Twilight could process what Xavier whispered, she and everyone perked up and looked at where Flint was looking. There they saw the city of Canterlot, but like Flint said there was a giant bubble around the city.

"Ooh! Do you think that maybe somepony blew the biggest bubblegum balloon there?" Pinkie guessed, though everyone gave her looks.

"Maybe, but we'll have to see once we get there." Huston said. As everyone's nerves rose slightly, Twilight finally realized what Xavier said. She wanted to ask but a chill went down her spin when she thought about it. She'd put that on the burner, as they were about to enter the city.

Entering the bubble was an experience, as everyone wasn't exactly prepared for the feeling of passing though a magical barrier. Once they were inside though they were ready for an easy ride for the rest of the day. At least before the train docked and they realized that there were guards all over the place.

"Whoa, what's with all the guards?" Rainbow asked, looking out of the train's door.

"I'm sure they're just taking the necessary precautions." Rarity answered. "Royal weddings do bring out the strangest ponies."

"Aaaaaaaaa–" Suddenly, a sneeze was heard from behind them. At least they thought it was a sneeze, since it sounded like a trumpet at the end and it was from Pinkie.

"And you've got a big brother to go congratulate." Applejack said to Twilight, who gave a glare forwards.

"Yeah. Congratulate. And then give him a piece of my mind." She said, getting some worried reactions out of everyone.

"...Yeah, I think I should follow her. Make sure she doesn't do anything." Xavier said, following Twilight.

"Alright, stay safe." Jasmine waved, getting a slightly flustered wave in return. As Xavier and Twilight traveled the city, Xavier took note of the amount of guards around. With the amount of guards around alongside the bubble around the city it was enough to raise concern. After some time they reached the castle where there were a lot of soldiers on the walls, all of them aiming their spears at the duo when they saw them approach. Xavier paused in slight panic when they did and was about to try and reason with them before-

"Twily!" A voice called from the wall, to which a unicorn on it took off their helmet with a smile and ran down to greet her. Once he reached the bottom of the stairs, Xavier got a good look at the unicorn. He was quite big, about Big Mac sized with a white coat blue mane and tail, and purple armor with a star similar to Twilight's cutie mark on the chest. "Ah, I've missed, you, kid. How was the train ride? I–" Excitedly, the stallion went to give Twilight a hug, but his hoof was batted away from her via the target.

"How dare you not tell me in person that you were getting married! I'm your sister, for pony's sake!" She shouted, her irritation clear on her face.

"Erm, sorry about that. She's been like that ever since the news." Xavier said as he walked in between the two. "I'm guessing you're her brother?"

"Oh, yeah. That's me." Shining Armor nodded, looking over Xavier. "And you must be..."

"Yep, one of the infamous humans." He reached out with an open hand. "Name's Xavier."

"Pleasure to meet you." One hoof/handshake later the topic was brought back to Twilight. "Listen, it's not my fault! Princess Celestia has requested a major increase in security. Didn't you see all the guards at the train station?"

"Twilight, I don't think this is about the wedding completely." Xavier said, getting a glare from Twilight. "It's just that why would there be a magic barrier alongside the mass of guards. Plus... Uh.. I think Celestia is watching the city too." Xavier looked up when talking, seeing that the princess was in fact looking over the city with a telescope. Twilight saw this too and paused, realizing that something was up.

"Xavier's right, Twily. A threat has been made against Canterlot. We don't know who's responsible for it, but Princess Celestia asked that I help provide additional protection. This, you need to see." Shining Armor took a few steps away from the two and began to charge his magic. A few moments later he fired it towards the sky, hitting the bubble as it resonated with his magic, causing it to glow and pulse. As the two outsiders watched, they heard Shining Armor flinch and saw him clutch his head. "The burden of keeping Canterlot safe and secure rests squarely on my shoulders." The captain explained, walking towards the castle which prompted his sister and newfound friend to follow. "Staying focused on the task at hand has been my top priority." They paused at an archway, looking out at the city of Canterlot.

"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 admitted, leaning on the side of the railway. "But still... how could you not tell me about something as big as your wedding? Am I not that important to you any more?"

"Hey. You're my little sister. Of course you're important to me." He said sympathetically, ruffling her hair before walking away with an amused smile. "But I'd understand if you didn't want to be my best mare now."

"You want me to be your best mare?" She asked with shock, but was beginning to smile.

"I'd be honored!" Twilight bowed before hugging her brother, their quarrel being settled. All the while Xavier watched, his arms crossed and smiling softly, happy to see them together. "But I'm still pretty ticked you're marrying somepony I don't even know!" Twilight suddenly said, pushing herself away from her brother's grasp irritated. "When did you even meet this "Princess Mi Amore Cadenza"?

"While I would scold that question, I would also like to know who she is." Xavier admitted.

"Twily, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza is Cadance, your old foalsitter." Shining armor said with a light smile. At this description, Twilight's irritation immediately vanished and was replaced by excitment.

"Cadance? As in the Cadance? As in the greatest foalsitter in all the history of foalsitters?!"

"Wait wait wait!" Xavier cut off, raising his arms as he got in between the two. "You're telling me you were tutored by the ruler of Equestria, your brother is the captain of the royal guard, and you were babysat by another princess who is going to be marrying your brother, which will make her your sister-in-law?"

"Ohmygoshohmygosh!" Twilight didn't answer as she was reminiscing excitedly. "Cadance is only the most amazing pony ever! She's beautiful, she's caring, she's kind, and how many unicorns can just spread love wherever they go? I only know of one! And you're marrying her!" Twilight rushed over to her brother happily, bouncing around him happily. "You're marrying Cadance! You're marrying Cadance!" She began to hop away, but as she was she managed to run into somepony. Looking up, she saw an alicorn that Xavier never met. She was a pink pony with a mane and tail consisting of pink, purple, and cream colored hair, but it wasn't flowing like Celestia and Luna. She was also wearing a gold choker and crown, though the way looked a bit irritated. "Cadance! Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!" Twilight began to do a little dance, which she seemed to wait for her old foalsitter to react. All the alicorn did however was stare at her like she was crazy.

"...Uh-huh." Was the only reaction that the princess gave, walking past her uninterested and shocking Twilight. As she walked towards her fiancé and passed Xavier, it was almost like time stopped as they locked eyes for the first time. And when they did...

"Euhgg." Xavier shuddered suddenly, surprising everyone nearby and causing Cadenza to stop and stare.

"I-ignore me!" Xavier stammered as he dashed over to a still-confused Twilight. The princess did just that after studying the human a bit longer, leaning her head onto Shining Armor.

"I've gotta get back to my station, but Cadance will be checking in with all of you to see how things are going." Shinig Armor explained. "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 said, her eyes glowing green for a split second. Twilight and Xavier noticed this, but weren't able to think to much on it.

"Well, we'll let you get to it." With Shining Armor leaving, Twilight and Xavier were left with the preparations, though they had this underlying sense of uncertainty within, looking over the princess one last time.

After the rollercoaster of a meeting with the groom, Twilight decided to go and do what she was there for, though she wasn't too happy by the time she and Xavier got there, the latter deciding to follow the former since he didn't have anything better to do. Now as everypony was busy and Twilight sitting to the side irritated, Xavier was talking to Cali who was chopping some veggies.

"It does seem weird." Cali admitted, giving a quick glance to Xavier. "I mean, I do know some people change after time, but it was weird to thing that the princess would forget their time together. Plus, you only really shake like that when there's an ant in the foyer."

"I'm still not sure why I did that." Xavier said as he crossed his arms and closed his eyes, his face expressing genuine confusion and thought. "Also really? You had to go that far?"

"You say that like it hasn't happened." Cali rolled her eyes. "Still, everything seems fine in the city outside of the guards. Can't say much about the princess though since I've never met her, so I'll get back on you when the two of us do meet." Cali hesitated from cutting a carrot for a second, putting it down. "Do you think you can keep Twilight from doing anything stupid? She has a habit of doing that."

"Sure." As soon and Xavier answered, the doors to the kitchen slammed open. Turning to the noise, they saw that princess Cadenza had entered, getting bows as a reaction (and a slight shiver from Xavier)

"Please, call me Princess Mi Amore Cadenza." She stated, not even saying hello back.

"Hiya, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza." Applejack didn't think much apparently as she simply corrected herself. "You come to check out what's on the menu for your big day?"

"I have!" The princess said with a smile, but as soon as Applejack turned she immediately scowled.

"Alright, I'm starting to see why Twilight isn't a fan." Cali whispered to Xavier, giving a worried expression in response as they returned to watching. They watched Applejack offer a platter of apple fritters to the princess, who took one in her magic and ate it.

"Delicious! I love-love-love them." She replied, which seemed to make Applejack happy but Cali's eyebrow raised.

"Aw, shucks. Why don't you take a few to go?" Applejack offered before offering a doggy bag with some fritters inside. "I know how you brides can be. So busy, you forget to get a little something in your belly." Applejack went back to work, the princess also took her leave with the bag. But as she reached the door, she tossed the bag right into a trashcan, shocking Twilight and the humans present.

"Did...you see what she..." Twilight slowly turned to everyone, but they weren't paying attention.

"W-what the hell?" Cali growled. "She not only lied, but tossed them out right next to her!?"

"That's just wrong on so many levels." Xavier commented, but saw that Twilight was leaving the kitchen. "I'm sorry, but I've got to follow Twilight. I'll see you later."

"Alright." Cali and Xavier waved to each other, and once him and Twilight were out of sight, Cali resumed chopping. But she stopped after one slice, her doubts growing as she thought about the princesses actions.

"Oh, you should have seen how she acted back there." When the two left the kitchen, Twilight tried to find Cadenza, but she didn't know where she went. In the end the two decided to continue monitoring everypony, heading to Rarity's station. Surprisingly, Huston was there as well, working on the portrait, though he wasn't having much luck. Now the humans and ponies were talking to their kind, though Rarity seemed more focused on her work than the conversation "I don't know when she changed, but she changed! 'Please, call me Princess Mi Amore Cadenza'."

"She seems like the classic snooty royals in stories." Huston said quietly to Xavier, who sighed in response.

"I really with you weren't right." He said exacerbated. "it's causing a lot more trouble than I would like."

"The only reason for what?" A new voice questioned, that voice belonging to Cadenza, who was followed by three other mares.

"Oh! Your highness!" Rarity greeted excitedly, walking up to her. "Let me just start by saying what an honor it is to play a role in such a momentous occasion." She gave a nervous laugh, not sure how to continue.

"Uh-huh. Is my dress and painting ready?" The princess asked with slight annoyance, walking past the dressmaker.

"Yes, of course." She stammered, catching up to the princess as they looked at the wedding dress, which was a very pretty dress. Fabulous in fact. "Um, I've been working on it ever since I was given the assignment, and I think you'll be pleased with the results! Mmm!"

"I was hoping for something with more beading and a longer train." Despite Rarity's pride in the dress, the princess thought otherwise and shot down the dress.

"And those should be a different color." Cadenza added about the bridesmaids dresses while the three other mares examined the wedding dress.

They commented, but the princess shot them a glare that shut them up. "Make them a different color." She demanded, turning to the humans. "And you, you... Whatever you are. Are you finished with my painting?"

"Oh, my apologies your majesty, but no." Huston answered, giving a bow. "I'm having a hard time getting the best image of you and Shining Armor in my head. It's quite hard to get started without a clear-"

"Excuse you, but that painting is going to be what I have to remember this day, so I expect it to be done!" Cadenza cut Huston off rudely, growing slightly more aggressive as she continued. It wasn't much, but it was noticeable.

"...I see. I will try to work faster." Huston said, looking at the easel he was working on, some pencil scribbles on the canvas on it.

"Good. I will take my leave." Cadenza said, doing just that with her nose raised. When she and her bridesmaids left, Twilight groaned at the display.

"Gee, maybe her name should be 'Princess Demandy-pants.'" She said with a roll of her eyes, though Rarity was already back to work

"...I'm starting to doubt this." Huston said, looking at the doorway with suspicion.

"It's not that I don't like her per say, but something is rubbing me the wrong way about her and the groom."

"Well I had to meet him to know what he looks like. Can't exactly paint a faceless pony." Huston explained as he stared at the canvas, a neutral face on him. "From the time I've interacted with him, I've learned that he was a very upstanding pony, similar to Flint. It's confusing that someone like him would chose to propose to her, no offence to her at all."

"It actually is weird." Xavier agreed as he put a hand to his chin. "Childhood friend and/or princess aside, I would hate to be in a relationship that toxic."

"Sorry. I was trying to cut the tension." Huston shrugged. Xavier sighed and shook his head, but when he did he realized there was a lack of purple in the room.

"What that- dang it. I lost Twilight." Xavier groaned as he began to leave. "Sorry Huston, I've got to go and make sure she isn't doing anything stupid. See ya."

"Bye." As Xavier chased Twilight, Huston turned back to the canvas, thinking for a bit. "I really hope this is just a phase. I'm not looking forward to the fallout for anyone."

Xavier ended up losing Twilight in the end. He looked around the castle and garden, but wasn't able to find her. In the end he decided to look around the city for anything that would be useful to know. Like the castle, there were a lot of guards patrolling the city, but none of the citizens were too upset at the number of guards.

"Figures there would be a lot of guards. Can't be too careful." Xavier commented to himself, making sure to stay out of their way. "I really hope Twilight isn't doing anything dumb. She really needs to learn to think things through." As Xavier thought to himself, he was noticed by three friends sitting at a table.

"Xavier old chum. It's been quite a while." Looking over, Xavier saw Fancy Pants giving a wave to him, Alex and Zenix sitting with him.

"Just killin' time." Alex shrugged, taking a bite of pizza that he had. "Was with Rainbow some time ago, but got bored watchin' her."

"Don't let her hear that, you won't hear the end of it." Xavier sighed as he sat at the table to join them. "I take it you ran into Fancy Pants when exploring."

"Yep, pretty much." Zenix answered in Alex's behalf. "Talking about the wedding and whatnot."

"Really?" Xavier's attention peaked when Zenix mentioned this. "You think you're willing to share any of that info? Especially involving Princes Cadenza?"

"...I mean maybe, but why would you need that?" Zenix asked, him and the others confused at the question. "You've met the princess I assume?"

"Well, yeah, I have. But something isn't sitting right with me." Xavier began to give the details of what's transpired between him and Twilight upon meeting with her brother, including all of her actions. Once he finished the three listeners were thinking about what happened.

"Hmm, that's quite strange." Fancy Pants said with hoof to tilted chin. "That doesn't sound like the princess at all."

"Not personally as we have not met, but you know nobles. Always gossiping." Fancy Pants said, getting understanding nods from the humans. "She's always been kind and caring of others around her. She's especially well-known to settle any quarrel between lovers with her magic. Garnered the nickname of 'Princess of love' with how much she does for the topic, despite not being given that title by her aunt."

"You don't know that the princess is the niece of Princess Celestia." Fancy's question shocked the humans.

"Yer kiddin'! Are all alicorns related in one way or another?!" Alex questioned in disbelief.

"Why yes. But I believe we are off topic." Fancy said, turning the conversation back to the original question. "Long story short, what you've described isn't like the princess."

"I get what you're saying Fancy Pants, after all your description matches Twilights when she was younger. But I know what I saw and heard."

"Should you really be doing this?" Zenix asked, a look of concern on his face. "This could stir up something that is much bigger than we could have imagined."

"*sigh* Alright then." Zenix shrugged as he stood up. "I'll try to dig something up between now and the wedding, but I wouldn't guarantee anything insanely useful will come up by then."

"I believe I could help as well." Fancy Pants joined, getting looks from the humans. "I'm quite curious about the situation myself. And I so happen to have easy access to the noble's district."

"Ye sure ye want ta get involved, dude?" Alex asked with a raised eyebrow. "Worst case scenario is that yer ousted 'cause ye tried ta suck up ta some commoner's rumor."

"Hmph, and risk tarnishing the trust and good will between royalty and the so-called 'commoners'? I wouldn't dream of it."

"Heh, ye really do have a trickster inside ye." Both Alex and Fancy Pants gave smirks to each other before getting up. "Aight, guess ay've gotta do somethin'. Since everypony 'ere's scared of me, tellin' the others might be the best plan."

"Actually, you shouldn't tell everyone about this." Xavier mused, confusing everyone. "It's not that I want to keep them in the dark, it's just that not everyone may be on the same page. Remember, our pony friends seem to be drunk off the good feelings and seem to barely care about how the princess acts. Heck, Rarity barely even reacted when Cadenza snapped at Huston for not working fast enough.."

"And that's the best sign they aren't our allies." Zenix concluded. "Those two are close and understand the work they put in, so her not reacting is a bad sign."

"An' why's that such a bad thing?" Alex asked. "Shouldn't tellin' them this kinda stuff important."

"The less who know the better, especially when they want things to run smoothly." Zenix answered. "Take it from me, plans for big product reveals that could bring in millions have been ruined because information got leaked by one person taking things too far. Trusting the girls to seal their lips about our plans around the princess is going to put a target on our back. Best case scenario is that she confronts us and tell us her reasons. But she's a princess with power behind her, so I'll let you guess a worst case scenario."

"Exactly. Huston and Cali aren't however, so tell them we're gathering information about the princess and recent events around Canterlot. They could help out."

"I would guess if they too are in the mood." Fancy Pants inquired. "But from what you've told me about this 'Flint' human, he might also be on our side. Miss Jasmine however..."

"I'll talk to her." Xavier stated. "Unlike the girls, she's someone that has some common sense and is able to calm down. She just needs someone to tell her."

"Make sure she's on board with things." Zenix concluded. "I really don't want you to self-sabotage." With a wave from both, Zenix and Fancy Pants left to gather information. "We can meet tomorrow night."

"So... would this be one 'o 'dos 'save the world' type things that ye've gotten inta?"

Once a plan was in motion, everyone went to do their jobs. This of course meant that Xavier had to find Jasmine, and he wanted to do that quickly so she wouldn't succumb to the wedding as well. He did ask around for a while, but he managed to learn she was in the garden from somepony. When he got there he saw that Jasmine was sitting in the middle, head swaying side to side in bliss.

"Jasmine, there you are." Xavier called, causing the dreamer to jump in shock. "Oh, sorry Jasmine. Didn't mean to spook you."

"It's okay." Jasmine said as she breathed for a bit. "Is everything going okay for the wedding. Oooo, I'm so excited."

"Yeah... about that..." Xavier stammered, rubbing the back of his head a bit nervously. "Have you met the princess yet?"

"Hm?" Jasmine tilted her head in confusion, though she did look like she was thinking back. "Well, I did manage to see her for a bit when I left Fluttershy's side. Flint was there too."

"I did hear something odd though." Jamine admitted, putting a finger on her chin as she looked up in thought. "A few moments after I left I heard a lot of shouting."

"Yeah, Fluttershy would never raise her voice in front of a princess." Xavier finished, sighing. "Listen Jasmine, there's something strange going on, and it involves the wedding."

"Well, it's actually more related to the princess." Xavier explained the situation from the beginning to what was happening, a guilty and uncertain look on his face. Once he finished he saw that Jasmine's pupils were small and giving a face of processing the information given. "I know it's a lot, and normally I would be against something like this. But something really is amiss about the wedding and Cadenza. And this is more of a precaution in all honesty."

"Yeah. We're just making sure she's not going to cause problems in the future, near or far. If she's really just having a bad day, we can just forget this happened. I just want to make sure no one has any regrets when this is finished."

"..." Jasmine sat in silence, thinking about everything Xavier said. "I'll believe you."

"Yeah." She gave a genuine smile. "After all, you're always looking out for your friends."

"Hmph." Giving a smile of his own, Xavier brought a hand to his chin. "Let's see... Alex has probably found the other humans and told them about the situation, so where should we go from here?"

"You said that everyone's gathering information in different areas, right?" Xavier gave a nod. "Well why don't we watch our friends to make sure nothing happens. You can look out for Twilight like you've been doing and I can watch the girls to see if anything changes or if they start noticing something."

"I know, but I want to help." Jasmine declared, standing up. "Everyone's doing their best, so I want to do what I can as well." Xavier looked at her for a moment before smiling.

"You've changed quite a lot since we've met." He said patting her head. "If this is what you think is what you can do, then we can do just that." Xavier then turned and took a few steps. "Come on, let's go find the girls." As Xavier walked, Jasmine could be seen with a blush on her face, her eyes wide. She shook it off though, ready to help out her friends and the one she cared for.

After the talk, the two tried to find the girls. Unfortunately, they didn't seem to be in the castle, so the two ended up just wandering the castle grounds for help. No pony knew where they were however, so they were lost.

"I really hope everyone is acting rational." Xavier sighed as he shook his head. "I really don't want any more complications."

"I agree." Jasmine said, closing her eyes and tilting her head. "The happy vibes aren't exactly happy."

"There you are!" Jumping up, the two turned around to see Cali running towards them, panting and leaning on her legs once she caught up. "Something's going on with the girls."

"It would be better to show you, c'mon!" Cali said, signaling the two to follow. After a run, they reached the place where they were staying for their time there. Before they could reach the door though, Twilight suddenly barged through them from behind and the door.

"Shining Armor's in real trouble! You have to help–" She hastily said, but she soon stooped as she looked in disbelief. When the humans looked in, Xavier and Jasmine were shocked and confused to see that the other five girls were wearing dresses in the same vein as a bridesmaid, chatting in excitement.

"Can you believe it? We're gonna be Princess Mi Amore Cadenza's new bridesmaids!" Fluttershy said, flying up to them happily

"New bridesmaids? What happened to her old bridesmaids?" Twilight questioned suspiciously.

"She didn't say. But she did tell us that she would love-love-love it if we'd fill in for them." Applejack explained, brushing off any suspicion.

"And you had your doubts about her." The girls then gave their agreements to the arrangement

"You sure this is what I should wear?" Rainbow said, giving a few kicks to her own dress. "Doesn't seem all that aerodynamic."

"Hmm. I'll see what I can do." Rarity mused, walking away with the pegasus. The others were still just as excited.

"Looks like I really am on my own." The trio of humans at the door heard, presumably from Twilight, but when they turned, they saw that she was nowhere to be found. They did look for a while to see where she went, but they didn't go far as they wanted to find their fellow humans. At least they were in sight, as they were waving to them from behind another door.

"This isn't going well." Zenix groaned as the humans regrouped. "Not only am I coming up short on information, this... 'bridesmaids' business just threw another wrench into things."

"It also doesn't help when we have to be careful who we're asking." Flint said. "We're walking on a minefield at the moment."

"Something about the bridesmaids raised a flag for my." Huston mentioned, getting their attention. "Xavier and Rarity were there too, but when we saw the previous bridesmaids they all were in perfect health on the surface."

"Well we can cut Rares from that observation." Alex commented with a sneer. "She probably was more focused on the dresses."

"Dresses... Now that you mention it, Cadenza DID shoot a glare at them when they disagreed with her opinion." Xavier remembered. "Not to go straight to the worst option, but maybe Cadenza got rid of them because of that."

"I just said I didn't want to assume the worst possible option." Xavier said, waving a hand in Cali's face. "Still, I'm worried about those three."

"That would be good." Xavier agreed. "For now, I don't think that we can get much more out of today. I think we should hang it up here for the day."

"Hate to say it, but yeah." Zenix shrugged. "Can't keep working like this. Besides, going out at night would probably be suspicions, especially since we're not ponies."

"We'd better make our move soon though." Alex declared. "The weddin's the day afta tomorrow."

"Right. Everyone should keep doing what they were doing today. Me and Jasmine will be watching the girls for anything strange."

"Alright." After some more discussions, the humans all went to bed, not knowing what would happen tomorrow.

Once the sun rose and everyone had their breakfast, the humans all went to work on their jobs. Xavier however was having a hard time locating Twilight, even when he asked around.

"Is she at the rehearsal?" Xavier wondered as he walked over to said event. "I doubt it but something's telling me to go over there."

"Xavier? Where's Twilight?" Raising his head, he saw Zenix and Flint walking towards him.

"I don't know." Xavier sighed. "I'm trying to find her, but no pony knows where she is."

"Hmm... Maybe she's-" Suddenly, a certain purple blur ran past them, shocking them. "Isn't that-"

"Isn't she going-" The three humans looked at each other in panic and ran after her. When they caught up, she was at the doors of the cathedral, looking at the rehearsal with Princess Celestia and Cadenza, Shining Armor, the girls, Spike, and Jasmine.

"I'm here! I'm not gonna stand next to her! And neither should you!" She exclaimed, confusing and concerning everyone (The humans especially)

"I'm sorry, I...I don't know why she's acting like this." Shining Armor tried to explain, but he wasn't exactly sure of himself.

"Oh, goodness! Are you okay?" Fluttershy asked, looking at Twilight with a nervous look.

"You sure about that?" Applejack questioned with a raised brow, but Twilight used her magic to put her hat into her face before approaching.

"Twilight, think about what you're doing." Xavier tried to call out to her, but she was already dead set on giving her word.

"I've got something to say! She's evil!" She announced, everyone in shock at her declaration.

"She's been horrible to my friends," Twilight explained as she teleported right up to the target. "she's obviously done something to her bridesmaids, and if that wasn't enough, I saw her put a spell on my brother that made his eyes go all-" She motioned to her face, making her eyes swirl about.

"Because you're evil!" Cadenza ran off, crying her eyes out. "EVIL!" As Twilight did one last teleport and shout, she turned back to the others proudly. At least, before she bumped into her brother with an angry glare.

"You want to know why my eyes went all..." Shining swirled his eyes around with a dumbfounded look before glaring at Twilight. "Because ever since I started having to perform my protection spell, I've been getting terrible migraines. Cadance hasn't been casting spells on me. She's been using her magic heal me!" Twilight gave an inhale as if to respond, but her brother never gave her the chance. "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! And if she hasn't been on her best behavior with you friends...!" He stomped his hoof on the ground, frightening some of the others. "It's because with me being so busy, she's had to make all the decisions about the wedding!"

"She's been completely stressed out because it's really important to her that our big day be perfect! Something that obviously wasn't important to you!" Shining exclaimed angrily before clutching onto his head with a small gasp. Twilight tried to comfort him with a small smile, only to be swatted away in anger. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go and comfort my bride. And you can forget about being my best mare. In fact, if I were you, I wouldn't show up to the wedding at all." Shining said, not looking back as he walked out to find his fiancé. As he left, everyone gave their own reactions, but Applejack reacted first.

"Come on, you all. Let's go check on the princess." She said disappointed her friends nodding in agreement.

"H-huh?!" Jasmine gasped in shock as they walked right past Twilight who was starting to tear up, none of them looking her in the eye. "Wait, girls!" Jasmine chased after them, shocked that they just ignored their closest friend.

"You have a lot to think about." The final pony, Princess Celestia, said disappointed as she too walked past her, leaving Twilight's mouth agape as the tears began to flow.

"What?" Zenix questioned in shock. "That's all you're going to say to her?!" Zenix began to follow the princess with Flint right behind him, leaving the first connection in the room, one looking at the other in despair.

"Twilight..." Xavier reached out to Twilight, but to his shock, Twilight backed away from him before lighting up her horn." Wait, Twi-" He tried to run to her, but she teleported away. "...Twi... I'm sorry I never got the chance to tell you everything." Xavier stood in the middle of the room quietly, regretting what happened.

The Impact of Humans on Ponies

by the koopanater

A Canterlot Invitation, pt.1