//------------------------------// // xix - Hymen's Preperations // Story: The Path of Absolution - Punishment // by Morningstar1337 //------------------------------// The next day, the Cutie Mark Crusaders tried to find Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash. They searched as much of Ponyville as they could. Unfortunately, the townsponies wouldn’t let them search their stores and certain public places. Sweetie Belle saw a familiar silhouette enter the marketplace. ‘Rarity?’ Sweetie Belle thought. She followed the silhouette into the marketplace. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo then followed Sweetie Belle. In the atmosphere above Equestria, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Diamond Dust were looking towards the defended capital. The adviser said, “now we wait.” The foals noticed some small black specks near the mountain where Canterlot was perched. “What are those?” Diamond Dust said. “Our polar opposite,” the adviser said. “Changelings are beings that shapeshift into other beings and sap them for nourishment. Their queen is missing.” “How awful,” Sweetie Belle said. The clouds around them began to grow thicker, obscuring their view. “Yes,” the adviser said. “But ponies are much worse. And Celestia is the worst of them all. We must capture her and break the fifth seal.” “Fifth seal?” Diamond Dust said. “You never said anything about a fifth seal!” “I’ll tell you in due time, your majesty,” the adviser said. The blizzard slowed down, waiting for the opportunity to strike. Diamond Dust pondered if this truly was her destiny. In Canterlot, Twilight Sparkle trotted around the city to get supplies for the wedding. She saw a familiar pink alicorn. “Cadence?” Twilight trotted up to her old foalsitter. Princess Cadence was arguing with one of her bridesmaids. “No! We do not wear dark green here.” “But Princess,” Lyra said. She was wearing a dress dark and green as the forest. “My friend picked this dress out. She said it was perfect.” “I don’t care,” Cadence said. “Please pick a new dress!” Lyra just ran off in tears. Twilight heard this conversation. She knew that something was off with Cadence. She approached the bride. “Cadence?” She asked. The bride-to-be saw Twilight. She said, “yes? Are you the wedding planner?” Twilight was surprised that her old foalsitter didn’t recognize her. “Cadence, it's me, Twilight,” Twilight said. She remembered something from her foalhood. “Sunshine, sunshine” --she covered her eyes-- “ladybugs awake,” --she then uncovered them-- “clap your hooves,” --she clapped her forehooves together-- “and do a little shake.” She then shook her flank at the princess. Cadence cringed. She said, “please don’t do that again, and make sure this wedding goes off without a hitch.” She then left Twilight. ‘What is going on?’ Twilight thought. ‘The Cadence I knew would’ve recognized that.’ She went ahead and prayed that this was just a prank. Gale Force and his team of pegasi were helping the royal guard with patrols. The security had been buffed because of the wedding and the recent windigo attack in Ponyville. Thunderlane was getting used to the layout of the city. Flitter and Cloudchaser were patrolling the skies and Star Song was looking at the train station. Gale saw Element Shield and approached the stallion. The red stallion noticed Gale and said, “it's been a while since I saw you last.” “Yeah,” Gale said. “So did you reinforce the barrier?” “Yes I did,” Element Shield said. “I used my most powerful spells to further the protection. But like the fire spell I used on you and your team a week ago, these spells are powered by the bonds between ponies.” “Yeah,” Gale said. “I figured.” “I believe that this spell shall hold so long as something doesn't happen to potentially weaken a strong bond.” “Why?” Gale said. He looked around and saw some of the Ponyville ponies adjusting to their stay in Canterlot. “This barrier can sense emotions. If sufficient rage, hatred, disappointment, or thoughts of broken trust were sufficient enough, the barrier would weaken and anything could break it.” Gale Force was starting to worry. He must be careful to control his emotions, or risk compromising the security of the city and the ponies within. He remembered Thunderlane. “Hey, can you do me a favor?” “What is it?” Element Shield asked. “I have a new rookie on our team. I was wondering if you can cast your spells on him.” “Of course,” Element Shield. “Bring him here and I’ll get to work on his barriers.” “Roger,” Gale said. He flew away to find Thunderlane. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were in the marketplace. “She’s got to be here somewhere,” Sweetie Belle said. “You said you saw somepony that looked like Rarity enter the marketplace?” Scootaloo said. “Of course,” Sweetie Belle said. They searched near the stands, they searched near the booths, and they searched near the shacks. But Rarity was nowhere to be seen. Night fell on the three Crusaders and they went home. They each wondered if their sisters and Rainbow Dash were back. In Canterlot, Twilight and her friends double checked their tasks for the wedding. "Okay, Applejack," Twilight said. "You'll handle the catering." "Got it," Applejack said. "Fluttershy," Twilight said. "You'll handle the music." Fluttershy nodded. "I'll be the party planner," Pinkie said. "I'll practice my Sonic Rainboom," Rainbow Dash said. "And I'll make the most beautiful dresses," Rarity said. "Okay," Twilight said. She remembered her encounter with Cadence. She felt different from the last time she saw her all those years ago. The mares went to their guest rooms and slept for the night.