//------------------------------// // 91. A Canterlot Wedding - Part 2 // Story: Blaze the Pony Tale // by Wolven5 //------------------------------// He ran through the halls, scared out of his wits. What did I just see… I thought Candance and Twilight were close! He skidded to a halt, coming to a corner, panting as he felt oddly exhausted. “Right, the barrier…” he looked outside, remembering he was still maintaining it even between the times he stabilized it. “I have to see Shining Armor! Ooh, I just hope he’s in a listening mood!” *Flash* Shining Armor was in his room in the castle, just getting his ceremonial uniform on when he heard the telltale sound of somepony teleporting. “Who’s there?!” He looked out of his bathroom and saw… “Midnight? You don’t look so good. It’s the barrier, isn’t it?” “Yeah, but… that’s not important right now,” Midnight insisted. “Shining Armor, I have to show you something, and I swear to you – This is real!” Midnight took a deep breath and gathered his magic as he focused on the memory still fresh in his mind… and he projected it! Shining Armor watched, a little miffed seeing his sister again but he felt his heart ache when he saw how overcome with remorse she was. Then he saw Cadance appear, and was glad to see that it looked like there were no hard feelings. “I’m sorry!” “…You will be!” Shining Armor looked on in horror, as Cadance conjured a green fire around his sister, enveloping her within a sphere of flame, that slowly sunk into the floor taking his Twily with it, Cadance walking away sneering with satisfaction. Midnight let the illusion break and panted, having expended more of his magic. “I- I don’t understand it!” Shining Armor began to pace. “That can’t be real! Cadance wouldn’t have…!” “Shining Armor, what happened earlier during the rehearsal?” Midnight asked. “Twilight came storming in, ranting and raving about Cadance, calling her out on what she deemed to be bad and nasty behavior, then started accusing her of being evil! …Looks like she was right.” Shining Armor sat on his rump, feeling so ashamed that he hadn’t listened to his sister. “Now hold on, Shining Armor,” Midnight placed a hoof on the captain’s shoulder, “We don’t know exactly what’s going on. Now that I think about it, Blueblood told me something last night, that Cadance wasn’t acting like herself and they’ve known each other since they were foals.” “So what’re you saying?” Shining Armor asked warily. “Shining Armor, would the Princess Cadance you know and love do something like this?” Midnight asked, and his tone of voice made Shining Armor consider the question. “…No, she wouldn’t,” he knew it in his heart. “The Cadance I fell in love with would never resort to something like this! So then…” “I think so as well,” Midnight’s brows furrowed. “I think this Cadance we’ve been seeing these past few days is a fake!” “But if she’s a fake, then where’s the real Cadance?!” Shining Armor worried. “If I had to guess, I wouldn’t be surprised if this imposter sent Twilight to the same place as wherever-” Midnight gasped as he fell into another trance. ”Why does she have to ruin my special day?” sobbed Cadance as she stood at the alter with Shining Armor. “Because it’s not your special day!” Standing at the threshold was another Cadance with Twilight, “It’s mine!” …Midnight? Midnight, wherever what?!” Midnight shook his head as he came out of it. “Shining Armor, we have to play along!” “What?!” “I… don’t know how to explain it but… I just had a premonition,” Midnight couldn’t hide behind an excuse, Shining Armor needed reassurance. “I saw Cadance sobbing at the altar but then I saw another Cadance, standing with Twilight, in the threshold! I think, wherever they are, they’ll escape and make it to the wedding to stop it!” Shining Armor gave him an incredulous look. “Shining Armor, I know it sounds crazy, but please!” Midnight said solemnly. “You have to believe me!” Shining Armor recalled what he’d been told of this pony, that he can be counted on. He nodded and said, “All right, so then what’s your plan?” “First, a little safeguard,” Midnight smirked. Midnight had no idea who this imposter was, but for some reason he felt like he did, even if he couldn’t put his hoof on it. But he held his silence as he slipped on his ceremonial uniform, a black suit hemmed red at the sleeves, a blue sash around his barrel, and gold buttons. He joined his friends as they took their places, Shining Armor taking his place at the altar next to Princess Celestia. They both shared a look but focused on the task at hoof. They listened as Fluttershy began the wedding march with her songbirds and in walked came Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo, all garbed in their flower filly outfits as they hopped along the way, spreading petals from baskets they carried in their mouths. Then in came the bride, looking rather victorious rather than joyous, Twinken, Rumble, and Button Mash carrying her train, Twinken in the middle, Rumble to his left, and Button Mash on the right. It wasn’t long before “Cadance” stood next to Shining Armor, who barely acknowledged her presence. Midnight eyed the bride with such intensity, she peered his way out of the corner of her eyes, but he made sure to be looking at Princess Celestia as she started the ceremony. Midnight looked at his friends, oddly feeling resentful of them. Sure this imposter had fooled them but they hadn’t given Twilight the benefit of the doubt. But he couldn’t focus on that now. He had to hold his silence and hope with all his heart that Twilight would appear in time with the real Cadance. Although he did almost blurt out ‘I object’ when Celestia got to that part. However, he started to feel nervous as the ceremony started to wrap itself up. “Princess Cadance and Shining Armor,” Celestia said with a smile, “It is my great pleasure to pronounce you-” “Stop!!!” Everypony looked to see Twilight standing defiantly in the threshold, Midnight had to fight the urge to smile while everypony else muttered in confusion, the girls all shaking their heads, Spike sighing. “Ugh! Why does she have to be so possessive of her brother?!” snapped “Cadance” with such animosity even Celestia gave her an odd look. Realizing her slip, she made with the crocodile tears. “Why does she have to ruin my special day?!” “Because it’s not your special day!” All eyes turned back to the threshold, seeing another Cadance, “It’s mine!” Everypony gasped, the imposter gaping, “What?! How is this possible?!" “Ah- Ah don’ understand!” Applejack brought up. “How can there be two of `em?” “She’s a changeling!” Cadance announced as she stepped forward, pointing her hoof at the phony. “She takes the form of somepony you love and gains power by feeding off your love for them!” “I think it’s time for us all to see who you really are!” Midnight made a threatening step towards the imposter, his eyes flaring with power. "Hateful trickster who would stay Unchanged her deceitful way Your secret’s out, the truth in sight Your wicked ruse be brought to light "FINITÉ ARCANORUM!!" A blue fireball launched from Midnight’s horn, striking the fake, and everypony watched in horror as the imposter’s guise was burned away! Gone were the pink-lavender feathery wings, replaced with jagged insect wings, her svelte form now ugly and gangly with misshapen hooves and legs that had holes through them, her horn gnarled and black, her hair looked like seaweed and her fangs bared furiously as she was revealed to be… “Chrysalis!” Midnight shouted for everpony to hear. “The Queen of the Changelings!” “How right you are, Best Mane!” she buzzed angrily before throwing a blast of power out of nowhere. “Augh!” Midnight was sent flying, much to everypony;’s horror, as he landed hard and rolled from the force of the queen’s blow. “Midnight!” Twilight shouted in worry as she ran to him. She glared at Chrysalis, demanding, “What do you want?!” “As queen of the changelings,” said Chrysalis, her manner and poise haughty and arrogant, “it is up to me to find food for my subjects! Equestria has more love than any place I’ve ever encountered…” She stepped down from the altar, arrogantly boasting to Cadance’s face, “My beloved changeling brood will be able to devour so much of it that our powers will grow greater than we’ve ever dared dream!” “They’ll never get the chance!” Cadance argued, “Shining Armor’s barrier will prevent them from ever getting close to us!” “Oh I doubt that,” snickered Chrysalis, “Isn’t that right dear?” *BZZAT* “Augh!” Chrysalis hissed in pain from the shot of magic that had struck her in the withers, and gasped to see Shining Armor glaring at her. “Whatever hold you had over me is gone!” he declared, “Midnight used a spell to free my mind of your influence right after you dealt with my sister! Not only that, but it’s him who’s been maintaining the barrier ever since he arrived in Canterlot!” “ERRGH!” Chrysalis glared hatefully at the blue unicorn, Twilight standing over him protectively. “You two have interfered with my plans long enough…!! No matter, I’ve knocked your little hero unconscious ergo his connection to the barrier has been sundered! And without a constant intake of mana, the barrier will weaken just enough for my changelings to break through. Even as we speak, my minions chip away at it!” The wedding attendees all gasped in horror, Chrysalis cackling at their fear, “I might not have taken you as my husband, Shining Armor, but I am still in control! You may no longer be under my thrall but I still fed on your love long enough so that even now you don’t have the strength to cast your spell again!” Everypony gasped. “Soon my changeling forces will breach the barrier, first we take Canterlot and then… all of Equestria!” Chrysalis sneered, just giddy as she reveled in these ponies’ fear. “No.” All eyes turned to Princess Celestia as she glared at the changeling queen. “You won’t.” Chrysalis alighted herself onto the floor as the Princess of the Sun faced her. “You may have made it impossible for Shining Armor or Midnight to perform the barrier spell but now that you’ve been unmasked and you’ve so foolishy made known your intentions…!” The two monarchs crossed horns, Celestia declaring, “I can protect my subjects…” She took to the air with a mighty flap. “...from you!” A burst of light and a burning ray erupted from Celestia’s horn while Chrysalis fought back with a green poisonous beam. At first it was a standoff, but Chrysalis suddenly realized her folly! Shining Armor was no longer under her control, she’d lost her power-source! But out of the corner of her eye, she noticed an alternative and smiled wickedly. Cadance gasped in horror and pain while Chrysalis’s energy beam overwhelmed Celestia…! There was a blinding flash of green and everypony gasped in horror to see Celestia struck down, her horn smoked, her crown clattering to the floor. “Princess Celestia!” Twilight shouted as she ran to her mentor, her friends with her. “Hah!” Chrysalis hissed gleefully, “I should’ve fed on your love in the first place… It seems yours for this miserable ingrate outshines his for you! A mere taste of it has made me even more powerful than Celestia…!!!” Cadance fell to her knees, her energy leaving her. “Cadance!” Shining Armor ran to her. “The Elements of Harmony…” Celestia whispered weakly to Twilight and the other bearers of the elements. “You must get to them…. and use their power to defeat the queen!” The girls all nodded, Twilight yelling, “Guys, watch over Midnight and Celestia!” “Go, we’ll keep her busy!” Thunderlane told them as Big Mac ran to Midnight while Thunderlane, Blueblood, and Soarin faced Chrysalis, the girls running out the hall. “You pitiful foals!” Chrysalis buzzed arrogantly as she blasted Shining Armor away from Cadance and enveloped her in her aura. “With this miserable wretch’s love giving me just the boost I need, how can you hope to defeat me?!” “Stand down, demon!” Blueblood shouted as they charged Chrysalis. Chrysalis tossed Cadance aside and shot sticky globs of green mana that stuck the charging stallions to the floor. “Chrysalis!” She turned around and dodged an attack from Shining Armor, “You fool!” She shot another, rendering Shining Armor immobile, before doing the same to Big Mac and Midnight. In no time at all, she had the stallions all glued to the wall while some of her changelings quickly enveloped Celestia inside a cocoon to imprison her and hang her from the ceiling. Cadance laid unconscious on the floor, her color fading as was her energy, Chrysalis taking a malicious delight in the power she was sapping from her. Spike and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were huddled in a corner, shivering with fright. “You won’t get away with this!” Shining Armor shouted at the queen. “Twily and her friends will-” His heart sank as the doors opened and in walked the girls, escorted by changelings. “You were saying?” Chrysalis smirked at him. She regarded the mares, “You do realize the reception has been cancelled, don’t you?” She fired globs of her sticky magic, immobilizing the girls before she addressed her brood, “Go, feed, my darlings!” The changelings buzzed hungrily as they flew off as Chrysalis approached her prisoners, gloating, “Yes, yes! Such delicious irony! Twilight here was suspicious of me all along! Alas, you fools were so caught up in your wedding planning you never cared to imagine her suspicions were warranted, ha-ha-ha-ha!” “We’re sorry, Twi,” Applejack apologized, “we shoulda listened t' you.” “It’s not your fault,” Twilight had no hard feelings. “She fooled everypony.” “Mm, I did, didn’t I?” Chrysalis sneered when she set her sights upon Midnight. “And this miserable stallion is due for some punishment!” “What?! No, leave him alone!” Twilight cried. “Chrysalis…! I swear!” Shining Armor threatened. “Even without realizing it, Midnight almost derailed my designs,” Chrysalis hissed. “Well, lot of good it did. Even so…” Her horn flared and Midnight was jolted awake and he let out a scream of pain! “AAAAUUGGGGHH!!!!” “What’re you doing to him?!” Twilight sobbed. “Hah…!!” Chrysalis inhaled as she relished it! “Well, well, well! I haven’t tasted love like this in a long time…! There’s no kind of love with such taste as that of love just beginning to blossom! And I think you can guess who the lucky mare is…. Twilight!” Tears trailed Twilight’s face, her heart unable to take those terrible screams. In her heart, she felt a confusing mixture of pain and joy. According to Chrysalis, Midnight was falling in love with her, but it hurt her to see him in pain and that she had to confirm his love through this monster. Finally, Chrysalis relented, leaving Midnight to pant in agony. “I’m in a good mood, so I’ll grant you reprieve,” she cackled as she walked towards the window, “for now…” Twilight sobbed, heartbroken, scared, confused, Shining Armor felt his own heart break as well. He felt so ashamed. His sister had only been trying to protect him, if he’d just given her the benefit of doubt! But now, the wedding he’d been dreaming of was over before it had even started, and the fact that his dear Cadance and Midnight and Canterlot were paying for it was the injury to the insult. What could he do? How could it have come to this? His friend had said this wedding, he and Cadance, were meant to be! So this couldn’t be how it ends! “Shining Armor…” He looked at Midnight, who just barely managed to lift his head and return his gaze. “You have to cast a barrier…” “I don’t have the strength…!” Shining Armor’s voice was breaking like his heart. “My magic…” “You don’t need magic…” Midnight assured him, his eyes glazed yet determined, “You must draw your strength from a source even greater, the force most powerful! Draw strength from Love, the love you have for Cadance, for your sister, and no matter the odds you must have faith that in the end, everything will be alright!” Seeing that smile despite his pain and hearing those words from Midnight had an effect. Shining Armor considered, he loved his Cadance, he loved his sister, and now he was growing attached to Midnight, as he recalled one thing about him. You can always count on him. That’s why he represents the Element of Faith. And if he, of all ponies, had faith in him how could he not have faith in himself? He concentrated, he wanted to protect everypony dear to him, his friends, his family, his fellow ponies, his princess, his Cadance. Somewhere deep inside, he felt a spark that began to blaze! He felt it warm him from the inside out, spreading to every inch of his body, and found the strength to break free of Chrysalis’ bondage. He hurried over to the prone Cadance, hugging her close, his eyes furrowed as he began a spell he had never cast before! But somehow, he felt like it had always been there, waiting for him to use it. Cadance stirred and he felt his heart soar as she looked up at him, smiling as she caressed his cheek. But then, she felt the pain leave her body, as Shining Armor’s spell began its mysterious work. She stood up, her horn bridging with his, and he felt her aid as their love danced around them in the form of mana, an ethereal wind blowing their manes. And they began to rise as they shined with light! A light beautiful and strong that burned away the gooze holding the stallions and Princess Celestia, freeing them. They joined the girls as they watched Shining Armor and Cadance shine with power. Chrysalis had noticed as well, looking like a deer caught in a headlight, as the loving couple opened their eyes that flared with a blinding light! It dimmed just enough to show the outline of a winged heart! Midnight had felt his strength return as well and looked hatefully to Chrysalis as Shining Armor’s new spell released its power in the form of a new barrier! A barrier formed from love unyielding, the love one felt when one wished to protect those dear to one’s heart. It spread like a shockwave but a tendril of energy lashed out, ensnaring Chrysalis around her wretched throat while all the changelings throughout Canterlot were repelled, sent careening beyond the horizon, and just like that it was over. As the light dimmed, everypony gasped as their eyes fell upon Shining Armor! His uniform had torn open at the back… to reveal a pair of wings, white with the primary feathers deepening into shades of blue, just like his mane and tail! “Impossible!” They all looked to Chrysalis, who had been subdued by Midnight, a crackling tendril of energy extending from his horn around her neck. whenever she struggled, she groaned in pain as the snare would give her a painful jolt. She leered up hatefully at Midnight whose expression was unreadable. “I pity you, parasite, for a creature that feeds on love you understand so little of it.” He gestured to Shining Armor’s new wings, saying, “Let that be a representation of how no force in this world or any other is more powerful than love! If ever your infernal brood dares to return to Equestria I will see to it they are exterminated like the vermin they are… I think I’ll start with you!” “Midnight, no!” Celestia shouted, afraid of what was about to happen. Midnight’s eyes turned the red of hate as he prepared to end this evil creature’s life! Stop! He gasped and looked out a window. Watching from afar, atop a nearby tower was a hooded figure, a long cloak billowing in the wind. Although he couldn’t make out the figure’s features, somehow he knew he had been the one to stay Midnight’s hoof. If you end her, you will regret it for the rest of your life. She may deserve it but there are many things far worse than death... Midnight shook his head to make the invasive thoughts go away and looked again. The figure was gone! But his mental words had struck home. However much he wanted to squash this bug, Midnight realized he would be no better, if not worse, than her should he do so. “Errrr….RAUGH!" “NO!!” Celestia and Twilight screamed as there was the sound of something being sliced. *Clatter* Chrysalis opened her eyes, having expected the blow that would end her life But then she gaped in horror at what lay before her – her horn. It had been cut clean off, and the stump was now beginning to bleed a greenish blood. “Wha…! What… have you done?!” she buzzed with rage and pain as she glared at Midnight. His eyes narrowed disdainfully as he said, “Now you’ll never be able to use your magic to harm anypony else again. Guards!” Some guards came running in at Midnight’s call, “Get this wretch out of my sight! Lock her up and leave her to rot!” “Yessir!” they ensnared Chrysalis with their own energy tendrils and took her away. Chrysalis made no attempts to resist. She'd lost, and there was no point in fighting it. Midnight looked at everypony and saw the looks on their faces. It saddened him and he turned away in shame. He then felt a hoof on his cheek gently lift his face up and was surprised to see it was Twilight. “I’m proud of you.” She nuzzled against his neck, leaving him momentarily stunned...before he nuzzled back, smiling as he closed his eyes, finding comfort in her embrace and feeling the blazing fury dim to a warm joyful gratitude. “Ahem.” They looked to see Celestia, giving them a smile. “I hate to break up the moment, but Twilight? You have a real wedding to put together.” Twilight and Midnight smiled at each other. This time, Twilight’s overseeing went a lot more pleasantly and smoothly. Cadance loved the hors d’oeuvres, the wedding dress, the preparations for the reception, and the songbird choir. Shining Armor had to get his uniform redone for his new wings and the guys all gave him kudos for earning them. After some thinking, Shining Armor decided to keep Midnight as his Best Mane while Cadance asked Twilight to be her Mare of Honor, both accepted. In no time at all, everything was as it should be, and everypony stood ready. At the altar, Midnight stood next to Shining Armor, when he noticed his new friend’s badge was askew. He subtly straightened it, and Shining Armor gave him a smile, Midnight winking and they both looked ready for anything! In the front row of the wedding attendees, Shining Armor and Twilight’s parents watched proudly and happily, Twilight Velvet wiping tears of joy away with a lace hoofkerchief as Night Light nuzzled his wife. It was time and Fluttershy raised her conducting baton. The birds began to sing “Here Comes the Bride” and everypony looked towards the doors. The Guards siding them made them open to reveal the bride, attended by the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo hopping forward spreading their petals, Twinken, Rumble, and Button Mash holding the train, and Cadance slowly approached the altar. Button couldn’t resist waving at his parents and brother in the crowd, Love Tap snapping a shot from her camera. Midnight couldn’t help but feel proud of Twinken being a part of this, as did Applejack, Big Mac, Rarity, Thunderlane, and Rainbow Dash did for their own little brothers and sisters. “I gotta say,” Midnight muttered to Shining Armor, “you must have some pretty good game to win the heart of the Princess of Love! Makes sense the queen of the changelings went after you first.” “Well, I told her she wouldn’t be gaining just a husband,” Shining Armor explained as he looked to Twilight, Midnight following his gaze. “She’d be getting a pretty great sister too.” "That would sweeten the deal!" Midnight chuckled but Big Mac shushed him as Cadance approached. Finally, the bride stood beside her groom and the music ended as Celestia began. “Fillies and gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Captain Shining Armor and the real Princess Mi Amore Cadenza-” “Princess Cadance is fine.” “Hm, the union of Captain Shining Armor and Princess Cadance,” corrected Celestia. “By the wings upon his back is proven that Shining Armor’s love for Cadance and hers for him is undeniable, the strength of their commitment clear. May we have the rings please?” Spike held up the cushion and Midnight raised the rings to Celestia. She took them and placed them upon the horns of the about-to-be-newlyweds. “Please kneel, Shining Armor.” He did so, and Celestia announced, “By the power vested in me, I crown you and pronounce you Prince and Wife!” Everypony cheered and the newlyweds stepped out onto the balcony, waving to the ponies below as the streamers and confetti rained. Celestia then whispered to Twilight and Midnight. “This is your victory as much as theirs. Twilight, you persisted in the face of doubt, your actions led you to your being able to bring the real Princess Cadance back to us. Learning to trust your instincts is a valuable lesson to learn.” Twilight beamed as the girls all gave her smiles. “And Midnight? Were it not for your encouragement and believing in him, Shining Armor would never have found the power within his love to take wing, as a defender of Canterlot and as a Prince of Equestria! And your choice to spare Chrysalis’ life rather than take it proves you are stronger than you know. It takes great strength of heart to show mercy rather than take vengeance.” Midnight smiled a little awkwardly, but brightened when Twilight nuzzled against him, and he felt happier than he’d been as of late. They all smiled as the newlyweds finally kissed, when Celestia whispered, “Rainbow Dash! That’s your cue!” Rainbow flew right out of her dress and everypony cheered as the sky exploded and was graced with a beautiful rainbow. “Best… wedding…ever!!” As night fell, and the reception began the new prince and his wife took the first dance, slowly and happily leaning into each other’s shoulders, gently swaying to the soft music. “Hello everypony,” Luna flapped down to join them. “Did I miss anything?” The bridesmares and groomsstallions all chuckled or shared a look while Twilight and Midnight then nodded to Pinkie and she perked! She zipped over to the sound system, pulling up Vinyl Scratch as she cheered, “Let’s get this party started!” Some dance pop music began as she threw a microphone to Twilight, Midnight standing with her. Love is in bloom, love is in bloom A beautiful bride, a handsome groom, Two hearts becoming one, they’re becoming one A bond that cannot be undone because Love is in bloom A beautiful bride, a handsome groom I said love is in bloom You're starting a life and making room For us Yeah we’re here, at the wedding of the year! From now until forever they will always be together Your special day, it’s your special day We celebrate now, the pony way Your friends are all right here, Yes, they’re all right here Won’t let these moments disappear because Love is in bloom A beautiful bride, a handsome groom I said love is in bloom You're starting a life and making room For us For us (For us… For us…) It was indeed a wedding to remember. But soon it was time for the newlyweds to ride off to their honeymoon. Twilight and Midnight stood by the carriage, Shining Armor and Cadance approaching. While Cadance stepped in, Shining Armor took a moment to have a quick word with... “Twilight, Midnight! None of this would’ve been possible without you guys! Love you, Twily.” “Love you too, B.B.B. F.F.,” she said, her heart now at ease as she hugged him goodbye for now. Shining Armor stepped up but then looked at Midnight saying, “And Midnight?" - He winked at him - "Take care of her for me!” “Heheh, yessir!” Midnight chuckled, feeling the blush, as did Twilight, and they began to nuzzle each other tenderly. Getting into the carriage, Shining Armor asked his new wife, “Ready to go?” “Oh! I almost forgot!” Cadance threw out the wedding bouquet towards a group of hopeful mares. “IT’S MINE!!” Rarity caught it, pushing the others out of the way but then chuckled awkwardly at the stink eyes they gave her. From on high did the mysterious Hooded Pony watch as the newlyweds rode off to their honeymoon. “As I said, my friend, you and Cadance are meant to be, and you have only begun to find your destiny. So enjoy your honeymoon to your heart’s content, as what is to come will test you in ways you will not expect…” And with a swish of his cloak, the Hooded Pony was gone, just as the fireworks started.