//------------------------------//
// Wedding Crashed 
// Story: Acceptance 
// by Riddle-Me-Think 
//------------------------------//


I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic





Bliss, that was the only way to describe how Shinning Armor felt. Everything was just numbing his thoughts, not really understanding anything that was assaulting his senses from the outside. But what did it matter to him, everything felt so calm and soothing where his mind was now.

Then, it all ended, as something touched his numb mind. It was filled with longing and pain for his touch, pitiful and regretful for what had happened, and loving and caring to call out to him. It was like having a bucket of ice-cold water being thrown on his sleeping body, snapping his mind back to reality.

Even when he blinked his eyes in confusion, the stinging pain in his head returned once more, reminding him of the headaches he had suffered during the week. “What happened?” Was all he could say, still feeling disoriented from the lingering headache he had.

“Shinny!” A voice seemed to blare next to his ear, only making his head hurt even more. Then came the bone crushing hug as the voice slowly was recognized to belong to Cadence, “You’re alright, I was so worried I’d might have lost you!”

Using his hooves to pull the mare off him a moment, Shining Armor went to ask what was going on, and where they where. This was quickly forgotten when he saw the state Cadence was in, and instead asked, “Caddy, what happened to you?” Looking over the alicorns roughed up coat that had dirt and dust gathered in the once soft and smooth fur.

Dipping her head down and flattening her ears, Cadence told in a regretful tone, “It’s all my fault Shinning, I got carless and got tricked by a infiltrator.” Unable to look into her lovers eyes.

“Do not sell yourself short, queen Chrysalis can be most cunning when she wishes to be.” Intrusive spoke from where he sat, looking at the almost-married couple with a critical eye, “And you have already done something to redeem such carelessness by freeing the young captains mind.”

Before he could ask what the elder meant, Shinning Armor felt another set of hooves wrap around his neck, as Twilight said, “I’m glad your ok BBBFF.” Nuzzling into her older brothers neck with relief.

Putting his own hoof over his younger sister, Shinning nuzzled back and told, “I’m fine little sis.” Rubbing his head a little saying, “Just have a killer headache.”

“Not that this is a bad time…” Rainbow Dash interrupted the two sibling, “Cuz’ it totally isn’t, but what about that?” Pointing out one of the closed off windows where the changeling invasion could still be seen happening.

Stunned at what he was seeing, Shinning Armor could only ask, “When did that happen?” Confused how he couldn't find his shield in place, or figure how it was broken. Now that he thought about it there was a large blank in his mind as to what had happened.

Still looking somewhat ashamed, Cadence told, “Despite what the professor says, it’s still my fault things got this bad.” And gave a short telling of what had happened over the week.

“It started when I asked you for those two guards to keep an eye on me. I separated myself away for a moment and was tricked into a trap by Chrysalis, the current queen.” As Shinning listened in on what the mare had to say, he felt a growing sense of dread come over him.

“She took on my form and proceeded to trap me into the crystal caves below Canterlot…”  Cadence looked up at the stallion with tear filled eyes, letting him know how sorry she was at being deceived. “She was the one with you for this week, it was only by chance that Aunty Luna found out about my imprisonment and began to change the plans we made…”

using a hoof to pull her close, Shinning told, “It’s alright Cadence, we both made it out okay, that’s what matters.”

Snorting at what the captain said, Intrusive could not help but butt in with, “It won’t matter in either way if we do not do something about the invasion outside.”

Thinking about it for a moment, Twilight said, “What about my brother’s shield, that would be strong enough to repeal the invading changelings, right?”

Closing his eyes and humming at the idea, Intrusive worked it over steadily while Shinning only said, “I don't think I can, my magic feels too weak to even do anything.” Emphasizing this by trying to use any magic, only getting little sparks from his horn.

“That is because you had your emotions feed off of too much.” Intrusive told with his eyes still closed, “You ponies need a certain level of both pure magic and your emotions for it to work, otherwise it will do nothing.”

Thinking over this, Cadence told, “I can help then.” Gathering the attention of the others, “I used my talent with love to break Shinning out of his spell bound control, I can do the same thing to power his magic!”

Opening his eyes up and smiling around the mouthpiece to his pipe, Intrusive nodes, “I believe that would work then, your highness.”

Then looked over to Twilight, pointing his still smoking pipe at her, Intrusive said, “As for your idea youngling, it would work, but also send our changelings into the heavens like our foes.” Setting his pipe back in place to keep smoking while saying, “This plan will do us no good if we lose our own to it.”

Looking slightly desperate at what was said, Rarity asked, “Then what are we to do?” Raising her voice while gesturing out the window, “They’re all over Canterlot, and I think I saw some try and carry off a few ponies!”

With a thoughtful look, Pinkie said, “I wish I had my megaphone with, then I could tell all of our friendly changelings to hide!”

“Don’t be foolish.” Intrusive scowled, “Even with such a contraption, you would not be able to call over the din of battle, it would be better if—” But stopped himself short as his eyes grew wide, “That’s it!”

Looking about the room, Intrusive hastily told, “If I can get to a high enough area I can give the retreat order.” Then used his head to gesture to Shinning Armor and Cadence telling, “Then, her highness and the good captain may use the shielding spell, without having to harm our own forces.”

“Sounds like a plan t’ me!” Applejack smiled while looking out the window, “Bu’ how are we gonna ge’ ya’ll someplace withou’ gettin’ piled up like a bunch of dogs?” Recalling how she and her friends were almost overwhelmed by the changeling numbers.

“We needed a distraction.” Twilight answered for Intrusive, “If we can draw most of their attention away from them, then they can cast the spell!”

Using his hoof to stop his pipe from smoking further, Intrusive told, “Then let us make haste.” Getting up from his spot and making it to the door being watched by two of his five guards, “If we hurry, than we can put this battle behind us.”

They all nodded and began to file out of the building, each to their own thoughts. Before Intrusive could head out himself, a hoof was gently set on his shoulder as Twilight asked, “Professor Intrusive, I know this might not be the time, but do you know where Mask is?” Concern evident in her voice.

Giving a light nod, Intrusive told, “To be sure her highness Celestiaa made it to her appointed spot for this, Masquerade had offered to take her place during the wedding proceedings. ” Looking back to the mare, he stated, “I am guessing this is something you haven't found out yet?”

With a shuddering breath, Twilight said, “I— no, no he didn’t.” Thinking back at how princess— how Masquerade had told her and her friends to leave while he fought with Chrysalis, his mother.

He still hasn’t told me about how he felt about even facing her, Twilight fretted in her mind, and now he’s facing her alone?

Following a little advice the stallion had given her, Twilight breathed in and back out, feeling the stress ebb away some.

Twilight knew what she had to do.

Rushing ahead to group up with her friends, Twilight called out, “Come on girls, I know how to get their attention!” Then quickly added, “Spike, stay and help the Intrusive!”

Even with her now rushing away with her friends, Spike could not help but call out, “How, they old guy’s a one pony army!” Watching as Twilight get further away, either not hearing him over the noise, or ignoring him.

A light cackle sounded next to the young dragon as Intrusive came out while shaking his head telling, “Do not mind her, she is only trying to look out for you hatching.” Grinning at the pout Spike was giving.

“I maybe a baby dragon, but I’m not that little.” Spike told, crossing his arms while the elder continued to cackle some.

Calming down from his little bit of teasing, the elder took up a more composed air and said to those around him, “In any case, let us move. I will take lead, while two protect either side.” Pointing to the last guard, Intrusive told, “You take the rear, and carry the hatchling, best if company does the running for his so he can use that dragon fire on the move.”





Moving as quickly as they could with their hooves, Fluttershy could not help but ask with a tremble in her voice, “T-Twilight, what a-are we doing?” Squeaking a little as a building actually collapse from being struck by to many kamikaze falling changelings.

Going over the spell in her head again, Twilight told, “I’m going to try and use that same fire I used earlier.” Sharply making a corner while explaining, “I learned how to use it when researching changeling magic, Mask likes to call it passion fire.”

Shaking her head to clear up her thoughts she went back to saying, “It’s a spell that partially feeds off my emotions, so I figured if I concentrate one emotion into it, they’ll come right to us.”

“Like moths t’ a flame?” Applejack asked from where she ran beside the others, looking skywards for any attacks.

“Exactly, I’m going to feed it my love to draw as many in as possible!” Twilight nodded, looking for a large clear space to do so.

With a slightly concerned look, Rarity said, “Not that I don't mind your plan darling, but what are we to do after they come?” Pointing out an immediate concern about fighting off hundreds of changelings.

Just overhead, Dash cracked a cocky smirk and told, “Isn’t obvious, we kick their black flanks for laughs and annoy the living daylights out of them!”

“PRANK TRAP!” Pinkie cheered with a particularly high bounce, mind at work at what to use.

Seeing a large enough space ahead of her, Twilight told, “Alright then, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, see what you can do about those pranks.” Not wasting a moment she turned to her other friends telling, “Fluttershy, I want you to help them, while Applejack and Rarity stay with me and keep any changelings away.”

Nodding, Fluttershy quickly followed after Dash to help with setting up the pranks. Already Pinkie Pie had some strange contraption in the works, getting the supplies from someplace they didn't know.

Taking a wide stance and focusing her magic carefully, Twilight let the magic flow from her horn and start the makings of the source where the passion fire would feed from. Twilight was cautious in her work, focusing on the feelings she wanted to use in oder for her plan to work.

Think of my friends, Twilight thought, going through her memories of the fun she had with the five girls. The parties she had attended, the games they played and the talks they’ve had.

Think of my family, Once again, Twilight went through the same paces in her thoughts, gathering up the treasured memories she had growing up with her brother, mother and father. Memories of Cadence in her youth playing games and singing rhymes. While in the castle itself, Twilight would recall laying down with a book before her, while a soft and strong white wings guarded over her.

Think of Mask, and went back into her mind, all the way back to when she met him. She remembered the shy way he acted around her, and how he always didn't seem to complain when she drug him off to the library. They both grew next to the other, him always being in some dark corner in the room with her, just out of sight but there. Twilight could see that grin on his muzzle, the same one he used daily with his ever persistent wit that challenged her to beat in fun.

Think of love.

In front of Twilight was a round sphere of her gathered magic, made like a barrier but made to sustain the magical fire she was about to use. None could feel it yet, but Twilight could as she continued to craft the spell. It had a comforting touch to it, one that reassured her, seemed to tell her everything would be fine. There is no way they would resist this.

Opening her eyes but still holding focus, Twilight asked, “Ready?” Not daring to look away from her carefully made spell that was ready for use.

“Almost!” Pinkie called from where she was, ducking back under the bush and cracking something up, “All ready, teddy!” The mare popped back out with a salute.

It was all that the unicorn needed to hear, casting the last bit of her spell to set the orb of love filled magic alight. latching onto it, the pink flames rose to great highest and let off a warm heat. Around them, swarms of changelings either stopped or erratically moved about at the sudden feeling they had in their senses.

It only took the swarm a few moments to locate what they were feeling, and when they did, they felt the need to feed overcome their minds. Those that were chasing down their pony prey abandoned them for this new source of food. Some that were flying overhead with no targets also dived down to what felt like a buffet set in their sights. While others ran from their current fights, more interested in getting an easy meal rather than fighting for one.

Watching in trepidation, Rarity backed up a few steps as she literally saw a black cloud of changelings flying right to them with hunger in their blue eyes. Gulping a little, Rarity couldn't help but ask, “Rainbow Dash, darling, are you sure your little pranks can hold them back?”

Watching with wide eyes, Rainbow Dash only said, “Uh…” Not expecting a cloud of changelings to charge them. She expected them to come in a more scattered way, not like a giant cloud of bugs.

“I’m all fer bein’ brave an’ all.” Applejack started, also backing away at the advancing swarm, “Bu’ I think we bit off more than we can chew.” Getting a very strong urge to start running rather than fighting for once.

Looking straight up, Pinkie stated, “I can’t even see the sun through them all!” Making all but Twilight look up where an even larger cloud of hungry changeling buzzed about.

Now feeling equally subdued at the numbers surrounding them, Rainbow Dash summed up their thoughts quite well, “Ah crud.”

As if being signaled by those words, the swarm moved as one, all intent at reaching the pink fire that radiated love. With nothing else to do, the ponies only stood their ground, rather unsure how they would last though the storm that was upon them all.





Not too far away and moving at a slightly slower pace, Intrusive lead his own entourage through the alleyways to hide from the changelings flying overhead. He knew that this was temporary until they reached a more higher area where he could send a clear retreat flare.

Their progress was more slower than the elder would have liked. With the ever twisting and narrow alleyways, mixed with both of Cadence’s and Shinning’s more tiered state, it would take time to get much anywhere.

Looking out of the alleyway he was in and around the empty streets before him, Intrusive took a good minute of searching to be sure the coast was clear for them to proceed. Pulling back, he waved for them to keep moving, not willing to risk making any noise that could be heard.

The group rushed through the street and into the next alleyway, all of them keeping an eye out for any changelings that might have spotted them. It was during this that Cadence stopped and called, “Professor, would that tower do?”

Stopping himself and looking back Cadence, he followed where she was pointing to see a a tower, high enough to work for their needs. “It would do.” Intrusive nodded, turning to the guards asking, “Do any of you younglings know a clear path to that tower?”

A pegasus guard stepped up, and pointed down the currently clear street and told, “I go on patrol down this road, it will take us straight to the tower once we go ten blocks and make a left.”

Looking a the open street that had little cover, Intrusive grimaced some, not liking the idea of being out in the open. But they would be short on time soon, so it would be best to take a risk.

“Take lead then.” He ordered, “I will take your place in defending the left side.”

The guard nodded and tok point, leading the group towards the tower while keeping an eye out for any attackers. Every now and then, a few changelings would fly over head, making them all stop and take cover where ever they could.

Thankfully enough, they were able to reach the tower with little difficulty, and made it up the stares just as fast. For Intrusive, it was strange that the changeling numbers had thinned out so much, expecting more to be around. But when he consider it, it was possible that the invasion force was being thinned out without their reinforcements.

Shrugging that thought away from his mind, the elder continued his climb up, seeing the top of the stare way. Right as he reached  the top, a light wave of love seemed to hit him. It was hardly noticeable to him, but from the swarms that were suddenly on the move, it must have been like a beacon to them.

When the rest made it up, Shinning Armor looked out the nearest open balcony, asking, “What’s going on?” Seeing a large swarm starting to build and head to one location.

Watching where they were heading and pinpointing the loves location, Intrusive told, “Your sister is apparently more knowledgeable than I perceived, and found a apt way of distracting our foes.”

Then dropping his disguise before them, Intrusive pointed to the center of the room telling, “Your highness, captain, prepare yourselves.” And made his way to the open balcony, “This will take just a moment.”

Reaching outside the balcony, Intrusive lit his horn and shaped the spell he wished to use. after a moment of making sure the image would imprint into the spell, Intrusive fired off a few shots in different directions.

Down below, those that had not ran from their fights continued to try and advance on Lue clan’s territories and get to the ponies inside them. Some of the Lue that were acting as sentries for their clansmen spotted the retreat flares up in the sky, and knew what they had to do next.

Hastily, they called down to their brothers and sisters that were fighting, telling them to retreat inside their hideaways quickly and take any allies they could with. Within minutes, the Invaders quickly found themselves gaining ground, for no apparent reason. They didn't complain though, cheering in victory as they advanced deeper in Lue controlled space.

Back up in the tower, Intrusive let out a slight breath after firing off flare after flare. He may have had a good control of magic, but he was more use to using it in his body than outside of it. Turning around to both Shinning Armor and Cadence, he nodded to them, telling with a slightly out of breath voice, “It is done, my clan should be inside within a few minutes.”

“Thank you professor Intrusive, you go and rest, Shinning and I will do the rest.” Cadence told, waving Spike to go help the elder.

Doing as the alicorn asked, Spike went over to the slightly tilting elder and steadied him. Intrusive was surprised when a couple of claws steady his form, and looked down to find Spike. With a light chuckle he said, “Thank you hatchling, I seemed to have tried myself out.”

Ignoring being called a hatching again, Spike told, “Hey I’m use to doing stuff like this, being Twilight’s number one assistant and all.”
Rising a brow at this, Intrusive said, “A dragon acting as an assistant eh?” Feeling the need to chuckle again while telling, “Then maybe I should be addressing you as an advisor.”

“An advisor?” The young drake echoed the elder changeling, who did not hold his chuckling.

“Help me to the lower levels and away from the spell that is to be cast, I’ll be happy to tell you what being an advisor entails in changeling culture.” Intrusive told the small dragon, who began to move the elder along at a steady pace to the stares.

Once out of sight, Cadence gave a sigh and counted the seconds away, lighting her horn and placing it to Shinning Armors own and passing on her own love filled magic to her lover. While it was being passed on, Cadence could feel the shifts and change in the magic she gave away, almost able to see how Shinning Armor crafted his shielding spell in a more intimate way.

When she counted near the five minute mark, did their magic expand. Cadence could only hope their changeling allies had time to find cover.





When the swarm arrived in all it’s might before the six mares that had gone through great lengths to draw their attention, only one order was given as they plowed through the pranks.

“RUN FOR IT!” Rainbow shouted, watching in shock as half of her and Pinkie’s traps were set off, but did nothing to slow the black wave of bodies rushing at them.

Twilight cut all power to her spell and took off with her friends, leaving a dying passion fire to burnout on its own. Naturally, this did not sit well for the changelings, now learning that they had been fooled into thinking there was large amount of food nearby.

So the chase began, with all six element bearers running for their lives and away from a now angry swarm of changelings on their tails. Running was a rather common thing the six have always found themselves doing a lot ever since they met, so they had no trouble doing it now. But what they did have trouble with was staying out of reach.

None of the mares dared look back, fearing as if doing so would get them swallowed up by the black mass that was the changeling swarm. It was hard not to, with all the hissing, buzzing and clicking they were doing.

“Left, left!” Pinkie called, feeling a slight pinch in her back. All her friends followed her instructions, and made the next left turn. The swarm did not have time to do so, as they found another mass of their swarm come around the corner ahead and crash straight on with them. Those in the back had time to pull up, and twist themselves to go down the path the six mares took.

Looking for their next escape route, Twilight scanned the streets that had some ponies left, who all rushed into the closets building as the tilde wave of changelings came at them. Spotting one, Twilight called, “This way!” Turning into a tight alleyways she was familiar with.

The swarm, consisting of mostly drones, all followed closely as they could, flying straight into the narrow alleyway— and getting stuck. The commons that were in the swarm saw this ahead of time and lead their brothers and sisters over the alley’s entrance, while telling some to stay behind and help their comrades.

“Where does this lead us Twilight?” Rarity asked from her place behind Fluttershy, making sure the frightened pegasus kept moving. She doubted she needed to do so, but Rarity knew the shy mare had a tenancy to freeze up every now and then.

Making a right turn, Twilight said, “I use to use this alley to get from the castle to a book shop quickly.” Stopping to take a left while continuing, “Right now it should be taking us back to the castle.”

Giving Twilight a look, Applejack asked, “Where tha’ queen changelin’ is?” Wondering why Twilight would even head back to the castle.

“I know a few safe places in the castle and the gardens.” Twilight told as they began to reach the end of the alley, “If we can get there, I can find us a place to hide—”

Before Twilight could finish what she was saying, a wave of pink magic swept past them, leaving their skin tingling slightly, while screams were hear over them. Exiting out of the alley, they looked about to find no changelings in sight— except for the ones being flung away by the magical shield Shining Armor and Cadence had apparently been able to cast.

With a smile, Rarity sighed, “Well, good riddance!” Glaring up at the sky where the changeling invaders were slowly shrinking in the distance. The others seemed to nod along in agreement, happy the whole ordeal was finally over.

Watching the invaders slowly disappear past the horizon, Twilight could not help but feel slightly worried, recalling her small talk with Intrusive. Looking into the direction of the castile, Twilight began to run again, already knowing where she needed to be.

Seeing this, Twilight’s friends also began to run with the unicorn, only they didn't know why she was running with such urgency even know the danger was gone. Speeding up to keep pace with the lavender mare, Pinkie Pie asked, “What’s the rush Twinkles, didn’t you see that the meanies are already gone?” A little confused why Twilight was still running.

Wanting to pick up her pace again, but starting to feel the fatigue set in from so much running, Twilight panted out, “I just remembered something Intrusive said, princess Celestia wasn't here, she’s out of Caterlot to keep more changelings from getting here.”

This was news to the others, making them wonder the same thing that Pinkie asked, “But, we saw the princess during the wedding, she can’t be in two places at once.” Then let her eyes widen in surprise, gasping, “Or can she!”

Shaking her head, Twilight told, “No, according to Intrusive, Mask took the princesses stead so she could get out of Canterlot without causing a panic.” By now they had past the threshold of the caste entrance and were making their way to where the wedding was being held before they left.

Catching on to what Twilight was saying, Fluttershy said, “You’re worried that he didn't find someplace to hide when the shield turned on?” Trying to keep up with her friends by flying instead. It certainly helped that there was no impending doom to lock her wings shut.

All Twilight gave was an affirming nod, speeding up a little more when she saw the large doors in sight, finding them to be slightly ajar. Pushing them wide open, the six mares were greeted by the sight of scorched walls and floors, with carpets and tapestries brunt from intense heat. Scattered about were a number of swords, weapons Twilight recognized to belong to her coltfriend.

Looking over the room, Rainbow could only whistle in aw while saying, “Geez, what happened in here?” Flying over to where Disarray was planted onto the floor. Grasping the handle, the pegasus gave a few tugs and said, “Wow, it’s stuck in there.”

Any worries Twilight had, had now rocketed up to fear for her stallions welfare. Franticly looking about, Twilight said, “Never mind his sword, help me find Mask!” Already using her magic to lift up some seats used for the wedding, or some tapestries that had fallen from being brunt down.

Doing as asked, the others went bout the room in search of the infiltrator, each one looking over around and under things. Zipping around the room here and there, Pinkie was their saving grace form a long search as she called, “Found him!” Standing on a pedestal that was knocked over.

With speed that surprised the others, Twilight rushed over to Pinkie Pie, peering over the wooden construct to find a out cold Mask that didn't appear to be moving. Feeling like her beneath left her lungs, Twilight rushed to Masquerade, feeling herself begin to hyperventilate.

Please be alright, please be alright— oh Celestia please be alive! Ran through the mares mind as she flipped the stallion over, and nearly shouted, “Mask, can you hear me, Mask?” Using her hoof to feel his chest for a heart beat, or for breathing, or for anything for that matter.

Before any of that took place, the stallion coughed a little, opening his bright green eyes to Twilights own lavender ones. Before the unicorn mare could say a word, Masquerade leaned up quickly and stole a kiss, hiccuping, “I smoo —Hic!— smooch you!” Falling back into a giggling and hiccuping mess with a large grin.

Despite her growing blush, Twilight felt her body relax in relief that Masquerade was alright, and let out a relived sigh as she smiled.

“Why is tha’ rascal actin’ all drunk?” Applejack asked, feeling lost at the turn of events and the giggling, hiccuping stallion that was making up some nonsense about cheese balls.

Giggling slightly herself, Twilight told her friends, “He’s overcharged.” Asking Pinkie Pie to help her rase her coltfriend up while explaining, “If a changeling gets a sudden amount of love, they get like this.” Motioning over the the stallion that was partially leaning on her and Pinkie Pie.

Looking from Twilight to the stallion, they were just in time to hear, “An’ that’s —Hic!— whem them ‘porters got —hic!— got back!” His head lolling from side to side, “Ain’t fare they —Hic!— Bumper knick them stares!” 

The four ponies felt torn between being stumped the highly logical and always controlled changeling heir was turned into a drunken mess— or to laugh their heads off at his slurred and confused speech. Twilight was just gently smiling and absently nodding along, while Pinkie Pie was just laughing along with the stallion.

This was defiantly an interesting wedding.