Once Lilac and I got off the one-hour train ride to Canterlot, I looked around the giant pink sphere covered the city. I was barely able to see the clouds or the blue sky.
Lilac was on my back, still reading a book. It was strangely similar to those Berenstain Bears books, but some bears could fly or use magic. Kinda funny. She had spent the past three days packing her bags for today. I managed to convince her that she didn’t really need to bring her entire painter’s tools, paint, easels, and smock to Canterlot.
She was asked to be a Flower Filly. Actually, all of the Crusaders were. I had told Mia about them months ago, and she instantly loved the idea of the four fillies helping out. Those four had a ton of fun deciding what cutiemarks they might get for helping at a wedding.
I had been spending the past few months getting the details finalized for today. Most of the pieces are in place, but there are still a few details I need to skim over. It was just the last thing, the biggie. The rest would be easier than building a rocket!
Walking towards the castle, I thought about how I would basically be lying to Shining Armor. He was my friend now, I am happy to say. I had bonded with him over, well, being the elder sibling. I had a ton of good blackmail stories on Twilight. Shining was a cool dude, and a bit of a nerd (Twilight’s brother, what was I expecting?) with some knowledge of comic books.
Mia’s my friend too. Right now, she could be unconscious underneath Canterlot. She might be undergoing psychological torture, similar to Twilight’s. I hated the thought. On my last visit, I made sure to give her something that would help her get home. I just hoped she would follow the instruction I gave her.
Lilac nearly squealed. “Mom, is the wedding gonna be boring?”
“Princess, I have gone to hundreds of weddings in my life.” I said. “Of them, only three were boring. This one is gonna be a blast.”
Lilac sighed, lying against my back. “When do the others get here?”
“Three days.” I said, waiting for the guards to let me pass.
“Miss Stardust.” The guard acknowledged.
I gave him a once over. “Iron Defense, right?”
The guard shook his head, looking impressed. “How can you tell us apart?”
“It’s a gift.” I shrugged. They lifted their spears, and I walked through.
“Three days is a long time!” Lilac groaned.
“You have your paints.” I explained. “Once we get up to the room, then you can paint Canterlot. Maybe Copper Spear can take you there.”
“Why do you know all the guards names?” Lilac asked.
I smiled at my daughter. “Names are important, Lilac. One missed name could mean one lost friendship.”
Lilac nodded. “Oh!” She scratched her head with her claw. “So, you’re their friend?”
“Acquaintance.”
“A-whatice?”
“Almost friend.” I clarified. “I learned to tell them apart, that’s the first step. Figuring out who they really are, is the next.”
“Wow. Friendship sounds complicated.” Lilac said.
“No, you’ve got it figured out.” I said. “Three amazing friends. That’s more than I had at your age.”
Lilac seemed even more confused. “You were my age?”
“Raspberry!” Shining cheered. “Hi!”
I smiled, both at Lilac’s childlike attitude and Shining’s greeting. “There’s the happy groom. You excited for your wedding?”
The unicorn just smiled. “I still can’t believe she said yes. It’s almost too good to be true.”
“Dude, Mia loves you. If she said no, I would’ve lost a bet.” I said.
Shining rolled his eyes. “And you never lose a bet.”
“Never.” I said.
“Shiny!” Lilac shouted, jumping off my back and running to the guard.
The groom to be grinned. Lilac hugged him, a giddy smile on her face. “Hey Lilac.” He greeted. “How are you?”
Lilac smiled, nearly hopping. “Really good! Princess Cadence made me a Flower Filly!”
Shining Armor grinned, letting out a short chuckle. He ruffled Lilac’s head fins. “I heard. She’s really excited you girls are going to be there.”
Lilac was beaming.
“Princess, how about you head on up to our usual room?” I said. I looked up at Shining. “Shiny, can you call Copper Lance down here?”
The guard captain shook his head, looking as impressed as Iron Defense. “How can you tell my guards apart?”
‘The first part is easy. Three pony tribes, narrows it down. The next is what color they are. The white guards usually mean their coat colors are normally very bright, gray means they were darkly shaded. Also, it helps to get a peek at your schedule when I come so I can see which guards are in.’
I blinked. “A lady never kissed and tells.”
With that, I began my mission.
I was sitting in the tea room, the one I where showed Cadence the glamour spell. It was very boring, but it gave me time to think over my Plan.
“Mia!” I sang, calling out for her. “Oh where, is Princess Mia? Oh where, is Princess Mia? Oh where oh where, oh where oh where, oh where! Is Princess Mia?” Rule 63: Sing the hairbrush song when looking for things.
“Could you cease that horrible singing?!” A voice snapped.
I turned towards the door, seeing them being pushed open by the guards. “Ah!” I squeaked.
There, standing in the doorway, was Queen Chrysalis.
No. I don’t mean Chrysalis disguised as Cadence. I mean the actual Queen of Changelings, in all her carapaced glory.
She was nearly as tall as Celestia, the crooked horn adding extra inches. Her name was a sickly dull blue, hanging off her head lifelessly. It had some holes, which made me consider if it was even hair. One strand was right between her eyes. Those were blue green, fading down to light green. She had black slits in place of pupils. She was giving me a cold glare. Her fangs were bared in her black muzzle, making her look like I woke her up from her nap.
The rest of her seemed normal enough, for a changeling. A dark green saddle/carapace thing on her back, holding her broken up insect wings. Her hooves were filled with holes, especially near the bottom. Her tail was the same blue as her mane. It fell on the ground, practically dragging across it.
I noticed her crown last, it having been hidden behind her horn. It was pure black, probably onyx. The gems with the same color as her hair, four in total.
Overall, she looked kinda freaky. Not scary, per say, but not friendly either. A true drama queen if I had ever seen one.
“What?” She asked. Woah. That was Mia’s voice. She wasn’t wearing her disguise, but was disguising her voice? I am confused. “Why are you screaming? Why are you singing?” She looked me over. “What do you want?”
I gulped. Okay. Bit of a curveball. There has to be an explanation for this. Maybe...maybe I could see through the disguise? Does that even make sense? It could. My being a Jumper has let me see things other don’t, or can’t.
She had to be wearing her disguise. The guards were around. She may stupid, but not that stupid.
Okay. Plan, Raspberry, remember the plan. Stick to the plan.
“My name is Raspberry Stardust.” I held out my hoof. “And I can help you with your invasion, Queen Chrysalis.”
The Queen’s eyes widened. She walked the rest of the way in. The doors were encased in her green magic, slamming shut. She gave me a warning look. “How can you possibly think-”
“Cadence’s magic is blue.” I pointed out. “Your magic is green. Kinda a dead give away.”
Chrysalis raised a brow, looking up at her still glowing horn. “Oh?” She started to growl. Her magic grabbed my neck, tagging me towards her. Her body covered itself in green flames, and I knew her disguise was actually fading away. She pulled me up so I was staring right into her harlequin eyes.
“And just how did you know about the invasion?” She demanded. She dragged me away a few inches.
“Haven’t you heard? I’m a genius.” I said, remembering my plan.
The Queen rolled her eyes at me. Her magic dragged me closer to her. “And just what could you do to help me?”
I took a quick breath. “Your plan is to put Shining Armor under your control, draining him of his magic and love so you can break his shield. I bet you were planning some kind of attack, but maybe one of your drones slipped up?” Chrysalis glared, slightly. I was right. “Before you could get your Hive in, the shield went up. You had to find some way around it, and what better way than to take down the head guard?” I pretended to think it over. “Without the amount of magic he has, it should be ready by...oh...the wedding ceremony? Right after you say your ‘I do’s’ I bet.”
Chrysalis held me farther away. I took another breath. Showing off was so much fun. “You’re a shapeshifter, so it’s not possession. You could’ve been the kind that needs a temporal link, but I doubt that. Usually those are clones. That means Cadence is still alive somewhere. Underneath Canterlot, I presume? You don’t like getting your hooves dirty, so I bet you have plans to let something else take care of the Princess.”
She buzzed, flashing her fangs. “How could you possibly know that?”
“A mare once said ‘only a killer would know that’.” I stated, remembering the words of that Slitheen. “It’s a bit rough around the edges, but doable.”
“What?” Chrysalis laughed. “You think you could come up with better?”
“I did.” I taunted. “I pieced together your plan five minutes into meeting you, but I’m a genius. Those idiots can’t possibly figure it out. You need me to keep it that way.”
The Queen thought it over. She walked towards the couches, dropping me on one. “You haven’t given me reason to trust you.”
Now came the hard part. The bit of truth that made the lie more believable. “I’ve been spending months getting closer to these guys so I can get my plan in motion. Do you know how boring Mia’s taste in tea in? Or what she does on a typical day? It’s exhausting.” I sighed, loudly. Had to sell it.
“You would betray your friends so easily?” Chrysalis asked.
I smirked. This was the hardest part of the whole lie. “At what point did I say they were my friends?”
“Well, doth my eyes deceive me!” I cheered loudly, seeing Twilight standing near Shining Armor.
Twilight stiffened. She turned carefully, and gaped at me. “Raspberry?!”
I grinned, trotting up next to Shining. “Hey Shiny Hiney.” I looked between the two of them. “Huh. Always thought I saw a family resemblance.”
Shining just laughed. “I was just talking about you, Raspberry.”
I gave him a warning look. “Better be good stuff, Shining.” I smirked.
He rolled his eyes. “Just telling Twilight that you were Cadence’s Mare of Honor.”
“And she knows Cadence?” Twilight groaned.
I gave Twilight a cheeky smile. “Oh. Yeah. Did I forget to tell you? Met them during the Gala.”
“I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.” A formal voice said.
I skipped over to the Changeling Queen. “She has no idea.” I whispered.
To prove my point, Twilight came over. “Cadence! Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!”
Cadence just blinked. “What are you doing?”
Twilight gave Cadence a perplexed look. “Cadence, it’s me, Twilight!”
Cadence just gave her a blank look. “Uh-huh.” She turned to me. “What’s happening?”
I shrugged. “I’m a little confused myself, to be honest.” I shrugged.
The disguised Queen rolled her eyes, walking up to Shining Armor. The stallion wrapped a good over her shoulder. Shining smiled at her.
Focus on the Plan.
“I’ve gotta get back to my station, but Cadence will be checking in with all of you to see how things are going.” Shining explained. “I think I speak for both of us when I say we couldn’t be more excited to have you here.” He looked down to the queen. “Right, dear?”
Chrysalis grinned. “Absolutely.”
Shining Armor seemed pleased. “Well, we’ll let you get to it.” The two walked off.
Twilight glared at me. She leaned in close. “What are you up to?” She asked.
I grinned, almost evilly. “I solemnly swear I am up to no good.”
I smiled, taking a sip of my fruit juice. Lilac sat beside me, playing with the cake toppers she and Spike swiped from the kitchen.
So far, everything was going just fine. I had stuck by Twilight’s side for most of the day, watching Chrysalis show off her horrible acting skills. It was all pretty funny, if I thought about it. It was kinda hard hiding my laughter as the day went on.
It was just weird. I had gotten to know Mia pretty well, so I knew how she would react to these things. It was me that recommended everyone here for the wedding, and Cadence didn’t completely approve until I shared some things from all of them. I bought some of AJ’s treats, I showed off the dress Rarity made me, I brought pictures from Pinkie’s other parties, and some of Rainbow Dash at the award show that Killjoy took.
Cadence knew these mares were good at what they did, and would love them all no matter what. Little secret, she loves the Pony Polka.
“So, you’ve been the Princess’ friend since you met at the Gala?” Fluttershy asked.
I nodded, putting my drink down on the table. “Yeah. She’s really cool.”
“Oh.” Fluttershy smiled, nervously. “Yes, I think she’s cool, too.”
Rarity squealed excitedly. “I just cannot get over it!” She smiled right at me. “One of our friends was a friend to Princess Mi Amore Cadenza! How were you not bursting with excitement? If I were that close to a princess, I don’t think I would be as quiet!”
“Let’s just say I’m great at keeping things a secret.” I said, taking another sip of my drink. “Cadence has been excited for this wedding practically since I met her, and I’ve been helping her plan most of it.”
“You have?” Applejack asked, sounding skeptical.
“Who do you think told her about you?” I asked.
The mare’s jaw dropped.
Before that could say more, Twilight walked up to the table. “Bet I can guess what you’re all thinking.” She said in a cheery voice. Her smile dropped. “Cadence is the absolute worst bride-to-be ever.”
Lilac held up her Cadence toy. “Who, me?
Applejack looked down at her. “Lilac! That goes on the cake.” She scolded.
“But Mom said I could play with them.” Lilac said, pointing at me.
I leaned close to her. “If you don’t let Applejack know you have them.”
Lilac blushed. “Oh.”
Rarity gave Twilight a curious look. “Twilight, whatever are you talking about? Cadence is an absolute gem!” She smiled.
“Rarity, she was so demanding!” Twilight argued.
Rarity rolled her eyes. “Well, of course she is! Why shouldn’t she expect the very best on her wedding day?” Rarity pointed out.
Twilight frowned, face hoofing. “Applejack, did you know that after she told you how much she just ‘love-love-loved’ your hors d’eouvres, she threw them in the trash?” She pointed out.
Applejack shrugged it off. “Aw, she was probably just trying to spare my feelin’s.”
“No, she was just being fake and totally insincere!”
Fluttershy spoke up. “She did raise her voice at one of my birds during rehearsal.”
Twilight grinned. “See? Rude!” She bragged.
Fluttershy lifted up said bird. “But he was singing really off-key.”
The bird squashed loudly. I winced. He really needed to get himself checked up. That sounds like a serious problem.
Twilight was grasping at straws. “Pinkie Pie, you had to have noticed how Cadence treated-”
Apparently, Lilac had been convinced to let Pinkie Pie play with her Cadence toy. It was probably after Applejack called her out. The two were making kissing noises, pushing Shining and Cadence together.
Twilight frowned. “Never mind. Rainbow Dash, you’re with me, right?”
Rainbow Dash flexed her hooves and her wings. “Sorry, Twi. Been too busy prepping for my sonic rainboom to pay much attention to the bride’s bad attitude.” Twilight growled at that.
She turned to me. “Did you notice? You say you know everything, so you have to know something is up with her!”
I gave Twilight a questioning look. It would be easier to tell her now, get her to help me take Chrysalis down. I would be lying if I said I loved working alone. This Plan was all improvised after Killjoy...so letting Chrysalis in on it was not it.
Then again, it would be safer if I told Twilight nothing.
“Well, from what I have seen, there are some strange going’s on.” I tapped my chin, pretending I was in thought. “Cadence has been a bit off today.”
Twilight clapped her hooves. “Ha! See!”
“Sparkle of Twilight, I have seen dozens upon dozens of brides before their wedding day.” I explained, looking the unicorn in the eye. “Trust me when I say there is nothing out of the normal.”
“Exactly!” Rarity cheered. She put a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “The princess is about to get married. I’m sure any negative behavior she might be displaying is simply the result of nerves.”
Twilight slammed her hooves on the table. Everypony jumped back. “And I’m sure it’s the result of being an awful pony who doesn’t deserve to even know Shining Armor, let alone marry him!”
Applejack raised a worried brow. “Think maybe you’re bein’ just a tiny bit possessive of your brother?”
“Uh-huh.” The ear of us agreed.
Twilight growled, running off towards Shining’s house.
I leaned towards Lilac, holding a letter in my magic. “Could you send this to Princess Mi Amore, please?” The note was asking if she dealt with the bridesmaids.
Lilac nodded, sending the letter off in blue flames.
Minutes later, there was a reply of yes.
“Ah still don’t get it.” Applejack commented as Rarity put her in the dress.
I looked up at her. “Get what?”
Once we left the café, we all gathered in here. I lied to everypony, saying Cadence’s bridesmaids were kicked out because they were just using this all for fame. Rarity was instantly for it, getting busy making more changes to our dresses.
Mine actually used to be one of the other bridesmaids’. I had convinced Rarity to let me use it, but just modifications so that it would be more fit for me.
The others were all walking about in their dresses, trying them out so Rarity could make necessary touch-ups. I actually thought they all looked nice.
Applejack looked at me. “You told the Princess about us?”
“She was having problems with wedding planning.” I shrugged. “I told her the best ponies for the job.”
Rainbow spoke up. “So you told her about my sonic rainboom?”
“Thought it would look nice over their kiss.” I explained.
“And...and my birds?” Fluttershy asked.
“Birds at a wedding? What’s more magical than that?”
“And you told her about me for the reception?” Pinkie cheered.
“The best party planner in Equestrian had to know.” I laughed. How could none of them see it? They were the only ponies for this.
“Why, thank you Raspberry.” Rarity said. She looked like she had tears in her eyes. “Thank you so much!”
“It was no trouble.” I shrugged off her praise. “Really. I’m sure you would have done the same, any of you.”
Applejack stepped down from the pedestal. Rainbow took her place. “You got us jobs helping with the wedding of the century!” Rainbow said. “And you even let Twilight do most of the other boring stuff!”
“Yeah.” I said, starting to feel a bit overwhelmed by the praises. “But it was nothing, okay, so please stop.”
Pinkie hopped to my side, wrapping her hooves around my neck. “Thanks Razzle Dazzle! You’re such a good friend!”
“She gave her coworkers the ole Razzle Dazzle.”
“Come on, Razzle Dazzle, have a bit of fun!”
“I wish you had never come to Child’s Play in the first place!”
I flinched back, letting out a startled yelp. The memories of that night began playing in my head. It was starting to hurt again...I was starting to hurt again.
“She called me Razzle Dazzle.” I whimpered. She hated me. Of course she did. I know her magic was just reacting strongly, but you can’t crest something from nothing.
I had been telling her most of her life to go against her basic nature. To hide it away, like it was shameful. Nothing Darcy did was shameful. She didn’t know the meaning of the word.
She was never coming back. I was never going to see my sister again.
“Sugarcube?” Applejack asked.
My eyes widened. I had forgotten they were here. “I should go.”
“Mom-”
I was already out the door.
Chrysalis and I were sitting in the tea room again. She was pacing around, her hooves echoing on the floor. She looked ready to tear something apart.
I was drinking my tea, having some of the sugar cookies. These were actually pretty good.
“That little brat suspects something is up!” Chrysalis grumbled. She shook her head. “She has to!”
“Sparkle of Twilight only knows what we want her to know.” I explained, sipping my tea calmly. This felt so British, drinking tea while others panicked.
“What we want her to know?!” Chrysalis guffawed. “We don’t want her to know anything!”
I gave her a bored glance, then grabbed another cookie in my magic. “Everything is going smoothly, don’t panic now.” I took a bite of my cookie.
Chrysalis scoffed. “How can you be so calm? This plan is falling apart!”
“Freak out day isn’t for another five weeks.” I explained, taking another bite of my cookie. “And the Plan is going fine. Twilight being suspicious is a good thing. You would know too if you thought about it.”
“If she figured it out, she’ll tell her brother! The Captain of the Guard!” Chrysalis yelled. “Or her mentor, the Princess of Equestria, who can move the sun!”
I laughed, putting my tea cup down. The cookie had been finished while she panicked. “Chrysalis, think about it. Really think. She’s on edge, she knows something is wrong but not what, she knows you are at the centre of it all. If you can do something to prove you are untrustworthy, then she will attack you.”
Chrysalis snarled. She ran towards me, grabbing my neck in her magic again. “How is any of that good?!”
“Or, better yet, attack the mare you are supposed to be.” I clarified.
Chrysalis paused. Her eyes widened in realization. She dropped me to the ground. I shook it off, getting back to my seat. “Of course! The perfect way to deal with our Cadence problem!”
“And the penny drops.” I whispered, sipping my tea.
Chrysalis laughed. “You know, changelings are the ones who are supposed to be tricksters. Taking the place of ponies, feeding off your love for them.”
I made a curious face. “Oh?”
“I think you make a good changeling.” Chrysalis complimented.
I gaped at that. Me, a good changeling? No. No. Changelings aren’t good. I’m just doing this to protect my friends, to keep Twilight’s heart from breaking, to save as much as this wedding as I can.
Well, yeah, I was using pretty shitty moves to get it done. I was betraying Mia and Shiny by not stopping this all together, and by leaving Mia in those caverns alone. I was betraying Twilight by making her think I was against her. I was betraying the others by working with Chrysalis, and actually helping her. I was betraying my daughter.
Worst off, there was nothing I could do. What’s happening now has to happen. If I stopped now, there was a chance Chrysalis would advance her plans and hurt everypony in Canterlot. I would be powerless to stop it.
“I think you make a great one.” I said to the Queen, taking a sip of my tea.
She laughed.
I gulped. The wedding rehearsal started soon. This was my chance. “You should send her to the caverns before the rehearsal.” I said. “It would be best to do it as soon as possible. I’ll tell the others Twilight decided to leave the wedding party after you two got into a big fight.”
Chrysalis nodded. “Yes. That sounds perfect.”
“So if anypony’ll ask, Twilight is in Ponyville.” I went on. “I’ll deal with anypony else who asks questions.”
With that Chrysalis walked towards the doors. They glowed green, letting her out. “Yes. A very good changeling indeed.”