BBBFF

Prologue: The Invitation

Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Applejack were having a picnic with their pets in Magiville town square. Applejack was playing fetch with Winona, Rarity and Fluttershy were brushing Opal and Angel respectively, Twilight was looking over Owlowiscious’ feathers while Pinkie Pie and Gummy wherein a staring contest, as Rainbow Dash was taking a nap with Tank. “I wish Spiky-wiky would have joined us.” Rarity commented.

“He volunteered to help Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo with their science project, how dragons breathe fire,” Twilight answered. “Okay, Owlowiscious all your feathers are preened and you’re good to go. Here’s a nice hole in a tree for you to rest in.” Twilight said as she placed her owl in a hollowed out section of a nearby oak tree. Owlowiscious gave the closest thing an owl could to a yawn and fell asleep. “It was a good call on Spike’s part to get Owlowiscious.”

Rainbow Dash yawned as she got up and stretched, “Yeah, yeah and Fluttershy was right about Tank. But this is a great day. Hey is that Spike?” she asked as she saw Spike running towards the group with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo following him.

“Twi…[pant] light!” Spike took a deep breath. “You got… BURP!!!” Spike then belched up a scroll, causing Gummy to blink and lose to Pinkie Pie.

Twilight caught the scroll and unrolled it as she read it out loud. “Dear Twilight, I hope you are as excited as I am for the upcoming wedding here in Chantalot.” Twilight paused, “Wedding, what wedding?” Twilight asked as she looked at everyone else. They gave shrugs clearly not knowing what Celestia was writing about. “I shall be presiding over the event and I would very much appreciate if you and your friends would help with the preparations. I would like Fluttershy to conduct a choir of the songbirds from the Royal Gardens for the music.”

“Oh my, she believes that I can conduct so many birds,” Fluttershy said humbled at first. “I shall not let her down.” She proclaimed her resolve ever apparent.

“I would appreciate if Pinkie Pie would host the reception as she is the most qualified and would a fair amount of life to the event.” Twilight continued to read. Pinkie Pie jumped up in the air showing how happy she was at the event. “Also I wish for Applejack to manage the catering of the Wedding, both the reception and the rehearsal.”

“Well, it’ll be great practice for catering for the Gala in a couple of weeks,” Applejack said thinking about what was asked and the event she was pretty much ready for. “Apple Bloom, we got business. Ye-haw!”

“Alright! Granny’s goin' to love this.” Apple Bloom cheered as she jumped into the air.

Twilight then continued the letter, “I would also like Rainbow Dash to perform a sonic rainboom as the bride and groom kiss, consummating the marriage.”

“Woohoo, Go Rainbow Dash! You got this in the bag.” Scootaloo cheered hugging Rainbow Dash.

“Hey let’s make it really special, let’s do it together!” Rainbow Dash offered with a little too much enthusiasm. Scootaloo dipped her head looking at her ankles. “Hey, you just hold on tight, I hold on tight and it will make my solo sonic rainboom look like nothing. You leave the flying to me, little buddy, that cool?” Rainbow Dash asked her ‘sister’, Scootaloo nodded with the biggest smile she could muster.

Twilight continued reading the letter, “I would like to commission Rarity to make the bridal and bridesmaid dresses.”

Rarity muttered unintelligibly as a big grin formed on her face, “Do you know what this means Sweetie Belle?” Rarity asked as she hugged Sweetie Belle extremely excited about the prospect of her business.

“Aren’t you already known because of that singer Sapphire Shores?” Sweetie Belle asked confused about her sister's actions. “And that whole thing that got us to celebrate Twilight’s birthday in Chantalot.” Sweetie Belle continued as she pointed out what happened then.

“While true, the more people that know my craft the better my chances and nothing will get my name known as much as making the dresses for the wedding. Trust me, darling, it’s a fashionista thing.” Rarity informed as she ended her hug. Sweetie gave an ‘o’ in understanding.

Twilight returned to the letter and started to read again. “I would like the roles of flower girls to be filled by the younger sisters of your friends Applejack and Rarity and the sister-in-all-but-blood of Rainbow Dash; Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo respectively. Unless I am mistaken they are also known as the Cutie Mage Crusaders or CMC for short?”

“Did you hear that? Princess Celestia wants us to be the flower girls, that means we’re part of the wedding too.” Sweetie Belle spoke in highly excited squeaks. Both Scootaloo and Apple Bloom gave a “YAY!!!” matching Sweetie Belle in excitement.

Twilight went back to the letter, “Of course I could ask for no better person to bear the rings than Spike. His relatively new bipedal state is not the reason I ask but because of his relationship with everyone else involved.”

Spike stood at attention, “I will protect the rings with my life!” he declared with the same conviction he had with any task he took on, even finding Twilight a night shift assistant.

Twilight saw that she was nearing the end of the letter, and it finally started to dawn on her that Celestia had plans for all of her friends because they were her friends, which meant the princess had a plan for her as well, “And Twilight, I would appreciate it if you would oversee everything. Given your relationship with both the bride and groom, I am certain that you will handle everything perfectly. Sincerely, Princess Celestia.” Twilight then looked away from the letter.

“How I don’t even know who is getting married, Lyra and I weren’t ever that close and BonBon is almost a stranger to me, they live here and they say they are BFFs.” Spike then handed Twilight another scroll with a guilty ‘teehee’ as if he intended to give the scroll he had before the letter he belched up, Twilight then unrolled the scroll “You are here cordially invited to the wedding of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and” Twilight stopped as she dropped the scroll. “My brother?” She froze in shock.

Chapter 1:BBBFF

“Wait, what? You have a brother! Since when?” Rainbow Dash asked utterly taken aback by the sudden news. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

Twilight gave a weak teehee. “I actually told Applejack when I first arrived and Pinkie Pie before we confronted The Tantabus in the castle in the Everfree,” Twilight informed. “His name is Shining Armor.”

“Wait? Didn’t yah say that yahr brot’er was the Captain of The Royal Guards?” Apple Bloom asked Twilight confused, Twilight nodded confirming Apple Bloom’s answer. “Ah thought Shining Armor was the Marshall, didn’t yah get a letter a couple years back wit’ the announcement, because, yahr a paladin?” Apple Bloom asked as she turned to Applejack.

“Ah did get a letter announcing that, but Ah thought Captain of The Royal Guard and Marshall were separate things,” Applejack commented.

“Well, that is true, but the two are not mutually exclusive titles. But, Shining prefers ‘Captain’, mainly because of his age and most of the generals are a decade or two older than him.”

“Wait! Stop! This is the first time the rest of us have even heard of you having a sibling at all. Why didn’t you tell us?” Rainbow Dash asked clearly confused and angry hovering in the air.

Fluttershy flew up to hover near Rainbow Dash, “Rainbow Dash, take a deep breath. Pinkie Pie and you were the only ones who actually knew that Zephyr Breeze is my younger brother for the longest time. Which is something you wouldn’t know if I was not held back due to my poor flying and you being dumped up due to your well, extraordinary flying, so it’s not unheard of friends not sharing information about family, especially when the siblings live in different cities and have different lives that don’t overlap often.” she informed calming her friend down as they landed.

“That might be all true, Darling, but what about Twilight’s birthday party. Unless we all have forgotten you all moved it to Chantalot when I was working on a few projects for the princesses and trying to get my name known by the Chantalot elite, it’s not one of my finer moments. If Shining Armor is Captain of the Royal Guard and your brother then he should have been there at that time.” Rarity pointed out, She notice a glare from Sweetie Belle, “granted I am not necessarily the best example of an older sibling, but I do try to be there for Sweetie Belle.” Rarity gave a nervous laugh as Sweetie Belle softened her expression.

Twilight gave a sigh, “Shining Armor and my parents actually left to surprise me at the Golden Oak. Spike and I stumbled upon them as they were asleep on the reading coaches.” Twilight informed as she walked from the group and turned to face them. “But that doesn’t change that he didn’t tell me. No! I am informed by a letter from Princess Celestia.” She cleared her throat and started to speak in a deep voice meant to sound more masculine, “Hey Twily, just want to let you know, I made the biggest decision of my life and it will change every. Oops, never mind you’ll find all about it in the mail.” Twilight stopped and as she returned to the group still angry, “and who the hay is this Mi Amore Cadenza?” Twilight then sat down and gave a huff.

“I take it that it really stings that Shining Armor has not told you, but are you alright?” Fluttershy asked as she walked over to comfort Twilight, “I am in a distance relationship with my little brother, Zephyr Breeze, too.”

Twilight gave a sigh, “It’s just that when I was little, Shining and I always shared our dreams and supported each other. We were close, very close. He’s my BBBFF!”

“Big Brother Best Friend Forever,” Pinkie Pie informed before anybody asked. “I use acronyms concerning events with my sisters all the time. Go on, tell us about your BBBFF.” Pinkie Pie requested as she pulled out nine beach chairs with boxes of popcorn for herself and everyone else. She noticed that her left middle and ring fingers were tapping at the air as if they were striking piano keys. “Uh, we got a musical number.” Pinkie Pie then took off her hat pulled out a guitar with a stylized tri-colored lighten bolt from a stylized white cloud on it which was caught by Rainbow Dash, a bass with three stylized red apples painted on it which Applejack caught, a portable piano marked with three sapphires cut into kites that Rarity used her magic to levitate towards her, a tamarind with three stylized pink butterflies which Fluttershy caught and a drum set with three balloons on the main drum much like the ones on Pinkie Pie’s hat which landed right in front of Pinkie Pie. “Hit it.”

“Um, Pinkie w’at are talkin’ about.” Apple Bloom asked. At that moment the hands of her sister and her friends started to move and play the instruments, all but Pinkie Pie’s eyes were open in horror as if their hands were moving on their own.

“When I was just a girl, I found it rather silly
To see how many other people I could meet
I had my books to read, didn't know that I would ever need
Other people to make my life complete
But there was one man 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…” Twilight started singing, as she sang flashbacks to her childhood matching the lyrics appeared in front of the CMC. One showed her about as old as CMC engrossed in a book and bumping into a young man over a decade older than her, the age difference was much like the one between Apple Bloom’s and Big Mac. The young Twilight fell to her rear was quickly picked up by the man and he started to comfort her, much like how Big Mac would Apple Bloom. In another, the young man, the presumed Shining Armor, was teaching and helping Twilight fly a kite. Then another which showed Twilight struggling to read with Shining Armor appearing to help her and then shown Twilight counting the number of sit-ups he was doing with a poster saying ‘Enlist’ and depicting men and women in the various armors of the ESM including the flight suit of the Wonderbolts. The last one was when she teleported away when she was in a rush to see Princess Celestia before she moved to Magiville.

“Your big brother, best friend forever
Like two peas in a pod, you did everything together” Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Rarity sang, their eyes clearly showing that they had no idea what was happening or how and it scared them that they were singing that in sync, Pinkie Pie was just smiling in her usual unphased way as she sang along.

“And though he's, oh, so far away
I hoped that he would stay
My big brother best friend
Forever...
Forever…” Twilight sang as she conjured a projection of what she imaged was Shining Armor’s reaction to Twilight’s move. As she finished the second Forever the projections ended. She shed a tear.

After the song ended Pinkie Pie collected the instruments and put them back into her hat. “I love musical numbers.”

“Well, we might not be your BFFs, but yahr brother very likely had many good reasons to not be able to tell yah about his engagement and weddin’, being both the Captain of The Royal Guard and Marshal of the ESM, he must have a lot of responsibilities somethin’ had to give. But he’s still special to yah and Ah know yah are special to him.” Applejack said comforting Twilight. Twilight then gave a soft smile. “Besides, Shinin’ ain’t perfect and it ain’t fair to him if yah keep him on a pedestal.”

Twilight gave a sigh, “You’re right.” Twilight acknowledge but it was clear she was unsure how exactly to feel.

“Well I don’t know about you all but since we have a wedding in Chantalot to help prepare, TO THE TRAIN STATION!” Rarity exclaimed as she started to direct everyone towards the Magiville train station, not forgetting their pets.

Hours later having left their pets with Big Mac and informed Sweetie Belle's and Scootaloo's parents and Granny Smith, the ten were on the last train to Chantalot that day and were getting ready to get into their bunks within the single female sleeper car, save Spike, who was mingling before he had to go into the single males car, “This is so exciting, you are going to perform a sonic rainboom at a wedding!” Scootaloo exclaimed. “I can’t believe my parents actually agreed to let me come along.” she could barely contain herself jumping up into the air higher than what she should have with her ethereal wings and as she descended her wings gave out causing her to fall. However, Rainbow Dash caught her before she could hurt herself.

“Take it easy there, squirt, if anything happens to you I am the one who will be up the creek.” Rainbow Dash pointed out as she sat Scootaloo down. She then joined her on the bunk, “But a sonic rainboom at a wedding, can you say ‘Best Wedding Ever!’?” She asked out loud in a cheer.

“BEST WEDDING EVER!” Pinkie Pie cheered.

Spike gave a sigh, “We get it, you’re excited about hosting the reception. I am going to miss out on the bachelor party.” he informed as he walked towards the doors to the next sleeper car which was his destination.

“You’ll have to take that up with Shining’s best man.” Rarity pointed out, “But it’s probably for the best that you didn’t, Spikey-Wikey. Given that you’re only ten going on eleven years old. But don’t worry dear, you are the ring bearer, while the Best Man will be tasked to force the groom to say ‘yes’ if he gets cold feet, you will be the one carrying the very symbol of the union between the groom and the bride.” She said comforting the dragon with a dramatic flair as she mentioned the importance of the ring-bearer. “Sweet dreams, darling.” Rarity then gave Spike a chaste kiss on the top of his head. Spike froze and then started to rise and float into the other car on a cloud of hearts. “Well, he’s in better spirits now. Well everyone, we better get to sleep, we’ll be arriving in the morning.” Rarity said as she pulled out a set of sleepwear and a sleeping blind.

Sweetie Belle giggled, “Can you believe it? We are actually part of the wedding.”

“I know, wait until Diamond Tiara hears about that, she’s going to lose it.” Scootaloo cheered earning some laughs from Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.

“Girls, Ah get that Diamond has been a… Ah cannot say it because Ah’d be insulting Winona, but from what yah all told us and from what Ah’ve seen, giving Diamond a taste of her own medicine ain't goin’ to get ‘er ta stop. Now Ah ain't gonna say ‘Don't tell her’ but Ah am sayin’ is don’t rub it her face. Just state it, treat it like it was just a normal thing and move on, if yah do more ‘an that the gesture will lose significance an’ meanin’.” Applejack said trying to stop the three from doing something they might regret as she prepared her bunk.

“Besides if you treat it like it was just an average day and nothing else it will shut her up for far longer than if you constantly gloat about it. Trust me, she is one that thrives on attention and trying to one-up others. I was, regrettably, not much different than her when I was your age." Rarity confessed. "But acting towards something you did which she can never hope to accomplish like it was par for the course will stop her in her tracks for a good while.” Rarity assured as she turned from her bunk to the three younger sisters.

“But don't be afraid to brag about it to some of the other kids.” Rainbow Dash cut in, but everyone just looked at her, Rarity and Applejack were unamused and borderline annoyed. Everyone else was not entirely sure what to say or do. "What? They are going to be the flower girls of a royal wedding, there will be like only one more in their lifetime tops." Rainbow countered. Rarity and Applejack rolled their eyes.

Twilight gave a sigh causing everyone to turn their attention to her, “Still a little sour about not being told about the engagement?” Rainbow Dash asked Twilight. Twilight nodded. “I am technically an only child, but I get what’s it like to not know something from a family member, to this day I don’t know who my mother is, Nightshade claimed that she is but I haven’t talked to my dad about it. Well, I got some z’s to catch.” Twilight thought about what Rainbow Dash said. As everyone else prepared to go to bed.

It didn’t make things easier concerning Shining not telling her about Mi Amore Cadenza, but she was starting to accept that maybe there was a reason why Shining didn’t tell her, but she decided to get some sleep.

Twilight felt someone jumping onto and off of her bunk. She woke up to see Pinkie Pie excitedly jumping from bed to bed, for some reason she had a stuffed animal that Twilight had never seen before. “WE’RE HERE! WE’RE HERE! WE’RE HERE!” the pink jester shouted with joy. Everyone gave subdued growls, ‘aha’s’ and other groans of annoyance, save for Applejack who seemed to just smile and got out of her bunk. Twilight was the last to get up she as she did she looked out one of the windows and next to her bunk and noticed that there was a large purple bubble that encompassed the mountainside city. That caught everyone off guard. “That’s bizarre, maybe we’ll get answers when we get there,” Pinkie Pie said looking over Twilight’s shoulder. Twilight gave a sigh, she knew that shield bubble, Shining Armor was not only getting married but he’s on the job, so much for trying to get an explanation out of him.

After thirty minutes the train came to a complete stop and the conductor called out for everyone for Chantalot to disembark, as they exited they noticed a lack of people, “There must be some sort of lock-down in place. The weddings of the nobles have been known to bring out the strangest of people. I dare not imagine if there was no lockdown in place for this royal wedding.” Rarity commented as everyone exited the train.

However, there was one man on the platform. Twilight recognized him in an instant, even though he was not in his usual purple colored armor. On his secured back was a spear. Its point was more like a short double-edged blade than a normal spear point, allowing him to slash and stab his foes. He wore a set of gauntlets which looked akin to heater shields, depicted on them were a six-pointed star, similar to the one that part of Twilight's own mark. He also had white elbow guards with three blue stars, white castle turret themed pauldrons, brown boots with white and gold knee guards, blue pants, a purple open coat with blue padding, a rising sun like guard over the center of his chest and on his head was a unique helmet, which while exposed his hair and the top of his head, it kept his focus gem, a light purple gem cut like a pyramid, right in the center of his forehead.

Twilight gave a sigh, “Ah take it, t’at’s Shining Armor.” Applejack commented. Twilight nodded in response, “Well yah better getta goin’ and have the heart to heart. We know our way to the castle. Come on gal’s we got work to do, Apple Bloom we’re off to tha kitchen.” Applejack then gave Twilight a shove directing her towards Shining Armor as she and the rest started towards the castle.

Twilight reluctantly walked to where Shining Armor was. “Twily!” he exclaimed cheerfully as he caught sight of her and ran up to her, ending his jog by embracing Twilight, picking her up in the process. “It’s so good to see you again. How long has it been, kiddo?” he asked as he placed Twilight back on her feet.

Twilight scowled as she spoke, “Why didn’t you tell me you were getting married?” She asked clearly bitter. Before Shining could speak, “I didn’t even hear about it until yesterday and from an invitation from Princess Celestia. Not even a letter from you.” She stopped she knew if she continued she would work herself into a such a state she would burst into flames.

Shining placed his right hand on her left shoulder, “I am sorry, but with Luna’s reinstatement, I had to oversee the training of new recruits and bringing former reservists up to the level of the regulars to fill the new retinues and corps that formed as result. But how about we head to the castle and talk?” Shining offered. Twilight was still clearly angry, but she lightened up a little, just enough to hear Shining out.

It was about twenty minutes later as the two arrived at the castle, “...and then the whole re-assigning of the crew of the Phoenix while it's being rebuilt. It was like every time I got the chance to sit down to pen a letter something new would come up. I was lucky to get enough time to try to surprise you for your birthday and we remember how that turned out. Do you understand now, it’s not because I don’t care about you and our relationship.” Shining Armor said as he finished his explanation.

“Okay I get it, but you could have told me after Spike and I got back to the Golden Oak?” Twilight asked, she was calmer now but she was still annoyed.

“Well, what kind of BBBFF would I be if I took away from your birthday party by changing focus to my engagement?” Shining asked with a small smile on his face. Twilight had to concede the point but she was still angry, “But I understand if you don’t want to be my best maiden.”

“Wait you want me to your best maiden?” Twilight asked as she suddenly felt a rush of joy.

“There is no one else I would ask to be by my side and have my back on the biggest day of my life,” Shining said as his smile grew.

“I...I...Yes. Yes. Yes!” Twilight cheered as jumped up and hugged her brother almost forcing him off his balance. “Wait until I tell Princess Celestia.” She cheered as she let go of her brother as she started to leave and go into the castle.

“Um, you won’t be able to do that,” Shining said causing Twilight to stop. She turned with a confused look on her face. “Yeah, you see normally there would be more guards and such for an event like this but there is a war game going on.” Shining Armor pointed to a nearby bench and sat down on it.

“Wait, what?” Twilight asked baffled as she joined her brother.

“Well, you see the military was scheduled for a war game this month and it was randomly selected to be held this week, both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna won’t be back until the game is over.” Shining Armor informed as he looked up at the sky.

“So Princess Celestia won’t be presiding? But I just got the invitation yesterday. She should have told me.” Twilight was clearly not happy about it, it was like Princess Celestia just dumped something in her lap and bolted, which seemed amazingly out of character for the princess when Twilight thought back to her past experiences with the nation’s ruler.

“I am not happy about it either, but national security prevented Princess Celestia from telling you, it’s also why the war game is even going on and part of it requires that wargames are random and often conducted at inconvenient times to best prepared in case of invasions.” Shining Armor informed. “Now there would be more guards here, but thanks to this.” Shining continued but stopped took his spear and made a purple six-pointed star like the ones on his gauntlets directing to the sky, he then reached out with his right hand as it condensed and brought it to his forehead and placed it to be aligned with his focus gem, “ALEXANDROS MEGOS!” He shouted as he let go of the star and looked to the sky. The star converted into a beam and shot right into the bubble shield making a popping sound and causing it to gleam for a second. Shining Armor stumbled a little backward as he held his head. He gave a groan that Twilight did not miss, then continued. “I have the city’s defenses covered. There are a few squads of the guards but I pretty much have the city secured.”

Twilight saw that action was starting to make Shining experience headaches but she knew that pressing the issue would only exasperate the headache Shining was experiencing, “I see.” She said. “But there is still this girl you’re marrying. Who is this Mi Amore Cadenza? I never heard …” Twilight started but stopped as she heard Shining start to chuckle. “What?” She asked taken aback.

Shining took a breath to stop the laughing, “Woo, thanks, Twily, I needed a good laugh. ‘Mi Amore Cadenza’ is a royal name. You know who it belongs to, she was your sitter after I started my basic training.” Shining did not answer her question but he did give her a hint which has been a key part of their relationship.

After a second of thought, Twilight gasped in delight as her eyes widen in delight and joy, “You mean the greatest sitter in the history of sitters, Cadance?!” Twilight exclaimed and gave a squeal of delight.

“I wouldn’t know, Mom and Dad didn’t need a sitter for me. But I will take your word.” Shining said as he chuckled as he saw his sister start to go down memory lane.

In a flashback Twilight as a little girl was on a swing in the Chantalot Park with a teenage Cadance pushing her as she swung. “I am so lucky to have you as my sitter,” Twilight said looking to Cadance like the sister she never had.

Cadance chuckled, “No I am the lucky one.” She said as she continued to ‘help’ Twilight swing.

Twilight shook her head in disbelief, “But you’re a princess, under Princess Celestia’s own tutelage. I am just a normal girl.”

“Wow, been reading a dictionary lately?” Cadance asked jokingly,

“Thesaurus actually,” Twilight answered giggling as she got off the swing.

Cadance shook her head with a smile on her face, “You are anything but normal, Twilight. We best get you home, your mother would love to see her little girl to greet her at the return of her book tour.” Cadance took Twilight by the hand and started to exit the park.

“Can we do it one more time?” Twilight asked as she gave puppy eyes and quivering lower lip.

Cadance shook her head and smiled. She covered her eyes with her hands, Twilight mirrored and they started to sing. “Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake!” The two sang as they revealed their eyes. “Clap your hands,” they continued as they clapped their hands together. They turned to be side by side and “And do a little shake.” the two said as they shook their hips and started to laugh as they continued to head out.

As the two were walking they noticed a couple arguing. “Wait here,” Cadance said as she walked up to the two. “Are you both alright?” She asked the couple. The two did not answer but clearly showed that they were not happy. “Maybe this can help.” Cadance conjured a red heart in her hands and pulled it apart and said, “Amore,” as she sent each half to the couple, the heart merged after passing through the two and the two started to talk happily like the two were having their first date again. Cadance then turned away and returned to Twilight with a smile on her face and they renewed the return home.

As the flashback ended, “Cadance is going to be my sister!” Twilight cheered as she hugged Shining Armor. The two started to laugh happily.

“Excuse me. Is there something important that I am interrupting?” The siblings turned to see Cadance walk towards the two. She looked at like she was a little stressed.

Twilight ended her embrace and ran over to Cadance “Cadance!” she cheered as she recognized her old sitter. She stopped two arm lengths away. “Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hands and do a little shake!” Twilight sang as did the little schoolyard song and dance that was their handshake. However, she noticed that Cadance was not mirroring her or doing their song and dance.

Cadance just stared at Twilight in a state of being somewhere between bored and confused, “What are you doing?” she asked Twilight as if she did not recognize Twilight or their ritual.

Twilight shocked as at that, ‘how could she forget?’ she thought. In disbelief, “Cadance, it's me, Twilight! You were my sitter.” Twilight tried to get Cadance to remember her, confused at how distant and… cold Cadance seemed.

Cadance just walked past Twilight giving an uninterested, “Uh-huh.” as she headed towards Shining Armor and hugged her fiancée and the two shared a kiss.

As the two broke the kiss, Shining spoke, “Listen, I've gotta get back to patrol, but Cadance will be checking in on all of you to see how things are going.” Shining said, as he turned to face Twilight, as he kept right arm over Cadance’s shoulders with his right hand on Cadance’s right shoulder. “But, I think I speak for both of us when I say we couldn't be more excited to have you here. Right, dear?” He said as he looked at Cadance with a smile.

Cadance looked up at Shining gave him a smile and then turned to face Twilight with what seemed to be a dark smile, “Absolutely.” Cadance replied but Twilight noticed that there was something off like Cadance was subtly making a jab at Twilight, that she was trying to goat Twilight to do something. But, that was something Cadance would not do as Twilight recalled.

Shining Armor kissed Cadance ending their embrace, “Well, I'll let you get to it.” Shining walked over to Twilight. “See you both later. Love you, Twily,” he said as he hugged her and left the two. Twilight was clearly unsure about Cadance.

Meanwhile, in one of the more barren areas of Mystica, Celestia and Luna were looking over a map of the area, not far from them was the better part of the ESM making camp. “So let’s see if We understand this correctly? The ESM is divided into two armies, and using non-lethal means the two armies fight for how long?” Luna asked.

“Best eleven out of twenty. Normally I am on the sidelines watching, but with you here, I can finally get involved and have some real fun.” Celestia answered and giggled in delight.

“A millennium of doing this by yourself must have been boring.” Luna had to concede to her sister then she had a moment of clarity, there was another princess for at least a decade, albeit not on the level of Celestia but still, “What about Cadance surely you had war games with her?” Luna asked voicing her concern and disbelief.

“But Cadance is so predictable,” Celestia claimed, “I need a real challenge. So how about these titles, those under one of our commands will be fighting for the ‘Lunar Republic’ while the forces will be fighting for the ‘Solar Empire’? Too on the nose?” Celestia asked as she showed two insignias, one was a blue upward facing crescent moon, with lighter blue open wings along the sides, a spear the same shade of blue as the crescent moon pointing upwards with a five-pointed star the same shade as the wings at the tip of the spear. The other was made of three rings, from the outermost to the innermost red, black and red, encircling a golden circle with a red spear pointing upwards and flanked by golden wings wrapping around the circles. Celestia then gave a big toothy grin as she was trying to convince Luna to go along.

"Aren't you worried about missing the wedding, it is a big event?" Luna asked as she shook her head at her older sister's antics.

"Don't worry, we'll be in time for the actual ceremony. Besides, how often have you gotten the chance to one-up your sister?" Celestia asked as she beamed with delight clearly wanted to play this game with her long-absent sister.

Luna sighed accepting her sister’s request, “Alright, We shall be the …” Luna started but was cut short.

“No little Sister, tis I who shall usher in a new age, For the Republic!” Celestia said as she magically changed her gown to a lunar-themed with the insignia of the Lunar Republic on her chest. Celestia then burst into laughter was Luna was frozen in shock her mouth hung open and her right eye started to twitch. “Gotcha.”

“Has the last millennium been that boring?” Luna asked as she regained her composure.

Celestia stopped her giggle and was very serious, not the over the top cartoonish serious but true seriousness, “yes, yes it has. But what about your time on the moon?”

“We were trapped inside Nightmare Moon, She could walk in the dream-scape because We can, there is a reason Nightmare Moon is depicted the exact same way, everywhere. Also, the inhabitants of the other nations of the world just seemed so easy to terrorize and horrify.” Luna chuckled, “We have to admit Nightmare Moon really enjoyed it.” Luna answered. “But enough of the past, We shall have your treasonous head on a spike.” Luna declared as she used her magic to change her attire to be solar-themed with the Solar Empire insignia over her heart. “Best 11 out of 20, we swap after every 5?”

Celestia smiled as she nodded, their game was afoot.

The Shifty Bride

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Applejack was in the kitchen of the castle with Apple Bloom helping her out as she was running the kitchen with the regular staff. Twilight was seated out of the way but able to see everything and clearly not happy as she was there observing everything. With her, was a notepad and pencil. Applejack looked over the preparations of the food. Currently, they were making test samples of all the food, from the wedding cake to the hors-d'oeuvres. Applejack was looking over a layer of the cake making sure it that every very instruction was being followed and that the cake tasted as it should, Apple Bloom helped with a second opinion with the tasting. “Cake,” Applejack said as she ate her sample. “Check,” she declared satisfied with her work. Twilight checked it off her list on the notepad.

Apple Bloom had one bite of her sample. “Ain’t as good as yahr, Sis. But it’s good enough.” Apple Bloom commented. This got her a hug of gratitude from Applejack before the older Apple went over to a large ice heart that was hollowed out.

“Ice sculpture,” Applejack said as she looked it over. “Check. Put it in the freezer, don’t want it to melt between now and the wedding.” Apple Bloom looked it over as well and gave it a thumbs up. Twilight checked that off the list as well.

Just then a timer went off Applejack then went over to a pan she had cooling and emptied it on a plate. She took a deep smell over what was baked. With a smile on her face, “Best darn bite-size apple fritter yah ever tasted?” she asked Twilight as she offered them to her to taste.

Twilight took one and ate it. She closed her eyes in delight and had a massive grin on her face, “Mmm. Check.” she answered as she checked it off the list. “Apple Bloom, Spike you should…” Twilight started but stopped as she saw Spike and Apple Bloom were playing with the small figures meant to depict Shining Armor and Mi Amore Cadenza that would be placed on the top of the cake.

Spike was holding the figure of Shining Armor “I do. Do you?” He asked trying to deepen his voice to sound more like Shining Armor.

“Oh, Shining! I do! I do! I do!” Apple Bloom replied trying to sound what she thought was princess-like as she held the figure of Mi Amore Cadenza. The two started to make kissing like sounds as the had the two figures kiss each other. Noticing that their respective ‘older sister/mother’ figure was looking at them unamused, the two started to laugh nervously as they put the figures down.

Noticing the arrival of Cadance, Applejack turned to greet the bride. With a small bow,
“Howdy, your highness,” she spoke as she addressed the princess.

Cadance did not return the bow, which Twilight noticed was odd, both Celestia and Luna at least would have given Applejack some sort of salute. “Please, it’s Princess Mi Amore Cadenza,” Cadance said dismissively as she walked fully into the kitchen as she looked over the food for the reception.

Applejack stayed in her bow, “Well Howdy, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. Yah come to check out what's on the menu for yahr big day?” the paladin asked as she ended her bow and went over to check on the food.

“I have!” Mi Amore Cadenza answered and was showing signs of being unhappy, something Twilight could not avoid noticing. As Applejack got the plate of fritters, Mi Amore Cadenza accepted one of the fritters and bite into it. As she finished some she swallowed it. As she made a gulping sound which Twilight noticed but seemed to go unheard by the paladin, “Delicious! I love-love-love them.” She then laughed nervously, which Twilight noted but seemed to go unnoticed by Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Spike.

Happy that her cooking was liked by the princess, “Aw, shucks. Why don't yah take a few to go?” Applejack offered as she put a few fritters into a bag and giving it to Mi Amore Cadenza. “Ah know how yah brides can be. So busy, yah forget to get a little somethin' in your belly.” Applejack said as she turned from the princess and returned to check on the rest of the food preparations.

Mi Amore Cadenza accepted the bag and as she was heading out the kitchen she threw the bag into a trash can near the door. Twilight gasped as the door closed. Twilight looked to Applejack, Apple Bloom and Spike “Did... you see what she…” She stopped realizing that they were not paying attention. “Spike, we need to check on Rarity and the dresses,” Twilight said and left the kitchen for where Rarity was. Spike following her.

Half an hour later Twilight was in a room with Rarity going over all the dresses. They all looked the same, something Twilight either didn’t notice or care as she was ranting about what she saw concerning Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. “Oh, you should have seen how she acted back there. I don't know when she changed, but she changed!” Twilight exclaimed as Rarity was focused on the dresses with Sweetie Belle and Spike holding some of the material Rarity was working with. Twilight continued her rant, "Please, call me Princess Mi Amore Cadenza." Twilight said as she mimicked the bride.

“Did I hear someone say my name?” Mi Amore Cadenza asked as she entered the room with her four bridesmaids. They were Lyra Heartstrings, Minuette, Twinkleshine and Lemon Heart, four of the five young women Twilight knew for most of her childhood, they were more like acquaintances than friends as Twilight was not a sociable person growing up. However, Twilight’s focus was not on them.

Wanting to make sure her client was satisfied with her work, Rarity rushed and bowed to Mi Amore Cadenza, “Your Highness! Let me just start by saying what an honor it is to play a role in such a momentous occasion.” She then gave a nervous laugh trying to remain calm.

The bride mostly dismissed the enchantress as she walked around her giving an unenthusiastic “Uh-huh.” However, she did return to the purpose of her visit. “Is my dress ready?” she asked clearly not caring about anything else.

Rarity stammered a little as she ended her bow and joined the princess in showing the dress, as it was on a mannequin,“Yes, of course.” She then showed the dress, it was long covering her feet, light yellow wave-like hemming on the bottom. Around the waist was as a light blue sash with a vine-like pattern with blue gen over the chest that had stashes the same shade of blue as the one around the waist that went both over her shoulders and under her arms. “I've been working on it ever since I was given the assignment, and I think you'll be pleased with the results! Mmm!” Rarity said extremely pleased with her own work.

Mi Amore Cadenza looked at the dress and frowned angrily. “I was hoping for something with more beading and a longer train,” she said as she walked away from the dress.

Rarity took up her notepad and pencil and making the notes, “Oh, yes, of course.” Rarity said as started to plan for the alterations.

Calling attention to the dresses for the bridesmaids which looked exactly like the bride’s dress with false wings made to look like her wings. Which the four bridesmaids clearly liked their dresses. “And those should be a different color,” the bride declared.

Rarity turned her attention to the other dresses. “But your highness, you are aware what the purpose of the bridesmaids is? What if an assassin somehow got or gets through? If the bridesmaids’ dresses, veil included, do not match the bride's dress then the assassins would know who was their target.” the enchantress countered as walked to the dresses.

“We love them!” the four bridesmaids said cheerfully as the held the dresses to themselves to get an idea of how the dresses will fit. Mi Amore Cadenza glared at them and the four put the dresses back and stepped away from the dresses.

“Make them a different color.” Mi Amore Cadenza ordered and left the room.

The four bridesmaids frowned but before they left, “Say can we order our own dresses like the bride’s” Lyra asked.

“I would be happy to make them too, but maybe after the wedding.” Rarity said as she started working on the dresses as Mi Amore Cadenza ordered.

“Gee, maybe her name should be ‘Princess Demandy-pants.’” Twilight commented as the bridesmaids also left the room.

In the reception hall, a couple hours later, Pinkie Pie had everything set up for the reception itself. She was standing with Mi Amore Cadenza. “Okay, let me see. We've been over the games…” the jester said as she rushed over to set of board games and rolled some dice for one. “...the dances…” Pinkie continued as she went over to a phonograph with a vinyl record ready to play. She started it and it started to play a polka tune, specifically the one Pinkie Pie played to get the parasprites out of Magiville. She engaged in a polka-inspired dance as she went back to Mi Amore Cadenza. Pinkie Pie gasped trying to rein herself in, “I think this reception is gonna be perfect! Don't you?” Pinkie Pie said extremely happy over her work.

In a corner, Twilight observed all that and more. Mi Amore Cadenza looked over everything she was not amused at what she saw “Perfect!...If we were celebrating a six-year old's birthday party.” She said with a bit of bitterness as left the jester and started to head out of the hall.

Pinkie Pie gasped, “Thank you!” she exclaimed as Mi Amore Cadenza left the hall. Twilight made a note of that action. She was clearly not happy.

It was near nightfall an hour or so later as Twilight’s friends, Spike and the CMC were sitting at an outdoor table of a restaurant each had drinks. In the background, several residents of Magiville were going for an evening stroll. “Say should one of us go back to Magiville to get the Elements of Harmony? You know so that you all and Twilight can add some flair.” Sweetie Belle asked as she looked at everyone.

“Won’t it take hours for anyone to get back and would miss the wedding?” Scootaloo asked confused at that suggestion.

Spike stopped to put his drink down, “Oh there’s a teleportation ring within the castle grounds, it’s meant to whisk Princess Celestia away in case of the capital is overran. It turns out it actually takes you to where Magiville was founded, specifically in front of the Golden Oak.” Spike informed.

“So how would one come back?” Fluttershy asked as she placed her drink down.

“I think Twilight could figure how” Spike answered and returned to his drink.

“While I appreciate the thought about us wearing our Elements, Sweetie Belle, it's not a good idea to upstage the bride on her big day, it’s also considered poor form to wear the same color as her dress.” Rarity said electing to end the topic. She then saw Twilight approach but still away off, “Better drop the subject of the wedding in its entirety. While upsetting the bride is not good, the best maiden can also throw us out of the ceremony.” All nine of them returned to their drinks.

As Twilight joined them with her drink, “Bet I can guess what you're all thinking.” She said as she took the open seat on the table. “Cadance is the absolute worst bride-to-be ever.” She closed her eyes and took a drink of her drink.

Everyone look at each other and then they all turned to face Twilight again. “Twilight, darling, whatever are you talking about?” Rarity asked speaking for everyone. “Cadance is an absolute gem!” she finished and returned to her drink.

Twilight put her drink down on the table in disbelief over what her fashion savvy friend just said, “What? But Rarity, she was so demanding!” Twilight countered in shock.

“Well, of course, she is! Why shouldn't she expect the very best on her wedding day?” Rarity asked countering Twilight’s point.

“As daddy said ‘There are only two days in your life when it’s all about you. The day you get married and the day you get buried and good luck trying to enjoy the last one.’” Sweetie Belle added after taking a sip of her own drink.

Twilight placed her hand on her head as if she was getting a headache. She then turned to Applejack. “Applejack, did you know that after she told you how much she just 'love-love-loved' your hors-d'oeuvres, she threw them in the trash?” Twilight asked mocking how Mi Amore Cadenza said ‘love-love-love’ and looking for someone to agree with her.

Applejack was clearly hurt, but she elected to just let it go, “Well yall know how brides can be, worried about making sure they can fit in their wedding dress. She was probably just trying to spare my feelin's. Besides, there will be more than enough for everyone at the reception.” Applejack said as she took a sip of her drink.

Twilight leaned forward closing her eyes and rocked back “No, she was just being fake and totally insincere!” she exclaimed accusing Mi Amore Cadenza.

Seeing the stress Twilight was going through, Fluttershy spoke out after a moment of awkward silence among everyone there, “Well, She did raise her voice at one of the birds during rehearsal.”

Seeing that she had one person that agreed with her, “See? Rude!” Twilight declared with a confident smile on her face.

Fluttershy however, knowing the full story continued, “But he was singing really off-key.” She then called attention to a mockingbird that was with them and gestured him to sing and he was very much off key and borderline cringe-inducing. “And he’s a Mockingbird, they have perfect pitch.” Fluttershy pointed out. Everyone looked at her confused as to what she was getting at, “It means he was doing it on purpose just to annoy the bride.” she explained which got an ‘Oh' that was either an ‘I get it now’ or an ‘I'll take your word’ from everyone else.

Twilight knew better than to ask Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie was a person that enjoyed planning parties and put in a lot of effort and energy into making sure it was just right which meant taking advice from the people the party is for no matter how cruel they might seem from Twilight’s point of view.

“Never mind. Rainbow Dash, you're with me, right?” Twilight said electing to change people she was appealing to and Rainbow Dash was known for her fidelity to her friends.

“Sorry, Twi. Been too busy prepping for my sonic rainboom to pay much attention to the bride's bad attitude.” Rainbow Dash said dismissively as she was stretching her arms and rolling her shoulders.

“Yeah, it’s really tiring,” Scootaloo added.

Twilight sighed in frustration and she lowered her head onto the table. “The princess is about to get married. I'm sure any negative behavior she might be displaying is simply the result of nerves.” Rarity commented trying to be comforting.

Twilight slammed on her hands on the table causing it to shake, “And I'm sure it's the result of being an awful person who doesn't deserve to even know Shining Armor, let alone marry him!” Twilight declared. “My brother doesn’t deserve someone so cruel to my friends over their work as his wife. Nobody does!”

“Think maybe yah're bein' just a tiny bit possessive of your brother?” Applejack pointed out. “Remember when Ah said it wasn’t fair to Shinin’ to put him on a pedestal?” Twilight reluctantly nodded. “Well, it’s also unfair to Mi Amore Cadenza to put her in the gutter.”

Twilight was taken aback at that comment. “What? You all think I am being possessive of Shining Armor?” She asked as her friends seemed to be siding against her.

“Uh-huh.” everyone else said as they nodded in agreement.

“I am NOT being possessive, and I am Not taking it out on Cadance! You're all just too caught up in your wedding planning to notice that maybe there shouldn't even BE a wedding!” Twilight said as slamming her hands on the table causing all the drinks to fall over. Twilight then stormed off in a huff.

Twenty minutes later Twilight arrived at the wing of the castle where Shining Armor was currently quartered. She knocked at the door, “Come on in!” came Shining Armor’s voice. Twilight entered to see Shining Armor dressed in a red nobleman’s high-party shirt with a golden collar and cuffs. He was trying on a stylized breastplate with a six-pointed star like the ones that were on Shining Armor’s gauntlets and Twilight’s staff. “Twily! Your big brother's looking pretty good with Uncle Sidus’s breastplate, don't you think? Huh.” Shining asked as he turned to show his attire. As he noticed a sorrowful frown on Twilight’s face. “Everything okay?” he asked concern.

“We need to talk.” Twilight said her tone and attitude shifting from her appearance of her needing to be comforted by one of someone truly concern and needing to express that concern, “I think you're making a big–” she was cut short with an “uh-hum” The two siblings turned to see Mi Amore Cadenza up a short flight of stairs that lead from the atrium of the area. It was clear she was not happy about something as preceded down the small flight of stairs.

Shining Armor started, “Oh, uh, hi, sweetie.” and started to walk towards his bride.

“She sure has a way of sneaking up on people,” Twilight muttered to herself having a lot of animosity towards the princess.

“Could I speak to you for a moment, dear?” Mi Amore Cadenza asked and walked towards another room.

Turning back to Twilight, “Sorry, Sis, better see what she wants.” Shining Armor said as he left the atrium to another room where Mi Amore Cadenza was. After Shining Armor joined her, Mi Amore Cadenza shut the door.

Twilight refused to not be cut out so and walked to the door, through it came the muffled voiced of the princess, “Look, we need to talk.” she said angrily.

Shining’s voice was also muffled by the door, but Twilight was able to make out his response, “I'm here to talk.” Twilight could not make out the rest as she approached, most likely because she was the subject of talk, she was in the next room and wooden doors are not soundproof. But Twilight was able to hear Shining Armor say, “I'm listening, I'm listening.” as she nudged the door ajar.

“I thought I made it perfectly clear I didn't want you to wear that.” Twilight heard as she was opened the door just enough to peer inside.

Inside the room, Shining Armor looked down to his breastplate, “This was my late uncle's, he named me and got me to think about joining the ESM. He died before Twilight was born.” Shining answered.

“And?” Mi Amore Cadenza asked not happy with that explanation as she walked towards Shining Armor.

Taken aback at this, and feeling like he already gave a sufficient explanation, “And What? The wedding is my day too and everyone will be more focused on you anyway. I think I should wear it because it’s the only way I can feel that my uncle is there, I would have worn it for my successful completion of my training and my promotion ceremonies but I couldn't, so my father wore it. This is the first time I can wear it on such an important event of my life,” he countered standing his ground on the matter.

Mi Amore Cadenza looked baffled and then angry, “Are you disagreeing with me?” she asked as she scowled at him.

Twilight continued to look on, “I guess I am– Ah!” Shining started but stopped as he was showing signs of an intense headache coming on, placing his hand on his head.

This was also not unnoticed by Mi Amore Cadenza, “Oh, dear. Are you getting another one of your headaches?” she asked. Shining Armor, however, did not answer and started to back to the wall, gritting his teeth and closing his eyes, he called out in pain. Mi Amore Cadenza started to wave her hands forming a lime-green light and then sent the light into Shining Armor’s head and forcing him to his knees. Shining Armor eyes started to spin in opposite directions like goggle-eyes as it encompassed his head and then faded. Twilight watch all that completely flabbergasted it appeared that to her that Mi Amore Cadenza was making it worse. As Shining Armor slowly rose to his feet. “Feeling better?” Mi Amore Cadenza asked. Shining nodded as he closed his eyes and grunted.

Twilight then turned away in horror at what she had just seen, “She isn't just unpleasant and rude. She's downright evil!” Twilight exclaimed and started to run out of the wing of the castle.

Shining Armor stepped out of the room and saw Twilight leave, “Twilight!” he called out as he started to leave the wing.

“Let her go, dear, you had a long day, if she can’t stick around to talk, it’s not that important.” Mi Amore Cadenza said as she hugged Shining from behind and nuzzled the back of his neck.

“Huh. It seemed like she had something else she wanted to tell me.” Shining commented absolutely befuddled at all that was going on.

Ten minutes later, after running to where her friends would gather for one final look over before the rehearsal, Twilight throw open the doors. “Shining Armor is in real trouble! You have to help–” Twilight stopped as she noticed her friends were trying on a set of bridesmaids dresses, most likely the ones that Rarity made per Mi Amore Cadenza’s order, and clattering among each other. “Dresses? What are you–?” she started but was cut off as Fluttershy with big closed eye smile on her face floated over on her ethereal wings.

“Can you believe it? We're gonna be Princess Mi Amore Cadenza's new bridesmaids!” the druid said as she hovered above the ground happily and showing off the dress.

Twilight was confused, but she was also angry, and it was anger that showed, “NEW bridesmaids? What happened to her old bridesmaids?” She asked demanding to know what was going on as she turned to the rest of her friends.

“She didn't say. But she did tell us that she would love-love-love it if we'd fill in for them.” Applejack said as she looked at herself in one of the mirrors. There was a subtle blush on her face which went unnoticed by everyone, even Apple Bloom.

“Seeing as we've been working so hard and everything.” Rarity said offering an explanation for why the bride might change out her bridesmaids within days of her wedding.

Twilight froze, mortified that her friends were so easily bought off, “And you had your doubts about her.” She heard Applejack comment, with Rarity saying “Told you she was an absolute gem!” shortly thereafter.

However, there was one member not who was pleased with the setup, “Are you sure this is what I should wear?” Rainbow Dash asked calling attention to herself as she looked over the dress and how flowed very likely going to cause drag in flight. “Doesn't seem all that aerodynamic.” She said as she shot into the air and was clearly slower than her usual ascents.

Rarity rolled her eyes as she led Rainbow Dash to where her material and tools were, “Hmm. I'll see what I can do, but you have to remember this is all very last minute.” Rarity commented. As Rarity and Rainbow Dash left, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie huddled together barely able to contain their excitement as they started giggling and chattering.

Defeated, Twilight left and headed to the room she would be staying in. “Looks like I really am on my own,” she said depressed as everyone has seemed to have left her, left and right.

The next morning in the chapel located within the castle, a middle-aged man was looking over a clipboard. He was dressed formally most notedly with a monocle. He was Baron Roy Fancypants and he was going to officiate the wedding in the absence of Princess Celestia. As he watched the CMC practice spreading the flowers for the wedding, as they reached the end of the aisle. “Perfect, girls. No need to rush. Then, of course, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza will enter with the bridesmaids in front. Just as the organist starts ‘The Bridal Chorus’.” He stated and the organist started playing the Chorus as Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Rarity followed by Princess Mi Amore Cadenza walked into the room, stopping as they reached the altar, “I'll say quite a lot of words, the whole ‘Dearly beloved we are gathered here today’ so on and so forth. Then the exchange of vows, Shining Armor, you will take the rings from the Best Man… um sorry Best Maiden, I will then proceed and give the ‘Speak now or forever hold your peace.’ we wait ten minutes then the ‘By the power and authority vested in me, as Prime Administer of Their Royal Highnesses Princesses Celestia and Luna’s Government and the Magic of this Realm, I pronounce you, man and woman, as yoke mates hereafter.’ The two of you will kiss as Rainbow Dash performs the sonic rainboom, still baffled as to how it can be done, anyway, then the bride and groom shall proceed back down the aisle and then on to the reception, the bride and groom will arrive there last. The best maiden speech and so on.” Baron Fancypants as he walked up and down the aisle as he looked over a clipboard. He then looked up, “Um where is the best maiden?” He asked as he noticed the absence of the best maiden.

“Twilight is not here yet, she said she needed to do something first,” Spike answered as he took a seat on the stairs leading to the altar itself, holding the pillow with the wedding rings.

Shining Armor gave a sigh of frustration over the absence of his best maiden. Just then the doors swung open with a thud. “I'm here!” Twilight stated as she walked angrily to the altar. “I'm not going to stand next to her!” she said as pointed to Mi Amore Cadenza. She then turned to Shining Armor, “And neither should you!” she continued.

Shining Armor looked at his sister and then to his wife-to-be he was not sure what was going on, “I'm sorry, I... I don't know why she's acting like this.” Shining Armor elected to try to be diplomatic with two of the three major women in his life and extremely nervous about the one closest to him physically.

Mi Amore Cadenza looked to her husband-to-be and the rest of everyone in attendance. “Maybe we should just ignore her,” she suggested trying to avoid a confrontation, but very much not happy.

“You have to listen to me!” Twilight projected refusing to be ignored by the others there.

“Alright, go on, as the best maiden, you are the champion of the wedding what do you have to say.” Fancypants said taking charge of the situation before anyone else could challenge or silence the best maiden. Everyone remained silent and allowed Twilight to continue.

Twilight stepped to the center of the chapel. “She's evil!” she proclaimed as she pointed to Mi Amore Cadenza still in the aisle of the chapel. Shining Armor stepped in front of his bride, with a frown on his face, as to him his sister has crossed a line. Everyone else muttered to themselves baffled at the situation. “She's been horrible to my friends,” Twilight then teleported to be behind the couple and started walking towards Mi Amore Cadenza backing the princess away from Shining Armor. “she's obviously done something to her bridesmaids,” Twilight continued as Mi Amore Cadenza gave a nervous smile as if looking for help. “and if that wasn't enough, I saw her put a spell on my brother that made his eyes go all googly!” Twilight finished as turned back to face the princess with a smile cruel smile on her face, one that said ‘I know the truth and you can’t hide it any longer, b*tch.’ which she wore in triumph.

Seeing that she was cornered Mi Amore Cadenza started to cry,“Why are you doing this to me?!” shouted as she tried to get away from Twilight.

“Because you're evil!” Twilight answered utterly confident in her actions as she let Mi Amore Cadenza run out of the chapel in tears crying all the way, “Evil! And if I don't stop you, you're gonna ruin my brother's life!” Twilight turned around with her eyes closed feeling assured in her actions and victory, however she failed to account for one thing. The one thing almost everyone forgets about in the final days and hours leading to the wedding, THE GROOM, as she collided with Shining Armor.

She fell to her rear and looking up saw her brother and he was angry. She gave a weak ‘teehee’ but Shining was not having any of it. “You want to know why my eyes went all googly?” He started as he then placed his right hand on his right temple clearly showing his headaches were coming back as he grunted in pain, “It’s 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 to heal me!” Twilight inhaled wanting to counter her brother as Shining continued to scold his sister, “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 the royalty! And if she hasn't been on her best behavior with your friends, it's because with me being so busy, thanks to the random wargame and the lack of ESM personal, her and our parents not able to be here until tomorrow for the wedding, she's had to make all the decisions about the wedding!” Everyone else was agape as Shining spoke, it was clear that he was hurt by Twilight’s lack of support.

“I was just trying to–” Twilight said trying to explain her actions to Shining Armor, but it was clear that Shining was not going to hear her out.

“She's been completely stressed out because it's really important to her that our big day is perfect! Something that obviously wasn't important to you!” Shining said cutting his sister off, his ire sweeping through and his words cutting deeper wounds than any sword. Everyone gasped at that. He stopped as he felt his headache. As Twilight reached out with her left hand to him as if to rub his right temple to help massage the pain, he swatted the hand away. “Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go and comfort my bride. And you can forget about being my best maiden, Spike will be pulling double duty as the ring-bearer and my best man.” He shouted as he walked away from Twilight. He stopped before exiting the chapel and in a calmer and sadder tone as if he himself was about to shed a tear, he finished saying “In fact, if I were you, I wouldn't show up to the wedding at all.” He then exited the chapel.

“Wait, Wait, maybe the best maiden has a point, surely something can be worked out.” Fancypants said as was the next to exit the chapel, “You had one job during the wargames, Roy, one job.” he muttered to himself.

“C'mon, Y'all. Let's go check on the princess.” Applejack said as she led the rest in attendance out of the chapel.

Twilight tried to speak out as everyone was leaving her to check on the bride, even Spike left her, “I was–” she started trying to speak but the doors slammed leaving Twilight all alone in the chapel. She started to cry as it seemed that if everyone she cared about had not left her they certainly did now. “Maybe I was being overprotective. I could've gained a sister. But instead... I just lost my only brother.” She didn’t know what sparked it, but she started to sing.

“He was my big brother, best friend
Forever...
And now, we'll never do anything
Together…”As she sang, Twilight as looked back at what happened and imagined her relationship with her brother ending right there and then. She fell onto her news and continued to sob she tucked into a ball. She looked up and saw Mi Amore Cadenza standing there and looked like she was over what happened. Twilight reached out to her. “I'm so sorry!” Twilight pleaded.

Mi Amore Cadenza smiled and reached out to accept Twilight’s hand with a smile signifying that she was about to forgive Twilight. But then her smile shifted to a cruel smile, from her tiara a lime-green light which conjured a ring of lime-green fire around Twilight appeared, “You will be.” Mi Amore Cadenza said as the lime-green fire closed around Twilight causing her to vanish leaving nothing, not even a scorch mark. “She will be.” Mi Amore Cadenza said as her eyes change to green irises and more slit-like pupils for a handful of seconds as she chuckled and walked away. “This day is going to be perfect.” She sang to herself softly and darkly.

From A♭major To B♭ minor, Not D♭ major

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Twilight opened her eyes and found that she was underground in what looked like some sort of mine cavern. She rose to her feet “Hello!” She called out, her voice echoing as it bounced off the crystalline surfaces of the mine, “Is anyone there?” She continued to ask. She then focused her magic in her focusing gem in order to give her some light. It was not much, but it would have to do until she was in a place she knew she could summon her staff to her. She heard disjointed laughter as images of Mi Amore Cadenza reflect off some of the flat surfaces as she called out. “Where am I?” Twilight asked her heart thumping in her chest.

“The caves beneath Chantalot, once a home to avarice Magicborns that desired all the gems that they could acquire. Now, your prison.” the disjointed voice of Mi Amore Cadenza said as she appeared and reappeared on various surfaces laughing at Twilight.

“Help! Help!” Twilight cried out as she started running around in the cavern she was stuck in finding no way out.

“It's no use.” The disjointed voice of Mi Amore Cadenza continued to mock Twilight as the arcane mage continued to desperately search for a way out. “No one can hear you. And no one will ever think to look for you, either.” Mi Amore Cadenza continued as her image continued to reflect randomly off of more and more surfaces, mocking Twilight. “Most have forgotten that these caves even exist, which is why they are the ideal place to keep the ones who try to interfere with my plans.” The laughter was not continuous but it was ever apparent.

Frightened about what Mi Amore Cadenza was plotting “Plans? What plans?” she asked as she took a moment to stay still. She concluded that it was likely that given her current state Mi Amore Cadenza would drop her guard and let the plan slip.

An image of Mi Amore Cadenza stopped and raised her left hand to be over her heart, she was slightly confused as to why Twilight could not figure it out, but after a second she answered in mockingly humble but clearly boastful expression on her face, “The plans I have for your brother, of course.”

Twilight froze but within seconds her fear for her life lead to anger over a threat towards Shining Armor’s, “Don't you dare do anything to my brother, you... you monster!” Twilight nearly roared as her magic pulled more and more into her focusing gem as if ready to blast out a barrage of magical missiles.

Mi Amore Cadenza saw this and started to giggle at the action, “Only way to stop me is to catch me!” She mocked and then her image vanished as all the surfaces that were right in front of Twilight started to reflect Twilight’s own face. Calling attention to herself in another part of cavern “Over here!” Mi Amore Cadenza gloated laughing all the while. Twilight blasted the surface, but all it did was reflect off the surface and ricocheted around the cavern barely missing Twilight before it dissipated. “Nope, over here!” Mi Amore Cadenza continued to laugh as Twilight continued to blast surface after surface, but instead of ricocheting the surfaces they destroyed the surfaces producing rumble.

Twilight blasted one of the surfaces and unlike the other, there was no more stone behind the reflective surface. What was there was a woman, she looked just like… no, she was Mi Amore Cadenza and Twilight growled as she prepared to jump her. What Twilight did not seem to notice was that the Mi Amore Cadenza she was currently facing was highly disheveled, looking like she has not eaten in days and slightly dehydrated. Another thing that Twilight did not notice was that the Mi Amore Cadenza there started to smile as but then changed as Twilight was just about to tackle her, “No! Wait! Twilight!” Mi Amore Cadenza called out trying to get Twilight to stop. “Ugh!” she shouted as the arcane mage collided with the princess, as the dust settled. “Please! Don't hurt me! Twilight, it's me, Cadance!” Mi Amore Caden-Cadance pleaded as Twilight focused her magic into her focus gem causing the gem to glow, “Please, you have to believe me. I've been imprisoned like you. The Cadance who sent you down here was an imposter.” Cadance continued to plead towards Twilight.

Twilight only glared at the person she thought was plotting to harm her brother, “Likely story!” she declared getting ready to cast the spell she has been preparing, but before she could say anything else she was forced back by a light blue aura that matched the crystal heart that was her mark.

As Twilight recovered she saw the self-titled Cadance covering her eyes, “Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake.” ‘Cadance’ sang as she revealed her eyes a couple of times. She reached her right hand to make contact with Twilight’s left. Using her left hand, ‘Cadance’ took hold of Twilight’s left hand and joined the two hands “Clap your hands…” ‘Cadance’ continued to sing as the two hands meet making a clap sound. She paused as she got to her feet and turn to the side.

Twilight started to mutter as Cadance sang “...and do a little shake,” as she shook her hip as the two use to when Twilight was a little girl before her apprenticeship under Princess Celestia started. It was then that it clicked in Twilight’s head. The Cadance with her was authentic while the one that had sent her to the mines was deceptive.

“You remember me!” Twilight shouted happily as she embraced Cadance affectionately.

“Of course I do. How could I forget the girl I loved to sit for the most?” Cadance as she returned the embrace and rubbed Twilight’s back affectionately. “Besides you’re my love’s little sister.” and they gave a happy hum as Cadance rested her head on Twilight’s affectionately. While the two hugged, they started hearing a female laugh echo through the mines.

“We have to get out of here. We have to stop her!” Twilight said as she ended the hug, the two started in the direction that assumed the laughing was originating from. As the laughter got laughter as they proceed. “Who is she?” Twilight asked.

“I don’t know, her name, but she’s able to take the form of anyone and I would not be surprised if she could take the form of anything,” Cadance answered as they continued to run towards what they assumed was the exit.

In Cadance’s room as she was trying on the bridal gown. She smiled to herself. She then started to smile as she started to hear a tune, the starting of an aria, in her mind, however, the aria seemed to employ a deceptive cadence. She picked up a rose and smiled it as she placed it back down she started to sing. “This day is going to be perfect
The kind of day of which I've dreamed since I was small
Everybody will gather 'round
Say I look lovely in my gown
What they don't know is that I have fooled them all!” As she sang she danced around several mannequins that were in the room that had other dresses. As she finished her irises turning lime-green as the room became bathed in darkness as only her eyes were visible.

Meanwhile in the mines, as Twilight and Cadance proceed to travel through them, Cadance didn’t know why, but she started to sing. The tune in her mind was an aria, a tragic aria, but still an aria, which seemed to employ an authentic cadence, “This day was going to be perfect
The kind of day of which I've dreamed since I was small
But instead of having cake
With all my friends to celebrate
My wedding bells, they may not ring for me at all…” She pauses as looked around all the reflective surfaces, showing her dissolved state and she could see tears starting to form in her eyes. However, she was able to press on, in no small part due to Twilight’s determination. She smiled at her intended-sister-in-law, knowing without her, she would never get out or be found.

Back in the room, the imposter was finishing her preparations, and continuing to sing the aria that she had started. “I could care less about the dress
I won't partake in any cake
Vows, well I'll be lying when I say
That through any kind of weather
I'll want us to be together
The truth is I don't care for him at all
No, I do not love the groom
In my heart, there is no room
But I still want him to be all mine” As she sang she moved around several of the mannequins knocking them over. As stood next to the one she mocked the giving of her vows to, she took a hat placed on it and using her magic made it explode. As she walked over the ashes she needed the end of this verse as there is a pick into the mirror, which reflected her left half, and for some reason, her hair was not purple, yellow and pink it normally is, it looked… an unsavory blue. As she held the last note, she kept her eyes open as the pupils and irises constricted as her irises shifted to lime-green and everything went black again

Back in the mines, Cadance and Twilight continued on, they had no idea how far they traveled and how far they had to go. As the looked down dark tunnel after dark tunnel, things started to look more and more hopeless. “We must escape before it's too late
Find a way to save the day
Hope, I'll be lying if I say
"I fear that I may lose him
To one who wants to use him
Not care for, love, and cherish him each day" As Cadance finished singing ‘day’, the two found a long unused mining cart with a track, it seemed to be the only way. Cadance rushed to it and started to push in, hoping that once it had a little motion it would start rolling.
“For I oh so love the groom
All my thoughts he does consume
Oh, Shining Armor, I'll be there very soon”, As Cadance was singing ‘consume’, Twilight saw that the cartwheels were blocked. She levitated the stones away. The two jumped in and the cart started to roll, however, it went downhill and the track just stopped. However as Cadance finished singing she grabbed Twilight and took to flight, she was able to fly the two towards a ledge on the other side of the chasm, which started to led them out of the mines.

Back in the castle of Chantalot, however in the chapel, as everyone invited to the wedding was there, there were some of the Chantalot upper crust, the mayors, governors of the various parts of Mystica, even a few harpies that were representatives of the Protectorate of Gryphonstone. In the seats in the very front on the right side were a Magicborn couple that looked to be Shining Armor’s parents, the father had blue hair much like his son and seemed to have a hard time trying to stay awake, most notable of his suite was that he wore a red bow-tie, the woman had purple hair and white streaks and worn a set of pearls. Opposite to them on the left side was an Earthborn couple, however, it was clear that the latter couple’s while is the best they had, it would be considered sub-par to rest in attendance. “Finally the moment has arrived
For me to be one lucky bride,” The deceptive Cadance song as she proceeded down the aisle towards the altar, with her five bridesmaids in front of her, and the CMC happily fulfilling their roles as the flower girls in front of them.

Back in the mines, Cadance landed and put Twilight back on her feet. However without knowing how long they have been done there or how far they still had to go. “Oh, the wedding we won't make
He'll end up marrying a fake
Shining Armor will be…” She sang as her tears started to flow.

Back in the chapel, as the deceptive Cadance took her spot at the altar and looked at Shining Armor, “...mine, all mine.” She laughed manically as everything faded to black leaving only her eyes which glowed lime-green and then they went black, ending the aria.

Everyone in attendance watched as Baron Fancypants started giving the ritual speech. To his left was the groom, Shining Armor, but no one seemed to notice that the groom’s eyes seemed to be glazed over and that he was in a daze. Farther to the left was Spike, but he was not in the black suit he wore the day before in his role of the ring bearer but wore a red cape with set of gauntlets, pauldrons and other arm guards and a breastplate armed with a short lance, all to fill his new role as best ma...dragon. To Fancypants’ right was the deceptive Cadance. While on her right were, from closest to farthest, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy as the bridesmaids with the CMC to their right, mirroring their sisters. “Dearly Beloved, ladies and gentlemen of all ages, we are gathered here today to bear witness to the union of…”

Still in the mines but much closer to an exit, Twilight and Cadance looked around unsure how much farther they can realistically go. “We’re not going to get there in time. By now Celestia is must be at the exchange of the vows.” Cadance said.

“Actually Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are involved in a war game. As is most of the ESM. It’s Baron Fancypants that is officiating.” Twilight informed.

Cadance paused and took a moment to think. “Wait if the war game is going on now…” Cadance’s eyes shot wide in horror. “That means there is only a squad of the Royal Guard still in the city. Shining’s practically protecting the city on his own,” Cadance continued. She then looked at where they were and she could not see a way to proceed. “And we're not going to save him,” Cadance lamented as she leaned against a wall, it was clear that Cadance was starting to give up, granted she was far worse for the wears than Twilight as she was trapped in the mines for longer than her. But Twilight was not going to have any of it, she was not let anyone, not even Cadance, ruin her brother’s big day, especially the charlatan posing as Cadance.

Twilight placed her right hand on Cadance’s left shoulder and turned Cadance to face her, “We will.” Twilight tried to assure and hugged the one person she wanted to be added to her family. “We just have to find…” Twilight started to say as she looked around and stopped as she saw an opening that was letting in the light of the sun and a ledge under it a fair distance upwards. “There!” Twilight exclaimed and teleported the two to the ledge and right there were Minuette, Lyra Heartstrings, Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts. They were in their bridesmaids’ dresses and were clearly bewitched as their eyes were glazed with lime-green.

“You're not going anywhere,” the four said in unison as they started to slowly approach the two.

Watching over everything, Fancypants was nearing the end of the ceremony. He cleared his throat and continued with the ritual with a line frequently considered vestigial for a marriage, “Should anyone here present know of any reason why that this couple, Marshall Shining Armor and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, should not be joined in matrimony, please speak your piece now or forever hold your peace.” Fancypants said. There was a large amount of chatter among the audience in confusion over what was meant by him of the marriage. “The former ‘piece’ is ‘piece’ as in ‘p, i, e, c, e’ as in opinion or point of view. The later ‘peace’ is ‘peace’ as in ‘p, e, a, c, e’ as in… well, I think you get my point.” He chuckled as everyone as everyone have an ‘ah'.

“I object to the marriage!” Twilight shouted at the top of her lungs as she threw open one of the doors to the chapel with a thud, her staff in hand and wearing her brother's stylized plate which Shining intended to wear. Everyone at the altar, save for Fancypants and Shining Armor looked annoyed at this. “I have the perfect reason for why that couple should not be joined.” Twilight declared as she proceeded towards the altar.

The deceptive Cadance spoke in anger electing to play the annoyed bride, “Why is she so obsessive about her brother?” As she noticed a lack of the reaction she wanted, she changed tactics, “Why is she trying to ruin my special day?” she asked as she shed crocodile tears as if she was in fact wounded by Twilight’s actions.

“Because, bitch, it's not your day,” everyone froze save Twilight who smirked in triumphant. Soon the other door opened and there stood the authentic Cadance. “It's mine!”

The deceptive Cadance looked between the two more baffled than everyone else. “How did you not kill her?” she asked as she stepped away from the altar to be in the aisle and closer to her accusers, trying to figure out what happened but realized too late that was not the question she should have asked.

Twilight and the authentic Cadance looked at each smiled and shook their hips as they hummed the tune to the last part of their little song and dance ‘and do a little shake’. “That's how ” The two answered together.

The deceptive Cadance did not follow and elected to change tactics. “Well, certainly you had to overpower those four brainwashed bridesmaids. There is definitely blood on your hands.” Everyone gasped.

The authentic Cadance used her magic to bring in a bouquet of flowers, and the four bridesmaids came running after it fighting each other for it. “I WANT IT!” the four shouted and it was clear that there was glaze over their eyes as their sole focus was on the flowers. The authentic Cadance sent the bouquet to the deceptive Cadance and the four tackled her for it causing the bridal dress to be torn and dust to fly into the air.

“The want-it-need-it spell,” Twilight said with a grin.

“Works every time.” Cadance continued also grinning. However, her grin ended as something dawned on her, “Although Aunty Celestia is going to flip when she finds out that I used it.”

Twilight looked to Cadance, “Well it was the non-violent solution to the problem.” Twilight commented as they shared a weak teehee.

Then from the dust cloud as the four bridesmaids continued to fight over the bouquet a lime-green force field forced the four bridesmaid away and cleared the dust. The deceptive Cadance returned to her feet, almost matching the authentic Cadance in appearance. She took three deep and clearly angry breaths until she calmed herself. “Clever.” She conceded to the two in front of her. “But you're still too late to stop me.”

Back at the altar, everyone was utterly baffled as well as everyone in attendance, most could not come up with anything to say they were so stupefied, many with their mouths hanging open, few could even close their mouths. However, one person was able to finally form a sentence, the paladin Applejack, “Ah- Ah don't understand. How can there be two of 'em?”

Cadance answered the question her doppelganger's bridesmaid asked, “She's a changeling.” This caused everyone to turn to each other in confusion, and clatter among themselves, save Applejack who placed her hand on her chest and started muttering something, this went unnoticed by everyone there. “She takes the form of somebody you love and gains power by feeding off your love for them.” Cadance continued to inform as she accused the imposter. Everyone then turned back to the scene and were unsure what to do.

However, the deceptive Cadance realized the gig was up. She took a breath and closed her eyes as a lime-green fire emerged from her chest, as it spread outward revealing her true form. From her back, there were two sets of wings one was black and not unlike Cadance’s, Celestia’s and Luna’s, the other set of wings was lime-green and very insectoid, but they seemed to be incomplete like they had been corrupted. However, unlike the three princesses’ wings which seemed to float next to the princesses’ back, these wings were actually attached to her back. On her head was a crown with a lime-green gem as the main jewel. Her hair was long, going to her hips, and was an unpleasant shade of blue, it also had stringy texture to its appearance, which to the Chantalot elites in attendance and Rarity gave off a sense of being unkempt. She was dressed in a black gown that covered her feet with a lime-green three-part wench's belt that looked like the middle part of the insect’s body. She was extremely human in appearance but there seemed to be something off as if the gown was covering something.

Unbeknownst to everyone as their focus was the sudden transformation, Applejack slipped away and exited the chapel in silence taking Rainbow Dash, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo with her.

“Right you are, Princess,” the imposter said in her actual voice, which had what could be described as a hive-like, insectoid hum, like queen bee or ant based monsters as they are portrayed in movies. “I am Chrysalis, queen of the changelings,” Chrysalis proclaimed as she finally introduced herself as she hovered in the air, “and as queen, it is up to me to find food for my hive.” Chrysalis continued as she hovered to cast a shadow on Cadance. “And Mystica has more love than any other nation in the world. My fellow changelings will be able to devour so much of it that we will gain more power than we have ever dreamed of!”

“They'll never get the chance!” Cadance declared as she too started to rise above the ground and was on Chrysalis’s eye level. “Shining Armor's protection spell will keep them from ever even reaching us long enough to be seen by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna!” Cadance continued, confident in her fiancée's power, as she rose to look down on Chrysalis, with Cadance’s light overcoming the shadow Chrysalis cast.

“Oh, I doubt that. You seem to forget that the spell Shining Armor cast has a time limit, it needs recasting every so often and a fair amount of its power from his...” Chrysalis chuckled as she landed and walked back to the altar, “impassioned feelings,” she said seductively causing Cadance to growl as she too floated back down to the ground, “So you see ever since I took your place, I've been feeding off Shining Armor's love for you. Every moment he has grown weaker and as does his spell. And right about now, my subjects will be in place and ready to start chipping away at it.” She then turned to look out one of the windows.

Outside of the city, a huge swarm of humanoids with insectoid wings much like Chrysalis’s had amassed. They looked much like their queen but also slightly more insectoid than Chrysalis, as if they were one step closer to being insects. Their eyes were mostly fields of blue which gradually faded to white circle from outside in, and their canine teeth were larger than humans, also while Chrysalis was clearly female, the other changelings were so androgynous it was hard to tell if they were male or female, save for a handful of them were larger than most but not as tall as Chrysalis. These larger ones were in blue armor that made them look more insectoid and were clearly male. All the changelings were effectively covering the shield as they all alternate bouncing on the shield trying to break it.

Chrysalis turned back to Shining Armor as she took his chin in her hand and turned it to face her, “He may not be my husband, but he is under my total control now.” Chrysalis then preceded to make him kiss her. But before she could have the lips touch she pulled back clearly mocking Cadance as she turned to face the bride and chuckled as she witnessed the glaring of the bride. “And I'm sorry to say, he is no unable to perform his duties as the Captain of the Royal Guard. Soon, my changeling army will break through. First, we shall claim Chantalot. And then, all of Mystica!” Chrysalis then gave a triumphant laugh. Until she was struck in the back of the head. She turned to see Fancypants had taken off his top shirt and rolled up the sleeves of his undershirt ready to fight. Chrysalis chuckled, “How cute, Baron. I have to commend the attempt,” raised her left hand causing an aura of lime green magic to surround the baron, “but you lack what it takes to beat me,” she continued as she levitated him and throw him across the room. “And there is no-one to stop me!”

Cadance gritting her began to summon her magic and have it pooled to be right in front of her heart. “Not if I have anything to say about it!” Cadance then shouted as she started to send a beam of crystal-like light blue magic from her hands to Chrysalis.

The changeling queen, however, was not caught off guard as she sent her own magic channeled as a beam lime-green in color. As the beams collide the lime green and light blue beams went back and forth in which was dominating but the lime-green one started to lose as the light blue beam inched closer and closer to her, but then Cadance started to waiver as her time in the mines began to take its toll. The light blue beam started to flicker and the lime-green beam more or less jettisoned toward Cadance.

Everything was still, not a sound was heard save for Cadance being sent to the ground her tiara landing and clanging as it landed on the stone floor. “Cadance!” Twilight shouted as Cadance landed.

Looking at what just happened everyone was shocked at the scene, and Chrysalis was ironically the most baffled of the lot. “Ah! Shining Armor's love for you is even stronger than I thought! Consuming it has made me even more powerful than I thought possible, I have conquered a demigoddess! A demigoddess!” Chrysalis continued to gloat over her victory until she was then blasted to the steps leading to the altar by an arrow made of white light and ice.

Everyone turned to see Applejack out of her dress in her armor with her sword held out in her right hand with the tip pointing at Chrysalis and a small stream of smoke coming from the point. In her left hand was Fluttershy’s staff and on her belt was Pinkie Pie’s jester cap and a bag. To her right, with her bow at the ready, was Rainbow Dash as she prepared to fire another shot. Twilight rushed to Cadance’s side as the changeling gloated in triumphant, high off her success before Applejack and Rainbow Dash blasted her with a combined spell of Angel Shot and Ice Bolt.

“A gal should only pack the essentials,” Applejack said with a smirk on her face as she looked at Rarity in particular. “Come on girls we got an invasion to stop!” Applejack ordered as she threw to Fluttershy, the druid’s staff and then to Pinkie Pie the jester’s hat. The two caught their respective items as they ran from the altar to the chapel exit. At that time a dark purple blur came into the chapel stopping in front of Sweetie Belle revealing it to be Scootaloo on her scooter with Apple Bloom holding onto arcane monk wearing her vest with all her tools and on her back was Sweetie Belle’s lute.

“Time to go crusadin’, Crusaders,” Apple Bloom said as she handed Sweetie Belle the young bard’s lute. Sweetie accepted it and the three younger mages joined Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Spike as they all headed to meet up with Rainbow Dash at the exit of the chapel.

Meanwhile, “Get the Elements,” was all that Cadance said to Twilight as she started to get back on her feet. “I am not done with her yet,” Cadance said as she brought hands to be in front of her chest and drew a bolt of magic that formed a crystal-like light blue heart and she sent it into Chrysalis sending her into the wall.

“We gotta get ya to the teleportation rin’. Get yah back to the Golden Oak, get the Elements and then teleport back.” Applejack said as she grabbed Twilight by the upper arm and pulled her to leave the chapel as the two caught with the rest.

All the while the guest of the wedding started towards the emergency bunkers, led the way by the parents of both the groom and the actual bride. Granted it was in a panic for most, but there were enough people with just enough of their wits about them that prevented people from being killed or permanently injured… just enough. In the confusion Shining Armor was left, remaining, in a zombie-like state at the altar.

All the while; Cadance and Chrysalis went back and forth exchanging magical blows.

At the highest point of the bubble shield, a crack formed and then it shattered. All the changeling grinned and then started the invasion. Many dive-bombing into the city, forming mach cones around them before they landed. As more and more dove into the city, the vast majority started to the castle.

Twilight and company continued to the castle wall, traveling along, Twilight leading the way and at the same time slowing them down. “Sugarcube, take off the breastplate!” Applejack ordered, “Yah the one that knows the way to teleportation rin’ and yah slowing us down.”

Twilight shook her head, “It’s my brother’s and he wanted to wear it today.” she replied and continued to lead but soon they were surrounded by changelings. “I need help to get through.”

Applejack gave the bag on her belt to Rarity, “Use them wisely, Sugarcube,” the paladin then charged the group of changelings directly ahead of the group, forcing the changelings to scatter in order to clear a path for Twilight, et al. “GO! GO! GO!” Applejack shouted. Everyone then started to move ahead, save one. “Apple Bloom? What are yah doin’?” The paladin asked as she fought the changelings forming a circle around Apple Bloom as the young artificer was tinkering with something.

“Ahm makin' a weapon,” Apple Bloom answered while the pieces of metal she was working with were slowly taking shape into a weapon. Applejack was going to question, but she knew her little sister was going to focus on her work until she finished whatever she was working. ‘Well, at least we can divert these changelings for Twi’.’ Applejack thought as she returned to the increasing number of changelings that was circling her and Apple Bloom.

However Applejack did not kill any of the changelings, there were several reasons, she was strong enough to simply overpower many, she knew that her life was not endangered and three she could only detect one evil changeling, and that was their queen. That being said, the changelings learned what happens when one messes with an Apple. Bam, Thund, Bash, Pow. Applejack punched changelings left and right, Swish, Swang, Swash, she cleaved at them landing on the flat side of her sword. After a while, she sheathed her sword, “Hoo doggies, yah think you can take this Bull by the horns, yall better be ready for a ride. BULL STRENGTH!” She shouted as she brought her knuckles together and pulled them back, they took the glow of a red delicious apple. “Yall ready for the rodeo?” None of the changelings reacted beyond being confused. “YEEHAW!!” and Applejack started to punch the changelings again, this time around her blows were not affecting lone changelings, but dozens. However, more and more changelings continued to swarm in.

“Changelin’s, say hello to ‘Little Friend’, ‘Little Friend’, Changlin’s, now yall play nice,” Apple Bloom said as she finished constructing her weapon. It was, for lack of a better term, a portable cannon. She then pulled the trigger and it sent a blast of pure concussive energy that forced an entire line of changelings back. However, the recoil was too much for Apple Bloom and she fell backward landing on her rear. “Cornhusk,” the artificer almost cursed.

Applejack noticed what happened and took the canon as more and more changelings started to circle in. “Ah told ya, make sure yah didn’t skip a page when yah read,” Applejack scolded her little sister but not with anger but concern, as she fired the portable cannon. Seeing the results herself and not being knocked over by the recoil. “Then again, it could just be a matter of size.” Applejack commented as she continued to fire the cannon. “Ah take it back. Now, this is a rodeo! Let’s see, fifteen changelin’s in the side corner pocket!” Applejack shouted and fired again. “YEEHAW!” she hollowed as she correctly called her shout. “Big Mac would love to try this. Yah done great, Sugarcube.” Applejack said as she stood between Apple Bloom and the ever-increasing swarm. “Although, Ah think Ah bit off more than Ah could chew.”

Just then one in blue armor landed in front of Applejack and crushed the barrel of the gun almost without effort with his bare hands. Soon he was joined by five more that circled the paladin and her sister. Applejack punched the one in front of her, but she did not force him back, in fact, she could have sworn she broke her hand punching him. “Um, Sis, Ah think we lost.” Apple Bloom said.

“Take them to the queen!” the one Applejack punched ordered as Apple Bloom and Applejack were seized and their arms and legs bound.

As the eight remaining members of the group continued to travel along the wall towards the teleportation ring. Again Twilight was the one setting the pace, but she was surprisingly faster than the rest thought she would be. However, they again being surrounded by changelings again. They stopped and most were not sure how to continue, here Sweetie Belle stepped up and taking her lute and started to move her mouth as if she was singing and she was playing her lute, however, no-one heard anything save for Spike and the changelings. They all covered their ears, save for Spike as he started to groan, but all fell to the ground around them. “GO! We got this!” Rarity ordered the others and directed the others to go on. Twilight nodded as she and the rest proceeded towards their destination. Fluttershy grabbed Spike as she left, doing her best to help Spike’s pain.

Rarity looked around, seeing more and more changelings creeping towards her and Sweetie Belle. She opened the bag Applejack gave her, in it was a fair amount of smooth round small pieces of coal. “Well, not quite what I was expecting.” She commented, “But, you work with what you got.” She then took one out and using her magic compressed it into a proper diamond and after a few more enchantments she sent it flying towards one of the nearest changelings and it ricocheted off the changelings and started to do so off of each changeling it hit. Rarity then took out another piece of coal and repeated what she did with the first one and repeated again and again and again as the diamonds continued to ricochet off of different changelings, and for some reason, the continued ricocheting gave off the sound of a pinball machine. Rarity looked at her feet and she saw a tally at her feet and it was increasing, every so often it increased by larger and larger multiples.

Sweetie Belle then started to cough. This did not go unnoticed by Rarity, “Darling, stop. I got this, Sweetie, just keep playing your lute as long as you can," she said as she was trying to encourage her sister to continue and while not causing herself further harm. However, she started to notice that she was out of coal and the ricocheting of the diamonds was slowing down. She also started to notice more and more changelings arriving. She started looking around for more things to use, but there was little else she could use. Soon Sweetie Belle stopped playing, it was clear to Rarity that Sweetie Belle's hands hurting. Sweetie Belle looked to Rarity and looked like she was going to cry feeling like she had failed her big sister. Rarity placed her hands on Sweetie Belle’s shoulders as she kneeled to look Sweetie Belle in the eye, “It’s alright, Sweetie, you did marvelously, but I seemed to have misjudged the number of changelings we would have to face on our own.” Just then six changelings that looked clearly masculine with blue armor landed around the sisters. “I have an idea.” Rarity whispered and started towards one of the armored changelings. She reached out to place her right hand on the armor.

However, her wrist was grabbed before she could cast her enchantments, “I think not, enchantress. Take them to the queen and be careful with this one’s hands,” the one that caught Rarity's wrist before she could enchant his armor ordered.

“Well...buck,” Rarity all but cursed, rather unladylike.

With four of their group had broken off, the six continued as the reached another turret of the castle. They were halfway to the teleportation along the route Twilight was leading them along. “Are you sure this is the fastest way?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Honestly, I am not sure, but this is the one way I do know,” Twilight answered as the continued to run. Just then more changelings landed right in front of them. “Okay, I really should have taken Shining on his offer to show all the routes in the castles.” Twilight gave a weak teehee as everyone stopped.

Pinkie Pie reached into her hat and pulled out a party themed double-barrel pump action shotgun, the same one she pulled out when she called 'SHOTGUN' when she boarded the Charon when they went to confront Nightmare Moon. “Bubbles,” Pinkie Pie sang as she pulled one of the two triggers firing confetti and streamers and such at terminal velocity, clearing some of the pathways ahead. As she pulled the other trigger, “and Balloons,” she said clearing more of the path. She then pumped the shotgun and turned to another side. “We got this.” Twilight, Spike, Rainbow, and Scootaloo continued.

All the while Fluttershy had closed her eyes, as she kneeled on the wall muttering something as she took out a little rock. Soon an earth elemental about the size of Big Mac grew from the rock. “Now, maybe we can talk. As you see I can summon beings of the very elements.” Fluttershy suggested. The many of the changelings dive-bombed the elemental and began to fight. Fluttershy gave a sigh as she reached into her for more items to use.

Pinkie Pie fired her party shotgun more and more, but she soon she discovered the gun was spent. “Shoot! And my party cannon is in my jacket pocket!” Pinkie Pie then threw the spent gun as she reached into her hat and pulled out a wooden baseball bat. “Who’s on first?” she sing-song as she swung, hitting changelings left and right. However, as she was lost in her swinging she did not notice the blue-armored changelings.

All the while Fluttershy was throwing dust into the air to bedazzling the dust to make it flash and have the changelings froze in awe as they saw the glittering air. Much like with Pinkie Pie she did not notice the arrival of the armored changelings. Soon her elemental was overpowered and Pinkie Pie’s bat was shattered. As the armored changelings encircled the druid and the jester, “Um, Fluttershy, we seem to have lost.”

Fluttershy looked around as well and sighed. “I don’t want to use this.” She squeezed her eyes shut and then open them again with red glowing eyes. While most of the changelings back away, the armored ones remained unphased. She then stopped fell to her knees and started to shake in fright. “No. No. No.” she whispered.

“Why didn’t that work?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“We are drones, the top of the hive, the queen’s chosen. We fear nothing.” one of the armored changelings answered. Soon Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were bound, “Take them to the queen.”

It was just Twilight, Spike, Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash left as they continued to run and were getting closer and closer to teleportation ring. However, more and more changelings were surrounding them again. Rainbow Dash as she readied her bow. “Duck!” she ordered, everyone complied as she shouted, “GALE FORCE!” The elementalist fired a cone of air from her bow clearing a path forward along the way they have been traveling for Twilight and the others. “GO! GO! GO!” Rainbow Dash ordered. Twilight and Spike bolted forward as Scootaloo remained. “What are you doing?” Rainbow Dash asked her sister.

Scootaloo took her scooter apart and showed that the poll was a small quarterstaff fit for her size. “Come at me,” the young monk said as she charged a group of changelings.

“Squirt, Wait!” Rainbow Dash shouted as Scootaloo charged the changelings, “I am so bucked.” Rainbow Dash muttered as she fired another cone of air and another as she lost sight of Scootaloo. “SCOOTALOO! SCOOTALOO! SCOOTALOO!” Rainbow Dash continued to shout out calling for the arcane monk while she jumped into the air scanning the area and using more and more attacks, as more and more changelings continued to surround her as she was desperately looking for Scootaloo. After several minutes she managed to find her ‘sister’. “Squirt!” Rainbow Dash shouted as she dive-bombed towards her. She then embraced her closing her eyes in the process turning her head to the left, “I was so worried about you.”

“Um, Rainbow Dash…” Rainbow Dash heard. Rainbow Dash opened her eyes as she saw Scootaloo fighting several changelings, she then looked to who was in her arms only to see the Scootaloo change, in a lime green fire, into a clearly male changeling donning armor. She was then pinned to the ground as another grabbed Scootaloo by another armored changeling.

“I am so bucked,” Rainbow Dash muttered as she was pulled up and she and Scootaloo were bound.

One of the armored changelings spoke, “Take them to the queen!” he ordered.

Twilight and Spike finally arrived at last within a few meters from the teleportation circle, but they saw that they were surrounded by changelings and even more were in front of them. With even more in the circle itself, granted the circle was intact. Twilight looked at the area around her and Spike, as did Spike. The two then shared a look, it was clear they were bested. One of the changelings step forward and was it was clear that he was in charge of this group as he wore blue armor, not unlike the armor of the royal guard but the helmet looked like it had an insect’s mandible, “You have failed,” he said as he held out his hand as if to accept Twilight’s staff. Twilight sighed in defeat as she handed her staff over, Spike reluctantly followed suit with his short lance, as Twilight dipped her head and her hands and Spike’s claws and mouth were tied. “Take them to the Queen,” the commander ordered.

Back in where the war games of Celestia and Luna were being conducted, everyone was being patched up, no crippling or lethal injuries and they would be back to fighting stance within a week. However two were still at the fight, Celestia was still dressed in her ‘Lunar Republic’ gown and Luna in her ‘Solar Empire’ gown and they were clearly disheveled as if they have been fighting each other for hours. “We, like the Empire, still stand, traitor!” Luna declared as her bladed staff was caught by Celestia’s staff.

As the two strained against each other, the air around them started to glow. On Celestia’s side, the glow was yellow like the sun, on Luna’s the glow was pale like a full moon. After few seconds the glows died down as Celestia and Luna stepped back from each other and they started to laugh. “Oh, that was so much fun. We should do this more often.” Celestia said only to be tripped by Luna and Luna’s blade was placed at Celestia’s neck. Celestia then started to clap. “Yes, finally an equal,” Celestia applauded her sister, proud of Luna. Luna then helped Celestia up. “Well, that’s one round finally done,” Celestia commented. “So maybe best two of three then?” The two then started to share thunderous laughs that almost shock the world.

As the better part of the ESM watched their two ruling demigoddess princesses, the sister slowly calmed down. However, as if from out of nowhere, the two then froze as if they heard something like shattering glass. They looked at each other their eyes wide in terror and then in a second they jumped into the air and started to fly towards Chantalot causing a sonic boom, which gave off an array of light that looked like a merger of a sun and a crescent moon.

Cannonade of Adoration

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Cadance was restrained to one of the pillars by lime green goo. She struggled against the goo, trying to break free. Chrysalis walked over to an empty pue nearby, “It’s fruitless. You have failed. And once I start feeding off your love, and the swarm dines on the love of the civilians, even Celestia and Luna shall fall to me, I shall have best the three demigoddesses.” Chrysalis gloated as she walked over to the hypnotized Shining Armor, she then opened her mouth and a pink light was drawn out of Shining Armor’s chest, specifically from the area of the heart. The pink light pooled as an orb in Chrysalis’ mouth. Cadance thrashed against her binding as she witnessed this assault on her beloved, Chrysalis closed her mouth and licked her lips, “I don’t think I’ll ever find such succulent love again.” Chrysalis said as placed her hand over her mouth and shivered in delight.

Continuing to fight, “You won't get away with this! Twilight and her friends will–” Cadance started only to stop as the doors to the chapel swung open as a band armored changelings entered with Twilight, her friends, the CMC and Spike bound. As Cadance and Chrysalis witnessed, the armored changelings then throw the heroes to the floor unceremoniously, their weapons and such thrown to the other side of the aisle.

Chrysalis laughed at the scene as she turned back to Cadance, “You were saying?” the changeling queen asked mocking the princess she masqueraded as. Seeing Cadance hanging her head in the defeat. Turning back to Twilight and company, “You do realize the reception's been canceled, don't you?” As she noticed that her foes only glared death at her, she chuckled and turned to the drones, “Go! Feed!” she ordered the drones. They grinned in delight as the flew out to join the rest of the changelings. “It's funny, really,” Chrysalis commented as she returned her attention back to her captives. “Twilight here was suspicious of my behavior all along.” She continued to speak as she rubbed Twilight’s hair. “Too bad the rest of you were too caught up in your wedding planning to realize those suspicions were correct!” Chrysalis then started to laugh at the failed heroes.

Everyone was silent as they dipped their head in defeat. However, they still continued to struggle against their bindings but not even Rarity was getting everywhere. But as it was clear they were not going to get out anytime soon. No one said anything as the realization dawned on them, save Applejack, “Sorry, Twi. We should've listened to yah.”

Twilight, however, could not blame her friends for not believing her, she never talked to them about Shining Armor or Cadance, they won’t have known that Chrysalis was disguised as her, also given their roles for the wedding they would not have been able to compare notes and the word choice and actions of Chrysalis would have only seemed out of character to Shining, Celestia, Luna and or her, but with the war game, Celestia and Luna were gone and Shining had so much on his hands. “It's not your fault. She fooled everyone,” Twilight conceded.

“Hmm, I did, didn't I?” Chrysalis mused to herself as she walked over to an open window looking out to the city, “And it started with tricking Celestia and Luna about the date for their war game. Celestia was so trusting concerning sharing some secrets. I came in during the time Shining Armor was out, it was earlier in the spring during your birthday, I think. It was a matter of just lying low. However, I must admit if Shining was not so knightly, he would have found me out much sooner.” Chrysalis chuckled as she witnessed her swarm gathering up the residents of Chantalot. In her mind she started hearing the tune she heard before she started her aria, this felt it was a refrain of the song. “This day has been just perfect
The kind of day of which I've dreamed since I was small
Everybody I'll soon control
Every tot, were, and damsel
Who says a girl can't really have it all?” As she sang she hovered looking over the success of her invasion. As she landed still marveling over her victory, she even gave a rather dorky evil laugh believing that her opponents are down for the count.

Cadance, however, had long since changed tactics for getting out when Twilight and the others were so unceremoniously thrown into the chapel. Instead of struggling, she focused her magic to go to the area of her chest, causing the trapped air to heat up and melt her prison. As she was free she walked over to Shining Armor. “Shining Armor, please, mi amore, return to me.” She whispers as she embraced Shining Armor, a light blue glow transferred from Cadance’s heart into Shining Armor’s. He was then bathed in the blue light and bewitchment that controlled him was dispelled.

Shining Armor faltered backward and sideways to the altar. As he shook his head, “Wha– where... huh? Is...is the wedding over, Did I miss it?” He asked looked around as he noticed that the chapel was pretty much empty and had not processed everything else in the chapel.

Chrysalis turned to see that Shining Armor was free, but she grinned, Shining Armor was spent in power, his shield spell was down and the city was already overrun with her changeling swarm, she had won, “It's all over!” she declared seeing that her victory was assured as Shining Armor could not stand, she had bested Cadance and the six heroes and their kin were all bound.

“Your spell! Perform your spell!” Twilight shouted.

Chrysalis laughed at the notion as she hovered above everyone, “What good would that do? My changelings already roam free,” she stated point outside. “I have already won this fight,” She concluded.

Shining Armor knew he was not in the best shape, but he had to try, he had to protect his country, his family, his love. Now was the moment he could finally step into the fray so that others did not have too, now was his moment to fulfill his duties. Summoned all the magic he still had him, pooling it in his focus gem. “ALEXANDROS MEGAS!” he shouted, but the spell failed, he did not have enough power. He has failed, “No!” he said as he fell to his knees. “My power is useless now. I don't have the strength to repel them,” he said as everything dawn on him. He had let everyone down and he could not even summon the strength to stand back up.

Cadance, lower herself to embrace her love, “My love will give you strength,” she said as she pooled what remained of her power into her chest.

Chrysalis chuckled as she turned her back away from her foes landing next to the window she was looking out just minutes before. “What a lovely but absolutely ridiculous sentiment,” she said rolling her eyes. “We changelings feed off of love, we drain from others, how can you humans possibly use it as we do.”

Shining Armor glared at the changeling queen. But he then closed his eyes and tried to repeat casting his spell, however, a light blue light entered into him, “We are one.” Cadance whispered as she took Shining Armor’s face in her hands and they kissed. Shining Armor then felt something he never could image before, he felt his entire being restored, not just his power, not just his magic, all of it, and then he felt it merge with another… he opened his eyes as was looking right into Cadance’s. In this moment, they were only separate beings in terms of their physical bodies, he was no longer just Shining Armor, and Cadance was no longer just Cadance, but they were not half one, half the other, they were something new. The two shut their eyes as the magic of Cadance and Shining swirled around them lifting them into the air. Not unlike the when Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack use the Elements of Harmony.

Soon the orb of light engulfed them as they opened their eyes to reveal that they were fields of light red. Everyone else looked on in utter awe, even Chrysalis turned and her mouth started to hang open. Just as the orb collapsed on itself a version Shining Armor’s voice that sounded deeper than the very void of space was heard shouting, “ALEXANDROS MEGALYTERI!” and the light red light from the fields of the eyes of the two become a sphere and started to expand at the speed of light.

Too late Chrysalis realized what had happened, “Noooooo!” shouted as she and the entirety of her swarm were forced out of the city by the rapidly expanding sphere and were flung back towards their domain, screaming all the way.

As Celestia and Luna flew to Chantalot, “You are sure it was a good idea to have started the war games when we did, Sister?” Luna asked.

Celestia looked her younger sister, “Cadance was the one that drew the note that had it be this week.” Then she had a thought, “Did Cadance seem off since Twilight’s birthday?” Celestia asked Luna.

However Luna did not answer right away, she had not been focused on Cadance since Discord was sealed. In fact, there was something else she had… been on her mind, “Um… We cannot say We have. In all honesty, getting caught up on current history and some... recent events have been pulling Our attention away.”

As the finally had Chantalot in their sight, they saw that Shining Armor’s city protecting shield was down, but as they got closer they saw that the eruption of light of Shining Armor’s magic and mass of insectoid humanoids being forced out of the city. The other humanoids were all screaming ‘NOOO!!!’ as they passed the diarchs and were jettisoned towards the western barrens just beyond the borders of the nation. Celestia and Luna stopped as they witnessed the event. “What just happened?” Luna asked baffled at what they saw. The two then continued to their capital.

After arriving in the city, Celestia saw that her people, her charges, her children had clearly experienced something that horrified them. However, Celestia swiftly went about comforting her subjects somehow seemed to recover rapidly just by seeing their main princess there even if it was just to hold their hand.

A couple hours later Chantalot seemed to have recovered and has returned to business as usual and everyone was back in their normal routine. Celestia had returned from dismissing war games and sending the ESM back to their posts. She sat at a table she had joined with her sister when Discord was sealed and looked back at what happened this day as Luna joined her as the sun was setting. “Well, Sister, you were right about one thing,” Luna commented. Celestia turned to her younger sister. “We made it in time to make it to the wedding.”

Celestia just stared at her sister, not showing any emotion, mainly because what emotion could she show. However, she took what Luna had said as an attempt to provided some levity. However, the timing of the execution had Celestia feeling like her sister wasn’t giving the situation the level of importance that it deserved, she would have appreciated the attempt more if Luna had waited until the opening of the ceremony. But she elected to give Luna the benefit of the doubt

The next day after everyone had a chance to recover from the invasion, Cadance was going over the details of her wedding, but this time she with Shining Armor. First, they were in the kitchen trying the food for the reception. They approved the choices made by Applejack. The two met up with Cadance’s bridesmaids as they all tried on their dresses. Cadance loved the dress Rarity had originally made and was happy that her bridesmaids enjoyed theirs, as they were before the alterations were made. They two then went to check on how the reception hall was set up, while there Cadance and Shining enjoyed dancing with Pinkie Pie to the polka music the jester employed. “It’s just like my home village,” Cadance commented and hugged the party planner. The two then went over to see Fluttershy conduct the bird choir and they were satisfied with the birds, especially the one mockingbird that was off-key before was now singing as it should. They then watched as Rainbow Dash did a trial run of her Sonic Rainboom and everything seemed to be in order. They also did a check with Twilight to see how things were going, Twilight even suggested that since Shining Armor would be wearing a family memento that Cadance could as well as a way of remembering loved ones who couldn’t make it and a reminder of their support. And while Cadance had no family that fit the bill there was a locket her Earthborn parents said was found with her, a small light blue crystal shaped like a heart.

The following day, in the chapel, Princess Celestia was at the altar ready to officiate the wedding, replacing Fancypants who sat in the audience happy to be free of the responsibility of officiating the wedding, with his wife, Fleur Dis Lee. Princess Luna, much like Night Light, was having a hard time staying awake and was sitting next to an Earthborn couple that sat opposite of Twilight and Shining’s parents. Also in the audience was Rarity sitting next to Twilight and Shining’s parents with Pinkie Pie seated to her right. Near one of the windows, Fluttershy stood dressed in a version of the bridesmaid’s dress that was made for her but was redone to match her more, with the birds at the ready. Back at the altar, to Princess Celestia’s left was Shining Armor in suit patched up and wearing the breastplate he wanted to, to his left was Twilight, but she was not in a dress, but a padded armor version of her usual attire. To Twilight’s left was Applejack in her usual armor cleaned up (Twilight and Shining Armor had discussed getting her a set of functional ceremonial armor when they had noticed she wouldn’t be wearing anything expressly formal but elected to let the paladin dress as a paladin), to her left was Rainbow Dash in the flight suit Rarity made for her when she entered the young fliers competition last year (while it too was not formal like Applejack's armor, it just seemed to fit), and to her left was a Skyborn man around the age of Twilight and her friends that Twilight never seen before with blue hair, not unlike Shining, dressed in polished Royal Guard armor with a blue heater shield with a yellow lightning bolt over it depicted on his breastplate. To that man’s left was Spike in the armor he wore during the invasion as he held a pillow with two rings on it.

Celestia nodded to Fluttershy and the druid started conducting the birds to sing the Bride’s Chorus. As the birds sang the doors to the chapel opened as Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo lead the way throwing flower petals, following them were five women dressed the same and all veiled. After they all reach the altar the last of the women took the spot opposite of Shining Armor to Celestia’s right. Celestia then removed the veil showing the woman to be Cadance, the four other women the did likewise revealing themselves to be Lyra, Lemon Hearts, Twinkle Shine and Minuette. Celestia the nodded to Fluttershy to end the chorus. After the birds stopped singing, Celestia began to speak, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here-”

“Wait, your majesty, before we go forward.” Shining Armor interpreted the proceedings as he turned to face Twilight he walked down a few steps from the altar to look up to his sister. “Twilight, I owe you so much. I was wrong to doubt you when you noticed how the person I thought was Cadance was acting extremely different than how Cadance really does. You continued on in spite of everything. You trusted your instincts when everyone else doubted you. You saved my fiancée, you enabled her to be here, you… well did everything to save me. You wer… no, you are my best maiden and I spat in your face. I owe you so much and I was so wrong. I am so sorry and I am so thankful.” Shining Armor then embraced his sister, “You are not my just my LSBFF, you are my BFF. I love you, Twilight.” Twilight returned the hug.

After a few seconds, “I love you too BBBFF, I forgive you and you are welcome. But Shining now is not the time.” Twilight said as she ended the hug. Shining Armor gave a teehee and turned back the ceremony.

Princess Celestia cleared her throat and continued to proceed with the marriage, “As I was saying, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza–”

This time it was just Princess Cadance that stopped the ceremony, “Excuse me, but Aunt, ‘Princess Cadance’ will be enough.” Here Celestia gave a smile, a smile of a parent proud of their child, a smile shared by the Earthborn couple that sat on the bridal side corresponding with the locations of Twilight’s and Shining’s parents on the other side of the aisle.

After a minute Celestia continued with the ceremony, “Hm, Princess Cadance and Marshall Shining Armor. The strength of their commitment is clear. The power of their love, undeniable…”

“Um, can we just skip to the ‘Speak now or forever hold your peace,’ part?” Cadance and Shining Armor asked at the same time.

Celestia nodded, “Should anyone here know of any reason why that this couple, Marshall Shining Armor and Princess Cadance, should not be joined in matrimony, please speak your piece now or forever hold your peace.” Celestia announced. Unlike with Fancypants, there was no chatter in confusion. They waited a few minutes. “Alright, May we have the rings please?” Twilight took the rings from Spike, they were a merger of the bride's and groom’s marks. One of the rings was designed for a man’s ring finger, that one she gave to Cadance, the other which was meant for a woman’s ring finger was given to Shining Armor.

As Shining Armor slid the ring given to him onto Cadance’s finger, “With this ring, I offer to you, all myself. For as long as we both shall live.”

As Cadance slid the given to her onto Shining’s finger, “With this ring, I offer to you, all myself. For as long as we both shall live.”

“Do you each accept the other’s offer?” Celestia asked the two.

“I do!” the two said together as they held each other hands, it was clear the two were just waiting for Celestia to say the words.

Celestia then took a breath, “Well, by the power invested in me as a ruling princess of Mystica, I now pronounce you man and woman!” Celestia then turned to Rainbow Dash. “Ahem,” she coughed. Rainbow Dash then turned to Scootaloo, who look off her dress revealing underneath it was a flight suit much like Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo hopped onto Rainbow Dash and held on tight as Rainbow Dash jettisoned out an open window. As the two were just about to perform a sonic boom, “You may kiss and consummate the marriage.” At that moment they all heard and saw the sonic boom performed by both Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo. Cadance and Shining then kiss. The newlyweds broke their kiss as Shining picked up Cadance and started running down the aisle, as the bridesmaids and grooms-persons followed suit. However, Shining stopped at the exit and Cadance threw her bouquet over her shoulder as the other stopped, the bridesmaids and other women reaching for it. Lyra caught it.

A couple hours later at the reception, as everything was ready, with Vinyl Scratch at a disc jockey stand playing several songs for everyone there as they wait for the dances to start following the best maiden’s speech. Octavia and the rest of her quartet were stringing their instruments, preparing for their number. Also setting up were Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash with the instruments that Pinkie Pie pulled out of her hat when they all found out about Shining Armor. “Best wedding ever!” Rainbow Dash cheered as they were ready to kick off the party.

“Hold your horses, Sugarcube,” Applejack said. “Twilight, I think you have a speech to give.” the paladin called out calling attention to Twilight and prodding her to speak.

Twilight took notice as she took a microphone as she left her seat to stand in front of her friends as she looked at everyone else there in their seats at the table. “I have known Shining Armor for my whole life, he had always supported me when I started studying to enter Celestia’s School for the Gifted and I him as he strove to join the ESM. I first met Cadance when she was hired as my sitter during the last few years before I started what would be my apprenticeship under Princess Celestia. While I haven’t been there for them during the last year, I cannot see and would not wish either of them without the other. But I have to ask, Shining, how did you get her to say ‘yes’?” Twilight directed the last part to her brother.

“I asked him!” Cadance shouted back. Everyone but Cadance’s Earthborn parents, Celestia and Shining Armor were all taken aback. “What can I say? I like my men a little…” she then turned to Shining Armor batting bedroom eyes and in a sultry voice, “dorky,” she said as if it was accompanied by soft jazz performed on a saxophone.

“How could I say ‘no’?” Shining asked as it was clear this had gotten awkward for everyone else.

“Okay, well… um… okay, well with the question answered, To the bride and groom!” she cheered and everyone toasted.

As Twilight was about to go back to her seat, “Where do you think you’re going, you got a song to sing.” Pinkie Pie asked Twilight as she, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy had their instruments and were ready to play. Twilight was not certain what song they were going to play but then the instrumentals started. Twilight, knew the song, it was a song Shining would sing in the shower after spending time with Cadance, and Cadance would sing it when she thought no one was around after having a chat with Shining Armor. The song was ‘Love Is In Bloom.’ and Twilight could not help but feel the words return to her, “Come on Twilight, let’s get this party started!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

Twilight stopped as everyone else started to move to the dancing floor. Twilight held the microphone close to her chest as she started to sing, “Love is in bloom
A beautiful bride, a handsome groom,
Two hearts 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 (For us, For us....)”. As Twilight sang, everyone that took to their feet and started to dance. However, the focus was on Shining and Cadance, whom every so often would switch to dance with their parent of the opposite sex, and their in-laws of the opposites sex. Also during song Spike danced with each of the CMC. All the while photos of all the other attendees were taken.

At a break in the vocals, as Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy continued to play while being supplemented by Octavia and the rest of her string quartet and Vinyl with her record-play, Shining Armor and Cadance broke away waving their hands signifying that they were off to their honeymoon. Everyone paused to cheer them on as they entered the carriage.

As the carriage pulled away Twilight continued with the last verse of the song.
“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... Aah...)” Even though the newlyweds left for their wedding night and honeymoon, the party continued. Twilight gave the microphone to Vinyl as the DJ continued to play for the party. Twilight stepped aside and looked at everything. “This was a great wedding,” she commented to herself believing she was alone.

“Well, I could have done without the changeling invasion, but all in all I can’t disagree.” Twilight heard a male voice, she turned to her right and was surprised to see the Skyborn groomsman from the actual wedding. “You have a great voice, are you sure your not a famous singer?” he asked clearly flattering her.

Twilight blushed and started to fiddle with her hair as she turned her face away, “Um...I…” she stuttered not knowing what to say but she started to feel her heart race.

“The name’s...” the man started as he reached out his hand to introduce himself.

“Twilight, come on!” The two turned to see Twilight’s friends waving to her, beckoning her over to stop her from being just an observer, but an active part of the party.

Twilight turned back not sure if she should stay or go. “Looks like your friends need you,” the man said as he then started to head off, not forcing her to make the choice.

“Wait… what’s your name?” Twilight asked causing the man to stop before he vanished into the crowd.

“Hint, a-ah savior of the universe,” the man answered with a smirk and vanished into the crowd.

As Twilight’s friends joined her, “Ah know he was Shining’s actual groomsman, but who was he?” Applejack asked.

Twilight took a moment to think about what she was told by the stranger, “I… don’t...know…” she answered lost in thought. ‘Savior of the universe’, that thought just continued to plague her, however, she still enjoyed herself at the reception.

Epilogue: The Two Rogues

Chrysalis and the swarm that accompanied her flew back to the desolate barren land of the changeling kingdom. The arrived at the hive’s mound, The Caer Sith and slipped through openings. Most of the swarm went to their quarters, some went to the nursery to give what they were able to collect to the nymphs. Chrysalis herself went to her throne to think about what she did wrong, where her plan fell apart and what she could do differently.

Unbeknownst to most of the hive, one member of the swarm that was part of the invasion had different plans. He was in his cell packing a bag. ‘I can't stay here. There has to be a way I could share in a friendship like that.’ He finished packing and started his way out. He crept and slipped and slithered as he exited the mound. He knew that if he was found out he would be killed, but it was a risk he had to take. He also knew that he could never return. He did, however, leave a note:
‘There has to be another way for us to live instead of draining love out of others. I have to try. Farewell, Thorax’.

It took him three hours to exit the mound. As he exited the mound he slipped into an underground path that allowed him to traverse the wastelands surrounding the mound unseen, after an hour he exited the tunnel and was in Mystica again. He looked back and shed a tear, he was now all on his own, a rogue changeling.

Back in Chantalot, a female Skyborn dressed in form-fitting flight suit emerged from a patch of darkness inside the deep vaults. She was Nightshade, her tattered flight suit was patched up, her bow was in a quiver on her back. “No wonder The Tantabus said he would beat me, I only been truly adopted by the darkness for a few months, he was born into it a thousand years ago.” She commented on her new found powers and chuckled to herself.

She hovered around the vault, looking at each of the items stored there. “No. No. No.” she said as she examined each item and placed it back down. She then noticed Discord in his statue state, “Not happening.” she commented as she knocked on the statue causing it to move, slight. She continued to look at around. “Absolutely nothing here. Gloom Mark, my old friend, looks like you were the only thing usable that was ever here,” she said talking to her bow.

“Hey, what about me?” came Nightmare Moon’s voice from a jar that Nightshade passed over when she started to example the items in the vault.

Nightshade picked up the jar and looked it over, she shrugged her shoulders, “why the fuck not?” she asked herself. “I am already rogue, might as well go all the way.” She answered herself as she took the jar and slipped back into the shadows.

An hour or so after Nightshade had left, one Sweetie “Bon Bon” Drops entered the vault with an artifact obscured in a small palm-sized blessed applewood box, after setting the box while mumbling about not letting whatever was in out, she set to check the inventory. As soon as she started she stopped at noticing the Discord statue being off by a few millimeters, something most mages with maladies that made them pay extra attention would have trouble spotting. She then quickly looked over to where Nightmare’s remains had sat only to find them missing. Silently cursing to herself, Bon Bon started writing a message to Celestia, only to stop mid-sentence, both officially and unofficially she was no longer part of that organization. This vault had been forgotten for several decades, how Princess Celestia had known she had taken over was a mystery to her, but she had been sworn to keep the existence of the vault a secret if she sent word the vault had been plundered that be an account of the vault existing. She needed to find a way to get the word out more discreetly.

“Excuse me, Agent Drops.” came a male voice. Bon Bon looked up and saw a man she never saw before, he was dressed in studded leather armor and seemed to blend into the shadows.

“Who are you?” She asked looking at the man.

“I am the one who took Gloom Mark,” he answered as he looked in the vault. He noticed the absence of the remains of Nightmare Moon. “No!” he exclaimed. He turned around, “Tell no one about this!” he shouted as he ran down the hall.

Bon Bon blinked in confusion. “That’s it I am leaving the letter.” Bon-Bon went back to her note and finished it.

My Little Mages: The Royal Wedding

by Foxhelm

BBBFF

The Shifty Bride

From A♭major To B♭ minor, Not D♭ major

Cannonade of Adoration