Humani Victoria

Chapter 30~ A Wedding of Red

            "That is ever the way. 'Tis all jealousy to the bride and good wishes to the corpse."

                                                                                                      ~James M. Barrie

Castle of the Two Princesses, Canterlot, Equestria, Thursday, 28th of February, 5:23am, 2206 AC

Tumbling cascades of icy particles swirls around in an otherwise empty void, blue eyes watched them go, full of sadness, as he leaned on a frozen cane. Again and again in a rising chant passionate voices chanted his name, Glalÿir-Hux! Glalÿir-Hux! Glalÿir-Hux! Glalÿir-Hux! *Glalÿir-Hux!*** Sunlight cut through the cold, it warmed the body and brightened the air. It fell on him like a soft blanket, no, it was a blanket....

Jason opened his eyes, he was lying on his back on a soft bed. Wrapped in several layers of bedding, he stared up at the high wooden ceiling with tired eyes. There was the scratching of quill on parchment and Jason turned to see Band Aid sitting by his bed, he was wearing a ruffled lab coat and golden spectacles which rested on his muzzle. He magically wrote notes on a clipboard, apparently unaware that Jason was awake until he coughed.

Band Aid looked up from his writing, he dropped the clipboard and ran his horn over Jason, checking him over magically. He then felt Jason's neck with his hooves, checked his eyes, ears, and fingers.

"What's my name?" He asked.

"Band Aid."

"Who rules over Equestria?"

"Celestia and Luna."

"Brain function seems fine," Band Aid mused, writing something down on the clipboard. "Do you remember what happened?"

"I..." Jason paused. "I was in the Arctic, I passed out, and then Celestia came and got me out... Wait, is Twilight, Rainbow, and Pinkie okay?"

"They're alright, Her Majesty sent her Knights to rescue them, they're recovering as we speak," Band Aid answered. "At least from what Her Majesty told me, and everything else checks out too. Now, there is something else..."

"What's that?"

"Well... It's just that there is no damage, you were in severe Arctic conditions for almost a full day, you should have massive frostbite and honestly, should be dead from hypothermia... Unless I'm severely underestimating the Human ability in cold conditions?"

"No, that's what's normal for us but... Why not me?"

"I have a theory," Band Aid said. "I was made aware that you were recently flushed with magic yes? You now have magic flowing through you?" He questioned.

"Yeah."

"Well as you may already know, the first law of magic is that it must manifest, it seems yours has manifested in the form of some increased healing ability. That's the only explanation I can find for your lack of hypothermia and frost bite," Band Aid explained. "However, this ability is rather mundane and minor compared to what usually happens, I suspect that you might find other small abilities popping up."

"Oh goody," Jason said, not really excited about the whole thing. "Listen, is Celestia around? I need to see her."

"Well, you check out physically, although... You're taking this rather well."

"What do you mean?"

"You've just been through a traumatic experience Jason, not your first, no, but you're not exactly handling those in the best way either. Might I suggest finding a professional to talk to about this?"

"What, like a shrink?" Jason asked sceptically. "No thanks, I'm fine, really."

"Still, if you change your mind, I know a good doctor in Trottingham," Band Aid said, writing down something on a small slip of paper and handing it to Jason. "Here's his address."

"Well, thanks anyway," Jason said. "Now Celestia?"

"Ah yes, I'll send for her," Band Aid began gathering his things. "See you back at Ponyville, take it easy you hear?"

"Yeah, see ya' later."

Band Aid left and not soon after Celestia replaced him. She looked as good as ever, especially for someone who'd just flown several hundred kilometres and back in a fiery blaze of righteousness. She smiled and cantered over to Jason quickly to entrap him in a big warm fuzzy hug, and after spending a considerable amount of time in much colder places Jason really couldn't complain.

"I'm glad you're okay," Celestia said into his hair.

"Me too," Jason answered, returning the hug.

"Now, you need to tell what happened, to the letter, from your perspective," Celestia said urgently, breaking the embrace. Jason recounted the entire ordeal, right up to where Twilight was forced to teleport him into the tundra, he stopped there though as he was still thinking of how to approach the topic of Edward.

"Goodness, so the Gryphons really do have the Dagger."

"What're you going to do about it?"

"Nothing for now," Celestia said, surprising Jason. "There's nothing to do, I cannot simply march into Gryhonia and strip search the entire country, relations with High King Bloodbeak aren't exactly the best right now and I'd rather not start a war."

"But we can't just sit around and do nothing," Jason insisted.

"I agree, but I think we have at least some time, no doubt the Gryphons who have the Dagger have no idea how to use it. I'd say that gives us at least a few months to come up with a more tactful plan."

"I guess so..." Jason said unsure. "Listen, we need to talk about-"

"The Human that is currently residing in a glacier," Celestia finished. "I saw him when I came to get you, he... Radiated power, I haven't felt something like that since the Alicorns still walked the earth."

"His name is Edward," Jason said. "And he needs our help."

"Explain," Celestia said patiently, sitting down on her haunches. Jason recounted the entire story including everything Edward had told him about how he had become that way, Celestia listened carefully and didn't interrupt nor give any visual sign of her feelings. Not until Jason finished and she gave a long thoughtful breath before speaking.

"Jason..." She said calmly. "We cannot trust this man."

"Yes we can," Jason insisted.

"We don't even know if he's telling the truth."

"We don't know that he's lying."

"I can't take that chance."

"He's been stuck in the ice since the war."

"Which only reinforces the fact that we cannot assume he bears to ill will towards my citizens."

"He's harmless, if you'd just give him a chance-"

"I can't, he wields too much power, not to mention he's-"

"Human?" Jason finished bitterly which shut Celestia up. "You trust me, why can't you give him at least a chance?"

"Fine," Celestia relented. "I'll talk it over with Luna, this isn't a decision I want to rush into, and even then, from what you've told me most of this man's magic is wild and out of his control, if we attempt to free him and something goes wrong then we could easily end up killing him... Now is just not the time."

"Fine, but I need to know your real answer as soon as you have it," Jason stated.

"Okay," Celestia said, sounding disappointed. "But for now I have other matters to attend to, like this wedding for that matter."

"Wedding?" Jason asked. "Who's getting married?"

Royal Guest Room, Castle of the Two Princesses, Canterlot, Equestria, Thursday, 28th of February, 9:41am, 2206 AC

Princess Cadence smiled to herself has she rain the brush through her candy-coloured mane, looking at herself in the mirror as she did so. She heard the door open and close, Shining Armour was reflected too. He was carrying several bags in his magical grip and didn't look towards his future wife as he placed down the bags.

"Hi honey," Cadence greeted, not turning.

"Hey sweetie," Shining said back. "Sorry I took so long, they had to remeasure everything just to be sure."

"It's fine," Cadence said. "I remember it took hours to get my dress ready."

"Yeah, but at least I got the sword cleaned well enough," Shining Armour said, hoisting the ceremonial weapon. "Did I ever tell you that-" Shining stopped as he finally looked up at his wife, horror filled his eyes but was quickly replaced by rage as he drew the sword he was carrying and pointed it towards Cadence.

"Where. Is. My. Wife," he demanded, Cadence only smiled.

"What do you mean dear?" She asked innocently, turning around and locking eyes with him. "I am your wife"

Shining Armour looked confused for a moment, he squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head violently. The sword went clattering to the ground as he grabbed his temples as if he was having a migraine, he then stopped and his eyes shot open but his irises were glowing a sickly green.

"Sorry sweetie," Shining said, the green glow fading. "I lost my train of thought there, what was I saying?"

"You were just showing me the sword, honey," Cadence said.

"Oh right, well it's nothing special just a standard ceremonial..."

Cadence let him rattle on as she turned back to the mirror, continued to brush her mane and gave herself a smile. Showing off her long sharp fangs that were hidden behind the gums.

Castle of the Two Princesses, Canterlot, Equestria, Thursday, 28th of February, 9:52am, 2206 AC

Twilight paced back and forth across the infirmary floor as she had been doing to for the past hour or so. Bandages were wrapped around her horn that were soaked with a healing salve to repair the damage done by the horrible Mage Shackle that the Gryphon's had forced upon her. She shuttered at the memory, why such a cruel device was ever crafted in the first place she would never understand.

"Come on Twi, you're driving me nuts," Rainbow's voice called out from her bed. "I'm as worried as you are but you don't see me flying in circles." Twilight bit her lip and refrained from pointing out that Rainbow Dash couldn't have flied even if she wanted to, the roughening the Gryphon's had given her was more serious than they had originally thought. Besides several broken ribs, have bruising and cuts Rainbows right wing had been broken and she hadn't even noticed until they were back at Canterlot. Apparently she had been to busy focusing on getting Twilight and Pinkie out to realize one of her vital limbs was almost broken in two. It would take almost a month to heal properly, and several weeks after that to regain complete flight ability even with constant healing magic being poured into it. Bones were tricky that way.

"But I don't know what to do, that's the problem," Twilight said. "A group of Gryphon's whom we know nothing about other then they are after The Lost Artifacts and mean Equestria ill will, now have possession of an extremely powerful and dangerous weapon, not to mention the fact that we don't know what they plan on doing with it. Then just throw on the fact that Jason is laying unconscious in a bed right now with Celestia-knows how much damage, then there's you who won't be able to fly for a month and a half and, of course, My brother's getting married and he didn't tell me!"

"I know right? The nerve of that guy!" Pinkie exclaimed, bouncing on her own bed. She was more or less unharmed and seemed unaffected by the turmoil she had just been through, although Twilight suspected she was dealing with it in her own way.

"And I'm sure there's a reason, probably just wanted to keep it a surprise," Rainbow said. "Anyway I think it's not the most important thing here, but we can't do anything about the rest of it either, all we can do is hope that Jason gets better soon and Celestia figures out what to do about the Gryphon's. Until then we have to wait and frankly even I need a rest from all this."

"I guess you're right," Twi said.

"Of course she's right!" Pinkie said. "Besides, Jason's fine! He's about to walk in in three-" Before Pinkie could continue the door opened and Jason stepped in and smiled.

"Hey, glad to see you guys are alright," he said as Twilight sprung forward and wrapped her hooves around his legs.

"I'm so sorry!" She nearly sobbed. "I couldn't stop myself! They had complete control over my magic!"

"Hey, it's alright," Jason said soothingly, patting her mane. "I'm fine anyway, Celestia came and got me quickly enough."

"Yeah but you were still out there for almost a day, how're you not frozen?" Rainbow asked.

"Apparently it has to do with my magic, I have some sort of healing ability."

"Really?" Twilight asked, her eyes sparking with interest. "That's how your magic manifested? Interesting, I wonder why that is?"

"Dunno, but... That's not all, there's something I need to tell you," Jason recounted what he had said to Celestia about Edward, he left nothing out, he was done lying to his friends.

"Wow!" Pinkie exclaimed. "So there's more Humans! That means I need to throw a Congrats-You're-Not-The-Last-Of-Your-Species-Party!"

"But he's still stuck in the ice you said?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah, his magic's gone wild or something like that, he can't completely control it," Jason. "Celestia said she would look into it, but.. Well.. She doesn't really trust him."

"You have to understand though, she has a lot of history with your species, all things considered, it's surprising she trusts you at all but seeing as this man is extremely magically powerful, she has to be cautious," Twilight explained.

"I guess that makes sense," Jason said uncertainly.

"I'm sure she'll come around, the Princess isn't cruel," Rainbow cut in.

"Yeah! She's probably just wants to make sure she doesn't hurt Eddy when she thaws him out!" Pinkie said.

"Thanks guys," Jason smiled. "Anyway, enough about that, how about this wedding huh? Shining Armour and Princess Cadence right?"

"Yeah," Twilight said a bit bitterly. "Which Shining neglected to mention to me, at all."

"Did you even know they were dating?" Jason asked.

"No! I didn't even know they knew one another! How did Shining end up proposing to one of the three Alicorns alive?"

"Search me," Jason said. "But you gotta admit, marrying the Goddess of Love? That's one hell of a score."

"He's got you there Twi," Rainbow said. "Your going to be nobility by Royal association."

"That's not the point!" Twilight exclaimed. "I don't even know this mare!"

"You're overreacting Twi," Rainbow assured. "She's probably really nice, I mean, she is the goddess of love, how bad could she be?"

Lower Solar Street, Canterlot, Equestria, Thursday, 28th of February, 10:54pm, 2206 AC

The sound of hooves echoed off the marble buildings as Star Shine cantered home, she usually wasn't out this late but unfortunately she had to cover for someone who was sick and take the closing shift. Canterlot was dark and quiet at this time of night, with only Luna's moon to guide any late-goers.

A cold breeze ruffled Star's fur and made her shiver, she wasn't a fan of the dark and was all to eager to get home. Her fear was heightened as out of the corner of her eyes she saw some sort of movement on a dark ally, she stopped to look but saw nothing. Then all of a sudden, she heard a sound of breaking glass, like someone had dropped a bottle behind her. She swore she heard soft hoofbeats that were almost unnoticeable over her own, Star's heart rate increased.

"H-hello?" She stuttered to the dark. "Is anyone there?" No response, but suddenly a new sound came. Like the clocking and hissing of an insect but much louder, and it seemed to echo from everywhere.

"I-I'm warning you," Star said to the darkness. "My husband is waiting for me at home, and of I don't get there soon he'll come looking for me." Still nothing, even the clicking stopped and everything was dead quiet, Star let herself calm down a bit, until she happened to glance to her side into a nearby alleyway.

Two reflected points of light stared at her from the alleyway, they were eyes. Slowly the figure moved into the light, first it's head came into view. Small, narrow, and black, with long fangs that dripped clear spittle that fell onto the ground in a constant sticky stream. It's legs were black as well, covered in chitin with rigged holes running through them, insect wings twitched on the creature's back and as it got closer to Star she could see her horrified face reflected back at her in its insectoid eyes.

Star Shine's mouth stretched as the scream built in her throat but she was too late, the creature pounced at her and tackled her to the ground. It's spit splashed and stuck like glue to her fur as a black hood pressed down on her throat, cutting off her airway. With her last breath Star managed to let out a panicked scream that echoed in the night silence before her throat was closed completely, fortune shone on her that night as that scream carried just far enough.

"Hey! Stop right there!" A voice boomed from further up the street, the creature looked up as lights shone upon the scene. Several Royal Guards galloped towards it, light from their horns illuminating their way and reflected on their drawn swords. The creature didn't hesitate, it's wings extended and it took off with rapid fluttering flaps and sped away into the night with two Pegasi guards in hot pursuit.

"Are you alright ma'am?" One of the guards asked, kneeling to inspect Star Shine.

"I *cough* t-think so," Star spluttered. "W-what was that thing?"

"A Changeling," the guard said grimly. "You're lucky we got here, the private here will take you home. The rest of you follow me, the Princess must be notified immediately."

"But sir, what was a Changeling doing this far north?"

"I don't know private, but it gives me a bad feeling..."

Celestia's Chambers, Castle of the Two Princesses, Canterlot, Equestria, Friday, 29th of February, 7:37am, 2206 AC

Celestia stared solemnly out the window, a steady peppering of fresh snow was cascading from the sky in a great display of cold beauty. Yet it had no real effect on her as the news she had just received threw a dark shadow over her mind.

"I should've predicted this," she said.

"There's no way you could have," Cadence assured. "This isn't your fault."

"Even still we must take precautions," Luna stated. "I shall fly south and look for evidence of Changeling activity, what shall you do in the meantime sister?"

"Mm, Shining Armour has a shield spell that is very powerful, perhaps he can maintain it for the duration of the wedding."

"Is that really necessary?" Cadence asked. "How're we sure that this wasn't an isolated incident? I don't want to worry everyone, nor put strain on Shining."

"I don't believe in coincidences," Celestia stated firmly. "You must realize that their is great animosity towards you from her, you cannot be too careful, she is still very powerful even in her corrupted form."

"If you insist," Cadence said reluctantly. "I shall bring the news to Shining then."

"Before you do, I want you to meet someone," Celestia said, her horn sparking to life briefly. "The Human I told you about, Jason, he's recovered, no doubt he's as interested in meeting you as you are him."

"I suppose."

"Anyway, I shall be off," Luna said, sparking her horn. "Do try and not have Canterlot collapse in my absence." And then she teleported away in a blue flash. In a moment afterwards there was a knock at the door and a guard opened it to reveal Jason, looking healthy and in a new change of clothes that must have been brought from Ponyville by his friends who had remained there.

"Ah, Jason," Celestia greeted. "I'd like you to meet Cadence, the Alicorn of Love."

"Oh, uh, hey," Jason said awkwardly, holding out his hand. "It's great to meet you."

"Ah, yes, you too," Cadence said, eyeing the Human hand in front of her for a moment before tentatively placing her hoof into it for Jason to shake in greeting. "I've heard a lot about you."

"Yeah, I could imagine," Jason said, dropping her hoof. "Anyway, marrying Shining huh? When'd you guys meet?"

"Back when he had just become captain of the guard," Cadence answered with a genuine smile. "He guarded me during a visit, the rest is history I suppose."

"And that brings us to the point at hoof," Celestia cut in, getting Jason's attention. "I believe that Cadence is in danger here, her wedding day may be the date for some sort of attack."

"Really?" Jason asked, surprised. "What makes you say that? Who would want to attack her?"

"The Changelings," Celestia said. "Namely their queen, Chrysalis, she and Cadence share a history."

"And that is?"

"Mm, well you deserve to know I suppose," Celestia mused. "Before she was Chrysalis, she was Aphrodite, the original Alicorn of Love. After the war she became... greedy, instead of spreading love she began to desire it, to... Consume it. She corrupted her purpose."

"Like Discord? Or Luna for that matter."

"Yes, we Alicorns have our laws, we all have a purpose to fulfill, Luna and I share the same one; to maintain the cycle of day and night. When Luna attempted to create an eternal night she... Morphed, changed into the creature we know as Nightmare Moon. The same more or less happened to Discord, and to Chrysalis. She consumed love energy for food, harnessed its power, and in turn she morphed into the first Changeling. Insect-like creatures that replace loved ones to feed of the love of their family or spouses, or even kidnap people to forcibly take the energy for themselves. When she changed she changed her followers with her, a rather large population of unaligned Alicorns, and created the Changeling race."

"So Cadence here replaced her as the Alicorn of Love, which probably doesn't make this Chrysalis the biggest fan," Jason concluded.

"Precisely," Celestia said. "We discovered one Changeling attempting to replace a poor mare out late last night, they usually do not travel as far north as Canterlot, this has me very concerned, we don't know how many other Ponies have been replaced, but to stem the tide, I've had Shining Armour cast an advanced shield spell that screens for deception spells like the ones the Changelings use."

"Yeah I noticed that," Jason said. "That big purple dome over the city, pretty impressive."

"And effective, hopefully it will stop any more Changelings from entering the city."

"Well, I'm here to help if I can."

"That's why I called you up here," Celestia said. "I want you guarding Cadence at every available opportunity, the Changelings will be targeting her and I want someone I can trust by her side... I can't be certain who has or who hasn't been replaced by Changeling doppelgängers, I can't even trust my own guards and knights."

"What about Shining though?"

"He has his hooves full with keeping the shield up, it's taxing on him so I think it better we have another sword at Cadance's side."

"Okay," Jason looked at Cadence who wore a neutral expression. "And you're okay with this?"

"...I suppose it's for the greater good," she said. "Of course, you can't be with me all the time, I do need private moments."

"O'course, I'll just tail along with you when you leave you're chambers, you won't even know I'm there."

"Good," Celestia mused, looking back out the window. "Let us hope that we can all get through this in one piece."

Private Rooms, Castle of the Two Princesses, Canterlot, Equestria, Friday, 29th of February, 7:42am, 2206 AC

Cadence had retreated to her own chambers rather quickly, assuring Jason to return in ten minutes or so, she wanted to take a walk around the city and check on the preparations for the wedding. So Jason simply headed back to the room that he and the girls were all sharing, only to find Twilight on one of her paranoid trades again.

"Twilight dear, if you'd just stop pacing for just a moment I could measure you for your dress," Rarity was saying uselessly as Jason entered, Twilight was indeed pacing a rut into the floor. "Really you're acting foolish..."

"Tch, just because I don't trust some random Pony that's marrying my brother doesn't make me foolish," Twilight countered. "Even if she's an Alicorn, it doesn't mean anything."

"Look Twi, your brother's marrying a stranger, we get it," Rainbow said, holding a book labeled 'Daring Doo and The Temple of Boom' up to her nose. "But she ain't a witch who's stealing your brother away, I mean, if Shining loves her, how bad could she be?"

"Stallion hearts are weak," Twilight said coldly, with a worrying twitch to her eye.

"Well I thought she was nice enough," Jason interjected, taking a seat on a nearby sofa next to Fluttershy, giving her a ruffle of the mane as he did so. "I just met her."

"Really? Oh what was she like?" Fluttershy asked. "It's so exciting to meet the Alicorn of Love."

"Well she seemed average, a little awkward but I think that was because of me," Jason paused. "Although she's the only Alicorn without baggage with Humanity, so it's kinda nice that I don't really have work to get her to trust me."

"Well that's great darling, but why did Princess Celestia call for you in the first place?" Rarity asked.

"Other than introducing me to Cadence? She wanted me to act as Cadence's protector while the wedding is going on."

"Because of the Changeling threat?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah, how'd you know?"

"Shining told me when I spoke to him this morning, same reason he's put up that shield."

"Well it will at least give you a chance to get to know her, you may become good friends in time," Rarity assured. "You might even find it prudent to have Twilight tag along, maybe if she actually talked to Cadence she would stop worrying about it."

"Actually, I think that's a great idea," Twilight said in a way that gave less hope to her reconciliation with Cadence.

"Well she told me she was going to take a walk around Canterlot and check on the wedding preparations, I guess she wouldn't mind with you along, come on," Jason turned to go but not before Rarity's curt voice stopped him.

"Not dressed like that you're not! You've been assigned as a Princess' personal guard! And you must look the part," She said, and magically thrust a garment bag in Jason's face. "Now change."

Jason sighed but relented, he slipped into the washroom and quickly changed. The outfit was nice of course, heavy place pants and high-topped boots, a simple white shirt under a tight black tunic with gold buttons and epaulets, and finally a red scarf and black gloves to tie the look together. Jason came out a minute later, smoothing his tunic over his chest.

"Better?" He asked.

"Better," Rarity confirmed, magicking over his gladuis. "Now, off with you."

Jason strapped his sword to his side and began walking back towards Cadence's chambers with Twilight, who herself had put on a scarf, coat, and beret all am off-shade of purple, in tow. When her door came into view, Cadence was just exiting, she gave Jason a small friendly smile that faults red instantly once Twilight came into view.

"You brought company," she said, not seeming excited by that fact. "You must be Twilight, Shining's little sister, it's really great to finally meet you."

"Well I would hope so, seeing as I'm your future sister-in-law," Twilight said, not bothering to keep the bitterness out of her voice as she eyed Cadence like a paranoid conspiracy theorist. "You don't mind that I tag along do you?"

"Uh, no, of course not, the more, the merrier," Cadence said, clearly trying to sound genuinely okay about it. She failed.

When they walked out of the castle the snowfall had shifted to a light flurry, which they were all grateful for. As they entered the city proper decorations could be seen, flags, banners, streamers, and magical lights were being placed in every available surface. The residents each bowed in turn to Cadence, some complimented her, others wished her well, some even inquired as to the possibility of a child on the way. Cadence took each of these encounters in stride however Jason couldn't help but notice there was a sort of... Awkwardness to her responses, a strange look in her eye, as if she wasn't used to talking to people on a day to day bases which was strange as Jason would expect the Alicorn of Love to be, well... Loving. Instead Cadence seemed to put forward a plastered smile and simple responses that just didn't feel really genuine or natural. But Jason dismissed most of these instances as his imagination, perhaps Cadence was just uncomfortable around people she didn't know very well, it was entirely possible.

"So, you and Shining huh?" Twilight asked suddenly.

"Oh, yes, you're probably interested in how that came about aren't you?" Cadence asked.

"Very."

"Well like I told Jason here, Shining was tasked to guard me on a visit a few years back," Cadence explained. "He was very charming and one thing lead to another, we dated for a time and he proposed, so we find ourselves here."

"Yes I know all that, but... How'd you fall for each other? What'd you actually feel?"

"Well..." Cadence paused. "I suppose... Well it's hard to put it into words, love can't be clearly explained like that. You understand right?"

"Of course," Twilight said curtly.

"Look, I understand you're only being protective of your brother, I get it really, but I want you to know that I love him with all my heart, and I would never do anything to hurt him," Cadence said, looking Twilight straight in the eye. "Okay?"

"...Alright," Twilight relented.

They slipped into silence after that, a very tense slightly awkward silence but the matter seemed to have dropped for now. They came onto a larger building in which a sign identified as a bakery, the sounds of crashing pits and pans and rather mad giggling could be heard from inside. Cadence entered with Jason and Twilight in tow. Inside was a mess with bits of floor and batter everywhere, as well as several hundred pans full of cupcakes of every shape, size, and colour. From out of another room appeared Applejack who was carrying a tray of what appeared to be baked apple slices, she laid them on a nearby countertop and turned to greet them.

"Well howdy there Princess Cadence," she said, tipping her hat in respect. "Come tah check on the confectionaries?"

"That's right, how're you coming along?"

"On schedule, Princess," Applejack assured. "Me and Pinkie Pie have been working mighty hard, but it's an honour to be makin' the snacks for yer wedding."

"Well, Princess Celestia told me of your... Prowess, in cooking," Cadence said. There was another crash and a blur of pink and suddenly three more trays of cupcakes joined its brethren in the quickly growing legion of sugary baked goods.

"Hi Cadence! Hi Jason! Hi Twilight!" She exclaimed. "Can't talk! Must bake! Pinkie! Awwwwaaaayyyy!" And with that she practically flew into the kitchen.

"...Very productive then," Cadence said awkwardly. "Well I won't bother you any longer."

"It was no trouble, Princess," AJ assured, then turned to Twilight. "We still good for lunch today?"

"Of course, see you then," Twilight answered.

They headed back to the castle after that, Cadence leading them down a hallway that Jason didn't recognize. They turned into a door to reveal Rarity, who was running back and forth across the wide space she had been given, sewing something here, hemming a skirt there. She seemed to be baking the work of ten different dresses at once, as well as a tuxedo that was clearly meant for Jason. Rarity didn't notice them as they entered, she was too engrossed in her work, until of course, Cadence cleared her throat. Rarity halted in her tracks, several needles and string spools floating magically around her.

"Ah, Princess Cadence!" She said. "Here to check on the dresses yes?"

"That's right," Cadence confirmed. "How're you coming along?"

"Oh very good Princess," Rarity assured. "You and your bridesmaids shall look positively lovely... Have you... Decided on whom those might be? I need to get their sizes you see."

"Oh, um, I shall let you know as soon as I do," Cadence said. "Keep up the good work."

"Of course, Princess."

They left as swiftly as they came, only stopping in the great hall to check on the decorations -- Cadence assuring the decorators that it indeed looked fine, it took no more then ten minutes -- before Cadence retired to her chambers once more. Stating she would eat privately and that Jason shouldn't expect to be called back to guard her until later that afternoon, when the rehearsal was taking place.

So Jason just followed Twilight who was being oddly quiet for a paranoid obsessive-conclusive, but Jason took it as a sign that maybe she had come to terms with her brother's marriage. She led him back into the city where they met up with the rest of her friends outside a small little café.

"So Twilight dear, how have you taken to Princess Cadence? Or are you still convinced she's an evil sorceress from Saddle Arabia?" Rarity asked, perusing the menu. Twilight didn't answer at first, only sipped absentmindedly at her smoothy for a moment before responding firmly.

"There's something off about her." She said, which received a trade of exasperated reactions from her friends.

"Oh really, Twilight."

"Horseapples."

"Oh for fuck's sake."

"No, listen, listen," Twilight insisted. "I watched her all day today, she can barely look ponies in the eye, only speaks if necessary. It's like she hasn't had any contact with Ponies in ages. How can the Princess of Love not be able to talk to others?"

"So? She's a little socially awkward," Jason dismissed. "So are you."

"That's not the point here," Twilight growled angrily.

"Tha's right," Applejack jumped in. "The point is that you've been doin' nothin' but prattlin' on about, what? What exactly is yer problem? That you don't like her? Because I'm afraid to tell ya' but yer big brother loves that mare. Now if you're really that concerned about this marriage then maybe you should talk to her brother about it, rather then stalking Cadence like a creep." Twilight frowned at her smoothy for a moment before getting up and angrily trotting off.

"That was a bit harsh," Jason remarked.

"She needed to hear the truth," Applejack stated firmly. "She needs to learn that like it or not, Shining Armour can marry whomever he wants without her input."

"I guess so," Jason said, delving into is own thoughts as he sipped at his tea.

Private Rooms, Castle of the Two Princesses, Canterlot, Equestria, Friday, 29th of February, 2:26pm, 2206 AC

Jason leaned against the wall as the girls gushed and chattered, they were all clad in beautiful dresses that normally Jason would've appreciated much more if something hadn't been nagging on his mind.

"So Cadence... Made all of you her bridesmaids?" He asked.

"Yes! Last minute I know, but Cadence doesn't have many friends in Canterlot, and since we're the friends of her soon-to-be sister-in-law then we were a clear choice!" Rarity said excitedly.

"I suppose so," Jason said, frowning to himself. The girls chattering and laughing faltered as the door literally flew open as Twilight came racing  in, coming to a skidding halt and heaving and puffing like she had run a marathon.

"Twi? What's the matter?" Rainbow Dash asked in concern.

"It's Cadence!" Twilight exclaimed. "I was right! I had just gone to my brothers room to talk to him and I overheard him and Cadence talking, well arguing actually, the door was open a bit so I looked in, and then my brother got this headache and... And Cadence used some sort of spell on him! And then suddenly he just agreed with Cadence!"

"Guys... I think Cadence... I think Cadence might have been replaced by a Changeling, and Shining Armour is being mind-controlled by it."

"Now that is just plain ridiculous!" Rarity said. "Now Twilight dear, I understand that you are going through a rough time but you cannot simply create a fanciful story to vilify Cadence, it's childish, even if what you saw actually happened It is more likely that Shining Armour is having magical strains from keeping that shield up the poor dear, and Cadence is helping him with it. Besides do you honestly think that a mere Changeling could not only overpower Cadence, an Alicorn mind you, but also pull the wool over the eyes of Celestia herself? Surely not."

"Now we are all going down for the rehearsal, you're needed there as well because you're the best mare. I hope that you will get over this obsession of yours before you get there, come along everypony." The Mane Six minus Twilight exited the room, leaving just her and Jason left. Jason stood up from his leaning position and approached Twilight, standing before her.

"I guess you don't believe me either?" She asked bitterly.

"Let's suppose that I do," Jason said. "What're you going to do about it?"

"I'm going to stop her.... I'm going to save my brother, even if I have to do it alone."

"I won't stop you," Jason said. "But I will ask you to really consider the consequences before acting, and... Try not to be stupid okay?" Twilight didn't say anything as Jason walked out of the room too.

He caught up with the rest of his friends in the great hall, which was now brightly decorated with banners, drapes, flowers, and other things. Celestia, Cadence, and Shining were there too, with Celestia acting as the priest of minister or whatever. Shining himself was in uniform but also looked like he hasn't slept in a while, with a tired blank look in his eyes.

"Alright, so bridesmaids over there, Shining you're here, Cadence you just stay here we're just practicing the ceremony today, Jason here, besides me... Yes..." Celestia said, directing everybody to their places. "Now... Wait where is Twilight?"

"I'm here." Came the voice, and then there was Twilight whom was standing solidly in the open doorway, and began to trot determinedly towards the end of the hall were everyone was situated.

"I will not stand next to her," she declared, and then pointed to Cadence with her hoof. "Because she is evil, she is not the true Cadence, this creature is a Changeling who has replaced my brother's true wife and taken control of his mind, it must be disposed of immediately."

It was amazing, how fast Jason's palm met his forehead.

"W-why?" Cadence sobbed, tears springing to her eyes. "W-why would you say that to me? Why?" And before she could get an answer she ran out of the hall, crying her eyes out.

"Twilight!" Shining barked angrily. "Why did you do that?"

"Can't you see?" Twilight said. "That creature has you wrapped around her hoof! You need to fight it!"

"That is the mare I love and the one I want to marry," Shining said. "A and if you can't accept that, fine, don't, but keep your feelings to yourself... And out of my life, and if you're truly that against this marriage then you can forget about being my best mare." And with that Shining trotted past her.

"B-b-but... I..." Twilight stuttered, and looked to her friends but there was no sympathy in their eyes.

"Come along girls," Rarity said curtly. "Let us go comfort Princess Cadence." The girls agreed and followed Rarity out, sparing Twilight nay a glance.

"I... I'm," Twilight tried to say, as Celestia walked right past her and gave her only a small response.

"You have a lot to think about," she said in disappointment then exited the hall. That was the last straw for Twilight, her legs gave out and she fell to the floor in despair, tears dripping from her eyes to wet the floor. Jason hadn't moved from his position nor made a sound the entire time, now he gave a heavy sigh whilst ribbing the bridge of his nose between this thumb and his finger. He walked up behind Twilight as without a word pulled her head close to his leg, keeping his hand steady on her mane.

"You know, for someone who's really smart," he said. "That was stupid."

"...W-what have I done?" Twilight asked no one in particular. "I could've gained a sister, but instead... I lost a brother." They remained like that for a while, for only a minute or so before the sound of approaching hooves brought Jason's gaze back up, it was Cadence, all signs of tears gone from her eyes. Twilight looked up two, her eyes a river in their own rights.

"I-I'm sorry," She said pathetically.

"No, it's my fault," Cadence said, wiping a tear from Twlight's cheek. "I should've have done something to put you at ease, made you understand, I pushed you to this."

Jason's eyes narrowed, something wasn't right.

"Oh, and I'm sorry to you too, Jason," Cadence said, looking up and then she capturing him in a hug. "I've put you through all this too."

Jason passively accepted the hug, still very confused by this sudden turn of events. It was only until Cadence lifted her mouth to his ear, and her hot breath caressed his skin when she spoke that Jason's heart took a sudden plummet into the abyss.

"The Alicorns send their regards."

Suddenly Jason as Twilight were shoved back both physically and magically, send sprawling onto the floor. Before they could recover green flames burst around them, creating a circle to entrap them. The flames reflected in Cadence's smug eyes as a magical done covered over them and they both felt a sensation of being dragged down, Jason got one final look at Cadence's cold flame-filled eyes before his world became darkness.