Amore

Luna and I both stare at one-another, neither of us saying a word. Only the movement of our manes and the arrival of dark clouds in the sky. A thunderstorm, crackling with brilliant bolts highlighted in green instead of the usual electric-blue, lights up the alleyway, casting shadows across the wall. I look over my shoulder at one set of shadows in particular. The urban commando, frozen as well, stands there mid-stride, rifle at the ready as he rounds the corner, the barrel of a second rifleman hanging over him.

I look back at Luna. Were it not for the shallow breaths moving her chest, her stoic demeanor would have me thinking she too was locked in time. I take a step forward, a look of sheer confusion while I determine if the Luna before me is really... real. A hoof lifts out to touch her, but an inch away from contact, the aura of a dark-blue magic coats it, gently forcing it down to the ground. I cast a look to her face, seeing the fading of the same aura from her long horn.

"Yes, human, we are real," comes her echoing, regal voice. It's not the full brunt of the Royal Canterlot Voice, but there is enough authority and purpose to her tone that I'm compelled into nodding my response to her.

"We also have very little time to escape, before you both are lost forever." Luna gestures up to the sky.

The night sky was gone, replaced by a pitch blackness. Even the faint outlines of the individual clouds were fading fast. The green lightning, once bright and distinct, now appeared faded and dull. I look back to the soldier behind me, and barely contain a scream. The figure was no more than a mannequin, devoid of any distinguishing features. What's more, is that behind him, I could no longer see the rest of the block; a creeping darkness slowly engulfed the street.

"Luna, you've gotta help me. What's ha--ah!" My words come out a million miles an hour, but I'm taken back by the sound of it. It wasn't my voice. Word for word, I spoke in Shining Armor's voice. I raise a hoof and place it to my throat, but Luna pays me no attention. Instead, she's closing her eyes, whispering to herself as her own horn sparks with electricity now.

"LUNA! WHAT'S GOING O--" This time, my voice is stifled by a large hoof pressed against my mouth.

Luna doesn't look to me, but speaks in her authoritative tone again. "Human, there is precious little time for us to work our magic. If you wish to be saved from a fate worse than Tartarus, be silent." A brief pause. "Please."

Immediately I move to speak again, but her foot snaps to my lips, keeping them shut. "No doubt you are full of questions, but there will be a time and place for them."

As she quiets, both our bodies are engulfed in her magical aura. We levitate into the air, as the darkness creeps over where we just stood. The entire world is now covered in an eerie darkness, soon replaced by a field of stars against the night sky. Luna breaths a sigh of relief, but doesn't break her magical aura. Her eyes open, and she looks down to me. I don't like her expression. What she wears is a look of pity, and the faintest look of sadness.

"Human, or should we say... Shining Armor..." Luna begins. She's dropped the tone of authority, instead taking on one of quiet compassion.

I take this moment to interrupt. "What do you mean, Shining Armor? I get that I look just like him now, but I'm not--"

Luna speaks up, talking over me. "You are Shining Armor." The authoritative, regal tone is back, and her blue eyes never move from mine. "We have but a few seconds; forgive us for skipping ahead. Think, human, how would we ever appear in another's world?" She leans in, pressing the question, "When was the last time you appeared just like him?"

I don't even need to think on it. The sudden pang in my stomach confirms it. After a labored gasp and slow exhale, careful to not vomit when I speak the word that makes my jaw shiver as I do so. "Dreams." I shake my head. "In my dreams. But how can you be here; this isn't a--"

Princess Luna shakes her head, "Nay. This is in fact a dream. As the Princess who watches over them, we would know with absolute certainty. We--"

"But I fell asleep!" Before she can continue, I interrupt her again. This is how this conversation is going to be? Fine. "I... I had dreams that I was Shining Armor. Now you're saying this is a dream? I just woke up! From the wedding! After casting that huge spell!"

She shakes her head again. "Nay. After casting that spell, you fell unconscious. This time, you weren't under Queen Chrysalis's spell." She steps forward, lifting her hoof and pushing it into my chest. "Think, human. It is impossible to... transform into a pony, is it not?"

I pause, mouth hanging agape. I can't even respond, so Luna does, "How else would you have been able to had this not been a dream?"

It's the final blow. My mind crumbles to dust inside my skull. Everything... up until now... had been a...?

"It is time," she speaks, adopting the full regal tone as she speaks now. Her horn swirls with an intense, blue-colored magic that washes away the starry landscape. "We know not where thou shalt arrive, nor when we shall be able to provide assitance, but the advice we shall impart onto thee..." Her lead lowers, staring straight into my eyes as she speaks. "Play thy part. Cadance's first wedding lay in ruin from an imposter. Don't let her believe there is a second one."

I shake my head furiously in response, as if to get the magical aura off of me. "No! That's dishonest! I'm not going to steal Cadance's wedding day... or her night..." I close my eyes and continue shaking.

"Worry not about deceit," come her final words, and for the first time, offering me a smile. "For thou art Shining Armor. Of  this fact, we can guarantee."

The darkness surrounds me, encased in Luna's magic, and my vision and hearing cut out. Exactly like when I rose from a...

***

Immediately my senses are overwhelmed by the sensation of color. The entire room is filled with ponies, all of them dressed in fine clothing.

Bringing me back, is the sensation of someone tugging at the bandolier across my uniform. I look next to me, and see Twilight Sparkle, horn alight with magic, as she adjusts various aspects of my uniform. Satisfied, she looks up to me, and offers the purest smile I had ever seen. I couldn't help but return it.

A drumroll sounds from the side, amplified by the acoustics of the grand hall we were in. At one of the windows, a yellow pony with flowing, pink hair conducts a choir of birds, who begin to sing. The four notes that echo shoot goosebumps across my entire body.

Here comes the bride...

At the far end of the hall, the giant doors swing open aided by the magic of two gray unicorns in golden armor. In the distant, three small fillies gallop forward, shaking flowers from baskets carried in their mouth. Behind them... is her, flowing in on silks of white and gold, hair braided and set in a bun holding her veil. I couldn't say what the fashion was, but I know for a fact, that anypony seeing her right now will wish they could hold a candle to her radiant flame.

Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.

"Seriously though," Twilight speaks in a soft whisper, directed to me. Our eyes remain fixed on the bride before us. "I get why the Queen of the Changelings wanted to be with you, but how did you get someone as amazing as Cadance to marry you?"

I don't know how to respond. I say something to her, but I can't even hear my own words over the pounding of my heart in my ears.

Instead, my brain was trying to process the sensory overload that I was dropped into. The bright colors of the wedding guests complimenting their equally-bright attire. The mixing of perfumes and colognes into an intoxicating aroma. The fact that, on my left, the actual Twilight Sparkle is talking to me, me, of all people, while Princess Celestia stands to my right.

And now, right in front of me, stood Princess Cadance. She offers a smile, and once again, I can't help but smile back. This time though, it's in sheer beauty of the creature before me. My tingling brain could barely process the fact that there were living, breathing ponies all around me. Yet, Cadance puts them all to shame. She was, for lack of a better word, perfect.

This is her perfect day...

Luna's words echo in my mind. Her wedding was ruined once already. If I backed out, and told everyone here that I wasn't the pony that I looked like... I close my eyes, and let out a deep breath.

"Don't be nervous, sweetie." Those words alone, spoken by her no louder than a whisper, in a tone that burst with a genuine love. Unlike Luna's regal authority that demanded, these soft-spoken words persuade me into accepting her suggestion. I let out another deep breath, and we both turn to face Celestia.

There was no way I could do that. That said, if I went through with this... if I took the place of Shining Armor...

You are Shining Armor.

"Mares and gentlecolts," Princess Celestia finally spoke, addressing the crowd behind us, "We are gathered here today, to celebrate the union, of the real Princess Mi Amore Cadenza--"

Cadance speaks up quickly, "Princess Cadance is fine." She looks back to me with a smile, and her front hoof reaches over to brush against mine.

This wasn't the moment to have a mental dilemma. I'm sure Cadance and Celestia are picking up on it as well. I encourage her with a thankful smile, giving my attention back to Celestia as she continues.

"The union of Princess Cadance, and Shining Armor. The strength of their commitment is clear; the power of their love undeniable." She turns her gaze to Spike, dressed up in a tuxedo and top hat, holding a small pillow. "May we have the rings, please?"

Her horn levitates them with magic. This was it, the big moment in a wedding. I still fight over it in my head, whether or not to go through with it. Celestia then places the first ring, studded with several diamonds, onto Cadance's horn. I had no choice but to trust in the judgment of Princess Luna. She knows I was a human, yet, she calls me Shining Armor, and places me at the altar with the pony Shining Armor is supposed to marry. If Princess Luna has that kind of trust in me....

My thoughts dissipate as the cold metal of my ring sits snugly halfway down my horn. "I now pronounce you, mare and colt."

Cadance turns to face me. Her cheeks, as pink as they are, go deep red now. Mine do much the same. We both know what's supposed to happen next. I'm not sure if I'm ready for it... but the moment I go to think about it, my instincts kick in.

I lean in with her, and our lips press together in a chaste kiss.

The ballroom erupts into cheers and applause, as Cadance steps back and to my side. Celestia steps aside with a tear in her eye, exposing a balcony overlooking the castle's plaza. Together, our bodies leaning against one another, we step out to the balcony, igniting the crowd of thousands of ponies into absolute jubilation.

"Shiny," Cadance speaks up. She's still waving to the crowd of ponies below, but I catch her glance every few moments.

"Y-Yeah, Cadance?" I still wasn't used to this new voice. My new voice. She catches the stutter in my voice, and brushes her head against mine. The crowd loves it, celebrating the display of affection. The wedding was as much their party as it was Cadance's... and mine too, I guess.

Anything to take their minds off the Changeling invasion.

Her waving hand moves to the bottom of my chin, and she steals a quick peck, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The bridesmaids start rubbing at their eyes, with tears forming. Her words though, are heard only by me.

"I know you're still out of it, and you've been doing really great, sweetheart." Despite being the words of a lover, and now a wife, there's still that nurturing quality to her tone. Years as a foalsitter at work. "We'll do our First Dance at the reception, and then we'll leave for our quarters, where you can get some rest, okay?"

I quickly nod in appreciation. "Thanks, Cadance. I haven't been feeling... myself, lately..." My attention has drifted away from the crowd, now to the high sky, where a nova of color erupts over the highest tower, the sound of a Sonic Rainboom following shortly after Rainbow Dash paints Canterlot's skyline with a large rainbow.

After the display, Cadance's hoof gently caresses the side of my face, "I know, and I'm sorry for making you go through with the wedding so soon..." She leads me away from the balcony, and for once, we're given a brief moment tucked away from the public's eye. The ballroom by this point was empty save for Celestia and the Mane Six. Everyone who was invited must be heading to the reception by now. Cadance wastes no time, pressing her lips against mine, in a kiss

Her tongue parts my lips, and although I hesitated when she did, my brain gave way to my heart, and returned the kiss. I knew how to do this much at least, yet despite being a pure and innocent alicorn, kissing the Princess of Love put to shame any sort of contact I've had in the past. Each passing brush of our tongues not only fueled our passion, but invoked those feelings of love I had, just like our fight with Chrysalis. Every moment of love between Shining Armor and Cadance, encapsulated in this deep, passionate embrace.

As long as it lasted, it ended even quicker. Her innocent, loving smile gives way to the faintest hint of mischief expressed with her eyes and her grin. "Now, can't get too excited yet," her front hoof lightly dancing up my thigh, gently cupping my stallionhood with it. "That, comes later."

Cadance turns towards Celestia, now on her way with the Mane Six towards the entrance of the ballroom. "Twilight!" The eager bride and her maid of honor embrace, and talk quickly turns to that of the reception.

With no one else around, I follow her... Princess Cadance. My wife. To the wedding reception... our wedding reception.

***

The elegant grand piano signals us, and we begin our slow dance around the center of pavilion. Now, the crowds of thousands were down to only Twilight's mom and dad are here... Shining's mom and dad.

Cadance brings be back to earth with a turn in our dance routine. I can't fault her for her uncanny ability to drag me from my thoughts. I wondered how obvious I was being; to Shining's wife, I must be acting like a complete stranger. Yet she doesn't miss a beat, as she guides us around the crowd.

The piano tone, what I recognize as an extended introduction to Love is in Bloom, continues it's slow, ballroom tune. As we spin around, I spot a large, blue alicorn landing next to Celestia and the Mane Six.

"Hello everypony. Did I miss anything?" Luna speaks as she lands. Several of them let out small giggles, and Celestia can only offer a sigh to her sister as she nods. I'm only made aware that I'm staring at Princess Luna, when her eyes raise and meet mine. Her lids narrow, and her voice fills my head, without her lips ever moving.

Do not worry, human. We will talk.

I don't immediately answer her back. There's so much brought to the front of my mind when I catch sight of her, and it takes some effort to suppress the urge to run right at her and demand answers. I take a few deep breaths, and think aloud, in my mind.

Am I... really... Shining Armor?

I pause, chuckling, catching the attention of Cadance. To cover myself, I sneak in and steal a quick kiss from her, to which her response is to spin me around one last time, as our dance reaches its conclusion.

"I love you, Shining Armor."

"I love you too... Cadance."

Our hugging embrace is met with polite applause from the audience. Pinkie Pie uses this as her cue to sneak over to the music setup, kicking the piano tune off in favor of something with a much catchier beat.

"LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!" Pinkie tosses a microphone to Twilight

Twilight catches it with her magic, immediately into song. "Love is in bloom... a beautiful bride, a handsome groom..."

Cadance and I look to each other, both a bit embarrassed by the sudden turn. At the encouragement of the crowd, we pick up into dance again, something a little less formal. "Two hearts, becoming one. A bond, that cannot be undoooone!"

As the reception breaks down into a classy dance party with the conclusion of our Couples' Dance, I'm given time to mingle and go amongst the crowd. Cadance and I manage to run into both of our parents near the buffet table, and we're invited to sit down and chat. I decide to accept, but not before excusing myself to the restroom.

It doesn't take long to spot the blue alicorn with a starry mane. She stands under an archway, a good distance away from the rest of the party. Her eyes are on me the entire time I walk over. She knew I was coming, and seems to have resigned herself to answering my questions.

I walk up next to her, looking out the night sky. Neither of us say anything at first, until I break the ice. "Nice moon you've raised tonight." The first thing that comes to my head, after the longest three days of my existence.

Luna giggles, uncharacteristic for the stoic mare I had met just a few hours ago. "I don't plan on being the one responsible for you ducking out on your own wedding, Shining." She turns her head, looking to me. "Yes. You are really Shining Armor."

I let out a deep exhale, an exasperated sigh. "If we're cutting straight to the chase, Luna," I turn my head to look at her now. "Cadance has hinted that she wants to... consummate our marriage."  Excitement leaks in my voice, and I'm forced to clear my head of stray thoughts as I finish my question, "Am I Shining Armor enough for that?"

Again, she giggles, and takes a few steps away from me, down the pathway leading back to the main castle. "That, is your decision." Her footsteps echo against the cobblestone, and that's all I hear from her for several long seconds. At the edge of what would be normal speaking distance, she answers, "Celestia sees you as Shining Armor, Twilight Sparkle sees you as Shining Armor. I myself know for a fact you are Shining Armor, and Cadance, the authority on all things love, sees before her the stallion she loves. Do you truly doubt us all?"

She was really good at making me feel like a complete and utter fool. "No, Luna..." I answer back, my tone flat. I too, turn towards a different direction, off where Cadance took our parents. I look over my shoulder at Luna, nodding to her. "I just have a hard time believing it myself."

"I would not think you a rational being if your reaction was any different." She trots back over to me, and her next words surprise me as a whisper in my ear. "If you still doubt who you are, know this. The dream I discovered you in, belonged to Shining Armor."

She steps back, and assumes her normal tone. "We will speak more tomorrow. Try to get some rest. You have had a very busy day, Shining Armor." I lift a hoof to stop her, but this time, she's taken off with a powerful flap of her impressive wings. As she flies away, her mane melts into the night sky. I watch her until she disappears from view, behind the castle ramparts.

***

After speaking with Luna, I find Cadance in the crowd. We exchange conversation with each other's new in-laws. Surprisingly, it's not as difficult as I expect it to be. From the way Cadance and our parents talked, I could assume the overall setting of the show was at least show accurate, and that Twilight did indeed live in Ponyville with the rest of the Mane Six. I have some trouble conversing about recent events, as I find that outside of the history of the ponies as given in the show, I know very little about Cadance or Shining Armor's past. It was never expanded on in the show, and very little of it in their comic special.

Before I know it, an hour's passed with small talk. Cadance steps in, interrupting her father on a question that had me placing a hoof to my temple, trying to remember. "Dad, Shining's had a rough couple of days, dealing with what happened. You can't blame him for not being able to remember everything." She places a hoof on my back in reassurance, and her father dismisses his questions with a smile, sipping at his drink.

"Speaking of which..." Cadance looks to me, nuzzling at my neck. "You look like you could use a good night's sleep. Are you ready to call it a day, my love?"

The touch, the affection, the voice. I didn't understand these feelings, but every small gesture set my heart aflutter. A welcomed warmth spreads throughout my body, washing away the aches and pains, if only temporary. I've never felt this kind of feeling before. Never, as a human, did I have somebody genuinely care for me

"Yeah, that would be great." I turn to look at my parents, and my new in-laws. "Thank you all so very much for coming out and making this a special day for us. I hope you all have a safe trip home."

Amongst the chorus of of courses, Twilight Sparkle had come up behind us, using the microphone she has to announce our departure to the crowd. Immediately, ponies moves towards the road leading out of Canterlot, and a royal carriage arrives in front of us. I help Cadance into the crowd, and turn to Twilight.

I didn't get to experience everything first-hand, but if my assumption was correct, everything that took place here today, took place as it did in A Canterlot Wedding. Even though I was thrust into this position by forces unknown, the fact is, Twilight did save the day. Without her...

My headache returns. Crap, I'm gonna have to make this quick. "Twilight, none of this would've been possible without you... little sis." The acknowledgment of Twilight as my sister, though strange to hear my tongue speaking it, feels natural. When she draws me into a hug, I'm elated. "Love you, Twily."

"Love you too, BBBFF."

I step into the carriage, and sit next to my wife. I silently offer her my thanks, to which she nods.

"Ready to go?" I ask her. By now, I was ready to just pass out and not wake up for some time. My mental exhaustion was at such a point, that the fact I'm a pony, sitting in a wedding carriage still doesn't register how it should. Like Luna said, everything could wait until the morning.

"Oh, almost forgot!" She reaches across my lap, the bouquet of flowers in her hand. If I didn't know better, I would almost say she's deliberately straddling me, her silk-covered flank mere inches from my face on purpose. She flings the bouquet into the crowd, to the excitement of some pony in particular.

"Now this, was a great wedding." Instead of taking up her seat, Cadance is now in my lap, her head resting against mine as she cuddles me.

For us...