The Black Flames

Wedding Crashers

The next couple weeks were a blur. Everything was put on hold in preperation of the wedding. I was pulled to and fro, my hands and height being used to there full extent. It wasn't all work though, I spent my free time getting to know the bride and groom. This was Celestia's idea. Shining Armor was a great guy. As Captain of the Guard he had spent most of his days in the castle giving orders and checking up on Celestia's overall security. He was the same as every other guard then, stoic and silent. Now he showed his true colours. He was actually a very pleasant guy. I hadn't been able to talk to him much before he was called in for some security issue. It was on a need-to-know basis, and I didn't need to know was all Celestia would give me. Now he was back to focusing on his duty to Equestria and the Crown.

Candence, on the other hand, was always available. For a reason that I have yet to figure out, she has constantly visited me at the castle. When I asked her, she said that every mare has her secrets and that a true friend won't reveal said secrets. Her tone, however, hinted that she really, REALLY wanted to tell me why. However all she could reveal that she was doing this as a favor to another pony, apparently female. Regardless, Candence and I got along well. I found her stories about her adventures in babysitting Twilight rather amusing. It gave me plenty of blackmail material as well.  We spent a lot of our free time together. I was actually heading down to her home in Canterlot. She lived in a large, luxiourios home with Shining Armor. The whole place was part of being Captain of the Guard.

I knocked on the large, ornate door to be answered by Shining Armor. He was dressed in his armor, his feathered helmet tucked under one arm.

"Hey David! I didn't know you were coming!" Shining calmly greeted.

"Hey, Candence wanted to go grab some coffee before we got back to the wedding. Do you know were she is?" I asked.

"Well she's right inside. I'll call he- OWWW!!" He shouted, rubbing his forehead. "Ahhhh..... My head!"

"Are you okay?" I ask.

"Just a bad headache. I've been having them ever since I put up that shield around Canterlot."

"Shield?" I ask, "What shield?"

"The one above your head? You havn't noticed it yet?" He replied.

I looked up to see a pink, translucent shield replacing the sky.

"Huh, that's new."

"AHH....owwww...." He shouted, again.

"Oh, right. Headache. Actually, I have a spell for that!" I say excitedly, preparing the spell, a familiar black aura surrounding my hand.

At that moment Candence decided to make an appearence. "Oh, no no no no!!! I got it!" She quickly yelled.

"Ohhhkaaay?" I say, kinda confused by her reaction. I watched as she cast her spell on Shining. His eyes went 'derp' for a second before he returned to normal. Strange, I don't remember the spell doing that.

"Now, if you don't mind, I have a wedding to take care of." She said in a huffy tone before leaving.

"I guess that means no coffee. Whats got her saddle in a bunch?" I say, Smiling at my mastery of pony culture.

"She's been a little edgy lately,what with the wedding and all. Especially since I can't be around  to help." Was Shining's response.

"Ohhh, I see." I respond, one of my old girlfriend's favorite T.V. show was Bridezillas. I knew what he was talking about. "Well, doubtless someone will need my help. I'll see you later."

"Wait! I almost forgot!" Shining exclaimed, "Candence and I would be honored if you came to our wedding."

He held an invitation in his hoof, holding it out to me. I pushed it back to him.

"No,Thanks. I wish I could come, but me and weddings don't mix. Sorry." I apoligized.

"Oh... Well that's a bummer. Can I ask why?"

"All I can tell you is that the last wedding I went to ended with me in the emergency room."

"Wow, that sounds pretty bad."

"Seeya" I say as I head back to the castle.

Shining gave a quick reply before donning his helmet and heading out to the guard's barracks. I reached the castle quickly. I headed for the kitchen's and grabbed an apple and gave a quick high to Gustave, the French Griffon. Celestia had hired him as my personal chef. He made my less 'vegetarian' meals for me. He had leapt at the opportunity  took serve traditional griffon food stuffs at the castle. Apparently griffons had a taste for fish. Most of my meals consisted of seafood served in every way possible. He did things with salmon I didn't know possible. Strangely, sushi hadn't been invented. I didn't feel like food poisoning from bad sushimi.

I didn't make it far before I heard Celestia call out my name. I had been trying to reach my room unnoticed. I was supposed to be out with Candence so no one would look for me. No such luck. I backed up to her open door. She was lying (or sitting?) in her large bed.

"Good! You heard me! I have something for you!" She said excitedly.

"Uh, Okay?" I respond. What would she have for me.

She used her magic to levitate a small, gift-wrapped box into my hands.

"Go on. Open it."

I tear apart the brightly colored paper and open the top of the box to reveal a gold bracelet encrusted in bright green emeralds.

"Woah, this is amazing! Thanks, Celestia!" I say, admiring the glittering accessory. I wasn't one for jewelry, but the band was shaped into a dragon swirling around each of the large gemstones. It was amazing.

"Glad you like it." Celestia said. When I looked up at her she had a wierd look in her eyes. It vanished a second later, but I had seen all I needed to. I recognized that look, and I wished I hadn't. It was the look of a love-struck girl,and it had been trained on me.

My face must have shown my horror based on what Celestia said next. "What's wrong?" She asked, concern and worry written on her face.

"NOTHING!!!!!" I yelled out, "I-I mean... I'm f-fine! Just perfect!"

She gave me a stern stare. The door behind me closed. Uh-oh.

"You know you can tell me anything and it would never leave this room, right David?" She asked.

That was a lot better than what I was thinking.

"Is it that obvious?" I say, defeated.

"Mmm-hmm" She hummed, nodding her head. "David, if there is anything you need all you have to do is ask me, you know that. I want you to be happy."

Yup, she had a crush on me. Hard.

"I'm fine, Celestia." I say, "There's nothing to be worried about."

Disappointment was practically emanting from her. "Come to me when your ready to tell me, can you promise me that?" She asked. I knew then there was no fooling the ancient sun god.

"Yes, your Highness." I say, hanging my head.

"Celestia to close friends, and you're one of them." She said, opening her door. "Luna asked for you earlier today. I suggest you head to her study by the library. Then take the day off. You seem stressed."

"Thanks, Celestia." I say, exiting the room.

I start running the moment the door clicked closed. Never had I experienced such an awkward moment. Of all the things I laughed at in fanfictions, inter-species relationships were the most ridiculed in my book. I never believed a relationship like that could develop. The pure wrong-ness would be defused by the simple fact that they aren't mindless animals, they are sentient beings. However, all relationships start off on physical attractiveness. Our brains use our eyes to find a suitable mate in which to create strong offspring. Another species won't trigger these thoughts. Of all my time here, never once have I considered getting involved in anyway like this with anypony. Fate, apparently, had different ideas. Now, not only do I have a mare after me, but that mare was the Ruler of Equestria!!! And, to make matters worse, I can't reject her feelings! No one turns down a fucking QUEEN. That never ends well!

My thoughts were interrupted when I collided with somepony, knocking myself down. My eyes were, naturally, closed so I heard the crash before I saw it. When I decided to take a peek I saw a rather surprised Luna lying spread eagle on the floor. When her eyes landed on me she fixed with a death stare for the ages.

"Hello, David" She said in a very moody tone.

"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention." I apoligize as I helped her up.

"Obviously." She said, smirking. "Now if you aren't busy I have a favor to ask."

"What would that be?"

"I need you to help me out. As you well know Canterlot is in danger."

"Yeah?"

"Your mastery of combat magic makes you a valuable asset in Canterlot's defense. However, Celestia doesn't want you involved. She's afraid that you would get hurt should the situaition get critical. I think you are too useful to be left out like this. Your skills may be needed in the coming storm."

"Woah! Hold up! I don't even what your talking about! What's coming? And why would you need me?"

"You haven't been told? We have reason to believe a swarm of Changelings are going to attack Canterlot. We're going to need all the firepower we can get should Shining Armor's shield fail."

"So you want to join the guards in defending Canterlot?" I say, sorta shocked by the proposition.

"Yes and No. You'll be defending Canterlot, but not as another guard. Celestia can't know what your doing. I have sent armor to your room. When the time comes, you are to put it on and report to me."

"Okay?" I kinda of agreed. Then I had a brain-wave. Can my enemies fly? Multiple flying creatures inhabitated Equestria. Were Changelings one of them? "Can Changelings fly?" I ask Luna.

"Yes, why?" She responded.

"Don't you think I should too?" I tell her, eyebrow cocked. Her eyes widened at my words.

"You do have a point. I know a spell, but you may not like it." She said.

"Doesn't matter. I'll take what I can get."

She nodded and her horn glowed. Rather than cast the spell she was talking about, however, she somehow loaded the information straight into my head. I recognised the spell immediately. It was the same spell Twilight used on Rarity.

"Butterfly wings? Don't you think that may be a teensy bit pointless?" I say.

"There is no other spell that can truly replicate the gift of flight." She responded. "Maybe you can alter the spell to strenghthen the wings?"

"Maybe... Also why bother teaching spells when you can do what you just did?" I ask, curious as to why it hasn't been used before.

"Because a spell like that involves invading the mind, a major violation of one's privacy. Only me and my sister know this spell."

"Ohhh..."

One of the many servants that roamed the castle arrived then.

"Oh good! I found you!" He said, he grabbed me in his magic and dragged ne away from Luna, who just waved until the servant turned a corner. "You're needed with the party planner," The service pony continued, "She said she would need you."

"What party planner?" I ask, still floating in a magic bubble. "I didn't know there was a party planner. I didn't even know there was a party."

"Well there is going to be a party, and the planner needs you." He replied, plopping me down in front of a door. "Here you are."

After the unicorn left I was left alone in front of the large wooden door. After a minute of nothing happening I open the door. I was instantly tackeled by a pink blur. Pinkie Pie.

"DAVID!!!! I haven't seen you in forever!" She spoke. "You've been missing all my parties! You better come to the reception. I won't be happy if you don't" She said, a puppy-dog face with big, sparkling eyes staring into my soul.

"Fine, I'll come to the reception." I submit, smirking at Pinkie's sillyness. "Nobody told me you were here. Are all the girls here too."

"WHAT!!! You didn't know we were here! We've been here for two days!" She yelled in my face.

"Really? Well the wedding has been keeping me busy." I observe.

"Well since your here you can help set up decorations!" Pinkie happily announced.

She hopped off my chest and walked through the open door. I just shook my head and followed.

Today was the day. The wedding would finally begin. While everyone was at the rehersal, I was trying on the armour. It was the regular golden guard's armour modified to fit a human frame. It covered my entire torso in golden plates. Unlike most armour, strangely, it did not have any shoulder pauldrons. The armour set also came with simple strap-on plates of the same golden metal for my shins and lower arms. Any exposed would be covered by a padded, burlap under shirt and pants.  Then there was the helmet. It was an exact replica of a spartan's helm. The trademark blue plume had been dyed black and a obsidian spike burst from the forehead, carved into the likeness of a unicorn's horn. The sapphire star usually embedded in the center of the chest was now a black obsidian orb. The whole set was strangely light for what was supposedly solid gold. Under the armour I wore nothing but underwear and Celestia's gift. The bejeweled band gave me a sense of security.

I was admiring the feel of the armour when I heard the fanfare. The wedding had begun. Everyone in Canterlot would be at the wedding. Except me, of course. What would I do till the Reception at sundown? I sat in my room pondering my choices, that is until a commotion broke me out of my thoughts. It had come from the wedding! I bolted out of my room straight down to the wedding room until I saw what was going om outside. Something had surrounded the city, a large swarm. 'Changelings.' That word flashed across my mind. Surely it couldn't be anything else?

I remembered what Luna had said. 'When the time comes report to me.' She had said. I think this was that time. I turned and ran for Luna's quarters. It wasn't long till I was banging on her door.

"Luna! There here! Let me in!" I yelled admist my hammering. The door quickly opened, revealing a very serious Luna.

"If they have come, then we will have to fight" She said. I nodded my approval. Her horn glowed and a flash of blue light took us outside. We were in the middle of the city, the swarms of black creatures hammering the shield. I attempted to cast the spell  Luna had given me, but it failed.

"Shit!" I burst.

"What is wrong?" Luna asked.

"Looks like I won't be flying." I say.

"Then get on. We'll take them on together." She said. She lowered herself and I climbed on. I didn't think she would be able to support my weight, but she effortlessly took off like I wasn't even there.

She smiled at the suprised look on my face. "You aren't the heaviest thing that's graced my back, David. I'm much stronger than I look." She said in a mocking tone.

Before I was able to respond the dome over the city cracked, then shattered. The black specks in the sky were suddenly green, flaming meteors whizzing by us. Luna dodged the kamikaze freaks while I let lose blast after blast of my black magic. This went on till one of the flaming monsters hit me in the chest blowing me off Luna's back.

"David!" Luna screamed before she too was hit by a Changeling missle.

I fell hundreds of feet, the streets of Canterlot approaching faster than I liked. In a last bid attempt at survival I charged the most powerful Mage Gun blast I have ever attempted. I shot it down only twenty feet from the ground. The kickback sent a shock through my frame and I hit the ground face down. Everything hurt from the impact. I shakily stood from the rubble left from my blast. I may be sore, but nothing seemed to be actually hurt. The armor had abosorbed most of the damage, small dents and scratches covered the gold plate. I let out a small whoop of joy at surviving the fall. I heard a small groan come from behind me. I quickly turned towards the sound and saw maybe the freakiest thing in my life. A Changeling was lying behind me, unconscious. He was probably the one who hit me off Luna. These things were ugly as fuck. They were like a cross between house-flys and unicorns. Black with green, insectoid wings. A mishapen horn set in it's forehead. I looked up to see most of the Changelings were moving deeper into the city towards the castle. I needed to stop them, but I had no way to intercept them without flight. I turned to the unconcious bug-pony. He had wings, and I don't think he'll be missing them any time soon. I cast the synthetic wing spell, adding the Changelings wings to my mental list of ingredients. I saw the two appendages come loose from his form and attach to the back of my armour. The spell built on the base, swelling the wings into a more usable size. Once they had fully grown I took off. The wings would operate on their own, I just needed to tell them what to do.

I spotted a rather close Changeling only fifty feet up. This one seemed to be patrolling the area. Looking for anyone outside to attack, no doubt. I hid in a tree till he buzzed his way above me. Then I launched at him, grabbing him  by his spiny head, and threw him to the ground. I followed this with a moderate magic missle and watched the little bugger get vaporized. These things were more fragile than I thought. If that basic of an attack could take these guys out than this would be a breeze. Just pick off the leaders, then hopefully the others would bolt before things got too intense.

I flew high above the city to see if I could pick out which Changelings were leading the invasion. To my surprise, the army seemed to be leaderless. The Changelings seemed to have no apparent head on the battlefield. They all moved in what would have to be assumed as preset patterns. There leader wasn't here. That means my plan wouldn't work.

I was then attacked from behind by another Changeling. I had been spotted. While I careened in the air the Changeling in question let out a shrill whistle. When I restored my wits, I was surrounded by the freaks of nature. They all wore a variety of expressions. Then there expressions turned to confusion. They all looked at eachother as if asking the other 'what do we do now?' I took this moment of confusion to let out a battlecry and blast a couple with a Mage Gun blast. When they saw there fellow comrades get snuffed out there expressions changed to anger. Noy what I was hoping for. They all charged at me and began to pummel away at me and my armour. It absorbed the worst of the hits, but they hurt all the same. I returned there punches and kicks, lashing out at anything I could hit. Despite their numbers, I was beating them away. When I had some breathing room I really let loose. I unleashed a volley of missles unto them, cutting their numbers in half. But these were immediately replaced by even more Changelings. My fight was attracting the attention of the other invaders, and they really piled it on. I attempted to hold my ground, but the attacks were relentless. I could feel myself weakening, and The armour was all but destroyed. The dented plates were hanging off my beaten and bloody frame. I had several cuts and bruises only, but if I don't keep my fight up I would be getting some real injuries.  Then a Changeling bucked me in the back of the head. The pain was teeth-grinding, the taste of blood told me I had bitten my toungue. I felt conciousness slipping away. If I'm going out then I'm taking out as many of these bastards as I can. I curled myself into a ball, focusing all my inner magical power. The Changelings took a moment to observe my strange actions. Idiots.

"You -heh- better run" I rasp out. "This one's -heh- got only one safe spot -heh- , and it's taken."

I release an Arcane Blast, the most destructive spell in my arsenal, eradicating the Changelings around me in a  my black aura sphere.

After the spell was let loose, everything faded to black. The last thing I remember was missing the Canterlot streets, and falling to the woods below the city.