“We’re here! We’re here!” Pinkie Pie declared happily as the train rolled into the Canterlot train station. A few days previous Twilight had been summoned back to Canterlot for a family gathering by her parents. Soon after Spike had rushed over to Rarity’s house with a letter from the purple mare explaining that her brother, Shining Armor, was engaged to her old foal-sitter, Cadence, and that they all were to take part in preparing the wedding. Rarity then rushed to inform all their other friends of the good news. Now they were all finally here. The train came to a stop and the ponies and dragon all exited onto the platform.
“You’re all here!” a voice exclaimed and a familiar lavender unicorn trotted over to them. Pinkie suddenly sneezed, expelling ribbons and confetti…
“We’re all here!” the pink one cheerfully responded.
“How was your family reunion?” Applejack asked.
“It was great to see everypony again, but the best part was when Shining Armor and Cadence announced their engagement! They’re wonderful ponies, I can’t wait for you all to meet them.”
“Oh neither can I!” Rarity said. “The captain of the royal guards, he must be dashing, and rugged, and chivalrous. The mare he chose to marry must be gorgeous and elegant, and they want me to help with their special day!”
“Well let’s get going, already!” said Rainbow Dash. “The ride up here took forever, I’m starving.”
“The royal highnesses said we could all stay in the castle during our time here, so you can have lunch right after I introduce you guys to Shining Armor and Cadence.” Twilight replied. Rainbow Dash grimaced. Couldn’t they meet them after they ate? Surely she wasn’t the only one who wanted to.
“I’ve already met them,” Spike commented so I’m gonna go get some grub now. Catch you all later!” and he dashed off ahead of them.
“Are you doing anything to help prepare for the wedding?” Rarity inquired of her fellow unicorn.
“Cadence and Shining asked me to be their best mare! So I’ve gotta prepare my speech, this is going to be the most important thing I’ve ever written, so it has to be my very best work.” They were starting toward the castle now and all of Rainbow’s friends walking beneath her were talking excitedly to one another. She sighed. Looks like she was the only one who was more concerned with her stomach.
Once in the courtyard, Twilight called to her older brother up on a pavilion talking with his fellow guards. Upon hearing her he turned and came down the stairs. “Hey Twily, are these your friends?”
“Yes.” she turned to them. “Shining Armor, meet-” but she was suddenly cut off as Pinkie rushed forward and began to shake his hoof.
“I’m Pinkie Pie! It’s nice to meet you! Anypony who’s a friend of Twilight is a friend of mine! Wow, I don’t even know Cadence yet but I can see why she’d choose to marry a stallion like you, actually I can see why any mare would choose to marry a stallion like you!” Shining Armor chuckled.
“Well thanks, Miss Pie--”
“Call me Pinkie.”
“Okay, well then thanks, Pinkie. Twily’s already told me about you guys, so I think I can guess who is who.” He looked at Rainbow Dash. “You’re obviously Rainbow Dash.” and continued down the row. “Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy.” the yellow pegasi squeaked slightly and turned her face away as she was identified. “I wonder what’s keeping Cadence…” the stallion wondered aloud. “If you all don’t mind waiting for a minute I’ll go and get her.” “Of course not.” his sister assured. “Everypony has to meet Cadence.” As he walked away, Rarity let out a swoon.
“He is just as I imagined.”
A little surprised, Twilight turned to her, only to see not only Rarity gazing off after her brother, but Applejack blushing and Rainbow Dash grinning goofily. “What’s with you all?”
“Isn’t it obvious, Twi?” Pinkie hopped around to stand before her. “He’s enchanted us.”
“Enchanted?” Twilight asked, puzzled.
“Charmed, smitten, twitterpated, enamored, whichever floats your boat.”
Twilight raised her eyebrows. “You mean you have a crush on my brother? All of you?”
“Is there something wrong with that?” Rarity asked.
“Well it is kind of weird having all my friends fall for my brother.”
“Here he comes!” Fluttershy quickly said in a hushed tone. Twilight turned and smiled at the pink mare at her brother’s side.
“Cadence, these are my friends from Ponyville, they’re all here to help with the wedding.”
The pegasus looked over at them, her expression unchanging. “Oh, that’s nice.” she said dismissively.
Twilight frowned. She had expected her to have a warmer reaction to her friends.
“We really appreciate you girls and Spike coming out all this way to help. I’ve been able to appoint another pony in my stead while we prepare for the wedding. We’ll be checking in with all of you to see how things are going. You can get to it whenever you’re ready, then.” and with that, the couple turned and headed back toward the castle.
“Oh, finally!” said Rainbow Dash in relief. “I mean, it was nice to meet your brother and his fiance, Twilight,” she added quickly. “but now we can finally eat!”
Twilight disagreed. The meeting wasn’t as nice as she’d expected. What was with her old foal-sitter’s aloof attitude? Maybe she had a lot on her mind and was distracted? She thought as she followed her friends up into the castle. Yeah, that made sense. Cadence would surely lighten up when she saw what a great job her friends did in helping put together the wedding.
After lunch the six ponies separated to take on their assignments. In the kitchen Applejack marveled at all fancy tools and appliances. While she would be making some of her own familiar apple recipes, there were some new recipes she was tasked with. This here was going to be big wedding with many guests, so there was no time to waste. The orange mare worked quickly, running back and forth between projects. “Cake, check.” “Ice sculpture, check.” She checked on some baked apple fritters that were cooling. “Best darn bite-sized apple fritters ever tasted, check.” And not a minute too soon. Just then the bride and groom-to-be entered the kitchen. “Hiya, captain and soon-to-be Mrs. Captain.” Applejack greeted warmly.
Shining Armor he took in the aroma of everything being prepared. “Smells great in here.”
“I guarantee it tastes even better. Care for some samples?”
“Sure.”
Applejack couldn’t help but feel a rush of butterflies at the stallion’s interest and eagerly began to introduce him to what had been made so far. Apple fritters, macaroons, tarts…Shining Armor tried anything she introduced. Cadence, on the other hoof, wasn’t taking anything, instead just watching silently; in fact, she appeared annoyed. Applejack smiled at her. “How ‘bout you, sugarcube, you wanna try anything.”
“No,” Cadence responded without looking at her. “I’d rather get going. We still have a lot more to do and you’re holding us up.”
Applejack felt embarrassed. “Oh, my apologies, ma’am.”
“Come on, dear.” Cadence instructed Shining Armor and headed for the exit. The unicorn was surprised by his fiance’s response to the filly. Being cold was out-of-character for her. “It tastes awesome, everypony.” he complimented before hurrying off after Cadence. He trotted to catch up with her. “Everything okay?” he asked.
“Of course.” she replied, sweetly.
Shining Armor looked at her. Cadence was probably just worried about getting everything ready on time. He guessed even someone as sweet as his princess was entitled to a little irritation now and then. “I know we have a lot to take care of, but try not to sweat it too much. Everything will be alright.” He put a hoof on her shoulder.
She glanced over at him and smiled. “Oh, I agree.”
They made their way up to the tower where the seamstress was working on Cadence and her bridesmaids’ dresses. Upon entering the room they could already see the maids admiring their completed gowns.
“Oh they’re lovely!”
“You’re so creative, Miss Rarity.”
“Can I try mine on?”
“No, I don’t like them.” Cadence resolved, walking over to them.
Rarity, hearing her voice, immediately looked up from her project and rushed over in excitement. “Oh, sir Armor, and Lady Cadence! Let me just start by saying what an honor it is to play a role in such a momentous occasion.”
Shining Armor smiled at her. “Well we’re thankful that you agreed to help us out on such short notice.”
Cadence, however, walked past her and over to her bridesmaids’ dresses. “I don’t like yellow. Make this one a different color.” Rarity’s smile fell and she turned to the pegasi.
“And no polka dots, this is a wedding, you know.”
“Oh. Yes, of course.” Rarity replied, levitating a notepad and taking notes.
Cadence eyed the third dress. “I guess this one’s fine.”
“Hey, these are our dresses, you know.” One bridesmaid argued. Cadence glared at her.
“But this is my wedding and you’re representing me, so I get to make the decisions around here. Now, show me my dress.” she instructed.
“Over here.” Rarity said and led her over to it. “I’ve been working on it ever since I was given the assignment.” Rarity watched Cadence, hopefully, as she examined the gown. Finally she commented:
“I was hoping for something with more beading and a longer train.”
“I understand. Rarity responded, feeling rebuffed, but taking more notes. And without another word the pink mare left the room.
Shining Armor felt sorry for the younger unicorn. She clearly had put her best effort into those dresses and now had to redo all her hard work. He left the room and followed after his bride-to-be. “Cadence, honey, are you sure you’re alright?” She stopped and turned to him.
“Well, I do feel kind of stressed. I mean, this wedding is going to be huge. Being the captain of the royal guards got you a wedding hosted by Equestria’s queens themselves. Ponies from all over are going to show up and you know journalists, and photographers, will show up, and just, sigh…”
Shining Armor put his front leg around her shoulders.
“Everything has to be perfect or the royal sisters and your family could be shamed. I’m trying to do whatever I can to prevent that.” Her eyes turned and locked onto his.
Shining Armor felt a warm, strange rush through his body. This was the Cadence he knew and fell in love with. Perfectly sweet and thoughtful… “Cadence, don’t worry about any of that.” he pulled her into a hug, which she returned. “Our wedding is a day for us and our loved ones to enjoy. Don’t you worry about what anypony but us thinks about it.” she nestled into him.
“You’re right.” She said in agreement. “Thank you for being so patient with me.”
Shining Armor smiled at her and kissed her on the lips.
Now it was time to see how the party plans were going. The Great Hall was decorated with balloons of various shapes, including hearts and stars, and confetti was scattered here and there.
“Hi guys!” Pinkie Pie greeted, suddenly poking her head up from behind a suspended pinata. She hopped out and skipped over to them.
“I’m super busy right now, but I’d be happy to give you an idea of what to expect from your big reception party!” and without further ado, she zipped over to an area where a pin the tail on the pony poster was set up, along with a board game. “We’ve got games!” she rolled some dice, dropped them on the board, and smiled widely over at them. They watched as she then bounced over to a radio. “Dancing!” she turned it on and began to do a silly dance. After several seconds she turned it off and leapt back over to them. “I think this reception is going to be perfect, don’t you?”
Shining Armor grinned. It all was kind of cheesy for an adult party...he wasn’t sure how many ponies would enjoy it. As he tried to think of what to say, Cadence suddenly answered for him.
”Perfect! If we were celebrating a 6-year-old’s birthday party.” and she began to leave. A look of shock fell upon the usually exuberant pony’s face.
“I-um, oh…”
Shining Armor didn’t even know what to say to her. What Cadence said was true...still, he couldn’t believe she could be so harsh, even under the strain of trying to make the wedding perfect. He hurried after her.
“Cadence, hey!” she didn’t stop, but turned to face him as he trotted up next to her. “Look, I get that you’re stressed, I am too, but there was no need to tear that girl down like that.”
“No one would have enjoyed such a childish party. Someone had to tell her the truth.”
“Cadence come on, this isn’t like you.”
“Well then how should I handle things like that?”
“I-sigh, maybe instead of being so critical you could politely ask somepony if they can do something differently.”
Cadence seemed to be thinking about this. Was the concept really so foreign to her? “Alright then.” she agreed. And they headed for the garden to check on the choir of birds.
Within the castle’s garden, Fluttershy led her feathery students’ rehearsal. “Wonderful, you’re all improving. I know you might be getting bored going over the same songs again and again, but just think of how happy you’re going to make the bride and groom, and all the guests.”
Some of the birds tweeted back, happy for the reassurance. Fluttershy smiled.
“Okay then, one more time everyone. Let’s rock!” But before the birds could ‘rock’, a voice spoke up from behind Fluttershy.
“Hello.”
She turned to see Cadence smiling sweetly at her, flanked by Shining Armor. Fluttershy felt blood rush to her cheeks upon seeing him.
“Oh, hello.” Despite her sudden nervousness of talking to two ponies she hardly knew, one of them she was attracted to… Fluttershy tried to speak in a normal tone. “So, um, have you come to listen to your choir? I mean…” she looked back at the birds. “I don’t think we’re quite ready yet…”
“No problem.” Shining Armor responded. “We just came to see how things were going.”
“Oh, I think everyone will sound lovely after a little more practice.” Fluttershy, now too anxious to keep looking at the unicorn, faced away as she replied.
Cadence, couldn’t help but feel relieved. They wouldn’t have to waste time listening to these birds after--the atmosphere was suddenly shattered by loud squaking. Shining Armor cringed and gritted his teeth. One of the birds, who had been doing fine during rehearsal, suddenly got excited to prove himself and forgetting everything his instructor had taught him, began singing with all his might. Fluttershy turned, prepared to try and get him to stop, but the other pegasi was suddenly shouting at him. She screeched at him to shut up, using a word that made the yellow pony flinch. But her shock was suddenly replaced by anger.
“Don’t you shout at him!” she flew up in front of the now silenced bird, protectively.
“Well you weren’t doing anything to silence it, so I had to. Why don’t you take a little more responsibility for your birds?” Cadence spat back.
The usually sensitive Fluttershy, however, was undaunted. Nopony shouted at any animal under her care. “He has been working very hard all day to put on a performance for you! He only wanted to make you happy!”
“Well, if he really wants to make my day special then he’ll seriously consider opting out.” And without even waiting for Shining Armor, she spread her wings and flew back up toward the castle. Fluttershy glared after her for a moment, before turning to comfort the emotionally wounded bird.
Shining Armor couldn’t believe what had just happened. He walked over to Fluttershy. “Hey, look…”
Fluttershy’s fierce side suddenly vanished as he addressed her, and with the bird still held out on one hoof, turned to face him, inadvertently blushing once again. “What Cadence just did...I-I don’t know what’s gotten into her, but know that you, and your little friend,” he smiled at the bird. “did nothing wrong.
“Thank you…” Fluttershy uttered, quietly.
Who was this, this...this monster his beautiful, once sweet and happy love of his life had become? Something wasn’t right and he knew the wedding couldn’t commence until he got to the bottom of it. With that decision, he started back to the castle to find Cadence.
Twilight Sparkle was the last to join her friends at the cafe she had recommended that evening “Guess I can bet what you’re all thinking.” she said as she joined them at the outdoor table. “Cadence is the absolute best bride to be ever.”
Each of her friends exchanged looks.
“Who, me?” Spike asked in a high, imitated female voice, as he held up the Cadence topper that was supposed to go on the wedding cake.
“Spike, that goes on the cake.” Applejack said. The dragon laughed sheepishly and dropped the decoration onto the table.
Truth be told, none of them were really that fond of Cadence, still a little stung from her attitude. Rarity, however, figured she had been in the right when being choosy about her gown. It was the biggest day of her life, after all.
“Well, we didn’t have much time to talk, she being busy with preparing for the wedding, you know. But I’m sure she’s lovely.”
Pinkie Pie still felt bad about her party plans being rebuffed and hoped the new things she was planning would be adequate. Her gaze fell upon the Shining Armor cake topper next to Spike and her mood suddenly lifted as her mind shifted from the party, to playing with the topper with Spike playing Cadence’s.
“Um, I disagree.” Fluttershy admitted.
The purple unicorn suddenly stopped sipping her drink and looked up in surprise. “Fluttershy, what do you mean?”
“She yelled at one of my birds during rehearsal.”
Applejack couldn’t help but feel a little glad that she apparently wasn’t the only one who had annoyed the bride-to-be enough to see her nasty side.
“What?” Twilight said. “Why? That sound like something Cadence would do.”
Rarity put a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “Girls, try not to judge Cadence. She’s about to get married. I’m sure any negative behavior she might be displaying is simply the result of nerves.”
“Yeah, surely that’s it.” Twilight thought to herself. The foal-sitter she knew and loved would be back after this was all done.
Rainbow Dash wasn’t sure what to think. She hadn’t had a chance to interact with the princess personally, because she had been off in the nearby mountains, practicing her Sonic Rainboom where nopony could see.
After dinner was the wedding rehearsal. Cadence had suddenly asked Twilight’s friends to be her new bridesmaids. They all found this odd, considering her attitude towards them earlier that day, but when she said it was because she appreciated them working so hard for her, they decided that maybe Rarity was right. Maybe Cadence’s negativity had just been a result of stress. Twilight was pleased to hear the change in Cadence’s personality; that was more like her. Inside the Great Hall her friends practiced walking into their positions.
“Perfect, girls, no need to rush.” Queen Celestia commented. Rainbow Dash and Rarity couldn’t help but steal looks at Shining Armor whenever possible. Just as he was about to look their way, they suddenly looked away. They glanced at each other and silently giggled.
“Then of course, Cadence will enter.” upon the queens words, the doors magically opened in her golden magic, revealing Cadence. Bridal music played as she walked down the aisle.
“I’ll say a few words.” Luna explained. “And then we will begin with the vows.”
Cadence reached Shining Armor and the two smiled at each other.
“Shining Armor, you will then get the ring from your best mare.” Luna continued and Shining Armor turned to Twilight who was levitating the pillow where the ring rested.
As the rehearsal went on, Twilight’s speech was complemented by her friends, the royal sisters, brother, and Spike, so that helped reassure her. The rehearsal eventually came to an end and everypony headed off to their rooms for the night. Twilight, however, hurried after Cadence.
“Cadence, hey Cadence, wait up!” Cadence inwardly grumbled. She just wanted to get away from all these ponies and finally get some sleep.
“What is it?”
“I haven’t had a chance to really see you today.” Twilight explained as she caught up with her.
Cadence didn’t stop walking, so Twilight walked alongside her. “I can’t believe the big day is finally tomorrow!”
Cadence didn’t respond and Twilight did most of the talking all the way to her room. It seemed weird to her that she was doing most of the talking. Only a few days before at her parents’ house, conversation flowed easily between them. Once inside her room Cadence finally spoke to Twilight.
“Well Twilight, I’m real tired and tomorrow’s a big day, so...goodnight.”
“Wait, what did you think of my speech?” Twilight asked.
“It was fine, now can you leave?” Cadence responded.
Twilight winced at her answer. Just fine? No, that wasn’t good enough. It had to be perfect for her and Shining Armor’s wedding. “I-I’ll go soon, but can you tell me what you didn’t like about it, first, and I’ll fix it. I’ll rewrite the whole thing if--”
“I said it was fine!” Cadence shouted. “What the Tartarus is wrong with you? I told you I’m tired, can’t you just shut up about your stupid little speech and just get out?!”
Twilight didn’t even know what to say. She wanted to apologize but couldn’t get the words out past the painful lump in her throat. So silently, she turned and left the room, Cadence shutting the door after her. She let out a sigh and then turned around...to see Shining Armor emerge from around a corner.
“You’ve never ceased to amaze me, you know that, Cadence? It’s why I fell in love with you.” He walked closer to her as he spoke. “Today you have done so more than ever, but not in the usual good way.”
“Sweetie, I--”
But he went on as though she hadn’t said anything. “You have no regard for ponies who are trying to make your wedding special, you’re nasty, you have no remorse--”
“Well excuse me for not being on my best behavior,” Cadence snapped. “preparing a wedding is stressful!”
“So this is what you’re like under stress?” he paced around her as he spoke “A completely different pony?”
Cadence started to respond, but Shining Armor interrupted her. “Treating my sister’s friends like scum is one thing, but talking to Twilight the way you just did in completely unacceptable.” He finally stopped facing away from her. “I can’t believe I’m saying this...Cadence,” he let out a small, shocked laugh. “you’re not the mare I thought you were.” He silently took in a deep breath and then spoke. “The wedding is off.”
“What?!” Cadence almost cried. “Shining Armor, you--you can’t!” she hurried toward him, but he turned away from her.
“I just did.” and without another word he headed for the door and left Cadence standing alone.
She stood there for a long time in shock. How could this be happening? Her planning had been perfect. How could he reject her like this? …. She couldn’t let this affect her. She had to come up with a new plan...and was already formulating one. She walked over to the window and pushed it open. “So Shining Armor doesn’t love me, anymore...but I know somepony he still does.” and she flew out the window to put her new plan into action.
