This Day Has Been Just Perfectby bricannChaptersChapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6 The Final ChapterChapter 1: Oh The Wedding We Won't MakeChapter 2 “We will never find our way out of here!” Cadance cried before slumping down on the crystallite floor. “We will. I just have to figure out how!” Twilight reassured the distraught princess. We need to hurry! My brother-- Twilight thought, shivering at the thought of... of her feeding off of her BBBFF. Another thing was her friends. Would they even look for her after the way she acted? Twilight suspected that by the time they started getting anxious about her welfare, it would be too late. “We have to find a way out, and fast. If not, Shining Armor and Equestria are... are...” Cadance stuttered, unable to finish her sentence. “I know, I know. I am just having a hard time. It’s strange though. I can usually come up with plans faster than this. It just doesn’t comprehend.” Twilight admitted, lowering her head in an ashamed manner Her azure bangs hid her eyes as her mind raced for a solution. The pink alicorn and the lavender unicorn ran through the tunnels, dodging the odd crystal pillar. After what felt like an eternity in the reflective labyrinth, Twilight began to wonder, What if we can’t find our way out? “We are gathered here today to witness the bond of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Shining Armor...” Princess Celestia began the ceremony. Everyone was watching in amazement. The two lovers standing beside each other ready to face their new life. But they don’t see the malicious grin hidden beneath her lovestruck mask. As if she were hiding ambition beneath the translucent wedding veil. Just as nopony noticed her true intentions, they didn’t notice the faint emerald aura emanating from the alabaster groom’s normally blue eyes. “Cadance” could see it in her mind. Her plan taking action, not a pony that can stop her, the authentic Cadence and Twilight trapped forever beneath the palace floors. Hmm, I might want to drain them later. Or convert. They would be suitable nursemaids. She thought. “Cadence” mused as Princess Celestia continued on with the ceremony. Even if they searched high and low for an exit, they won’t find one. There is no exit, not anymore. When she sent Cadence to the depths, she sealed off the exits, forever dooming her to wander aimlessly underground. All in all, the Queen’s plan had been smoothly and she might say, perfectly, executed thus far. Just a few more measly minutes... What am I going to do? Twilight thought with concern. What if I can’t find a way out of here? Cadance must have sensed Twilight’s concern and unease, for she stopped in her tracks and turned around and said, “You’re worried we won’t escape, right?” Twilight wanted to reassure the princess but she couldn’t lie, either. In return, she concluded to say, “I shouldn’t lie, so all I can say is I’m worried. If we can’t find a way out of here we might die of starvation or something. I guess I’m also worried that my friends won’t come look for me.” “Well, I bet they would. If they are true friends they will get over their anger and come and try to find you. We should rest we have ran a long distance. The less energy we use the less food storage we will use.” Cadence calmly said. “How are you so calm?” Twilight asked. “You can die too, right? I mean by starvation, dehydration, and stuff like that,” she shrank away as Cadence sighed. “I’m sorry, that was too personal.” “No no, it’s fine that you asked.” Cadence waved her unnecessary apology away with a weary hoof. “Yes, I can die. But I don’t have enough energy to go much further. We need to conserve and rest. At least for a bit. There is something I have yet, to tell you. I believe it is because I forgot about it until now.” Cadence said sadly, forlornly glancing at the filly she foalsat so many years ago. “What is it?” Twilight asked, forgetting her worries and fears for a moment. “When she had first sent me in here, I thought I heard her say something. But it sounded more like an incantation.” Cadence said not in the utmost concern. “I thought with spells you didn’t have to say anything. You just had to think it and then do it.” Twilight said, scrunching her muzzle oh so adorably. “That’s usually true but, on higher ranked spells some you do. I did hear her clearly say is, the Flutter Pony word for ‘Labyrinth’” Cadence said with extreme concern planted on her face. “WHAT?!” Twilight screeched. “Then how in Tartarus are we going to get out of here?” Twilight clamped her hooves on either side of her head and began to rock back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, before stopping. “How do you know the language of the Flutter Ponies?” she asked, now suspicious of this bedraggled version of her foalsitter. “I honestly don’t know, but wait! Just listen for a second.” Cadence said and Twilight opened her mouth to say something, but closed it soundlessly as she picked up what Cadence heard. A very faint voice was to be heard. “I now pronounce you mare and colt!” Princess Celestia concluded with gusto. Thousands upon thousands of cheers were heard after the Solar Matriarch finished the ceremony. Without a word, Cadence covered her face with her hooves and released a gut wrenching howl that only spoke of one of two things. One: someone very deeply cared for just died. Two: a copious amount of pain in any way shape or form. In a way, it was both. But the jovial cheers above were short lived. Soon they were taken over by screams of terror. The pair walked out onto terrace high above the throngs of cheering equines and kissed to the throbbing BOOM! of a multihued Sonic Rainboom. But as Shining Armor’s green eyes faded still, the bride’s internal grin only widened. So with that, she made her true appearance. In a swirling explosion of jade fire, her coat was returning to it’s original ebony black, her wings returned to it’s natural insect-like wings, holes in her hooves and horn, her mane a dark seaweed color with holes as well. Everypony screamed and scattered like roaches when a light turns on. The pandemonium made the Queen laugh. Her army with breakthrough Shining Armor’s shield any moment now, then Equestria and all it’s love will be hers. “Do not fret, my subjects! I am only here on one occasion but soon enough, I will be here often enough to call it my home! I am called Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings.” Queen Chrysalis introduced herself. Everypony stopped and turned toward her with horrified expressions on their faces. “Join us and become part of my swarm. Or,” she paused. “You can have every last drop of love drained from your body. Your choice. Either way, you will still become one of us. A Changeling. Especially when I become the ruler of Equestria.” Chrysalis said arrogantly. “Now that the Captain of the Royal Guard is my husband." “No, you won’t,” Princess Celestia said. “You may have made it impossible for Shining Armor to perform his spell, but now you’ve so foolishly revealed your true self,” Celestia charged at Queen Chrysalis. “I can protect my subjects from you.” And with that Princess Celestia flew into the air and attacked the queen with a yellow light that seemed more like a laser. The queen fought back. Queen Chrysalis shot a green light that also seemed like a laser attack. Queen Chrysalis was struggling. She was very close to losing the battle but as it seemed that Celestia had won the match, Queen Chrysalis push forward. Before Celestia knew it she had lost and had been knocked out. Everypony in the room rushed the Princess’s side. The only one who looked up was Rainbow Dash. “Wait, so Twilight was right about you being evil or at least not the real Cadence?” Rainbow Dash asked, with determination and anger blatant on her cyan face. But inside, she was still trying to process everything that had just happened. “Why, yes, Rainbow Dash. She was. But don’t worry about apologizing because she has already left.” Queen Chrysalis explained sarcastically. “Where did you send her?” Rainbow Dash said, now furious. Where could she have sent my friend? Why didn’t I believe her? She never lies! Rainbow Dash thought to herself. “I don’t know where she is. Rumor has it she was heartbroken and left Canterlot.” Queen Chrysalis lied. This will be easy. Get them in the wrong direction and Twilight Sparkle and Princess Cadance will be stuck down there forever! the queen thought. “Y’all know what she’s talking about?” Applejack said. Everypony in the room shook their heads but Princess Celestia, who was still knocked out cold. Apparently they had forgotten everything after her little act. “Ah... poor, poor Twilight Sparkle, rejected by her brother, her mentor, and her FRIENDS!” Queen Chrysalis drew out “friends” so it would register in their pathetic little minds. “Oh...” the mane six breathed in unison. Princess Celestia awoke and started her way to try to stand. “You must be lying! Even though we rejected her, she wouldn’t run away and grovel. She would try her best to deal with it. I know her well, almost as well as her own mother, and I know no matter what, she would run unless she had no choice.” Queen Chrysalis noted that this friendship and maternal love was absolutely divine. Almost as scrumptious as love. She took the fallen Princess’s argument into consideration.She could use this later to break the already injured Princess’s will and perhaps, with time, welcome her to the swarm. “What if she thought she had no choice. After all, it was you as well who rejected her. Her role model, teacher, and her second mother rejected her,” Chrysalis sneered. “Pathetic on your account, Princess.” This shocked Celestia. She had never been so thrown off her game before. Also, never felt as guilty. “Come on! We have to find her! She is probably in Ponyville. We need to apologize.” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. She was right and they all knew that. “Go on, try to find her.” Chrysalis said with a toothy grin. “Just as I planned...” “We will!” Rainbow exclaimed. Chapter 3 “Boy! Where is that silly filly?” Pinkie Pie asked with concern while bouncing in place in the plush train car. “Twilight! We’re coming! We’re really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really,” she gasped for more air. “really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really–” “Pinkie, Ah told ya, y’all look in Ponyville first. Then we look other places. And we git that yer sorry. You can save it ‘till we actually see her.” Applejack said. Pinkie stopped repeating herself and everyone sighed in relief. “Oh... if I find out she has actually hidden Twilight, I will pound that queen!” Rainbow Dash said cracked her hooves in anticipation. “Gonna squash her like the bug she is!” “Now calm down Rainbow. We made a mistake and now we are going to fix it.” Applejack said. Then she lowered her voice. “And those creepy bug things are everywhere now. Watch watcha say from now on, RD.” “I will. But what if she is not there?” Rainbow Dash asked. She hated conflicting emotions. One of hers was concern and empathy for her friend and possibly the real Princess Cadance. The other was anger at herself for letting her friend down and fury at the Queen of the Changelings. “Ah don’t know. Ah guess we look for her until we find her.” Applejack said with a sad face that was more than real. She didn’t know what they’d do if Twilight wasn’t there. “But... but what if that’s too... late?” Rainbow Dash asked with an expression that clearly stated, ‘It may already be too late’. “We can’t think that way. Twilight’s fine. She always is.” Applejack replied solemnly. How could she be so sure. Rainbow is right. she thought. What if we get there too late? What if we are already too late? They just sat there. The princess in tears and the unicorn there trying to hide her own for the princess’ sake. They didn’t know how long they had been in that one spot. But even if they did move, they would never find their way out. The labyrinth spell placed on the Canterlot Caves made that impossible. If her friends did come, they would need Princess Celestia to break the spell and to find the way out. By what Twilight and Cadence heard, that would be a long wait. Maybe longer than they have. Twilight thought something that was more than likely possible. We could die from starvation to dehydration. What would happen then? Twilight suddenly stopped hearing the sobbing so she lifted her hoof from the Princess’ back. She saw a dirty face look at her. Twilight gave a reassuring smile to the broken mare. She held out a hoof and helped Cadence to her hooves. “We need to get out of here.” Cadence said. Determination was written across her face with hints of fear and deep sadness. She started trotting away, but stopped when another set of hooves didn’t join. “Princess?” Twilight said slowly. Her face was masked by a worried expression. “Yes, Twilight?” answered Cadence. Noticing the worry on Twilight’s face, she shivered in the coldness of the Caves. “What if our best chance is to remain here for the time being. The spell will keep us from seeing the exit no matter what we do or where we go. Time being, there is no possible way to find the exit.” Twilight wasn’t always the one to give up, but maybe it was time to call it quits, at least for a little while. “I can see what you mean. But, let’s say your friends do come, what will they do to find you? It is not like they can break the spell. The only one who can do that is Princess Celestia or her as far as I know.” Cadance said, shuddering at the mention of the Queen. She sat down, suddenly weary, concern etched upon her face. Even she had to admit, it seemed pointless to run. “But we can stay for a bit. We will need to very soon anyway.” Princess Cadance sat down next to Twilight. Twilight put her head down to take a short nap. Really, a short one. As Twilight drifted off, Cadence put her wing over Twilight and went to sleep as well. “Twilight!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as they entered the Golden Oakes Library. “Twilight!” No answer came from the house. This was strange. Pinkie thought. If Twilight would come anywhere, it would be here. Never has she disappeared like this, never. “What did I tell you! She’s not here!” Rainbow Dash clapped her hooves once to clear invisible dust from them. “I say now we go pound some Changeling a–” “Ah say we check the locals before we make a complete conclusion.” Applejack said quickly as to cut the tomboyish pegasus off. She was trying to channel her inner Twilight and failing miserably. Rainbow Dash snickered at her poor attempt. “Wha-?” Applejack asked she was a bit annoyed. “Oh, nothing.” Rainbow Dash said innocently. “Can we please focus on the task at hoof? I mean if you don’t mind.” Fluttershy said in her quiet, little voice of hers, hiding behind a curtain of her mane. “Yeah, yeah. Lets go ask the anypony else. Got it. But guys, I have a strong feeling that in order to save Twilight, we need the Princess as well.” Chapter 4The wedding went according to plan. Nopony was crying or screaming. Songs and lights danced along with the stars. But what she saw was something other than a wedding it was an opportunity. So she took it. She jumped out of the bushes and attacked all of the innocent ponies. Some ran, some unicorns stood and tried to fight the creature. A creature with bug-like wings and a dark, ash colored coat. But the ones that stood up to this creature were wounded or killed. Killed by the horn of the creature. A horn that was as sharp as a knife and had holes in it just as the hooves of the creature did. No pony stood a chance Princess Celestia did not fight and she did not rush. No alicorn or unicorn stood to fight after the lives that fell. But the creature took over Canterlot and every pony was either as the creature said, 'converted', killed, or sent to the dungeons of the Canterlot Castle. Twilight Sparkle woke up and jolted upright. "What a strange dream. But it was more like a nightmare." Twilight thought. "Twilight? What's wrong?" Princess Cadance asked with concern on her face. "Oh, sorry. It's just a bad dream. Don't worry let's go back to sleep. "Hey, Bon Bon. Have you seen Twilight Sparkle around?" Rainbow Dash asked. She was completely determined to find her friend. "Oh, hey Rainbow. No, I haven't seen Twilight around lately. Late time I saw her, she was going to the royal wedding in Canterlot with you." Bon Bon said. "Oh, okay." Rainbow said disappointed but she didn't show it. She didn't want to attract any unwanted attention. She turned to her friends. "See, what did I tell you. She not here!" "We don't know that, darling." Rarity said almost as frightened for her dear friend. "Uh, Rarity, we have asked almost the entire town! I don't think she's here." Rainbow said now frustrated at the fact her friend is no where to be found. "I guess you're right." Rarity said, grief and sadness creeping her voice. "Where could she be?!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed in distress. "Maybe she underground!" Pinkie Pie happily exclaimed. "What made ya think of that Pinkie?" Applejack asked. "Well, she doesn't seem to be above ground." Pinkie said. A bit curious to why she said it herself. "Rainbow, yer probably right. We will need Princess Celestia." Applejack said. "Well then, let's go get her!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "Twilight?" Cadance nudged the sleeping, lavender unicorn. "Yes, princess?" Twilight asked. "How thirsty and hungry are you?" Cadance asked. This was sudden. "Extremely, why?" Twilight asked. She felt like she was going to die any second. She was so hungry and hasn't had any water since she first arrived. There were no trace of water in these caves. There was no food. So she could die any time or day now. "Because, we have been down here for 2 days at least. Our bodies will start to shut down without water in the next day. We need water and food. But without it we will die." Cadance pointed out with sheer worry on her face. Without water before tomorrow they would soon die in these caves. But Cadance wouldn't die as fast as Twilight due to her being an alicorn. But sadly they would die even if they were found before they died tomorrow. They needed to get out and fast. In Canterlot everything has become from bad to worse in a day or two. Canterlot is a dark, gloomy area of Equestria. Every pony is locked in their house cowering from Queen Chrysalis's minions. As they walked through Canterlot, ponies peeked through their closed curtains obviously confused to why they would be out of their homes. They were close to reaching the castle gates, which were packed with changeling guards and minions of the queen. "Who are you? What is your business?" A guard asked with his horn ready to fight as they walked up to the castle. "We are here to see the queen. We have a question for the her." the cyan pegasus said that sounded more calm than she felt. "Very well, follow me." the guard said and he order to minions to take the rear. They walked through the halls of the castle. They were once brightly colored and beautiful. But now, they are dark and dull. The curtains were closed, but instead of with the violet colored curtains, they were black. Everything was dark and gloomy. They entered the throne room. The queen was sitting on Princess Celestia's throne. "My queen, these five ponies have a question to ask you." The guard said. He bowed his head to the queen. "Very well, you may leave. All of you." Queen Chrysalis said. "As you wish my queen." they said it in unison, every changeling in the room and they soon departed from the room. "So, I can see you have yet to find Twilight." Queen Chrysalis said with an evil grin climbing upon her face. "We didn't. We just want to see the Princess and talk to her." Rainbow said she was annoyed but wouldn't let it show. "You can have her if you want. She is immortal so I can't convert her. Come with me I will free her and you can try to find your precious friends together." Queen Chrysalis said. "Thanks." Applejack turned to her friends and they nodded. She didn't know why they nodded or even why she looked back. All she knew is that she did. They walked through the halls of the castle and up the stairs to Twilight's old library. That us where they found her. "Here she is. Have fun trying to find your friend. If you can." The queen said. She still had that evil grin upon her face. But that, 'if you can' thing she said almost completely took Rainbow Dash off the edge of anger. Fortunately, she had been able to control herself and say nothing. "Princess?" Applejack nudged the half asleep princess. "A-Applejack? Rainbow Dash? Pinkie Pie? Rarity? And Fluttershy?" Princess Celestia said looking up in confusion. "What are you doing here? Did you find Twilight?" "We're here to get you. We didn't find Twilight and we need you to help us find away to get her. We have a pretty good idea, thanks to Pinkie, where she is." Rainbow Dash said. "Where?" The princess jolted right up. She needed to find her student. Like a mother needing to find her run-away child. "Somewhere underground and in Canterlot." Rainbow Dash determination showing more than ever now. "Please Princess, we must hurry." Applejack said."Yes, we do need to hurry. I only know of one underground place in Canterlot where she could of hid Twilight and Princess Cadance." the princess had a face as hard as a rock now. She was obviously ready to destroy the queen at this point. "Where? I mean... if you don't mind me asking." Fluttershy said. She was obviously worried. "It is quite alright, Fluttershy. But the place is one of the most dangerous places. Especially with a labyrinth spell on it. The Canterlot Caves. Deep below Canterlot." The princess said. She was in sheer concern. If she was right, the queen would have definitely put a labyrinth spell on the caves. They could die. Very, very soon. Chapter 5 “Ugh...” Twilight was cold, hungry, and extremely thirsty. She must have fainted because of her body shutting down from starvation and hunger. This was bad. At this rate, she would die within a matter of hours, a day if lucky. A pink alicorn was sleeping on the ground shivering beside her. Twilight could see her ribs just as much and she could see her own. She didn’t know how much longer they have. All she knew is that it wasn’t much. If they were fainting, that is a sheer sign of lack of nourishment. This was dangerous territory. ‘How much longer?’ Twilight thought. ‘How much longer until we fade away?’ Cadance shifted and moved from one side to the other. Soon though, she started to wake up from her slumber. “Ugh, what happened?” Cadance said, but soon realized that they had fainted. “Twilight are you okay?” “Just a bit dizzy that’s all.” Twilight said. But she was feeling more than just being dizzy. She felt like she was about to puke up her guts. She had nothing in them though. So that was a bad sign. Twilight’s dizzy spell was short lived. When she thought she was back to normal, (normal as in not dizzy and nauseous) everything went black. “Where is Spike when you need him?” Rainbow Dash asked. They had been searching for a book on the “Canterlot Caves” for half a day now, and nothing has come up. They definitely would have needed Spike or Twilight to find things in the library. “Wait, I think I’ve found it.” Princess Celestia said with uncertainty. But she was ever so worried. Every minute counted for her niece and student. Everypony walked towards the Princess she flew down from the shelf, carrying the book in her magic grip. She laid it on the table and opened it a section where it had map. But this map was no ordinary map. This show if there is a spell planted on it and type of spell it is. But the downfall of it showing the spell on the caves, it doesn’t show and spells to break that spell. “What is this Princess?” Rarity asked in amazement. The book itself was amazing. It had everything it needed to know about the caves. Celestia kept an even tone despite her deepening fear. “It’s The Caves Beneath Canterlot. A reference book to the Canterlot Caves. This is the map of the Canterlot Caves. It has magic on it that shows if and what types of spell are on it. It is a very old book so we must be careful.” “Yes, Princess.” Rarity said kindly. “It has a labyrinth spell on it. This one is highly fitted and will be hard to break. But I think it is possible.” this made the princess a bit more hopeful than she was. She might just be able to save the ponies she loves. Little did they know a changeling guard was listening to their conversation. He ran back to his queen with his new report. “My queen, they have seemed to figure out that the prisoners are in the Caves. They have also seemed to figure out there is a spell on it.” the guard said. “Thank you.” Queen Chrysalis said. “My queen, if you don’t mind me asking, what should we do?” the changeling guard asked. “Nothing. For you see, the two mares are on the brink of death. When their friends find them it will already be too late.” Queen Chrysalis gave an evil laugh at the thought. The thought that the only two threats will die in a matter of hours. “As you wish my queen.” the guard said and he left. This will be just a perfect day. “Twilight! Twilight! Twilight, please wake up.” Cadance was crying. The mare has been asleep for longer than she knows. She wonders if she is even asleep at all. ‘No! Don’t think things like that! She will be fine. She is still breathing I can feel it.’ Cadance thought although the thought seemed to come true. She looked closer to see her breath in the cold are. ‘Thank Celestia! She’s okay!’ “Ugh... Did I faint again?” Twilight asked. She was definitely still wary from her slumber. All Cadance could do is give a small nod and help the mare up. She wiped tried to wipe away her tears, but new tears of happiness seemed to flow down her pink coat. Twilight gave a grin. “Okay, but what are we going to do? We really don’t have that much longer.” “I-I don’t know.” Cadance said ever so worried.They needed to get out, but how? “Come on Princess!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “We have to hurry.” They had followed the book to the entrance. It seemed to be blocked by a boulder, though. So not only a spell but a boulder to never find an entrance. Seemed excessive but, there was an alicorn and the Element of Magic down there. Everyone just gawked at how huge the boulder was. Fluttershy was the only one to speak. “Princess, um... we have to move the boulder. If you don’t mind me saying. But, how?” “My magic may be powerful but it can’t move a boulder at this magnitude by itself. So we all need to work together to move it.” Princess Celestia was more than determined to get her niece and student out of there. And hopefully alive. They all positioned themselves to move the boulder. Celestia started to count to move the boulder, “Ready?” “Ready!” they all said in unison. “On three. One... two... three!” Applejack and Pinkie Pie pushed with all their might on the ground, while Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash did the same from the sky. Rarity and Princess Celestia combined their magic and together they moved the boulder over, so the entrance was now wide enough to have all of them move through and into the entrance. As they did so, the princess looked behind them and at the boulder. She decided to make it a pebble so it could no longer block their path. Along with that, she cast a protector spell on it to make sure no one could make it, once again, its original size. With that, they quickly moved forth into the Canterlot Caves. Chapter 6 The Final Chapter The entrance light was nothing but a little white speck now. They had been walking for what felt like forever. Fortunately, the labyrinth spell had not yet taken place on them yet. Allowing them to move on without getting lost. For now. “Wait y’all. Do ya feel that?” Applejack asked. The tan mare felt like something was coming. “The spell is making its way towards us now. Come and stay close to me while I break the spell.” Princess Celestia ordered. The rest followed immediately. Princess Celestia raised her horn as it began to glow with magic. She released the spell and it shot up into the ceiling. A yellow, magic ripple went through out the caves. Sooner or later would make its way to Twilight and Cadance. They both felt it. The moving of the walls. But it didn't seem that the walls in their area had moved a bit. They looked around, to see that nothing has changed. The lavender unicorn looked at the pink alicorn in confusion. They were both thinking the same thing. ‘What was that?’ But soon more confusion came as a rush of magic energy went through them knocking them out. The walls moved to their original tunnel placements. The white alicorn took a long deep breath to slow her breathing. That spell was a very strong one and almost knocked her out. But she stayed focused and determined. That is what always keeps her in the form she is. Wise and powerful. “Princess? Ya okay?” Applejack asked. “Yes, Applejack, I’m fine. I just had to use a lot of magic to break the spell through the entire Canterlot Caves. Thank you for your concern, though.” She smiled at the concerned crowd to show she was alright. “Ugh, we're on the clock here!” Rainbow yelled to make them hurry up. She didn't want her friend to die. No pony wanted Princess Cadance and Twilight to die. “Yer right, Rainbow. C’mon!” With a race against time that ran as fast as they could to find their dear friends. Cadance woke up to see a sleeping, lavender unicorn. She looked around to see the walls had moved but they were back to normal. If that is what the Canterlot Caves’ pathways usually looked like. “Twilight?” Twilight didn't budge or move a single muscle. “Twilight?!” Twilight just wouldn't wake up. Cadance thought the worst thing possible. ‘Oh no! From her body shutting down from no water and food to the high magic energy wave, her body much have gone into a coma or something. This is not good!’ She had no alternative at this point. She wouldn't be able to live with herself if she let this pony die. So she used her magic to pick up the half dead pony. Though her heart beat was stable, she would die so soon, it was scary. Though the pony must have weighed only a small handful. It felt like sixty pounds on Cadance’s back. But she kept pushing forward. Soon she saw light come into view. As things started to get blurry from exhaustion, she saw six ponies come into view. They were rushing, but they were also a good ten meters away. That is when everything went black. They thought they were seeing things. There was a pink, limping alicorn walking towards them with what looked like a purple unicorn on the back of the alicorn. The happy moment turned to sheer worry in a matter of seconds, as the alicorn dropped to the ground.The unicorn laying right next to her. They picked up their speed and rushed to the two fallen mares. There they lay. Both in a deep sleep. For, though, one seems to be worse than the other. ‘My dear Twilight and Cadance.’ Celestia thought. This broke her heart. Twilight was stable, but she wouldn't be for long. She needed to get out of there and quick. “Here, I’ll get Cadance you five get Twilight.” Celestia ordered as she carried Cadance onto her back with her magical grip. The rest did as they were told. Rainbow and Fluttershy took to the side to keep Twilight from falling off the backs of Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Applejack. They ran at even pace with the princess. And made it out of the caves. Luckily, the queen allowed some ponies to work in a hospital for those who are sick. So when the queen heard of Twilight and Cadance being brought in. She was okay with it though she was fairly angry that they couldn't have stayed for a bit longer. She knew Twilight wouldn't wake up in time to say a word or eat and neither would Cadance. This enjoyed her the most. They would die and Celestia would not be fit to rule due to her niece and student’s death. ‘Ha! Ha! This was so easy. I believe they are going to leave their pitiful lives. I will cherish in the moment they do.’ The queen thought as her victory was taking place. They brought Twilight and Cadance in and the doctors rushed to Twilight and Cadance’s side. At this point Twilight’s pulse and heart rate were slowing and the doctors were trying to wake her of her coma so she could eat, drink and get better. But all they could do is put an I.V. in her arm. This helped her a bit and made her stable but for how long they didn't know. Cadance moans and grumbles as she wakes up. She looks around her surroundings to find herself in the hospital. AS she remembered the most recent events, she bolted up to see Princess Celestia walk through the door. “Welcome back to Canterlot, Cadance. Glad to see you alive and and well,” Princess Celestia welcomed. “Where’s Twilight? What about Queen Chrysalis?” Cadance rushed. “Chrysalis and I have made truce. She leaves us alone, we give her offspring a place to stay without them hurting us or us hurting them. While Twilight on the other hoof is well... um... well...” Celestia stuttered. “What? Is she...” Cadance couldn’t think of it. Twilight couldn’t be, could she? “I have to see her!” “You see well enough to be able to move with a supervisor. Very well, I will take you to her,” Celestia responded reluctant to say the rest. “Though I don’t think you will enjoy what you see.” Cadance hops out of bed and follows Celestia through the hallways. When they reach Twilight Sparkle’s room, Princess Cadance gasped and ran to the bedside. “Cadance!” Shining Armor unwillingly yelled in shock. “What are you doing up?” He looked straight at Celestia. “She is better almost full health. In which is faster than what I expected.” Celestia stated. “Really?” Shining Armor looked back at the sobbing Alicorn who sat next to the unawaking Unicorn. Everyone in the room was either in shock at the speed Cadance healed or scared of what was to come of Twilight. They stared at the two ponies that were next to each other. From the Mane Six to the weeping family. They were all worried of the health of both mares. Twilight gave a slight whimper of pain. Though no one knew how someone in a coma could give a whimper of pain, she did. Cadance, being the princess of emotions, could feel many emotions. Though she didn’t know much about medical magic, she was able to do pain killing magic. Twilight gave a breath of relief as Cadance gave a small dosage of pain killer magic into Twilight’s body. For the first time in what felt like weeks, Twilight’s eyes fluttered open. She looked around to see she was in the hospital surrounded by her friends, family, and mentor. She whispers, "I'm glad I knew you all... and before I leave this world... promise me that you will move on. That you will not mourn over my loss for all your lives.” They all gasped as what she said sunk in. Could she really be giving up? Applejack stepped forward, “Ah cannot promise something that ah do not know ah can keep. But ah will promise one thing. That ah will try my hardest, to not mourn over you for all of time.” “What Applejack said.” Rainbow Dash stated. “We all do.” Twilight Velvet said. With a smile Twilight closed her eyes and her pulse meter went from weak to flat in a matter of seconds. Celestia however stepped forward and placed her horn over Twilight heart. Her horn glowed brightly as she casted a spell over Twilight’s body. When she backed away Twilight body radiated brighter than anything anyone has ever seen. The pulse meter started to move and beep once again and Twilight began to come back to life and once again breathe. They all stared at Celestia. They had noticed bumps where the wings of a pegasus would be. Twilight started to wake. “What happened?” Twilight mumbled and started to sit up. As she did so, she revealed the bumps under the blankets. She looked down to see them herself. They were wings. She was an Alicorn! She looked at Celestia concerned and curious for an answer. Celestia said, "You are now immortal and a princess." Twilight asks, “Why, Princess?” Celestia responds calmly, "It was the only way to save your life.You have also showed the things a princess needs to be a princess. You showed everything that you needed and more. You deserve to be a princess, Twilight.” “Thank you, I think,” Twilight says nervously. She looked around at the rest of her friends and family. “And thank you. If it wasn’t for you, we would have never gotten out of those caves.’ Twilight says and smiles at Cadance. “You’re our friend Twilight, and friends do anything for each other.” R.D. said. THE END Chapter 1: Oh The Wedding We Won't MakeEdited by Namara “Where am I?” Twilight asked, shaking on the cold floor of wherever she had been sent to. She missed the real Cadance. She hadn't been acting like herself since Twilight arrived. “Where am I?” Twilight said again. This time she got an answer. “In the caves under Canterlot,” it was Cadence. The Cadance she didn’t know. She appeared on the gems like a picture. But she moved about from gem to gem. “Greedy ponies who wanted the gems inside were trapped in here. Now, you are too!” “Why are you doing this?” “Because, you tried to interfere with my plans and now you will pay.” Cadance said with a evil grin. “What plans?” Twilight said with deep, sincere concern. Not only for herself, but for all of Equestria. She knew she had to find a way to stop her. “The plans for you brother. You know I love him.” she did another evil grin to show it was not all that true. “Stay away from my brother!” Twilight said. Her horn was soon glowing and sparking with an attack spell ready to fire. “Only way to stop me is to catch me!” She ran off from one gem to another. Each time Twilight fired and missed. Soon enough she made a hole is a gem and rock wall. This one, though, had another Cadance. One that was dirty and looked slightly hurt and malnourished. Twilight tackled the Cadance, whom which, coward in fright. “Please, don’t hurt me.” the Cadance looked up. Her pink ears perked up. “Twilight it’s me. Please, believe me, the Cadance that brought you down here was an imposter!” she begged. “Likely story,” Twilight snarled, but the Cadance shifted out from under Twilight and did their song and dance. Sunshine, Sunshine Lady Bugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake! That made Twilight realize that it was the Cadance she knew. Her favorite foalsitter. “You remember me!” “Of course I do. How could I forget you? The filly I loved to sit for the most.” Cadance said her eyes close to shedding tears. “We have to get out of here! We have to stop her!” Twilight said with determination on her face. Cadance nodded her head and they ran with great speed. They had very little time to waste. Cadance’s love, Twilight’s brother, and Equestria has it on them to make sure the imposter does not hurt anypony or hurt Equestria itself! The imposter Cadance was in her wedding gown and ready to face her groom. But she did not love him. All she wanted was his love. Soon her guards and her make-up ponies told her it was time. She gladly made her way to the wedding reception.
Chapter 2 “We will never find our way out of here!” Cadance cried before slumping down on the crystallite floor. “We will. I just have to figure out how!” Twilight reassured the distraught princess. We need to hurry! My brother-- Twilight thought, shivering at the thought of... of her feeding off of her BBBFF. Another thing was her friends. Would they even look for her after the way she acted? Twilight suspected that by the time they started getting anxious about her welfare, it would be too late. “We have to find a way out, and fast. If not, Shining Armor and Equestria are... are...” Cadance stuttered, unable to finish her sentence. “I know, I know. I am just having a hard time. It’s strange though. I can usually come up with plans faster than this. It just doesn’t comprehend.” Twilight admitted, lowering her head in an ashamed manner Her azure bangs hid her eyes as her mind raced for a solution. The pink alicorn and the lavender unicorn ran through the tunnels, dodging the odd crystal pillar. After what felt like an eternity in the reflective labyrinth, Twilight began to wonder, What if we can’t find our way out? “We are gathered here today to witness the bond of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Shining Armor...” Princess Celestia began the ceremony. Everyone was watching in amazement. The two lovers standing beside each other ready to face their new life. But they don’t see the malicious grin hidden beneath her lovestruck mask. As if she were hiding ambition beneath the translucent wedding veil. Just as nopony noticed her true intentions, they didn’t notice the faint emerald aura emanating from the alabaster groom’s normally blue eyes. “Cadance” could see it in her mind. Her plan taking action, not a pony that can stop her, the authentic Cadence and Twilight trapped forever beneath the palace floors. Hmm, I might want to drain them later. Or convert. They would be suitable nursemaids. She thought. “Cadence” mused as Princess Celestia continued on with the ceremony. Even if they searched high and low for an exit, they won’t find one. There is no exit, not anymore. When she sent Cadence to the depths, she sealed off the exits, forever dooming her to wander aimlessly underground. All in all, the Queen’s plan had been smoothly and she might say, perfectly, executed thus far. Just a few more measly minutes... What am I going to do? Twilight thought with concern. What if I can’t find a way out of here? Cadance must have sensed Twilight’s concern and unease, for she stopped in her tracks and turned around and said, “You’re worried we won’t escape, right?” Twilight wanted to reassure the princess but she couldn’t lie, either. In return, she concluded to say, “I shouldn’t lie, so all I can say is I’m worried. If we can’t find a way out of here we might die of starvation or something. I guess I’m also worried that my friends won’t come look for me.” “Well, I bet they would. If they are true friends they will get over their anger and come and try to find you. We should rest we have ran a long distance. The less energy we use the less food storage we will use.” Cadence calmly said. “How are you so calm?” Twilight asked. “You can die too, right? I mean by starvation, dehydration, and stuff like that,” she shrank away as Cadence sighed. “I’m sorry, that was too personal.” “No no, it’s fine that you asked.” Cadence waved her unnecessary apology away with a weary hoof. “Yes, I can die. But I don’t have enough energy to go much further. We need to conserve and rest. At least for a bit. There is something I have yet, to tell you. I believe it is because I forgot about it until now.” Cadence said sadly, forlornly glancing at the filly she foalsat so many years ago. “What is it?” Twilight asked, forgetting her worries and fears for a moment. “When she had first sent me in here, I thought I heard her say something. But it sounded more like an incantation.” Cadence said not in the utmost concern. “I thought with spells you didn’t have to say anything. You just had to think it and then do it.” Twilight said, scrunching her muzzle oh so adorably. “That’s usually true but, on higher ranked spells some you do. I did hear her clearly say is, the Flutter Pony word for ‘Labyrinth’” Cadence said with extreme concern planted on her face. “WHAT?!” Twilight screeched. “Then how in Tartarus are we going to get out of here?” Twilight clamped her hooves on either side of her head and began to rock back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, before stopping. “How do you know the language of the Flutter Ponies?” she asked, now suspicious of this bedraggled version of her foalsitter. “I honestly don’t know, but wait! Just listen for a second.” Cadence said and Twilight opened her mouth to say something, but closed it soundlessly as she picked up what Cadence heard. A very faint voice was to be heard. “I now pronounce you mare and colt!” Princess Celestia concluded with gusto. Thousands upon thousands of cheers were heard after the Solar Matriarch finished the ceremony. Without a word, Cadence covered her face with her hooves and released a gut wrenching howl that only spoke of one of two things. One: someone very deeply cared for just died. Two: a copious amount of pain in any way shape or form. In a way, it was both. But the jovial cheers above were short lived. Soon they were taken over by screams of terror. The pair walked out onto terrace high above the throngs of cheering equines and kissed to the throbbing BOOM! of a multihued Sonic Rainboom. But as Shining Armor’s green eyes faded still, the bride’s internal grin only widened. So with that, she made her true appearance. In a swirling explosion of jade fire, her coat was returning to it’s original ebony black, her wings returned to it’s natural insect-like wings, holes in her hooves and horn, her mane a dark seaweed color with holes as well. Everypony screamed and scattered like roaches when a light turns on. The pandemonium made the Queen laugh. Her army with breakthrough Shining Armor’s shield any moment now, then Equestria and all it’s love will be hers. “Do not fret, my subjects! I am only here on one occasion but soon enough, I will be here often enough to call it my home! I am called Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings.” Queen Chrysalis introduced herself. Everypony stopped and turned toward her with horrified expressions on their faces. “Join us and become part of my swarm. Or,” she paused. “You can have every last drop of love drained from your body. Your choice. Either way, you will still become one of us. A Changeling. Especially when I become the ruler of Equestria.” Chrysalis said arrogantly. “Now that the Captain of the Royal Guard is my husband." “No, you won’t,” Princess Celestia said. “You may have made it impossible for Shining Armor to perform his spell, but now you’ve so foolishly revealed your true self,” Celestia charged at Queen Chrysalis. “I can protect my subjects from you.” And with that Princess Celestia flew into the air and attacked the queen with a yellow light that seemed more like a laser. The queen fought back. Queen Chrysalis shot a green light that also seemed like a laser attack. Queen Chrysalis was struggling. She was very close to losing the battle but as it seemed that Celestia had won the match, Queen Chrysalis push forward. Before Celestia knew it she had lost and had been knocked out. Everypony in the room rushed the Princess’s side. The only one who looked up was Rainbow Dash. “Wait, so Twilight was right about you being evil or at least not the real Cadence?” Rainbow Dash asked, with determination and anger blatant on her cyan face. But inside, she was still trying to process everything that had just happened. “Why, yes, Rainbow Dash. She was. But don’t worry about apologizing because she has already left.” Queen Chrysalis explained sarcastically. “Where did you send her?” Rainbow Dash said, now furious. Where could she have sent my friend? Why didn’t I believe her? She never lies! Rainbow Dash thought to herself. “I don’t know where she is. Rumor has it she was heartbroken and left Canterlot.” Queen Chrysalis lied. This will be easy. Get them in the wrong direction and Twilight Sparkle and Princess Cadance will be stuck down there forever! the queen thought. “Y’all know what she’s talking about?” Applejack said. Everypony in the room shook their heads but Princess Celestia, who was still knocked out cold. Apparently they had forgotten everything after her little act. “Ah... poor, poor Twilight Sparkle, rejected by her brother, her mentor, and her FRIENDS!” Queen Chrysalis drew out “friends” so it would register in their pathetic little minds. “Oh...” the mane six breathed in unison. Princess Celestia awoke and started her way to try to stand. “You must be lying! Even though we rejected her, she wouldn’t run away and grovel. She would try her best to deal with it. I know her well, almost as well as her own mother, and I know no matter what, she would run unless she had no choice.” Queen Chrysalis noted that this friendship and maternal love was absolutely divine. Almost as scrumptious as love. She took the fallen Princess’s argument into consideration.She could use this later to break the already injured Princess’s will and perhaps, with time, welcome her to the swarm. “What if she thought she had no choice. After all, it was you as well who rejected her. Her role model, teacher, and her second mother rejected her,” Chrysalis sneered. “Pathetic on your account, Princess.” This shocked Celestia. She had never been so thrown off her game before. Also, never felt as guilty. “Come on! We have to find her! She is probably in Ponyville. We need to apologize.” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. She was right and they all knew that. “Go on, try to find her.” Chrysalis said with a toothy grin. “Just as I planned...” “We will!” Rainbow exclaimed.
Chapter 3 “Boy! Where is that silly filly?” Pinkie Pie asked with concern while bouncing in place in the plush train car. “Twilight! We’re coming! We’re really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really,” she gasped for more air. “really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really–” “Pinkie, Ah told ya, y’all look in Ponyville first. Then we look other places. And we git that yer sorry. You can save it ‘till we actually see her.” Applejack said. Pinkie stopped repeating herself and everyone sighed in relief. “Oh... if I find out she has actually hidden Twilight, I will pound that queen!” Rainbow Dash said cracked her hooves in anticipation. “Gonna squash her like the bug she is!” “Now calm down Rainbow. We made a mistake and now we are going to fix it.” Applejack said. Then she lowered her voice. “And those creepy bug things are everywhere now. Watch watcha say from now on, RD.” “I will. But what if she is not there?” Rainbow Dash asked. She hated conflicting emotions. One of hers was concern and empathy for her friend and possibly the real Princess Cadance. The other was anger at herself for letting her friend down and fury at the Queen of the Changelings. “Ah don’t know. Ah guess we look for her until we find her.” Applejack said with a sad face that was more than real. She didn’t know what they’d do if Twilight wasn’t there. “But... but what if that’s too... late?” Rainbow Dash asked with an expression that clearly stated, ‘It may already be too late’. “We can’t think that way. Twilight’s fine. She always is.” Applejack replied solemnly. How could she be so sure. Rainbow is right. she thought. What if we get there too late? What if we are already too late? They just sat there. The princess in tears and the unicorn there trying to hide her own for the princess’ sake. They didn’t know how long they had been in that one spot. But even if they did move, they would never find their way out. The labyrinth spell placed on the Canterlot Caves made that impossible. If her friends did come, they would need Princess Celestia to break the spell and to find the way out. By what Twilight and Cadence heard, that would be a long wait. Maybe longer than they have. Twilight thought something that was more than likely possible. We could die from starvation to dehydration. What would happen then? Twilight suddenly stopped hearing the sobbing so she lifted her hoof from the Princess’ back. She saw a dirty face look at her. Twilight gave a reassuring smile to the broken mare. She held out a hoof and helped Cadence to her hooves. “We need to get out of here.” Cadence said. Determination was written across her face with hints of fear and deep sadness. She started trotting away, but stopped when another set of hooves didn’t join. “Princess?” Twilight said slowly. Her face was masked by a worried expression. “Yes, Twilight?” answered Cadence. Noticing the worry on Twilight’s face, she shivered in the coldness of the Caves. “What if our best chance is to remain here for the time being. The spell will keep us from seeing the exit no matter what we do or where we go. Time being, there is no possible way to find the exit.” Twilight wasn’t always the one to give up, but maybe it was time to call it quits, at least for a little while. “I can see what you mean. But, let’s say your friends do come, what will they do to find you? It is not like they can break the spell. The only one who can do that is Princess Celestia or her as far as I know.” Cadance said, shuddering at the mention of the Queen. She sat down, suddenly weary, concern etched upon her face. Even she had to admit, it seemed pointless to run. “But we can stay for a bit. We will need to very soon anyway.” Princess Cadance sat down next to Twilight. Twilight put her head down to take a short nap. Really, a short one. As Twilight drifted off, Cadence put her wing over Twilight and went to sleep as well. “Twilight!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as they entered the Golden Oakes Library. “Twilight!” No answer came from the house. This was strange. Pinkie thought. If Twilight would come anywhere, it would be here. Never has she disappeared like this, never. “What did I tell you! She’s not here!” Rainbow Dash clapped her hooves once to clear invisible dust from them. “I say now we go pound some Changeling a–” “Ah say we check the locals before we make a complete conclusion.” Applejack said quickly as to cut the tomboyish pegasus off. She was trying to channel her inner Twilight and failing miserably. Rainbow Dash snickered at her poor attempt. “Wha-?” Applejack asked she was a bit annoyed. “Oh, nothing.” Rainbow Dash said innocently. “Can we please focus on the task at hoof? I mean if you don’t mind.” Fluttershy said in her quiet, little voice of hers, hiding behind a curtain of her mane. “Yeah, yeah. Lets go ask the anypony else. Got it. But guys, I have a strong feeling that in order to save Twilight, we need the Princess as well.”
Chapter 4The wedding went according to plan. Nopony was crying or screaming. Songs and lights danced along with the stars. But what she saw was something other than a wedding it was an opportunity. So she took it. She jumped out of the bushes and attacked all of the innocent ponies. Some ran, some unicorns stood and tried to fight the creature. A creature with bug-like wings and a dark, ash colored coat. But the ones that stood up to this creature were wounded or killed. Killed by the horn of the creature. A horn that was as sharp as a knife and had holes in it just as the hooves of the creature did. No pony stood a chance Princess Celestia did not fight and she did not rush. No alicorn or unicorn stood to fight after the lives that fell. But the creature took over Canterlot and every pony was either as the creature said, 'converted', killed, or sent to the dungeons of the Canterlot Castle. Twilight Sparkle woke up and jolted upright. "What a strange dream. But it was more like a nightmare." Twilight thought. "Twilight? What's wrong?" Princess Cadance asked with concern on her face. "Oh, sorry. It's just a bad dream. Don't worry let's go back to sleep. "Hey, Bon Bon. Have you seen Twilight Sparkle around?" Rainbow Dash asked. She was completely determined to find her friend. "Oh, hey Rainbow. No, I haven't seen Twilight around lately. Late time I saw her, she was going to the royal wedding in Canterlot with you." Bon Bon said. "Oh, okay." Rainbow said disappointed but she didn't show it. She didn't want to attract any unwanted attention. She turned to her friends. "See, what did I tell you. She not here!" "We don't know that, darling." Rarity said almost as frightened for her dear friend. "Uh, Rarity, we have asked almost the entire town! I don't think she's here." Rainbow said now frustrated at the fact her friend is no where to be found. "I guess you're right." Rarity said, grief and sadness creeping her voice. "Where could she be?!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed in distress. "Maybe she underground!" Pinkie Pie happily exclaimed. "What made ya think of that Pinkie?" Applejack asked. "Well, she doesn't seem to be above ground." Pinkie said. A bit curious to why she said it herself. "Rainbow, yer probably right. We will need Princess Celestia." Applejack said. "Well then, let's go get her!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "Twilight?" Cadance nudged the sleeping, lavender unicorn. "Yes, princess?" Twilight asked. "How thirsty and hungry are you?" Cadance asked. This was sudden. "Extremely, why?" Twilight asked. She felt like she was going to die any second. She was so hungry and hasn't had any water since she first arrived. There were no trace of water in these caves. There was no food. So she could die any time or day now. "Because, we have been down here for 2 days at least. Our bodies will start to shut down without water in the next day. We need water and food. But without it we will die." Cadance pointed out with sheer worry on her face. Without water before tomorrow they would soon die in these caves. But Cadance wouldn't die as fast as Twilight due to her being an alicorn. But sadly they would die even if they were found before they died tomorrow. They needed to get out and fast. In Canterlot everything has become from bad to worse in a day or two. Canterlot is a dark, gloomy area of Equestria. Every pony is locked in their house cowering from Queen Chrysalis's minions. As they walked through Canterlot, ponies peeked through their closed curtains obviously confused to why they would be out of their homes. They were close to reaching the castle gates, which were packed with changeling guards and minions of the queen. "Who are you? What is your business?" A guard asked with his horn ready to fight as they walked up to the castle. "We are here to see the queen. We have a question for the her." the cyan pegasus said that sounded more calm than she felt. "Very well, follow me." the guard said and he order to minions to take the rear. They walked through the halls of the castle. They were once brightly colored and beautiful. But now, they are dark and dull. The curtains were closed, but instead of with the violet colored curtains, they were black. Everything was dark and gloomy. They entered the throne room. The queen was sitting on Princess Celestia's throne. "My queen, these five ponies have a question to ask you." The guard said. He bowed his head to the queen. "Very well, you may leave. All of you." Queen Chrysalis said. "As you wish my queen." they said it in unison, every changeling in the room and they soon departed from the room. "So, I can see you have yet to find Twilight." Queen Chrysalis said with an evil grin climbing upon her face. "We didn't. We just want to see the Princess and talk to her." Rainbow said she was annoyed but wouldn't let it show. "You can have her if you want. She is immortal so I can't convert her. Come with me I will free her and you can try to find your precious friends together." Queen Chrysalis said. "Thanks." Applejack turned to her friends and they nodded. She didn't know why they nodded or even why she looked back. All she knew is that she did. They walked through the halls of the castle and up the stairs to Twilight's old library. That us where they found her. "Here she is. Have fun trying to find your friend. If you can." The queen said. She still had that evil grin upon her face. But that, 'if you can' thing she said almost completely took Rainbow Dash off the edge of anger. Fortunately, she had been able to control herself and say nothing. "Princess?" Applejack nudged the half asleep princess. "A-Applejack? Rainbow Dash? Pinkie Pie? Rarity? And Fluttershy?" Princess Celestia said looking up in confusion. "What are you doing here? Did you find Twilight?" "We're here to get you. We didn't find Twilight and we need you to help us find away to get her. We have a pretty good idea, thanks to Pinkie, where she is." Rainbow Dash said. "Where?" The princess jolted right up. She needed to find her student. Like a mother needing to find her run-away child. "Somewhere underground and in Canterlot." Rainbow Dash determination showing more than ever now. "Please Princess, we must hurry." Applejack said."Yes, we do need to hurry. I only know of one underground place in Canterlot where she could of hid Twilight and Princess Cadance." the princess had a face as hard as a rock now. She was obviously ready to destroy the queen at this point. "Where? I mean... if you don't mind me asking." Fluttershy said. She was obviously worried. "It is quite alright, Fluttershy. But the place is one of the most dangerous places. Especially with a labyrinth spell on it. The Canterlot Caves. Deep below Canterlot." The princess said. She was in sheer concern. If she was right, the queen would have definitely put a labyrinth spell on the caves. They could die. Very, very soon.
Chapter 5 “Ugh...” Twilight was cold, hungry, and extremely thirsty. She must have fainted because of her body shutting down from starvation and hunger. This was bad. At this rate, she would die within a matter of hours, a day if lucky. A pink alicorn was sleeping on the ground shivering beside her. Twilight could see her ribs just as much and she could see her own. She didn’t know how much longer they have. All she knew is that it wasn’t much. If they were fainting, that is a sheer sign of lack of nourishment. This was dangerous territory. ‘How much longer?’ Twilight thought. ‘How much longer until we fade away?’ Cadance shifted and moved from one side to the other. Soon though, she started to wake up from her slumber. “Ugh, what happened?” Cadance said, but soon realized that they had fainted. “Twilight are you okay?” “Just a bit dizzy that’s all.” Twilight said. But she was feeling more than just being dizzy. She felt like she was about to puke up her guts. She had nothing in them though. So that was a bad sign. Twilight’s dizzy spell was short lived. When she thought she was back to normal, (normal as in not dizzy and nauseous) everything went black. “Where is Spike when you need him?” Rainbow Dash asked. They had been searching for a book on the “Canterlot Caves” for half a day now, and nothing has come up. They definitely would have needed Spike or Twilight to find things in the library. “Wait, I think I’ve found it.” Princess Celestia said with uncertainty. But she was ever so worried. Every minute counted for her niece and student. Everypony walked towards the Princess she flew down from the shelf, carrying the book in her magic grip. She laid it on the table and opened it a section where it had map. But this map was no ordinary map. This show if there is a spell planted on it and type of spell it is. But the downfall of it showing the spell on the caves, it doesn’t show and spells to break that spell. “What is this Princess?” Rarity asked in amazement. The book itself was amazing. It had everything it needed to know about the caves. Celestia kept an even tone despite her deepening fear. “It’s The Caves Beneath Canterlot. A reference book to the Canterlot Caves. This is the map of the Canterlot Caves. It has magic on it that shows if and what types of spell are on it. It is a very old book so we must be careful.” “Yes, Princess.” Rarity said kindly. “It has a labyrinth spell on it. This one is highly fitted and will be hard to break. But I think it is possible.” this made the princess a bit more hopeful than she was. She might just be able to save the ponies she loves. Little did they know a changeling guard was listening to their conversation. He ran back to his queen with his new report. “My queen, they have seemed to figure out that the prisoners are in the Caves. They have also seemed to figure out there is a spell on it.” the guard said. “Thank you.” Queen Chrysalis said. “My queen, if you don’t mind me asking, what should we do?” the changeling guard asked. “Nothing. For you see, the two mares are on the brink of death. When their friends find them it will already be too late.” Queen Chrysalis gave an evil laugh at the thought. The thought that the only two threats will die in a matter of hours. “As you wish my queen.” the guard said and he left. This will be just a perfect day. “Twilight! Twilight! Twilight, please wake up.” Cadance was crying. The mare has been asleep for longer than she knows. She wonders if she is even asleep at all. ‘No! Don’t think things like that! She will be fine. She is still breathing I can feel it.’ Cadance thought although the thought seemed to come true. She looked closer to see her breath in the cold are. ‘Thank Celestia! She’s okay!’ “Ugh... Did I faint again?” Twilight asked. She was definitely still wary from her slumber. All Cadance could do is give a small nod and help the mare up. She wiped tried to wipe away her tears, but new tears of happiness seemed to flow down her pink coat. Twilight gave a grin. “Okay, but what are we going to do? We really don’t have that much longer.” “I-I don’t know.” Cadance said ever so worried.They needed to get out, but how? “Come on Princess!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “We have to hurry.” They had followed the book to the entrance. It seemed to be blocked by a boulder, though. So not only a spell but a boulder to never find an entrance. Seemed excessive but, there was an alicorn and the Element of Magic down there. Everyone just gawked at how huge the boulder was. Fluttershy was the only one to speak. “Princess, um... we have to move the boulder. If you don’t mind me saying. But, how?” “My magic may be powerful but it can’t move a boulder at this magnitude by itself. So we all need to work together to move it.” Princess Celestia was more than determined to get her niece and student out of there. And hopefully alive. They all positioned themselves to move the boulder. Celestia started to count to move the boulder, “Ready?” “Ready!” they all said in unison. “On three. One... two... three!” Applejack and Pinkie Pie pushed with all their might on the ground, while Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash did the same from the sky. Rarity and Princess Celestia combined their magic and together they moved the boulder over, so the entrance was now wide enough to have all of them move through and into the entrance. As they did so, the princess looked behind them and at the boulder. She decided to make it a pebble so it could no longer block their path. Along with that, she cast a protector spell on it to make sure no one could make it, once again, its original size. With that, they quickly moved forth into the Canterlot Caves.
Chapter 6 The Final Chapter The entrance light was nothing but a little white speck now. They had been walking for what felt like forever. Fortunately, the labyrinth spell had not yet taken place on them yet. Allowing them to move on without getting lost. For now. “Wait y’all. Do ya feel that?” Applejack asked. The tan mare felt like something was coming. “The spell is making its way towards us now. Come and stay close to me while I break the spell.” Princess Celestia ordered. The rest followed immediately. Princess Celestia raised her horn as it began to glow with magic. She released the spell and it shot up into the ceiling. A yellow, magic ripple went through out the caves. Sooner or later would make its way to Twilight and Cadance. They both felt it. The moving of the walls. But it didn't seem that the walls in their area had moved a bit. They looked around, to see that nothing has changed. The lavender unicorn looked at the pink alicorn in confusion. They were both thinking the same thing. ‘What was that?’ But soon more confusion came as a rush of magic energy went through them knocking them out. The walls moved to their original tunnel placements. The white alicorn took a long deep breath to slow her breathing. That spell was a very strong one and almost knocked her out. But she stayed focused and determined. That is what always keeps her in the form she is. Wise and powerful. “Princess? Ya okay?” Applejack asked. “Yes, Applejack, I’m fine. I just had to use a lot of magic to break the spell through the entire Canterlot Caves. Thank you for your concern, though.” She smiled at the concerned crowd to show she was alright. “Ugh, we're on the clock here!” Rainbow yelled to make them hurry up. She didn't want her friend to die. No pony wanted Princess Cadance and Twilight to die. “Yer right, Rainbow. C’mon!” With a race against time that ran as fast as they could to find their dear friends. Cadance woke up to see a sleeping, lavender unicorn. She looked around to see the walls had moved but they were back to normal. If that is what the Canterlot Caves’ pathways usually looked like. “Twilight?” Twilight didn't budge or move a single muscle. “Twilight?!” Twilight just wouldn't wake up. Cadance thought the worst thing possible. ‘Oh no! From her body shutting down from no water and food to the high magic energy wave, her body much have gone into a coma or something. This is not good!’ She had no alternative at this point. She wouldn't be able to live with herself if she let this pony die. So she used her magic to pick up the half dead pony. Though her heart beat was stable, she would die so soon, it was scary. Though the pony must have weighed only a small handful. It felt like sixty pounds on Cadance’s back. But she kept pushing forward. Soon she saw light come into view. As things started to get blurry from exhaustion, she saw six ponies come into view. They were rushing, but they were also a good ten meters away. That is when everything went black. They thought they were seeing things. There was a pink, limping alicorn walking towards them with what looked like a purple unicorn on the back of the alicorn. The happy moment turned to sheer worry in a matter of seconds, as the alicorn dropped to the ground.The unicorn laying right next to her. They picked up their speed and rushed to the two fallen mares. There they lay. Both in a deep sleep. For, though, one seems to be worse than the other. ‘My dear Twilight and Cadance.’ Celestia thought. This broke her heart. Twilight was stable, but she wouldn't be for long. She needed to get out of there and quick. “Here, I’ll get Cadance you five get Twilight.” Celestia ordered as she carried Cadance onto her back with her magical grip. The rest did as they were told. Rainbow and Fluttershy took to the side to keep Twilight from falling off the backs of Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Applejack. They ran at even pace with the princess. And made it out of the caves. Luckily, the queen allowed some ponies to work in a hospital for those who are sick. So when the queen heard of Twilight and Cadance being brought in. She was okay with it though she was fairly angry that they couldn't have stayed for a bit longer. She knew Twilight wouldn't wake up in time to say a word or eat and neither would Cadance. This enjoyed her the most. They would die and Celestia would not be fit to rule due to her niece and student’s death. ‘Ha! Ha! This was so easy. I believe they are going to leave their pitiful lives. I will cherish in the moment they do.’ The queen thought as her victory was taking place. They brought Twilight and Cadance in and the doctors rushed to Twilight and Cadance’s side. At this point Twilight’s pulse and heart rate were slowing and the doctors were trying to wake her of her coma so she could eat, drink and get better. But all they could do is put an I.V. in her arm. This helped her a bit and made her stable but for how long they didn't know. Cadance moans and grumbles as she wakes up. She looks around her surroundings to find herself in the hospital. AS she remembered the most recent events, she bolted up to see Princess Celestia walk through the door. “Welcome back to Canterlot, Cadance. Glad to see you alive and and well,” Princess Celestia welcomed. “Where’s Twilight? What about Queen Chrysalis?” Cadance rushed. “Chrysalis and I have made truce. She leaves us alone, we give her offspring a place to stay without them hurting us or us hurting them. While Twilight on the other hoof is well... um... well...” Celestia stuttered. “What? Is she...” Cadance couldn’t think of it. Twilight couldn’t be, could she? “I have to see her!” “You see well enough to be able to move with a supervisor. Very well, I will take you to her,” Celestia responded reluctant to say the rest. “Though I don’t think you will enjoy what you see.” Cadance hops out of bed and follows Celestia through the hallways. When they reach Twilight Sparkle’s room, Princess Cadance gasped and ran to the bedside. “Cadance!” Shining Armor unwillingly yelled in shock. “What are you doing up?” He looked straight at Celestia. “She is better almost full health. In which is faster than what I expected.” Celestia stated. “Really?” Shining Armor looked back at the sobbing Alicorn who sat next to the unawaking Unicorn. Everyone in the room was either in shock at the speed Cadance healed or scared of what was to come of Twilight. They stared at the two ponies that were next to each other. From the Mane Six to the weeping family. They were all worried of the health of both mares. Twilight gave a slight whimper of pain. Though no one knew how someone in a coma could give a whimper of pain, she did. Cadance, being the princess of emotions, could feel many emotions. Though she didn’t know much about medical magic, she was able to do pain killing magic. Twilight gave a breath of relief as Cadance gave a small dosage of pain killer magic into Twilight’s body. For the first time in what felt like weeks, Twilight’s eyes fluttered open. She looked around to see she was in the hospital surrounded by her friends, family, and mentor. She whispers, "I'm glad I knew you all... and before I leave this world... promise me that you will move on. That you will not mourn over my loss for all your lives.” They all gasped as what she said sunk in. Could she really be giving up? Applejack stepped forward, “Ah cannot promise something that ah do not know ah can keep. But ah will promise one thing. That ah will try my hardest, to not mourn over you for all of time.” “What Applejack said.” Rainbow Dash stated. “We all do.” Twilight Velvet said. With a smile Twilight closed her eyes and her pulse meter went from weak to flat in a matter of seconds. Celestia however stepped forward and placed her horn over Twilight heart. Her horn glowed brightly as she casted a spell over Twilight’s body. When she backed away Twilight body radiated brighter than anything anyone has ever seen. The pulse meter started to move and beep once again and Twilight began to come back to life and once again breathe. They all stared at Celestia. They had noticed bumps where the wings of a pegasus would be. Twilight started to wake. “What happened?” Twilight mumbled and started to sit up. As she did so, she revealed the bumps under the blankets. She looked down to see them herself. They were wings. She was an Alicorn! She looked at Celestia concerned and curious for an answer. Celestia said, "You are now immortal and a princess." Twilight asks, “Why, Princess?” Celestia responds calmly, "It was the only way to save your life.You have also showed the things a princess needs to be a princess. You showed everything that you needed and more. You deserve to be a princess, Twilight.” “Thank you, I think,” Twilight says nervously. She looked around at the rest of her friends and family. “And thank you. If it wasn’t for you, we would have never gotten out of those caves.’ Twilight says and smiles at Cadance. “You’re our friend Twilight, and friends do anything for each other.” R.D. said. THE END
Chapter 1: Oh The Wedding We Won't MakeEdited by Namara “Where am I?” Twilight asked, shaking on the cold floor of wherever she had been sent to. She missed the real Cadance. She hadn't been acting like herself since Twilight arrived. “Where am I?” Twilight said again. This time she got an answer. “In the caves under Canterlot,” it was Cadence. The Cadance she didn’t know. She appeared on the gems like a picture. But she moved about from gem to gem. “Greedy ponies who wanted the gems inside were trapped in here. Now, you are too!” “Why are you doing this?” “Because, you tried to interfere with my plans and now you will pay.” Cadance said with a evil grin. “What plans?” Twilight said with deep, sincere concern. Not only for herself, but for all of Equestria. She knew she had to find a way to stop her. “The plans for you brother. You know I love him.” she did another evil grin to show it was not all that true. “Stay away from my brother!” Twilight said. Her horn was soon glowing and sparking with an attack spell ready to fire. “Only way to stop me is to catch me!” She ran off from one gem to another. Each time Twilight fired and missed. Soon enough she made a hole is a gem and rock wall. This one, though, had another Cadance. One that was dirty and looked slightly hurt and malnourished. Twilight tackled the Cadance, whom which, coward in fright. “Please, don’t hurt me.” the Cadance looked up. Her pink ears perked up. “Twilight it’s me. Please, believe me, the Cadance that brought you down here was an imposter!” she begged. “Likely story,” Twilight snarled, but the Cadance shifted out from under Twilight and did their song and dance. Sunshine, Sunshine Lady Bugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake! That made Twilight realize that it was the Cadance she knew. Her favorite foalsitter. “You remember me!” “Of course I do. How could I forget you? The filly I loved to sit for the most.” Cadance said her eyes close to shedding tears. “We have to get out of here! We have to stop her!” Twilight said with determination on her face. Cadance nodded her head and they ran with great speed. They had very little time to waste. Cadance’s love, Twilight’s brother, and Equestria has it on them to make sure the imposter does not hurt anypony or hurt Equestria itself! The imposter Cadance was in her wedding gown and ready to face her groom. But she did not love him. All she wanted was his love. Soon her guards and her make-up ponies told her it was time. She gladly made her way to the wedding reception.
