A Faraway Land.

Chapter 18

Canterlot Takeover

I awoke to a loud banking on my door. It was so loud; it made me jump out of bed. If the bed wasn't so soft. No doubt I would have fell off and hit my head. I quickly get up and run to the door.

"I'm coming!" I quickly unlocked the door. As I did; the door quickly swung open knocking me to the floor. "Are you kidding me!?" I grabbed my head as I hit the floor once again.

"James!" Twilight quickly jumped on top of me. "James! I need your help!"

"Where do you come off knocking me to the ground and pinning me so I cant move... I lost count how many times you made me hit my head..." I looked up at Twilight. She was about to cry, so I dropped the subject at hand. "I'm sorry... What do you need help with?"

"Cadence is evil! I need your help to expose her!" Twilight quickly jumped over me.

"Why do you think she is evil?" I got up and closed the door.

"Last night I saw her put my brother under some kind of spell!" Twilight started to pace around the room.

"Calm down Twilight... If this is true; the last thing you need to be doing is panic." I tried to comfort her.

"How can I stay calm! I am already late for the wedding rehearsals! We have to prove that she is evil... You believe me don't you?"

"Look Twilight. I think she is a jerk, but how will we prove what you have seen? Did anyone else see what you saw?" I asked while looking at Twilight.

"Well..." Twilight stood still and looked at the ground. "No..."

"Okay. Understand this Twilight. I believe something is wrong with Princess Cadence, but you have no proof that she is evil." I walked up to Twilight. "You can't just go off calling people evil and not have evidence. That will only burn you."

"But!..." I interrupted Twilight.

"No buts..." I looked at Twilight. "Listen; I will help you out, but you need to do it my way. Pleas don't get mad at me when I say this, but when you act like this." I put my hand up to my forehead and rub it. "You don't use your brain. The last thing I need you to do is going off half cocked and getting into trouble. Do you understand?" I looked Twilight in the eye.

"Yes..." Twilights ears went down as she looked at the ground. She looked back up at me. "What do you want me to do?"

"Stay outside of the wedding hall. I will get dressed and meet you there." I watched as Twilight walked to the door. "Twilight..." She turned to look at me. "Don't rush in without me being there. Okay?"

"Okay." Twilight quickly opened the door and ran out.

I quickly put my shirt on. I ran to the table and grabbed my gun. I put it in its holster and sat on the bed. I grabbed my boots and quickly put them on. I tied them and ran to the doors. I ran down the hallway and was stopped by Luna.

"Luna! What are you doing here? I thought you were going to leave for Baltimare."

"I am taking my leave now. What's the rush for?" Luna asked with a confused look on her face.

"I'm sorry Luna. I can't talk now. I am in a hurry." I started to run down the hall again. "We can talk when you get back!" I yelled while running down the hall.

I quickly made my way to the hall outside. Princess Cadence ran past me crying. I turn to look at her, but she was fast. I look towards the door and see a white horse yelling at Twilight. I was too late. I could only guess Twilight rushed in while she got impatient on me. I moved to the side to let everyone pass by. I see spike walking with a small pillow in his hands.

"Spike. Come here." I watched as Spike walked over to me. I looked up at Celestia. She had a furious look on her face as she shut the doors. "Spike. Tell me what happened."

"Well... Twilight rushed in the room. She kept saying Cadence was evil. Shining Armor told why she was acting like that and Cadence ran off crying." Spike tilted his head. "Is something wrong?"

"Ya... Twilight rushed in without me..." I mumbled to myself.

"What?"

"Nothing Spike. Go with the others. I am going to talk to Twilight." I walked up to the doors.

I open the doors slowly. I looked around; I saw Cadence, but no Twilight. I walked in the room and closed the doors.

"Cadence!" I watched as she quickly turned around to look at me.

"I thought I told you to call me Princess Mi Amore Cadenza!" She shot an angry look at me.

"Alright Princess Mi Amore Cadenza..." I gave her an angry look back. "Where is Twilight?..."

"I don't know... She left. Why should I care?..." She said. I look around the room. I had to quickly look at my options.

I know I saw Twilight in this very room when everyone left. Not only that. Cadence ran past me crying in the hallway. Her breed was like Luna and Celestia, so she had magic. This room has one set of doors, so Twilight couldn't get out without me seeing her. I could only think of one thing. They can use Magic to teleport. It was my conclusion that Cadence used magic to teleport in this room when everyone left. The odds point to her using magic to teleport Twilight too, but I couldn't prove it. I watched as Cadence started to slowly walk to me with a smirk on her face.

I was in the same boat as Twilight now. I know something is going on. I had no proof to back my thoughts. I could take out Cadence right now, but what would happen to me? What if I was wrong? What if someone walked in while I was attacking a princess? Then again; what happens if she attacks me. I have been here for only two weeks. They will trust her over me any day. I had to decide. Should I attack her? Should I let her attack me, or should I do nothing and wait?

I moved to the side to let Cadence pass. She turned her head and smirked again. She calmly walked to the door and simply walked out. I hope that decision wasn't going to bite me in the ass. The only thing I could do now is wait. I couldn't look for Twilight. I had to believe that she was okay. It didn't look like there was a struggle in the room. If they had a fight; I would have heard it. I walked to the door and opened it. I looked at the guard outside.

"Excuse me... When is the wedding going to start?" I asked the guard.

"It is going to start in ten minutes."

"Thanks." I closed the door and looked around the room again.

I walked over to a pillar next to the door. I crossed my arms and leaned against the pillar. I watched as ponies came into the room slowly for the next ten minutes. I see Spike walk in the room in a small tuxedo. I quickly push myself off the pillar.

"Spike... Come here." I motioned Spike to come close.

"What is it James?" Spike asked.

"I need you to listen to me carefully. Do you understand?" I asked with a concerning look on my face.

"Ya I understand. What do ya need?" Spike smiled.

"You are going to be next to Shining Armor. I need you to keep an eye on him. If he does anything out of the ordinary. You wave at me okay?"

"Got it. Anything else?" Spike asked.

"Yes... Keep an eye on Cadence too if you can. If anything goes wrong. You keep an eye on me; if I nod my head at you. You are going to need to make your way over to me."

"Is something going to happen James? What do you know?" Spike looked confused.

"While I made my way to the hall... I saw only 4 guards. Something is wrong when most of your military is gone. Just keep an eye out for those two. If it goes south. Keep an eye on me; now the wedding is about to start. Get up there Spike. I will be in the back of the room watching everything that unfolds. Don't let me down Spike."

"You can count on me!" Spike quickly made his way to the front.

I continued to watch how the wedding unfolded for ten minutes. I kept an eye on Cadence, Shining Armor and Spike. Spike hasn't motioned anything wrong yet. Twilight still hasn't shown up. It didn't matter how bad she felt; I knew she wouldn't have missed her brother's wedding.

"Princess Cadence and Shining Armor. It is my great pleasure to pronounce you..." Celestia was interrupted.

"Stop!" I watched Twilight carefully. The crowed started to chat amongst themselves.

"Why does she have to be so possessive of her brother!?" I watched as Cadence stomped a hoof to the ground. Celestia gave Cadence a strange look. Cadence brought her hoof to her face. "Why does she have to ruin my special day?" Cadence put her hoof across her face.

"Because! It's not your special day; its mine!" I look over and see a Cadence lookalike walk in the room.

I continued to keep an eye on spike as the two Cadence's talked. Spike looked at me and I shook my head no. Suddenly a ring of green fire circled the Cadence by Shining Armor. Spike looked at me again and I shook my head no. I watched as she transformed into some kind of insect pony. I watched as the crowd gasped.

I watched as the Changeling walked closer to what i now know to be the real Cadence. Spike once again looked at me. I once again shook my head no. I watched as Cadence charged towards the Changeling. Cadence quickly stopped once its horn started to glow. The Changeling continued to speak while she walked up to Shining Armor.

The Changeling jumped past Shining armor. I continued to watch as Celestia confronted her. Spike quickly looked at me and I gave him the go-ahead. Spike quickly made his way past all of the ponies. While the Changeling was occupied by Celestia. Spike and I made our escape through the open doors.

"What are we going to do James!?" Spike yelled while I ran down the hall; him clinging to my shoulders.

"We need to find your royal guard. If what that Changeling said was true. We don't have long before we are overwhelmed." I managed to make my way outside. "Spike... Do you know where the barracks is?"

"No I don't..." Spike looked up. "James look up!"

"Why?" I looked up and saw an army hovering outside of the shield. "Damn. We won't have time to find a barracks. We are just going to have to go into town and find help." I continued to run as fast as I could  into town.

"James! The shield is cracking!"Spike yelled. I look up and the ground started to shake violently.

"Hold on Spike. I can't move while I am shaking like this."

"James! They are coming! Look out!" Spike yelled.

I quickly jumped into an alley between the buildings. I was quickly stopped, as a Changeling turned the corner into the alley. The Changeling quickly got in a stance like it was going to charge.

"Spike... I need you to do me another favor. Can you do that for me?"

"Ya what do ya need?" Spike asked.

"I need you to keep an eye on me." I picked Spike up and placed him by the wall. "If the Changeling takes my form. I want you to know who is who, so don't blink." I stood in the middle of the alley. I put my right food back a bit and put my hands up. "Your move Changeling..."

I watched as the Changeling hissed at me. Suddenly a green flame quickly arose from the ground. It appeared I was looking at myself.

"That was a big mistake." I watched as it hissed again at me.

"James! Look out!" Spike yelled as someone grabbed my stomach from behind.

I quickly look back and I see another clone of myself. I looked forward and see the other one smile.

I quickly bring my right elbow up and hit the clone behind me in the face. I quickly repeated with my left elbow. I quickly reach down for its right leg; bringing my left leg up to force it to roll over. I wrapped both of my legs around his and use my arms to pull back as hard as I could. It yelled as I heard the bones in its leg shatter.

I quickly jump up as soon as it was incapacitated. The clone that was in front of me charged. I backed up to give myself enough room. As it continued to charge; it left him wide open. I swung my right fist and made contact to its left temple. It fell to the right and it was out cold.

"How did you do that!?" Spike yelled while running up to me.

"Do what? What are you talking about?" I picked Spike up and put him back on my shoulder.

"The way you fought. What was it called? How did you do it?" Spike asked in excitement.

"I have a friend that was a marine. The move I performed on the one that grabbed me was called a Rolling Knee Bar. The other one I just punched." I walked to the edge of the alley and looked around.

"Can you teach me how to do that?" Spike asked.

"No Spike... We have to get to a safe place. That's not good..." I said.

"What?" Spike tried to look, but I pulled him back.

"Twilight and the others looked like they won their first fight, but a lot more are coming." I look and see a clear shot back to the castle. "Spike... I am sorry..."

"What? Did something happen?" Spike asked

"It was a stupid idea to come out here. We have to make our way back." I look and see a clear path to the castle. "Hold on Spike..." I quickly ran out of the alley and headed towards the castle.

"You want to fill me in? I am a little lost James... Why are we going back?" Spike asked while he bobbled around on my shoulder as I ran.

"I think I can stop the Changeling queen from using her magic. I am going to need your help Spike." I continued to run. I looked around and I still had a clear path.

"I don't get it. How can I help you stop her magic?" Spike sounded confused.

"I can absorb magic with my ruby... remember?"

"Ya I remember, but what do..." Spike stopped as he now understood my plan. "You can't do that James. You can't get close enough to grab her horn. You stick out like a sore claw... Besides! How will I get back up there without being seen?"

"You're not afraid of heights are you Spike?"I asked.

"Well... No." Spike looked at the ground.

"I remembered windows lining all around the wedding hall. I need you to climb up the large banner hanging down the wall. It can take you up behind Chining Armor and Cadence. I need you to distract the Changeling Queen."

"Are you going to take her out like you did the other two Changelings?" Spike asked.

"No... I don't know how to fight something with four legs. It was their own stupidity to change into me." I backed against the wall of the castle. "Besides I don't think I will have a good view on the Changeling Queen. I need you to spot her for me. You wave at the door when she is close."

"I sure hope this works..." Spike said while he hopped to the ground.

"I do too. I just hope Cadence isn't stupid. She will only have a small window to attack  when I grab her. " I picked Spike up and placed him on the banner.

"Wait a second." Spike looked back before he started to climb. "What if Cadence hits you too when you grab the queen?"

"No plan is perfect Spike..." I looked around to make sure he was clear. "I think we will just have to take our chances on this one. Now go..." I watched as he started to climb.

I looked around for one final time before I made my way against the wall. I quickly made my way to the door we ran out of. I had to admit; I was impressed. I only had to fight two Changelings so far. I was still wondering where the royal guards were. I quickly make my way to the hall of the wedding room.

I quickly walked over to the door and cracked it open. I looked and saw Spike was standing next to Cadence, but something was wrong. It looked like Cadence was stuck to the floor. I guess it was stupid of me not to think they wouldn't restrain their prisoners. I don't think it will matter too much. It looks like she can still use her magic.

I quickly froze when I heard a lot of hoof steps coming from behind me. I looked behind me to make sure I wasn't seen. As the steps came closer; I quickly hid behind a pillar in the hall. I peek out from the side and see six Changelings walking with Twilight and the others. I continued to watch as they came closer. I might have a chance to help them. I quickly tried to think.

I could help them now. It would be in our advantage. If we can overpower the guards. We could move in on the Changeling Queen. I quickly remembered about the guards in the wedding room. What if we make too much noise? The guards will swarm us in no time at all. The biggest risk I see is the Changeling Queen getting a hostage. I didn't think it was a good idea in intervene, so I let them pass into the wedding room.

The Queen already had Shining Armor. Cadence was immobilized and Celestia was out of the fight for good. Suddenly a mass of Changelings flew out of the room and the doors closed.

As they flew out of sight. I made my way to the door and cracked it open again. As I looked in the room I saw no guards. I looked at Twilight and the others. This was my chance. I had to make my move now. As I was about to force the door open. I felt a tapping on my shoulder. This wasn't a hoof tap. It was a finger.

I look back quickly to see a clone of me standing behind me. I quickly jumped back away from the door and tackled the Changeling. I needed to have the upper hand in this fight. If I was going to help Twilight and the others; I needed to end this quick and with little noise.

I quickly took my right arm and forced it against its neck. I watched as it flailed. It grabbed my arm and forced its head down and bit my arm. I tried to keep my arm on its neck as long as I could, but the pain was too much. I had to move or I would have yelled. The Changeling took its opportunity. When I moved my arm off its neck. It brought its leg up and kicked me in the side. I quickly rolled off to the left. Something was different about this Changeling. It seemed much stronger and it was very good on two legs.

Before I could get on my feet. The Changeling tackled me to the ground. I forced my knee up and he rolled off of me. I saw my chance. The Changeling turned over to try and get up. I quickly jumped on its back and reached my arm in front of its neck. I pulled back and grabbed my right arm with my left.

The Changeling quickly pushed off and rolled on top of me. I had to endure anything he threw at me now. I flexed my arm muscles and began to choke it. The Changeling continued to hit my stomach, but it was too late. His movements quickly slowed as it blacked out. I held the choke for a couple more seconds and I let it go.

I looked at the door. A shining light was showing through the crack. I quickly ran to the door and opened it. I was quickly blinded by a bright pink light. I brought my arms up to cover my face. I could hear someone yelling. The yelling quickly faded away and I looked up. Cadence and Shining Armor where gently floating down in the air.

I slowly walked in the room. I was still slightly dazed by the bright light. I saw Twilight running over to Celestia over on the ground. Celestia quickly got up, so I assumed she was fine. I walked over to Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Spike quickly ran up to me.

"You okay James? Your arm has blood on it." Spike looked worried.

"Ya I am just fine Spike." I looked at everyone. "Are you all okay?" They all gave me a smile. I looked at Rainbow Dash as she flew up to me.

"Where were you when all of this was happening!?" Rainbow Dash looked angry.

"I was..." Spike cut me off.

"He was protecting me!" Spike quickly got excited. "You should have seen him Rainbow Dash! He had a fight with the Changelings and didn't even break a sweat! It was awesome!" I watched as Twilight walked over to me.

"Im sorry James..." Twilight looked up at me as I gave her an irritated look. "I rushed in. You were taking too long." Twilight looked at the ground with her ears down. "If I would have listened to you; we probably wouldn't have been in this mess." She looked up and I gave her a smile.

"Actually... I think it would have happened if you listened to me or not." I looked at Spike. "When I was guarding Spike. I saw very little military presence, so it would have been easy to move in like they did." I watched as Shining Armor walked over to me with Cadence.

"You must be the human Twilight told me so much about. James is your name right?" Shining armor smiled.

"Yes sir. Nice to meet you Shining Armor." I smiled back. "It looks like you where busy while I was gone."

"Ya..." Shining Armor laughed. "I guess I was."

"I would like to be the first to congratulate you two. I hope you and Cadence have a wonderful life together." I gave them both a smile. I turned to see Celestia walking up to us.

"Twilight." Celestia smiled. "I think you should start preparing the wedding. Our guests came for a wedding today and we haven't given them one yet." Celestia turned and walked to the door. She stopped and looked back at Twilight. "Let's go. We don't have much time." She gave her another smile and Twilight ran off with the others.

"Well Spike! Looks like it's just you and me for now. You want to go get another drink before the wedding?"

"Would I!?" Spike smiles as I turned to Cadence and Shining Armor.

"Would you two like to join us? I would love the company." I smiled.

"No we shouldn't. We have a wedding to get ready for." Shining Armor said while looking at Cadence.

"You should go." Cadence smiled. "You have done enough already. I can handle the rest, so you just go relax." Cadence looked at me. "Be sure to have him back before the wedding." Cadence gave me a smile.

"Yes ma'am." I smiled and watched as Cadence left the room. "You fellas ready?"

"I sure am!" Spike yelled. I looked at Shining Armor and he gave me a nod.

Spike, Shining Armor and I walked up to a table and sat down with our drinks.

"You must be really nice for my sister to like you as much as she does." Shining armor smiled and took a drink.

"You bet!" Spike yelled. "James is awesome! Did you know he bought me a huge sapphire?" Shining Armor laughed.

"So Shining Armor. What happened to all of the royal guards when the Changelings invaded?" I asked

"When I was under the Changeling Queen's spell. She had me move the guard out of the city." Shining Armor looked disappointed.

"Don't let that get you down. It all turned out good in the end." I smiled. "Besides today is going to be a good day! You are getting married. I have no doubt you will be happy." We all finished our drinks.

"Speaking of wedding. We should get going. It should start any minute now." We all quickly got up and made our way back to the castle.

I looked around and saw no one was fazed about earlier. I was rather impressed. I looked at Spike as he looked back at me. I smiled at Spike and gave him a thumbs up. It was much better watching the wedding in front. I looked at Shining Armor as he smiled at me. I smiled back and watched at Twilight adjust the shield on his chest. I was relaxed, as the wedding finished without a problem.

I walked up to Twilight and the others. I watched as Celestia bent down to whisper in Rainbow Dash's ear. I watched as she quickly bolted off. Shortly after a heard a loud booming outside. I watched as a beautiful rainbow formed over Cadence and Shining armor.

"What now?" I whispered into Twilights ear.

"Now we go down to the garden and have a party." Twilight smiled at me.

I followed Twilight, as everyone made their way down to the garden. I watched as Cadence and Shining Armor started to dance while the music started. I see Luna off in the distance. She flew towards Celestia and landed next to her. I made my way towards Luna as Pinkie Pie quickly ran over to some speakers.

"Let's get this party started!" Pinkie Pie yelled while throwing a microphone to Twilight.

I quickly made my way to Luna as Twilight started to sing.

"Hey Luna!" I made myself heard over the loud music. "You think we can talk after the party?"

"Sure James, but for now just enjoy yourself!" Luna smiled.

The party continued for a couple of hours. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Even Celestia and Luna were dancing around. Pinkie Pie was stuffing her face the entire time. Twilight sang her songs. Rainbow Dash partied hard. Fluttershy seemed to vanish half way into the party. Rarity talked around with a lot of people. I tried not to get confetti in my eyes; all while having a fun time eating cake and snagging some of their soda.

I made my way to Luna as the party started to clear. I looked at her as she nodded to me. She turned and I followed her as she walked. We made our way to a more quiet setting.

"Celestia told me about what happened earlier. Are you okay?" Luna looked at me.

"Ya I am fine. I only got bit." I showed Luna my arm where the Changeling bit me.

"Here; Let me help you with that." Luna bent down and her horn started to glow blue.

I watched her as my bite mark started to glow. My ruby started to absorb the magic, but Luna didn't stop. Luna continued for a couple of minutes and I saw I wasn't absorbing the magic any more. I watched as the mark slowly started to heal. Seconds later the mark vanished.

"How did you do that? Why did I stop absorbing your magic?" I asked in a confused tone.

"Everything has its limits James. Your ruby is the second most powerful, but even your ruby has its limits." Luna smiled at me.

"So what ruby is the most powerful?" I asked.

"The white ruby is. It has the ability to grant you immortality." Luna looked at the moon. "With all of the rubies liked to one pony. That pony would have the power to take over the world in a matter of seconds."

"I know... I was able to put it all together. I also know why Celestia gave you a ruby." I smiled. "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely."

"You are smart." Luna looked at me. "That's why I like you so much." Luna gave me a smile as I put my hands in my pockets.

"I have my good days." I gave her a smile. My happy expression quickly turned to fear.

When I have my gun holstered. I always feel the hammer brush against my arm when i put my hands in my pockets, but this time the hammer was missing.

"What's wrong James?" Luna looked worried as I looked to my side.

"It's gone..." I look around on the floor. I don't know why. If it fell out i would have heard it hit the ground. "My gun is gone..."

"Is that bad?" Luna asked.

"Yes!" I stopped and took a deep breath. "That is very bad." I tried to think about earlier today. "I need to go back into town..." I started to run towards the town as Luna followed me.

"Is your gun that important?" Luna asked while running with me

"It has a lot of sentimental value. It can also mean problems for Canterlot in the future."

"Can you explain?" Luna asked.

"I don't have to. You have been in my head, so you know how war is on my planet." I saw the alley I encountered the Changelings in. "I can only think that the Changelings got their hands on my gun."

"I still don't understand." Luna and I made our way into the alley.

"I don't think they will find out how to use the gun, but it is a good base to start off of. Besides; it doesn't have any ammo." I looked around on the ground for my gun; hoping that I wound find it. "It won't be hard to make a weapon when you base if off of one from my world. In a place like this... Nothing good will come from it." I came up empty. I didn't find my gun where I had hoped.

"I will talk to my sister tonight about this. I am sure she will help you." Luna smiled. "You are suppose to be leaving tomorrow; right?"

"Yes." I looked at the ground hopelessly.

"I will tell Twilight and the others to come to Celestia before they leave. You will need to come too." Luna smiled again. "We will solve this problem then. Now; you should rest. It will be a long day tomorrow."

"Right." I turned to walk with Luna back to the Castle. "Please do all you can to help. I need my gun back." Luna continued to escort me to my room. "So where are the Changelings from?" I asked before going in my room to sleep.

"The Changeling Kingdom is located in the Badlands." Luna turned to walk away. She faced me one last time before leaving. "Have a good night's rest."