Liquid Pride

Shining Armor awoke slowly. Or rather, to put it more accurately, he came to, albeit slowly. His eyes felt like they had been replaced with cotton balls covered in sawdust. The inside of his skull felt lined with gravel, the slightest movement causing his tender brain to grind against it. His whole body felt like he had just run a marathon. He was soaked in clammy, cold sweat. Thankfully, the curtains were still drawn, keeping the room in pitch dark. The intense light from the tiny digital clock on his bedside was painful to look at. His eyes struggled to focus.

9:08 AM

“Horse apples!” Fueled by adrenalin, he lurched forward, realizing he was late for work. Instantly he felt the room spin, he lost his balance, and fell off the bed. In a panic, he grabbed for something, anything, to arrest his fall. He grasped at the curtains, tearing them from the rod. They did little to slow him from collapsing, face-first into the carpet. It was a practical carpet, low and tough from years of traffic. It was not a floor for comfort. He might as well have face planted into hardwood.

The first sensation that registered for him was that of feeling his snout getting kicked in. He got that strange metallic smell in his sinuses. The second, concurrent feeling he received was his brain slamming into the front of his skull. It was crippling pain, sending him rolling onto his back, clutching his temples. The third and final blow to his senses was the sun pouring into the now-very-bright bedroom, burning into his retinas, through even his clenched eyelids.

It felt like he was dying.

He prayed he was dying.

But t’was not to be.

“Dear?”

He looked up from the floor to see her standing over him. Cadance. ‘What was she doing here?’ It was in that moment of agony that he realized that he was not indeed in his own bedroom, nay even his own house! He had seen Cadance’s bedroom many times before, but the view from laying prostrated on the floor was a new perspective for him. "How did I even get here?" He continued to wonder through the flurry of panic and pain. Cadance watched her fiancé wince as he tried to piece together the events from the last twenty four hours.

“Hurts to even think I bet.” She said to him as he writhed on the floor. “Here, let me get that for you.” She cooed, applying her magic to his tortured form. In a viridian flash, all his pain went away; his nose, his headache, his nausea, all of it. He was left with only the warm feeling of his affection for his bride-to-be.

“How- how did you- how did I-” He tried to ask.

“Oh, it’s just a little something I whipped up for you when I saw the state your ‘friends’ left you in on my front lawn last night.” She answered.

In that moment, pieces of last night came flooding back. He was at work, and then they came and… they took him. He remembered that he started drinking, getting to the club, and then everything after that was a blank. But somewhere, there on the edge of his memories, was Twilight. Her name, something about it, stuck out and it had something to do with last night. Did he see her? Did she see him? Oh, what a wreck of him she must have seen at the time if he couldn't even remember what happened. But he just couldn't place her in any of the context.

“Hmm, happy to see me are you?” She purred, extinguishing his meta-investigations of his memories. They quickly faded like a soon-forgotten dream. He realized he wasn't wearing his guard armor anymore. There was no hiding the wood he was suddenly sporting. She crouched down beside him, stroking it gently, much to his surprise.

“You’re- you’re not mad?” He asked nervously. She had a history of making him miserable the morning after he went out and partied a little too hard. It was why he was so hesitant to do so last night. Wait, what was it about last night?
“Well, I was a little upset that you came home as such a mess. You and your clothes reeked of booze, barf, and bodily fluids. But I undressed you and carried you to the shower and washed you off. Your uniform should be done drying on the clothes line soon.” She explained.

“Uniform! Work!” He looked at the clock again.

9:13 AM

He was now even more late than he was five minutes ago. He struggled to get to his hooves. She pressed softly into his abdomen, keeping him from rising.

“Shh, it’s Saturday.” She assured him, still pinning him to the floor until he stopped struggling and relaxed.

“Saturday?” He asked her. She nodded in answer, resuming her work on his member.

"Saturday." She whispered, dragging her cheek down his abdomen, reaching the head of his shaft, using her tongue to work it into her mouth, taking over where her hoof had left off. "I think, for breakfast, I'll have... you." She said between bobs, before taking a large amount of him into her throat.

Now feed me!
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"Your Majesty, the final preparations for the wedding are in order. Will there be anything else?" Ms Bailin asked, sorting the last of the written orders from Celestia.

"That will be all. I just need to finish composing this list of individual tasks for my faithful student and her friends to attend to when they arrive. I already sent out the official invitation so they should be on their way." Celestia instructed as she continued to pen the supplemental letter.

Applejack, you will be in charge of the catering for the reception.

Princess Celestia paused for a moment, considering the cake. Cake: her one weakness. She remembered the fiasco of the National Dessert competition, and the scandal in the infamous Foal Free Press. "Actually there is one more thing. Send for Captain Shining Armor right away. I need to speak with him at once. It's urgent."

Ms. Bailin turned on her hoof, quickly trotting out to send for the Captain's summons. Celestia quickly finished up her letter to send to Twilight, via Spike.
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"Ah, it is gorgeous out. Just gorgeous!" Rarity said, taking in the sights of the meadow. She had picked the perfect spot for their Saturday picnic tea party. The sky was dotted with white, fluffy clouds. The sun was shining bright. Birds chirped in the trees and butterflies danced on the warm breeze. Applejack enjoyed her cool glass of water while Rainbow Dash snacked on one of the sandwiches. Twilight levitated a juicy apple from the basket, dropping it at the last moment as she saw Spike running toward them in a hurry.

"Twi- light- I- have-" Spike struggled between gasps. "Lemme just- HUH!" He huffed before belching out a burst of green flame, manifesting into a royal scroll. While he recovered his breath on the picnic blanket, Twilight retrieved the scroll.

"Dear Twilight," She recited, "I'm sure you are as excited as I am about the upcoming wedding in Canterlot." She paused, confused. "Wedding?" She looked at the others, before continuing on. "I will be presiding over the ceremony, but would very much like you and your friends to help with the preparations for this wonderful occasion. Fluttershy, I would like you to draw a maze in one minute that it takes two minutes to solve."

"I can do that. I'll make it a circle." Fluttershy said.

"Pinkie Pie, I can think of nopony more qualified than you to host the reception."

"Hip hip hooray!" Pinkie said while doing a cartwheel.

"Applejack, you will be in charge of the catering for the reception."

"Well color me pleased as punch!"

"Rainbow Dash, just sit perfectly still and try not to break anything."

"YES!"

"Rarity, you will be responsible for literally everything else in the ceremony, to include designing the dress for the bride and her bridesmaids."

"Princess Celestia wants me to- ah eh uh- wedding dress- for a Canterlot Wedding- gah-" Rarity trailed off as she fainted on the grass.

"And as for you Twilight, you will be playing the most important role of all, making sure everything goes as planned. See you all very soon. Yours, Princess Celestia." She flipped the letter over, hoping for more information. "But, I don't understand. Who's getting married?"

"Oh, wait!" Spike said, handing her another scroll. "Uh, I was probably supposed to give you this one first." Twilight unrolled the other letter.

"Princess Celestia cordially invites you to the wedding of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and-" Twilight gasped. "My Brother!?"

"OH SNAP!" Rainbow Dash quipped.
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KNOCK KNOCK

Cadance answered the door. "Yes?"

"Good morning Ms. Cadenza we were told we could find Captain Armor here." The Pegasus guard pony said.

"Excuse me! I am a Princess and I will be addressed as such!" Cadance huffed.

"Begging your forgiveness Princess. But we were sent to bring the Captain to Princess Celestia right away!"

"What's going on?" Shining asked appearing beside Cadance in the doorway.

"Captain, your presence is needed in the Throne room for Princess Celestia!" The other guard answered.

"He was addressing ME!" Cadance shouted. "You will NOT speak on my behalf!"

"Babe, come on!" Shining said. "We were having such a nice morning. Give the guy a break. I'm sure it's nothing. Come by the castle as soon as you're done here and I'll see you there." Shining said as he quickly donned his uniform. He had done so so many times in the past that he could do it in his sleep. And with the hours they sometimes made him keep, he sometimes actually did. He gave her a quick kiss goodbye and hopped into the chariot.
~~~~~

"Captain Armor." Celestia greeted him. He took a quick knee in penitence. "I am so sorry to have to bother you on a much deserved weekend off, especially the weekend of your wedding."

"Not at all, Your Highness, I am a Royal Guard on call twenty four, seven." He said with nationalistic pride.

"Well, I have a task that I'm afraid only you will be able to accomplish." She began. A task only he could do? This was interesting indeed. "I need you to make a major increase in security. A threat has been made against Canterlot. I don't know who is responsible for it, but I need you to provide additional protection. I need you to use your shield spell talent to surround the entire city of Canterlot." Shining nearly choked.

"The- the entire city! But- I don't have the- I couldn't possibly-" He stammered.

"I know you do not posses the raw power on your own. That is why I will grant you a boon for the next two days, lending you a majority of my power to this end. I trust that you will use it wisely." Celestia said, bringing her horn to his. They both rose into the air, glowing together in a bright yellow glow as Celestia's solar power gave him strength. Shining felt the furious power of a thousand suns flooding his senses. His very fur felt electrified, pulsating with power he had never known before as his mane and tail flared to life. After a moment, the pair drifted back to the ground.

"Now," Celestia said, somewhat out of breath, "cast your shield spell on the whole city." Shining stepped out onto the balcony, closing his eyes and focusing his spell. He envisioned the scale of the city limits. Trying such a feat any other time would have been a futile endeavor, fizzling out before he could even think to cast it. But this time...

A brilliant arc of violet magic shot high into the sky, spreading out into the arcane membrane, engulfing the whole of the city. Nopony would be able to get in or out without him knowing about it and consenting. Shining's head throbbed with what felt like the worst migraine of his life. His mere unicorn horn was not used to throwing around spells of such magnitude. It physically hurt. It looked like he wasn't going to be able to avoid the consequences of last night's hangover after all. But after a few moments, the pain began to subside.

"There is one final thing I must tell you." She said, stepping beside him. "While you have this boon for the next two days, I will be severely weakened. The burden of keeping Canterlot safe and secure will rest squarely on your shoulders. Staying focused on the task at hoof must be your top priority. And further, nopony else can be made aware of my weakened condition." She explained.

"I- I understand." He acknowledged.

"I'm sorry that this has to fall to you on your big day this weekend, but you are the only pony who can do this." She apologized.

"Can you not make such a shield yourself?" He asked of his 'omnipotent' ruler.

"I can. But it would likewise drain my strength to do so. That, coupled with controlling the sun, would leave me in a much more visibly weakened state. Make no mistake Captain, Equestria still has many enemies. And their spies are everywhere, just waiting for a moment like this to take advantage of me. That is why none must know that it is my power you wield for your shield spell. Likewise, our enemies can falsely report that you are a power to be reckoned with now. Entire conflicts may be prevented with our enemy believing we have your shield as a deterrent. In counter-espionage, misinformation is as powerful a weapon, as the very Elements themselves."

Shining understood. He took his leave. He needed to assemble the entire force. Whoever made this 'threat' would regret ever going hoof to hoof with Equestria.

Celestia settled back in her throne, her mind wandering. She fantasized about the wonderful cake confection that Applejack was sure to create. In the wake of the 'Cake-Lestia' incident, she wanted to be able to freely enjoy herself this time. There would not be ANY form of paparazzi within the entire city this time.

She looked up at the purple, translucent shield occluding the blue sky, smiling slightly.

She had seen to that now.
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On the Friendship express, Twilight's friends all chatted among themselves excitedly over the upcoming ceremony. Twilight, though, just solemnly stared out the window. She was still reeling from the news that her brother was getting married. She didn't know he was even dating! Just when she had thought they would start growing closer again. Applejack noticed Twilight acting distant. She trotted over to her seat.

"Why the long face, sugar cube?" AJ asked. Twilight tried to ignore the accidentally off-color remark.

"I'm just thinking about Shining Armor. Ever since I've moved to Ponyville, we've been seeing each other less and less. And now that he's starting a new family with this Princess Mi Amore Ca-what's-her-name, we'll probably never see each other."

"Come on now. You're his sister. He'll always make time for you." Applejack said, thinking of her own brother.

"He couldn't seem to make time to tell me he was getting married!" She spat, yanking the window shade closed.
~~~~~

Just outside the dome of magic, two guard ponies watched the train approach the city limits. They stood there with their spears crossed across the tracks.

"Here comes the train. Get ready to let them pass." One said.

"Let them pass? As though a pair of crossed spears would even slow a damn train!?" The other retorted cynically. The other just rolled his eyes. He didn't try to make sense of the whole 'city lock-down exercise. He just did as he was told. As the train neared, they stayed their weapons, letting the train pass through the shield.

Inside, the passengers each felt the ripple of magic sweep across them like a splash of cold water. Twilight in particular felt the disturbance in the aura.

The station was littered with guards. Apparently they had recalled everypony from weekend leave for this. Rainbow Dash was the first to remark on it.

"Whoa. What's with all the guards?" She asked.

"I'm sure they're just taking the necessary precautions." Rarity explained. "Royal weddings do bring out the strangest ponies." She said as Pinkie sneezed confetti. "Now let's get going, we have work to do!"

"And you've got a big brother to go congratulate." Applejack said to Twilight.

"Yeah. Congratulate." Twilight grumbled. "And then give him a piece of my mind."

Far above the city, on the balcony of the highest room of the tallest tower, Princess Celestia scanned the train station with her observation telescope. Those with baggage were thoroughly searched. "No press. No cameras." She had decreed. She had one photographer for the wedding with one issued camera and film, which would be thoroughly inspected afterwards. At least Ms. Foto Finish could be trusted to not exploit Princess Celestia in a compromising, cake-related position.

Twilight neared the outer castle wall. She spotted Shining directing his Lieutenants to their tasks. "I've got something to say to you!" She shouted across the courtyard in front of the castle wall. "You've got me stomping mad Shining Francis Armor!" He cringed for a second. He knew she was going to be upset with him not telling her in person about the wedding, but she only ever used his full name when she was really, really mad. The guards around him took up arms, preparing to defend their Captain against this would-be assaulter. He stepped in front of them, diffusing the situation, and tried his best to deflect her anger.

"Twilie! Aw, I've missed you kid. How was the train ride?" He extended his hoof to her.

"How dare you expect a brohoof when you're getting married without my permission! Not to mention you not even telling me in person! I'm your sister for pony's sake!"

"Sorry Twilie, but things have been really gnarly around here. And I mean the bad kind of gnarly, where things are gnarled. Princess Celestia has requested a major increase in security. Didn't you see all the guards at the train station?"

"Yeah. There's a big wedding coming up. Maybe you've heard about it!?"

"It has nothing to do with the wedding. A threat has been made against Canterlot. We don't know who's responsible for it, but Princess Celestia asked that I help provide... additional protection." He lifted her sulking chin with his hoof. "This, you need to see." Shining Armor stepped back and recast the shield spell. Twilight watched in awe as he slung the biggest magic she had ever seen him throw around in her life. She watched as the reinforcing wave rippled across the whole sky, strengthening the ward. Shining stumbled a bit from the exertion.

"The burden of keeping Canterlot safe rests squarely on my shoulders. Staying focused on the task at hoof has been my top priority." He explained.

"Okay okay, I get it. You've got a really important job protecting all of Canterlot with a force field only you can conjure up. But still, how could you think it was okay to go off and start your own family? Don't you know that you're supposed to be my family?" She asked with those doe eyes that always made his heart melt.

"Hey, you're my little sister." He reminded her. And mostly himself. "That's why I want you to be a big part of my wedding. Because I love you the way all brothers love their little sisters."

"You want me to be a big part of your wedding?"

"Well, yeah."

"I'd be honored." She said as they hugged... before she promptly pushed him away. "But I'm still pretty ticked that you're marrying some pony that I don't even know! When did you even meet this 'Princess Mi Amore Cadenza'?"

"Twilie, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza is Cadence! Your old foalsitter!"

"Cadence? As in the Cadence? As in the greatest foalsitter in all the history of foalsitters!?"

"Heh, you tell me, she was your foalsitter."

"Oh my gosh oh my gosh! Cadence is only the most amazing pony ever! She's beautiful, she's caring, she's kind! How many ponies can just spread love wherever they go? I only know of one. And you're marrying her. You're marrying Cadence. You're marrying Cadence!" Twilight said hopping around nearly bumping into the pink alicorn.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything important." Cadance said.

"Cadence!" Twilight leaped over to her. "Sunshine sunshine, ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake!" Twilight recited as she performed the associated dance.

"What are you doing?" Cadance asked.

"Cadence! It's me! Twilight!" She said.

"Uh hah." She huffed as she passed by her, taking her place beside Shining.

"I'm so glad we're all together now. My little unicorn sister, who I love in a completely platonic way. And my beautiful Alicorn bride, who I love with burning romantic passion! I've got to get back to my station. But Cadance will be checking in with all of you to see how things are going. I think I speak for both of us when I say we couldn't be more excited to have you here. Right dear?"

"Absolutely."

"Well now, you two get bonding. I insist."
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Princess Celestia was feeling the fatigue of being on her hooves all day at the observatory. But her vigilance did not go in vain. There was no paparazzi movement under her watchful gaze. She had set the sun some time earlier. The moon obediently rose shortly after. Yet her sister was a good bit tardy getting to the observatory post as she promised. In fact, she'd made a terrible habit of being conspicuously absent for the last couple days.

Celestia turned to a tremor in the magic force field. She watched her sister flying into the city from parts unknown. Or perhaps it was just easier for her to manipulate the heavenly bodies from outside the ward.

"Oh, hi sister, I've been looking everywhere for you." Luna said, trying to make the most of the little time they were both awake.

"This is actually a bad time." Celestia said. Her physical fatigue was amplified by her weakened magical state, unbeknownst to all but Shining Armor. She quickly made her way inside, retiring to bed at this first opportunity.

"Rest, my sister. As always, I will guard the night." Luna said as Celestia stumbled inside, collapsing onto her bed. She neglected to even remove her shoes or helm of office. She was out cold as one of her shoes tumbled to the tile floor. Luna took the opportunity the escape from this lame 'surveillance' assignment. She spread her wings and took off into the night.
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After a long day on high alert, Shining took off his royal guard armor and bathed. He hadn't seen Cadance since that morning, since she was checking up on all the preparations for the wedding. He toweled off and walked into the living room. He took his favorite uncle's service dress off of the hanger. He'd just gotten it back from the tailors. He put it on, checking to make sure it fit him for tomorrow.

KNOCK KNOCK

"Twilie!" He greeted his sister as she walked inside. "Look Twilie, it's shiny! Your favorite." He said, showing off the ceremonial uniform. She looked up at him with sad eyes. "Huh? Everything okay?"

"We need to talk. I secretly have feelings for-"

"AHEM!" Cadance coughed, walking down from the second floor.

"Oh, uh, hi sweetie!" Shining greeted.

"She sure has a way of sneaking up on ponies." Twilight grumbled. The princess approached the pair.

"Could I speak to you for a moment, dear?" She said, trotting into the next room.

"I'd better see what she wants." He said

"Twilight and her friends are all really weird."
"What are you talking about? They're radical."
"No. Her friends are all one-dimensional caricatures. And it's starting to rub off on you."
"That's not true."
"Ever since Twilight got here you've been acting like some poorly written gag character. And I thought I made it perfectly clear that I didn't want you to wear that."
"This was my favorite uncle's."
"And?"
"And I think I should wear it."
"Are you disagreeing with me?"
"I guess I am!" Shining said finally. She had been acting so strange lately. So confrontational and demanding. In fact, the more he thought about it-
"Ow!" Shining's temple was suddenly rocked by a stabbing pain, derailing his train of thought.
"Oh, dear are you getting another one of your headaches?" Cadance asked. Shining felt the pain melt away along with any situational concern he'd had a moment ago. His mind became eerily calm as a serene emerald haze clouded his vision. It felt so much easier to not worry. So much easier not to think.

"Feeling better?" She asked.

"MmmHmm," he mumbled. They walked back out to 'deal' with Twilight. But it seemed she'd already taken her leave for the night.

"Twilight!" He called out.

"Let her go." She said.

"Hmm, it seemed like she had something she needed to tell me."

"Don't worry about her. You just stay here and relax for tonight. Tomorrow is a big day. And I just know it's going to be perfect."

"Where are you going?" He asked.

"Oh, I just need to step out for a moment. Back in a flash." She said, vanishing with her spell. Shining sat in his chair, trying to think. Twilight was worried about something. He was worried about her. He tried to figure out what was going on. Something was off.

"Ow." He felt his temples throbbing again right behind his eyes. "Maybe if I just close them for a minute..." His last thought before sleep took him.
~~~~~

In order to keep from getting found out for playing hooky from her duties, Luna found it wise to stop in to the tower occasionally to 'make an appearance' so if asked by her sister later, there would be plenty of guards who saw her 'doing her job.'

There!

Movement on the palace grounds!

"Who goes there!?" She bellowed. The purple unicorn scurried across the courtyard, violating the imposed curfew. "Stay indoors, Twilight Sparkle."
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Shining woke up early. This morning would be the final dress rehearsal before the actual ceremony at noon.

"I decided to have Twilight's friends be the new bridesmaids." Cadance said beside him as he got ready.

"Oh?"

"Yeah, apparently the other mares only wanted to be in the wedding to meet Canterlot royalty." She told him.

"Huh, well I'm glad you warmed up to her friends at least." He said.

"Hmm. Listen, I just wanted to say I'm sorry about the other night. It's just with you so busy, I've had to make all the wedding decisions myself." She explained. "I've just been completely stressed out because it's really important that my- I mean, our big day be perfect."

"It's okay. I understand. I love you."

"Yes, I know you do."
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"Perfect, girls. No need to rush." Princess Celestia directed Twilight's friends. Shining Armor watched from his designated spot on the stage. "Then of course Cadance will enter." She continued. The guards at the doors each opened them, as Cadance stepped through, before they closed them again behind her. "I'll say a few words and then we'll begin with the vows. Shining Armor, you'll get the ring from your best mare." Shining looked behind him to where Twilight ought to have been standing. Why was it only now that he noticed that she was missing? He wasn't noticing a lot of things lately. He tried to remember the actual time he had last seen her. It made his head hurt.

"Hey, has anypony seen Twilight?" He asked.

And then she barged through the doors and ruined everything!

"I'm here! I'm not going to stand next to her and neither should you!" She yelled. Shining cringed.

"I'm sorry. I don't know why she's acting like this." He whispered.

"Maybe we should just ignore her." Cadance suggested.

"You have to listen to me! She's EVIL! She's been horrible to my friends. She's obviously done something to her bridesmaids. And if that wasn't enough, I saw her put a spell on my brother that made his eyes go all chameleon!" An evil spell? Okay, that got even Celestia's attention. These were serious allegations. She backed Cadance into a corner. The pink alicorn started to cry.

"Why are you doing this to me?"

"Because you're evil!" Twilight shouted, chasing her out of the hall. "EVIL! And if I don't stop you, you're going to ruin my brother's life!" Cadance scampered down the hallway out of sight. With her mission accomplished she turned back to the room victorious, bumping into her brother.

"You want to know why my eyes went all chameleon?" He winced. His head hurt just simulating it. "Because ever since I started having to perform my protection spell, I've been getting terrible migraines. Cadance hasn't been casting spells on me. She's been using her magic to heal me. And she decided to replace her bridesmaids because she found out the only reason they wanted to be in the wedding was to meet Canterlot royalty. And if she hasn't been on her best behavior with you friends, it's because with me being so busy she's had to make all the decisions about the wedding!"

"I was just trying to-"

"She's completely stressed out because it's really important to her that our big day be PERFECT! Something that obviously wasn't important to you!" He finished. For a second, he couldn't even remember what he had just said. Something about it felt rehearsed, Like he had read it somewhere else. Prepared lines for him to say. He felt his head twang again, shattering the notion. His head hurt. That was the only thing he could think about now. His head hurt and the only pony who could help him was Cadance. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go and comfort my bride. And you can forget about being my best mare. In fact, if I were you, I wouldn't show up to the wedding at all."

Shining stormed out of the hall. He had to go find Cadance to get rid of this awful headache. He looked everywhere for her. He checked her dressing room twice, where she ought to be. The ceremony was in just an hour and they both needed to get dressed. He started worrying. Everything about this was going wrong. Nothing made sense. In fact, the more he thought about it...

"Ow!"

The more it hurt.

Shining clutched his head. He would just go back to the dressing room and get ready. She was sure to show up there eventually. He walked back to the room. His mind was running on autopilot.

Time to get ready for work.

Shining picked up the uniform and started getting dressed.

Gotta dress faster. Sarge's gonna yell at me.

He mumbled more nonsense to himself as he finished the buttons on his shirt.

"Uh, look at you." Cadance said from the doorway. "I told you I didn't want you to wear that." She looked at his uniform, and then the clock on the wall. She was running out of time. He wobbled on his hooves a bit. "Is your head hurting? What did I tell you about thinking too much?"

Head hurting

He echoed the words back to her. "Come here, let me take care of that." Shining felt the warm spell wash over him. Nothing mattered anymore. Everything was okay. And nothing hurt.

"Now go on, go back to the hall now that you're all dressed. I'll be there soon. You mustn't see the bride's dress before the wedding. It's bad luck." She cooed before sending him on his way. She closed the door after him. He was completely under her control. She turned back to the mirror, preparing her dress for her big day.

"This day is going to be perfect..."