//------------------------------// // 1-2: A Canterlot Wedding (Part 2) // Story: Outcast // by Lord King Cocoon //------------------------------// Luna led Sweetie Belle into her private quarters. Sweetie Belle looked around in awe as the navy blues and silvers created the sensation of standing in the night sky itself. Luna looked down to see the expression in the filly’s eyes and smiled. “So, who was that you were talking to earlier?” Sweetie Belle asked suddenly, “I know you told us that all we need to know is that he’s intel. But I feel like I’ve met him before.” “That is extremely unlikely to be true,” Luna explained, her smile never faltering, “Simply put, the reason for the barrier is because of a threat being made against Canterlot. That stallion is the informant who warned Us. If We say any more about who he is, We could be putting him in potential danger. The less you know, the better.” The smile returned to Luna’s face as she readied a spell. But Sweetie Belle didn’t feel comforted by the smile, “Am I in trouble?” the marshmallow filly asked nervously. This received a bewildered look from Luna, “Why would you think that you are in trouble?” “Because you don’t look happy,” the filly said. At this point, Luna’s smile faltered. She may not have been as practiced with smiling as Celestia was, but she could keep a convincing smile for a short amount of time without faltering, “How is it that We do not look happy?” “I… I’m not sure exactly,” Sweetie Belle said nervously as she looked to the side, “It’s just that… I see your smile… but I feel like you’re angry.” “We suppose that We have been on edge recently with the threat on Canterlot,” Luna said, not necessarily lying, “But We promise that We will not be angry with you if you do not give Us reason to.” This seemed to reassure the filly as Luna used a scanning spell on her. ‘Odd. Our lie detection spell detects no deception from the filly. But her biology…’  “You’re angry again,” Sweetie Belle whimpered, distracting Luna from her train of thought. ‘It does not matter. There is no deception in her heart. She is who she claims to be, and that’s what matters.’ Luna thought. She then shifted her mindset to be more comforting, “We promise that We are not angry with you.” ‘Confused perhaps. But not angry.’ Sweetie Belle let out a sigh, “I’m sorry for being so nervous all of a sudden,” the filly said apologetically, “It’s just that ever since we got here… I don’t know. It’s like there’s something going on. Not just the wedding or the threat. Ever since we went through that barrier… maybe I’m just being paranoid.” “Do not discredit paranoia so easily,” Luna said, “Paranoia helps to keep you on your hooves. Would you rather be relaxed and get taken off guard during an attack, or stay on guard even if there is no attack?” “So, it’s like the saying ‘better safe than sorry’?” Luna took a moment to consider the saying, “We have not heard of that saying,” Luna admitted, “However, that does sound accurate enough. It is better to be on guard and be safe than to be off guard and be sorry.” With a smile, Luna headed for the door, motioning for Sweetie Belle to follow her. Sweetie Belle quickly followed in step right behind Luna. Rarity was dedicated to her work on the wedding dress for princess Mi Amore Cadenza. However, that didn’t mean she couldn’t multitask. Though she may have been focused on the wedding dress, she was also listening to Twilight, who was fuming behind her as she paced back and forth. “Oh, you should have seen how she acted back there. I don’t know when she changed, but she changed!” Twilight ranted before shifting into an impression of the pink princess, “Please, call me princess Mi Amore Cadenza.” “Did I hear someone say my name?” The two mares looked towards the doorway to see the princess in question, escorted by a couple of royal guards and the bride’s maids, enter the room. Rarity impulsively zoomed right in front of the princess, “Your highness!” Rarity exclaimed overenthusiastically with a bow, “Let me just start by saying what an honor it is to play a role in such a momentous occasion.” The fashionista finished with a nervous laugh. “Uh-huh,” princess Mi Amore Cadenza said, eyeing the mare in front of her suspiciously, “Is my dress ready?” “Oh, well, uh, yes, of course!” Rarity said with a stammer. ‘I know she’s a princess. But why am I suddenly getting all flustered around her? Perhaps my nerves are just getting to me. But still…’ Leaving the realm of her inner thoughts, she went and followed the princess to where Rarity was working on the dress prior, “Um, I was working on it ever since I was given the assignment, and I think you’ll be pleased with the results!” Rarity finished with a hum. “I was hoping for something with more beading,” princess Cadenza said snobbishly, “And a longer train.” “Oh, yes, of course,” Rarity said without thinking. princess Cadenza walked over to the bride’s maids’ dresses, followed by Rarity. “And those should be a different color,” the pink princess said. “I think they’re lovely.” “Me too!” “I love them.” After graciously letting the bride’s maids speak, princess Cadenza ignored the opinions of the commoners, “Make them a different color.” After the princess bride and her escorts left, Rarity got back to work, letting Twilight get back to fuming, “Gee, maybe her name should be ‘princess Demandy-pants’.” Rarity’s attention, however, was no longer focused on her friend but rather on an inner conflict she was starting to have. Her impulsive desire to please the princess, the bride’s demanding attitude… It was all too familiar to her. But she couldn’t put a hoof on it. As Twilight was about to head out, Rarity turned around to get her attention, “Twilight?” Twilight stopped where she was and turned back towards her friend, “What is it, Rarity?” Rarity paused for a moment before dropping the subject, “Never mind. It’s nothing, dear.” After giving a confused look at her friend, Twilight headed out of the room, leaving Rarity alone with her thoughts. ‘I shouldn’t start making accusations. After all, I don’t know if I’m right or if it’s just my imagination. And if I talk, I’d have to explain my reasoning… and myself.’ “And that is why you shall not be dining with your elder sisters this night.” It was dinner time, and Luna just finished explaining why the Cutie Mark Crusaders weren’t eating with their sisters. They were a little disappointed. But the trade-off was that they had access to the royal kitchen. And this included the royal kitchen’s staff. “So, does that mean we’ll be eating dinner with you?” Sweetie Belle asked. “We must decline that offer. We must relieve Princess Celestia of her watch duties,” Luna said apologetically, “But do not fret. You shall be joined by Our sister shortly. Good night to you.” With that said, Luna stood up and walked towards the dining room doors. She opened them but turned around before leaving, “Oh, and go easy on the chefs. They are used to Canterlot sophistication.” With a knowing wink, Luna left the dining room to leave the Crusaders to their own devices. “Whaddya think Princess Luna was talkin’ ‘bout?” Apple Bloom wondered. “Rarity always tells me to be lady-like so that we can fit in with Canterlot nobility,” Sweetie Belle explained in thought, “Just as long as that nobility isn’t Prince Blueblood.” “Lady-like? Bleh,” Scootaloo stuck her tongue out in disgust, “Being a flower filly is girly enough as it is. I’m not gonna start acting snooty if I don’t have to.” “Well, Ah dunno ‘bout yall, but Ah’m gettin’ hungry,” Apple Bloom said as she looked around, “When’re we gonna eat?” “Tia,” Luna said as she landed on the balcony where Celestia stood watch, “I have come to relieve you and begin the night watch.” “Thank you, Luna,” Celestia said with an appreciative nod of her head. She opened up her wings to take off before she was stopped by Luna. “Tia, I know that you don’t like it when I make decisions for you without your knowledge,” Luna said apprehensively. “But…” “But I promised the flower fillies that you would eat dinner with them,” Luna finished, “And I may have played a little prank on the chefs by subliminally encouraging the fillies to ‘take it easy’ on them.” Celestia sighed in resignation, “I don’t mind that you decided for me to eat dinner with the fillies. It does give a nice change of pace after all,” Celestia said before her expression became serious, “But if I have to perform damage control because they didn’t take your suggestion literally, I’m going to be quite cross.” Celestia opened up her wings and flapped, taking flight and leaving Luna to start her night watch. As she glided down, she noticed Twilight and her friends at a table eating their dinner. If it weren’t for Luna’s ultimatum, she would’ve landed to spend some time with them to see how the progress was going. She glided into the dining hall window, landing softly on the carpet. But she saw that something was missing, or to be specific, three someponies missing. “How do you burn juice?!” the voice of the royal chef cried in frustration, the voice coming from the kitchen, “You weren’t even cooking it!” Celestia sighed as she headed towards the kitchen. Passing through the door, she saw… everything under control? “My sister once said the same thing,” Sweetie Belle said, who was holding a glass of what Celestia could only assume was the burnt juice, “To be honest, I wish I knew how I did it too.” Celestia looked around to see several dishes of what she assumed were supposed to be food. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom were making their own food while the chef was trying (and failing) to help Sweetie Belle with her food. There was the glass of viscous liquid, dishes of ash and char, and a bowl of what she could only assume was oatmeal. “Perhaps I can be of some assistance?” Princess Celestia said as she walked towards the group. The fillies and chef saw the Princess and bowed, “At ease. I believe I am to dine with these three tonight.” “My apologies, Princess,” the chef said as he got up from his bow, “They requested to make their own dinners. I agreed as long as I supervised. Those two were simple enough not to need assistance. But this unicorn filly… well… let’s just say that my expertise was insufficient.” Celestia began examining the… food wasn’t quite the right word to use. Her attention was drawn towards the bowl of goo, “What was it you were attempting to make?” the solar diarch asked. “A cucumber sandwich,” Sweetie Belle said matter-of-factly. On the outside, Celestia maintained her composure and offered to make a cucumber sandwich for her, making one for herself as well. On the inside, however, Celestia was mortified that Sweetie Belle could somehow turn a cucumber sandwich into a bowl of goo. Sweetie Belle’s ears flattened against her head, “You don’t like it, do you?” “What makes you say that?” the solar Princess asked. However, this did catch her attention. “You mean besides the fact that what was supposed to be a sandwich looks more like oatmeal?” Scootaloo sarcastically asked bluntly. “You just seemed to shudder when you saw it,” Sweetie Belle answered. Celestia was not aware that she reacted in any way to the sight of what was in the bowl, “It’s not that you actually shuddered. I could just sense it.” Celestia took pride in her ability to keep a convincing smile regardless of how she felt. It was practically required. She was a political figurehead, and she needed to show her best. She had over a thousand years to practice this perfect smile. The frustrating, snooty nobles could break nearly anyone. But not Celestia. So it was truly surprising to the diarch of the sun that this little filly caused her mask to falter. “You were able to… sense it?” Celestia questioned, “What exactly was it that you sensed?” “I don’t know how to describe it. I just do,” Sweetie said nervously, knowing that she was addressing the ruler of Equestria, “I talked to Luna about it earlier, too. Not my sandwich, but my… sixth sense?” She clearly didn’t know exactly what to call her sense. Celestia then walked to grab a few ingredients and put them together out of view of the group. She turned around with a genuine smile and two cucumber sandwiches in her magical aura, offering one of them to Sweetie Belle, who took it in her magic. Celestia then turned her head towards the chef, “You may take the rest of the night off,” she said in her usual motherly tone, “I hope these three weren’t too much trouble.” “No problem at all, Your Majesty,” the chef said with a smile, “The little unicorn filly is… in need of some training. But her passion for the culinary arts is truly inspiring.” He then said his goodbyes and left the kitchen. Celestia walked with the fillies back to the dining hall and sat at the table, “So, you like cucumber sandwiches, too?” Sweetie Belle asked curiously. “I do,” Celestia answered with a nod before taking a bite and swallowing, “I find that it’s fancy enough to please the snooty nobility but casual enough to please… well, me.” “That’s how I please Rarity,” Sweetie said, “I’m not as fancy as she is, but she seems pleased that I like cucumber sandwiches, even though they’re just sandwiches.” “Well, the cucumber sandwich originated here in Canterlot, which may explain why it’s considered fancy,” Celestia said, “But another reason may have to do with just how old it is. The cucumber sandwich was invented around 700 years ago. So its older age makes it considered ‘classical’.” “I think that’s how old my grandpa is,” Scootaloo spoke up, “He’s always talking about how things were ‘back in his day’. What was so great about things back when he was a kid?” “When old folks talk about when they were kids, they aren’t talkin’ ‘bout how good it was,” Apple Bloom said, “When Granny talks ‘bout ‘in her day’, she talks ‘bout walkin’ ten miles to and from school goin’ uphill both ways.” “How do you go uphill both ways?” Sweetie Belle asked. Meanwhile, Twilight and her friends were eating their dinner at a nearby restaurant. “Bet I can guess what you’re all thinking,” Twilight said in a faux cheery voice as she came out with her food. Her expression shifts to a sour one, “Cadance is the absolute worst bride-to-be ever.” The others all look towards Twilight in shock as Spike holds up a figurine of Cadance, “Who, me?” Spike said, trying to imitate the pink princess’s voice. “Spike!” Applejack reprimanded, “That goes on the cake.” Spike then put down the figurine, laughing nervously. “Twilight, whatever do you mean?” Rarity asked with a smile, “Princess Cadance is an absolute gem.” “Rarity, she was so demanding!” Twilight said with a frown. “Well, of course she is,” Rarity said, defending the bride-to-be, “Why shouldn’t she expect the very best on her wedding day?” Twilight began rubbing her temple, “Applejack, did you know that after she told you how much she just love-love-loved your hors d’eouvres, she threw them in the trash?” “Well, maybe she was jus’ tryin’ to spare my feelings.” “She was just being fake and totally insincere!” Fluttershy then brought up an issue, “She did raise her voice at one of my birds at rehearsal.” “See?” Twilight pointed out, “Rude!” “But he was singing really off-key,” Fluttershy continued, bringing out the bird in question who demonstrated his off-key singing, causing the others to cover their ears. “Pinkie Pie, you had to have noticed how Cadance treated-” Twilight sees Pinkie and Spike holding the Shining Armor and Cadance figurines, playing and making kissing noises with each other, “-Never mind. Rainbow Dash, you’re with me, right?” Rainbow Dash was busy flexing, “Sorry, Twi. Been too busy prepping for my sonic rainboom to pay much attention to the bride’s bad attitude.” Twilight sighed, or rather, growled in defeat. Rarity went over to calm Twilight down, “The princess is about to get married,” Rarity explained matter of factly, “I’m sure any negative behavior she might be displaying is simply the result of nerves.” ‘Trust me, Twilight, I hope you’re wrong. Because you don’t want to know what the alternative might be if you’re right. For both of our sakes.’ Twilight then pounds the table, “And I’m sure it’s the result of being an awful pony who doesn’t deserve to know Shining Armor, let alone marry him!” “Think maybe you’re bein’ just a tiny bit possessive of yer brother?” Applejack suggested, the rest of the group agreeing with her. “I am not being possessive, and I am not taking it out on Cadance!” Twilight insisted, “You're all just too caught up in your wedding planning to notice that maybe there shouldn't even be a wedding!” Twilight thumps the table with her hoof to emphasize her point. With a huff, she walked away. Before she was gone, however, Rarity ran up to her, “Listen, Twilight, I’m not exactly sure what’s going on,” Rarity said, trying to choose her words carefully, “Just… be careful.” Twilight continued on her way, though with a more thoughtful look. As Rarity headed back to the table, she was stopped by none other than princess Mi Amore Cadenza, “Hello, Rarity,” the pink princess greeted, “May I have a few words with you and your friends?” After hearing what princess Mi Amore Cadenza had to say, Rarity chose a few dresses for her and her friends to wear. However, Rarity was rather cautious after her recent encounter with the royal. While they were trying on dresses, Twilight barged in in a panic, “Shining Armor’s in real danger!” Twilight said as she took a moment to catch her breath, “You need to help… Dresses? What are you-” Twilight’s panic turned confusion was halted when Fluttershy went up to her, “Can you believe it?” Fluttershy said in a rare moment of assertiveness, “We’re gonna be princess Mi Amore Cadenza’s new bridesmaids!” “New bridesmaids? What happened to her old bridesmaids?” “She didn’t say,” Applejack answered with a big grin on her face, “But she did tell us that she would love-love-love it if we’d fill in for them.” “Because we’ve been working super duper hard and stuff!” Pinkie exclaimed. “And you had yer doubts ‘bout her,” Applejack said. Twilight just stood there, her mouth agape at her friends’ remarks. “You sure this is what I should wear?” Rainbow Dash complained, lightly kicking at the inside of her dress, “Doesn’t seem all that aerodynamic.” “Hmm. I’ll see what I can do,” Rarity said, though her thoughts were on Twilight. “Looks like I am on my own,” Twilight sighed as she walked out the door. She was then followed by Rarity, who had something to say. “Remember what I said earlier,” Rarity said to Twilight, “Be careful.” Twilight lifted her head in confusion, “You know something, don’t you?” “The less you know, the better,” Rarity insisted, “I’m not sure of everything myself. But if my theory is right, then you are not on your own on this.” After a moment of thinking it over, Twilight hugged Rarity, “Thank you, Rarity,” Twilight said quietly, “I don’t think you know how frustrating it can be to feel like you’re all alone.” The two broke the hug, and Twilight headed on her way. Rarity, however, took another moment to sit there, “I understand how you feel more than you could ever know,” Rarity said once out of earshot. With that final thought, Rarity went back inside to Rainbow Dash and started fixing her dress. The next morning was the rehearsal for the wedding. Organ music was playing as things were continuing. Celestia was standing at the head of the wedding hall with Shining Armor and Spike to the side, playing with the wedding figurines. The newly appointed bridesmaids were walking down the aisle with their heads held high. “Perfect, girls. No need to rush,” Celestia said, walking them through the steps, “Then, of course, princess Mi Amore Cadenza will enter.” The organ music stopped and began playing a quite recognizable song. The doors opened up, revealing the pink princess. The bride walked down the aisle, meeting with her groom at the end, “I’ll say a few words,” Celestia continued, “And then we’ll begin with the vows. Shining Armor, you’ll get the ring from your best mare.” They look towards where the best mare in question was supposed to be standing. But it was empty. Instead, Spike was sitting on the steps, playing with the figurines. “Do you?” Spike asked in a deep voice, mimicking the groom before focusing on the bride figurine, “I do!” Shining Armor looked around for his sister, “Hey, has anypony seen Twilight?” As if on cue, the doors open, revealing the violet unicorn in question, “I’m here!” She shouted angrily as she started walking forward, “I’m not gonna stand next to her! And neither should you!” Shining Armor cringed nervously before turning to Cadenza, “I’m sorry,” Shining apologized, “I… I don’t know why she’s acting like this.” “Maybe we should just ignore her,” the alicorn bride suggested. As the argument continued, Rarity concluded that something wasn’t right. Something wasn’t right about Shining Armor’s emotional state. And the princess’s words weren’t coming from hurt but malice. “I’ve got something to say! She’s evil!” Twilight asserted, pointing her hoof at the bride and causing most of the ponies in the room to whisper to each other, “She’s been horrible to my friends…” Twilight teleported behind the accused and began stalking her, “…she’s obviously done something to her bridesmaids, and if that wasn’t enough, I saw her last night put a spell on you!” Twilight finished by addressing her brother. The mention of the spell caught Rarity’s attention. Cadenza looked around the room as she was backed into a corner, “Why are you doing this to me?!” she cried as she started running out the door. “Because you’re evil!” Twilight shouted before teleporting to the door after Cadenza ran out, “EVIL!!! And if I don’t stop you, you’re gonna ruin my brother’s life!” Twilight turned back around and headed back into the room. But she ended up running straight into Shining Armor’s chest. She looked up at him, who glared down angrily at her. “You wanna know why Cadance cast a spell on me?” Shining Armor said before feeling a twinge of pain, “Because ever since I started having to perform my protection spell, I’ve been getting terrible migraines. She’s been using her magic to heal me! And she makes sure not to cast the spell unless I give her permission!” ‘Malicious intent… Questionable emotional state… Permission for a spell… I was desperately hoping I was wrong, but it really is her!’ Rarity thought to herself nervously. “And she decided to replace her bridesmaids because she found out the only reason they wanted to be in the wedding was so that they could meet Canterlot royalty!” Shining Armor continued, “And if she hasn’t been on her best behavior with your 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-” Twilight said before being cut off. “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!” Shining continued before getting another twinge of pain, “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 at the wedding at all.” Shining Armor walked away, leaving Twilight to sit there in shame. “C’mon, y’all,” Applejack said, “Let’s go check on the princess.” The rest of the ponies walked past Twilight. “I was-” “You have a lot to think about,” Celestia said, cutting Twilight off before slamming the doors shut, leaving Twilight all alone. Rarity opted not to follow the rest of the ponies to check on the princess. She looked back towards the double doors, worried about Twilight, she pushed one of the doors open but paused when she saw Twilight on the steps, the princess walking towards her from the other end of the room. “What is she doing over there?” Rarity said to herself, noticing the significant lack of sadness in her eyes. Cadenza patted Twilight on the head, smiling down warmly. But Rarity wasn’t fooled. That smile was far from genuine. “I’m sorry!” Twilight whimpered. It was a sweet image, for sure. But Rarity caught sight of a green flash in the princess’s purple eyes. This caused Rarity’s heart to skip a beat. Cadance’s expression changed to a much more sinister one, “You will be,” the princess growled as she lit her horn in a green glow… …A shade of green that Rarity recognized all too well. A ring of green fire formed around Twilight. As she began being pulled into the circle, phasing through the floor itself, Cadance began walking towards the double doors. Rarity then ran for her life as she realized that she may get caught. Once she was confident that she was out of sight and alone, a most disturbing thought came to mind, “It’s her! It’s really her!” Rarity said to herself, terror evident in her voice, “She’s here in Canterlot… the Queen!”