MLP: A Canterlot Wedding (Revised Edition)
Chapter 4: 4. This Day Aria
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Chapter 4: This Day Aria
The sight of a ragged, disheveled Cadance stunned Catania. But Twilight, still angry, pounced on Cadance.
"No! Wait! Ugh! Please! Don't hurt me! Twilight, it's me! Please, you have to believe me!" Cadance pleaded, looking up at Twilight."I've been imprisoned like you. The Cadance who brought you down here was an imposter!"
"Likely story!" Twilight snapped.
Cadance gently pushed Twilight off and began to do a dance Twilight remembered well. "Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves…"
"…and do a little shake." Twilight finished with her. Cadance turned and gave her a gentle smile.
"You remember me!" Twilight said happily, throwing herself into Cadance's arms.
"Of course I do. How could I forget the filly I love to sit for the most?" Cadance said, lovingly stroking Twilight's mane.
Catania smiled. "I knew that wasn't you." She said quietly. Cadance looked up at her, startled.
"Tani?" Cadance whispered.
"Of course." Catania said, embracing her and Twilight. Pulling away, she asked, "But how did this happen?"
Twilight pulled away as Cadance sighed. "Well, one night, I was in my room. I was half-asleep when…"
A dome of green fire appeared around Cadance, causing her to open her eyes in shock. She instantly began to panic, wide-awake now. "W-Wait, what's going on?!" That was all she had time to say before the powerful spell began to sink into the ground, passing through the different floors as if they were air. Cadance didn't want to take her chances on whether or not the fire surrounding her could burn her, but either way, it seemed that she couldn't get out.
After what seemed like an eternity, the fire dissipated and Cadance hit the ground with a thud, finally able pick herself up to see wherever it was she found herself. She was surrounded on all sides by crystals, shimmering dimly in the darkness. It would have been pretty, save for the one thing that Cadance instantly realized: She was trapped.
It was then that she saw the green fire from earlier reflected on one of the larger gemstones, and Chrysalis appeared to her in her true form.
Cadance gasped and stepped back, stunned at the strange figure reflected in the crystal. "Wh-Who are you?!" She was clearly afraid, but her anger at the situation showed through as well. "And where am I?!"
Chrysalis chuckled. "I am Queen Chrysalis, the ruler of the Changelings." Laughing, she faded from the first gem and appeared on a larger one behind Cadance, much to the princess's shock.
Cadance forced herself to stand firm. "Changelings?"
Chrysalis laughed at the inquiry, appearing on another crystal. "You mean you've never heard of us? I suppose I should explain, then. You see, us Changelings are able to disguise ourselves as other creatures, and then feed off their emotions. We do eat other things, of course. After all, no creature can survive on only one thing. But it's emotions that help give us extra power." Her eyes glinted. "Love is the most powerful one—I know that there are many different kinds of love, but you and your groom have such a strong romantic love…" She cackled, enjoying the look of horror on Cadance's face. "And he's rather…" she smirked, anticipating Cadance's reaction to what she was about to say, "… attractive as well."
Cadance's pupils shrank in horror at the implications of Chrysalis's words. "YOU STAY AWAY FROM SHINING ARMOR!" Cadance screamed, firing a blast of magic on the crystal where Chrysalis's image was. Unfortunately, when the shimmering blue aura of magic cleared, Chrysalis's form was gone and the crystal itself stood unharmed. Desperate, the she fired blast after blast of magic, whether Chrysalis was on a crystal or not. She wanted to get out, to save Shining Armor, to stop this…this monster from taking her place…to stop the Queen from doing things she didn't even want to think about!
But it was no use. The crystals remained intact, unmoving, trapping Cadance in her prison.
"And don't even try to call out," Chrysalis taunted, fading away. "No pony will ever hear you in these abandoned mines. You'll remain down here forever…" As Chrysalis spoke, green flames encircled her image as she changed into another form that caused the princess to gasp—Cadance herself. Chrysalis smiled, but it was a scheming smile rather than the warm, friendly one that the real Cadance wore.
"And your precious Shining Armor will be mine!"
"NO! DON'T YOU DARE!" Cadance screamed as she looked wildly around. She slammed against the crystals with her body and her magic. But all she heard was Chrysalis's laughs of triumph as the Queen's reflection faded, leaving the princess out of sight.
"SHINING ARMOR!"
Catania gasped quietly as Cadance finished telling about her abduction. "That horrible monster…we've got to stop her." She said, her voice steely. All three mares looked up in shock as Queen Chrysalis's evil laughter echoed in the cave.
In the distance, they all saw a faint gleam of light. Twilight stood up. "We have to get out of here!" She said, running a short distance away from the elder mares. She turned back. "We have to stop her!"
Catania and Cadance exchanged a determined look and nodded. They ran past Twilight, who followed as soon as they passed her, into the catacomb of tunnels as Chrysalis's laughter continued to echo.
In the castle above, Onyx Armor was standing guard outside the room where Cadance was getting ready for the wedding. He was scowling fiercely, remembering his earlier conversation (or argument) with Shining Armor.
"What?! What do you mean you kicked my wife and your sister out of your wedding?!" Onyx shouted in disbelief at his captain.
"Just that. They accused Cadance of being evil! If they're going to act like that, then they're undeserving of the titles Cadance and I bestowed upon them!" Shining snapped.
"Watch it, Captain Armor! That's my wife you're talking about! She wouldn't side with someone unless she was sure they were right!"
"Lieutenant Onyx, drop it! As of now, you are to guard Cadance until the ceremony. She is not to leave your sight until she enters the throne room! Is that clear?!" Shining said, his eyes briefly flashing a pale green.
Onyx noticed it. Through gritted teeth, he gave in, knowing he couldn't win. After all, Shining Armor wasn't Captain for nothing. "As crystal, sir."
"Good. Now get going." Shining order, walking away, leaving Onyx glaring after him.
Thus, here he stood, with no idea of where his wife was. Suddenly, singing from inside the room sounded.
This day is going to be perfect,
The kind of day of which I've dreamed since I was small.
Everypony will gather 'round,
Say I look lovely in my gown.
What they don't know is that I have fooled them all!
Onyx's dark blue eyes widened. Catania and Twilight had been right. This wasn't Cadance…she was a fake!
"Onyx Armor? Art thou alright?"
He turned to see the royal blue alicorn. "No, Princess Luna. No, I am not. Have you heard of what Twilight and my wife, Catania, accused your niece of?"
"Indeed, I have."
"They were right. Listen." He said simply. Perplexed, Luna stood near him as the singing began again.
I could care less about the dress!
I won't partake in any cake!
Vows, well I'll be lying when I say,
"That through any kind of weather,
I'll want us to be together."
The truth is I don't care for him at all!
No, I do not love the groom!
In my heart, there is no room!
But I still want him to be all MINE!
Luna's blue eyes widened. She gasped in shock, "Could this be true? 'Tis not possible!"
"I'm afraid it's worse. She may not really be Cadance. And if that's true…where's the real one?" Onyx said grimly. He and Luna exchanged a determined look. They had to stop—or at least stall—the wedding!
Luna spread her wings. "I must tell my sister. Pray, Lieutenant, that she believeth me. I shall meet thee outside of the throne room to inform thee of the outcome."
Onyx nodded as the younger princess flew away. He could only hope she would succeed…or else Shining Armor was doomed…
Unknown to Onyx and Luna, below them, in the Canterlot caves, the real Cadance was trying to find a way out with Catania and Twilight. Looking down a dead end tunnel, Cadance continued to run, the other two following.
We must escape before it's too late,
Find a way to save the day!
Another glimmer of light shone in the distance as they came across a mining cart.
Hope, I'll be lying if I say,
"I don't fear that I may lose him
To one who wants to use him
Not care for, love, and cherish him each day!"
Catania and Twilight stopped, unsure, but Cadance ran past them. She tried to push the cart, but was too weak. Moved at the sight of the heart-broken bride-to-be, Catania levitated the rocks out of way as Twilight placed Cadance into the cart. Twilight gave it a shove, and all three mares held on for their lives.
For I oh so love the groom,
All my thoughts he does consume,
Oh, Shining Armor, I'll be there very soon!
At the end of the track, Cadance spread her wings and flew, carrying Twilight with her. Catania teleported as she was thrown out of the cart. She managed to get to the other side just fine. Once they were all safely over, they stared up in dismay at the sparkling wall blocking their escape route.
Oh, the wedding we won't make!
He'll end up marrying a fake
Shining Armor will be…
Cadance was so overcome that she couldn't even finish, collapsing to the ground, soft sobs sounding.
Meanwhile, outside throne room above, the disguised Chrysalis whispered to herself, "…mine, all mine…"
Onyx was nearby and heard every word. He pretended he didn't and asked, "I beg pardon, your Highness, what was that?"
"Err, nothing, guard!" She said…a little too hastily.
"Alright, if you say so." Onyx said, shrugging. Luna, where are you?!
In nearby chamber, Luna was currently trying to talk sense into Celestia, but her words seemed to be falling on deaf ears.
"Sister, please! You must believe me!" Luna pleaded.
"Luna, enough. It was bad enough my most trusted student and our niece's best friend accused her of being evil, but you as well?!" Celestia said, looking at Luna.
"You did not hear her singing. I did! Cadance is not who she claims to be, dear sister!"
"Stop! I will hear no more of this nonsense. If you'll excuse me, I have a wedding to perform." Luna opened her mouth to protest, but Celestia cut her off. "I think it best you don't come, if you plan to act like this." Celestia said. With that, the elder princess walked out of the room.
Luna looked after her in dismay. This shall not end well at all…
Anytime now, Luna…Onyx thought. The wedding march began to play as the doors opened. The CMC went in, scattering petals. Cadance entered after them, an unpleasant smirk on her face.
No…she failed…Onyx thought in dismay as the doors shut.
Moments later, Luna appeared. "Sister refused to listen to reason. There is nothing more we can do." She placed a hoof on his shoulder. "But your wife and Twilight Sparkle are not here. Let us hope they can stop this, because they art the only chance we haveth now."
In the caves, Cadance was crying softly while Catania attempted to move some part of the wall. They could faintly hear Celestia saying, "Mares and gentlestallions, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Shining Armor."
"Oh, we're never going to save him." Cadance said in despair.
Catania stopped and turned to look at her. She couldn't imagine what her friend was feeling. But she did know that it would shatter Cadance if she lost Shining Armor to this...this imposter. "Cadance, I swear by your aunts, we will get out of here and we will save him. I promise."
"She's right, Cadance." Twilight said, standing at the edge of the large ledge they were on. "We just have to find…" A glimmer of light caught her eyes. She gasped, "Look there!" There was a hole just large enough for them to escape through!
Catania gave a large smile as the three mares teleported to the ledge below it. Walking towards it, they were startled to see three pairs of green eyes come towards them. "What in the name of—" Catania gasped as the eyes revealed themselves to belong to the old bridesmaids.
"You're not going anywhere." They said robotically. The three unicorns' horns powered up, combining into one powerful beam. It shot towards them.
Twilight flinched, closing her eyes. She waited for the impact. It never came. She opened her eyes, only to have them fly open in shock to see Catania throwing up a pale-purple shield. It was clear, however, that the beam pressing against it was powerful. She was sweating and panting already.
Both Twilight and Cadance looked around for something, anything, they could use to get rid of the brainwashed bridesmaids.
"You will not spoil Queen Chrysalis's plan," one bridesmaid said.
"She will rule Equestria and crush you with her iron hoof," another added.
"This is the beginning of a new era!" The third said as Catania sank down on one knee, the shield beginning to flicker.
Just then, Cadance saw a bouquet of purplish-gray flowers wedged in between some rocks. Using her magic, she waved it over the bridesmaids' heads, hoping for a response. They instantly stopped the beam and followed the bouquet with their eyes. When Cadance threw it, they dove after it, all three screaming, "I WANT IT!"
Catania panted as she stood back up, dismissing the shield. "Are you alright?" Cadance asked her.
"Where did you learn that spell?" Twilight asked.
"I'm fine…just drained. That cost me a lot of my magic. As to where I learned that spell, your brother and Onyx taught it to me, thinking I'd need it one day. Am I ever glad they did!" Her brow furrowed in determination. "Now let's go. We don't have much time left." They all raced out of the hole, hoping they weren't too late…
Hehe, we're almost to the best part! Hold on to your hats, it's gonna get WILD!