*Day of the Wedding*

Canterlot was a hustle of activity. Ponies were running around gathering for the after wedding ceremony activities, Vinyl Scratch was setting up her personal stand, and food stands were everywhere. It was like a carnival but for a wedding.

Buttercup was holding Peanut on a child leader, earlier into their adoption Trixie and Spitfire discovered the little changeling had a tendency to wander off, especially if there was love involved. More than once he'd been caught spying on unsuspecting couples. Much to Trixie's dismay it became so problematic that many of these couples were threatening to sue her and Spitfire if it didn't cease. So, they tried reasoning with the changeling telling him what he was doing was bad.

That upset him to no end. Turns out he can't help it. He still did it and now as a last resort they put him on a child leader to keep him close. It wasn't all bad though, he'd learned some measure of self restraint, and Buttercup kept him in line. However there were some bumps along the way. For example, a colt got too fresh with Trixie mistaking her for a younger mare and Spitfire nearly beat him senseless in a fit of jealousy. Trixie later apologized to the family for her mates behavior as did the colts' parent for his. No real harm was done.

The family of four were in Trixies' trailer heading for the castle while Fleetfoot, Soarin, and Star Stripe left to meet with the rest of the team. They rolled along until they got to the front gate where two unicorn guards stood flanking the doors. Trixie got off her trailer and approached the two guards who remained still until she got within hoofs reach.

"Halt! What business do you have here at the castle?" one asked.

The blue showmare pulled out her letter and showed it to the guards who inspected it thoroughly.

"Trixie is here on Royal Invitation to perform at the Wedding Ceremony of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Captain Shining Armor." she explained to them calmly.

After inspecting the invitation they returned it to her and stepped aside. "You may pass Miss Lulamoon. Head straight down the garden path and leave your trailer in the lobby. Princess Luna will be there to greet you."

"Thank you sirs." she bowed politely to them and returned to the cart.

The two unicorns lit up their horns grasping at the large double doors and slid them open. Inside was a massive garden with all manner of fauna and flora. The critters all scattered at the sight of the massive cart rolling by but some stayed out of curiosity wondering what it was. Peanut jumped off but was held suspended in the air by his child harness. He dangled helplessly as a squirrel ran up the cart and perched itself on his head.

He giggled trying to reach for the dark brown critter but it moved out of his reach. When he tried to adjust himself for another try the squirrel jumped off him and ran to its friends in a bush.

"Aw, come back. I won't hurt you." he said in a sad tone.

Trixie shook her head while his sister pulled him up. Hoisting him over the edge she placed the changeling on her lap and held him close so he wouldn't jump off again. Spitfire all the while was watching out to make sure nopony jumped in the way of the cart as they rolled along the narrow pathway.

The garden had a large hedge in the shape of ponies in various stances, statues were everywhere and banners littered the grounds like a battlefield of war. On statue stood out to the two young ones. A statue of a earth pony mare, actual pony sized but as tall as Big Mac, holding a scroll twice the length of herself stood on its hind legs, tall and proud. But that was not what attracted the young ones to it, it was the sounds they heard. It sounded almost like crying. The statue was crying? They stared into the empty eyes and realized that from the right angle the facial features changed to show a face of sorrow and pain.

It shocked hem both so much they gasped loudly.

Trixie noticed them staring at it after hearing them and looked at the statue.

"That young ones is the famous statue of the great Cosmic Star. A mare of great renown... and infamy." she ended darkly.

Buttercup looked over to her mother wondering what there was to the mare that made her so infamous.

"Who was she mother?"

"She was a mare of great renown and a magical prodigy in her day." she said.

"But her statue is an earth pony, how can she possibly do magic?" Buttercup asked looking back at the statue.

"It was in her ability to create magical enchantments through alchemy which she became famous. It is said in old text that she was able to bend the laws of reality and make things that were not possible by traditional alchemy. For example to make something you must give something. basic rule of alchemy. Science has a saying for it as well, 'matter can not be created or destroyed, only changed.' She could bend those rules and create life from nothing supposedly." Trixie slowed down as Spitfire lead the way as they approached a set of doors, allowing her to open them.

"It was said she once created a powerful artifact that could give her great power. SO much power it turned her evil. Unable to stop her she was imprisoned until a time came when she could be freed without destroying the world. And so there she is, in all her glory." Trixie finished with a wave of her hoof to the statue as the doors closed behind them.

"That sounds sad." Peanut said lowering his head.

"It is but it probably didn't happen." she reassured him. "It's just a legend."

From a dark corner Ruby and Blaze watched as they past by unaware they were there. Ruby was held close by his sister watching and listening to their conversation.

"Some legends are based off truth Trixie." she hissed under her breath.

Far down the end of the hall Trixie and her family entered a great lobby which held the night courts. It was a large cylindrical room with the single entryway they came from, no doubt for the visitors of the courts, and a large balcony where a large throne stood with Princess Luna's cutie mark on banners on either side of them.

Buttercup was trying very hard not to have, as she put it a 'fangasm', for being in Lunas personal court. Spitfire looked rather unimpressed. Having been here on numerous occasions made it so, but Trixie was very happy to be here. It was finally a chance to turn her life around, and this performance with the Wonderbolts was her chance to rise to fame again. No longer would she have to work dirt cheap jobs, and perform at night bars for meager bits. Now, she'd be getting somewhere making something of herself.

Her thoughts were interrupted when the doors they entered opened again and from beyond them entered the Night Princess herself, Luna.

Everypony lined up and bowed to her as she approached the family of ponies. She was flanked by two batpony guards one of which seemed very familiar.

"Welcome everypony. I Princess Luna do hereby welcome you to Canterlot castle. You honor us with your presence." the alicorn said sitting before them. "Captain."

"Princess Luna." Spitfire said lowering into the bow more making her head touch the ground.

"Rise my little pony. Please, make yourselves at home." she said having the guards draw up some cushions for all to sit. "Now tell me, who are these young ponies you've brought with you Captain Spitfire."

"These two bundles of joy, are our children Buttercup and Peanut. We adopted them from Tabitha's Home for Lost Foals. They're our pride and joy."

The two little ponies bowed to show their politeness, but Peanut walked up to the night princess and rubbed her chest affectionately.

"Aw, what a delightful child." Luna cooed lifting him up and hugging him. "He's so adorable! Thou has gotten a fine strong colt indeed, Captain!" she congratulated her placing the colt down.

She then turned her attention to the blue unicorn who remained silent the whole time. "And who is this?"

The Wonderbolt nodded reaching for Trixie and sliding her towards her. "This is my mate Princess, her name is Trixie Lulamoon."

Trixie bowed her head. "You highness."

Luna sized her up looking at her inch by inch. "I've heard about you Miss Lulamoon. You reputation says you are a mare of excellent magical talent. I hope you won't disappoint."

"It will be no trouble your majesty." Trixie said as humble as possible.

The alicorn princess nodded. "Very well then, we shall see thee at the after ceremony then. Until then I shall retire till the evening."

She turned to leave to chamber but was stopped by Buttercup standing directly in her path. "Princess Luna! A moment please!"

"BUTTERCUP!" the older mares scolded her running to her and pulled her aside. "We apologize princess-"

"Nay my faithful subjects. I love to hear my subjects opinions and thoughts. Now, what can I do for thee young miss?"

The little batpony inhaled deeply. "I want to know what I need to do to get into the Night Guard Princess!"

Luna looked shocked as did the other ponies in the room. Nopony ever made such a bold request before the princesses. Ever. Yet her was a young mare asking what it would take to become a Lunar Guard. This intrigued the young alicorn. Before Buttercups' parents could voice their thoughts the Luna stepped forward and lit her horn up placing a mark on her forehead. It was a black crescent moon with a single star behind it.

Trixie watched in awe of this, she had heard tales of such a mark being passed down to those deemed worthy to become a Royal Guard. Such a gift was rare but not completely unheard of. This meant that something about Buttercup stood out to Luna, and Trixie wasn't going to take that away from her daughter.

A few moments later the mark was gone and the two batpony guards jaws hung open. Spitfire was in too much shock to say anything, and Peanut had no idea what was going on anymore. Buttercup was looking cross eyed trying to see the mark on her head but had no success.

"You now bear the Mark of Passage! Come here tomorrow and we'll discuss your future as a Night Guard." Luna stated proudly at the young mare. Trixie quickly grabbed her brown daughter and spun around with her in her arms with tears of joy.

"OH BUTTERCUP! THIS IS WONDERFUL!" Trixie cried with joy.

"ISN'T IT MOM!?" she cried back.

Luna chuckled passing by leaving the family to bask in their daughters 'promotion'.

Spitfire was still in shock from what she heard completely immobilized. She was just beginning to get her motor functions back when the events hat transpired sank into her head. Then she felt herself overcome with joy. Buttercup received the Princesses blessing more or less. It was really a time to celebrate now.

The family gathered around the batpony mare, but Peanut stayed out for the group, staring off into the distance.

It's time my subjects. Attack!

*A few minutes later*

Trixie roamed the streets with Peanut and Buttercup heading towards the main grounds for the closing ceremony where the Wonderbolts would perform. Spitfire already left ahead to meet with her team and practice their routine while Trixie had some last minute fun with the kids. After leaving Lunas' courtroom they ventured through the streets visiting all the different vendors.

All the while Peanut kept staring around him as if he could hear something and it bothered Trixie. She nudged him startling him slightly.

"What is it momma?"

"Baby what are you looking at? You've keep looking around like you see something." she asked in a worried tone.

"That's because I hear them, momma. I hear voices. Can't you hear them?"

Now she was really worried. It was common for children to have wild imaginations, or imaginary friends. She was really hoping it was the latter.

"You mean like an imaginary friend?" she asked, but Buttercup burst the bubble.

"I thought we were over that whole thing! Ugh!" she whined but Trixie shot her a glare silencing her.

"Nu uh." Peanut shook his head. "I hear voices. They say to attack all the ponies and take all their love."

"Peanut there are no voices." Trixie said sternly.

"But there are!"

"No there aren't! I've heard enough of this!" she whispered angrily at him. "If you continue this behavior I'll ground you in the trailer mister."

"But I-I, do really." he sobbed looking down dejectedly.

Now, Trixie felt bad losing her temper like that. She pulled the little changeling close and held him affectionately. HE smiled weakly at her.

"Sorry sweetie. Momma's just nervous but that was no reason to take it out on you." she cooed to him rubbing his false mane. "Listen, there are no voices OK?"

"Yeah! So stop being a little weirdo, bro." Buttercup chimed in.

"Buttercup that was rude! Say your sorry to him!"

"Ugh, fine." she groaned walking up beside him not looking at the changeling. "Sorry."

"OK." he chirped, tackling her to the ground laughing.

"GET OFF ME!"

Buttercup yelled at he top of her lungs as the two siblings rolled around in the street as Trixie shook her head in embarrassment as ponies watched them as they passed by.

"These two I swear-"

She stopped mid sentence when a previously invisible barrier went down all over the city and a massive dark cloud loomed over head. Everypony looked up to see the dark cloud overhead, even to two quarreling siblings stopped to look up and what they saw amazed the.

The dark cloud was really an entire mass of changelings. Descending down from the heavens above. A dark cackling was heard echoing over the city as the dark figures charged in every direction capturing ponies in slimy green goop excreted from their mouths. Without a word, Trixie grabbed Peanut placing him on her back and ran with Buttercup in tow. They ran down the main street turning to a nearby alley where they ran into a little grey unicorn filly with a blonde mane and tail. She hid behind a large crate all alone, shaking in fear.

Trixie placed Peanut behind the crate with the filly.

"You two stay here and don't come out. Understand?" she instructed the two, they nodded understandingly.

The unicorn mare nodded giving a comforting hug to both. "Don't worry, it'll be alright." she whispered softly to both. She then released them and from under her cape pulled out a small knife she got from her battle with the Starfalls earlier that year, and levitated it over to Buttercup. The young mare took the knife and readied herself standing in an aggressive posture.

Trixie turned to see a few changelings run down the alley they stood in. "I was going to give it to you on your next birthday, but I guess now is better. Happy early birthday!"

She then fired a stun beam at the first changeling stunning it as it fell limp on the ground. The others ran and flew past him as two others pulled him out of the alleyway and to safety.

Trixie and Buttercup stood their ground as the mass of bodies descended on them darkening the alley like it was the passing of the night, and all fell into darkness.

"TRIXIE!"

Author's Notes:

So here we are people! The final showdown in Canterlot!

The battle against the changelings is now in effect. Who will emerge victorious and what of our brave heroines?

Find out in the final chapter of this arc in Wonderbolt my Heart! Coming soon so stay tuned!