But in order to keep up appearances, she smiled warmly. "That is true, but here's the thing Granny Smith." With that, Cadance gently closed the door behind her. "Cadance, I need you to talk to Twilight, because she needs to know I am extremely sorry for what I have done. She asked me if I knew a spell she had recently learned. "To Tartarus with the shield! What do you mean Canterlot nearly fell?! ", This made Cadance lower a brow in question. She could feel her eyebrows and face contort into a mask of pure disappointment, even anger at her sister for doing such a thing, and she had no intention of relinquishing the emotions that were taking over at present. She knew Celestia had bad news for her, but this was beyond anything she had imagined. "Major Shroud! They were happy and content, but there was something in their eyes that Applejack could see. I must speak with the both of you immediately.". "In the event the second echelon goes rogue, our Changelings will enclose and crush them, while hunting down any stragglers. Prepare your troops for battle!". Perhaps she had been a bit too scathing in her criticism of her sister. "If it helps, none of us wanted Twilight to die. No matter how hard she tried to ignore it, it throbbed away in her mind like the many bruises she sustained from her numerous crash-landings. Nodding to signal their replies, the Mane 5 followed Cadance out of the castle to the train station, leaving the Princess alone in the hall. Lieutenant Fang, you are hereby dismissed.". Honestly Luna, I can't explain it. ", "Your Majesty, the word "failure" does not exist in my vocabulary. said the recomposed Night Light. Just thinking about her down in the caves, cold, heartbroken, alone and dying while they were all caught up in the happiness of the false wedding and then Chrysalis taking over and her army wreaking havoc across Equestria, especially Ponyville, without their best friend to help stop their greatest enemy brought tears of shame to her eyes. I don't deserve your forgiveness, heck, I don't deserve nothing from you. At the same time, more dive bomber teams will hit the enemy's archers, attacking them from behind before entering the castle. "Yeah. You see, before I became Nightmare Moon, I shared rule of Equestria with my dear sister. ", "Lady Velvet, Sir Light, the reason I am here is because of your aura.". Nodding in response, Cadance signalled to the Mane 5 for somepony to make a move. "Princess, we have brought your sister as you requested.". She loved them all very dearly, which explained the great pain she was feeling. They believe they are no longer welcome here, as regards the ban Shining forced on her at the rehearsal". DId you not realize the potential ramifications your actions could've had on her? Staff The spree of devastation seemed to fly by as the Changelings stormed the village, smashing into ponies homes before harvesting their love and setting the place on fire. The escort stopped just a few metres away from the Sun Princess, allowing Shining to step forward to address her. Just then, Cadance walked into the bakery. You must let me go with Cadance. The troops must stick to the mission at all times, and at all costs. It worked to dreadful effect; Shining disowned Twilight as a sister and Best Mare, all five of her friends walked out on her and even Celestia showed no compassion. Despite this, Cadance continued to console the distraught unicorn with all the love she had to give and more. The first, she imagined, would be giving her a gift of a simple, but beautifully made dress. No one said a word until Velvet finally cut in, it was all too much for her to take. Shining replied grimly. Dark and evil thoughts began to seep into Chrysalis's mind, but her thinking was quickly ceased by the yelling of a nearby farmer who fled to the village to warn the garrison. It was a plan she was very much impressed with. Aunt Celestia asked me to tell you that if you wish to seek a private audience with her, you are more than welcome to do so. It was supposed to be the happiest day of his life since the day he had met Cadance. His partner did the same, before stepping back to allow Shining access. Prowler! Anypony who attempts to resist or to rescue her is to be dealt with immediately. The Mane 5 did indeed regret everything; now was their opportunity to prove it. Even if she had managed to find an answer, it didn't matter anyway. "My story is not so different to Twilight's, Lady Velvet. Believe me, I spent a lot of time with her when she was a filly, and she would never do something like that without good reason. Follow us Behind him, the door closed and locked again, sealing him away from the outside world. I need to know what she was doing the day of the invasion. In unison, the Mane 5 bowed their heads sadly. Twilight was clearly still in anguish and self-pity. Cadance replied calmly. Asked Twilight, shocked. "Thank you General." I want my new Changelings to be equipped with the finest armours and weapons my blacksmiths can forge. The captain was debating whether to watch over her or leave her in peace, but before he could make up his mind, Celestia suddenly let out a distressed whimper. Rainbow tried going after him, but Applejack raised a hoof to stop her; it was best that they did not disturb either Spike or Twilight at this time. Granny Smith mused. But if there's anything wrong darling, just talk to me, alright?". "I see somepony is eager!" We both know Cadance is capable of taking on any responsibility with the same good grace and warmth she is so blessed with. Although taken aback, Shining settled into his role, doing his best to soothe the tormented alicorn. I can't help it. For once, she could take a moment to truly feel the atmosphere in the room, the strongest layer being Twilight's anguish and rage during her outburst, which brought forth the revelation that she could have died due to her rejection by her friends and family that fateful night. ", Applejack cried silently. Snapped Spike. Apparently, the Bearer of Magic has distanced herself from her friends, convinced they had betrayed her and left her to die by my hooves. Said the youngest Royal Guard, a rookie by all appearances. "So, what's the plan?". Sobbed Celestia. Do you have any idea what would have happened to me if..". The latter looked up at her, waterfalls flowing down from her eyes. Meanwhile, Rarity had managed to pull herself together. That lesson was to never ignore the concerns of your friends, no matter how small. I..". Do you realize, Princess, that had Twilight not found the real Cadance, who was also imprisoned down there, they could have both died? With that, Snake turned his attention to Icy Tone, who was comfortably hidden in the brush behind him. "There was no way I could have known..I did everything I could!". The girls could only look at her with frank expressions. Cadance sighed deeply. Snake was renowned for his effectiveness on the field, particularly in espionage and marking targets for the army to eliminate. But then came the sound of snorting mixed with snoring. Captain Armor disowned her, stripped her of her title as Best Mare and banned her from the wedding, her friends walked out on her, and I.I said she had a lot to think about.". Y'all have brought shame to our family something fierce. "And that's why all this has happened." There was a pause. The guards immediately saluted, before giving Luna the lead out of the room. "The next part is much worse, and it is dreadful to even contemplate. The couple were furious at Celestia and the Mane 5, and respectively angry at Shining for treating Twilight the way they did, and Luna could tell the level of anger they felt was potent enough to allow the Nightmare Forces to exploit it and subsequently corrupt them, therefore she had to act quickly so as to deliver them from evil. Twilight quizzed. "Changelings! However, her memories did not betray her. : Volume 15, Mad Mare With a Box. "Oh, well that's a shame", said Night Light, disappointed. You had no choice but to banish me to the moon for 1000 years. "I don't know what happened after that because we were ordered out of the hall by the Royal Guard, but I have every faith that Twilight played a part in the victory over the changelings. Chrysalis delayed her response, taking a moment to ponder the plan. Spike barked firmly. "What?! Luna spoke softly. While I will not apologize for that remark, nor will I take it back, I will listen. The one you saw at the wedding was a poorly rehearsed act of imitation, one undeserving of her very image. "Celestia, please wake up!" I'm so happy to see you, but shouldn't you be at the wedding?". If anyone asks, we are from Baltimare.". If no resolution could be reached, fighting could then begin. Said Pinkie. I hope I'm not interrupting." ", "You don't exactly look like it darling. Together they moved out of the brush, making their way southeast toward the Everfree. Applejack, meanwhile, slowly trudged back to Sweet Apple Acres, saddened and dejected. Shining Armor was sat down on his rump atop the altar/throne, crestfallen and wallowing in self-disgust. "Come in!" ", "Very well." Luna's remark made the couple raise their brows in surprise. On why did she have to be punished like this? I don't care how you do it, just get out of Ponyville, but only when we have Cadance. Added Maugrim. "Shining Armor, how could you be so unspeakably cruel to your own sister?! Chrysalis, on the other hoof, was not quite finished. "Son, if I were you, know this: I'd be thinking about the apology youll say to your sister when the time comes and youve plenty of time to do it. She smiled at him warmly. The elephant in the room (Shining's betrayal of Twilight) seemed the obvious reason, but it was anypony's guess. The greatest evidence of a life-changing event is one's memories, and at the present time, the memory in Shining's head was fresher than a baker's dozen from Sugarcube Corner. Replied Shining without hesitation. Moments later, Princess Cadance, the bride, Twilight's former foalsitter and somepony with whom she was very close . It's Cadance! I cannot explain how I believed that impostor to be my niece. We cannot attack until he says to. To support them, specifically assembled and equipped pegasi teams will also dive bomb the castle in an attempt to defeat the two princesses, Celestia and Luna. Cadance and Rarity exchanged glances. That was an impostor with evil intentions, yet you let her facade fool you, and I know you sister. It was because of this her mind was made up already. ", "But they shouldn't be here in the first place Cadance! I know we did try but it's just not enough. "Morning Rarity." Groaned Pinkie, yawning as she spoke. ", "Excellent. "Well.basically what happened is that Twilight was concerned about Princess Cadance, who was due to be married to our son, Shining Armor, at the time.You see Princess, the Princess Cadance that Twilight was so concerned about was not the real one. According to testimony from her friends, she told them that she saw the impostor embarrass and humiliate them without them even realizing it, something that my niece would never, ever do. "Well, why would she do it? "They forgive each other no matter what! Spike, on the other hand, wasn't as troubled by the recent events of his life, but he certainly did still regret abandoning Twilight, and from the point where he was forgiven, he swore to himself that he would never leave her again. It's not like she didn't make that clear after we defeated Chrysalis" Added Rainbow in annoyance. Shinings heart sank deeper into his stomach. The first group is to form patrols with the orders to comb the city for any Changelings that may be still in the city. The cowpony confirmed glumly. Celestia moped, acknowledging her captain's first name for the first time in a long time. With a look on her face that screamed "enough is enough", Celestia turned to Shining to issue orders. It was just a slip of the tongue. "No, thank you. Velvet and Night looked at each other in surprise, before returning their gaze to Luna. There was no doubt in her mind that Celestia would retaliate for this particular assault, should it fail, but for whatever she would send to attack the Hive, be it her Guards or the Element Bearers (the latter being the more likely), or even if Canterlot was conquered but a small resistance movement had managed to infiltrate enemy lines in an attempt to assassinate her or even to attack the Hive, it was necessary to ready the home defences. But as time passed, the losses began to build as even though they had lost a lot of their troops, the Changelings were gaining a lead over the Royal Guards. By cutting off your ties with her and brushing off her warnings, you nearly brought upon Equestrias ultimate destruction. Her efforts to try to pick herself up were in vain, as no matter how hard she tried to put it behind her, temporarily or otherwise, her own memories always found a way back to the forefront of her mind. I have a job for them.". I'm just wondering why the girls are trying to make it up to me. They will no doubt be complemented by cavalry and supported by archers from the castle's parapets. The former was pleased to see her, but also equally worried. Replied Rarity. Despite being armed with weapons and armor, the Royal Guards were finding it tough fighting the vicious and determined Changelings. Knowing the Tartarus she went through, Luna felt that it would be wrong to leave them fall into the cold icy grip of darkness without so much as a hoof to pull them out. said Shining. "Instead, I let the glamour of being a bridesmaid and the excitement of doing a Sonic Rainboom go to my head. That was it, there was nothing left to stand in her way. By: Black Kyurem. He was still her loyal assistant, and as such he would follow up on his role's job description, as well as the promise he made to himself to never leave her again, following his forgiveness by Twilight. Black Blade's loyalty to her has never failed to impress. The girls had succeeded in trying to understand Twilight's fury, and she had helped them to do it. Meanwhile, Cadance and the Mane 5 were aboard the train which followed Twilight's to Ponyville. Shining expected Celestia to begin talking, but instead the solar alicorn rose from her perch before motioning to the stallion to accompany her out of the study. With little hesitation, the yellow pegasus embraced Twilight in a hug, silencing any further sobbing. After everything we've done together, all the good times we shared and the challenges we encountered together as friends, they betrayed me and left me to die! Said Rainbow. If the Princess had guessed correctly, this wouldn't be good news in the slightest. We pushed Twilight aside like she was nopony. "Your Majesty, I wish to inform you of an attack on one of the settlements outside the city. Indeed, it was rock solid. "It's going to be OK.". Velvet and Night looked at each other, shuffling anxiously as they did so, before deciding it was best if the former explained what happened. "Girls, tell me Twilight wasn't right. The Mane 5 were completely stuck for words. Just please try to bring her around. "What is the matter dear sister? Cadance called out, hoping to hear from either the lavender unicorn or the baby dragon. ", "We didn't listen to her when she tried to warn us" Added Fluttershy "So we knew we had to do something to help her. I want you to go to Ponyville to keep an eye on the meeting. No doubt the events from earlier were still taking a hefty toll on her mind. Twilight, we stand here before you, remorseful and ashamed of what we have done. How can you even call yourselves her friends anymore?!". Suddenly, with authority Spike threw his hat on the ground, not caring in the slightest about whatever damage it suffered. Unlike you, I would never leave Twilight unless the circumstances demanded it, but you.you were all so caught up in the wedding that it became all that mattered to you! Fluttershy returned to her cottage and carried on her duties to her animal friends but all the while, she thought about Twilight and how much she had been hurt behind her and the others' backs. Barked Blade, who ran off to prepare the freshly replenished Changeling Army. We will take our revenge on Celestia and the ponies of Canterlot, and there's nothing that they can do to stop us! "I don't think there's much we can do Shining. ", "That's not the point Princess! At the same time, I felt Celestia wasn't paying any attention herself, which only made me feel worse. However, the former could not help but wonder why if Luna was so badly affected that she allowed the Nightmare Forces to take her over, then why did the same not happen to Twilight? She mocked and belittled my efforts to prepare for the wedding, as well as those of the others. From the shock she felt when Shining disproved everything she thought she knew about Fake Cadance before stripping her of the role of Best Mare and even the privilege of being at the wedding, to the horror and abandonment she felt when all five of her friends, even Spike, walked out on her with their eyes closed and their faces morphed into indignant frowns, to the utter pain and heartbreak she felt when Celestia stabbed her with a verbal dagger. She just wanted to cry, if it meant getting all of that stress out of her system. "Your Majesty, we have created a new plan formed from the coordinates of the previous assault on Canterlot." SubStar If we are to regain our strength, we must feed. Remember, we are tourists visiting the town. This has refined my ability to also sense ponies' aura.". I wasn't comfortable with leaving her, but I didn't want to be cast out of the wedding either! In the midst of her struggle to find an answer to how she failed to differentiate the impostor from her niece, tears began flowing from her eyes. "As well as the sound of a bell!" Concerned for his princess, Shining tried waking her up. To her surprise, it was the former who answered the door. "Following your departure to oversee the wedding rehearsals, I was manning the watch as usual, until Cadance flew up to me. Cadance was left with the job of escorting them out. Would you care to stay with me for the time being?". "You need not explain to me why you and them are here. Spike roared, pointing a finger at the Mane 5 as he did so. "Well, it's best that I start from the beginning..". Thus far, they had tasked their forces with the mission to raid every single one of Canterlot's outlying towns and villages, taking everypony residing in them prisoner and killing those who tried to resist, as per Chrysalis's new policy. Had the circumstances been any different, I would've happily stayed with you, but..you know. ", "And I failed the Element of Honesty because when we wrote that friendship report, we were supposed to have learned an important lesson. Celestia screamed in her Royal Canterlot Voice as she woke. As she began pushing down the right trigger using her magic, there were three knocks on the door. The reason he left lay largely with popular choice, and that was to just leave Twilight to think about what she had done. Discord ", "Yeah Cadance, I'm fine. This was the latter's ultimate redemption. Many of my unicorns will experience an incredibly tough battle initially, given the Princesses' powers, but over time they will weaken, and my troops will gain the upper hoof. Behind them, the guards closed the doors to her private quarters, before following after them. Twilight's brother and Celestia also walked out on her, which left her emotionally devastated. "May I get you anything?" How can you expect me to just forget what happened?". After taking the moment to scratch the remaining figments of dirt out of her mane, she took a seat opposite Fluttershy. "Come on girls. Chuckled Chrysalis, entertained by Spark's determination. Meanwhile, Snake Bite was maintaining his cover from outside. "I hope you aren't hurt? "Girls" Sobbed Twilight. The dreadful events of the rehearsal were still eating away at her heart, not least that of Shining or any of the other parties involved in the fiasco. But what was I supposed to do? Have you forgotten just how much she believed in you? Back in the wedding hall, there was little more than seven ponies with the responsibility of Canterlot's invasion laid on their shoulders, a baby dragon devastated by Twilight's revelation, while also disgusted at his own reaction to the lavender unicorn's outburst at the wedding rehearsal. With that, the war room returned to its usual activity. I understand why you are upset.". Chrysalis would have revealed her deception and conquered the city in one swift stroke, and the blood of thousands of innocent ponies would have been on our hooves. They did not know that Twilight, too, had something to apologize for. Somewhere in the outskirts of Canterlot, Chrysalis regained consciousness after suffering both a heavy defeat and a long fall from Canterlot Castle deep into the province's borderlands. "Guards, let's go. Cadance wasn't done though. Eventually, after a spree of incapacitating and harvesting the love of her opponents, Chrysalis was left with Aegis, who was a bedraggled mess. Unnerved, but not visibly so, Shining decided to make an announcement to his officers. "Princess, I'm curious. And in Twilight's case, alone, afraid, and very hurt?". If it comes without heart or feeling, I promise you that she will never forgive neither you nor her friends and the Princess. "I don't know Luna. ", "But it can't be too long, right?" They betrayed her trust, they crushed her spirit and left her to die all in one fell swoop.". They are led by Cadance, the Princess of Love and their mission is to broker a renewed peace with Twilight. It was thanks to Cadance, in part, that we now realize the magnitude of our sins. "And any enemy that attacks us will have free reign to wreak havoc." As for Celestia, even though her mane still billowed proudly from her scalp, she looked very forlorn and remorseful. Following behind him was a sight that made the group tense up nervously. She wondered what could be so important that the Princess needed to speak to her personally. I mean, what are the chances they could screw up again? Do you have any idea..?". A brief silence took hold as Celestia registered the news, before resuming her job. "Good evening Princess Luna. Replied Pinkie, trying her best to make her reply sound genuine. He was delighted Twilight was able to forgive him, but the question remained; would she be able to forgive the others? Spike gently stepped inside, with intent to repent. Applejack couldn't help but notice the way they were looking at her. Now it was clear to them just how much Twilight valued her friendship with them, as well as her relationship with her brother and with Celestia. "I didn't know that she wasn't the real Cadence! "Of course! Cadance arrived at Golden Oaks Library, the dark purple shield still encasing it. Night and Velvet leaned in close; whatever news he had was obviously bad. Cadance interjected. Cadance's face produced a frank expression. "But goodness me, you look terrible. "Then why did you not defend Twilight at the wedding rehearsal?". Chrysalis had her enemies right where she wanted them, and it was all thanks to Twilight that this was possible. Without them, Equestria is defenseless.". "Oh Spike, how could I not forgive you?" May I come in?". The Changelings bowed to greet their queen, before casting hard and menacing looks upon the line of prisoners that were marched inside. "I did not commit the same sins you did!". Just then, Rarity entered the building, the doorbell signalling the alabaster unicorn's arrival. Her mane was half-inflated, a sign of her misery, and her eyes had bags, an obvious indicator she did not sleep well. "The aim of the pegasi attacking the castle is to cut off the princesses from their guards and divert them somewhere we can corner them. I'm your number one assistant. "She bewitched her Smartypants doll with a Want It Need It spell which made half of Ponyville, including Big Mac, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo rip each other apart trying to get it. After a brief moment's waiting, the shield disappeared, and the front door to the library opened, revealing Twilight. Deciding to waste no further time, Shining made his move. You saw much potential in her. Replied Shining sadly. Shining proceeded to tell his parents of the events of the rehearsal, doing his utmost to retain his composure. "Attention everypony! Baggy eyes filled with regret, a weary expression, plus her mane and tail weren't very well groomed. "Twilight please! With that, Spike went back inside, the doors closing behind him. Bracing himself, Snake Bite cued to Chrysalis he was ready to receive the intel. Replied Skoula, interested in the Commander's proposal. ", "I was well aware of such a situation unfolding sir." Celestia wanted to personally tell Night Light and Twilight Velvet that she, Shining and her students friends are all sorry for what they did to Twilight and assure them of their rekindled friendships as soon as possible, but the chances of their blessings and for the chat were slim. However, she had to put that behind her, in order to stick to the task at hoof. When it all comes crashing down, the night will fall. Cried Cadance, but it was too late. "Cadance and Twilight were so close that they did everything together, even the hoofshake. For Celestia and the Mane 5, this was very grave news. Passing through the massive double doors that led to the junction connecting both sister's bedchambers, Celestia led Shining through the door on the right. "Sorry Cadance. "Let me see my sister captain." While the latter would be pleased to see her again, the presence of the girls would equate to a presence entering her home that was never welcome from the day they had first met. Spike? The Nightmare Forces feed off negative emotions, such as the two I just mentioned. Night and Velvet gently descended to the ground, their bodies embraced by Luna's inoculation spell. "Well, there was the time Twilight went crazy about her friendship reports to Princess Celestia. Cadance was about to speak, but her train of thought instantly derailed. "At ease." Back in Canterlot, Shining Armor had arrived at his and Twilights old family home with the orders to inform their parents, Twilight Velvet and Night Light of their current situation. "Aura? We make for the Everfree. Pinkie chimed, albeit half-heartedly. Yelled the lead Royal Guard. "Is there anything we can do to make them realize we truly regret our mistakes?, I dont think so, I destroyed my familys honor because of my betrayal and our naivety. "I'm sorry Cadance, but it just isn't that simple. This time, there can be no resistance to the might of the Changelings. The reason was obvious; Twilight would be welcoming to everypony else but her former friends, her Big Brother Former Best Friend Forever and as of late, her former teacher. "Oh my Celestia, my poor Twiley!" This time, I am willingly choosing to leave because I regret leaving Twilight at all. Somepony would probably catch us. They really had gone too far in their treatment of her. Interestingly enough, neither Granny Smith nor Big Mac were anywhere to be seen, but that mattered little to Applejack. Furnishing the room was Celestia's wardrobe, a study where she kept endless amounts of correspondence, particularly from Twilight and her friends, a mirror as high as the tip of the alicorn's horn and a rather extravagant grandfather clock, designed using the wood from an oak tree to create a working celebration of the sun, which crowned the head of the clock. "Take as much time as you need. Celestia please help us.". How much she cared for Twilight was made obvious after she scolded us for betraying her, and we didn't realize it until then just how much everything made sense! Anyway, the three ponies seated themselves in the living room, both Night and Velvet bracing themselves for whatever Luna had to say. ", "That's comforting." My Little Pony and all of its characters are trademarks of Hasbro, Inc. Chapter 4 - Scathing Criticism, Undying Regret, Chapter 5 - Actions Speak Louder Than Words. I want you, ALL OF YOU, to get out of my house at once. However, they were completely harvested. Afterwards, I will update her on the situation". Back at the library, Twilight's sobs were beginning to slow. Nopony usually goes in there, and it would provide the perfect cover for us to carve out a plan while we wait for the moment to strike. "Princess, I don't know about this. The words "You have a lot to think about" continued to ring throughout the young unicorn's head, a constant reminder of her loved one's betrayal. If your levels of bitterness increase, so too will the strength of the forces, to the point where the spell cannot protect you. I just didn't think that what I did would hurt her so badly. With a deep sigh of resignation, Applejack prepared to bite the bullet. Once you finish breakfast, you had better go and fix this mess, understand?". Still, her mindset was very much like Spike's; it remained to be seen if the Mane 5 regretted their actions at all, therefore now was the time to prove it. Thus, she decided to take it upon herself to talk things out with them. I need you to answer some questions pertaining to the wedding. We must plan for a defensive operation in advance. But when it was my turn to wake..they were nowhere to be found. ", "What place would that be Snake?" The elderly Apple took a deep breath before she spoke. They have my permission to use tracking magic as well. One moment he was the groom, deeply in love with his bride and super excited for their wedding day. "But Princess, we can't just sit here and do nothing!"