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# Autumn Leaves: Chapter 6 -Wedding Bells-

By: PaleNarrator on Jun 2nd, 2012 | syntax: None | size: 37.46 KB | hits: 839 | expires: Never
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1. Autumn Leaves
2. Chapter 6
4. >The ground was cold and unforgiving under your feet. Vines and snarled roots twisted among the floor of the Everfree forest, your steps slow and steady as you stalked your prey.
5. >There would be no deer or rabbits to kill this night. Tonight, you were hunting bigger game.
6. >The moon shone through the trees, casting ghostly shadows across the edges of your vision.
7. >You had been tracking them for two days now. At first you found their den, but they had abandoned it shortly before your arrival.
8. >And now, it seemed like they were deliberately leading you further and further into the forest.
9. >Granny was right. They were much smarter than anything you'd hunted before.
10. >But still you tracked them, going along with their ruse. As long as you led them away from the farm and the orchard, you'd be satisfied.
11. >You take a pause in your walk and examine the ground. Paw prints led north.
12. >They were fresh.
13. >Timber wolves...
14. >They'd been encroaching on Sweet Apple Acres land more and more in the following months, and you had recently spotted one out in the Western Orchard as you and Applebloom were bucking a few trees.
15. >When you told Granny, she was afraid that they would just get bolder and bolder in their advancements. So, you proposed a hunt. Applebloom wasn't as receptive to the idea of hurting another animal, but as far as you could tell it had to be done.
16. >The closer they got to the farm, then the closer they got to your family, and you couldn't allow that.
17. >And so here you were, two days later and skulking through the forest in the dead of night, out to hunt a Timber Wolf pack. Some would call it ballsy; you would call it dangerous as all hell.
18. >The snap of a twig behind sends you spinning around and drawing an arrow at your follower.
19. "What the-.. AJ, what the hell?"
20. >Applejack stood frozen mid-step a few yards away as you pointed your arrow right at her eyes. She had her lasso slung around her body.
21. >"Oh. Uh, hey Anon. Fancy meetin' you here. Ya know, in the middle of the'forest and all."
22. >You relax the tension in your arm and place the arrow back in your quiver as you walk up to Applejack.
23. "I thought I told you to stay home."
24. >Her nervous grin has changed to a stare of a serious nature.
25. >"Right. Ah'm just gonna stay home an' let you wander 'round the Everfree forest without anyp0ny to make sure yer safe. That sounds JUST lahk me."
26. >You rub the space between your eyes in frustration and let out a sigh.
27. "I told you and the rest of the family, I'M doing this. It's my job, not yours."
28. >"And why can't Ah come and help you?"
29. "Because I don't want you getting hurt, that's why."
30. >"That's why AH'M out here followin' ya. T'make sure ya don't go an' get yerself killed."
31. "AJ, I'm more than capable of taking care of myself."
32. >"Great. Then ya won't mind if'n Ah tag along with ya while you go do yer huntin' thang."
33. >The two of you lock in a staring contest as you try to stare her down out of following you.
34. >Of course, it doesn't work.
35. >You let out another sigh and shake your head.
36. "Fine. But we need to be as quiet as possible. These wolves have the upper hand on us right now."
37. >"Whaddya mean? It's so dark out that they probably can't see us."
38. "No, they can. They can see in the dark."
39. >"How do ya know that?"
40. >Images of timber wolves chasing you nine years ago through the pitch black forest race through your mind. You can still remember the fear you felt that night as it creeps into your bones.
41. "Call it a hunch. C'mon, let's get going."
42. >The two of you creep through the forest in the dead of night. Applejack is a lot quieter than you gave her credit for, considering she must have been tracking you all this time, unaware to her presence for two days.
43. >"Anon."
44. "Shh."
45. >"Anon."
46. "Shush."
47. >"..."
48. "..."
49. >"Anon."
50. "Oh my god what?"
51. >"Ah think... Ah think they might be behind us..."
52. >You stop in your tracks, not moving an inch further. Not a word comes out of you or Applejack, as you both listen to the sounds of the forest, your ears straining to catch the smallest sound.
53. >Below the light breeze that runs through the trees, you hear a low, menacing rumble of a growl.
54. "Keep moving. Pretend you never heard it."
55. >"What? Anon, if it's right behind us then-"
56. "If it's right behind us then it could have attacked us at any moment. It's making sure we end up where it wants."
57. >"And that would be?"
58. >You start to follow the tracks once more, AJ in tow.
59. "To the Alpha."
60. >You continue to walk, and eventually make your way into a clearing in the forest.
61. >You've been here before.
62. "This... this is where I woke up."
63. >You take a knee and put a hand to the surface of the ground, the cold of the earth creeping into your fingers.
64. >You can still remember sleeping in this small clearing, waiting for your father to come find you and take you home.
65. >You pick up a bit of dirt, running the soil through your fingers delicately.
66. >The growl from the one wolf behind you subsides, and is replaced by numerous howls from all around you, ringing through the night.
67. >You calmly unsheathe your knife and hand it to Applejack, who takes it into her mouth by the hilt.
68. >From your belt you take your hatchet. You thought that, since timber wolves were made from wood, having an axe may have come in handy. You had hoped you were right.
69. >From the darkness around you they came, their eyes glowing brightly through the creeping night, their teeth barred before you.
70. >There were four of them, and you recognized the biggest one as he crept towards you.
71. >The Alpha.
72. >The one that had pinned you down all those years ago.
73. >You could still see remnants of thorns embedded into his body from when he fell into the briar patch below a cliff face.
74. >You thrust the hatchet into the ground, and draw your bow to meet his gaze. You'd kill him here tonight; there was no doubt in your mind.
75. >Applejack stands behind you and faces two of the other wolves as they all begin advancing on you.
76. >The silence that fills the air around you is thick, and the wolves don't make a sound as they get closer and closer to you.
77. >You train the arrow onto the Alpha's face, his eyes unblinking as he meets your stare.
78. >The wolf beside him breaks formation and charges at you, but you quickly fire the arrow you were saving for the Alpha into his skull, his body limply collapsing mid-charge.
79. >Then all of them move. They move with grace and fury as they all charge the two of you.
80. >Applejack rolls away from the two she's dealing with as you flip to your back and put a boot into the Alpha's chest, sending him tumbling into the other two wolves.
81. >You scramble to your feet and drop your bow, picking up your hatchet instead as Applejack stands beside you, spitting out your knife and grabbing her lasso instead.
82. >Stick to what you know I suppose.
83. >The Alpha gets behind the other two as they rush you, and Applejack manages to lasso one while the other tackles you.
84. >You roll onto the ground with the wolf as he tears into your shoulder, the only thing keeping his teeth from ripping you apart being your fingers that are digging into his eyes. It lets out a yelp of pain, and you bring the hatchet swiftly down on it's neck, silencing him.
85. >Leaving the hatchet buried in the wolf, you grab the knife on the ground and face the Alpha.
86. >Applejack is busy with the other wolf, trying her hardest as she uses her rope to slowly suffocate the thing, its claws digging into the ground in a desperate attempt to escape.
87. >The Alpha circles you slowly and deliberately, as you wipe the sweat and blood from your forehead, the knife in your hand and ready to strike.
88. >The Alpha snaps forward and you bring the knife to it's face, but it quickly sidesteps you and pins you to the ground, knocking the blade from your grip.
89. >It snaps its jaws wildly as it tries to maul your neck while you pin an arm underneath between you and it. It's inches from you, and with each snap of its jaws you can only remember your first night in Equestria, when you were in the same position you are in now.
90. >You send a punch at the wolf's head, but it shrugs it off and continues its efforts to latch onto your neck.
91. >Your hand slips, and the wolf juts towards your jugular, its jaws wide open and teeth barred.
92. >You shut your eyes for what is to come, but find that nothing happens.
93. >When you open them, you see the wolf's face, but a knife is buried into the space between its eyes, the yellow glow from its stare fading away as it dies.
94. >You look up and see a bedraggled Applejack standing above you, panting and breathing hard.
95. >"*huff* Whatever happened *huff* to, 'Ah can take care of mahself?' *huff*"
96. >You push the body of the Alpha off of you and just lie down, looking up at AJ's face, smiling as you suck on air.
97. "I had it *cough* covered."
98. >"Uh-huh. Sure ya did. Let me help you up."
99. >she walks over to your side and extends a hoof, and you take it as she pulls you to your feet.
100. "Thanks. For the wolf thing. I appreciate it."
101. >You give a tired laugh and spit to your side, the taste of blood and sweat not mixing well in your mouth.
102. >"Told ya Ah could help."
103. >She nudges your side and you pat her on the head, shoving her hat further onto her face.
104. >You victory is short lived however, when even more yellow eyes glow in the darkness around you.
105. >A single wolf strides towards you two, and Applejack and yourself prepare for the worst.
106. >The wolf stops at the body of the Alpha and sniffs the body, gently nudging it with its snout.
107. >It looks to you as its ears become flat, and lets out a slow howl to the moon.
108. >From around you the other wolves join it's call, all of them melding into one unified cry to the stars.
109. >When it ends, the wolf simply looks you in the eye and bows its head before heading back into the forest, the rest of the pack joining it.
110. >You stand with Applejack silently as the wolves disappear into the shadows of the forest, and when they are gone she turns to you.
111. >"Whaddya think that was all about?"
112. "I don know, actually... maybe they gave up?.. You killed the Alpha after all, so maybe it respects you."
113. >Applejack gives a laugh and walks over to her lasso, slinging it around her torso.
114. >"Right. Ah've earned th'respect of the timber wolves. That makes loads of sense."
115. >You gather your gear from the battlefield and head off back from where you came from, Applejack at your side the whole time.
116. "I think we need a vacation."
117. >"Haha, well Ah'll see if the girls want t'have a picnic or somethin' later on. That sound nice?"
118. >You spit out more blood and rub your chewed shoulder.
119. "Very."
121. Days Later.
123. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qJPbxjjWEs&feature=relmfu
125. >The sun shone high in the sky above the lake, its rays shining of the water's surface in a cascade of light.
126. >You sat with Applejack underneath a tree by the lake while the two of you waited for Twilight and the gang for your picnic.
127. >A flock of bluebirds gently glide through the air above the lake, singing happily.
128. "...mah stars... now ain't this just the prettiest day?"
129. "Mmhmm."
130. >Applejack lets out a content sigh and leans her head onto your shoulder.
131. >"Ah like moments like these. All quiet, no one t'bother us..."
132. "Just you, me, and our own little slice of paradise, right?"
133. >Applejack nods and smiles up at you.
134. >"Mmhmm. Make ya ferget 'bout all the bad things in the world, ya know? Almost like they never happened. No Nightmare Moon, no Discord."
135. "No ornery griffons or stuck up magicians."
136. >"And certainly no-... Ah think that may have rhymed, what you just said."
137. >You let out a quick happy laugh and kiss Applejack on the top on the top of her head, taking off her hat first.
138. >She blushes slightly and kisses you softly on the cheek before hazily looking into your eyes.
139. >As she looks at you, she gives a small chuckle.
140. "What?"
141. >"It's kinda funny."
142. "What is?"
143. >"This. Us. Together 'n' all."
144. "Haha, how is it funny?"
145. >"Oh c'mon, tell me ya don't find it a little bit funny. Ah mean, if somep0ny had told me while Ah was young that Ah'd end up fallin' in love with you, Ah'd have never believed'em."
146. "And if someone had told me that I was going to one day show up in a colorful world full of talking animals, and then fall in love and end up sleeping with a talking, orange pony, I think I might have ended it all right then and there."
147. >You give a laugh and Applejack groans while playfully shoving you.
148. >"Oh hush up, it ain't mah fault ya fell head over heels fer me. Ya can just blame mah irresistible femenin' charm."
149. "That the same charm that beat Big Mac in a burping contest last night?"
150. >"Th'one and only."
151. "Wow. You're right. How could ANYONE not be wooed by your elegance and grace?"
152. >You smirk at AJ as she gives you an annoyed look, but she smiles all the same.
153. "Why, you'd have to be criminally insane not to fall for all of that."
154. >Applejack shrugs and gives a smug look.
155. >"Aw well, maybe yer right. After all, it won you over didn't it?"
156. >You pull AJ in for a hug, lightly nuzzling her neck as you do so.
157. "What can I say? I have a thing for girls with freckles."
158. >AJ cocks an eyebrow at the word "girls."
159. "Ponies. Ponies with freckles. Not girls."
160. >...
161. "...the freckles part is pretty consistent though."
162. >Applejack looks to you with a soft, sultry grin as she kisses you on the neck.
163. >"So... th'freckles are the only thing Ah got goin' for me huh?"
164. "Oh no, no no no. No. You've got plenty of other qualities I happen to like a lot."
165. >"Oh?"
166. "Yup."
167. >"Such as?"
168. >She looks longingly into your eyes while you think.
169. "Hm... well let's see..."
170. >She gets closer to your face with each passing second.
171. "You've got... a really nice..."
172. >Inches away now.
173. >...
174. "...hat."
175. >"Oh just shut up and c'mere."
176. >She closes the gap between you two and presses her lips to yours as the sound of birds singing starts up once more.
177. >You hold her close, lingering on your kiss for as long as you can, finding peace as she lay in your arms.
178. >The kiss ends, and you lean your forehead against hers, enjoying the sweet, silent moment as best you can.
179. >Then Rainbow Dash begins laughing like a little idiot.
180. >DASH: "Hahaha! You guys enjoying yourselves?"
181. >The two of you scramble away and stand casually around the tree, your faces beet red with embarrassment.
182. >The rest of the gang is there as well, Twilight with a picnic basket in her mouth.
183. >They all snicker to themselves, all except Fluttershy. She's blushing as well and looking away.
184. "Uh.."
185. >AJ: "Hey girls we were uh, ya know... uhm.."
186. "We... we were making out."
187. >Everyone is quiet and stares at you and Applejack.
188. >AJ:"...yes. Yes, we were. That's what we were doin'. Makin' out."
189. "Under the tree."
190. >AJ: "Makin' out under the tree, yup."
191. "Just doin' what we do."
192. >...
193. >The picnic begins without a hitch, and you all talk amongst each other happily in the afternoon sun.
194. >Dash eats a sunflower sandwich, Applejack drinks a glass of water, and everyone’s having a good time.
195. >That's when Spike comes sprinting down the lane to all of you.
196. >SPIKE: "Twi! *huff huff* I have *huff* lemme just... *hrk*"
197. >Green flame's belch out of Spike and a small letter appears. Twilight levitates it open and begins reading.
198. >TWI: "Dear Twilight, I am sure you are very excited for the upcoming wedding in Canterlot... wedding?...I will be presiding over the ceremony, but I would be more than happy if you and your friends took part in this wondrous occasion. Fluttershy, I would like you and your songbird choir to provide musical accompaniment for the event."
199. >FLUT: "Oh my goodness, what an honor!"
200. >TWI: "Pinkie Pie, I can think of nop0ny other than you qualified to host the reception."
201. >PINK: "Hooray!"
202. >TWI: "Applejack, you will be in charge of the catering for the reception."
203. >AJ: "Well color me pleased as punch!"
204. >TWI: "Rainbow Dash, I would like you to perform a sonic rainboom once the happy couple say their 'I do's'."
205. >DASH: "YES!"
206. >TWI: "Rarity, you will be in charge of making the dresses of the bride and her bridesmaids."
207. >RARITY: "Me? Well I- well I'd be honor- *faint*"
208. >TWI: "Anon, I would very much like you to participate in an archery competition to serve as entertainment before the wedding proceedings."
209. "Wow I'd... yeah. Yeah that sounds about right."
210. >TWI: "Twilight, you will be given the most important role of all-"
211. >DASH: "Figures."
212. >TWI: "-making sure everything goes according to plan. See you all very soon. Yours, Princess Celestia... it doesn't say who's getting married."
213. >SPIKE: "Oh, I should probably have given you this one first."
214. >He hands Twilight a second letter, and she promptly reads it.
215. >TWI: "You are cordially invited to the Royal Wedding of Princess Mi Amore Cadence and... MY BROTHER?!"
216. "You have a brother?"
217. >AJ: "You've never mentioned a brother."
218. >TWI: "He's captain of the royal guard in Canterlot. His name is Shining Armor and-"
219. "Shining Armor is your brother?"
220. >TWI: "Wait, do you know him?"
221. "He and Celestia came to the farm a while back."
222. >Twilight looks heartbroken.
223. >TWI: "B-but, he never told me he was in Ponyville! He... he's my BBBFF."
224. >Twilight then breaks out into an awful song sequence while you and Applejack just kinda look at each other awkwardly.
225. >It's bad. It's really, really bad but you don't want to tell Twilight that. She takes the criticism pretty harshly.
227. One Day Later
229. >The train rumbles through the mountainside of Equestria as you and Pinkie Pie play go fish. The whole gang is enjoying themselves, and everyone is excited for the upcoming wedding.
230. >Well, maybe not Twilight.
231. >The whole, "my brother is the most important thing in my life (even though I've never mentioned him before, EVER) and he's getting married and didn't tell me himself and now I'm super mad" thing has made her... well, super mad.
232. >The rest of you try to cheer her up, but now she's just looking out the window with a sullen expression on her face.
233. "Got any two's?"
234. >PINK: "Nope! Go fish! Got any tens?"
235. "Nope."
236. >PINK: "Oh shoot..."
237. >AJ: "Y'all havin' fun over there?"
238. >Pinkie nods vigorously and you shrug. You've been playing go fish with Pinkie for a good thirty minutes now, and you've not guessed a single one of her cards.
239. "Okay, I give up. You win."
240. >PINK: "Aw you're no fun."
241. "Oh quit complaining and show me your cards.
242. >Pinkie smiles and shows her hand.
243. >It's nothing but jokers.
244. >Like, twenty jokers.
245. "How... what?"
246. >PINK: "I'm the best Go-Fisher in Ponyville!"
247. >You drop your cards and just stare out the window. Applejack pokes her head out the window with you.
248. >Her eyes widen when she sees something in front of the train. You swing your head around and see what caught her eyes.
249. >A large bubble of energy surrounds Canterlot with a pink glow.
250. "What... IS that?"
251. >As the train travels through the bubble, the pink light blasts through the train and its passengers. It feels like it pushes you slightly, but you feel no pain or discomfort.
252. >Looking through the train once more, you realize that the presence of royal guards is staggering.
253. >AJ: "Whaddya think all the soldiers are fer?"
254. "I dunno.. maybe there's been trouble?"
255. >AJ: "Maybe they're just makin' sure everythin' is safe. It's a Royal Weddin' after all."
256. >You nod. That makes sense. They probably were making sure that everything went smoothly for the proceedings.
257. >You all leave the train and head for you separate stations. Celestia had told you in the letter that you needn't bring your hunting gear, but you did bring your knife which you strapped to your boot. Most ponies never looked at your shoes. Why bother?
258. >Making your way over to one of the main castle's spires, you're stopped by guards at the entry way.
259. "Whoa, easy with the spears fellas."
260. >A voice from within calls out to the guards, and they lower their weapons.
261. >A tall dark alicorn strides out of the entrance to meet you.
262. "Princess Luna?"
263. >LUNA: "YES, TIS US. PLEASE, FOLLOW US TO YOUR CHAMBERS."
264. "Uhm... okay.."
265. >The princess leads you down a long corridor and up a few flights of stairs to a bedroom with a large trunk in the corner.
266. "I was actually hoping I could share a room with Applejack."
267. >LUNA: "WHO IS THIS, APPLEJACK. WE DOTH NOT KNOW WHAT YOU SPEAK OF."
268. "Orange earth pony. Has a cutie mark with apples on it? Lots of southernisms?"
269. >LUNA: "DIDST SHE DRESSETH AS A SCARECROW FOR NIGHTMARE NIGHT?"
270. "Yes."
271. >LUNA: "AH YES, APPLEJACK. WE DOTH REMEMBER NOW. WHY DOTH THOU REQUEST A ROOM WITH HER? ART THOU ENGAGING IN MUTUAL COPULATION WITH HER?"
272. "Uh, what?"
273. >LUNA: "WE SHALL PUT IT INTO TERMS THOU MAY UNDERSTAND: ART THOU FUCKING HER?"
274. "Yeah okay we're done here. Tell Celestia I'll be ready for the archery show in the morning."
275. >LUNA: "WHAT IS IT LIKE? WE ARE CURIOUS."
276. "Please leave."
277. >LUNA: "WHATEVS."
278. >Luna leaves and you feel suddenly a lot dirtier than you wanted to. You walk around the room and inspect it.
279. >You feel... uncomfortable here. It was luxurious, fancy, the top of the line. The bed was probably made with clouds and kindness. It just felt... wrong.
280. >You were used to the loft of the barn house with its big window that let the moonlight shine through, not velvet curtains and marbled floors.
281. >Still, you were a guest, so you were going to be as polite as you possibly could.
282. >You crouch down to open the trunk in the middle of the room and open it, peering inside. There's a large satchel with a note attached to it.
283. "Dear Anonymous, as you know I have requested you refrain from bringing your bow, as well as all other hunting gear with you. This is because I have had by finest blacksmiths working to construct something very special for you. I'm sure you will find it more than adequate for your performance tomorrow. Celestia."
284. >Putting away the note, you take out the satchel and marvel at what lay beneath it.
285. >A bow of black ebony lay at the bottom of the trunk next to a matching quiver, it being made of a strangely sturdy cloth. The arrows inside were fletched with bright green feathers, almost emerald in color.
286. >You take the bow into your hands. It's light, but incredibly flexible as you draw back the string to test it. Within the satchel is an arm guard made of the same material the bow is.
287. >All in all, Celestia has given you a fine weapon to use for tomorrow.
288. >As the sun sets, you wonder what the rest of this even could have in store for you.
290. The Next Day
293. >The crowd outside your spire gathers in mass.
294. >You stood at the end of a small lane, bow in hand as you waited for the show to begin.
295. >From across the lane you saw Shining Armor and his wife to be, Princess Cadence, as they watched on.
296. >Celestia herself appears and makes an announcement.
297. >TIA: "Mares and Gentlecolts, ponies of all ages, welcome to something truly worthwhile today. Before we begin the wedding ceremony today, I would like to introduce someone who will no doubt astound you. Princess Cadence, Shining Armor, may I present to you, Mr. Anonymous."
298. >The crowd applauds lightly and you wave weakly, but you can hear Applejack and Applebloom yelling out cheers from the stands.
299. >That's all the confidence boosting you'll need, and you crack a grin when you hear them.
300. >TIA: "And his opponent, Clockwork."
301. >The crowd applauds once more, and you spin around to see a brown colt with a black mane and watch cutie mark.
302. "Clockwork?"
303. >CLOCK: "Anonymous."
304. "Since when did you take up archery? I thought you were a watch maker."
305. >CLOCK: "Call it a hobby. My family was invited to the wedding, and when Celestia heard I was a good shot, she asked me to compete with you."
306. "Of course she did."
307. >You can see Applejack in the stands. Her face could not be more dumbstruck if her life depended on it.
308. >CLOCK: "So, what, you do this too? I didn't know monkeys could even see straight."
309. "I take it you're still sore about Applejack then, huh?"
310. >He glares at you and simply walks to his side of the lane as the two of you face the end of the lane.
311. >Celestia's horn glows and a glowing blue disk appears at the edge of the lane, floating in the air.
312. >TIA: "The competition is simple. Whichever of you can shoot your arrow the closest to the center of the disk wins. There will be three rounds, and the victor will be named. One shot per round. Begin!"
313. >Clockwork stands on his hind legs and nocks an arrow, taking aim steadily. He releases, and the arrow hits slightly towards center of the disk but is off.
314. >You nod to the crowd and then to Celestia, and do the same, keeping your breathing steady as you aim down at the disk. You let the arrow fly, but it hits the outer edge of the ring.
315. "Dammit."
316. >Clockwork gives you a smug grin as Celestia calls out.
317. >TIA: "Point, Clockwork. Round two, Begin!"
318. >Clock work readies his bow once more and lets loose the arrow almost immediately, it finding it's mark even closer to the center once more.
319. >He lets out a laugh, then turns to you.
320. >CLOCK: "I thought you were supposed to be good at this, not mediocre."
321. >You say nothing back. You simply stare down the line at the floating blue disk.
322. >Once more you nod to the crowd and the princess, and you take aim. Without hesitating you release the arrow, and hit the disk closer than Clockwork, right outside the center.
323. >The crowd gives an impressed murmur and claps, but Clockwork only seethes.
324. >TIA: "Point, Anonymous. Final Round, Begin!"
325. >While only glaring at you, Clockwork nocks another arrow onto his bow and sends it flying, piercing the center of the disk.
326. >The crowd breaks out into vigorous applause.
327. >TIA: "Well, it seems that's the end of it. Match goes to-"
328. >You hold up a hand to Celestia, stopping her. The crowd goes silent as well.
329. >You give a polite nod to the crowd, a wink to Applejack, and a bow to the princess.
330. >Turning to clockwork, you say but one thing.
331. "Not good enough."
332. >You nock an arrow and train your sights onto the center of the disk.
333. >Breathe in.
334. >You pull the arrow back.
335. >Breathe out.
336. >Your eyes close as you relax.
337. >Release.
338. >The arrow leaves your fingers and sails through the air, and shoots completely through the disk, splitting Clockwork's winning arrow in two.
339. >The crowd is silent, dumbstruck even.
340. >Applebloom breaks it with a shout.
341. >BLOOM: "Ooh, SNAP!"
342. >The crowd roars in applause and you turn to Clockwork, extending your hand to him.
343. "You did well. You're quite impressive, Clockwork."
344. >He grits his teeth and smacks you hand away from you.
345. >CLOCK: "You... you just HAVE to take everything from me, don't you?"
346. >He storms from the crowd and leaves you standing alone on the track as the crowd continues to cheer.
347. >You had thought he didn't feel any hate towards you, but you must have been mistaken.
348. >You look back to the crowd and see Applejack waving to you while she shouts something.
349. >You can't hear her, but you can definitely read her lips.
350. >I'm Proud of You.
352. Later That Day
354. "Where's Twilight?"
355. >You stood in the wedding chapel, the seats filled to the brim with ponies.
356. >This was the moment.
357. >The big wedding.
358. >Twilight had gone off the rails the night before at the rehearsal, claiming that Princess Cadence was trying to brainwash her brother.
359. >When it was clear Twilight was off her rocker and just jealous of her brother's wife, you had all scolded her.
360. >Still, you had hoped that she would get over herself and actually show up.
361. >But with the wedding starting any given second now, and no Twilight to be seen, you were convinced she wasn't making it after all.
362. >AJ: "Ah don't rightly know. Ah hope she still ain't sore about last night and all. It's her brother's wedding, she should be happy for him."
363. >You look towards Shining Armor, his eyes dazed and his stance wavering. He looked like he hadn't slept in days.
364. "I hope the groom is okay, too. He doesn't look so hot."
365. >Before Applejack can answer you, the pianist pony starts up the wedding march, and the crowd turns to the back of the room to see Princess Cadence being led in by Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Applebloom, all of which are dressed in flower mare dresses.
366. >Applebloom had been ecstatic to learn that Celestia wanted her to be a flower mare for the wedding.
367. >Cadence strode slowly across the wedding chapel, the light from the windows shining on her lovely dress.
368. >The smile on her face was... well it was a smile, but a scary looking one.
369. >Must be nervous.
370. >Celestia begins.
371. >TIA: "Mares and Gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to witness the union of two ponies deeply in love: Princess Mi Amore Cadence, and Shining Armor."
372. >The wedding was going well enough.
373. >TIA: "Do you, Princess Mi Amore Cadence, take Shining Armor to be your husband?"
374. >CAD: "I do."
375. >TIA: "And do you, Shining Armor, take Princess Mi Amore Cadence to be your wife?"
376. >SHINE: "I do."
377. >TIA: "Then it is with great pleasure that I pronounce you-"
378. >"STOP!"
379. >The crowd gasps as Twilight bursts into the wedding chapel, along side...
380. >Princess Cadence?
381. >A very ragged, bedraggled Princess Cadence.
382. >CAD: "Shining Armor, get away from her! She's not me! She's a-"
383. >Green light bursts through the room as the Cadence getting married transforms into a tall, insectoid-like pony, holes riddling her body.
384. >CHRY: "A changeling? My my, now you've gone and spoiled the fun."
385. >The crowd shrieks in horror and panics, running from the room in a stampede.
386. >You break away from the group, Applejack alongside you and snatch up Applebloom, holding her tightly in your arms as she asks over and over about what's going on.
387. >Stay calm.
388. >Make sure your family is safe.
389. >The changeling queen rants and raves about how they feast on love. How Canterlot is absolutely filled to the brim with it.
390. >How they'll devour every last bit of it, then move on to the rest of Equestria.
391. >You don't know much about devouring love or changelings, but you know the bad guys when you see them.
392. >You whisper to Applejack.
393. "AJ, I need you to stay perfectly calm. I'm leaving."
394. >AJ: "What?!"
395. "Shh! I'm leaving to grab my gear, and then come back here. If I'm right, Celestia will send you six for the elements of harmony. I'll take Applebloom with me to make sure she's alright."
396. >AJ: "Anon, are you sure?"
397. >...
398. "Sometimes we have to leave the things we love most to make sure they stay safe. Besides, how bad could it be?"
399. >As Celestia confronts the Queen, you swing Applebloom onto your back and sprint from the chapel, racing to the spire you stayed in.
400. >BLOOM: "Anon, what's goin' on? What happened to th'princess?"
401. "I'm not sure Applebloom, but right now I need to make sure you're safe and sound, alright?"
402. >You race up the stone steps and make it to your room.
403. >Flinging open the chest, you sling your bow and quiver onto yourself, placing Applebloom on your bed.
404. >You take your knife and sheathe it to your boot, put on your arm bracer, and then pick Applebloom back up and put her into the chest.
405. "Okay, listen to very carefully Applebloom. I'm not going to lie to you, bad things are about to happen."
406. >BLOOM: "Why do ya have yer bow on?"
407. >You can see tears in her eyes as she continues to be confused at the events that keep happening.
408. >You give her a hug and look at her, calmly.
409. "I'm going to go help your sister and her friends. Everything is going to be fine. I promise. But until then, I need you to hide here in this chest. I'm locking the room behind me, and whatever you do, do NOT come out unless it's me or your sister."
410. >BLOOM: "Should... should we have a password?"
411. >You smile at the filly. Still as bright as ever.
412. "Sure, squirt. That's a perfect idea. How about 'dessert?' Does that work?"
413. >Applebloom nods and sniffles a bit.
414. "Okay, I'm going to go now. Stay here, everything is going to be fine. Remember, only come out is it's me or Applejack. Otherwise, don't move."
415. >You race to the door and lock it behind you, exiting the spire once more.
416. >Your gaze is brought to the sky as the force field around Canterlot erupts into pieces, and a storm of changelings rage into the air above you.
418. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ml4HylhHFGk&list=PL57D670407B24FA85&feature=mh_lolz
420. >You break out into a sprint. The wedding chapel was about 500 yards from where you were. Your advancement would only get impeded if these things could use magic as well as fly.
421. >Green bolts of energy fly around you as ponies dash and scuttle everywhere in panic.
422. >Yep.
423. >Magic.
424. >In the distance you can make out Applejack and her friends racing towards the tower where the Elements are kept, battling changelings as they go.
425. >Good, they were making a push.
426. >Suddenly these things are all around you, flying at ponies and unicorns alike, snarling and barring they're razor sharp fangs.
427. >You take your bow in hand, nocking an arrow and getting ready as you continue to run.
428. >A changeling lands ahead of you and fires shots at you. You tuck and roll, drawing an arrow back as you recover and send it into one of it's eyes, green blood spewing from the impact point. It flails limply then fall dead.
429. >You don't stop to consider what you've done. You just make a beeline for the chapel as fast as you can, dropping changeling after changeling that gets in your way.
430. >As you draw your bow to take down a changeling in flight, one lands on your back and sinks its teeth into your shoulder, searing pain shooting through your body.
431. >You cry out in pain, but grab the thing by the head and slam it to the ground, stabbing it in the neck with your arrow.
432. >You get to your feet and keep running.
433. >You had to keep running after all.
434. >In the distance, you can see that a battalion of changelings are leading the mane six back to the chapel.
435. >Fuck.
436. >FUCK.
437. >You pick up the pace, but you're still a ways from them.
438. >Suddenly the wind is knocked from you as a changeling tackles you from the side, blindsiding you.
439. >You wrestle on the ground with the insectoid little fucker, trying to pry him off of you.
440. >A sudden flash of blue and yellow slams into the changeling, sending it flying off of you.
441. >Scrambling to your feet, you see that whoever saved you is one of the Wonderbolt's.
442. "Thanks."
443. >"No problem dude. You 'aight?"
444. "Yeah, yeah I'm fine. Listen, uh-"
445. >"Soarin'."
446. "Soarin', right. Listen, can you help me out?"
447. >"Hey man, I was just here to do a flight show for the happy couple. Soon as all Tartaraus broke, I've doing nothin' BUT help. What'cha need man?"
448. >You look to the chapel, and remember the skylight in the roof.
449. "I need you to take me to the roof of the chapel. Think you can do that?"
450. >Soarin' gives a quick salute and grabs one of your hand with a hoof.
451. >"Hold onto your flank, dude."
452. >The two of you take off into the air, weaving in and out of changeling fire as you make your way to the chapel.
453. >"Alright man, what's the plan?"
454. "Drop me right on the skylight!"
455. >"That thing is made out of glass, you know? That shit can hurt if you fall through it."
456. "Noted."
457. >"Not happening. I'm coming with ya."
458. >He tosses you onto his back. You're bigger than him, but he flies like nothing's holding him down.
459. >He dives towards the skylight of the chapel, and you fire an arrow straight towards it, shattering the glass windows as the two of you land in the chapel, battle positions at the ready.
460. >Before you can do anything though, a bright, pink light rocks through the chapel from where Shining Armor and Cadence are standing. The light launches the changeling queen along with her army, straight our of Canterlot and into the badlands and desert.
461. >"...wait it's over?"
462. >You and Soarin' stand awkwardly in the middle of the aisle, your bow drawn half way and his mane furrowed up.
463. >You drop the bow when you see Applejack though, and the two of you catch each other in a hug.
464. >AJ: "Anon! Ah thought it was... Ah thought you were... DON'T EVER DO THAT AGAIN."
465. >You laugh and hug her tighter, kissing her with wild abandon as your relief over her safety.
466. >AJ: "Where- Where's Applebloom?"
467. "Safe. She's just fine. We'll go for her in a minute. Just... just give me a second, okay?"
468. >She nods as you get to your feet and walk back over to Soarin'.
469. >SOAR: "Dude, that was sick. Really man, we make a pretty good team."
470. "Thanks. Never thought I'd ride a pegasus into a wedding before, but I have a way of surprising even myself."
471. >Before you can do anything else, you feel a presence behind you and see Princess Celestia, covered in green goo from the pod she was being held in.
472. "So, did we win? I mean, they beat them, right?"
473. >TIA: "Cadence and Shining Armor did indeed save Canterlot from Chrysalis and her minions."
474. >SOAR: "What's a Chrysalis?"
475. >TIA: "But this is far from over, Anon. Far from it."
476. >She turns to Applejack and the rest of the mane six.
477. >TIA: "She won't stop, not when she was able to get this close. She'll be back, and with the full force of her armada. Chrysalis isn't one for giving up so lightly."
478. >SOAR: "Seriously what's a Chrysalis?"
479. >TIA: "Twilight, I must ask that you and your friends stay in Canterlot in order to protect it from the changeling armies. You six are the only ponies that can harness the full potential of the Elements of Harmony."
480. >Twilight and the rest stand pridefully at their leader.
481. >TWI: "You can count on us, your highness."
482. >Celestia nods and looks at Applejack.
483. >TIA: "I know you will not approve of what I am about to do, Applejack, but you have to realize that I must."
484. >AJ: "What? What are ya talkin' about, yer highness?"
485. >Celestia turns to you and Soarin' her gaze stony and stern.
486. >TIA: "Anonymous, do you remember what you told me those few months ago? That you would do anything to protect your family and friends?"
487. >You nod slowly, trying to find out what she's getting at.
488. >TIA: "Then you will understand when I ask that you enlist in our army and fight for us."
489. "I... of course. Yes, I'd be honored to fight for us. This is my home, after all."
490. >AJ: "Princess, why would Ah be upset at Anon joinin' th'army. Ah'm sure he'd do a mighty fine job at defendin' Canterlot."
491. >TIA: "Because, Applejack, he won't be defending Canterlot."
492. >You raise an eyebrow to the princess, and Applejack lowers her ears.
493. >AJ: "But... then where would he go?"
494. >Celestia looks to the mane six, then back to you.
495. >TIA: "The front lines."
498. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec0XKhAHR5I
500. ~End of Chapter 6~

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Autumn Leaves Chapter 6 >The ground was cold and unforgiving under your feet. Vines and snarled roots twisted among the floor of the Everfree forest, your steps slow and steady as you stalked your prey. >There would be no deer or rabbits to kill this night. Tonight, you were hunting bigger game. >The moon shone through the trees, casting ghostly shadows across the edges of your vision. >You had been tracking them for two days now. At first you found their den, but they had abandoned it shortly before your arrival. >And now, it seemed like they were deliberately leading you further and further into the forest. >Granny was right. They were much smarter than anything you'd hunted before. >But still you tracked them, going along with their ruse. As long as you led them away from the farm and the orchard, you'd be satisfied. >You take a pause in your walk and examine the ground. Paw prints led north. >They were fresh. >Timber wolves... >They'd been encroaching on Sweet Apple Acres land more and more in the following months, and you had recently spotted one out in the Western Orchard as you and Applebloom were bucking a few trees. >When you told Granny, she was afraid that they would just get bolder and bolder in their advancements. So, you proposed a hunt. Applebloom wasn't as receptive to the idea of hurting another animal, but as far as you could tell it had to be done. >The closer they got to the farm, then the closer they got to your family, and you couldn't allow that. >And so here you were, two days later and skulking through the forest in the dead of night, out to hunt a Timber Wolf pack. Some would call it ballsy; you would call it dangerous as all hell. >The snap of a twig behind sends you spinning around and drawing an arrow at your follower. "What the-.. AJ, what the hell?" >Applejack stood frozen mid-step a few yards away as you pointed your arrow right at her eyes. She had her lasso slung around her body. >"Oh. Uh, hey Anon. Fancy meetin' you here. Ya know, in the middle of the'forest and all." >You relax the tension in your arm and place the arrow back in your quiver as you walk up to Applejack. "I thought I told you to stay home." >Her nervous grin has changed to a stare of a serious nature. >"Right. Ah'm just gonna stay home an' let you wander 'round the Everfree forest without anyp0ny to make sure yer safe. That sounds JUST lahk me." >You rub the space between your eyes in frustration and let out a sigh. "I told you and the rest of the family, I'M doing this. It's my job, not yours." >"And why can't Ah come and help you?" "Because I don't want you getting hurt, that's why." >"That's why AH'M out here followin' ya. T'make sure ya don't go an' get yerself killed." "AJ, I'm more than capable of taking care of myself." >"Great. Then ya won't mind if'n Ah tag along with ya while you go do yer huntin' thang." >The two of you lock in a staring contest as you try to stare her down out of following you. >Of course, it doesn't work. >You let out another sigh and shake your head. "Fine. But we need to be as quiet as possible. These wolves have the upper hand on us right now." >"Whaddya mean? It's so dark out that they probably can't see us." "No, they can. They can see in the dark." >"How do ya know that?" >Images of timber wolves chasing you nine years ago through the pitch black forest race through your mind. You can still remember the fear you felt that night as it creeps into your bones. "Call it a hunch. C'mon, let's get going." >The two of you creep through the forest in the dead of night. Applejack is a lot quieter than you gave her credit for, considering she must have been tracking you all this time, unaware to her presence for two days. >"Anon." "Shh." >"Anon." "Shush." >"..." "..." >"Anon." "Oh my god what?" >"Ah think... Ah think they might be behind us..." >You stop in your tracks, not moving an inch further. Not a word comes out of you or Applejack, as you both listen to the sounds of the forest, your ears straining to catch the smallest sound. >Below the light breeze that runs through the trees, you hear a low, menacing rumble of a growl. "Keep moving. Pretend you never heard it." >"What? Anon, if it's right behind us then-" "If it's right behind us then it could have attacked us at any moment. It's making sure we end up where it wants." >"And that would be?" >You start to follow the tracks once more, AJ in tow. "To the Alpha." >You continue to walk, and eventually make your way into a clearing in the forest. >You've been here before. "This... this is where I woke up." >You take a knee and put a hand to the surface of the ground, the cold of the earth creeping into your fingers. >You can still remember sleeping in this small clearing, waiting for your father to come find you and take you home. >You pick up a bit of dirt, running the soil through your fingers delicately. >The growl from the one wolf behind you subsides, and is replaced by numerous howls from all around you, ringing through the night. >You calmly unsheathe your knife and hand it to Applejack, who takes it into her mouth by the hilt. >From your belt you take your hatchet. You thought that, since timber wolves were made from wood, having an axe may have come in handy. You had hoped you were right. >From the darkness around you they came, their eyes glowing brightly through the creeping night, their teeth barred before you. >There were four of them, and you recognized the biggest one as he crept towards you. >The Alpha. >The one that had pinned you down all those years ago. >You could still see remnants of thorns embedded into his body from when he fell into the briar patch below a cliff face. >You thrust the hatchet into the ground, and draw your bow to meet his gaze. You'd kill him here tonight; there was no doubt in your mind. >Applejack stands behind you and faces two of the other wolves as they all begin advancing on you. >The silence that fills the air around you is thick, and the wolves don't make a sound as they get closer and closer to you. >You train the arrow onto the Alpha's face, his eyes unblinking as he meets your stare. >The wolf beside him breaks formation and charges at you, but you quickly fire the arrow you were saving for the Alpha into his skull, his body limply collapsing mid-charge. >Then all of them move. They move with grace and fury as they all charge the two of you. >Applejack rolls away from the two she's dealing with as you flip to your back and put a boot into the Alpha's chest, sending him tumbling into the other two wolves. >You scramble to your feet and drop your bow, picking up your hatchet instead as Applejack stands beside you, spitting out your knife and grabbing her lasso instead. >Stick to what you know I suppose. >The Alpha gets behind the other two as they rush you, and Applejack manages to lasso one while the other tackles you. >You roll onto the ground with the wolf as he tears into your shoulder, the only thing keeping his teeth from ripping you apart being your fingers that are digging into his eyes. It lets out a yelp of pain, and you bring the hatchet swiftly down on it's neck, silencing him. >Leaving the hatchet buried in the wolf, you grab the knife on the ground and face the Alpha. >Applejack is busy with the other wolf, trying her hardest as she uses her rope to slowly suffocate the thing, its claws digging into the ground in a desperate attempt to escape. >The Alpha circles you slowly and deliberately, as you wipe the sweat and blood from your forehead, the knife in your hand and ready to strike. >The Alpha snaps forward and you bring the knife to it's face, but it quickly sidesteps you and pins you to the ground, knocking the blade from your grip. >It snaps its jaws wildly as it tries to maul your neck while you pin an arm underneath between you and it. It's inches from you, and with each snap of its jaws you can only remember your first night in Equestria, when you were in the same position you are in now. >You send a punch at the wolf's head, but it shrugs it off and continues its efforts to latch onto your neck. >Your hand slips, and the wolf juts towards your jugular, its jaws wide open and teeth barred. >You shut your eyes for what is to come, but find that nothing happens. >When you open them, you see the wolf's face, but a knife is buried into the space between its eyes, the yellow glow from its stare fading away as it dies. >You look up and see a bedraggled Applejack standing above you, panting and breathing hard. >"*huff* Whatever happened *huff* to, 'Ah can take care of mahself?' *huff*" >You push the body of the Alpha off of you and just lie down, looking up at AJ's face, smiling as you suck on air. "I had it *cough* covered." >"Uh-huh. Sure ya did. Let me help you up." >she walks over to your side and extends a hoof, and you take it as she pulls you to your feet. "Thanks. For the wolf thing. I appreciate it." >You give a tired laugh and spit to your side, the taste of blood and sweat not mixing well in your mouth. >"Told ya Ah could help." >She nudges your side and you pat her on the head, shoving her hat further onto her face. >You victory is short lived however, when even more yellow eyes glow in the darkness around you. >A single wolf strides towards you two, and Applejack and yourself prepare for the worst. >The wolf stops at the body of the Alpha and sniffs the body, gently nudging it with its snout. >It looks to you as its ears become flat, and lets out a slow howl to the moon. >From around you the other wolves join it's call, all of them melding into one unified cry to the stars. >When it ends, the wolf simply looks you in the eye and bows its head before heading back into the forest, the rest of the pack joining it. >You stand with Applejack silently as the wolves disappear into the shadows of the forest, and when they are gone she turns to you. >"Whaddya think that was all about?" "I don know, actually... maybe they gave up?.. You killed the Alpha after all, so maybe it respects you." >Applejack gives a laugh and walks over to her lasso, slinging it around her torso. >"Right. Ah've earned th'respect of the timber wolves. That makes loads of sense." >You gather your gear from the battlefield and head off back from where you came from, Applejack at your side the whole time. "I think we need a vacation." >"Haha, well Ah'll see if the girls want t'have a picnic or somethin' later on. That sound nice?" >You spit out more blood and rub your chewed shoulder. "Very." Days Later. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qJPbxjjWEs&feature=relmfu >The sun shone high in the sky above the lake, its rays shining of the water's surface in a cascade of light. >You sat with Applejack underneath a tree by the lake while the two of you waited for Twilight and the gang for your picnic. >A flock of bluebirds gently glide through the air above the lake, singing happily. "...mah stars... now ain't this just the prettiest day?" "Mmhmm." >Applejack lets out a content sigh and leans her head onto your shoulder. >"Ah like moments like these. All quiet, no one t'bother us..." "Just you, me, and our own little slice of paradise, right?" >Applejack nods and smiles up at you. >"Mmhmm. Make ya ferget 'bout all the bad things in the world, ya know? Almost like they never happened. No Nightmare Moon, no Discord." "No ornery griffons or stuck up magicians." >"And certainly no-... Ah think that may have rhymed, what you just said." >You let out a quick happy laugh and kiss Applejack on the top on the top of her head, taking off her hat first. >She blushes slightly and kisses you softly on the cheek before hazily looking into your eyes. >As she looks at you, she gives a small chuckle. "What?" >"It's kinda funny." "What is?" >"This. Us. Together 'n' all." "Haha, how is it funny?" >"Oh c'mon, tell me ya don't find it a little bit funny. Ah mean, if somep0ny had told me while Ah was young that Ah'd end up fallin' in love with you, Ah'd have never believed'em." "And if someone had told me that I was going to one day show up in a colorful world full of talking animals, and then fall in love and end up sleeping with a talking, orange pony, I think I might have ended it all right then and there." >You give a laugh and Applejack groans while playfully shoving you. >"Oh hush up, it ain't mah fault ya fell head over heels fer me. Ya can just blame mah irresistible femenin' charm." "That the same charm that beat Big Mac in a burping contest last night?" >"Th'one and only." "Wow. You're right. How could ANYONE not be wooed by your elegance and grace?" >You smirk at AJ as she gives you an annoyed look, but she smiles all the same. "Why, you'd have to be criminally insane not to fall for all of that." >Applejack shrugs and gives a smug look. >"Aw well, maybe yer right. After all, it won you over didn't it?" >You pull AJ in for a hug, lightly nuzzling her neck as you do so. "What can I say? I have a thing for girls with freckles." >AJ cocks an eyebrow at the word "girls." "Ponies. Ponies with freckles. Not girls." >... "...the freckles part is pretty consistent though." >Applejack looks to you with a soft, sultry grin as she kisses you on the neck. >"So... th'freckles are the only thing Ah got goin' for me huh?" "Oh no, no no no. No. You've got plenty of other qualities I happen to like a lot." >"Oh?" "Yup." >"Such as?" >She looks longingly into your eyes while you think. "Hm... well let's see..." >She gets closer to your face with each passing second. "You've got... a really nice..." >Inches away now. >... "...hat." >"Oh just shut up and c'mere." >She closes the gap between you two and presses her lips to yours as the sound of birds singing starts up once more. >You hold her close, lingering on your kiss for as long as you can, finding peace as she lay in your arms. >The kiss ends, and you lean your forehead against hers, enjoying the sweet, silent moment as best you can. >Then Rainbow Dash begins laughing like a little idiot. >DASH: "Hahaha! You guys enjoying yourselves?" >The two of you scramble away and stand casually around the tree, your faces beet red with embarrassment. >The rest of the gang is there as well, Twilight with a picnic basket in her mouth. >They all snicker to themselves, all except Fluttershy. She's blushing as well and looking away. "Uh.." >AJ: "Hey girls we were uh, ya know... uhm.." "We... we were making out." >Everyone is quiet and stares at you and Applejack. >AJ:"...yes. Yes, we were. That's what we were doin'. Makin' out." "Under the tree." >AJ: "Makin' out under the tree, yup." "Just doin' what we do." >... >The picnic begins without a hitch, and you all talk amongst each other happily in the afternoon sun. >Dash eats a sunflower sandwich, Applejack drinks a glass of water, and everyone’s having a good time. >That's when Spike comes sprinting down the lane to all of you. >SPIKE: "Twi! *huff huff* I have *huff* lemme just... *hrk*" >Green flame's belch out of Spike and a small letter appears. Twilight levitates it open and begins reading. >TWI: "Dear Twilight, I am sure you are very excited for the upcoming wedding in Canterlot... wedding?...I will be presiding over the ceremony, but I would be more than happy if you and your friends took part in this wondrous occasion. Fluttershy, I would like you and your songbird choir to provide musical accompaniment for the event." >FLUT: "Oh my goodness, what an honor!" >TWI: "Pinkie Pie, I can think of nop0ny other than you qualified to host the reception." >PINK: "Hooray!" >TWI: "Applejack, you will be in charge of the catering for the reception." >AJ: "Well color me pleased as punch!" >TWI: "Rainbow Dash, I would like you to perform a sonic rainboom once the happy couple say their 'I do's'." >DASH: "YES!" >TWI: "Rarity, you will be in charge of making the dresses of the bride and her bridesmaids." >RARITY: "Me? Well I- well I'd be honor- *faint*" >TWI: "Anon, I would very much like you to participate in an archery competition to serve as entertainment before the wedding proceedings." "Wow I'd... yeah. Yeah that sounds about right." >TWI: "Twilight, you will be given the most important role of all-" >DASH: "Figures." >TWI: "-making sure everything goes according to plan. See you all very soon. Yours, Princess Celestia... it doesn't say who's getting married." >SPIKE: "Oh, I should probably have given you this one first." >He hands Twilight a second letter, and she promptly reads it. >TWI: "You are cordially invited to the Royal Wedding of Princess Mi Amore Cadence and... MY BROTHER?!" "You have a brother?" >AJ: "You've never mentioned a brother." >TWI: "He's captain of the royal guard in Canterlot. His name is Shining Armor and-" "Shining Armor is your brother?" >TWI: "Wait, do you know him?" "He and Celestia came to the farm a while back." >Twilight looks heartbroken. >TWI: "B-but, he never told me he was in Ponyville! He... he's my BBBFF." >Twilight then breaks out into an awful song sequence while you and Applejack just kinda look at each other awkwardly. >It's bad. It's really, really bad but you don't want to tell Twilight that. She takes the criticism pretty harshly. One Day Later >The train rumbles through the mountainside of Equestria as you and Pinkie Pie play go fish. The whole gang is enjoying themselves, and everyone is excited for the upcoming wedding. >Well, maybe not Twilight. >The whole, "my brother is the most important thing in my life (even though I've never mentioned him before, EVER) and he's getting married and didn't tell me himself and now I'm super mad" thing has made her... well, super mad. >The rest of you try to cheer her up, but now she's just looking out the window with a sullen expression on her face. "Got any two's?" >PINK: "Nope! Go fish! Got any tens?" "Nope." >PINK: "Oh shoot..." >AJ: "Y'all havin' fun over there?" >Pinkie nods vigorously and you shrug. You've been playing go fish with Pinkie for a good thirty minutes now, and you've not guessed a single one of her cards. "Okay, I give up. You win." >PINK: "Aw you're no fun." "Oh quit complaining and show me your cards. >Pinkie smiles and shows her hand. >It's nothing but jokers. >Like, twenty jokers. "How... what?" >PINK: "I'm the best Go-Fisher in Ponyville!" >You drop your cards and just stare out the window. Applejack pokes her head out the window with you. >Her eyes widen when she sees something in front of the train. You swing your head around and see what caught her eyes. >A large bubble of energy surrounds Canterlot with a pink glow. "What... IS that?" >As the train travels through the bubble, the pink light blasts through the train and its passengers. It feels like it pushes you slightly, but you feel no pain or discomfort. >Looking through the train once more, you realize that the presence of royal guards is staggering. >AJ: "Whaddya think all the soldiers are fer?" "I dunno.. maybe there's been trouble?" >AJ: "Maybe they're just makin' sure everythin' is safe. It's a Royal Weddin' after all." >You nod. That makes sense. They probably were making sure that everything went smoothly for the proceedings. >You all leave the train and head for you separate stations. Celestia had told you in the letter that you needn't bring your hunting gear, but you did bring your knife which you strapped to your boot. Most ponies never looked at your shoes. Why bother? >Making your way over to one of the main castle's spires, you're stopped by guards at the entry way. "Whoa, easy with the spears fellas." >A voice from within calls out to the guards, and they lower their weapons. >A tall dark alicorn strides out of the entrance to meet you. "Princess Luna?" >LUNA: "YES, TIS US. PLEASE, FOLLOW US TO YOUR CHAMBERS." "Uhm... okay.." >The princess leads you down a long corridor and up a few flights of stairs to a bedroom with a large trunk in the corner. "I was actually hoping I could share a room with Applejack." >LUNA: "WHO IS THIS, APPLEJACK. WE DOTH NOT KNOW WHAT YOU SPEAK OF." "Orange earth pony. Has a cutie mark with apples on it? Lots of southernisms?" >LUNA: "DIDST SHE DRESSETH AS A SCARECROW FOR NIGHTMARE NIGHT?" "Yes." >LUNA: "AH YES, APPLEJACK. WE DOTH REMEMBER NOW. WHY DOTH THOU REQUEST A ROOM WITH HER? ART THOU ENGAGING IN MUTUAL COPULATION WITH HER?" "Uh, what?" >LUNA: "WE SHALL PUT IT INTO TERMS THOU MAY UNDERSTAND: ART THOU FUCKING HER?" "Yeah okay we're done here. Tell Celestia I'll be ready for the archery show in the morning." >LUNA: "WHAT IS IT LIKE? WE ARE CURIOUS." "Please leave." >LUNA: "WHATEVS." >Luna leaves and you feel suddenly a lot dirtier than you wanted to. You walk around the room and inspect it. >You feel... uncomfortable here. It was luxurious, fancy, the top of the line. The bed was probably made with clouds and kindness. It just felt... wrong. >You were used to the loft of the barn house with its big window that let the moonlight shine through, not velvet curtains and marbled floors. >Still, you were a guest, so you were going to be as polite as you possibly could. >You crouch down to open the trunk in the middle of the room and open it, peering inside. There's a large satchel with a note attached to it. "Dear Anonymous, as you know I have requested you refrain from bringing your bow, as well as all other hunting gear with you. This is because I have had by finest blacksmiths working to construct something very special for you. I'm sure you will find it more than adequate for your performance tomorrow. Celestia." >Putting away the note, you take out the satchel and marvel at what lay beneath it. >A bow of black ebony lay at the bottom of the trunk next to a matching quiver, it being made of a strangely sturdy cloth. The arrows inside were fletched with bright green feathers, almost emerald in color. >You take the bow into your hands. It's light, but incredibly flexible as you draw back the string to test it. Within the satchel is an arm guard made of the same material the bow is. >All in all, Celestia has given you a fine weapon to use for tomorrow. >As the sun sets, you wonder what the rest of this even could have in store for you. The Next Day >The crowd outside your spire gathers in mass. >You stood at the end of a small lane, bow in hand as you waited for the show to begin. >From across the lane you saw Shining Armor and his wife to be, Princess Cadence, as they watched on. >Celestia herself appears and makes an announcement. >TIA: "Mares and Gentlecolts, ponies of all ages, welcome to something truly worthwhile today. Before we begin the wedding ceremony today, I would like to introduce someone who will no doubt astound you. Princess Cadence, Shining Armor, may I present to you, Mr. Anonymous." >The crowd applauds lightly and you wave weakly, but you can hear Applejack and Applebloom yelling out cheers from the stands. >That's all the confidence boosting you'll need, and you crack a grin when you hear them. >TIA: "And his opponent, Clockwork." >The crowd applauds once more, and you spin around to see a brown colt with a black mane and watch cutie mark. "Clockwork?" >CLOCK: "Anonymous." "Since when did you take up archery? I thought you were a watch maker." >CLOCK: "Call it a hobby. My family was invited to the wedding, and when Celestia heard I was a good shot, she asked me to compete with you." "Of course she did." >You can see Applejack in the stands. Her face could not be more dumbstruck if her life depended on it. >CLOCK: "So, what, you do this too? I didn't know monkeys could even see straight." "I take it you're still sore about Applejack then, huh?" >He glares at you and simply walks to his side of the lane as the two of you face the end of the lane. >Celestia's horn glows and a glowing blue disk appears at the edge of the lane, floating in the air. >TIA: "The competition is simple. Whichever of you can shoot your arrow the closest to the center of the disk wins. There will be three rounds, and the victor will be named. One shot per round. Begin!" >Clockwork stands on his hind legs and nocks an arrow, taking aim steadily. He releases, and the arrow hits slightly towards center of the disk but is off. >You nod to the crowd and then to Celestia, and do the same, keeping your breathing steady as you aim down at the disk. You let the arrow fly, but it hits the outer edge of the ring. "Dammit." >Clockwork gives you a smug grin as Celestia calls out. >TIA: "Point, Clockwork. Round two, Begin!" >Clock work readies his bow once more and lets loose the arrow almost immediately, it finding it's mark even closer to the center once more. >He lets out a laugh, then turns to you. >CLOCK: "I thought you were supposed to be good at this, not mediocre." >You say nothing back. You simply stare down the line at the floating blue disk. >Once more you nod to the crowd and the princess, and you take aim. Without hesitating you release the arrow, and hit the disk closer than Clockwork, right outside the center. >The crowd gives an impressed murmur and claps, but Clockwork only seethes. >TIA: "Point, Anonymous. Final Round, Begin!" >While only glaring at you, Clockwork nocks another arrow onto his bow and sends it flying, piercing the center of the disk. >The crowd breaks out into vigorous applause. >TIA: "Well, it seems that's the end of it. Match goes to-" >You hold up a hand to Celestia, stopping her. The crowd goes silent as well. >You give a polite nod to the crowd, a wink to Applejack, and a bow to the princess. >Turning to clockwork, you say but one thing. "Not good enough." >You nock an arrow and train your sights onto the center of the disk. >Breathe in. >You pull the arrow back. >Breathe out. >Your eyes close as you relax. >Release. >The arrow leaves your fingers and sails through the air, and shoots completely through the disk, splitting Clockwork's winning arrow in two. >The crowd is silent, dumbstruck even. >Applebloom breaks it with a shout. >BLOOM: "Ooh, SNAP!" >The crowd roars in applause and you turn to Clockwork, extending your hand to him. "You did well. You're quite impressive, Clockwork." >He grits his teeth and smacks you hand away from you. >CLOCK: "You... you just HAVE to take everything from me, don't you?" >He storms from the crowd and leaves you standing alone on the track as the crowd continues to cheer. >You had thought he didn't feel any hate towards you, but you must have been mistaken. >You look back to the crowd and see Applejack waving to you while she shouts something. >You can't hear her, but you can definitely read her lips. >I'm Proud of You. Later That Day "Where's Twilight?" >You stood in the wedding chapel, the seats filled to the brim with ponies. >This was the moment. >The big wedding. >Twilight had gone off the rails the night before at the rehearsal, claiming that Princess Cadence was trying to brainwash her brother. >When it was clear Twilight was off her rocker and just jealous of her brother's wife, you had all scolded her. >Still, you had hoped that she would get over herself and actually show up. >But with the wedding starting any given second now, and no Twilight to be seen, you were convinced she wasn't making it after all. >AJ: "Ah don't rightly know. Ah hope she still ain't sore about last night and all. It's her brother's wedding, she should be happy for him." >You look towards Shining Armor, his eyes dazed and his stance wavering. He looked like he hadn't slept in days. "I hope the groom is okay, too. He doesn't look so hot." >Before Applejack can answer you, the pianist pony starts up the wedding march, and the crowd turns to the back of the room to see Princess Cadence being led in by Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Applebloom, all of which are dressed in flower mare dresses. >Applebloom had been ecstatic to learn that Celestia wanted her to be a flower mare for the wedding. >Cadence strode slowly across the wedding chapel, the light from the windows shining on her lovely dress. >The smile on her face was... well it was a smile, but a scary looking one. >Must be nervous. >Celestia begins. >TIA: "Mares and Gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to witness the union of two ponies deeply in love: Princess Mi Amore Cadence, and Shining Armor." >The wedding was going well enough. >TIA: "Do you, Princess Mi Amore Cadence, take Shining Armor to be your husband?" >CAD: "I do." >TIA: "And do you, Shining Armor, take Princess Mi Amore Cadence to be your wife?" >SHINE: "I do." >TIA: "Then it is with great pleasure that I pronounce you-" >"STOP!" >The crowd gasps as Twilight bursts into the wedding chapel, along side... >Princess Cadence? >A very ragged, bedraggled Princess Cadence. >CAD: "Shining Armor, get away from her! She's not me! She's a-" >Green light bursts through the room as the Cadence getting married transforms into a tall, insectoid-like pony, holes riddling her body. >CHRY: "A changeling? My my, now you've gone and spoiled the fun." >The crowd shrieks in horror and panics, running from the room in a stampede. >You break away from the group, Applejack alongside you and snatch up Applebloom, holding her tightly in your arms as she asks over and over about what's going on. >Stay calm. >Make sure your family is safe. >The changeling queen rants and raves about how they feast on love. How Canterlot is absolutely filled to the brim with it. >How they'll devour every last bit of it, then move on to the rest of Equestria. >You don't know much about devouring love or changelings, but you know the bad guys when you see them. >You whisper to Applejack. "AJ, I need you to stay perfectly calm. I'm leaving." >AJ: "What?!" "Shh! I'm leaving to grab my gear, and then come back here. If I'm right, Celestia will send you six for the elements of harmony. I'll take Applebloom with me to make sure she's alright." >AJ: "Anon, are you sure?" >... "Sometimes we have to leave the things we love most to make sure they stay safe. Besides, how bad could it be?" >As Celestia confronts the Queen, you swing Applebloom onto your back and sprint from the chapel, racing to the spire you stayed in. >BLOOM: "Anon, what's goin' on? What happened to th'princess?" "I'm not sure Applebloom, but right now I need to make sure you're safe and sound, alright?" >You race up the stone steps and make it to your room. >Flinging open the chest, you sling your bow and quiver onto yourself, placing Applebloom on your bed. >You take your knife and sheathe it to your boot, put on your arm bracer, and then pick Applebloom back up and put her into the chest. "Okay, listen to very carefully Applebloom. I'm not going to lie to you, bad things are about to happen." >BLOOM: "Why do ya have yer bow on?" >You can see tears in her eyes as she continues to be confused at the events that keep happening. >You give her a hug and look at her, calmly. "I'm going to go help your sister and her friends. Everything is going to be fine. I promise. But until then, I need you to hide here in this chest. I'm locking the room behind me, and whatever you do, do NOT come out unless it's me or your sister." >BLOOM: "Should... should we have a password?" >You smile at the filly. Still as bright as ever. "Sure, squirt. That's a perfect idea. How about 'dessert?' Does that work?" >Applebloom nods and sniffles a bit. "Okay, I'm going to go now. Stay here, everything is going to be fine. Remember, only come out is it's me or Applejack. Otherwise, don't move." >You race to the door and lock it behind you, exiting the spire once more. >Your gaze is brought to the sky as the force field around Canterlot erupts into pieces, and a storm of changelings rage into the air above you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ml4HylhHFGk&list=PL57D670407B24FA85&feature=mh_lolz >You break out into a sprint. The wedding chapel was about 500 yards from where you were. Your advancement would only get impeded if these things could use magic as well as fly. >Green bolts of energy fly around you as ponies dash and scuttle everywhere in panic. >Yep. >Magic. >In the distance you can make out Applejack and her friends racing towards the tower where the Elements are kept, battling changelings as they go. >Good, they were making a push. >Suddenly these things are all around you, flying at ponies and unicorns alike, snarling and barring they're razor sharp fangs. >You take your bow in hand, nocking an arrow and getting ready as you continue to run. >A changeling lands ahead of you and fires shots at you. You tuck and roll, drawing an arrow back as you recover and send it into one of it's eyes, green blood spewing from the impact point. It flails limply then fall dead. >You don't stop to consider what you've done. You just make a beeline for the chapel as fast as you can, dropping changeling after changeling that gets in your way. >As you draw your bow to take down a changeling in flight, one lands on your back and sinks its teeth into your shoulder, searing pain shooting through your body. >You cry out in pain, but grab the thing by the head and slam it to the ground, stabbing it in the neck with your arrow. >You get to your feet and keep running. >You had to keep running after all. >In the distance, you can see that a battalion of changelings are leading the mane six back to the chapel. >Fuck. >FUCK. >You pick up the pace, but you're still a ways from them. >Suddenly the wind is knocked from you as a changeling tackles you from the side, blindsiding you. >You wrestle on the ground with the insectoid little fucker, trying to pry him off of you. >A sudden flash of blue and yellow slams into the changeling, sending it flying off of you. >Scrambling to your feet, you see that whoever saved you is one of the Wonderbolt's. "Thanks." >"No problem dude. You 'aight?" "Yeah, yeah I'm fine. Listen, uh-" >"Soarin'." "Soarin', right. Listen, can you help me out?" >"Hey man, I was just here to do a flight show for the happy couple. Soon as all Tartaraus broke, I've doing nothin' BUT help. What'cha need man?" >You look to the chapel, and remember the skylight in the roof. "I need you to take me to the roof of the chapel. Think you can do that?" >Soarin' gives a quick salute and grabs one of your hand with a hoof. >"Hold onto your flank, dude." >The two of you take off into the air, weaving in and out of changeling fire as you make your way to the chapel. >"Alright man, what's the plan?" "Drop me right on the skylight!" >"That thing is made out of glass, you know? That shit can hurt if you fall through it." "Noted." >"Not happening. I'm coming with ya." >He tosses you onto his back. You're bigger than him, but he flies like nothing's holding him down. >He dives towards the skylight of the chapel, and you fire an arrow straight towards it, shattering the glass windows as the two of you land in the chapel, battle positions at the ready. >Before you can do anything though, a bright, pink light rocks through the chapel from where Shining Armor and Cadence are standing. The light launches the changeling queen along with her army, straight our of Canterlot and into the badlands and desert. >"...wait it's over?" >You and Soarin' stand awkwardly in the middle of the aisle, your bow drawn half way and his mane furrowed up. >You drop the bow when you see Applejack though, and the two of you catch each other in a hug. >AJ: "Anon! Ah thought it was... Ah thought you were... DON'T EVER DO THAT AGAIN." >You laugh and hug her tighter, kissing her with wild abandon as your relief over her safety. >AJ: "Where- Where's Applebloom?" "Safe. She's just fine. We'll go for her in a minute. Just... just give me a second, okay?" >She nods as you get to your feet and walk back over to Soarin'. >SOAR: "Dude, that was sick. Really man, we make a pretty good team." "Thanks. Never thought I'd ride a pegasus into a wedding before, but I have a way of surprising even myself." >Before you can do anything else, you feel a presence behind you and see Princess Celestia, covered in green goo from the pod she was being held in. "So, did we win? I mean, they beat them, right?" >TIA: "Cadence and Shining Armor did indeed save Canterlot from Chrysalis and her minions." >SOAR: "What's a Chrysalis?" >TIA: "But this is far from over, Anon. Far from it." >She turns to Applejack and the rest of the mane six. >TIA: "She won't stop, not when she was able to get this close. She'll be back, and with the full force of her armada. Chrysalis isn't one for giving up so lightly." >SOAR: "Seriously what's a Chrysalis?" >TIA: "Twilight, I must ask that you and your friends stay in Canterlot in order to protect it from the changeling armies. You six are the only ponies that can harness the full potential of the Elements of Harmony." >Twilight and the rest stand pridefully at their leader. >TWI: "You can count on us, your highness." >Celestia nods and looks at Applejack. >TIA: "I know you will not approve of what I am about to do, Applejack, but you have to realize that I must." >AJ: "What? What are ya talkin' about, yer highness?" >Celestia turns to you and Soarin' her gaze stony and stern. >TIA: "Anonymous, do you remember what you told me those few months ago? That you would do anything to protect your family and friends?" >You nod slowly, trying to find out what she's getting at. >TIA: "Then you will understand when I ask that you enlist in our army and fight for us." "I... of course. Yes, I'd be honored to fight for us. This is my home, after all." >AJ: "Princess, why would Ah be upset at Anon joinin' th'army. Ah'm sure he'd do a mighty fine job at defendin' Canterlot." >TIA: "Because, Applejack, he won't be defending Canterlot." >You raise an eyebrow to the princess, and Applejack lowers her ears. >AJ: "But... then where would he go?" >Celestia looks to the mane six, then back to you. >TIA: "The front lines." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec0XKhAHR5I ~End of Chapter 6~