Friendship is Magic: The Seventh Element

by Master Mr B

"When the sixth element is revealed, a special element can appear that is a combination of the other six. It serves as the controller that bounds the power if the six elements together. But nobody, not even the royal sisters, have ever uncovered this...Seventh Element..." Follow my OC as he takes part in the adventures of FiM. And possibly win the heart of Twilight Sparkle...

54. Canterlot Wedding Part 2

Canterlot Wedding Part 2

Pony's Log Number 226: It just goes to show you that love is one of the most powerful forces in the universe...

As said before, I don't do the "previously on My Little Pony segments".

(Main theme)

Somewhere inside of a dark underground cavern, Twilight was using her horn to survey the area, but it was too dark for her to see much of anything in what seemed like a vast area surrounded by darkness.

"Hello? Is anyone there?" Twilight asked timidly, her voice echoing as she spoke, but there was no reply as she continued to look around the area. Twilight then walked right into a wall, or more specifically, the side of a large crystal wall that showed her reflection on it. It was then Twilight heard sinister laughter and nervously looked around to find the source as she took a step back to figure out where she was. It was then her reflection changed into that of Cadance, who looked at the purple pony sinisterly.

"The caves beneath Canterlot, once home to greedy unicorns who wanted to claim the gems that could be found inside," Cadance explained, "and now, your prison." Cadance then disappeared from the mirror walls as Twilight fearfully ran off toward a larger rock mirror as Cadance looked at her sinisterly again.

"Help! Help!" Twilight cried out as Cadance just laughed at her as she reappeared before Twilight in three mirrored walls.

"It's no use," Cadance gloated, "No one can hear you. And no one will ever think to look for you, either. Most ponies have forgotten that these caves even exist, which is why they are the ideal place to keep the ones who try to interfere with my plans." Twilight became more afraid and flinched when Cadance's face disappeared again as the alicorn laughed at her.

"Plans? What plans?" Twilight asked.

"The plans I have for your brother, of course," Cadance answered. Twilight gasped in shock.

"Don't you dare do anything to be brother, you...you monster!" Twilight yelled angrily as she made her horn glow brighter.

"Only way to stop me is to catch me!" Cadance said amusingly and laughed at Twilight again, "Over here!" Twilight then saw dozens of images of Cadance from the mirrored walls before they disappeared and Cadance reappeared from another mirror, laughing at Twilight. Twilight became angry as she gritted her teeth and fired a magic blast at the image just as it disappeared and turned into her own. The blast reflected off the mirrored walls. Twilight barely jumped out of the way to avoid being hit.

"Nope, over here!" Cadance taunted as she appeared on the ground beneath Twilight's hooves and then in several crystals about the cavern. Twilight angrily blasted each crystal into smithereens as Cadance continued to taunt her. Twilight then charged her horn at full power before unleashing a massive blast at a nearby crystal wall, shattering it into pieces. Behind the wall was...Cadance and Mario?!

However, this Cadance had a messy mane and tail, and looked rather battered. Mario was in the same condition. Twilight glared menacingly at the both of them.

"No! Wait!" Real Cadance shouted as she raised her fore-hooves into the air in front of her.

"Whoa! Hold your fire!" Mario shouted as he stood in front of the alicorn.

"Ugh!" Real Cadance and Mario grunted as Twilight tackled them both the ground. In a tussle that only lasted seconds, Mario was sent flying into a nearby crystal wall and Twilight had Cadance pinned to the floor on her back.

"Please! Don't hurt me!" Real Cadance pleaded as she trembled fearfully, "Twilight, it's me! You have to believe me. I've been imprisoned like you. The Cadance who brought you down here was an imposter."

"Likely story!" said Twilight as she glared at the alicorn skeptically.

"She's telling the truth," said Mario, who had now recovered, "The Cadance up there is a fake!"

"And why should I believe you!?" Twilight yelled, "When I went to confront her, you turned your back on me and told me to get lost!" Mario was taken aback.

"I would never do that to you," said Mario gently, "I love you, Twilight! I give you my solemn word that what that Mario said was not me!" Twilight glared and pouted.

"Look, whatever you plan on doing to Cadance," said Mario, "Do it to me instead! Just please, spare my big sister!" Twilight paused for a moment, still unsure that either of them were telling the truth.

"Mario..." said Real Cadance as he looked at her. She shook her head as she sat up and then whispered something to him.

"Alright," said Mario quietly as they both stood before Twilight.

"Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake," Real Cadance and Mario as they both did the dance, "Clap your hooves..."

"...and do a little shake," Twilight finished as she sang along with the two.

"You remember me!" said Twilight and she then looked at Mario, "and only the real Mario would swallow his pride to do a dance like that for me." Mario blushed shyly as Real Cadance chuckled.

"Of course I do," Real Cadance replied, "How could I forget the filly I love to sit for the most?" Twilight then jumped into real Cadance's fore-hooves as the embraced each other happily. Mario just smiled.

"Hey, get in here!" said Real Cadance as Mario hugged the two mares close as well.

"So tell me, Mario," said Twilight, "how did you get down here?"

"I went to Shining Armor's house last night to speak to him about Cadance," said Mario, "When the door opened, Cadance, who I know now was fake, answered the door. I tried to confront her, but she shot a magic blast at me. It felt like she was trying to take something out of me, but I was able to resist. However, the magic was too strong and I passed out afterward. I guess she figured to just dispose of me because when I woke up I was down here but in a different part of the caverns. It was when I was burrowing and blasting my way about that I stumbled upon the real Cadance..."

Several hours earlier

Real Cadance was just sitting on the floor, sniffling to herself sadly when she felt the ground rumble high up above her, she was then surprised to see one of the crystal walls above her open a good forty feet above her.

"I've got you now you...HOOO-WAAAAAAAAAAA...UGH!" Mario had apparently tried to pounce at one of the mirror images when the wall opened, letting Mario charge through the hole and into the open air. He then dropped like a rock with a loud THUD below as the sinister laughing echoed around the prison as the opening shut so it was like the opening had never existed. Real Cadance winced when Mario made his landing. Mario felt dazed for a moment before shaking his head and saw the alicorn.

"You!" Mario snarled as he leaned his head low and growled at her menacingly.

"Stay back! Don't hurt me!" Real Cadance pleaded as she leaned herself against the wall. She didn't recognize the stallion growling at her.

"Oh now you're afraid of me!" Mario barked angrily, "Well maybe you'll think twice before treating me like dirt and then blasting me unconscious with your magic!"

"Please, that wasn't me!" Real Cadance pleaded, "I don't even know who you are!"

"Of course you don't remember me anymore!" Mario yelled, tears were now flowing down his face as his voice broke, "You just went up to do your studies overseas and completely forgot about me! You were the one who wrote me out of your life! You're a lair, a cheat, and a swindler! That's what you are! Build up a little colt's hopes that he's somepony special and then smash all that hope into pieces you...you...YOU MONSTER!" Mario couldn't stand his ground anymore as he plopped to the ground and wept bitterly. Real Cadance was taken aback. If what he said hadn't helped jog her memory, the way he lay on the ground weeping reminded her of when she first met him as a three year old colt.

"Mario...is...is that you?" Real Cadance asked as she approached him. Mario lifted his head, hot tears still pouring out of his eyes at her looked at her bitterly.

"Who'd you think it was? Princess Luna?" Mario retorted sarcastically as he continued cry.

"Mario, I'm so sorry," said Real Cadance, "I'm so sorry that I lost touch with you. I love you, my little brother."

"Why should I believe you?" Mario asked with a cracking voice, his tears hadn't slowed down just yet. Real Cadance then pulled him close with her wing, just like she did all those years ago.

"Because I think your very special," said Real Cadance sweetly. Mario smiled as he held her for dear life and cried harder as Cadance held him protectively.

Back in the present

"Wow...you're confrontation with Cadance was far more emotional than mine," said Twilight, "But what about the lack of communication between you two?"

"Turns out that Cadance had been sending me letters and packages all this time," said Mario, "the problem was that the mail service overseas was unreliable. Cadance didn't even learn until a few weeks ago that the Equestrian Border security had confiscated everything she had sent to me. Plus it didn't help that I had left Canterlot and moved to Ponyville. So...she's been trying to reach out to me this whole time. She had never forgotten me."

"I could never forget such a special friend and little brother," said real Cadance, "I mean look at you. Despite the rugged appearance, you grew up to be so handsome." Mario blushed and smiled sheepishly at the comment.

"I bet all the mares and fillies are after you," Real Cadance added.

"No kidding," said Twilight, not hiding her jealousy, "Three of my friends all have crushes on him and three little fillies are practically smitten over him!"

"And yet, I chose to date you out of all of them," Mario remarked. Real Cadance looked at the two and squealed excitedly.

"I knew it! I knew it!" said Real Cadance talking like a young teenager, "I knew you two were totally perfect for each other! But Celestia was, like, no Cadance, I know you foalsit the two of them, but let them meet on their own. I never believed that you two would cross paths without my help, but...wow! You actually did and now you are dating each other?! SQUEE!" She clapped her fore-hooves together happily.

"Yeah," said Mario as he gave Twilight a smile, "I fell in love with her." Twilight giggled as she blushed and looked away.

"Do you love him?" Real Cadance asked. Twilight felt her mouth turn dry and Mario even looked away since he didn't want to pressure Twilight to answer.

"I...um...I...well..." Twilight was then interrupted as the three ponies heard sinister laughter above them. Real Cadance looked around until she saw something sparkling in the distance.

"We have to get out of here," said Twilight with a determined look on her face as she stood on a nearby rock, "We have to stop her!"

"You're right, Twi," said Mario, "The wedding is gonna start soon! We need to find the exit and find it fast!" Mario then curled into a ball, revved up and took off at high speed. Real Cadance watched him zoom away as she ran ahead of Twilight. Twilight wasted no time following behind them.

"I knew Mario was fast, but exactly how fast has he become?" Real Cadance asked Twilight as she ran side by side with the purple pony.

"Last time I measured, about Mach 1.6," Twilight answered as Real Cadance gave an impressive whistle.

"Cool," Real Cadance replied before leaning into Twilight's ear, "By the way, I know the answer to my other question is yes. I hope you'll tell him someday." Twilight just blushed.

"Me too." But Twilight only said it to herself as the three ponies made their way down the caverns as more evil laughter was heard.

Back at the castle, which was still under the protection of the force field. The Fake Cadance was preparing for what had now become her wedding day. She couldn't help but sing about how well her master plan was coming along.

[Fake Cadance - She approached her mirror, now wearing her wedding dress as she tucked a rose into her floral crown. She openly mocked the fact that everypony would be admiring her as a dark smile appeared on her face as her eyes glowed a shade of green and blue.]

This day is going to be perfect
The kind of day of which I've dreamed since I was small
Everypony will gather 'round
Say I look lovely in my gown
What they don't know is that I have fooled them all!

[Real Cadance - She ran about the cavern as she was viewed through a large blue gem. She then sat down with her head low as Twilight and Mario looked at her with worry and concern. As she sang, she looked at her reflection from the crystals as Twilight put a fore-hoof on her shoulder and Mario gave her a soft hug.]

This day was going to be perfect
The kind of day of which I've dreamed since I was small
But instead of having cake
With all my friends to celebrate
My wedding bells, they may not ring for me at all.

[Fake Cadance - She stomped about the room as she admitted to not caring about anything involving the wedding. She then bucked a basket of apples before walking up to a mannequin, tipping the top hat into the air and blasting it into ashes that fell onto the floor. She then stomped the ashes as the room looked up at the ceiling, panned around 360 degrees, and she continued to sing boldly while looking at herself in the mirror with a single evil eye.]

I could care less about the dress
I won't partake in any cake
Vows, well I'll be lying when I say

That through any kind of weather
I'll want us to be together
The truth is I don't care for him at all

No I do not love the groom
In my heart there is no room
But I still want him to be all mine

[Real Cadance - She stopped running to catch her breath as Twilight and Mario ran past her. As she caught up with the two ponies, they are both looking around frantically about the caverns. Then the three ponies ran side by side before they find a mine cart that led further down the caverns via a very dangerous track. Mario and Twilight were weary about using it as Cadance ran up to it. The two ponies watched as she tried desperately to make the cart move but can't make the cart budge and starts to cry. Mario and Twilight smiled as they used their magic to clear away the rocks and then they helped Real Cadance inside of the cart. They then pushed the cart to get it rolling as Real Cadance made a definitive pose before the cart rolled down a long spiral of track.]

We must escape before it's too late
Find a way to save the day
Hope, I'll be lying if I say

"I don't feat that I may lose him
To one who wants to use him
Not care for, love, and cherish him each day"

For I oh so love the groom
All my thoughts he does consume
Oh, Shining Armor, I'll be there very soon

We now take a brief pause of our featured song to bring you...

(cue DKC's Mine Cart Madness theme)

As the three ponies made their way down the track, they then saw the track begin to rise and fall and was broken in various places. Real Cadance and Twilight gasped with worry.

"Don't worry," said Mario, "I know what to do." Mario then used his horn to control the cart as he made the kart jump over the broken gaps and to different sections of track to keep them from falling from the abyss. The further they went, the shorter and more broken up the tracks became. In fact, some of the tracks had overturned carts on them to make jumping and avoiding a crash very difficult unless you had precise timing. Real Cadance was most impressed.

"You're really good at this," she remarked.

"Thank the parkour," said Mario, "I do it regularly with Twilight for exercise and to increase my agility. Anyway, we should be close to the...dead end?!" Their cart then hit a buffer making the three ponies go flying out of the cart.

(end Mine Cart Madness - back to our featured song)

Twilight and Mario look down fearfully as they held onto Cadance.

"If only I had a pair of my magic wings right now!" Mario yelped, but then noticed that they weren't falling. Cadance had opened her wings and flew them across the wide chasm.

[Fake Cadance - The doors opened as the wedding ceremony was about to begin. The Cutie Mark Crusaders, who had been chosen as the flower girls, began spreading the flower pedals on the floor as she made her way down the aisle with an evil smile on her face and approached the altar.]

Finally the moment has arrived
For me to be one lucky bride

[Real Cadance - Inside another part of the caverns as they find solid ground, she continues to sing.]

Oh, the wedding we won't make
He'll end up marrying a fake
Shining Armor will be...

"...mine, all mine," said Fake Cadance with an evil laugh as she cut off her real counterpart. Shining Armor could be seen waiting for her at the altar. His green colored eyes and dorky smile were a clear sign he was now under Fake Cadance's evil spell.

The most ironic detail was that nopony took notice of Shining Armor's condition.

By now the royal wedding had begun, the mane five were standing to the left of Fake Cadance while Shining Armor had Mario (or Fake Mario to be precise) at his right with Shenran and the other groomsmen.

"Mares and gentlecolts," said Princess Celestia, "we are gathered here today to witness the union of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Shining Armor." Meanwhile, down below in the caverns, Real Cadance, Twilight and Mario were still looking for a way out.

"Oh, we're never going to save him," said Real Cadance as she began to tear up and leaned against what was clearly a blocked up path. Twilight and Mario looked up at her sadly.

"We can't give up," said Mario to Twilight, "We have to find a way. We can make it!"

"We will," said Twilight, "We just have to find..." Twilight looked up until she saw a sparkle high above her, "There!" Mario looked up and smiled as Twilight teleported the three of them to the higher ledge.

"You're not going anywhere," said three voices in creepy unison. The three ponies gasped to see Minuette, Twinkleshine, and Lyra wearing their wedding dresses and donning green eyes and sinister smiles.

"Sweet Celestia, they've been enchanted!" Mario said with a fright.

Back at the main hall, the wedding was just about to be wrapped up.

"Princess Cadance and Shining Armor," said Princess Celestia proudly as Fake Cadance smiled while Shining Armor looked spaced out and exhausted, "it is my great pleasure to pronounce you-"

"STOP!" somepony shouted. Everypony turned to see Twilight standing at the entrance of the double door. The ponies began to chatter about, Rainbow and Applejack looked worried, Rarity face-hoofed herself and shook her head, Spike just lowered his own head in annoyance, and Fake Mario growled at her.

"Ugh! Why does she have to be so possessive of her brother?" Fake Cadance snorted until she saw Princess Celestia and the others looking at her. She blinked before quickly putting on her sobbing act, "Why does she have to ruin my special day?"

"Oh go cry me a river you witch!" somepony retorted boldly, making the ponies gasp as Mario appeared beside Twilight with a stern look on his face. Fake Cadance stopped crying as Fake Mario looked at him menacingly. The mane five gasped.

"Wait, how can there be two Marios?" Applejack asked puzzled.

"Oh! Oh! Oh! If Twilight takes one, can I have the other?" Pinkie asked hopefully until she noticed everyone staring at her and the sound of a cricket chirping could be heard.

"Ah, heh, heh...never mind," said Pinkie sheepishly.

"To answer your question," said another voice, "because it's not your special day! It's mine!" Mario and Twilight stepped aside for Real Cadance to appear before them. Everypony gasped at the sight, including Fake Cadance who blinked.

"What? But how did you escape from my bridesmaids?" Fake Cadance demanded. Twilight, Mario, and Cadance just smirked as a flashback showed them being corned by the three enchanted bridesmaids.

"Uhh...we're going to have to turn battle them aren't we?" Mario asked Twilight wearily.

"Turn battle?" Real Cadance asked.

"Mario came up with it," Twilight explained, "It allows him to defend himself, especially around mares and fillies who want to beat him up."

"Clever," said Real Cadance, "but that won't be necessary." She then picked up her wedding bouquet. The three girls immediately took interest as Cadance tossed the bouquet down another cavern path.

"I want it!" the three girls shouted as they went after it. The three ponies exchanged smiles with each other. The view was then returned to the present as the three ponies stared down Fake Cadance and Fake Mario.

"Hmph, clever," Fake Cadance replied as Fake Mario smirked at them evilly, "But you're still too late."

"I-I don't understand," said Applejack puzzled, "How can there be two of 'em, Princesses and Marios?"

"Oh for crying out loud!" Fake Mario bellowed, "I'm Mario Star and this is Princess Mi Amore Cadenza! It's as plain as day!"

"No...I'm Mario Star," said Mario plainly.

"No, I'm Mario Star!" Fake Mario shouted.

"I'm Mario Star!"

"I'm Mario Star!"

"So...who's the real Mario Star?" Princess Celestia asked as the two look a-likes got into each other's face.

"I AM!" they both shouted as they pointed a fore-hoof at themselves.

"Don't let this imposter fool you!" Fake Mario shouted, "it's clear as day they are the threat on Canterlot trying to pose as friends and royalty!" Everypony just looked at them and at each other and murmured to each other. Twilight groaned.

"Look, somepony ask both of them a question that only the real Mario would know the answer to," said Twilight. The mane five pondered when Rainbow got an idea and flew over to both Marios.

"Listen, I hate to tell you this but..." said Rainbow hesitantly, "Twilight said that she doesn't love you. She will never love you and she wants to break up." Twilight gave a whimper as her bottom lip quivered. Real Cadance wasted no time pulling her close to calm her down. One Mario lowered his head while the other looked indignant.

"Pft! Whatever, there are plenty of fish in the sea," Fake Mario replied before smirking, "Now that I'm available, wanna go out beautiful? YAH!" Rainbow then pounced the fake Mario to the floor.

"You're the FAKE!" Rainbow yelled, "The real Mario Star would be too devastated if Twilight ever broke up with him! Now who are you?!"

"HISSSS!" the fake Mario hissed menacingly.

"EEEK!" Rainbow shrieked as she rushed to her friends fearfully as the fake Mario rose to his feet.

"She and that fake are changelings," Real Cadance explained, "They take the form of somepony you love and gain power by feeding off your love for them." Fake Mario and Fake Cadance both exchanged looks before they summoned green flames of magic energy around them, causing them to reveal their true forms. The Fake Mario revealed himself to look like a very skinny hybrid of a pony and a wasp, but with some shades of red on its back and purple wings. (His name would in the future be discovered to be Pharynx.) Fake Cadance looked like a large version of a ultra skinny alicorn with insect-like wings and very straight hair with green-blue eyes and fang-like teeth. The black crown on her head showing she was royalty to some degree. The crowd gasped at their original forms.

"Okay...I'd never thought I'd ever say this about any mare," Mario said to nopony in particular, "but...she is ugly!" Nopony disagreed as the alicorn sized changeling flashed her fangs and laughed wickedly.

"Right you are, Princess," said the alicorn-sized changeling, whose name was learned later to be Chrysalis, "And as queen of the changelings, it is up to me to find food for my subjects. Equestria has more love than any place I've ever encountered. My fellow changelings will be able to devour so much of it that we will gain more power than we have ever dreamed of!" As Chrysalis explained her plan, Cadance and Mario glared as the rest of the ponies listened in utter horror, especially as the changeling queen got into Cadance's face.

"They'll never get the chance!" Cadance shot back, "Shining Armor's protection spell will keep them from ever even reaching us!" Chrysalis chuckled.

"Oh, I doubt that," said Chrysalis as she made her horn glow, "Isn't that right dear?"

"Mm-hmm," said Shining Armor blankly. Cadance in shock as Mario growled.

"Oh yeah," said Mario as he spin jumped into the air and went for a homing attack, but Chrysalis swatted Mario away, "Oomph!" Mario landed on his back.

"Okay...no more using that move as my first strike," said Mario, slightly dazed as Twilight helped him up to his hooves. Cadance then tried to make a charge, but Chrysalis blocked her way.

"Ah, ah, ah. Don't want to go to the caves, now do you?" Chrysalis warned as she made her horn glow, making Cadance step back, "Ever since I took your place, I've been feeding off Shining Armor's love for you. Every moment he grows weaker and so does his spell. Even now, my minions are chipping away at it." Just outside the barrier, a huge swarm consisting of probably hundreds and even thousands of changelings were charging, swatting, and stomping on the force field, laughing as they did so. The other elite ponies looked up in horror as Chrysalis laughed.

"He may not be my husband," said Chrysalis as Twilight and Mario watched her as the changeling queen walked around Shining Armor, "but he is under my total control now." Mario, Twilight, and Cadance gasped.

"And I'm sorry to say, unable to perform his duties," Chrysalis added.

"Not my Shining Armor!" said Cadance in desperation as she extended a fore-hoof to reach out to him.

"Soon, my changeling army will break through," Chrysalis continued as she hovered in the air, "First, we take Canterlot. And then, all of Equestria!"

"No, you won't," said a voice behind her sternly. Chrysalis turned around to see Princess Celestia standing right behind her. In all her bragging, she had forgotten that the alicorn Princess was there.

"You may have made it impossible for Shining Armor to perform his spell," said Princess Celestia sternly, "but now you have so foolishly revealed your true self, I can protect my subjects from you!" The two then locked horns aggressively.

"You show 'em, Mom!" Mario cheered as Princess Celestia hovered into the air and fired a strong magic blast. Chrysalis fired back with her own magic blast. The two blasts crashed into each other. Chrysalis was easily overwhelmed, but then she summoned more energy for herself and within seconds, her magic blast overpowered Celestia as the blast hit the alicorn's horn. Princess Celestia gasped as the magic reached horn and the blasts exploded, which knocked off her crown as she tumbled to the floor with her horn badly burnt. Everypony gasped as tears streamed from Mario's widened eyes.

"MOMMA!" Mario cried out in anguish.

"Princess Celestia!" Twilight cried as she and Mario rushed over to her. The rest of the mane five gathered around the injured alicorn.

"Ah! Shining Armor's love for you is even stronger than I thought!" Chrysalis boasted, "Consuming it has made me more powerful than Celestia!"

"The Elements of Harmony," Princess Celestia said weakly to the mane seven as Twilight and Mario stood next her, "You must get to them and use their power to defeat the queen." Twilight then stood up as she shared a firm and determined nod with the rest of the girls.

"What about you, Mom?" Mario asked, eyes full of tears.

"Be strong my son," said Princess Celestia, "Use your wits instead of your anger and you will succeed." Mario then narrowed his eyes in determination as he wiped them with his fore-leg.

"I'll meet you girls outside," said Mario firmly before he took off.

"Mario wait!" Twilight called out.

"Just trust him, girls," said Shenran as he appeared before them and said quietly, "Follow me, I know a shortcut to the Elements Chamber." The others didn't bother to protest or give Fluttershy a hard time about Shenran joining the group. He quickly turned away as Applejack, Pinkie, Rainbow, and Fluttershy tossed off their bridesmaid dresses and then raced out of the main room. Rarity, still dressed, caught the dresses before they could hit the ground and was struggling to figure out where to put them.

"Rarity!" the rest of the girls called out. The marshmallow mare just then dumped the dresses on the floor and quickly removed hers before leaving the main room as Chrysalis hovered up to the entrance door, laughing at them.

"You can run, but you can't hide!" Chrysalis taunted. The rest of the mane six, with Shenran leading the way, exit the castle when they noticed a green pipe appear at a forty-five degree angle. Mario launched from it, front-flipped as he reached the peak of his jump, before curling into a ball for a soft landing as he ran next to Shenran. They took notice that Mario had his special saddle bag as well as a high tech visor on his head.

"What's that?" Shenran asked.

"Targeting visor," said Mario, "it lets me target enemies with my eye movements and fire homing blasts at them with my magic! I can also target multiple enemies with just one magic blast too!"

"Nice," said Shenran when he and the mane seven heard more laughter from the changelings outside the force field. Twilight and Mario looked up to see them continuing to bash at it, causing parts of the force field to crack. Then a group of changelings did a simultaneous ground pound on the top, causing it to finally shatter, making Canterlot rumble as the shield completely crumbled and left it open for the changeling swarm. The changelings wasted no time creating front barriers around their heads as they began to dive at the eight ponies.

"Go, go!" Twilight called out as the eight ponies kept moving.

"Code red! Code red!" Shenran ordered to some of the guards nearby as he kept running, "defensive positions now! Let's move, move, move!" The guards obeyed and went to pass the word to rest of the troops as the eight ponies continued on their way. It was then the changelings crash landed around them, nearly causing the eight ponies to scatter.

"Okay, time to see if this visor does its job," said Mario as he looked back and used his eyes to target several changelings at once. He then charged his horn and fired. The magic blast split up, homing at all of the changelings and getting a direct hit at all of them. By now Twilight was running side by side with Mario and Shenran.

"Great shot!" Twilight called out, but Mario could only target so many incoming changelings at once as several more came dive bombing at them in quick session. Then one landed in front of Twilight, making her and the rest of the group stop running. The changelings hissed at her menacingly. Twilight was stunned for a moment before she stomped his head, knocking him out, and then the group went on their way. They quickly made their way up some stairs.

"Uh-oh," said Shenran worried as the rest of the group stopped behind him. There before them was a large swarm of changelings waiting for them and blocking their path to the Elements of Harmony. Shenran grabbed his dual swords and crossed them defensively in front of the group. Mario hunched down, gritting his teeth, ready to target and attack. The rest of the group looked worried and concerned, except for Rainbow.

"Looks like we're gonna have to do this the hard way," said Rainbow as she clapped her fore-hooves together. She then stood before a changeling, which quickly made itself look like Rainbow and mirrored her for a few seconds before jabbing the real Rainbow, knocking back the blue Pegasus. It was then all the changelings started changing themselves to look likes of the eight ponies, fortunately none of them could duplicate Shenran's swords. They all gasped.

"How did you..." Rainbow asked in shock.

"They're changelings, remember?" Twilight pointed out.

"They're changelings, remember?" the fake Twilight's repeated to sound just like the purple pony.

"Don't let them distract you," said Twilight, "We have to get to the Elements of Harmony."

"Right, are you ready, buddy?" Shenran asked to Mario. Mario did a twirl on his hind legs and crossed his fore-legs.

"It'sa Mario time!" he chanted as he looked at the fake copies of them menacingly. Twilight then squatted down as the others did the same before they pounced into the air, ready to rumble. The changelings mimicked their poses, but showed much more aggressive faces. They then made contact with each other as dust clouds filled the air.

The battle had begun!

Two flashes showed that Pinkie and Applejack had been struck and had taken damage. Mario then began to scan and targeting multiple changelings at once before launching blast after blast at them, knocking them all out in one shot.

"You're mine," Mario said confidently as he shot another magic blast, hitting a large number of changelings at once, knocking them out. Shenran, rather than used his swords against the duplicates, used his hand-to-hand combat skills to fight, Using wit and his other senses, he tricked several changeling into attacking him. Some missed him completely and fell on their faces, others he managed to use their momentum against them. Either way, no changeling could touch Shenran. Twilight then attacked a fake Applejack with a magic blast of her own. Fluttershy was soon overwhelmed when several fake Fluttershys approached her from the side. Fluttershy panicked for a moment before she made an aggressive face and commanded the other's elsewhere. The fake Fluttershys just looked at each other and ran off. Fluttershy then ran off in the other direction until she found herself surrounded by four fake Rainbows. They growled at her, making Fluttershy cower down. Then the real Rainbow appeared and punched the fakes away. She then helped Fluttershy to her hooves as the yellow Pegasus hovered beside her.

Elsewhere, Mario found himself being surrounded by a couple dozen changelings despite blasting away so many on his own. Mario growled as he found them closing in on him.

"Oh no, I'm completely surrounded," Mario said in mock worry as the fakes went to pounce him, but the fakes were surprised to see that Mario had jumped high into the air as they were in a dog...err...changeling pile.

"POINT OF IMPACT!" Mario shouted as he raised a fore-hoof and went for a splashdown.

SLAM!

The impact sent the entire pile of changelings flying as Mario smirked triumphantly. It was then Twilight and Applejack found themselves being pushed back to back against the other as some fakes surrounded them. Applejack growled at the other fakes, but then was shocked to see the Twilight behind her was fake as it revealed its true form.

"Okay, this is just gettin' weird," Applejack remarked as the changelings tackled her to the ground. Close by, the real Twilight pinned down a fake version of herself and used her horn to make the changeling reveal its true form and left it dazed. Twilight then saw poor Applejack being buried alive by a number of fake Applejacks. Twilight then magic blasted them off one by one before picking up the real Applejack at the bottom with her magic.

"Real me! Real me!" Applejack called out as Twilight set the orange pony back on her hooves.

Shenran then continued to battle changelings until he found himself bucked from behind, knocking him to the ground as the fakes surrounded him. Fluttershy saw him surrounded by fake versions of herself.

"Shenran!" she cried out. Suddenly Fluttershy growled at them angrily and found her courage.

"Hi-ya!" Fluttershy cried out as she karate kicked two fakes away.

"Ha!" Fluttershy cried as she back flipped and bucked two more away with her hind hooves. She then jumped over Shenran, grabbed two fakes and crashed their heads together to knock them out. She then turned to Shenran and helped him to his hooves before giving him a cheek kiss.

"No pony messes with my stallion," Fluttershy said confidently and flew off. Shenran smiled, feeling empowered as he charged off to keep fighting.

Then Pinkie was standing before a changeling as it shifted from Rarity, to Rainbow, and then to Fluttershy.

"Do me! Do me!" Pinkie giggled. The fake Fluttershy rolled her eyes before it changed into her and smiled.

"Meh, I've seen better," said Pinkie unamused as she grabbed Twilight as she saw Mario, the real one because he had his tech goggles on, "Mario! Double Team!"

"You got it," said Mario as he leaned forward as Pinkie rotated Twilight's tail and held her by the lower neck.

"MAGIC FRENZY!" Mario screamed as he and Twilight shot magic blasts like two rapid fire weapons, knocking out dozens of fakes at once.

Then combat seemed to repeat a pattern, Rainbow punched a changeling, Applejack bucked one, Fluttershy made one trip over her, Shenran sweep kicked one, Rarity punched one, Twilight and Mario each blasted one, and Pinkie fired her party cannon at one. This repeated over and over several times before.

SMACK!

Several changelings went flying away from the group of eight as they made a dynamic pose.

The battle was over.

The eight ponies stood on guard for a few seconds to catch their breath as they saw the swarm had been knocked out. It wasn't long before they saw reinforcements were on their way.

"Come on!" Shenran called out as he led the group to the building where the Elements of Harmony were kept as the air changelings gained ground on them quickly. Mario turned around to fire a few homing magic blasts at the closest ones to give the group the time needed to get away. Twilight didn't wait for Shenran as she ran ahead of him and used her magic to open the door. The eight ponies were given the shock of their lives when they found that another swarm of changelings were there waiting for them. The group took a step back as the flying swarm landed to surround the eight ponies on both sides. They exchanged worried looks with each other before Mario growled. He then pulled somethin from his saddle bag, a box with a bubble and a star cookie. He combined both before tossing it in front of the changelings behind them, creating a rainbow colored bubble barrier that encased the backside of the group so only the changelings inside could pose any threat.

"Sure that barrier is gonna hold?" Shenran asked.

"Its powered by my invincibility cookies," said Mario, "It should gives us a few minutes to take care of the group inside and get the Elements of Harmony!"

"That's alot of changelings there, sugarcube," said Applejack, "I don't know if we can take them all!" Mario then paused as he narrowed his eyes in determination.

"Then leave it to me," said Mario.

"What? No! No!" Twilight protested, "Mario, I'm not letting you fight them alone!"

"I can handle it," said Mario, "You'll all be with me...in more ways than one."

"Huh?" said the other ponies puzzled but then saw the changelings approaching them.

"No time to explain," said Mario, "I need the six of you to give me a hoof-bump at the same time!" The six ponies looked stunned.

"What good is that gonna do?" Rainbow protested.

"Just trust me!" said Mario, "On the count of three. One..two...three!"

(Cue favorite Mega Man title theme)

Then as if time slowed down, the six girls each gave him a hoof-bump. Their eyes shrunk for a second as they felt a small amount of magic exit from their fore-hooves to Mario's. Mario smirked as several neon silhouettes appeared above his head and then transferred into his horn.

"Thank you," said Mario as he turned to the changeling hoard. He then spin jumped to them, did a twirl on his hind hooves and took a stance.

(Cue favorite Robot master boss music)

Mario then kept his distance before saying aloud.

"I'd hate to fight against Applejack." The changelings smirked as they all changed into the orange pony.

"Just as I planned," said Mario before he then fired magic blast after magic blast. When multiple fake Applejacks came at him at once, Mario would charge up his horn and fire a super magic blast, which barreled through all the fakes at once. After a few rounds, the changelings then all turned into Rarity. Mario smirked.

"Perfect," he muttered as he made his horn glow. The seven ponies watched in shock as Mario changed his fur, mane, tail into Applejack's colors.

WEAPON GET: Air Applesauce

"Wuh?" said Applejack in shock. Mario then sat down, scanning the area and then fired several magic blasts into the air. The fake Rarity looked puzzled until they looked up and screamed. They were soon bombard by several apples that went SPLAT as they hit the ground around them. Several fake Raritys ran amok, many of them getting hit and knocked out, one fake Rarity was covered in applesauce and had started crying. Mario then launched another set of magic apples that came flying at the fakes from above. After a third blast, the changelings changed into Pinkie. Mario then changed his coat, mane, and tail to match Rarity's.

WEAPON GET: Gem Shield

Mario then twirled on his hind legs, making several diamond shaped gems circle around his body. As the fake Pinkies came closer to him, Mario then raised his fore-hooves making the gems rotate faster before he waved the gems off, making them go flying at the fake Pinkies at a tremendous rate.

"Ooh, now that is my kind of weapon," said Rarity impressed as Mario summoned more gems and made them go flying at the fakes. With nearly half the swarm knocked out, they changed into Fluttershy, Mario then changed his mane, coat and tail to Pinkie's colors.

POP WHISTLE!

Apparently changing into Pinkie's colors made his mane and tail cotton candy like.

"Seriously," said Mario annoyed.

WEAPON GET: Confetti Blast

Mario charged his horn as the fake Fluttershy's came in close range and...

POP WHISTLE!

...blasted them all, ground and hovering, with a powerful and wide range explosion of confetti.

"Woo-hoo!" Pinkie cheered, "I'm totally love-love-loving my weapon!"

POP WHISTLE!

Mario launched the attack several times, taking out large numbers of changelings at once. The changelings then changed into Rainbow. Mario then changed his colors to match Fluttershy's. It also returned his mane back to normal.

WEAPON GET: Stare Stopper

The fake Rainbow growled, many of them hovering in the air when...

FLASH!

Mario fired a bright light at them all. All the fake Rainbows were now sitting down, quivering in fear, and completely immobilized on the ground. Shenran and Fluttershy were in shock as Mario then used charged regular magic blasts to knock them out quickly.

"I never knew your stare was so powerful that it could immobilize foes in a state of pure fear," Shenran remarked as Fluttershy just watched and nodded in agreement.

"Remind me never to get on the receiving end of that from the real Fluttershy," said Rainbow wearily.

Once Mario had cleared out all the immobilized fakes, the remaining changelings then turned into Twilight. Mario took a deep breath, reminding himself that they were not the real Twilight as he changed his colors to match Rainbow.

WEAPON GET: Rainbow Burst

"Oh yeah," said Rainbow excitedly, "what's my awesome weapon?" Mario then charged up his horn as a large, wide, and power beam of rainbow colored magic came out of his horn, knocking back and taking out several changelings at once. While this weapon made Mario less mobile, he was able to move his head quickly to knock out the scattering changelings in quick session but moved the beam about unpredictably to make it difficult for the fake Twilights to get away from it. Some fake Twilights even walked into the beam because they could track the beam and were immediately knocked out upon impact.

"That is so awesome!" Rainbow remarked with a squee. It was then the final group of changelings changed themselves into Mario himself.

"Gee, I wonder who Mario will have to change his colors to for this phony baloney," said Applejack sarcastically. It wasn't that hard to figure out since he had changed colors and cutie mark to match every mare except one. Mario then changed his colors to match Twilight.

"It's Twilight, of course," said everypony bluntly except for the purple herself. Twilight just rolled her eyes, but was wondering what her weapon would be.

WEAPON GET: Magic Bubble

Mario then did a short spin jump as a magenta colored bubble surrounded him.

"Tick-tick-tick-tick-tick-tick-tick" went the bubble as Mario rolled it about. The fake Marios who touched the bubble were knocked back a bit from being bumped by the bubble. Just as Mario got surrounded...

ssssssssssssssss...BOOM!

Mario popped the bubble, creating a massive explosion that knocked out all the changelings in range.

"Whoa..." said the seven ponies in shock and amazement. Mario then summoned another bubble and went for another group. The fake Marios actually ran for their lives rather than bother to try and attack the real Mario to avoid being blasted by the popping bubble, but Mario was too fast. Even in the air, the magic bubble was strong enough to knock the flying changelings right out of the sky. After a couple more bubbles, all the changelings in the area had been defeated. Mario returned to his normal colors as the seven ponies cheered for him.

(favorite Mega Man stage clear theme)

"Mario number one! Waa-hoo!" said Mario as he did a victory pose on his hind legs.

But victory was cut short when a huge hoard of changelings tackled him from above and buried him alive.

"Mario!" Twilight screamed as the others gasped. In all the excitement, they had forgotten to check and make sure that the rear shield was still up. Despite the invincibility cookie powering it, the changelings had wore it out in just a couple of minutes and had now surrounded the remaining seven ponies.

Princess Celestia finally started to wake up, feeling rather groggy as she found herself upside down and incased inside of a green pod. Three changelings hovered around her pod as Chrysalis paced about below her. Poor Cadance had been bound to her hooves by some sort of green ooze.

"You won't get away with this!" Cadance shouted, "Mario, Twilight, and their friends will-" Cadance was then cut off when the doors opened showing that Shenran, Mario, and the six girls had been captured and brought back to the main room. Clearly, Rainbow and Mario has tried to make a break for help and were being held by two changelings each in the air.

"You were saying?" Chrysalis bragged, "You do realize the reception's been cancelled don't you? Go! Feed!" The remaining changelings then flew off. Those holding Rainbow and Mario were dropped to the floor. Another handed Chrysalis Shenran's dual swords and Mario's saddle bag.

"You won't be needing these anymore!" said Chrysalis as she lit her horn and blasted Mario's saddle bag, turning it into ashes. She then put Shenran's swords on the floor and made them shatter to pieces with a hard hoof stomp. Mario and Shenran gasped, as did the six girls.

"Good thing I can always make another set of swords," Shenran said begrudgingly as he and Mario glared at the changeling queen.

"My saddle bag was magical, so what was inside is safe in limbo," Mario added under his breath, "but I can't access anything until I make a new one..." Mario growled in irritation as Chrysalis smugly walked up to Twilight, laughing evilly as she approached.

"It's funny really," said Chrysalis as she held Twilight's chin, "Twilight and Mario here were suspicious of my behavior all along. Too bad the rest of you were too caught up in your wedding planning to realize those suspicions were correct." Twilight and Mario just looked at each other sadly. They knew they had been right, even called out their friends about being too caught up in the wedding plans. However neither of them felt like saying "I told you so" to anypony.

"I almost kind of wish we hadn't been right," Mario said quietly to Twilight.

"Same here," Twilight added sadly.

"Sorry, Twi and Mario," said Applejack in behalf of the rest of the group, "We should've listened to you two."

"It's okay. Maybe if we hadn't been so angry and bitter," Mario admitted, "You would have taken our concerns more seriously."

"It's not your fault," Twilight added, "She fooled everypony."

"Hmm, I did, didn't I?" Chrysalis said in agreement with a smug smile on her face as she headed toward an open window and looked outside.

"I sense a monologue coming," Shenran mumbled to Mario.

"Worse then that, buddy," Mario replied, "it's a musical monologue." Mario made a face as Chrysalis, just as the anticipated, started singing.

[Chrysalis - As she sang in a sickeningly sweet tone, she watched the ponies being terrorized in the streets by all the changelings. One family was cornered in a dark alley. Two guards were bounded and surrounded by changelings. The rest of the swarm just hovered all over Canterlot.]

This day has been just perfect
The kind of day of which I've dreamed since I was small
Everypony I'll soon control
Every stallion, mare, and foal
Who says a girl can't really have it all?

Chrysalis laughed evilly as she watched the chaos unfold. As her back was turned, Twilight made her move and crawled over to Cadance.

"Quick!" said Twilight, "Go to him while you still have the chance!" Twilight then fired her magic blast at the green goo, dissolving it so Cadance could head over to Shining Armor as Twilight watched to see when or if Chrysalis would turn around. Cadance looked up at her still enchanted husband-to-be. She hugged him tenderly as tears fell from her eyes. It was then her horn sparked and produced a heart. The other eight ponies gasped quietly as the heart appeared before Shining Armor's face and snapped him back into reality.

"Wha-Where...huh?" Shining Armor mumbled as he shook his head, "Is...is the wedding over?" Cadance smiled as did the rest of the eight ponies, but then Chrysalis appeared between the couple and the eight ponies with a devious smile on her face.

"It's all over!" Chrysalis bragged. The others watched Chrysalis with worried looks. They were then given the shock of their lives when Mario was suddenly picked up in the air by a green magic glow.

"Put him down!" Twilight demanded.

"You heard her! Put me down you oversized parasite!" Mario yelled as Chrysalis licked her lips with satisfaction.

"Shining Armor's love has made me powerful," Chrysalis said evilly, "But you have more love than I've ever sensed in any pony in all of Equestria. Once that love is mine, I'll be even more powerful than I am now!" Mario glared as Chrysalis tried to extract the love from Mario...only to find that her efforts were futile as she took a step back in exhaustion after a few seconds of intense concentration.

"So, you still resist me, huh?" said Chrysalis, emphasizing she had tried to extract Mario's love once already and had failed, "You must love somepony very strongly to want to hold on it so badly!"

"Perhaps..." Mario replied smugly, not giving her the satisfaction to say who it was. Twilight however, started to look rather uncomfortable.

"Well, then tell me, Mario," said Chrysalis with a smile that send chills down his spine, "do they love you in return?"

"Y-yes," said Mario, unable to keep from stuttering a bit, making Chrysalis smirk evilly.

"Ah, so you don't know if they love you back," said Chrysalis.

"I know she'll tell me when the time is right," Mario retorted, feeling the self-doubt enter his mind. Twilight bit her lip and began to sweat heavily.

"But you don't know for sure," Chrysalis replied in subtle tone, "you're not even sure they love you back, do you?" Mario said nothing but Chrysalis used her magic to extract the love from Mario again. This time, a lime glow appeared from his chest. Mario fought hard to resist, but he could feel his grip on his love weakening. Twilight was quivering and panicking. If Mario needed to know the truth, it was now!

"What's the point in resisting, Mario?" said Chrysalis in a sweet tone that was downright sinister, "Your love is only one sided and that's all it will ever be. If she ever did love you back..."

"...She was too late in telling you!"

Twilight's eyes shrunk as Chrysalis's words echoed in her head as the changeling queen laughed.

Too late

Too late

Too late

Twilight then had a vision of her dream from last night when she watched Mario fall into the void and she was helpless to save him.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Twilight screamed loudly at the top of her lungs that the mane seven, Cadance, Shining Armor, and Chrysalis, stopped to look at her. Twilight sobbed as hot tears streamed down her face.

"No! It's not too late!" Twilight shouted, her tone broke as she said inaudibly, "I love him..."

"What?!" said everypony minus Cadance, Rarity, and Fluttershy, who smiled since they already knew the truth, as Twilight choked a sob before giving Chrysalis a fierce glare as she stamped both her fore-hooves hard on the floor.

"I'm in love with Mario Star!" Twilight declared boldly and loudly. Mario blinked in shock as he felt something inside of him glow. His body gave off a bright pink light. Chrysalis backed away as if she had just gotten burnt and was left stunned. A pink glow surround Mario as he floated gently down to the ground.

"Whoa!" said Mario in surprise, "That's never happened before...OOF!" Mario was cut off when Twilight glomped him into a tight hug.

"He's mine! You hear me! MINE! MINE!" Twilight shouted with tear filled eyes, "and you'll NEVER take him away from me!"

"Great...except I can't really breathe!" said Mario with a strained tone as Twilight pulled away with a red face.

"S-s-sorry," Twilight whimpered as she looked at him and sobbed, "I just...I've felt this way for a while now and I wanted to tell you so many times that I love you...but, I...I just couldn't find the courage...I'm sorry...I'm sorry..." Mario smiled at her sympathetically until something came to mind.

"Wait a minute...how did I even repel, Chrysalis?" said Mario, "I've never glowed pink before!"

"Well you always were more in touch with your girly side than most stallions," said Fluttershy as Shenran snickered.

"Oh shush, Flutters!" said Mario annoyingly and even Twilight gave her a stern glare.

"It appears you can now perform the same love magic tjat I can," said Cadance as the others looked at Mario in surprise.

"But...why barely now?" Mario asked puzzled.

"Most likely it was sealed off until Twily confessed her feelings of true love to you," Shining Armor replied with a smirk on his face. Twilight blushed heavily as she sniffled and feebly tried to dry her eyes. Mario tilted her chin so they were looking eye to eye.

"Don't feel shy, Twilight," said Mario, "I love you, too. Thank you for telling me." Twilight giggled as Mario used a fore-hoof to dry her eyes and they shared a nose nuzzle. It was then Chrysalis recovered and started laughing evilly.

"Perfect! Perfect!" she remarked excitedly, "Mario's love has gotten even stronger! I'll be invincible! Practically immortal! Once I have that love all for myself!"

"You're not getting it without a fight," said Mario with determination as he looked at Twilight, "C'mon Twilight! Let's show her what true love can really do!" Twilight blinked before giving him a determined smile.

"Okay," said Twilight bravely as Mario summoned a turn battle.

"Let's-a go!"

"Let's do this!"

(Cue favorite Final Boss RPG battle music)

Mario and Twilight stood ready for battle as the others watched from the side.

"So this is a turn battle," said Cadance.

"I've seen these before," said Shining Armor, "Chrysalis is in for it now."

"You can't defeat me," Chrysalis boasted as she laughed again.

"Yes, we can!" said Mario as he made his horn glow and produced a magical heart. The heart floated over to Twilight's horn and went inside of it. Twilight felt herself become...enlightened.

"What was that?" said Twilight, "I feel like I've been given new knowledge."

"I used my new love magic to bestow you with the skills you need so we can do super pony attacks," said Mario, "which do more damage and you'll already know how to perform them so we won't make mistakes...mostly. After all, knowledge and execution are two different things." Twilight smiled.

"Oooh, I'm still impressed," said Twilight, "Love magic that gives your...heh...true love the knowledge they need for battle is really cool. Let's use those new moves!"

"Alright, first up, Super Splash Ponies!" said Mario as Twilight stood before Mario. Mario then spin jumped into the air as Twilight boosted him up three times into the air. The final boost sent Mario right above Chrysalis, where he slammed onto her back to deal damage. Chrysalis groaned as Mario flipped back to his side of the battle field.

"Now for Super Bounce Ponies," said Twilight.

"I'm ready," said Mario as he stood in front of Twilight. Twilight then jumped with just her hind-hooves onto Mario, who was standing on his own hind legs. As soon as Mario grabbed Twilight's hind hooves, he then made them both do an arc shaped jump away from Chrysalis so they were both upside down. Twilight then pushed them back toward the changeling queen using both of her fore-hooves. They let go of each other and curled up into two balls so they could each smack Chrysalis in her face individually.

"Grrr!" said Chrysalis," You'll both pay for that!" She then summoned several nearby changelings. One turned into Pinkie, who then tried to unpredictably hop about before going for a jump attack at Twilight. Twilight used her hammer to instantly knock out the changeling. Then two Raritys appeared and fired magic blasts at them. The blasts were small and came at them in a wide arc. Mario's came low enough for him to jump over it. Twilight's landed in front of her and bounced over her head harmlessly. Then both ponies then jumped as the fake Rarity's charged and knocked each of them out with a counter stomp. Two more turned into Applejack as they bucked some orbs of green magic at them with their hind legs. Twilight and Mario used their hammers to knock the orbs right back at the changelings, taking them out of the battle.

"Time for Super Chopper Ponies!" said Mario as Twilight smiled and she got in front of him. Using a barrier to protect Twilight, Mario dunked her under the floor. They then proceeded toward Chrysalis. Just as Twilight burrowed right under Chrysalis, she surfaced, knocking the so-called queen into the air. Mario then dunked Twilight again so when Chrysalis came back down, Twilight sent her upward again. This happened five more times with Twilight hitting her hard on the last surfacing to deal extra damage.

"Oh yeah!" Twilight and Mario shouted excitedly before returning to their side of the battle field.

"Time for Super Knockback Ponies," said Twilight.

"I'm ready!" said Mario as he stood before Twilight. Like the normal knockback ponies, Twilight hit Mario with her hammer to make him curl into a ball. Mario then hopped into the air so Twilight could side swing-him into Chrysalis's face. However, Mario headed right back to Twilight allowing her to side-swing him again, and again, and again. After the fourth swing, Mario went high into the air. Standing on her hind legs, Twilight jumped high into the air with her hammer over her head.

"Take that!" Twilight shouted as she smashed Mario into Chrysalis's face, leaving her dizzy for a moment before she snarled and summons some more changelings. This time, they turned into Fluttershy and Rainbow. They rose high into the air. The Rainbow look alike then did an air strike at Mario. He jumped just in time to miss the fake Rainbow's attack and landed on it, knocking it out. Fluttershy did the same at Twilight, but nearly faked her out, by slowing down in mid-dive and then swooped at her. Twilight managed to jump a second time to land and knock out the changeling. This same pattern continued three more times with Mario getting Fluttershy for the rest of the attacks before he and Twilight could attack again.

"Phew! Those guys were tough," said Mario, "Time for Super Fire Ponies!"

"Sweet!" said Twilight as she got ready. Mario then used his magic to summon as many fireballs as he could so they merged into a large massive sized fireball. However, unlike regular Fire Ponies. Twilight didn't use her hammer as the fireball came down above her.

"Set!" said Twilight as she used her fore-hooves to push the giant fireball high into the air. Mario then ran underneath it as Twilight helped Mario jump behind it.

"Fire spike!" Mario called out as he smacked the fireball downward towards Chrysalis.

"Ack!" Chrysalis yelped as the fireball left her slightly charred when it exploded on her.

"Now for some Super Thunder Ponies!" said Twilight.

"Ooo-hoo-hoo, this attack will really show how strong you are, Twilight!" said Mario excitedly as Twilight blushed and got in front of him. Twilight then used her horn to generate a large ball of electricity. Mario then put on the protective shield and dunked Twilight underground. Twilight then burrowed towards Chrysalis. When the purple pony was right underneath her...

WHAM!

Twilight surfaced with a powerful uppercut with her fore-leg, damaging and electrocuting Chrysalis in one shot.

"Oh yeah! My girl's got the power," said Mario excitedly.

"Hee-hee, he called me his girl!" said Twilight giddily as she returned to her position. The rest of the mane five snickered to each other. Shining Armor snickered but was quickly jabbed by Cadance to stop. Chrysalis growled as her body glowed a bright shade of green. The sign she was winding down and increasing her attack strength.

"No more playing around!" Chrysalis shouted angrily as she summoned a massive ball of her magic and then sent it towards both ponies.

"We can't counter that!" said Twilight fearfully, "it's too big!"

"Yes we can," said Mario, "Use our hammers together!" Twilight quickly grabbed her hammer as she and Mario knocked the giant magic ball towards Chrysalis. The changeling queen knocked the magic orb back at them. This continued for several rotations as the ball got faster and even went higher into the air, which made countering it much more difficult. Finally Chrysalis missed and the ball of magic damaged her instead as it exploded. She then used her wings to create a huge draft of wind to send Twilight and Mario backward. The two ponies fought hard to get back within attacking range as several green pods came rolling at them. Twilight and Mario used their hammers to smash the incoming pods before finally making their way toward Chrysalis for their attack turns.

"You can't keep this up forever!" she taunted.

"We won't have to!" said Mario.

"These next super pony moves will finish you!" Twilight added.

"Super Swing Ponies!" said Mario as Twilight got before Mario and faced him.

"I'm ready!" said Twilight as she jumped toward Mario. Mario grabbed her for her fore-hooves and began to spin her around on his hind legs. Like with the normal Swing Ponies, once Mario was spinning fast enough, he released Twilight so she slammed her fore-hooves into Chrysalis's face. Then Mario ran toward Chrysalis and jumped high into the air above her. Twilight used the last of her momentum to boost herself up to Mario. They first grabbed each other's fore-hooves and extended their fore-legs before connecting their hind hooves together to create a two-pony cone.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" Chrysalis cried out as Twilight and Mario literally drilled into her back to deal heavy damage until Chrysalis was sent plopping into her stomach.

"Oh yeah!" said Mario and Twilight excitedly as they finished their attack and went back to their side of the battle field.

"Now for the Super Cyclone Ponies!" said Twilight as Mario nodded and got in front of her. Like with Tornado Ponies, Twilight hit Mario to shrink him down to size. Then Mario began to spin about quickly as Twilight jumped on top of him standing on her hind legs and holding her hammer with her fore-legs as they spin about and crashed into Chrysalis.

"ACK! ACK! ACK!" Chrysalis groaned each time the hammer smacked her. Here comes the super part! When Twilight and Mario couldn't spin about anymore, Mario returned to normal size and lifted Twilight up by holding her hind legs. Twilight then raised her hammer above her head.

SLAM!

Mario brought Twilight and the hammer down full force onto Chrysalis's head. It was then Chrysalis gasped as a bright light appeared from her body, followed by a shower of multi-colored stars as she disappeared from the battle field.

(Battle victory!)

Chrysalis was now wobbling about, feeling very dizzy.

"Can't...stop...me..." she mumbled dizzily.

"Your spell!" Twilight called out to Shining Armor, "Perform your spell!" Chrysalis then recovered, at least mentally, and laughed.

"What good would that do?" the changeling queen boasted, "My changelings already roam free. And soon Mario's love will also be mine!"

"His love is mine!" Twilight shouted angrily as she got in front of the colt, "Just like my love belongs to him!" Twilight growled at her menacingly, not seeing that Mario had smiled with tears in his eyes before glaring back at the changeling queen. Shining Armor knew he had to act fast as he tried to make his horn glow, but it was no good.

"No! My power is useless now," said Shining Armor wearily, "I don't have the strength to repel them!"

"My love for you will give you strength," said Cadance sweetly as she hugged him close. Chrysalis laughed.

"What a lovely but absolutely ridiculous sentiment," the changeling queen remarked.

"Guess you are as dumb as you look!" Mario remarked, "the love Twilight and I share was strong enough to defeat you in battle. And now its gonna give Shining Armor the power he needs to get you and your swarm out of Canterlot!" Mario and Twilight then tapped their horns together, smiling at they did so to create a giant heart with a gold crown on top of it. The heart floated over to Shining Armor and Cadance before coming into contract with their horns, which were already creating a spark and a bright light above them. The extra love magic empowered them both, surrounding them inside of a barrier. The eight ponies gasped in surprise.

"It really worked!" said Mario in shock as he and the rest of the group smiled at each other. Cadance and Shining Armor noticed the barrier before tapping their horns together once again. The eight ponies watched in awe, some of them turning away because the light was getting so intense. Chrysalis watched in shock as the magic surrounding them intensified, causing the main room to rumble as the couple opened their eyes. Their eyes were now glowing white as the light encased the couple and lifted them into the air. The silhouettes could be seen as their floating bodies shaped into two halves of a heart. It was then a massive wave of magic expanded from them. The eight ponies smiled as the wave of magic harmlessly went past them, though they did get pushed back a little from how intense the magic was. Chrysalis gasped in horror as the wave came at her.

"Noooooo!" Chrysalis screamed as she was literally blown right out of the castle. As the magical wave continued to expand in a spherical shape, all the changelings were swept away and right out of Canterlot. Chrysalis and the swarm all screamed as they were flung far away from Canterlot and into the distance.

Once the magic had settled down, Cadance and Shining Armor came floating back down. They smiled at each other before sharing a loving embrace. Mario and Twilight rushed over to Princess Celestia, who had been freed from her prison due to the magic wave and was now laying on the floor.

"Are you okay, Mom?" Mario asked as he and Twilight helped the alicorn to her feet.

"Don't worry about me," said Princess Celestia, "You two lovebirds have their real wedding to put together." Mario and Twilight blushed and then smiled at each other.

Later on, Cadance was in the kitchen as Applejack finished making more of her apple treats. Cadance eagerly picked one up and ate it, licking her lips afterward, and getting a second one to eat. Mario chuckled as Twilight smiled and checked the catering off her list. Rarity, her frazzled mane showing she had worked overtime to create a brand new bride's dress, pulled over a mirror so Cadance could see how she looked in it. A wide and happy smile on the alicorn's face showed that Cadance was more than pleased. Mario clapped for Cadance as Twilight marked the dresses off her checklist. Cadance then let all the birds perch on her as Fluttershy conducted them to singing for her. Mario laughed as Twilight checked off the music on the list. At the reception hall, Cadance and Pinkie were dancing on their hind legs together. Mario and Twilight just smiled as they checked off the reception on the list as the latter rolled up the paper. Then they shared a hoof-bump before Twilight hugged him happily, which Mario returned with a smile.

The wedding, and this time the real wedding, was ready to begin. The crowds were now back inside the main hall. Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, and Applejack were at the left of the altar since Cadance has decided to keep them as her bridesmaids along with Fluttershy. As for her three original bridesmaids, Mario found them still wondering the caverns, now free of Chrysalis's magic. Once everything had been explained and they apologized to Mario over what had happened, the three agreed to allow the other girls to take their place, but Mario still gave them front row seats since they were still his friends.

Why just his friends? Well, that's another story...

Back at the wedding, Fluttershy was standing high above a balcony with her bird choir, ready to play the bridal chorus. Shining Armor was now standing at the altar with Twilight as his best mare, whom he had given a private apology to, and Mario, who had been promoted to be his best colt. Both of them now dressed in formal attire. Shenran was standing next to Mario along with all the other groomscolts. Twilight then noticed that Shining Armor's emblem was crooked and went to fix it for him, which he gave her a smile in return. Shining Armor and Twilight's parents, Twilight Velvet and Night Light, were watching them as the former was already crying. Fluttershy then began to conduct her birds as they whistled the Bridal Chorus. The two guards opened the doors as, once again, the Cutie Mark Crusaders came hopping down spreading flower pedals with Cadance walking right behind them. Her new dress consisted of a white and yellow rose floral crown with the wedding veil attached to it. The dress itself had a large yellow rose broach, a blue and yellow trimmed top with a long double layered skirt that had gold trimming on the shorter layer as well as a giant pink bow in the back of the skirt. Five birds were holding the extra long back of the dress skirt as she made her way down the aisle. Everypony smiled as they watched Cadance approach the altar.

"Seriously, though," Twilight said to Shining Armor, giving him a playful nudge, "I get why the queen of the changelings wanted to be with you..."

"Desperate..." Mario coughed as Twilight lightly shoved him playfully.

"...but how did you get someone as amazing as Cadance to marry you?" Twilight finished.

"I told her she wouldn't just be gaining a husband," Shining Armor answered, "She'd be getting a great sister, too." Twilight beamed.

"Twilight is pretty great," Mario added, "It's why I love her."

"You're pretty great yourself, handsome," said Twilight, "It's why I love you." Shining Armor smiled as did Shenran, who then saw Fluttershy smiling at him. Shenran gave her wink, making the yellow Pegasus blush. Cadance arrived at the altar with the Cutie Mark Crusaders standing at the side. Rarity started to tear up as she grabbed a tissue to carefully wipe her eyes. Applejack then went to see if she could get her stenson hat to stay on her head despite already wearing a floral crown like the rest of the girls. Shining Armor and Cadance exchanged smiles with each other before Princess Celestia began to speak.

"Mares and gentlecolts," said Princess Celestia, "We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of the real Princess Mi Amore Cadenza-"

"Princess Cadance is fine," said the pink alicorn. Mario giggled to himself.

Now THAT's the best friend and sister I know and love. he thought happily. Princess Celestia blinked for a moment before she smiled.

"Hm. The union of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor," Princess Celestia continued, "The strength of their commitment is clear. The power of their love, undeniable. May we have the rings please?" Spike then held out a pillow with a pair of wedding rings on it. The rings were then placed onto their horns.

"I know pronounce you mare and colt!" said Princess Celestia and everypony cheered as the newlyweds made their way out of the main room and onto a balcony where thousands of ponies were cheering for them from down below as streamers and confetti fell from the sky. Shining Armor and Cadance waved at the crowds as the mane seven and Princess Celestia watched from behind.

"This is your victory as much as theirs," said Princess Celestia as she turned to face both Mario and Twilight, "you both persisted in the face of doubt, and your actions led to you being able to bring the real Princess Cadance back to us. Learning to trust your instincts is a very valuable lesson to learn." Mario and Twilight just smiled sheepishly.

"And you, Twilight, have not only made my son very happy," said Princess Celestia, "But you've helped him uncover magic that will erase any doubts that he truly is the Seventh Element of Harmony." Twilight blushed as Mario wrapped a fore-leg around her. Twilight just smiled at him as she nuzzled his neck. It was then the newlyweds shared a quick kiss followed by a nice long one, making Mario and Twilight give them teary smiles as the rest of their friends cheered for them. Princess Celestia then remembered something.

"Rainbow Dash, that's your cue," she whispered to the blue Pegasus. Rainbow blinked before taking off so quickly that she left her dress behind. A few seconds later a large BOOM was heard as a massive ring of rainbow colors appeared in the sky followed by a beautiful rainbow that arched over the entire city of Canterlot.

"Best...wedding...ever!" Rainbow shouted excitedly.

Later that night, Cadance and Shining Armor shared a loving embrace and then shared a slow dance together to an orchestrated version of the song "Love is in Bloom". Rainbow, now back in her dress, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity and Princess Celestia just watched as Princess Luna made a landing next to them.

"Hello, everypony," said Princess Luna, "Did I miss anything?" It was then Twilight, Mario, and Pinkie were seen watching the couple dance as well. Twilight then gave Pinkie a nod. Pinkie gave an excited squee before zooming over to a DJ turntable with large speakers on both sides.

"Let's get this party started!" said Pinkie as she pulled up DJ-Pon3. The white unicorn with blue mane and tail placed a record onto the turntable. Once the music started, Pinkie tossed a mini-mike to Twilight who caught it with her magic to sing.

[Twilight - She stood nearby and sang to the newlyweds as she did some light dance steps while confetti and streamers fall from above. The newlyweds smiled at Twilight and then at each other.]

Love is in bloom
a beautiful bride, a handsome groom
Two hearts becoming one
A bond that cannot be undone, because

[Twilight - as the six friends gathered around, with Shenran standing next to Fluttershy, they began bopping to the music. Twilight swayed from side to side as she kept singing with Mario bopping next to her, Cadance and Shining Armor then stood on their hind legs to dance, with Shining Armor even dipping his new wife.]

Love is in bloom
A beautiful bride, a handsome groom
I said love is in bloom
You're starting a life and making room
For us (For us, For us)

As the music continued, pictures were taken. One featured Pinkie stuffing her face with wedding cake. Another featured Applejack playing a fiddle with some of her relatives that come to help her in the kitchen. Another was Sweetie Belle and Spike dancing together. Another of Rarity with Fancy Pants. Then came the good pictures. One was of Soarin asking Rainbow to dance, another was of Fluttershy and Shenran sharing a kiss...on the lips! But the best one of all was of both Twilight and Mario doing a slow dance on their hind legs with their eyes closed and their horns touching, creating a neon heart above their heads.

It was late that night as Shinning Armor and Candace made their way towards the carriage. Twilight and Mario knelt before them as they opened the door for the newlywed couple to head inside.

"Mario," said Cadance.

"Yeah Sis?" Mario asked as she gave him a warm smile.

"I'm so proud of the young colt you've become," said Cadance, "Like me, the love in your heart will become your greatest source of magic. Use it wisely and it will never let you down." Mario smiled as pair of tears left his eyes.

"I love you, Sis," said Mario with a crack in his tone, "promise me you'll keep in touch this time. I've missed you." Cadance hugged him.

"That's a promise little brother," said Cadance before whispering, "and best of luck to both you and Twilight." Mario blushed as Cadance gave him a wink. As she headed inside the carriage. Shining Armor then stopped.

"Twilight!" he called out, "None of this would've been possible without you little sis. Love ya, Twily."

"Love you too, B.B.B.F.F.," Twilight replied softly as they share a hug. Shining Armor than turned to Mario, giving him a hug as well.

"You take good care of my little sister, you hear?" said Shining Armor, "I know she's in good hooves." Twilight just smiled as Mario nodded.

"Yes, sir," said Mario.

"That's big brother to you," said Shining Armor, "Trust me. It's gonna be your turn for all for this before you know it." He gave Mario a wink, making both Mario and Twilight blush and chuckle sheepishly. Shining Armor chuckled to himself as he sat inside of the carriage.

"Ready to go?" Shining Armor asked his new wife.

"Oh! Almost forgot," said Cadance as she leaned out of the carriage and tossed her wedding bouquet. Minuette, Twinkleshine, and Lyra looked excited before a certain marshmallow unicorn shoved them all out of the way and caught it.

"IT'S MINE!" Rarity shouted with a maniacal laugh until she saw the other bridesmaids giving her dirty looks, "Oof! Ahaha...ha..." Rarity was clearly embarrassed as the three girls continued to gave her death glares. "Love is in Bloom" played in the background as the wedding carriage disappeared into the distance.

"Now this was a great wedding," said Twilight.

"You said it, Twilight," said Mario in agreement as he stood next to her.

"Oh yeah?" said Spike, "Just wait until you see what I have planned for the bachelor party!" He chuckled. Pinkie looked puzzled as Rainbow and Rarity rolled their eyes at him. Twilight squatted low to the road. Then they all laughed.

"Spike," said Mario, "You're supposed to have the bachelor party before the wedding!" Spike's eyes bulged out and he grunted annoyingly.

"Why didn't anypony tell me these things!" Spike retorted.

"No worries, Spike," said Rainbow, "I think you'll get your chance to host one soon enough." Everypony looked at Twilight and Mario who just smiled with their cheeks turning a deep shade of pink.

"One step at a time, Rainbow," said Mario, "Twilight just confessed her feelings after all."

"She does bring up a point though," said Twilight as she managed to face the colt, "Now that I've admitted to being in love with you...what now?" Mario just smiled.

"Whatever you want, Tw..." Mario was cut off when Twilight forced a fore-hoof to his mouth. On her face was a smile as some tears left her eyes.

"Mario, for once in your life, can you not just do what I want all the time!" said Twilight, "If you want something, you need to just say it. I know you value my happiness over your own, but if I'm going to love you, you need to start claiming your share of it! I'm not going to let you give me so much love and ask so little back in return anymore! Now tell me Mario Star, what do you want now that I've told you how I feel about you? Ask me Mario and I'll give it to you. You're happiness means more to me than mine..." After everything they had been through, this moment terrified Mario the most. Even their battle with Chrysalis was a cakewalk compare to this. Mario couldn't help look at Twilight with tear-filled eyes.

"I want you to be my marefriend," said Mario sweetly, "My special somepony. Together, our love for each other can grow and maybe...someday...We can be the ponies standing at the altar getting married. I'll admit...I don't know what the future will have for us. But, I am willing to fight with my life to make sure that the love we share will last forever. That's my Pinkie promise to you! Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." The others awed, even Spike was touched and shedding a tear. Twilight was smiling happily.

"I'm all yours," said Twilight sweetly, "my coltfriend and my special somepony." They then shared a kiss as the others cheered for them, but the new couple heard none of it.

[Twilight - sang in the background]

Love is in Bloom
For us, (For us...For us...Aah...)

It was then fireworks lit up the sky, the last one being a giant pink and green heart.

Love was definitely in bloom...

...for Twilight Sparkle and Mario Star.

And that concludes Season 2 and it is now official! Twilight and Mario are now a couple! I hope that wait was worth it to all you readers out there!

Plus you got parodies and references to Donkey Kong Country, Splatoon 2, Star Fox Zero, Mario and Luigi, and Mega Man!

Just like before, there will be an intermission chapter before heading into Season 3. After all, we need something to lead us into the Crystal Empire Arc. Many of you have requested arcs focused on Mario so...how about we delve into his younger years with Twilight?

Until next time...Peace Pony Fans!