Abdicate AU: Cadence x Big Macintosh

Okay so, a bit of a preface: I've developed the AU where Cadence abdicates the throne, elopes with Big Macintosh and starts a family somewhere else - so much so that my other Next Gen universe is now a part of this one! It's just easier that way! 

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One night, when Cadence finds herself in the thrall of drunken, violent, bigoted stallions as she's walking back to the castle, the timeline diverges - in the universe we know, Shining Armor saves her life and she meets Twilight - in the other, he ushers Twilight to safety and she's left to fight the danger alone. In the world where Shining Armor's split second choice leaves Cadence to fend for herself, she gives up on trying to be selfless, every pony she might have stayed for has left Canterlot and in her eyes, everyone else deserved the corrupt, xenophobic capital - including and especially Celestia. She gives her heart to Big Macintosh, no longer holding herself back for her destiny and when he proposes to her, she accepts and elopes with him that night. 

As a result, Cadence doesn't impact the story in the same ways, she becomes a music teacher and mother, living on a cozy farm with her husband and children - which means that the events of A Canterlot Wedding and The Crystal Empire have vastly different outcomes. In particular, the Mane Six are unable to hold off the power of King Sombra and the nations are at war.

However, at least for now, Cadence's only concern is her family and her idyllic life, away from all the duties forced onto her and all she suffered as a result...

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They're all shown at the ages they are when AU Cadence and Canon Cadence are switched in an enchantment gone wrong (that's a story for later) which means this is just a bit post-series:

Cadence and Big Macintosh: Early Thirties
Honeycrisp Blossom: Twelve (you can find more info on her here: EQG Next Gen: Honeycrisp Blossom)
Cortland: Eight(*)
Ambrosia: Four

(*) Cortland's actually Thorax in a pony disguise, he was left abandoned as a young bug during a failed Changeling feeding, he was found nearly dead by Cadence and nursed back to health, they grew to love Thorax and decided, with his joyful approval, to welcome him into their family. He chose his name from ones that Cadence and Big Mac suggested and he made a form that made him look like their son.

Cortland's actual age is about ten years old, however they decided for his safety to lie and say he was their biological son which means he holds the form of the proper age from when they found him. He's allowed to take the form he sees fit in the comfort of their home if he wishes but he chooses to stay in one disguise - forsaking his changeling roots in the desire to truly be how he wants to be.

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I'm in love with these children, they're so adorable and sweet! <3