Long Live The Queen

The coffee was great. Whilst Spike was training with Shining Armour, Cadance and Sweetie Belle decided to have a friendly outing. This cafe was expensive, but that was the norm in Canterlot. The younger mare was a little embarrassed that the Princess was paying for their snacks and drinks, but Cadance insisted. It was just too good, the cake, the coffee...

Most of the other ponies had shot glances towards Cadance here and there, but tried not to be noticed. They were envious of the fact that the young mare who hailed all the way from Ponyville gets to sit with the Crystal Princess. Most of them talked amongst themselves, badmouthing the young mare due to her origins and ignoring the fact that she is the sister of an important Element of Harmony wielder and popular fashionista.

But Sweetie Belle didn't care what the others thought. They were jealous, and jealous people tend to act off towards who they are jealous of. Many ponies throughout the whole of Equestria would love the privilege to sit beside royalty and share tea with them, and casually converse with them. Most ponies wouldn't dare say any of the Royal's name alone, and will always refer them to 'Princess' or 'Your Majesty'. It's often seen as rude to not refer to the royal members in such manor but none of them actually mind.

Still, Sweetie Belle wasn't use to calling Cadance by her actual name rather than 'Princess Mia Mora Cadenza'. "So Pri-I mean, Cadance. How is everything between you and Armour?"

Cadance smiled and explained that her life with her loving husband is going well; the two aren't stressed out due to the many responsibilities they both have. The best part is that they can always squeeze in personal, and intimate fun, especially at night. But Cadance didn't mention that, because Sweetie Belle didn't ask about it.

"How is... The... You know... What's it... Like?"

"Huh?" At first, Cadance didn't understand what the young mare was talking about, but the flush red face eventually gave it away. "Oh..." So now she'd have to talk about it. The first time she actually felt such 'pleasure' was when she and Armour finally finished High School Sophomore years. Since then, the two just couldn't get enough of it. Practically, the couple are nymphomaniacs. It's common to have a lover who is a nymphomaniac even though you are not one, but if the couple both fit the bill then the relationship will be very happy, as with most relationships where the lovers share things in common.

What could she say to Sweetie Belle without overwhelming her with information? Maybe she should take it slow and give everything piece by piece, especially when they were in public. "You see... It's all about the passion... The first 'experience' should be special."

"I'm a little nervous about... 'The first experience'. Spikey-Wikey and I are both nervous..." She sipped her tea and chuckled a little. Her face flushed red again, embarrassed at asking the question.

Cadance understood her feelings. Not everyone was purely confident about sex, and Sweetie Belle and Spike are both young, and completely inexperienced. A virgin couple. The two reminded the Princess of Shining Armour and herself during Sophomore prom night... Neither of them had any prior experience, but both were ready...

All that doubt however faded away the moment they became intertwined, one. That special moment, when her special somepony made love to her! Each thrust! The passionate kisses! Their bodies were sweaty, melting together because of the intense heat! And-

"Cadance?"

The Princess snapped out of her trance; she didn't know how long she was left to think about the past, but the curious look on the younger mare's face suggested it wasn't too long. She wondered if it were possible to see Shining for lunch... Bring him a good hearty lunch and a 'treat'. Sweetie Belle could visit her drake too.

Continuing on the subject of sex for the pink/purple mane mare, Cadance started off with the basics... Pleasing the lover: "Now, you have to start off slow, unwind the tensions between the both of you. The stress of the day is always rectified with a good relaxing counter, such as a massage."

"A massage. Right..." She'd need to practice that.

"Have a little wine, or champagne, whatever suits you, but not too much." She nodded at that piece of advice... "It's your first time, you don't want to ruin the experience. Just enough to help unwind, like I said." The Princess and Captain have broke that rule many times, but they're in a strong relationship... Anything goes.

The young mare nodded. The topic of love making was starting to embarrass her strongly, so she decided to change the subject: "Spike has been going to training a lot... I'm a little worried, because the Royal Guard are preparing too." When she started to notice, it seemed as though something was wrong, and her dragon was involved with all this, as much as the Royal Guard were. Was there a crisis? Is something bad going to happen?

The Princess reassured that everything was going to be fine... But it wasn't... She knew that bad things were going to happen, and both the mare's lovers are preparing for it. Maybe she should tell her... Tell Sweetie Belle the truth. But not in public...

"Are you sure everything is going to be okay?"

She didn't want to lie, so Cadenza picked out anything that was true: "Yes. Spike is just training, practicing. He's Celestia's student, like Twilight. Lots of intense training and practice." That seemed true enough, but the real reason behind it was still hidden from her. Maybe she shouldn't say anything to Sweetie at all, and just keep quiet about it, at least for now.

The Changelings will return, unless Twilight was able to intervene in time... She doubted that however, stopping Chrysalis might not mean that the Changelings will back down. There was some thought however to why the changelings and Chrysalis attacked the kingdom in the first place? Perhaps not everything was as it seemed. She grimaced at the thought of Chrysalis' return, and finished her cup of tea. "Let's go. I'll buy something for Shining Armour, I'm sure he had been too busy training that he forgot about lunch."

"I should too. For Spike."

"So you're telling me that the student is in love with a pony?" Adrian asked.

"Well it's obvious. The careful questions about sex, the repetitive need to talk about his love. It's there!" Shining Armour assured.

Adrian acknowledged and smiled: it sorted reminded him of a relationship he is in now. Sundance and the rest of the Solar Guard's will be off duty soon, so it's best to take the opportunity to get to her and invite her to a date. The changeling was a little envious that the dragon was invited to be a Solar Guard himself, although a lone worker.

There was one thing that popped into his mind: what could the two veteran soldiers however do to help the drake? Sure he was tough, he can conjure magic and he has to be fairly attractive for a dragon, but he had a very soft side to him. If the stories are true, his girlfriend is just as shy. They had to set the two up properly, but training was also as important. Why else would Spike talk about sex to Shining Armour?

But that would make it difficult for him to approach Sundance for a date if he was to be distracted. Unless... "Why don't we set up a triple set date!?"

"I heard of a double date but never-"

The changeling hushed the Captain. "Think about it! Our scaly friend wants to make love to his lover, right?" He rhetorically asked. "I'm thinking that we should help him and his girlfriend to get comfortable." Two long lasting loving couples, and a young couple who are ready to push aside puppy love and unite as 'one'.

"It does kinda make sense. But if we're going to be a group I don't think we should eat anywhere fancy." When the changeling raised a brow, the Captain submitted: "Alright, we'll find somewhere fancy but you're going to need a suit and a new look." Changelings were still feared around Canterlot. If any pony outside the castle area see him talking to Adrian, or Adrian alone, it'd be instant panic.

The changeling chuckled as he quickly morphed into the form of a pony. He was now a colt with a black mane, light brown fur and was also wearing an expensive suit. Not only did he seem like a normal pony, but the suit also hid the typical cutie mark areas, the arm and rear. Though most ponies wear trousers and all, t-shirts and short sleeves usually reveal the cutie mark of a pony, though Adrian as a changeling doesn't technically bare one. That would bring some suspicion to some, though most would probably think of him as a 'blank flank' or 'charmless armless'.

Normally he doesn't change into any form, especially for his own love, but for the occasion he'd have to. She might not even recognise him unless she could identify him with his voice. At the very least Sundance would be there, and he was very glad about that.

He'd have to make the most of tonight and hopefully a few more nights, considering the threat of another changeling invasion was imminent, and even if the Princess and her trope were able to stop Chrysalis, they do not know that it's not really her they should be worrying about...

"Something on your mind?"

"I just want to see Sundance again... I miss her. I'm worried that whatever happens may end it for us..."

The Captain understood. "Maybe I can sort something out. You have to make the most of it."

"That's too much to ask for Captain."

Shining Armour reassured the changeling that it was not a favour but instead a sort of gift. Sundance had been working very hard for a while and it seemed as though she was saddened that she was not able to see a certain somepony for a long time. "What was it like? The changeling empire?"

Adrian turned his head away. "Disarray..."

"I'm sorry to hear that..."

Erich dived behind the bar and united with Rainbow Dash and Applejack. The three were pinned down by gunfire, and had to buy the rest of the rebels some time. "Not even the first day! Not even the first fucking day and we fucked training up!"

The rainbow mane pony was partially drunk, but understood the situation at hand. Luckily, whoever was last in charge of the bar left a shotgun behind the counter. A civilian model Remington 870. "What luck..."

"What's the plan E'?" Applejack asked, slightly panicked. She flinched when another barrage of bullets entered the bar, destroying bottles and leaving holes in the furniture and building.

Erich had his two M1911's at the ready and handed one to AJ. "We have to buy the others as much time as possible!" Two pistols and a shotgun won't be enough to defeat the Changeling soldiers alone, but it was the best they had. "At the very least I'm gonna have me some fun."

The Pegasi threw aside her now empty bottle of beer and held tightly to her shotgun. "They don't really teach you this at Wonderbolt Academy." She stood and fired off shots from her gun, the loud discharge alone was intimidating and some of the advancing changeling soldiers halted. Even under the influence however, Dash wasn't struggling to shoot and hit targets.

Erich and Applejack stood as well, shooting out towards the doorway. It was a perfect chokepoint, since the windows were closed up by bricks. One way in and one way out besides the trap door escape, but if they let the changelings know then they'd follow. "Gimme back the handgun."

"Here ya go partner." The mare handed back the spare handgun. "So what's the plan?"

"Lead them in. I'll draw their fire."

Both mares acknowledged the colt, one tipping her hat and the other pumping her shotgun. They waited for the footsteps or the fast flapping of insect like wings. It took moments before they heard the first batch of footsteps, then came the sound of the wings. It seemed that they were cautious, their slow footsteps made it clear that they were expecting some sort of trick.

One changeling solder closed in on the bar desk, weapon at the ready. He didn't pay attention to the ground, which his foot eventually tapped a bottle on the ground.

Whilst it startled the changeling, the three ponies saw it as an opportunity. Erich stood and opened fire at the hostiles. Some were killed, others were maimed and injured, few were unharmed and took cover behind tables. Dash and AJ flanked a few of the enemies, physically overpowering them and taking their weapons.

The colt continued to unload his colts', even shooting through the tables that some of the imperialist's took cover behind. The powerful .45 ACP round made those wooden tables seem like paper, ironically.

Things were getting heated as more of Chrysalis' subordinates continued to flood the bar. Luckily, the three ponies took whatever equipment their fallen comrades dropped, and effectively increased their fighting power. Three ponies alone were capable of combating the small armies of Chrysalis. It seemed like a relatively fair fight.

But the flooding continued and their fighting chances became slimmer as the three noble ponies tire, though Erich seemed to be carrying the other two with all the strength he had left. "Come on you two! I thought you two represented an element of harmony!"

"We can't keep this fight up. It's too cramped in here!" Dash exclaimed. "We need to get out into the open!"

The blonde mare fastened her hat over her head before standing next to the nearest brick wall covering the window. With all her might, she threw a powerful kick that decimated the hard wall. "Anyone need fresh air?"

Erich didn't seem surprised by the powerful kick, and Rainbow Dash smirked. "And this is one of those reasons I love you!"

The soldier allowed the wonderbolt and country mare to exit first before him, and he followed after them. The three attempted an escape but as they were about to flee, they were halted by armed changeling soldiers. They were sitting ducks, and couldn't do anything but surrender themselves. "Well that plan worked out for shit..." The navy mane soldier dropped his handgun to the ground, and the mares dropped their firearms as well.

But of course, the fight wasn't over, at least for them. You should never let your guard down even when the enemy is not armed. Quickly he threw off the soldier's aim and Rainbow Dash took the opportunity to get his pistol and threaten his life.

The other soldiers aimed, but were hesitant to fire since a comrade's life was endangered. "Drop the guns." Dash threatened. The solders complied and dropped their firearms, which AJ and Erich took a gun from the pile. The veteran soldier also retrieved his personal handguns. The changelings behind them approached but did the same when they saw the ponies threatening their unarmed friends.

Now that they were clear, they made their way to the closest man-hole and entered, mares first. "Sorry it had to be this way guys. Erich slowly took a few extra guns and dropped them down the hole before he jumped down. The changelings could pursue but without their weapons, and the fact that the ponies had their guns, they were already outmatched without reinforcements.

The ponies out of sheer luck escaped, but now the problem was reuniting with the rebels. They didn't know their way around the sewers, but at the very least they had a reason to keep walking. "Well. We might as well keep on moving." Applejack suggested.

They walked, and walked and walked. Excluding all the ambience of the sewers (including dropping, occasional splashes of the dirty water and scurrying rats), it was awkwardly silent. The mood was tense as it is because of the fight, any more tense then the three would lose trust in each other.

The loyal Rainbow Dash decided to break the silence. "So... I noticed you and Crystal talking to each other at the bar."

"Yeah. What of it?" Erich asked.

The wonderbolt shrugged. "I dunno. I just noticed. Something you wanna clue us in about?" Dash usually isn't one to gossip, but she had to keep up the conversation.

Erich sighed. "There's nothing going on. We're just friends." He explained. But if he were honest, he wished that he was more than just a friend to Crystal. Changeling or not, he knew her better than any other pony did. He cared about her, he really did...

The only reason he really joined the military was to earn money to help fund Crystal. She was capable of getting to where she is now without the need of his money, but her dream to become a popular musician wasn't cheap. With the help of Vinyl and Octavia, the Rock Queen had many different proposals thanks to Erich's funding.

The extra money was for her well-being, so that she could live peacefully and get anything she could of wanted. He didn't really need that much money, he really was comfortable without it. The money the Princess had given him wasn't really important to him. At least once he found Crystal, a mountain of money would be worthless to him. Crystal was not just a Crystal, she was a diamond, and the saying goes: 'Diamonds are forever..."

But he wouldn't let anyone know how much he cared...

"I think there is a lot to talk about. Considering how you were all 'friendly' to her."

Dash smirked. "Very friendly."

"Mighty friendly..."

The colt growled and continue to close down the questions, but the couple just kept pushing on the subject, teasing him and annoying him at the same time. It really was starting to get on his nerves, but his protests were ignored.

It didn't take too long to break him. The only question they really needed to ask was: "Are you in love?" The question hit Erich harder than a wall of bricks that he could fling himself at. He didn't want to answer, because the answer was far too obvious... Anyone who noticed could tell that he really was in love...

It took him some time to snap out of his trance, and by then he didn't even realised that he was able to walking blindly without thought. It must've been a good five minutes considering how unfamiliar he was with the area, though he wasn't familiar with the area in the first place. "Hmm..." Was the only thing he said. He didn't answer the question however. The other two were asking a question that they knew the answer to, and his 'hmm' and silence reinforced their beliefs.

Dash smirked again. She turned to her love and smiled, though she looked back at Markza. She cleared her throat and said: "You know, you don't have to say anything. I mean it's obvious that you're in love."

"Of course it is." Erich agreed.

"So... You accept the fact you have someone in your heart?"

The soldier nodded and smiled. Markza could only admit that he had fallen in love with a changeling, a love sucking creature. It was sort of ironic, but at the same time, interestingly romantic. It was almost like 'forbidden love'... "Love has no bounds. I am in love..." He admitted.

There was no response, only silence; the silence wasn't awkward however but rather it emphasised a few things: the ponies were all satisfied with Markza's acceptance of his true feelings, rather than deny them. Erichanory himself was sort of glad that he expressed his true feelings to someone at the very least. Now he had to tell the truth to Crystal, once he finds her.

For him, falling in love wasn't a quick process. It stemmed from his strong friendship with Crystal, whom he cared about more than anyone he knew. He had no one else he could trust better than her, especially when he was a lone orphan.

They first met at Sugarcube corner. Crystal was with Vinyl Scratch and Octavia, all ordering hot beverages, Crystal herself ordered frothy hot chocolate with extra oats, marshmallows, whipped cream and a chocolate stick. It started off with a joke about caffeine: 'Withdrawal is gonna be a bitch later.' Personally, Erich doesn't drink a lot of caffeine based products, but he knew that Crystal did. She also loved chocolate, and as they got older, drinks. After that lame joke, Erich decided to chat to the three, but especially focused on Crystal whom he never heard of before.

She was a new musician, and at first, Erich didn't believe she was any good. That was until he was wowed by her guitar playing skills, and it was then a bond was formed...

Every week, Markza would come to visit, just to talk to her and listen to her guitar playing. One day, he came over to find that Crystal was crying, upset that she was unable to get a sponsor from a label since she couldn't afford it. Vinyl and Octavia offered to support her, but she refused. Erich stepped in and persuaded her to take all their support, especially the fact that Erich cared. Crystal's dream was more important to him than what he wanted. He didn't want anything actually than to please her.

She had a hard life settling in to ponyville, considering that she was sometimes made fun of for being a blank flank, even the younger ponies like Diamond Tiara made fun of her, though Silver Spoon sided with the Rock Queen, because she had a soft spot for her music.

It was him, and the two musically talented ponies that helped get Crystal far, though Erich was one day sent on duty and thereafter, locked away and unable to speak to her again... She was all he could think about however, and he vowed that he'd make it up t her on his return. Now he has the opportunity to do so, he had to do it right.
. He may not have another chance to do so again, with the mission going on and all. He loved her, and he had only one chance to prove it.

The Pegasus then stopped and halted the others. "Look at that." She pointed to odd looking graffiti. "I remember seeing that logo on the rebels uniform and faces. Maybe we should follow that." Hopefully they'd find the others through this.

"I hope they're okay... I'm worried..." Crystal admitted to Twilight and Rarity. They made it across the sewers into one of the underground cities that the rebellion had formed over time.

For Rarity, it didn't have the best living conditions but at the very least she could tolerate it. She endured through mud, dirt and rain, and sure as hell wasn't going to abandon her friend just because the area was unclean and partially flimsy.

Back to the topic at hand, Rarity was there for her friend Twilight, and right now trusts Crystal more than she had previously. Seeing the valiant and brave acts of the changeling rebels who sacrificed themselves to allow the others to escape. Both Twilight and Crystal were important to the cause, hence why some of them stayed behind. Dash and AJ, as well as Erich stayed behind too, which also concerned her.

Dash was a wonderbolt who was capable of holding her own,, as well as AJ who was strong and farm raised, is not easily intimidated. The situation at hand however was a taste of what was to come. Whether Chrysalis knew about their presence or not, it could be something to do with her 'hidden talent'...

"Something wrong, Rarity?" Twilight asked when she noticed her blank stare.

"Oh it's... It's nothing." The truth was the thought that she may have given away their position. "Say... Remember when we found that weird note at my door?"

"The one with the fake blood saying: 'Beware the pleasure of pain?' I remember. What of it?"

Rarity should of taken the warning... "It's just that... Ever since that day, I experimented on... 'painful pleasure'." It brought not only a darker side to her personality, but she also brought out a dark... Generously dark side to her magic. She was surely in control of it, but ever since the dark magic matured, Twilight has since been noticing the 'anomalous presence'. What if Chrysalis could sense it as well, but from afar?

The generous pony didn't know what came over her, or how she begun to like pain... She even started having vivid dreams... But she could never exactly remember the details. Her magic has been augmented as well with the development of her dark magic, new natural abilities and spells were possible, though most of them were volatile.

Twilight blushed at the thought. She didn't want to think of the elegant fashionista in such a way. "Yeah let's not talk about that..." Rarity didn't need to explain herself neither, because Twilight saw her 'experiments'. It did seem a little painful, but safe and somewhat enticing. She didn't want to notify Rarity of what she witnessed, because she didn't want to embarrass her. Whether she still practiced such things or not, it made her realise that her friends have changed.

But she liked the changes they all went through. The magic of friendship knows no bounds, and friendship is important. Her friends have been there for her since the beginning, and the princess wouldn't leave them behind just because they have changed. It's natural, even Twilight has changed, though not as much as say, Rainbow Dash and Applejack, but still, Pinkie Pie hasn't changed one bit. It's evident that she hasn't since she is intent on making as many friends as she could, and having so much fun, no changeling rebel was safe from Pinkie.

She really did make many friends, and helped boost morale of the soldiers who are probably tired from all the fighting. Fluttershy helped as well, using her experience tending to injured animals to help some of the injured changelings, and also sooth the pain of some of the saddened and upset rebels who have lost many important things.

"Do you ever wonder about Trixie?"

"Where did that thought come from?"

Rarity shrugged. It's been so long since they have heard from the performer, it's not like her to not come and visit. Trixie had always visited ponyville at least once every year to perform for her fans. Since she had reformed, Trixie's performances are met with praise, and she always tries to give something different for her yearly visits.

"Well... She wanted a break from performing. She settled in Canterlot now, but I know she'll return to the business one day." Living in Canterlot, Trixie regularly goes with Twilight for tea, and peanut butter crackers. Trixie wanted to improve her own personal social life, make new friends and probably meet a special somepony. Hopefully she won't break her promise to return to performing, since Twilight loves Trixie's spectacular magic shows.

"It's just that... There are so many ponies that we've come to know, and many of them we've become friends with..." Rarity sighed to herself. "I'm worried whether we can make sure we can hold them dear to our hearts forever..."

Crystal, overhearing Rarity, turned to the two unicorns. "I don't have many friends... But the Princesses, Vinyl, Octavia and Erich are the closest ponies to me that I'll ever need..." She smiled. "There will be hard times, and bad times, but the responsibility of friendship is carrying it... For as long as you must."

Both unicorns smiled at the changeling. "You know... You'd be perfect for Equestrian royalty." Twilight claimed.

"Nah... I'm a changeling. It wouldn't work."

Twilight pulled her into a hug. She reassured: "But you're a pony at heart."

Crystal smiled and accepted the hug. "Thank you Twilight..."

Rarity smiled as well, and joined the hug. "If you're a friend to Twilight, you're a friend to me too..."

They broke off the hug and continued to follow the soldiers. They made it towards the gate, where changelings were guarding the rebel city from intruders. Seeing Crystal and the insignia of the rebellion marked upon the faces of the soldiers and their uniforms, they were allowed in. They halted the ponies, especially Butch and Bulleta who were armed.

"Hey, what's the big idea?"

"Who are you?" The guards asked.

Crystal intervened: "Whoa. These guys are with me... Princess Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Bulleta and Butch."

"I'd advise that you provide them with the insignia next time." One guard suggested. They allowed the ponies into the city.

Bulleta sighed. "Talk about annoying."

"It's just precaution Bulleta." Butch added. "You'd be the same if you were in their shoes."

The group continued on without speaking. Eventually the silence started to annoy Crystal, and she decided to break it. "You know, Butch, Bulleta, what's Erich like?"

"I thought you knew the bastard." Bulleta said.

The larger earth pony stepped in. "Perhaps she's asking about what Erich is like in the military."

"He is a bit of a mystery." Rarity added.

"Tell us a story!" Pinkie Pie excitedly requested.

"It'd be nice to know more about him... If you're okay telling us that is." Fluttershy shyly added.

"I'd like to know too." Twilight agreed with Rarity that he was a mystery.

"Well. For starters, he can really handle himself in any situation. He's a natural fighter. Once fought a group of diamond dogs, came out without so much as a scratch, nor did he use his guns. Which was odd..." Bulleta ignored the odd part of the story. "He's also really caring of the buddies. Trust me, he didn't take it too well when most of the crew died. He got to know them all."

Butch agreed. He explained how Erich was friendly towards his comrades and always tried to help whenever he could. Butch also told of how Erich didn't like how some of the commanding officers abused their authority and power, but he pays high respect to the Captain of the Royal Guard, Shining Armour, since he was a strong role model for high ranking ponies.

But there was a problem. Both Butch and Bulleta couldn't tell the others of how Erich really thinks, or what he likes, or anything really personal. "I guess the only person that knows him really well is you Crystal."

"I guess so, but it's been so long. What if he's changed?"

"Well. You're the only one who could talk to him properly." Twilight said.

She wanted to talk more to Erich, to get to know him, and to finally reveal her secrets. Her biggest secret of being a changeling in disguise was revealed, it was time to come clean. He really cared about her, and she did care about him too. As his closest friend, and her own closest friend, she'd have to be honest.

"Maybe you should tell him how you really feel!!!" Pinkie cried out.

The suggestion caught the Rock Queen off guard, and she immediately gasped! "The-there isn't anything to say! We're just f-f-friends! Yeah, that's right! Friends!"

But the stammer and unnecessary reassurance said otherwise. One all the other ponies had understood Pinkie Pie's suggestion, they all looked at each other with impish grins and smirks. Crystal and Erich are two close friends, very close friends...

"So..." Twilight began. "As his friend, what do you think is the most charming part about him?" She asked.

Crystal felt like she was being pulled in to a trap, but she answered anyways: "He's always been there for me when we were younger. One time... He comforted me when I was dumped by a pony I was dating some time ago."

"Hmm. So he's really supportive?" Butch asked.

"Yeah..." There were so many things about Erich that Crystal loved...

Her distracted gaze continued to point to 'strong feelings'. But the ponies had to push further. The idea that changelings and ponies in love was oddly romantic, though it could've been done before. But Crystal seemed inexperienced with love, though out of honesty, so was Twilight.

Bulleta pushed on. "So you didn't try to date anyone after that?"

"No." The changeling admitted, though she was not embarrassed to say so. However, she then regretted answering when Rarity asked why she didn't try to date anyone else. She didn't have an answer for a while, until she thought of one she felt satisfied with: "I was waiting for the right time to find the right pony."

Rarity stepped in to keep the momentum going. "Oh but maybe you've already met that special somepony!"

Crystal blushed. "R-r-really?" She stammered.

"Oh but you were waiting for the right time. When is the right time? Because frankly I'm worried that you many never get a second chance should the opportunity slip by."

That was true... Perhaps Crystal may never get the chance to say how she really feels again... But hopefully Erich was still alive so that she could say them... Her train of thought was interrupted when she noticed three ponies emerge from the tunnels, approach the gate. "Erich!?"

Twilight turned her attention to where she looked and saw him, and AJ and Rainbow... "Dash! AJ!" The rest of the mane-6 followed and greeted the two. The guards allowed the three in, and they were all reunited.

The celebration was cut short when both Rarity and Rainbow Dash said in simultaneous fashion: "Erich/Crystal, isn't there something you wanted to say to Crystal/Erich?" The two parties then looked at each other in awe...

Crystal and Erich looked at each other, eye to eye... They were left in a silent trance, both blushing and not looking away.

"This calls for a party!" Pinkie exclaimed.

Spike was able to use his magical talent to destroy a large boulder, a sign that his magic was powerful. The drake truly was gifted among the many dragons that exist, and if he were a pony he'd be a powerful unicorn. He probably rivalled Princess Twilight during her early student years, if that is so, he probably would be on par, if not stronger than her after some time. Though he doubted the chances, considering that Twilight had grown very strong and set high standards for the next monarch.

But progress was good; Spike was capable of quite a few intermediate spells, can easily do basic spells. He was also good at shooting. Firearms training was lead by Gryph0n who was a dead eye. Spike learned fast, and he wasn't too bad of a shot himself.

They already went through basic target shooting, field stripping and other weapon based tactics. Currently Spike was practicing shooting pony sized targets from one hundred metres using iron sights. While he didn't have the tightest grouping, the drake only missed a few shots.

"That's good. You're progressing real fast. You're a natural all-rounder." Gryph0n complimented. "It'd be harder to shoot moving targets though."

"Even more harder to shoot accurately in the heat of battle." Adrian added. "But no doubt our buddy Gryph0n here wouldn't miss."

The Pegasus chuckled and examined one of the rifles that had been given to the dragon by Celestia herself. He took note that it was a carbine Kalashnikov model with aftermarket accessories: a custom lightweight foldable stock, plastic furniture, Pictanny rails both over and under, a hybrid sight and a forearm grip. Looking at it closely, the barrel was custom too, and it was marked with Celestia's cutie mark.

"Lovely rifle. I wonder why Celestia gave you it. There's an abundance of rifles we can spare." Adrian wondered.

Shining Armour entered to respond to the question: "It's a gift to her student." Black Gryph0n was polite to salute, along with the other two who followed suit. "No need to be polite. We're all friends here."

"Right."

"Anyways. Trainings over for today. Thanks for helping out Gryph0n."

"Anytime. I'll be back soon." The Pegasus flew off, leaving the others behind.

The captain threw the locks covering his left eye aside and turned to Spike. "Say... How would you and Sweetie Belle like to join us for dinner? Cadance and I invited Adrian and his love Sundance, but we would be happy if you joined us as well."

"I'd have to see if Sweetie Belle wouldn't mind."

Of course, she didn't... The two had found their best formal outfits, and put on the most expensive, but trendy, perfumes and colognes for the evening.

There were two odd things about the dinner that Spike noticed: Adrian had assumed a pony form, probably to blend in with the crowd, and that it felt like this dinner was a set up for something... But what?

"So isn't there something you wanted to talk about?" Cadance asked.

Sweetie Belle blushed. "Nothing."

Cadance shot a glance towards Sundance and Adrian. "Shining Armour and I were thinking about having a baby. But we're still trying our best and it's a little harder than we thought."

The colt chuckled and blushed as he scratched the back of his head. "Well at the very least we have fun with 'it'."

The drake and young mare both tried to hide their flushed faces from each other. Seeing this, the Princess decided to push on. "Yeah. It is real fun huh? You ever wonder why we were first hesitant about it?" She asked her husband.

The colt shrugged. He turned to his disguised changeling friend and asked him: "You and Sundance. You two have 'fun', right?"

The yellow furred mare blushed and turned away, not really wanting to talk about her sex life to others. Adrian gave few details so he wouldn't upset her. "I mean, it's part of the relationship. It's more than just 'fun'." He saw sex as a means to show one's passion to another, and he does that with Sundance very much. The changeling in disguise smiled at his mare who smiled back.

The princess and captain smiled at each other too. "Passion... It's beautiful."

The purple drake started to warm up to the other two couples, and then looked at his young love... He cares about Sweetie Belle so much... When she noticed his stare she turned to him slowly, still red from moments earlier but she seemed to have warmed up too. The cute smile, the cute face, the sparkling eyes... He was glad he chose her.

Sweetie Belle was Rarity's sister... Some part of her always thought that she was second best to Rarity, ever since Spike asked her out and won her heart. When Spike was younger he had always poured her heart out to Rarity, and Sweetie Belle didn't care about love. Growing up and still a blank flank, she felt a little lost. She couldn't depend on her sister forever though, and she was the only remaining first generation of the Cutie Mark Crusaders without a cutie mark...

With that in mind she felt like no colt would want her, once she started to become attracted to them. A talentless mare, who would want that for a lover? Obviously, Spike would settle for anyone, as long as that person was perfect for his tastes.

Well, she definitely wasn't a hot babe or fashionista like her older sister, nor had the same class and sass too. When Spike found out that Rarity had found someone before him, he was saddened and spoke to Sweetie instead. From that day fourth they had progressed from acquaintance, a friend, a close friend and lover... And if making love was to finally seal everything in place, finally make her feel worth something to somepony, she could feel more comfortable about herself...

Spike stopped her trail of thought when he said: "I love my Sweetie Belle... I don't have to 'take' her tonight... I have all the time in the world. My one true mare..."

"My special some pony..." She whispered to herself. At first, she found this to be such a brave thing to say... But then she realised, something was going on and since Spike had been training so much, he and others must be preparing for something big... What if he gets hurt, or worse...? Her red face started to return to its normal white, but the blush was still there. Spike was a real gentleman, who she loved... She was sure this wasn't just puppy love anymore, but true love...

The other two couples smiled. Cadance found Spike's chivalrous attitude to be a charming part of him. She could tell that he truly fell for the young girl, despite pouring most of his early affections to his sister. Part of him probably expected that he would not be able to get Rarity and so he looked for someone just as good. Perfect in his eyes...

Shining Armour liked that Spike was willing to wait a little longer, so that both of them would be comfortable. It's not like they were splitting anytime soon, since the two seemed inseparable.

Adrian chuckled. "You two are probably the cutest couple to date. You take care of her, and you take care of him." He advised. "Love is all about trust..." He held Sundance's hand, the person he trusted the most in his life.

"Yeah..." She responded with a smile. She trusted Adrian very much.

Cadance caught the attention of the table by clapping her hands together. "So. Dinner! You don't want the food to get cold." Tonight on the menu: Tofu steak!

Spike found dinner good. Surprisingly, tofu steaks weren't had at all! It was hard to find real meat, or an abundance of gems that he could eat, but still, he was willing to eat anything at the time. It had been a few hours and they had returned to the room Celestia allowed them to stay in. The digital clock beside him read: '22:23'.

Sweetie was in the shower. He already had his, and was just relaxing on the bed, reading some books from Starswirl the bearded. The book consisted of complex spells that had long casting calls. "Hmm..." But with practice, any pony could conjure the spell without the need to say anything. This book had the most complex spells that he had encountered thus far.

A few pages later, he was distracted as he heard the shower door open. Sweetie exited the shower, wearing only a towel. It was odd, since she'd usually dress in the shower; she usually is very embarrassed to dress in front of any pony, even Spike and Rarity.

Something was odd... The look in her eye, intent on a goal, determined to fulfil it. Her stare towards the dragon was very fierce, but at the same time it was a call to him... Inviting him to something... "Spike..."

"Sweetie...?"

"Something big is going to happen... Right...?" She asked.

The drake nodded, but didn't give any details other than: "It could mean that I may get hurt... Perhaps more..."

The young mare understood. "I'm scared to lose you... You're the only person I've met that... That really offered your heart to me." She smiled sincerely. "No colt would want a girl like me... I have no talents, I have no cutie mark..."

Spike put aside his book. "I don't understand... You're amazing, you're cute, you have an amazing body, and you have a great personality!"

"But is it enough...? Is it...?" She asked.

Spike didn't know. He didn't understand why cutie marks were so important to ponies, but for most, they were. Without a cutie mark, some ponies feel like they've no identity, nothing to reinforce their existence within Equestria. As a dragon, he didn't need a cutie mark, but at the very least he was free to explore what talents he may hold. Maybe the same goes for Sweetie Belle, she was a free bird with no restraint to what she can or cannot do. "For me... You're perfect."

"You say that... But can you..." She allowed the towel covering her to drop to the floor, and she unveiled herself to the drake. "Can you prove... That I'm perfect to you?"

He said that he could wait... That he would wait for her to be comfortable... But she was confident and ready, and more so... He wanted nothing more than to prove her how perfect she was to him... The dragon was slightly nervous however... "You're offering your heart and soul to me... I'm scared I might shatter them... Or..."

She silenced him with her finger: "I won't break yours..." She promised. "I love you Spike, but I'm scared that I may lose you from whatever is going on... You're my perfect love, and no other creature could compare to the like..." Spike didn't know what to say... "I want you my one true love... And fulfil every need I want... And I want you to 'take' me..."

Despite the soft tone, the request was powerful... He couldn't resist the temptation... "I don't want things to change between us."

"I do..."

"Why?"

"Because I want us to be an even better couple after this... I love you Spike."

He kissed her on the forehead. "I love you Sweetie Belle..." He laid her on the bed... "I won't rush..." The drake promised.