Sleeples Nights In Equestria

Chapters

Chapter One: Party Of One
Chapter Two: A DressMakers Dilema
Chapter Three: A Princesses Temptations
Chapter Four: Apple Of My Eye
Chapter Five: Invitation, Confrontation
Chapter Six: Journey
Chapter Seven: Arrival
Chapter Eight: Getting Closer
Chapter Nine: Party
Chapter Ten: Shock

Chapter One: Party Of One

In her bedroom above Sugar Cube Corner, the Bakery at which she worked, the fuchsia pony sat with her head resting on the windowsill beside her large cupcake shaped bed, gazing up at the moon longingly. Today’s party she'd thrown for Lyra Heartstrings had been okay for the most part... Every pony she had invited had shown up, and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. But Pinkamena had eyes for only one certain pony out of the thirty or so that had shown up...the soft grey pegasus with the straw colored blonde mane and tail. Her golden eyes crossed, but that bothered the pink pony not... it had been a while since she'd seen her, and Pinkie had hoped she'd show up to the party...

* * * *

Derpy had surprised Pinkie Pie. She snuck in through the side door of the bakery and come up behind her, resting her hooves on Pinkies hips and brushing her lips softly along the pink pony’s collarbone as she decorated the birthday cake. “How are you, my lovely cupcake?” Derpy asked softly. Pinkie blushed and spun around, accidentally emptying the icing bag all over the pearl grey fur.

“Oh!!! Derpy!!!” exclaimed Pinkie. “ I’m so sorry!!! You surprised me, and I...” her words were cut off as the other pony silenced her by capturing her lips with her own. Pinkie didn’t hesitate, she only responded. She returned the kiss, blushing fervently when Derpy ran her hooves up and down Pinkie Pies soft belly, and then shoved her up against the baking rack, getting wilder and more passionate. Pinkie tossed the icing bag to the counter as she tried to keep up with the grey mare. She cupped her rump right beneath the bubble cutie mark, and pressed her against her while her other hoof tangled itself in the blonde mane.

“Pinkie...” She'd breathed. “Oh, how I have missed you...” Derpy breathed, as she began trailing kisses down the pink ponies coat, making her shudder. Pinkie moaned, trying to say that she'd missed her too, as she slid her hoof down between Derpys thighs rubbing gently. But this was a mistake. This smallest of touches caused the grey mares feathered wings to pop right up, tipping the shelves full of bags of flour over, knocking into the bakers rack and showering them with white powder.

Pinkie slipped, falling over with Derpy right on top of her, the two ponies crashing to the floor.

The loud noises drew attention from the rest of the party, and the door of the kitchen flung open, crowds of ponies peering in to find the cause of the commotion. Pinkie's cheeks grew hot and as dark as her coat as she looked up into the sneering faces of a few of the ponies, of course, the ones who were always out to rain on other ponies happy moods. Berry Punch, Bon Bon, Lyra, and Sea Swirl had shoved to the front of the crowd, and leered down at Pinkie, and Derpy who was still on top of her, in a rather sexual fashion. “Oh-ho-ho!!!” jeered Berry Punch. “What have we here, ladies? Two little foals, bucking in the bakery? Oh, you have sunk to an all new low, Pinkamena... Your parties have always been ridiculously stupid. Now you're messing around with that retarded pony?” Berry cut her eyes coldly at Derpy. Pinkie's ever so rare temper flared up at once. She glared heatedly at the mauve mare, wanting to spit in her face. Her voice was dangerously low.

“She is not 'retarded'. And this is MY bakery. My home, and you have insulted me for the last time. Get. Out.”

Berry Punch merely laughed, and it was truly a cold and heartless sound.

She walked over and leaned down, getting right in Pinkies face.

“You're messing with Retard here, because no mare would ever want you. And you only go for mares because no stallion could ever bear to touch you. You are a filthy party whore, who got kicked out of her own families rock farm... how pathetic.”

She smiled evilly at Pinkie, who hung her head low, her usual poofy erratic magenta mane and tail suddenly deflating and going flat.

Horrified, Pinkie glanced at Derpy, whose wings had unstiffened, and begun to flap pathetically as she lifted herself off Pinkie, not caring that she too was covered in flour, and darted out of the open window, soaring to the sky without looking back even once...

* * * *

A tear escaped from Pinkies eye as she remembered, and she let it, and began crying from there as the moon shone brightly in the inky sky above Ponyville, watching her weep...

Chapter Two: A DressMakers Dilema

Gazing up at the very same moon Pinkie Pie wept beneath, the lovely white unicorn sighed, resting her beautiful head against the ornate wall of the Carousel Boutique, her private-owned workplace and home. She lost herself in the beauty of the glowing orb in the sky, its milky luminescence reminding her of her own stunning coat. She sighed again and glanced behind her, at her “Inspiration room” as she called it, recalling the days events with a tear shining in her sapphire blue eyes...

* * * *

It was Monday. Raritys absolute busiest day of the week... she had to babysit her younger sister, Sweetie Belle and her friends, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom, along with complete an order of a Brides wedding dress, and fifteen dresses for her bridesmares... FIFTEEN!! Who, in Equestria, would in the right mind have FIFTEEN bridesmares!? Rarity also had to fix a few details in her Grand Galloping Gala dress, and meet her PFF(Pony Friend Forever), Fluttershy for their usual weekly spa get-together. There had simply been much too much to do today!!!

She'd gotten up before Princess Celestia had even risen the sun into the sky, and gotten to work on the dresses, working nonstop until past sunrise, breakfast, mid-morning, and even lunch time. Actually, she hadn't stopped working until her sister and her friends had come romping through her door and creating a ruckus, disturbing her cat, Opalescence. Rarity sighed and magicked her red rimmed glasses off her nose and set them on her head, trying to speak calmly as the three fillies chased one another around her shop. “Girls... I am TRYING to concentrate, and I would greatly appreciate it...”

Rarity couldn't even hear herself speak, let alone think. She was losing her composure, and fast. The girls rushed past her and she attempted to get their attention once more, but they couldn't hear her over their own shouting, and Rarity watched them as Sweetie Belle chased Scootaloo, and Scootaloo chased Apple Bloom right into the basket of scrap fabric that Opal was curled up on, startling the cat, causing her to turn tail and streak directly at Rarity, who ducked just in time, as her pet came flying right at her face, all teeth and claws. Rarity lifted her head as she heard a heart stopping rip from behind her, and a loud angry hissing issuing from a place Rarity absolutely did not want to lay eyes on now.

Very slowly, Rarity turned, and stared at what used to be a completed wedding dress, now torn to shreds of white fabric and gossamer on the mannequin at the vicious claws of her cat. Tears of pure rage and exhaustion over whelmed her as she turned on the three fillies that called themselves “The Cutie Mark Crusaders”, breathing hard through her nose, unable to control her magic as it shot from her horn in a bright pink burst, capturing the three little ponies in a magical bubble, and throwing them out of the shop, slamming the door shut behind them. She galloped to the door screaming after them as they hurried away.

“I DO NOT WANT TO SEE ANY OF YOU ANYWHERE NEAR ME OR MY SHOP EVER AGAIN!!!”

She turned, and stared at the ruined dress beside the fifteen completed bridesmare dresses, and began crying all over again, storming to her bedroom, and throwing herself on her bed, curling up.

She was much too exhausted to try to mend the dress, and she was too upset to remember her appointment with Fluttershy at the spa. Rarity cried herself to sleep, ignoring the world and every pony in it.

* * * *

It was around sunset when Fluttershy knocked at the door to Carousel Boutique, very worried about her friend. When no answer came, she slowly opened the lavender door, and peeked inside. The foyer was a mess, with cat fur and shredded fabrics strewn higgedly piggedly about.

“Oh... oh my...” Fluttershy said in her soft voice. She called out to her friend, but with no answer, she began to search for her. She searched the storage room and the kitchen and the laundry room, the dressing rooms, and the mail room, but to no avail.

Finally she reached the bedroom.

It was dim, only a small candle lit on the bedside table, and Fluttershy found Rarity fast asleep, tear stains marring her gorgeous face.

"Oh, Rarity..." Fluttershy said softly, putting her hoof through Raritys lovely deep purple mane gently.

Raritys eyes fluttered open meeting Fluttershys, and tears coming to them again.

"Oh... Oh my stars!!!" Rarity cried. "Our spa date!!!! I'd completely forgotten my dear!!! Oh goodness, Fluttershy, darling! I'm so very sorry!!! Please forgive me!!!" Rarity sobbed.

Fluttershy smiled softly at the fashionista pony and hugged her, trying to tell her it was okay, but couldn't be heard over Raritys wailing.

"Oh, Rarity, it's alright, I forgive you, I was just very worried so I came to see..."

"I'm an awful friend! Just awful!" sniffles Rarity, crying even harder.

"Rarity it's okay, I-"

"And you seemed so excited about seeing me today and I didn't even remember it! I feel like such an awful friend!!! Oh, Fluttershy!!!" Rarity babbled on. Fluttershy tried several more times to speak but it was useless. So, she did what she had hoped to do at the spa today... She pulled Rarity to her, kissing her full on the mouth and stopping her endless talking.

Rarity ceased speaking, and instead wrapped her front legs around Fluttershys soft neck as she fell back on to her pillows returning the gentle kiss. Fluttershy kissed her long slow and sweet, something Rarity had never had the exclusive pleasure of experiencing. She found she rather enjoyed it... Quite a bit... Fluttershy eventually ended the kiss and laid next to Rarity, burying her face in her own soft pink mane as she spoke.

"I... I... I was excited to see you today... Because I was finally ready to tell you... That I love you... All these years, being your personal model, and helping you with dresses... And all the afternoon teas and spa dates... Your beautiful... And you accept me and my shyness... You give me confidence... And I feel so brave and happy around you..."

Fluttershy blushed deeply as she peeked through her curtain of hair and snuck a glance at the white mare. Rarity was smiling warmly at the butter yellow pony, and pulled her close, pressing her lips against hers once more. Fluttershy smiled and returned the favor, while holding the unicorn closer, wrapping her delicate wings around her.

"Oh, Fluttershy, darling... I love you too... You're my very favorite model and I do love to be around you. I want to be..."

Rarity was interrupted by the door to her room flying open and a small purple dragon rushing in with a large barrel of rare baby blue sapphires wobbling in his little claws, completely oblivious to what he'd just walked in on and interrupted. "Rarity!! I got all those super delicious... I uh... mean... Rare baby blue Sapphi-..."

He stopped and took in the scene around him, Fluttershy and Rarity wrapped around one another on the bed, the lights dimmed... And he slowly put down the barrel, and couldn't look away from Rarity.

"Spike! Thank you! I truly appreciate your..."

The dragon interrupted her.

"This is why you don't want me... For anything other than a means to get what you want..." he said softly with tears in his bright green eyes, pointing half heartedly at Fluttershy. Rarity made a move to say something but Spike turned on his heel and slammed the door behind him, crying loudly as he stormed out of the shop. Rarity sighed frustrated that Spike had never seemed to get the message that she did not like him in that manner. She turned to cuddle Fluttershy once more, but the yellow mare was gone.

"F-Fluttershy..?!" she cried out.

She saw the window shutters blowing in a light breeze out of the corner of her eye, and rushed to the window in enough time to see the yellow Pegasus flying off as fast as she could, her baby pink mane and tail streaming behind her. Rarity was quite sure she heard a wrenching sob coming directly from the beautiful flying pony, but couldn't be sure. Rarity looked up after Fluttershy, tears pouring down her face as she cried to the moon, the only one that could see her by her window in her shop.

* * * *

Rarity closed her eyes and whispered solemnly to herself, "Oh, Fluttershy... I do love you too... I wish I could tell you this my darling..." Rarity bowed her head praying to Celestia that the timid mare was safe...

Chapter Three: A Princesses Temptations

Even reading could not keep the Alicorn Princesses mind off the events of that day. So she decided to go out on the balcony of her treehouse library home, and stargaze through her telescope. She noted each constellation as she found them... Scorpio, Taurus, Draco, the Little Dipper... Then she found Ursa minor... And she sat back on her haunches, tucking her wings and gazing up at the constellation that brought back the memory of the powder blue unicorn who had shown up on her doorstep just earlier that day...

* * * *

Twilight Sparkle, the recently crowned new Alicorn princess, had been in her study, rewriting old spells in to the modern language for her mentor, Princess Celestia to look over on the following weeks visit to Ponyville. She was busy concentrating, so when the door was knocked upon, she merely magicked it open, hoping who ever it was would be quick.

It was silent for a few moments, so Twilight looked up from her book, and gasped. Trixie was kneeling before her... No purple star spangled cloak and matching hat... No Snips and Snails brown nosing and worshiping the ground she walked on... Just regular plain Trixie... Twilight walked around her desk to the kneeling pony, and crouched down beside her.

"Hey there, Trix... How are you?"

Trixie looked up.

"Oh, Twilight!!! I'm so glad you'll talk to me!!!" the blue pony said softly. Twilight was utterly lost. "Well, why wouldn't I talk to you? We are on better terms after all..." Twilight began. But a sudden kiss from the unicorn caught her off guard, and she stood there with her horn glowing embarrassedly the same color as Trixies coat, while Trixies horn glowed the color of Twilights coat. Twilight kissed back passionately, and only stopped when they both needed to breathe.

"What...." whispered Twilight, almost too afraid to ask.

"I needed to tell you..." Trixie said softly, "That I loved you... I DO love you... But I only got the courage up enough to tell you recently... And now... You probably won't want anything to do with me... Because.... Oh look at you!

You're a gorgeous alicorn now!!! I'm just a plain old unicorn... I'm nothing special.... I..." Trixie turned away but Twi could still tell she was crying.

She sat beside the sobbing mare, draping one of her wings over her.

"Trixie... How... How long have you ... Loved me...?" Twi asked softly.

"Since... I first came to Ponyville... You banished that Ursa Minor... And I just... Completely and utterly

Fell for you.... I try to out do you so I have a chance to be close to you... That sounds so stupid I know... But... I... I love you Twilight Sparkle...." Trixie sobbed softly, all arrogance gone, all haughty, holier-than-thou attitude non-existent. Twilight rubbed her nose against Trixies, and closed her eyes.

“Trixie... you... you are quite sure of these feelings? Are you just going through a tough time right now, because you know I'm always here for you, alicorn now or not... and I...” Twi just couldn't finish her sentence... The look in the blue unicorns eyes was just too heart felt and sincere. She knew then what their horns glowing with each others coat colors meant... Alicorn and unicorn magic was still a great mystery to pony kind. But there were some things about it that were just so, with no solid explanation as to why or how. It was meant to be. Trixie... was Twilight’s soul mare. Twi stood then, making Trixie rise with her. She had made up her mind, that she would give this a try. After all... No stallion had really caught her interest... and she longed achingly for warm caresses... sweet kisses, and a pony who understood her, and didn't treat her any sort of different just because she was now an alicorn and a princess... And besides... Trixie was a former rival... but now she was a sweet misunderstood pony who just wanted to be loved and cared about... so a relationship with her may prove to be interesting... Twilight crossed her lavender horn with Trixie's powder blue one, smiling at her warmly.

“Trixie, I am utterly honored. Thank you for coming and telling me this... you are a brave and intriguing mare, and I would love...”Twilight paused for dramatic effect, as she got closer, pulling the unicorn against her and wrapping her wings around them both. “To be with you. I want nothing more...” Trixie blushed brightly, the pink contrasting quite nicely with her blue coat, as she kissed Twilight softly, putting her hooves in the dark purple and pink mane. Twilight, overcome by a sudden urge, returned the favor, kissing Trixie back while entangling her hooves in the light blue striped mane. The two mares were in their own small bubble of pure bliss when the door to Twilight’s library swung open, and her BBBFF (Big Brother Best Friend Forever), Shining Armor stepped in, beaming at his little sister before he was fully able to realize the situation. He stared at the young mare his sister was wrapped up with, and quickly averted his eyes, wishing he'd knocked. Twilight stared at Trixie, hoping she wasn't upset. She still really wanted to see her, and hold her now that she'd come clean about liking her, but the thought was futile... The powder blue unicorn gave a great sob, wrenching herself from Twilights embrace, and galloping full speed past Shining Armor, and out the open door, wailing, and disappearing into the streets of Ponyville with out even a glance back.

Twilight sighed and sat on the floor, refusing to look at Shining Armor, terrified he would judge her for loving another mare. Shining walked over and nudged his little sister gently. “Hey Twily! Who was she? She was pretty.”

Twi looked up at her brother, with tears in her eyes.

"She... Was a mare who I've known for a long time... And just admitted that she loved me... And... And I feel the same way about her..." she said softly, hanging her head. She was surprised to hear him laughing. She glanced back up at him.

"You... Don't find it... Awful...??" Twilight questioned. Shining shook his head laughing. "Of course not, little sis! I'm happy you found some pony you care for!!!"

Twilights face split into a grin. "Thank you, Shining Armor!" Twilight beamed up at her brother, and ran to give him a big hug.

After she released him, he smiled and sat with her.

"So why the out of nowhere visit?" Twi asked.

"Cadence wanted to have a small get together with her new sister," he winked at Twilight. "and her friends! And I decided to deliver the message myself because I haven't seen you in ages!!!" he said grinning.

“What's the occasion?” Twi asked, snuggling up to her big brother.

“Just a get together, sis... And it IS her twenty-first birthday... so she wanted her closest friends to all be there! And you can bring that sweet friend of yours...” Shining Armor said teasingly, winking at his sister, making her blush and bat at him with one of her wings.

“Maybe... maybe I will bring her...” Twilight said, more so to her self than her brother...

* * * * *

Twilight sighed and gazed up at the full moon, wondering where Trixie was right now... She'd decided to bring her to Cadences party, and finish confessing her love in return. She was surprised to find herself longing to be with the blue mare, and held back her tears... Tomorrow... Tomorrow, she would find her, and tell her about the party... hopefully, she'd agree to go with her, and Twilight could be happy with her at last...

Chapter Four: Apple Of My Eye

Closer to the glowing orb in the sky than the other ponies, the rainbow maned mare sat on her favorite cloud and let only the stars and moon witness her tears.

Rainbow Dash was NOT a crier... nor was she weak. But her heart was lonely, and her mind was a mess. She was so very lost... so confused... she thought back on the days events, to try and get her self sorted out...

* * * * *

It had been a gorgeous morning. Rainbow Dash had gotten up early, because her best friend Applejack had asked her to assist with the end-of-summer harvest at Sweet Apple Acres, the Apple family farm, and home.

Rainbow had just finished her early morning cloud clearing duty, and hurried over to the farm on the outskirts of Ponyville. She was flying fast and had her eyes closed, enjoying the feeling of the wind in her mane, clearly not paying attention to where she was flying, because the cyan Pegasus flew straight into Applejack who had just emerged from her apple cellar.

The pair tumbled into the bushes on the eastern side of the barn, causing Applejacks dog Winona to bark like mad in excitement at seeing the Pegasus.

Rainbow looked apologetically at the orange earth pony, starting to get up, but stopped.

AJ's mane had fallen out of its ponytail, and it was fanned across her freckled face, concealing her emerald eyes. Rainbows breath caught in her throat as she hesitantly lifted her hoof to brush her friends golden mane away from her face.

Rainbow stared... Unable to look away. Applejack chuckled softly and licked her friends nose playfully, whispering "Somepony love struck, there sugarcube?"

She said softly. Rainbow shook her head and got up, figuring she had imagined her heart beginning to race.

"Nah! 'course not!!!" Dash scoffed, picking up AJ's hat and taking off with it laughing at her friend who laughed back and chased the blue pony.

Once she had wrangled her hat back from Rainbow, the two ponies got to work, hauling buckets, barrels and wagons full of apples from beside the barn and throughout the apple orchard into the apple cellar.

They worked hard together all day, and finished just as Princess Celestia was beginning to lower the sun. They stacked up the buckets and whatnot in the tool shed, and began to travel back to Applejacks house, all the while, Rainbow Dash chattering on about a possible date with the Wonderbolt named Soarin'. Applejack listened intently, but realized that her friend was not as enthusiastic as she normally would be when talking about dating a member of her idolized flying group, the Wonderbolts... But she kept that to herself. She began thinking about how she would word what she was about to say, Then she realized Rainbow was getting ready to leave.

"Hay, ya could always stay the night ya know. Apple bloom is havin' a sleep over with her friends in their club house, Granny Smith is in Dodge Junction visitin' Aunt Apple Rose, and Big Macintosh is helpin some family up in Baltimare fix a leaky roof... So if ya feel like it..." the orange pony trailed off.

Rainbow Dashs reply was a surprise.

"Really?! I'd love to!!"

Rainbow dash looked surprised at her own words, but smiled anyway, and challenged AJ to a race back to the house.

Once back home, Applejack fixed Rainbow up with a slice of homemade apple pie, and some for herself.

She smiled warmly as the rainbow maned pony dug in to her helping, disregarding the fork by the plate.

Applejack hadn't realized that she was just sitting there gazing at her friend, until Rainbow Dash looked up and caught her.

AJ giggled at Rainbow, who had apple pie filling smeared across her mouth.

"What?" Rainbow asked smiling. AJ shook her head and trotted around the table reaching for a napkin to wipe it off her face, when Rainbow suddenly took Applejacks face in her hooves, and got very close to her.

"Here... Want some?"

Not waiting for a reply, the cyan Pegasus pressed her lips to the orange ponys, and kissed her long and slow.

Applejack returned the kiss without hesitation, wrapping her front legs around Rainbows waist.

AJ was ecstatic! She'd finally be able to tell Dash that she loved her...

She broke the kiss, looking at her friend lovingly.

"Rainbow Dash... Ah've... Ah've wanted ta tell ya this for quite some time now.... Ah love ya.... Ah'm in love with ya.... And ah sure as sugar do hope ya like me too..."

Rainbow blushed. She had the same feelings for the golden maned pony... But she felt embarassed... Everyone thought shed be dating a Wonderbolt... But to be honest, Rainbow used that merely as a cover...

She'd fallen for applejack way back... And she finally wanted to come out and say it.

She looked in AJs astonishing green eyes, as tears poured from her own, and finally spoke the truth she'd been covering up for some time...

"AJ, I have loved you since I first met you. I've been so ashamed to admit it... Because every pony expects me to end up with a Wonderbolt or something... And those who don't, are under the belief that I'm a lesbian, because of the rainbow mane and such... Because apparently rainbows symbolize being gay now? Anyway... I didn't know how you felt about me... So I just let it be... But now... In my own strange way... I'm telling you... That I love you, Applejack. I truly do."

Rainbows little confession brought tears to Applejacks eyes...

She smiled and yanked rainbow dash to her, kissing her deeply and holding her close as they toppled to the floor. Rainbow dash felt so much better, and now she could finally be with the mare she truly loved.

She rolled Applejack over, so that they laid side by side and she kissed AJs soft nose smiling.

They laid that way for a while, not caring about anything but one another.

"AJ... I'm so happy.... I-..."

Dash was interrupted by Granny Smith and Big Mac entering the house loudly, clearly returning home early from their trips.

Rainbow looked at Applejack frantically, but the orange mare merely smiled, sitting up with her front legs still wrapped around Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow shook nervously as the other two ponies approached the kitchen. She was afraid that they would judge her... Or worse, judge AJ... Possibly disown her!!!

Granny and Mac rounded the corner.

Granny saw dash and AJ first, her old face splitting into a wide sly old grin.

"I had a feelin', child..." she said softly to her granddaughter.

But Rainbow Dash didn't hear properly over the ringing in her ears.

She tore away from applejack and took off into the night to her cloud home, leaving applejack staring after her, crying on her big brother who had just congratulated his little sister on having a mare friend.

Rainbow dash sobbed all the way back to her home, locking herself in her room...

* * * * *

Dash looked down at the tiny speck of land that was the farm, cursing herself for leaving like that.

She loved applejack. Not some stallion. Not Soarin.. Not even another mare... All she wanted was Applejack

But she couldn't bear to see her rejected by her own family just for loving her...

She buried her face in her hooves, crying softly, letting only the moon know her sorrows...

Chapter Five: Invitation, Confrontation

The following afternoon in Ponyville was a pleasant one. The sunshine was warm and there was a light breeze.

Twilight Sparkle had invited her friends to a get together at her library, to tell them of Cadences invitation.

She and spike sat at her study table awaiting every ponys arrival.

She was off in her own thoughts, thinking of the powder blue unicorn that she so longed to see, it was like an ache within her very heart.

Spike sulked, angry that Rarity wanted Fluttershy over him.

The door opened at last, and in walked her five friends. But not a single one of them looked even remotely happy...

Pinkie Pie, for one, looked especially depressed, and her mane and tail were flat, a clear indication that she wasn't cheerful at all.

Rarity looked just awful... Her normally beautiful styled mane was stringy and nappy, and there were tear tracks running down her face.

Fluttershy was sniffling quietly, her mane completely in her face.

Rainbow Dash looked fixedly at the ground, and ran into things because of it. Her rainbow mane and tail were frizzy and unkempt, and her feathered wings drooped sadly. And last, but not least, Applejack had her mane and tail out of their usual red ponytails, and her golden mane hid her freckly face, as her tail dragged along the floor.

They all looked as miserable as Twi felt.

Once they had all settled in, Twilight spoke.

"This weekend is my sister-in-law Cadences 21st birthday... And we all have been invited to her sleepover in the Crystal Empire to celebrate. Our train leaves at 7:30 sharp tomorrow morning. Any questions, or not able to attend?"

No pony made a sound.

After a few moments, Pinkie spoke up.

"Can... Can I bring a friend...?"

She asked softly.

Twilight nodded.

"Any more questions...?" inquired Twi. When no pony spoke up, she rose, and bowed her head to each of her friends, in thanks for coming. They all began to leave when an angry out burst from Spike stopped them all in their tracks.

"Why her!?" he screeched furiously.

"Why her and not me?! Don't I do everything you ask me to?! Or am I not good enough, so you had to go to another mare?! What is so wrong about me?! You really DO just use me don't you, Rarity?!"

That struck a nerve.

Rarity spun around to face the baby dragon, her horn glowing, snatching Spike up in a beam of red light, bringing him closer to her as she screamed in his face.

"Because you are a BABY DRAGON! Not only are you too young, but you are a dear dear friend and I don't want to lose that!

And, have you ever stopped to think that maybe... Just MAYBE, some pony else likes you?!? Hmmm?! For instance, say... Oh I don't know, perhaps my younger sister?! She has liked you for a long time! But you care not! You don't seem to think about other ponys feelings, just your own!

My being in love with dear Fluttershy has nothing to do with you! So don't you DARE blame her for this! Good day to you, Spike!

I trust when you decide to admit you were wring and apologize, you will come to me without anger, like a civilized an intelligent young dragon, and NOT a jealous hateful little beast!"

Raritys red beam of light disappeared and she dropped Spike to the floor, storming out of the library sobbing.

The other five ponies looked on in shock, wondering what was going on.

Fluttershy broke the uncomfortable silence, whimpering softly.

Twilight walked over to the yellow Pegasus, resting her head against hers in a comforting gesture.

"Oh, Twilight..." Fluttershy sobbed quietly. "It's true... Rarity and I... We're...."

Twilight smiled in understanding.

"It's okay, 'shy... I don't think any of us are judging you... Honestly I have no room to talk any way... You'll never believe who I've fallen for..." Twilight blushed deeply and avoided every ponys eyes.

Dash came over and rested a wing on Fluttershys.

"No worries. I'm in love too."

Applejack came over too, along with Pinkie Pie.

"Same here, sugarcube." Applejack said softly, licking the yellow Pegasus' ear affectionately, as she gave Rainbow a small intimate smile.

Pinkie wailed bucketfuls of tears, burying her magenta head in Applejacks mane.

"Derpyyyyyyy!!!!" she sobbed brokenly. Every pony looked at her sympathetically and didn't question it one bit.

"Looks like we're all love sick..." Twilight said smiling at her friends.

"Who are you bringing?" Pinkie asked Twi.

She blushed, and avoided the pink ponys question.

"Who are YOU bringing??" she countered.

Pinkie smiled, a change to the gloomy cloud she had been beneath since the other day, and shrugged.

"Guess we'll both find out tomorrow, huh?"

Twi giggled and nodded as her friends left and she shut the door.

"Guess we will..."

Chapter Six: Journey

Princess Celestia had already risen the sun by the time the seven ponies arrived at the train station.

Twilight Sparkle was the last to arrive, due to the fact that she was coaxing a very timid Trixie to hurry so they did not miss the train. Trixie had insisted she wear a cloak to hide herself, because she was afraid the other ponies would be furious with Twilight when they discovered who she was bringing.

Twilight had given in to the blue mares silliness, in hopes that she'd become more comfortable around her friends.

Twilight was over joyed when she'd discovered Trixie had been staying in the EverFree forest with the witchy Zebra, Zecora. She had convinced Trixie (along with Zecoras help) to accompany her and her friends to the Crystal Empire for Cadences party, and finally gotten her to the train station.

The other ponies reactions were immediate.

Fluttershy hid behind Rarity, Pinkie aimed her ever-present party cannon, while AJ and Dash jumped towards the unicorn menacingly.

Twilight stood against her friends and protectively in front of Trixie.

"No, girls... She is the one I'm bringing, and I promise you that she is not here to harm any pony."

As if to back up what Twi had said, and prove her innocence, she slowly emerged from behind Twilight, and approached the timid yellow pegasus cowering behind the white unicorn, who gave her a cold glare but said nothing.

She moved slowly until she reached her, and bent down, touching her nose to Fluttershys.

"Do you believe I will not harm a single one of you, Element of Kindness...?" Trixie questioned softly. Fluttershy peeked up at her through her mane, heasitated, and stood, not talking her eyes off the unicorn. Trixie stared back curiously, wondering what in Equestria could be going on.

The other mares, she noticed, we're looking anywhere but at the yellow ponys turquoise eyes. Trixie never broke her gaze, and finally Fluttershy stopped staring her down, and smiled timidly.

"I believe you, Trixie."

She said, nodding to the rest.

"Tat must have been her 'Stare' dear Twilight told me of..." she thought to herself as she acknowledged the other ponys reluctant approvals of her. She hurried back to Twilight who magicked the cloak off of her, smiling warmly.

"Okay, every pony ready? We gotta get on now or not at all..."

Twi said, leading every pony to the sliding train door, beginning to board the train.

"Waiiiiit!!!"

Cried out Pinkie Pie.

"She isn't here ye-..." her words were cut off by a loud obnoxious crash into the lamp post. Pinkie looked up grinning and bouncing a little, her mane and tail looking a little more poofy.

"Derpy!!! Oh Derpy I thought you weren't going to come!!!!"

Pinkie ran to the grinning grey mare hugging her tight.

"Nah, any where you go, I go, sugar cookie." Derpy gave her a sweet lopsided grin and then stood

To greet the rest.

"Heya every pony!"

The other mares smiled, returning her greeting, happy that this was the mare Pinkie loved, and not some heartless pony who couldn't appreciate her for who she was.

Derpy draped her wing over Pinkie and snuggled her before they followed every pony else onto the train to the Crystal Empire...

* * * * *

The train ride was a pleasant one, as every pony got to enjoy one another's company while shamelessly cuddling with their special some ponies.

Trixie laid across Twilights lap as Twi brushed her mane.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash were cuddled up near the back of the car, sleeping. Rarity was running an ornate pink topaz encrusted comb through a sleeping Fluttershys mane. And Pinkie was demonstrating for Derpy all the balloon animals she knew how to make. Twilight smiled at all of her friends as she magicked a quill and roll of parchment out of her saddle bag, kissing Trixie before she began to write...

"Dearest Princess Celestia,

Friendship is a form of love. And loving your friends is part of what makes your knowing them so special!

It builds trust and acceptance, and helps you understand each other.

And sometimes, love can pop up unexpectedly!

I tell you this in complete honesty and with out shame, that I am in love with a fellow mare. She makes me happy, and I her...

And, I'm also happy to report that the other elements of harmony, my best friends, have found their special some ponies as well.

Yes, they all happen to be mares... But why judge? A mare... A stallion... Love is love, is it not?

As long as we are happy, that's all that matters.

Love can teach us a lot of things, Princess... And I look forward to learning!

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle"

Twi yawned and rolled up the parchment, putting it and the quill back into her saddle bag.

Trixie had already dozed off, and Twilight followed suit, resting her head against the window and drifting off, smiling to herself...

Chapter Seven: Arrival

It was late evening when the train arrived in The Crystal Empire.

Twilight shook herself awake, and gently nudged Trixie.

"We're here every pony..." she said softly.

Rainbow yawned and licked AJs cheek.

"Up an' at 'em, my apple tart."

"Wah... Hunnnnhh?" Applejack mumbled sleepily, getting up just to fall back over snoring.

Dash giggled and nipped at the earth ponys ear.

"We're here, AJ." Dash said.

While AJ fought to get up, Derpy was tickling a sleeping Pinkies nose with the feathered tip of one of her wings.

Pinkie Pie giggled and blew at Derpys wing, before her face screwed up and she sneezed so hard that she sneezed herself right out the door of the train car.

Derpy smiled and shook her head as she flew out the door after the pink pony, helping her up.

Fluttershy was prodding Rarity awake gently, scared of bothering her. Her pet bunny, Angel, rolled his eyes in annoyance at his owner, and hopped out of her saddle bag and over to the snoozing unicorn, and lifted his foot, thumping her repeatedly in the head. Rarity swatted at him with her tail, and he stuck his tongue out at her before returning to Fluttershys saddle bag.

Rarity stood, kissing Fluttershy softly before looking around.

"Oh my stars! Are we here already?" she exclaimed as the magicked her saddle bag onto her back, picked up Opals travel basket, and exited the train, Fluttershy beside her.

AJ and Rainbow were already on the platform with Derpy and Pinkie Pie, and Trixie and Twilight.

The train whistled and pulled out of the station, and the eight ponies sat, as Twilight began to explain what the plans were.

"Okay, since Shining is on guard duty, and Cadence is getting her castle ready, they have sent an assistant to come fetch us," said Twilight. "should be here any moment..."

Trixie pressed her flank against Twilights, worriedly.

Twi turned to her. "Something wrong, Trix...?"

Trixie took her time responding.

"I... I... What if... Your sister-in-law... What if She doesn't... Approve of me...?!" Trixie fretted.

Twi smiled wrapping a wing around the blue mare.

"Oh don't worry! Shell love you! Just you wait."

Trixie smiled back as a voice called out from the end of the platform in a thick accent.

"Good Afternoon, all! Am I correct in assuming that you are Princess Twilight Sparkle, and company, misses Rarity, of Generosity, Rainbow Dash, of Loyalty, Fluttershy, of Kindness, Pinkie Pie, of Laughter, and Applejack, of Honesty? With guests, misses Derpy, of Cloudsdale, and Trixie Lulamoon, of Trottingham?"

She stopped in front of them, bowing to each in turn.

She was a white pony, with magenta eyes, baby pink and blue mane and tail. Her cutie mark was a lollipop.

"My name is Candy Dream, and I shall be escorting you to the Princess's castle."

She smiled warmly at them.

"Thank you, miss Candy!" Twilight said, as the pony turned around and led them all through the great city Twilight and her friends had saved from an evil darkness that had once resided over the good land and crystal ponies.

* * * * * *

"Sunshine, Sunshine, Ladybugs awake, clap your hooves and do a little shake!"

Twilight and Cadence did their usual greeting that they had done since she was young and Cadence was her foal sitter.

Cadence was over joyed to see them all, and was even ecstatic to meet the extra two mares.

Pinkie happily introduced Derpy to the Princess of Love and Harmony.

Derpy gave Cadence a goofy grin, and complimented her mane.

Twilight introduced Trixie to her sister-in-law, and told her what was going on between them, and she listened intently. When Trixie approached her, she bowed, making her blush.

"Pleasure to meet you, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza."

Cadence smiled embarrassedly and asked her to rise.

"No need for the formality, Trixie Lulamoon... I am just Cadence. Thank you for making Twi happy. I am very glad you came with them."

Trixie grinned up at the pink alicorn with the pink and yellow mane, then turned to Twi.

"Thank you for inviting us to your castle for your 21st birthday, Cadence!!!"

Cadence grinned.

"Of course! Now let me show you all to your rooms. I do hope you don't mind sharing... Some of the castle is under renovation."

Every pony shook their head.

"Great!" Cadence beamed, turning around and leading them all through a high ornate crystal arch way, and up several winding crystal staircases to a long decorative corridor.

There were four doors, two on each side, and after, a large plastic sheet hung corner to corner from the ceiling, blocking off the ponies view of the remainder of the hallway. Cadence led them to the first room, with a door in the shape of a large aqua blue seashell. She magicked the door open and letting the ponies peer inside.

It was decorated in pale blue and green tinted crystals, giving it an underwater type feel. Derpy stepped forward tripping over her own front hooves, and looked back at Pinkie Pie with a goofy grin. Pinkie nodded.

"We'll take this one, missus Princess, ma'am!" Derpy said. Cadence grinned. "Lovely! Please feel free to make yourselves at home, and Shining will come fetch you when it is time for the festivities!"

Cadence magicked the door shut once more, and led the others further down the hall. The next door was shaped like a large leaf, and was a pretty emerald green. The inside of the room was decorated with large potted crystalline plants, and the crystals through out the room shone with a calming green hue. Rarity hurried forth, practically trembling with glee. "Oh! Oh! Princess!!! Dearest Fluttershy and myself would take great pleasure in occupying this suite during our stay!" Rarity grinned up at Cadence who chuckled and stepped aside to let the excited unicorn rush past her, urging the yellow pegasus to follow.

"Oh, I... Uh... Princess... Th-thank you for being... So... Very very, uh... Kind and... Um... Generous... And a-allowing us to stay here in yo-your castle, and..."

Fluttershy mumbled incoherently, before Rarity caught her up in a beam of blue light, and called out

"Oh Flutter, my dear! Come and see the bath!!! It is simply divine!"

She was whisked away, shutting the door behind her, leaving the other four ponies with the princess.

Twi giggled and looked at Trixie sharing an intimate little smile as they continued across the hall to the last two rooms.

The door before them now was an amethyst purple, with small yellow crystals sprinkled through out the sea of purple around a crescent moon. Inside, it was a deeper Purple and small star shaped crystals floating through out the beautiful spacious room. It had a magical theme to it, that Trixie instantly fell in love with.

"Twilight, love... I like this room." she blushed and trotted past Cadence, bowing her thanks, as Twilight followed, blowing her sister in law a kiss.

Cadence shut the door behind them and led Rainbow and AJ to the last room in the hall; a cloud shaped door, encrusted with small light blue crystals. The room itself was plain clear crystals, but because of the rainbow chandelier hanging from the ceiling, the different colored crystals cast rainbows into every corner of the room. Rainbow sped into the room, staring around in awe, while doing loop-de-loops through the air and giggling.

Applejack smiled and turned to Cadence.

"We sure as sugar are mighty thankful, princess!" the orange earth pony twanged. The pink alicorn smiled and nodded. "Of course, dearest Applejack! I'll see you all soon!" Cadence smiled warmly and closed the door, returning the way she came, with a knowing smile on her face...

Chapter Eight: Getting Closer

Pinkie stored her party cannon in the closet, and ran, dive bombing the bed with a squealing giggle. As she rolled around and laughed, Derpy crawled into the bed and rolled facing away from the pink mare. Pinkie stopped, looking at the grey pegasus in worry.

"Derpy...? Are you okay...?" Pinkie asked softly.

Derpy sighed, turning over and curling up in Pinkies lap.

"I... Are we... Right together, Pink'...? Are you embarrassed being with me? I mean... I know my eyes are crossed... And I'm slower than the other ponies... But are you... Honestly, are you ashamed to be with me...?

Pinkie felt tears in her eyes as she stroked the blonde mane.

"Oh, Derpy! No!!! No no no no no no no no no.... I could never be ashamed of being in love with you. To heck with what all the other ponies say!!! I love you for you! Your golden eyes are so pretty and I don't care if you're not as smart as other ponies may think they are! You are the mare for me, and I will love you forever. With Celestia and Luna as my witnesses, I vow to love you till the end of Equestria, and forever after!" Derpy smiled through her own tears, and started to say something, but Pinkie grabbed her, and kissed her lovingly, wrapping her in a warm embrace, refusing to let her go. Derpy moaned softly and returned the kiss, holding on to Pinkie as if her life depended on it. The two mares embraced and kissed for a long time, until they were both breathing hard and trembling. "P-Pinkie...." whimpered Derpy, pressing against the other pony. Pinkie smiled, and looked at the pegasus she held in her hooves. "Derpella Elizabeth Hooves... I love you more than everything. I dont care what any other pony has to say about it. Will you be mine?" Derpy looked into Pinkie's turquoise eyes and smiled, nodding.

"Pinkamena Diane Pie, I would love nothing more than to be yours forever." Her eyes filled with tears as she embraced her marefriend, trembling with pure joy.

The two of them slowly began exploring one another like they never had before, and let passion take them away...

* * * *

Rarity was marveling at the crystal architecture of the room that she and Fluttershy were sharing, while Fluttershy was singing to the birds perched on the side of the skylight.

Rarity closed her eyes serenely listening to the yellow mares heavenly voice, smiling to herself.

She turned suddenly, and enveloped the pegasus in a beam of soft purple light from her horn, and gently set her on the bed, trotting over and timidly getting atop the trembling pony, caressing her gently.

"I never got to finish telling you this..." Rarity whispered softly into Fluttershys ear.

"My darling Fluttershy... I love you. You are such a lovely mare... You've modeled my dresses for me and you have never once complained about any of it.... My popularity and such has never bothered you... You've been there for me... I love you. You're worth more than all the precious gems in existence to me and more!!! I want you by my side. Forever. I care not what any pony else thinks or says, and my dreams of marrying That rude arrogant stallion Prince Blueblood... Have long ago changed to wondrous and beautiful dreams of marrying you... And I'm being honest. I want no prince, or princess for that matter.

No stallion. Or mare. I want you, dearest Fluttershy Annabel Carrington." Fluttershy was surprised to see the white mare crying in earnest, her sapphire eyes sparkling.

Fluttershy cried with her, holding onto the unicorn she loved so deeply, not letting go.

"Oh, Rarity.... R-Rarity... I love you...Y-Y-You really m-mean th-th-that?!" Fluttershy sobbed, gasping for breath. The unicorn patted the yellow ponys soft feathered wings, which felt like down against her hoof.

"Of course, my beauty. Never have I lied to you... Why in Equestria would I?" she smiled reassuringly.

Fluttershy took a few deep breaths, and calmed herself down before speaking once again.

"R-Rarity Anastasia Chanel... W-W-Will you b-be mine??" she wound up squeaking, but Rarity still heard her loud and clear.

"I want nothing more." Rarity said softly, rolling Fluttershy ontop of her and kissing her passionately, running her hooves down between the shy ponies thighs. Fluttershy whimpered, grasping Raritys mane and tugging.

Angel Bunny and Opalesence smiled as their mistresses vowed their love to one another, and they themselves curled up together in Opals feather down lined basket, and fell fast asleep.

* * * * *

Trixie sighed, once the two of them were settled in. Trixie turned to Twilight with a seductive gaze.

"I'm... Going to take a hot bath... You can join me of you like..." she walked away, brushing her tail against Twilights flank suggestively, winking before entering the bathroom and closing the door slowly.

Twilight flopped onto the large bed shed be sharing that evening with the blue unicorn, and sighed.

"Sweet Celestia... She is such an attractive mare... I want her... But I just couldn't take it if things went too fast and I lost her... But she... She just... Gets to me...!!!" Twilight moaned and rolled off the bed, magicking her tiara off her head and unpinning her mane, shaking it out and letting it fall around her shoulders. She began to walk to the bathroom, muttering to herself the entire way there.

"I'm a princess now... I can't be giving in to these desires... This... Need... These... Fantasies... It can't possibly be proper..." she shook out her wings in frustration. "I love Trixie... She's very kind and gentle... And Great Celestia of Equestria, she is fine as hay... And sweet Luna do I want to... Do things to her..." Twilight bit her lip and held back another moan as she entered the bathroom, and shut the door behind her, her eyes widening as they fell upon Trixie in the large jacuzzi-like tub. Water droplets glistened on her coat and mane like tiny diamonds, and her greeting smile was so dazzling it may have thrust Twi under a spell.

Twilight approached the tub, and Trixie grinned, grabbing Twilights front legs and yanking her into the tub with her. Twi landed in the tub with a splash. She scowled at Trixie, but began laughing as she looked at the beautiful mare. She moved closer whispering in Twilights ear, "I'll wash your back..." Twilight rotated, her back to the unicorn, as Trixie scrubbed the apricot and juniper wash into the purple ponys coat.

Trixie gently massaged the soap into her shoulders and Twilights wings popped up instantly, making Trixie leap backwards in surprise and accidentally twist the knob on the faucet, making ice cold water from the shower head pour down on the two of them. They shrieked and chaos ensued, Twilight attempted to get up but her erect wings knocked into Trixie, also trying to get up, and it sent the both of them slipping back into the bottom of the tub, Trixie ontop of her.

"I... I didn't mean... Your wings... They... Did... Did I do that...?"

Trixie said in hushed tones, blushing brightly.

Twilight nodded, unable to stop what tumbled from her mouth next.

"Trixie Mistique Lulamoon... I love and need you. I don't care if this is proper for a Princess or not... To Tartarus with anypony who disagrees... You arouse me in ways that I never even dreamed of... You're gorgeous and so sweet, and I like how you can be a little rough at times... You make me want... So much... And I know in my heart that you are the one I'm in love with..." whimpered Twi, wrapping her wings around the unicorn, gazing in her eyes.

"Twilight Lavender Sparkle... Be mine...?" Trixie asked quietly. Twilight nodded, moaning and kissing Trixie lovingly as they ignored the shower raining freezing water down upon them, and showed each other the secret magic they both knew they could make together...

* * * * *

Applejack had never been used to much of anything fancy. The closest she had come, was staying with her Aunt and Uncle Orange in Manehattan. But she'd discovered who she was truly meant to be and returned to the Apple family farm. The room Princess Cadence had given her and Rainbow Dash was nice and all, but she missed the country style of home.

Rainbow on the other hand was flying from object to object, oohing and aahing at every single thing she came across. Applejack smiled at the cyan ponys enthusiasm, as she unpacked both their saddlebags and settled in the bed in a random wave of sadness.

The rainbow chandelier swayed back and forth as Rainbow dashed down from admiring it towards AJ, who was crying on the bed.

"Applejack?! What's wrong?!" Dash said in a panic.

"It's nothin' sugarcube..." the orange pony sniffled.

Rainbow looked at her incredulously. She knew she was being lied to, and didn't like it.

"Tell me, AJ... Please?" the cyan pegasus pleaded.

Applejack buried her head in her golden mane as she spoke.

"You flew away... You left... Why?"

She sobbed softly.

Rainbow Dashs eyes filled with tears as she pulled AJ into a tight embrace.

"I didn't want your family to disown you for loving another mare...!!!" she blurted brokenly.

Applejack looked at her.

"Dashie! Ya realize that mah own little sister is in a relationship with Scootaloo?! An' they're both little fillies!!! Big Mac an' Granny Smith are happy for us, who ever we choose to be with! They just want to see us happy as well! They sure were confused when ya left in such a hurry! They wanted to congratulate us!" the earth pony twanged. Dash looked up at her, her years still shining in her eyes.

"R-really...?" she whispered.

Applejack leaned down and kissed Rainbow Dash deeply, ignoring her wings popping up and pushed her to the bed, sitting on her and grinding lightly while kissing her without hesitation.

Dash kissed back, finally able to let out everything shed been holding back since she was a filly.

They broke apart for a moment or so, to catch their breath.

"A-Applejack Jacquelynn Apple... I love you. I love you, I love you, I love you... And I'm not ashamed of it..."

gasped Rainbow. AJ smiled crying.

"And Rainbow Rose Dash, Ah love you too. With alla mah heart an' soul." AJ said quietly.

Rainbow wrapped her legs around Applejacks hips, bucking against the orange pony.

Applejack smiled, slipping her forelegs around Rainbow Dash, yanking on her mane, making her squeal, and leaned down to breathe in her ear, "Ride 'em cowgirl..."

She smirked, and continued, making Dash moan in pleasure before the tables turned and the rainbow maned pony began dominating over the farm pony with no mercy.

The two ponies embraced, and lost themselves in passion, leaving everything else in reality behind...

Chapter Nine: Party

Cadence greeted the eight ponies when they entered the grand ballroom. All of them gasped at their surroundings... The room was decked out in yellow, orange, silver and pink, Cadences favorite colors. All along one wall were tables filled with an assortment of sweets, hors' duerves, snack foods, and bowls of punch. The very end table held a variety of glass bottles, all different shapes and sizes, containing different colored liquids within them, lined up behind a collection of pink tinted flute glasses.

Fluttershy peeked at the princess through her curtain of pink hair nervously.

"We... We're drinking...?" she questioned timidly.

Cadence smiled gently.

"Not until later on this evening, and only if you're comfortable with it."

Fluttershy glanced at Rarity who gave her mare friend a reassuring grin.

A large speaker stood in the corner, blasting popular music from some well known bands such as GreenHay (GreenDay) Five Hoof Death Buck (Five Finger Death Punch) and HollyHoof Undead (Hollywood Undead).

The ponies all followed Cadence awkwardly and looked around as the ballroom soon began to fill with Canterlot royalty, and the ponies mingled as best they could, since the large gathering was mandatory, Cadence being royalty and all, but knowing the small get-together the princess REALLY wanted, would be soon after this.

Rarity had bumped into Prince BlueBlood and brushed him off coldly, as he began to attempt to strike up conversation with her. Rarity turned hoof and stalked off, and Blueblood glared straight at Fluttershy, who shook her soft pink mane in front of her eyes to avoid the arrogant princes cold gaze, while Rarity ushered her away.

"Did I... Cause... Cause a-a-a problem R-Rarity...? I'm so very sorry... I-I promise I d-didn't mean to..." Rarity kissed her to stop her nonsensical babbling and apologizing. Fluttershy looked at her lovely marefriend shyly.

"Darling, you needn't worry your pretty head about and of that. He was an old flame I thought was going to be happy with... But really he was quite the rude and demanding one."

Fluttershy nodded in understanding, willing herself not to fret.

Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash was sharing a bit of éclair with Applejack when Soarin of the Wonderbolts sauntered up and nipped her ear playfully, completely disregarding AJs presence. Rainbow looked at him disgusted, smelling alcohol on his breath.

"So how bout that date, my little Prism?" he breathed. She rolled her eyes and shook him off, moving to Applejacks side, taking her by surprise and kissing her full on the mouth.

Soarins mouth dropped open while he took in the orange earth ponys appearance scoffing and his eyes clouded in anger.

"So you're a lesbian, huh Dash? Well that's fine. Go ahead. Choose some redneck hick over me and forfeit a guaranteed spot on the Wonderbolts team!" he raged, spitting in AJs face and flew off.

His fellow Wonderbolt, Fleetfoot chased after him while Spitfire hurried over wiping Applejacks muzzle with her wing.

"Great Celestia I am so sorry for his behavior!!! I don't have a clue what's gotten in to him but you already have a place on our team and he's got no say. I for one, am happy you have each other." Spitfire moved closer and lowered her voice. "And honestly, it's a lovely opportunity for a three way if you're ever interested..." She winked, and flew off in the direction of Fleetfoot and Soarin.

AJ turned to Dash, who noticed the Pegasus' downcast gaze, and wrapped a reassuring leg around her neck.

"Aw, now don't look so glum, sugarcube. He was just drunk, an' din' know what he was talkin' 'bout.

Yer also on the Wonderbolts ream fer sure! Missus Spitfire even told ya so! No worrying bout me, Kay!? Let's just enjoy ourselves now an' quit worryin' bout silly things..." She trailed off getting closer to Rainbows ear whispering suggestively. "An' so we can enjoy each other later on..." She smirked and flicked her tail down the other ponys spine, making her shiver.

While Rainbow was being teased mercilessly, Pinkie and Derpy were off in a corner of the hall, entertaining the masses with goofy dancing and Pinkie's signature party cannon, as well as balloon animals that, surprisingly, the aristocratic ponies enjoyed.

The crowd thinned, and Pinkie stole a sweet kiss from the grey pegasus, when nopony was looking. Since there wasn't really anypony to entertain, Pinkie let herself get carried away, pushing the blonde pony up against the wall behind them, shyly feeling her up and nipping at her ears and neck.

"Wha.... Mmmmm...P-Pink'... What.. What are you... Ohhh..." Derpy's words dissolved into whimpering sighs as Pinkie pushed her limits in public. Pinkie was unsure herself why she was doing this, but she wanted intimacy. She was sick of being known as "The Party Whore"... Yes, she loved parties, but that didn't mean she did all the bad things ponies thought of her doing at parties. She wasn't a heavy drinker, she preferred candy over drugs... And she made sure to talk to everypony. But with Derpy... Things were different. Parties would continue, but just as friendly gatherings. She wanted to settle down with this pony. She'd never really been close to just one particular pony. She was close to everypony.

Pinkie kissed Derpy again, beginning to stroke her wings smiling when she heard her name escape her lips. She leaned in close and whispered how she would like the festivities to be over, no offense to the princess, but she wanted to show her... how long she'd been wanting to embrace her... Show and prove her love... When she realized her lover had gone stiff. She pulled back and saw Derpy's wide golden eyes staring over her shoulder at something. Pinkie released the shaking pony and whipped around, to find the elegantly tall pink maned unicorn, Fleur de Lis standing there, smiling with her head tilted, politely inquisitive. Pinkie began to tear, embarassed for her self and poor Derpy, sorry for being so impulsive. Pinkie Pie stared hard at the floor, as she mumbled, "Would... Would you like... A balloon animal... Miss...?" She felt a hoof under her chin, forcing her face upward. It was Fleur de Lis, smiling at her.

"Don't be embarassed, dearie. It's quite alright. I just thought maybe you'd like a bit of a warning before anypony else saw... and that if you need a getaway for a few moments, there is a small garden with a beautiful crystal fountain in the middle... It i down the hall to the left, past the doors shaped like crystal fruits, and out the door in the shape of a white lotus flower. Alright?" She gave them a dazzling smile, before using her horn and magicking four long balloons out of the bag full by Pinkie's cannon. "May I?" She asked. Pimkie pie nodded. Fleur magically inflated the yellow and grey balloons, twining them together, then the light blue and pink ones. She tied the two sets of braided balloons together at the bottom, then twisted them down together at the top, attatching them to the bottom. "It's a hear!!!" exclaimed the excitable pegasus. Pinkie smiled and bowed her head in thanks, while Derpy ran foreward and nearly knocked Fleur to the floor with a hug. Pinkie held her breath hoping the unicorn wasn't offended or upset, but merely saw her still smiling. Fleur winked at the two of them and walked away.

Pinkie smiled and turned to Derpy. "She sure was nice!!! so whaddaya think? Wanna go see the garden?"

Derpy smiled a lopsided goofy smile and nodded, following Pinkie Pie quietly out of the hall...

Trixie never left Twilights side, not for a second. She stood slightly behind her while she and Cadence stood, regally and lovely, greeting each and every guest that arrived. Trixie didn't mind in the least. She appreciated Twilight's Royalty status, and understood that she had duties to fulfill. Besides, she was getting sly seductive little glances from Twi, hinting that she might be getting treatment later for putting up with and being patient for her, so Trixie definitely didn't mind. She was with Twilight, so she didn't really care one way or the other.

Twilight on the other hand, was losing her mind. she kept up a nice calm front, but in her head, she was fighting a losing battle. She wanted Trixie but battled with herself internally, the same old fight. She was a princess now and giving into the sexual desires and fantasies and need of bucking the hell out of her marefriend was beyond reproach, and an absolutely immature thing to do. But Sweet Celestia did Twi want to completely shirk her responsibilities, and take the blue unicorn to places she'd never been. Make sure she wouldn't be able to walk for weeks. She was filled with such need that her loins burned. She glared at Trixie, not able to understand how this pony could do these things to her and not even know it. After some time debating with herself internally, Twi made up her mind, that she'd give Trixie a little taste of exactly what she did to her... And make sure she remembered it.

The lavender unicorn politely excused herself from greeting duties to go and use the toilet, asking a completely unsuspecting Trixie to accompany her. Twilight could barely contain herself as she and Trixie left the hall, and started down a side corridor to the lavatory.

Twilight gritted her teeth and turned, shoving the unicorn into a secluded dark alcove, interrupting her babble about the chandeliers. Twilight slammed Trixie up against the wall, kissing her fiercely, grabbing her hoof and slipping it down between her thighs. She stopped kissing long enough to let her gasp for breath and growl in her ear. "Do you see what you do to me?! I am a princess!! This isn't in any sort of way proper!!! But Great Luna, I want to buck you into complete oblivion!!!" Trixie moaned, pressing up against Twilight, whispering, "I... I am sorry... I had... No idea... that,,, I..." Twilight silenced her with a kiss, forcing her way past her lips. "Stop talking. I'm going to show you what you do to me, Proper Princess or not. I don't really think i care that i shouldn't be doing this. I. Need. You. Now." Twilight forced Trixie to the floor, magicking a long cylindrical object to her and slipping it into the unicorns nether region without a second thought. she slid down and licked up and down the plump blue dripping slit and nibbled a little, enjoying the gasps and moans escaping Trixies mouth. She smiled up at her, lifting her head. "Ah ah ah, you wouldn't want us to be heard, would you darling? Keep it down now,,," Twilight purred, returning to invading Trixie with her tongue. She slid the object in and out of Trixie before deciding it was too much for her at the moment, and magicked it away, replacing it with her horn. Trixie squealed, and Twi halted. :I said to keep quiet. You'll be punished later." She rose, straightening out her gown, and kissing Trixe gently. The unicorn sighed and whimpered, mumbling something about needing alone time, and rushed off to their room without another word. Twi smiled to herself plotting what she'd do next as she trotted back to the hall, and resumed her place beside Cadence, greeting more party guests...

Chapter Ten: Shock

While Rarity was conversing with the Canterlot and Crystal Empire elite, the way everypony knew she did so well, Fluttershy wandered about the Crystal Garden, singing in perfect harmony with the birds in the trees. She was amazed at the array of birds in the Garden; Pink Jays, Green Jays, the rare Lavender Cardinal, and lovely Rainbow Peacocks with beautiful crystal feathers that frolicked in the Crystal Fountain. Fluttershy was in complete awe. She was too busy admiring the birds and other animals and plants that she didnt notice the large shadow looming behind her that had been following her menacingly since she had left the white unicorns side.

She leaned down to sniff at a particularly fragrant Lotus Blossom, shaking her mane out of her eyes as she closed them, a smile gracing her face. Prince Blueblood stood behind the pink maned pony and glared down with daggers at the unaware and unsuspecting Fluttershy. He thought alot of foul and vile things and ways that he could defile this pony who took his gem from him... Who made her smile with a smile that was as dazzling as all the diamonds in Equestria. There was nothing special about her honestly, he thought. she was plain and boring. Her voice was nice though, he noticed. Maybe it would sound better if she were screaming...

He shoved past her and snatched up the flower she'd been sniffing in his mouth, and dropped it onto the ground, crushing it with his polished hooves. Fluttershy looked up at him and jumped but she smiled politely nonetheless and greeted the arrogant prince.

"Good evening, your highness!" She chirped. "Aren't the flowers in this garden simply-..." Fluttershys sentence was cut off along with her air supply as she was slammed against the garden wall, his front hoof crushing her throat as he growled in her ear.

"You've messed with the wrong royal, peasant. Rarity doesn't need you. Nor does she want you."

Fluttershy mustered up her courage and smiled at him weakly. "Well, of course Rarity wants me. She and i have been good friends for so very long, she wouldn't stand up for me if she didn't want me! She loves me despite my shyness and lack of confidence and weird ability with animals. She is a very kind and generous pony and I'm glad i have her in my life"

Blueblood gritted his teeth annoyed at her senseless chatter, not caring about a thing she'd said, as he buried his hoof in her jaw. He grinned when he heard the satisfying crunch of bone breaking. He tried again but she ducked and he heard a snapping in her shoulder. But she wouldn't scream. This infuriated him. He wanted to see and hear her hurting. He NEEDED to watch her suffer and squirm at his mercy. But she just wouldn't. He raged and beat her senseless for stealing Rarity. The best part was, that she would not fight back. She was his punching bag and he wouldn't stop. When he paused to breathe, he saw that both her eyes were bruised and bloody. Her throat was bleeding and he was sure he had cracked a rib or two. He reared his hoof back once again but was stopped by a powerful green forcefield that had surrounded his entire body, and thrown backward into the garden gate. Rarity stormed at him screaming. She didn't look like a pony anymore, let alone Rarity. She resembled a terrifyingly beautiful unicorn queen whose wrath would surely destroy all in her path. her eyes glowed bright blue and the power surrounding her horn was magnificent and deadly. She magicked the garden vines to bind him to the wall as her horn picked up a sharp pair of hedge shears and she threw them like a dart directly at him. The Prince cowered and squeezed his eyes shut, but the impact never came. he risked a peek and opened his eyes, to see the sharp tips of the shears barely a half inch from his muzzle. he looked around them at Rarity, confused. her hair was matted with sweat, and she looked down trodden and broken. She mumbled something incoherent, and he merely stared at her. Her head whipped up as she stared angrily at him, her eyes like icy blue fire. "You do not hurt, or touch what is mine. you are a coward, for picking on someone weaker than you. You disgust me."

She turned and rushed to an unconscious Fluttershy, and forgot all about her magic, and began to drag the yellow mare out of the garden and up to their room, sobbing the entire way.

* * *

Meanwhile, Twilight and Cadence were saying goodbye to the last of the guests, and gathering up their friends. Twilight was shaking from her earlier escapade with Trixie and was rather anxious for the main part of the evening to be over with. Trixie had retired to their room, and Twi began to worry she had gone too far...

Pinkie had to go back to continue entertaining the party guests so she didn't get to see the Crystal Garden with Derpy until the guests began to leave.

She was practically begging Derpy for a single moment alone together in the Crystal Garden. She'd given in, and they were sneaking off to the Garden, almost through the door when they heard an odd sound... Sniffling. Sobbing too. They glanced around the corner hedge and gasped at the sight of a messy mangled Rarity crying and attempting to carry a very bloody and bruised unconscious Fluttershy from the Garden. And across the Garden was a bound Prince Blueblood, whining about his coat being messed up.

Derpy flew over to the whimpering unicorn and helped lift the unconscious pony up, and carried her to their room while Pinkie ran over catching Rarity before she hit the ground crying hysterically.

Pinkie Pie held Rarity upright, looking at her friend worriedly. "Oh, Rarity! Wh-what happened to you!? What happened to her!?"

Rarity took a huge shuddering breath, sobbing.

"She was attacked... I came out to find her... Oh Pinkie, I found her like... like THAT! As if she'd been mauled by some ferocious animal!! I... I..." Her legs gave as she passed out on Pinkie Pie. Pinkie stared for a moment, putting pieces together, and glanced over at the Prince tied to the wall.

"YOU did this?!" She screeched. He turned his blond head as if she were beneath his notice. She stared hard and angrily at him as she screamed for help...

Applejack and Rainbow Dash were the ones to hear Pinkie's cries for help. They'd been helping clean up the ballroom, when Pinkie Pie's shrieks reached them. They tore from the room and down the hall into the Crystal Garden, rushing to the pink and white pony's sides.

"Why... What in tarnation...!? What happened to her!? Where's Fluttershy!? What's goin' on here-..." AJ twanged worse than usual due to her shock.

"What the hell is HE doing here?! And WHY is he tied to that wall?!" Rainbow interrupted, getting angry as she usually did when she didn't understand a situation.

Pinkie looked up at her friends tearfully, still supporting an unconscious Rarity.

"D-Derpy and I... we came out to the garden together, and we heard Rarity crying... She was holding Fluttershy, she was bloody and unconscious, and looked just awful! Derpy just flew her up to the room she and Rarity are sharing in the main part of the castle..." Pinkie whimpered. "He did it. Rarity said that before she passed out." Pinkie said gravely as she turned her head in Blueblood's direction. AJ and Dash glared in the same direction, and snarled. Pinkie stopped her friends with a hoof, shaking her head slowly. "No, leave him there... I need your help... Dashie, go get Cadance and Twilight. AJ, i need you to help me get Rarity to her room."

The other two ponies nodded without a word. Rainbow sped off to fetch the princesses, as Pinkie grunted and groaned and hoisted the heavier than she looked unicorn onto the farm ponys strong back. They struggled back to the hall where their rooms were, not speaking, but crying as they went...

Trixie lolled around on the beautiful bed in hers and Twilights room. She sighed, thinking about all that had happened. Since her arrogance and self centered persona had gone, she had come to realize she wasn't a very straightforward pony at all. She was one to not want to draw attention to herself anymore like she used to. But it still didn't explain how she drove a poised and proper pony like Twilight mad with lust. She pondered, but in the end, decided she didn't care. She loved Twilight, that was it.

She turned over and fell asleep, waiting for Twilight to return...