((...3rd Person...))
Gray
They hadn't seen a more frightful scene in their lives. How could they have? It was something that was never meant to be seen. Yet, they saw it still. Such a fragile thing, the pony mind. Raised on all things good and happy, the worst thing they'd ever encountered before eight years ago was the Changeling invasion. They never could have dreamed there would be a species stronger than themselves; a species with a power of their own, different from the magic used in Equestria; a species so utterly cruel their victims would become their enemies, and their enemies would over time become just like them.
Eight years ago, the young Princess, Twilight Sparkle set off on an ocean voyage to explore the world beyond Equestria with some Royal guards, the ship's crew and her friends, Rainbow Dash and Applejack. Not to mention their faithful companions, Spike, Tank and Winona. The goal was to search for ancient ruins and forgotten secrets in the hopes of advancing their race further, perhaps find some defenses to use against those who would do Equestria harm. While such a thing would not normally be Rainbow Dash's cup of tea, Twilight had argued that it would be like a real Daring Do adventure. Dash's love of the series won her over. Applejack was easier to please with the possibility of discovering new methods to apple farming.
While the initial goal of advancing Equestria was the target, Twilight held a greater personal goal within her heart. She wanted to learn, to know what was out there in the unexplored reaches of the world. As a princess, she had all the time in the world, but her friends' weren't so fortunate. Ergo, she wanted to do this immediately while she could, for there was nopony else she would rather explore the world with.
The world however, was not so fortuitous as they believed. Changelings would have been the least of their worries. Shortly after discovering the key to radio communication, they came across evidence of another expedition team. Or so they thought. Following the road the "expedition" had come from, they witnessed what was at the time, a marvel of history. A wall had been erected, spanning miles and miles around a large area. With their magic, they passed through with ease, but were greeted with a horrifying sight.
Before the ponies, stood two variants of a canine race unlike anything they'd seen before. These two species were not like the timber wolves known throughout Equestria, ironically named after the lumber structure of which they were made. These were real wolves, with fur and claws, and eyes, and teeth. The difference between the two species was that one of them stood erect on two legs, like the ponies who had the misfortune of meeting them. While the other species alone held a quadruped structure.
The bipeds wore clothing and wielded weapons not that dissimilar from the royal guard ponies at Princess Twilight's side. But there was a big difference in the structure of the weapons and Armour. Where ponies had crossbows, the wolves had rifles. The canines were the technologically superior.
What's worse was that they believed that their magic would even out the odds. Unfortunately, the advanced technology of the wolves exceeded even that, as shielding systems seemed to protect and even repel the ponies' magic. What was worse, the overpowering canines possessed gauntlets that allowed them to harness the power of telekinesis.
One of the canines said just one thing; "We are the Baskerville Empire!" then, Applejack's murder became a declaration of war between the Baskerville Empire and Equestria.
Chapter 1: Prelude To Restoration
((Eight years later...))
Twilight Sparkle
Every day had been exceedingly difficult for me. And not just me, but everypony. The war that had begun faster than the blink of an eye had taken its toll on so many innocent ponies. Our greatest weapon and shield, the Elements of Harmony were no longer usable, thanks to the death of the first victim of war. We'd lost Applejack in an instant. How it happened was a blur to me to this day. Even I, a royal Princess of Equestria couldn't do anything to prevent her from dying. All I could do was save Rainbow Dash and three guards. Everypony else was lost to the Baskervilles. The rest of us were torn up about it, Rainbow Dash most of all. She and Applejack had an understanding between them that brought on a whole other level of friendship I couldn't hope to be a part of, just like they couldn't hope to be a part of Celestia's and my own.
Suffice it to say, her death had a ripple effect on us all. Fluttershy became more secluded and paranoid than ever before. Rarity's designs had taken a darker tone, even the gems she took pride in using had been limited to red and violet. Pinkie Pie didn't host parties anymore, unless it was for us or the young foals who either had her parties before, or heard about them from their friends. Rainbow Dash's reaction was the most drastic. She gave up on her dream of becoming a Wonderbolt, shut herself in and abused her wings to the point where they would never work again. Had I not visited her the day she returned home from the Hospital, we may have lost another friend from depression. In order to prevent that from happening again, I took her home to the Castle in Canterlot to live with me from then onward
My own reaction was darker, but not quite as self-destructive as Rainbow Dash's. My Obsession with perfection and harmony had become warped. As if an animal with perfectly straight teeth had suddenly been given inward teeth like a shark's. Love and tolerance had gone out the window and all I could think about when not watching over Rainbow Dash were the Baskervilles. I wanted to hurt them, like they'd hurt my friends. I wanted them wiped off the face of the planet. To eliminate every trace of their existence would not be enough for me.
Despite my personal feelings towards them, or perhaps it was because of it, I was placed in charge of the Military forces. My extensive knowledge of war tactics and strategies would be essential to our survival if not our victory. Eight years of war and battle had given me the experience needed to implement that knowledge where suitable. As it turned out, the Baskervilles had a counter to some of those tactics, so I had to rely on our spies to report Intel regarding certain factors such as the number of enemy forces in that particular vicinity and what kind of weapons they had before implementing certain tactics. I learned the tactics they'd developed counters for worked when they were either low on supplies or soldiers. I'd even mix things up by combining tactics half way through. That way I would have plenty more in store when they finally learned to counter them.
It was an hour to Midnight, my designated dismissal hour. The other princesses had insisted that I get some sleep between days so I could both maintain a proper state of mind as well as spend time with Rainbow Dash. Speaking of which, today was a special day for us. I went to my locker in the Barracks and pulled out a bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates and the thirtieth issue of Daring Do. Closing the door and locking it, I made my way to my chambers across the Royal Garden, through the halls and up the Tower into the old Observatory. It had been redecorated to serve as both my sleeping chamber and my workspace. Of course, that was before the war.
Once the shelves were lined with books on every topic, the walls decorated with stars and magical symbols and glyphs fitting my theme. Now the place was wallpapered with military plans, notes on enemy movements and rosters of new recruits dating back to last year. That reminded me, I had to update that wall.
Closing the door behind me, I called out. "Rainbow Dash? It's me. I'm home, and I got you something." I stepped into the main room where a large table with stacks of books and clipboards cluttered it. I used my magic to shove them all off and grabbed a vase from near one of the windows. I placed the bouquet of flowers in and ran it under a tap, filling it half full. I then placed the flowers, chocolates and the novel on the table. I then went out to the balcony to see Rainbow Dash right where I left her.
The rainbow mare was sitting in her special chair, strapped into it with leather bindings preventing her from moving her hands. Her mane was more disheveled than it used to be and it had grown out. As a result, she looked beautiful, sitting there in her underwear.
"Hey, Twilight." she said halfheartedly. I smiled and approached her, kneeling down to kiss her cheek.
"I got you some flowers. I know they're not really your thing, but it's a special day after all." I said.
"I'm surprised you remembered. I was beginning to wonder if your obsession with the Baskervilles had taken up all of your attention." she said. It wasn't exactly what she said that hurt me, but how she said it. It was as if she didn't care either way... no, it was like she expected what she'd said to have been the truth.
I stayed there for a minute, unsure what to say. "...Dash... nothing is more important to me than you. You could even say that my hatred of the Baskervilles stems from how their actions that day affected you, not to mention the others. I loved Applejack too, she was the best friend either of us could have asked for. I owe it to you, to her and to her family to see that justice is served." Rainbow Dash didn't even stir from her statuesque state. I feared she'd grown complacent to the lifestyle which I had forced upon her. The bonds were to ensure that she would not try to kill herself again. She'd put up a struggle initially, but over time, she'd become complacent. I feared I'd broken her further by tying her down like this.
"How goes the effort today?" she asked.
"You don't know?" I replied.
"You forgot to turn the radio on today." she replied. I looked over to the radio across from me and sighed. So I had. Poor Dash would have been bored out of her mind.
"I guess today started out pretty shitty for you, huh?" I asked.
"Wasn't so bad. Got to hear some of the young Pegasi playing. Little filly that sounded a lot like Scootaloo said she would be the next me. Guess I gained a little fame after all." she said. I smiled and brushed some of her mane back.
"I'll bet it was when you did the Sonic Rainboom and saved the Wonderbolts ten years ago. A lot of foals still remember that event." I said.
"I was really something back then. Raw and untamed, not a care in the world, other than looking bad in front of my peers, and Scootaloo." she said.
"You say that as if you aren't still something today."
"Please, Twi. I'm a pseudo-trophy wife at best, and we're not even married." I sighed as she spoke the naked truth about us.
"Dash, you had ambition and courage that outclassed that of a dragon. You had a goal nopony could take away from you, and you gave that up, even your wings because someone close to you died. In my mind, I don't see that as something a Pseudo-trophy wife would do. I see it as an act of love from somepony who lost a piece of herself all for the sake of another." I said. Finally, Dash turned her head to look at me. "All in all, it was another stupid Rainbow Dash act." I chuckled.
She huffed and managed a smirk before looking out at the night sky. "I guess so. Speaking of acts, I hear you got me a present or something?"
I smiled and undid the straps on her chair, freeing her from her bonds. "Come on, It's inside." I said, helping her up. As she leaned forward, I saw the ghost of her wings before focusing on reality to see the scars where they'd been removed. Not even stubs remained She was as good as an Earth Pony.
"By the way, I got a letter from Spike earlier today. He says he and Rarity are doing fine. Applebloom and the others send their love. Scootaloo's out looking for employment, primarily in the flying profession. Spike thinks she plans on carrying your dream for you." I said. Dash let a smile escape her lips.
"You don't say." she said before taking a seat by the table. "I see you got me Volume thirty." she mentioned with little excitement.
"The uncut version. One hundred and twenty pages of unread Daring Do adventure straight from the original manuscript before it was trimmed down. I purchased it from the author herself." I replied. Now she seemed more lively. She reached for it and began from the beginning. I chuckled and went towards the kitchen. "I'll cook up dinner." I said.
Dinner was slow as Dash had difficulty prying her eyes from the novel and eating at the same time. I waited patiently nonetheless. Despite her limited reading experience, Rainbow Dash was a very fast reader, probably the only thing left about her that was fast. It was three in the morning before she'd finished the book, seeming satisfied with the ending.
"What did you think?" I asked. She almost seemed like her old self as she looked at me.
"Completely changed the story. It was awesome. Thanks, Twilight." she said.
"You're very welcome." I said. To my surprise, she stood up and approached me. Usually, I'd have to lead her somewhere, but she must have been feeling good after reading that book. She took me by the hand and pulled me out of my seat. We left the dishes and the chocolates on the table and went straight into the bedroom. She threw me gently onto the bed and locked the door behind her.
"Our anniversary wouldn't be much of an anniversary if only one of us was getting gifts, would it?" she asked. Immediately, I knew where she was going with this. I smiled and removed my crown, placing it on the bedside table. By then, she was on me. Like the Rainbow Dash I used to know, she didn't bother with niceties. She ripped my clothes like wrapping paper on a present and immediately went to work.
Until that moment, I had no idea how much I needed what she was offering. The stress of the war had gotten to me and with each swish of her tongue against my nipples, I could feel that stress being lapped away as if it were whipped cream. I ran my hands along her back, gently stroking her scars. She moaned at the sensitivity they retained after surgery. To this day, I didn't know whether it hurt and she'd become a masochist, or if it was residual sensitivity from the wings she once had.
With practiced hands, I made circular motions on the center of her scars, eliciting a moan from her. After half a minute of that, I traced my fingers down to her panties. I grabbed a firm hold of her buttocks underneath and gasped as she gently nibbled one of my nipples while pinching the other between her fingers.
"I love you." I said. She brought herself up for a kiss before responding appropriately. To hear her say those words back, brought joy the likes of which not even sex could give. It was as I stared into her eyes that I saw a liveliness I hadn't seen before, not since before Applejack died.
My vision became blurry as I felt her tongue, like sandpaper against my nether region. Dash was always on my mind whenever she did this. I would forget about the war and everything that happened. It was one of the reasons I loved her. I let out a yelp as the tongue left and I felt teeth on either side of my clitoris. I moaned non-stop as she rolled it between her teeth. How she came up with these tricks, I had no idea.
Soon after, the best part began. Among Rainbow Dash's effects from when she came to live with me, there was a baton, like those the foals would play with during P.E. It was a hollowed out metal cylinder. To them at least. To us, it was a sex toy that allowed us to share orgasmic juices uninhibited.
I felt the cold piece of iron enter me, followed shortly after by the sound of her light moan. Another feeling greeted me as a heat brushed the surface around the baton, followed by the soft fur of Rainbow Dash. The baton was just long enough for it to fit all the way into us both, allowing us to touch nether regions.
A little reciprocity was in order. I focused my magic as best I could, a little purple aura lighting up both of our clitorises. Rainbow Dash gasped, shifting in pleasure. The baton ground within us, adding to our joint pleasure. I used my magic to gently pull on our clitorises as well as our nipples. Rainbow Dash was the first to cum. Thanks to the hollow in the baton, I felt her juices splash into my vagina, hitting the cervical wall. The mental image of that sent me over the edge and I reciprocated the experience to Dash. With highly sensitive nether regions, we both wriggled around, trying to get the most out of the feeling. We writhed together on the bed, each action causing the other to respond. It was perfect.
"Hey, Twilight?" Dash asked as I held her in my arms.
"Hmm?" I replied, too tired to form a word.
"I was thinking...Applejack wouldn't want me to wallow in sadness for the rest of my life. She'd want me to get on with my life. I was thinking maybe, since I can't fly anymore, I could coach flying. You know, teach the next generation." she said. More wonderful words had never been spoken to me before.
"That's a great idea, Dash. But wouldn't the foals need demonstrations?" I asked.
"That's why I was thinking of hiring Scootaloo. She knows all my aerial maneuvers by heart, she graduated from flight school. To be honest, nopony else could do it in my place." she replied. I smiled as I realized she'd planned it out while reading the Daring Do novel.
"I'll set aside some funds for advertisements and have Spike forward the message in the morning." I said. I felt her snuggle up in my arms in response to this.
"Thanks, Twi." she said.
"I'm so proud of you, Rainbow Dash. You're taking your first steps toward a new beginning." I said. She smiled back up at me, a sight I never thought I'd see again.
"And I know you'll be there to see the end of it."
