Who Rules?: The Wager

Who Rules?: The Wager

by Nom deCheval

Chapter Two

The ropes surrounded the tree stump three times, looping under the base of the stump four times, before heading straight up to the pair of pulleys that were mounted directly overhead. A strong wooden structure, constructed of used railroad ties, held the pulleys in place. The ropes headed off in opposite directions, keeping the tension equal on either side of the wooden beam so that it wouldn’t be pulled over to its side. The ropes, the pulleys, and the structure itself all seemed to be straining against the weight being placed against them, pulling against the half-buried tree trunk, caused by the beings at the other ends of the ropes.

One of the ropes ended tied to the harness of a large, red stallion with an orange mane. He pulled himself forward, his immense frame giving him the strength and the leverage he needed.

On the other rope was an orange mare with a blond mane showing beneath a cowboy hat. She didn’t have the same bulk as the stallion, but she more than made up for it in defiant effort. Her muscles pushed themselves to their limit, and possibly beyond, each one showcasing itself through her coat, matted with sweat.

“By Celestia,” the mare said through clenched teeth, “either mah heart will burst and mah bones’ll crack, or we will...pull...you...FREE!”

The stump gave up, launching itself up from the ground and slamming into the trellis above it. Both ponies lurched forward as their enemy surrendered, and both were able to stop themselves before losing their balance.

Applejack took off her hat and wiped her brow, a satisfied smile beaming on her face. Putting her hat back, she slipped off the harness around her chest and walked over to the stump where her brother was heading to meet her.

“Good job, Mac! Ah was ‘fraid that dang stump was never gonna let go.” She looked over at his placid expression. “I’m guessin’ we’ve earned ourselves a few minutes break before we head to the next one.”

“Eeyup,” was the big stallion’s only reply before he turned with a smile to head towards the house that he shared with his family.

The earth mare turned the other direction and walked over to the nearest water barrel, taking off her hat once more along the way. A ladle was resting on the edge of the container, and she lifted it with her mouth, dipping it deep into the barrel before pouring the contents over her own head and neck. The cool water was a welcome relief for her, and she shook her head and mane vigorously, throwing the remaining water everywhere nearby. Satisfied, she dipped the ladle again, and this time drank deeply letting the liquid quench her thirst.

She and her brother had been working in the field most of the day, clearing out the old tree stumps to make way for the new saplings. It would be a while before the saplings would produce any fruit for Sweet Apple Acres, but there was only a short window for planting them. That meant several days hard work, pretty much from sun-up to sun-down. Besides, Applejack always felt a sense of accomplishment when she got her work done, especially hard physical labor.

A distant sound echoed in the earth pony’s ears. It sounded like a voice. A familiar voice, calling her name. “Applejack!” She heard again, this time more clearly. She scanned the skies for a sign of the pony owning the voice, and soon saw a familiar figure racing towards her, a multi-colored trail following behind the flier.

“Applejack! Applejack! You gotta come quick!” Rainbow Dash flew straight at the other pony, landing with a long skid to stop just before hitting her friend.

“Woah, now, Dash, what the hay is goin’ on? Why you in such a big hurry?” She paused. “Ah mean, bigger hurry than normal?”

“It’s Twilight! We gotta go save her! C’mon!” The pegasus turned, ready to sprint off.

“Save her? What happened to Twilight?” Applejack asked, putting on her hat and getting ready for action.

“She’s packing!” Rainbow answered.

“What?” Applejack blinked, confused. “What in tarnation do you mean? How’s she in trouble for packin’?”

“She’s goin’ to Canterlot!”

“Yeah, so? That ain’t that unusual, sugarcube. She visits there all the time.”

“But that’s just it, AJ, she’s not visiting! She’s MOVING!”

* * * * *

“Awwwww, come on, Twilight, pleeeeasse?” Spike begged as he shuffled behind Twilight Sparkle, who was busy sorting through her books.

“No. No. Yes, this one. No. No. Maybe. No. No,” the mare mumbled.

“Twilight, are you even listening to me?” Spike whined.

“Hmmm? Oh, I’m sorry, Spike, but I’ve got to get this done. Princess Celestia is expecting me to arrive in Canterlot today, and if I don’t make these decisions, then I might be late. I can’t disappoint The Princess.”

“Then let me go with you!” Spike pleaded his request for the umpteenth time.

“Spike, we’ve been over this. You have to stay behind and watch the library for me. Who else can I entrust it to?”

“Why not Rarity? She’s a unicorn,” Spike said.

“Rarity doesn’t know anything about books. Besides, why would she want to look after this place?”

“Then Fluttershy,” Spike proposed.

“Look, Spike, you can name off as many ponies as you want, but you are the best choice. I want you to look after the library. Besides,” Twilight lowered her voice as she finished her thoughts, “Trixie might need your help.”

“Aw, c’mon, Twilight! Don’t make me stay and help...her.”

“Spike.” Twilight turned to look at the young dragon. “I don’t like this either, but The Princess has asked me to do this, and...I’m going to. Trixie is going to be taking my place, and you are going to help her out.”

“But she’s unbearable!” Spike pleaded.

“I know,” Twilight answered, frowning. “At least, she was. Hopefully the new Trixie--the one working with Princess Luna--is...nicer.”

“And if she’s not?”

“Well...make her nicer,” Twilight suggested. “But most importantly, help out. And I don’t mean just Trixie. You’ve got to help all our friends. They are going to need you more than ever, I’m afraid.”

“I still want to go with you,” Spike said, defiantly.

“I know. And I want you to go, too, but it’s more important that you stay here. Watch after the library. Take care of the books.” Twilight mumbled the next part. “Celestia only knows if Trixie knows how to take care of a book.

“And most importantly,” Twilight returned to her normal tone and smiling face, “take care of yourself. Don’t let her push you around. This is your home, she’s just a guest.”

“So, I have your permission to be mean to her?” The dragon asked.

“No!” Twilight answered, shocked. “That’s not what I meant at all. I want you to be nice to her. Make friends with her. But...don’t let her be mean to you. I want you to promise me you’ll be nice.”

“Awww.” Spike sounded disappointed. “I promise.”

“Good.” Twilight smiled. “Now help me find my guide to astral trans-location. I wanted to study up on that.”

“Ast-what, who-thing?”

“Just look, okay?”

The door to the library burst open, and two young ponies came barreling into the room, panting from lack of breath.

“Twilight!” Applejack yelled when she saw her friend. “What’s all this Dash was tellin’ me about you goin’ to Canterlot?”

Twilight walked up to her dear friend, an odd look on her face. “What? How did you find out about that?”

Rainbow Dash flew up to stare Twilight directly in the face, hovering as she spoke. “I overheard you talkin’ to Princess Celestia when she left! She told you to pack up and head to Canterlot right away! And then you came inside and started. Are you denying it?”

“No,” Twilight answered. “Not at all.”

“Then...you are movin’ away?” Applejack asked, a sad tone in her voice.

“What?! No!” the confused mare replied. “I’m not moving. The Princess asked me to come to Canterlot for a new temporary assignment. I’m not moving.”

“Then why all the packing, huh?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Well, because I don’t know how long it will take,” Twilight answered. “Neither did The Princess. So, she told me to pack up enough things to last a while. But it’s not permanent. I’ll be coming back.”

“What a relief!” Applejack visibly relaxed. “Ah was worried that you’d be gone for good.”

“Oh, AJ, no. Ponyville is my home now. I don’t ever want to leave for good.” Twilight smiled. “All my friends are here.”

“You know it, sugarcube!”

“Wait just a minute...” Rainbow Dash said, suspicious. “If that’s all true, then why the sudden packing? Are you trying to sneak out of town? Not let your friends know where you were going?”

“Well,” Twilight rubbed her neck, embarrassed, “I honestly got so caught up in trying to keep my schedule, I didn’t know if I was going to have time to tell you guys.” She smiled awkwardly. “Oops.”

“Uh-huh,” Dash answered.

“Well, it’s not like Canterlot is THAT far away. Whatever this assignment is, I’m sure that I’ll have time to see you guys.”

“Wait,” Applejack said, “ya don’t even know why you’re going to Canterlot? Ya don’t know what The Princess wants ya there fer?”

“We didn’t really cover that,” Twilight confessed. “But, it’s Princess Celestia. I’m sure it’s something good.”

“Yeah, true,” Applejack said. “Just seems a little suspicious, if’n ya ask me.”

“That’s not the worst part!” Spike interjected.

“What’s the worst part?” Dash asked.

“The worst part is--”

“Let me tell them, Spike,” Twilight interrupted her young aide. Taking a deep breath, she continued. “The Princess has arranged for a...replacement...for me while I’m gone. An expert in magic in case you guys need somepony.”

“A replacement?” The pegasus spoke. “I thought you said you were coming back!”

“A temporary replacement, Dash. Somepony to fill in for me. Help out around Ponyville.”

“Ah don’t think you’ve gotten to the bad part yet, Twi,” Applejack stated.

Twilight sighed.

“It’s Trixie,” she finally admitted.

“Wait a sec!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “Trixie? The same Trixie that came through here and made a fool out of me and AJ, and just about destroyed the whole danged town? That Trixie?”

“Technically, it was more Snips and Snails fault for the ursa minor coming through,” Twilight corrected. “Trixie thought that was a bad idea, too.”

“Yeah,” Applejack stated with a frown, “but that don’t change the whole makin’ a fool outta me and Dash part.”

“She’s working with Princess Luna now. I’m hoping that she’s better than she used to be,” Twilight explained.

“Hopin’?” Applejack raised an eyebrow. “When is she supposed to git here?”

“Well, I thought she was already in town from the way The Princess was talking, but she hasn’t shown up here yet.”

“Oh dear.”

The trio of friends turned to see a white unicorn standing in the doorway. Rarity had a rather uncertain expression on her face.

“Rarity!” Rainbow Dash flew over to her friend. “Twilight is going back to Canterlot, for Celestia only knows how long--literally! And on top of that, Trixie is supposed to be taking her place!”

“Yes, I’m quite aware of that, Rainbow Dash.” Rarity stepped into the room, walking up to the other unicorn. “Are you doing okay, darling? I came as soon as I heard the news.”

“Thanks, Rarity. I’m fine. Busy, but fine. How did you know about me leaving?”

The white unicorn thought about the pale blue unicorn she left lying in her bed back at the Carousel Boutique. She smiled unconsciously.

“I...spoke to Trixie about it.”

“You saw Trixie?” Twilight asked.

“Um...yes. I did. She came in...to my boutique.” There was a brief pause. “Looking for a new outfit.”

“Ha!” Rainbow Dash laughed. “And then you threw her out on her pompous butt, right?”

“Not...exactly, no,” Rarity said. “She’s actually there right now.”

The jaw of the hovering pegasus fell, looking like it was destined to crash into the floor. Her body decided to follow through on that threat, landing the multi-colored mare square on her haunches.

“Calm down, Dash,” Applejack stated. “Rarity was just bein’ polite. Right, Rarity?”

“Yes. Yes, precisely. I was very cordial to her.”

“Why didn’t she come here herself, Rarity?” Twilight looked curious.

“Well, Twilight, darling,” Rarity thought for a moment before continuing. “I was hoping that you would be alone right now... You know that I think you are the most wonderful unicorn in all of Ponyville, yes? That your friendship is the pinnacle of pleasantry for me on a daily basis? That--”

“Spit it out, Rarity,” Twilight said, bluntly.

“She doesn’t want to see you,” Rarity replied.

Twilight blinked twice.

“Wait a sec,” Applejack stepped into the conversation. “Trixie has shown up here to fill in fer Twi, and she ain’t even polite enough to come over and find out what’s in the shoes that she’s gonna fill?”

“In essence, yes,” Rarity said.

“Why that little...” Dash moved towards the doorway.

“No, Dash,” Twilight said, stopping her friend. “It’s okay. I was hoping that she had gotten past what happened, but...I guess she still needs time.”

“What she needs is a good kick to the--”

“Dash!” Twilight stopped her friend. “What Trixie needs are friends. And I’m counting on you guys to help her out. She’s going to be staying here at the library while I’m gone. Make her feel comfortable.”

“Oh, you can count on me,” Rarity answered with a smile.

“An’ you know I’ll be nice, Twi. If she needs help, I’ll be there,” Applejack stated.

“Thanks,” Twilight smiled, and then turned to look at Rainbow Dash.

“What?” The pegasus said. “I don’t trust her. It ain’t that easy with me.”

“I’m with you, sister!” Spike said from the other side of the room.

“Both of you be nice. Please?” Twilight urged.

“Can I be nice and still not trust her?” Dash asked.

“Sure,” Twilight smiled. “So long as you’re nice.”

A flash of light caught the eye of every pony in the room, as something descended from the sunlit sky towards the front of the Ponyville Library. A golden chariot, pulled by two powerfully built pegasus stallions, landed gracefully, empty and awaiting a passenger.

“Oh my goodness!” Twilight immediately started throwing things into her suitcase, desperately trying to get completely packed in an instant. “That’s my ride. I’ve got to go. The Princess is waiting. But I still haven’t finished packing. Oh, and I need to make sure that somepony will check up on Spike. And--”

“It’s okay, sugarcube,” Applejack said, stepping up and putting a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “You go on. We’ll take care of things here ‘til you get home.”

“Yeah. Just make sure you get back here soon, okay?” Dash flew over and put her hoof on Twilight’s other shoulder.

“I will,” Twilight smiled. “Oh, and can you guys explain things to Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy? I wanted to tell them myself, but...” She looked out at the waiting chariot.

“Don’t worry, darling,” Rarity said, stepping up to Twilight. “They’ll understand. We all do.”

Twilight hugged Rarity, and then rushed to the door, her suitcase levitating behind her. She stopped at the doorway and turned to her friends. “I’ll be back soon!” And with that, Twilight Sparkle left the library, climbing onto the waiting chariot which immediately left the ground, destined for Canterlot.

Gathering outside the library, Twilight’s friends watched her fly off. When she was out of sight, Applejack turned to Rarity.

“Care to explain what was goin’ on back at your place, missy?” she asked.

Rarity’s eyes bugged out. “Why, whatever do you mean, Applejack?”

“Uh-huh,” the earth pony said, knowingly. “You just be careful, y’hear.”

“What are you two talking about?” Dash asked, confused.

“Don’t worry ‘bout it, Dash. Rarity has things under control. Don’t ya, Rarity?”

Rarity smiled. “Yes. Of course,” was all she said.

Rainbow Dash looked more confused than ever.

“Well, now that Twilight is gone,” Spike stated, “I need to go hide all my stuff so that Trixie won’t take it.”

“Spikey!” Rarity said. “I don’t think you need to worry about that sort of thing.”

“Better safe than sorry!” Spike said as he scurried inside.

* * * * *

From the second floor of the Carousel Boutique, a certain cerulean unicorn watched as a golden chariot flew over the city, heading towards the shining towers of Canterlot Castle.

With a sly smile, Trixie levitated her hat onto her head and her cape around her shoulders. She then walked down the stairs of the building, across the room, and out the front door. The unicorn paused, dramatically, just outside the boutique, allowing the sun to catch her hair as she waited for the right moment to turn and walk away.

Feeling content with herself, she looked around to see if a crowd had gathered to watch her. No pony was paying any attention to her at all. “Hmmph!” she let out, exasperated. After a moment or two, she turned and headed towards the Ponyville Library--completely unaware of the figure watching her from the shadows.

* * * * *

The halls of the castle glistened in the fading sunlight. The pair of Princesses walked side-by-side in one of its great corridors, talking lightly about recent events. As they passed them, the various guards stationed around the palace bowed their heads in respect.

“...and since he had decided to burn the note and refer to me as ‘namby pamby,’ I thought it was best to remind him that I AM the Goddess of the Sun,” Celestia laughed.

“Tia, you did not...?” Luna asked her sister.

“Oh no! Of course not. I would never actually harm any creature that young, but it’s still a good idea to remind dragons that they aren’t quite as fireproof as they like to think.”

They laughed together. In the past few months, the two sisters had become more inseparable than ever, with Luna waking earlier each day and Celestia staying awake longer each night.

Considering the tension that had preceded it, the pleasant nature of the two Princesses and the smiles they shared were a welcome sight to the staff and visitors to the castle. None of them had any idea what went on behind closed doors at night.

A pair of horns suddenly sounded, causing the two Princesses to stop and look out the window into the sky. A small dot traced across the horizon, heading towards the palace. Celestia smiled, knowing who it contained.

Luna looked over at her sister, a slight smile on her face as well. “You go. I will meet you at the Grand Balcony.”

Celestia and her sister bowed politely towards each other, and split apart, each headed towards their own destination.

An obvious air of excitement and joy crept over the Sun Goddess as she walked. Her steps almost broke into a prance as she considered the possible outcome of approaching events. She hated to admit it, but Luna’s mischievousness was contagious.

Reaching the landing area near the top of the castle, Celestia regained her composure, forcing herself back to her normal, pleasant demeanor.

The chariot circled Canterlot Castle once before landing, as was the normal procedure. The passenger on board looked down, taking in the view. She honestly couldn’t count the number of times that she had seen this exact view, but its impact never faded for her. The towering spires, the castle itself seemingly growing from the mountainside, and the dramatic waterfalls conveying the illusion of falling straight out of the castle itself. There was no other place in all of Equestria that could match its grandeur.

Celestia watched the chariot circle and land, keeping her eye on the passenger far more than the craft itself. Once it came to a rest, Twilight Sparkle stepped onto the floor of the castle, walking towards the princess with a big smile.

“Welcome, my faithful student,” Celestia said calmly.

“Princess!” Twilight walked up and put her neck up against that of her mentor, happy to see her again.

“I hope that you had a pleasant trip,” Celestia said. “I know that you felt slightly rushed.”

“That’s okay. I do admit that I am very curious about my new assignment, though,” Twilight answered.

Looking over at the chariot, the alicorn saw her student’s bags being unloaded from the chariot. “Take those bags to Twlight’s new room, please,” she instructed.

“New room?” Twilight cocked her head, quizzically. “I’m not staying in my normal room?”

“I’m afraid not,” Celestia said, turning away and beginning the walk inside. “Your new assignment meant that we had to place you in quarters nearer to Luna and myself.”

“Really?” The young unicorn’s face beamed with excitement as she quickly moved to walk beside her teacher. “That’s wonderful.”

“I’m glad you feel that way.”

“Well, I was hoping that it would involve more intense studying with you and maybe even Princess Luna.”

“Not exactly, but you will be spending more time with us.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful. But...what will we be doing if we’re not studying?”

Princess Celestia turned into a small alcove, followed by her favored student. Inside was a pile of armor, similar, but slightly different from the one worn by the palace guards. She stopped and looked at the unicorn.

“Put that on,” Celestia said bluntly.

“What? Um...Princess, that’s...armor.”

“I know. You need to put it on, Twilight.”

“Um...why?”

“Because that is your new assignment.”

“What?!” Twilight’s eyes shot wide. “I’m going to be a palace guard?”

“No,” Celestia corrected. “You are going to be mine and Luna’s personal guard and servant. One of the time honored Eidolon Shield. Currently, there is no pony in that class in our service. Nor has there been in hundreds of years. You will take up that role.”

“I...” Twilight was overcome with confusion and conflict. “Princess, I’m not a guard. I don’t know anything about that, I just--”

“Twlight,” Celestia said calmly, “this is a temporary thing. We want to explore this concept, and if we promote one of our current guards to this role it would change their status. If it doesn’t work out, then putting them back in the normal guard would seem like a disservice. An insult. Whether things work out or not with you, you will be going back to Ponyville and living your life. We need you to do this for us.”

Twilight looked up at the alicorn and her compassionate eyes. A soothing feeling came over the smaller mare, calming her concerns.

“Okay,” Twilight responded. “I just don’t know how good I’ll be at it, Princess.”

“Your Majesty,” Celestia corrected.

“What?” Twilight looked confused again.

“If you are going to be here in this role, you need to address me as ‘Your Majesty’ the first time you speak, and then ‘ma’am’ afterwards.”

“Really?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“Well, that’s gonna be a little awkward.”

“And you need to bow,” Celestia raised her head up, looking down on the small unicorn.

“Bow?”

“Yes. When you first come into our presence or that of our sister, you need to bow. As a sign of respect. It comes with the assignment.”

“Oh, um...okay,” Twilight said, trying to understand all of this. She levitated the armor up and studied it for a moment. “Um, I’m not really sure how to put this on, Prin...er, Your Majesty.”

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out,” Celestia said with a smile. “I’ll wait outside until you are dressed.”

The Sun Goddess stepped out on her own, taking a deep breath as she did. No matter what the outcome, this had been started. It wasn’t too late to end it, but...she didn’t want it to stop. She wanted to see what would happen. A smile crept back on to her face.

A few moments later, the purple unicorn stepped out into the hallway. The armor she wore was unique, designed specifically for her. It followed the classic design of the guards inhabiting Canterlot Castle, but instead of the golden color, it was adorned with a mix of gold and dark blue steel. A crest of deep purple topped the helmet, and a symbol of two alicorns rearing up, their horns touching, capped off the chest piece.

“Well, it fits. I think,” Twilight said, standing there. It did fit, of course, as it was designed specifically for this one pony.

Celestia waited for a moment, looking down at her young student patiently. Twilight looked back up at her, her eyes shifting back and forth after a moment, nervously. The Sun Goddess raised her eyebrows and let her eyes shift to the ground quickly, and then back up to meet Twilight’s.

“Oh!” Twilight let out, and then awkwardly lowered herself down, bowing before the ruler of Equestria. A shiver of excitement shot through Celestia, unbidden.

“That’s...kind of awkward, Prin...er, Your Majesty.”

“You’ll get used to it,” she smiled. “Now walk with me, we have to meet Princess Luna on the Grand Balcony.”

“The Grand Balcony? Isn’t that where you and Princess Luna perform the ritual to raise and lower the sun and moon?”

“Exactly. Which is why we need to go there.”

“I get to be there? For the ritual?”

“Twilight, you are going to be sharing in a good portion of both mine and Luna’s life for the foreseeable future. It’s something else that you’ll have to get used to.”

Celestia could see the young unicorn’s expression lighten as they walked. Giving her such a close view to the spectacle was a sure way to keep happy.

“Um, ma’am?” Twilight broke the silence. “I need a little clarification about this, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course, Twilight. What can I tell you?”

“Well, if I’m going to be this sort of special personal guard--whatever that means--to both you and Princess Luna, well...who do I follow around?”

“Excellent question,” Celestia answered. “Both of us. If the two of us are together, that is the time you will have to yourself. But, during the time that we are separate from each other, you will be our constant companion.”

“Wait,” Twilight’s mind raced, “but aren’t one of you awake all of the time? You all day and Luna all night?”

“Yes.”

“Well, um, not to be rude, but...when do I sleep?”

“That’s part of your personal time. In actuality, right now is when you should be on your own, but I thought it best to speak with you and then let you go with us to the evening ritual. As soon as Luna raises the moon, you’ll be given time to go eat and rest before you have to meet up with my sister.”

“That’s...a lot of time,” Twilight responded.

“Yes, but if I didn’t think you were capable, I wouldn’t have you here.”

Twilight beamed. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

It was a short walk to the Grand Balcony. As she promised, Luna was waiting for the pair when they arrived. As they stepped out onto the balcony, and Twilight caught her first glimpse of the now fully-grown Luna, the unicorn froze. Luna was a nigh-perfect example of feminine grace and power, from her stature to her physique to her face. It took the young mare off guard.

“Wow,” she said under her breath. “Princess Luna, you look...amazing.”

“We thank you, Twilight,” Luna answered softly.

“Your Royal Highness,” Celestia said curtly. Twilight turned to look up and saw a stern expression on her mentor’s face. “You refer to Luna as ‘Your Royal Highness,’ and then ‘ma’am’ during a conversation. Understood?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Twilight said weakly.

“Good.” She turned to her sister. “Luna, we have work to do.”

“Oh!” Twilight said, in realization. “I almost forgot!”

Slowly, Twilight bowed down in front of Luna, and then raised herself up again. She smiled at herself for remembering without being prodded.

“Very good, Twilight,” Luna said.

“Sister,” Celestia snipped, “it’s getting late.”

“Of course. If you will,” Luna suggested.

Celestia nodded, and the sun took its cue, slowly lowering itself towards the horizon. As soon as it dipped to the edge, Luna began her ritual.

Celestia didn’t watch it at all. Her gaze was fixed on the small unicorn standing a few feet away from her. Twilight’s eyes sparkled with amazement as Luna performed her task, crafting the sky and stars and raising the moon to its place in the heavens for another evening. Celestia focused on her student, who stared in adoration at the spectacle in front of her, reveling in the experience. All the while, the white alicorn held her emotion in check.

“That was...beautiful, ma’am,” Twilight said, walking up to Luna after she had once again set hoof down to the balcony.

“Thank you, Twilight. We try,” Luna answered.

“I’ve never actually watched that before. I mean, I’ve seen Princess Celestia raise the sun--from a distance, of course--and I’ve seen the night fall, but I’ve never seen anything like that up close.”

“Twilight,” Celestia began, “I’ve decided that, since you weren’t truly ready for your new assignment when you arrived, you actually shouldn’t be forced into your new duties right away. I think you can wait until just after sunrise before taking up your new task. That will give you all night to yourself. To adjust.”

“Oh, thank you, ma’am,” the young unicorn replied to her mentor.

“Then she can join us for dinner, Tia,” Luna said. “Since we delayed the meal until after the ritual tonight, that only seems fitting.”

“No,” Celestia responded to her sister. “If she were to be seen dining with us, it could be considered...inappropriate. The rest of the staff can’t see her as getting special treatment.”

“But, sister, the entire staff already knows Twilight. She has spent as much time here as most of--”

“I said, NO!” Celestia cut off her sister’s words, then turned towards her student and smiled. “Go to your quarters and unpack, Twilight. Get adjusted to your room and your new surroundings. I’ll see that an excellent dinner is sent up to you in a short while. In the morning, we’ll go over your duties in greater detail, all right?”

“Um...sure. Good night, Your Majesty.” Then turning to Luna. “Your Royal Highness.” Twilight turned to leave.

“Twilight,” Celestia stopped her. “It is customary to bow when you leave our presence, as well.”

“Oh! Right.” Twilight bowed first to Celestia, and then to Luna, and then turned to leave again.

Luna walked up next to her sister on The Grand Balcony, smiling. “She has become a lovely young mare, Tia.”

“Has she? I hadn’t noticed.”

Luna laughed. “Really?”

“Yes. I don’t pay attention to such things.”

Luna smiled even larger, a playful light in her eyes. “You are so cute when you are jealous.”

Celestia’s sent a burning stare straight at her sister. “Jealous? Of what? I’m not the least bit jealous.”

“Do not worry, Tia. She is your pet, not mine.”

“Protege, Luna,” Celestia corrected. “She is most definitely my protege.”

Celestia walked off towards the dinner she was going to share with her sister. Luna shook her head and followed.

* * * * *

“...and Trixie feels that it is inappropriate for you to be sleeping next to her bed.”

The purple and green dragon bristled up, ready for a fight. “Well, it’s not YOUR bed, is it? It’s TWILIGHT’S bed. And I’ve slept next to HER bed for years.”

“But it is not HER bed right now, is it? No. It’s Trixie’s,” the azure unicorn argued.

“But it is MY bed, and that has always been next to Twilight’s!”

“Well, her bed is in Canterlot at the moment, why don’t you go there?” Trixie suggested.

“I would love to! But Twilight asked me to stay here and watch the library. Make sure no pony did anything BAD to it.”

“Are you implying that The Great and Powerful Trixie would do something destructive to this place? That’s absurd! Trixie LOVES books. I am hoping to spend a great deal of my time here studying them and learning what I can.”

“Well, just make sure you don’t lose any of Twilight’s bookmarks. She’s reading a whole lot and doesn’t like to lose her place.” Spike stared straight into Trixie’s eyes, trying to get her to back down, but it didn’t look like the unicorn was going to give an inch.

“I think it’s time you went to bed, Spike. It’s very late for such a young dragon,” Trixie suggested.

“Fine by me! I’ll just go up to MY bed, which is right next to TWILIGHT’S bed!”

“Oh, not this again!” The unicorn said, exasperated. “For the last time, Trixie is telling you--”

“Hello, darlings!” The library door opened suddenly, and the lively figure of Rarity stepped inside, her eyelashes batting, a basket floating near her. “I thought you might be...oh my.” Rarity instantly saw the tension between the two inhabitants of the room, and stopped her own sentence.

“Rarity!” Spike ran over to his friend. “Tell her that she can’t take over Twilight’s place. That she’s just a GUEST, and that means doing what I say.”

“The Great and Powerful Trixie does not take orders from a tiny dragon-child,” she countered.

“It’s not an order. It’s the rules! Twilight put me in charge when she left, and I’m gonna make sure that her rules are followed,” Spike argued.

“Um...” Rarity uttered.

“Trixie doesn’t see any rules posted. How am I supposed to know that you aren’t making things up just to make my life difficult? Hmmm?”

“How do I know that you aren’t just being difficult because you’re, well, YOU!”

“Um...” Rarity stammered.

“You are just an angry dragon, not understanding the greatness that stands before you. Trixie is about ready to put you over her knee and teach you manners.”

“Just try it, lady! You lay one hoof on me and I’ll--”

“STOP IT, THIS INSTANT! BOTH OF YOU!” Rarity finally unleashed. “You are accomplishing nothing. I came over here to bring a nice welcoming dinner to Trixie.” The pale blue unicorn smiled, while the dragon frowned. “AND to make sure that you were doing well with Twilight out of town, Spike. And what do I find? The two of you bickering like spoiled children.”

Rarity stepped between them, turning towards the mare first. “Trixie, I know that this may be difficult for you, but you ARE a guest in this house. And it IS Spike’s home, so he needs to be shown respect.”

“Ha!” Spike laughed, pointing a claw at Trixie.

“And Spike,” Rarity turned her attention to the dragon, “you need to be a more gracious host. Trixie is your guest, and she was instructed to stay here by both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. You are showing all of them disrespect by treating her this way.”

“But she wants me to move my bed!” Spike whined.

“And do you blame her?” Rarity said. “She isn’t Twilight, darling. She isn’t used to a dragon sleeping next to her all night long. A lady likes her privacy, after all.”

“Well, she could have asked nicer...” The dragon mumbled.

“I have no doubt of that,” Rarity said, turning towards the other unicorn. “Trixie, ask Spike nicely to move his bed.”

Trixie opened her mouth to speak, but Rarity stopped her before a word came out.

“Nicely!”

Trixie took a deep breath and narrowed her eyes. “Very well.” She turned towards the baby dragon. “Spike, The Great and Powerful Trixie wants...rather, would appreciate it, if you might move your bed. I prefer to choose my bedfellows, rather than have them thrust upon me.”

Rarity turned to Spike, batting her eyelashes. The dragon tried to hold out against her, but, ultimately, he failed.

“Fine,” Spike grumbled. “I’ll move my bed to the basement. That way I won’t have to worry about you snoring and waking me up, anyway.”

“Trixie does NOT snore!”

“Ah! Trixie,” Rarity shushed her. “Gracious guest...”

“Hmph,” Trixie snorted. “That will be fine, Spike. Thank you for your cooperation.”

“My pleasure,” Spike forced out.

“There! Everything is settled!” Rarity jumped in, stopping things from going further.

Spike stomped off, heading up to the bedroom. “I’m going to get my bed and go to sleep. This has been WAY too long a day already.”

“Are you sure you don’t want any dinner, darling?” Rarity asked after him.

“I’m not hungry!” Spike declared, stomping back down the stairs, holding his small bed over his head.

“Well, do try to have a pleasant night’s sleep. Things will seem much better in the morning, I’m sure,” Rarity said.

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” And with those final words the dragon went into the basement of the library.

Rarity waited a moment, worried about Spike, but not wanting to go after him and start things up again. She exhaled, and turned around, only to find Trixie standing right in front of her.

“So, you brought Trixie dinner?”

“Um, yes. I thought that, perhaps, you might not have time to prepare your own meal. It seemed like the...nice...thing to do.”

The blue unicorn smiled.

“Trixie has an idea. Follow me.” She turned and headed towards the stairs.

“I really did bring food, darling. Not that I am not flattered by your...suggestion.”

“I figured you did. And Trixie is hungry. So, I thought we could have a picnic. In bed.”

“You want to eat dinner in bed?” Rarity asked.

“Yes. Exactly.” Trixie looked back at the white unicorn, smiling.

“Why...how wonderfully romantic.” Rarity sauntered off after the other mare, holding back a giggle.

Neither of them noticed the shadowy figure standing outside the window, watching their every move.

* * * * *

Standing in front of the full-length mirror in her room, Twilight Sparkle turned herself first to the right, and then to the left, and then so her back was to the mirror, and finally straight on trying to get a good view of the armor she was wearing. She turned her body slightly, and then held her head up high and straight, looking squarely at her reflection, posing as dramatically as she could.

Then, she let out a heavy sigh and slumped her shoulders.

“The armor looks good, just not on me,” she said, dejectedly. “I know that the Princess wants me to do this, but...I’m still not sure I’m the right choice.”

Twilight looked around the room. She was originally worried that her new quarters might not be as nice as the ones she had gotten used to when she attended Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, but if anything, this room was too nice. All of the furniture, the drapery, the artwork--everything--seemed like something fit for one of the Princesses, and not her. She shook her head and began to remove the armor, putting on the dressing figure she could only assume was there for that purpose.

“I wish there was some kind of book or something that I could read about this Eidolon Shield. I don’t remember seeing anything about it in any of my history books before,” Twilight spoke out loud to herself. “It seems like the kind of thing that I would have noticed. Arrrgh! I wish I had my library.”

A sudden realization struck her. “Wait a second! I might not have MY library, but I do have the school’s library, which is much bigger than mine! I can be such a dummy sometimes.” She trotted up to the door and opened it, heading out into the hallway.

“And I don’t think that the Princess will mind. I’m not breaking any of her rules--well, none that I’ve been given so far. But in any case, that still means I’m not breaking one if I don’t know about it, right?”

Twilight’s new room was located on the same floor as both Celestia and Luna’s quarters. Walking down the hallway from her room towards the huge staircase that led to the lower levels of the castle, Twilight passed the majestic hallway that split to either side, one way leading to Luna’s room, the other, Celestia’s.

“Besides, I haven’t had any chance to do any real studying since I got here. And if I know the background and history of what it is I’m supposed to represent, then naturally I should be better at--”

A sudden sharp sound, followed by a whimper, stopped Twilight dead in her tracks. She paused, trying to clear her head and make sure that she heard clearly. Looking around for some guards that might confirm the sound, the unicorn discovered she couldn’t find any. But then the sound came again. A sharp sound, like the sound a book makes when it gets slammed down on a hard table, followed by a whimper.

It was coming from Celestia’s room.

Slowly, Twilight turned and started walking down the hallway, the huge, ornate doors that led into her mentor’s room shut, the gold that covered them shimmering in the dim light from the candles on the wall. Her head cocked to one side, Twilight’s feet slowly moved, one after the other, down the hallway towards the closed doors, listening closely for more sounds.

Another sharp sound. Another whimper. And this time, something else--a voice. Too faint to make out, but there was somepony talking. Twilight stepped softly, trying not to make a single sound, moving her ear closer to the door. Another sharp and whimper combination caused her to jump back from the door. It was so much more clear this time.

She looked around. No pony was in the hallway. No guards. No servants. No pony at all. Turning back towards the closed doors, a hint of light peeking from between them caught her attention. Swallowing, she stepped towards it, her curiosity getting the better of her. She brought her eye up to the crack between the doors, and peered inside.

Her breath left her instantly.

On the floor of her bedroom, Princess Celestia had her chest flat on the ground, her head lying in front of her, her forelegs moved to be straight behind her. Her great wings were stuck straight up in the air, rigid. Her rear legs were fully extended, holding her flank high off the ground, with the legs spread apart. Her tail was being held aloft by a shimmering, dark blue magic, while a large black paddle of some slick, wet-looking substance hovered in the air behind her. Celestia’s marehood was clearly on display, and it was dripping with the Princess’ own juices.

“We do not believe that thou hast apologized enough for your actions earlier. Thou were rather...curt...to us. We do not appreciate that tone,” a familiar voice said from an unseen location. “Apologize again.”

“I’m sorry, Mistress,” the Sun Goddess whimpered. “I was angry. It was wrong.”

The paddle moved in a swift motion, slamming against Celestia’s flank, producing a sharp smack. She whimpered in pleasure, her head lurching forward as she did.

“We feel that is only a tenth as contrite as thou should be,” the voice said. “Therefore, we shall administer ten times the punishment. Thou shalt count for us. Understood?”

“Yes, Mistress,” came the immediate response from the prostrate goddess.

The black paddle sliced through the air, finding its target with a loud, sharp whack.

“One,” Celestia said in a breathy tone.

Again, the castigating tool found its mark with an echoing response.

“Two.”

And again.

“Three.”

And again.

“Four.”

“Five.”

“...six...” The Princess’ response came slower, and her voice more desperate.

“...seven...”

“We cannot hear you, slave,” the unseen voice said. “Louder.”

The paddle found its mark.

“EIGHT!” Celestia yelled.

“NINE!”

There was a pause. The paddle hovered in the air, as though waiting for a sign to proceed. Celestia whimpered in anticipation, her flank already bright red from the treatment it had received. She wiggled her rear slightly, which was all the signal needed.

With a smack far louder than the previous blows, the paddle landed a final time.

“AH! TEN!” she screamed.

Twlight stood in silence. Even her breath refused to make a noise. Her jaw was hanging slack, staring at the spectacle happening inside Celestia’s private quarters. And even though it would have seemed impossible a moment earlier, her eyes widen more when she saw Princess Luna step into view. Except this Luna was dressed very differently. She wore a head and chest piece that strongly resembled what she wore as Nightmare Moon, only these were black, with a sheen that made them appear almost wet.

Luna brought a forehoof up to her sister’s almost glowing flank, rubbing it softly. “We think that is punishment enough,” she said gently. “And we see that thou art truly grateful for our discipline.”

The forehoof moved from Celestia’s flank to her soaked marehood, sliding over it repeatedly in a slow, deliberate fashion. A deep groan escaped from the white alicorn.

“Thou art positively soaked, slave. Did thou enjoy the beating we gave thee that much?”

“I...enjoy serving...my Mistress.” Celestia was barely able to speak.

“Good answer,” Luna stated. “Thou deserves a reward for thy loyalty.”

The tempo of Luna’s hoof increased, rubbing vigorously against the sex of her submissive sister.

“We want you to come on our hoof, slave. Which means thou WILL come on our hoof. Dost thou understand?” Luna asked.

“...yes...” Celestia whispered.

“Thou loves the feel of our divine hoof on thy unworthy cunt, doesn’t thou, slave? Thou wants nothing more than to feel our touch on thy filthy little hole.”

“...yes...please...”

“Please? Please what? Please stop? We could stop.” Luna pulled her hoof away from her sister’s sex suddenly. Celestia gasped, and started pushing back with her flank, trying to find the pleasing touch once more.

“...no! No, please... don’t stop.”

“Do not stop? Do not stop what, slave?”

“...touching me.”

“But we are not touching thee. Our hoof is nowhere near thine...hot, dripping cunt.”

Celestia moaned at the words.

“Please, Mistress. Please, touch me. I will do whatever you ask.”

“That is true whether we touch thee or not,” Luna explained.

“...I...I just...” Celestia’s passion had taken away her reasoning, much to her sister’s delight.

“Oh, but we already told thee that you were going to cum by our hoof.” Luna immediately put her hoof back, rubbing with even more intensity. “And we will not have your begging change that.”

“...thank you...Mistress...”

“Thou will get your opportunity to show thine thanks,” Luna said calmly, “but only after thou does what we instruct. Cum, slave. Cum on your Mistress’ hoof. Do it now!”

“YEEESSS! LUNA, YESSSS!”

As if by command, Celestia let out a scream of pure pleasure, as her marehood released its juices all over her sister’s hoof. Streaming freely out--Luna’s hoof continuing to move back and forth more gently now--the cum flowed to puddle on the ground beneath Celestia. Slowly, Luna removed her hoof, bringing it to her mouth and licking it gently as she walked around her still twitching slave.

“Lick that mess up,” Luna commanded. Slowly, Celestia raised herself up enough and turned around, and seeing the splash of her own fluids, moved her head over to it and dragged her tongue across it, taking the cum into her own mouth.

A large chair, surrounded by Luna’s dark magical energy moved in front of the Night Goddess. She turned around and sat on it, spreading her legs lewdly, revealing her own damp sex.

Again, the dark mare’s horn flared with magic and a hood appeared over Celestia’s head, covering her eyes but leaving her ears and muzzle exposed. Celestia stopped licking the ground, raising her head up in surprise.

“Come find us in the dark, slave. Show thine Mistress how much you appreciate her kind attentions.”

Celestia turned, seeking out the source of the words. Setting her forehooves in front of her, she began to walk gingerly towards the direction she sensed.

“No. Crawl,” Luna commanded.

Celestia immediately dropped to the ground, but still moved forwards towards the source of the spoken words. Her forehooves gently prodded out, trying to find some sign of reassurance or warning of misdirection.

Seeing this, Luna extended one of her rear hooves, moving it directly in front of her sister’s path. And a moment later, one of the white mare’s seeking appendages found her Mistress’ hoof, and closed in on it instantly. With greater speed and confidence, Celestia brought herself up to the hoof, planting her lips on it with reverence.

“Very good, slave,” Luna said, her voice husky with desire. “You may proceed.”

Taking the cue, the submissive alicorn began to plant kisses up along the leg of her dominant sister, moving with obvious ardor towards the dripping slit awaiting her.

“Do not rush, slave,” Luna commanded.

Celestia slowed her pace immediately. She began taking time to enjoy the journey up the sculpted legs of her sister. Each kiss and every lick conveying her passion and desire to please the dark mare.

“Much better,” Luna rasped.

With encouragement, Celestia moved up higher, coming to the point where Luna’s leg met her body. She paused there, taking an extra moment to let her lips and tongue caress that tender area, causing a rise in her Mistress’ desire. Slowly, she moved over, heading towards the other leg, but stopping when her nose picked up the musky aroma of the midnight alicorn’s aroused marehood.

Celestia’s tongue flicked out, finding the outer lips of Luna’s pussy, causing her Mistress to suck in a breath through her teeth. With that obvious incentive, Celestia immediately moved her tongue up along the slit to the hardened clit of her sister’s sex.

“Yes!” Luna hissed. “You have become an excellent cunt-licker, sister. Perhaps we should let others know just how good you are. Would you like me to tell everypony exactly what you do to your sister behind closed doors, slave? Show off my little toy for all to see?”

The verbal beratement only increased both sister’s passion. Celestia redoubled her effort, while Luna brought her forehooves down to her sister’s head, holding her tightly and pushing her muzzle harder against her marehood.

“No,” Luna growled, her passion causing her to lose the royal tone completely. “No, on second thought, I do not wish to share you. You are my toy. I want to play with you all by myself. Invent new, fun games to play with you every night,” she snarled. “And I want you to drink my cum, slave. I want you to drink every fucking drop!”

Luna began to buck her hips wildly against Celestia’s administrations, driving herself closer and closer to complete release. Finally, she could hold back no more, and firmly gripping her sister’s head, she forced her cunt down onto Celestia’s muzzle.

“Yes! YES!” Luna yelled, thrusting her sex. “Drink it. Drink it all!”

And Celestia did just that. Every bit of liquid that came from her sister’s marehood she swallowed. Taking it in with the same desire as a dehydrated pony finding their first water after walking through a desert.

Slowly, Luna’s grip on her sister’s head relaxed, allowing Celestia to pull back her head. Celestia leaned forward and planted a few delicate kisses around the area of her sister’s sex in gratitude.

“Excellent work, slave. We are pleased,” Luna said.

“Thank you, Mistress,” Celestia said, keeping her head lowered. “May...may I take off this hood now? I wish to look upon you.”

Luna looked down at the mare still between her legs, and gently started to stroke her mane. “No. Not yet. Sometimes it is not as important to know what you see...”

Luna shifted her gaze. Moving it from her sister to the doorway of the room.

“...as what you DO NOT see.”

She was staring straight at Twilight.

Twilight scrambled back away from the door in a panic. Her eyes darted about, trying to find an excuse, an escape, but Twilight’s mind was too lost in the events she had just witnessed. In a moment of desperation, she teleported, a brief flash of light indicating her departure.

She appeared instantly in her room. The panic was still on her, and she looked around the room, desperately hoping for something to give her pause. She ran to the door, looking to lock it, but stopped herself.

“No. No, no. If I lock the door, then she’ll know. It’ll tell her for certain that I was there. I can’t do that.”

Twilight looked around the room, and finally made a mad leap for her bed. She landed on it, and ducked under the covers, pulling them up tightly around her neck. Her horn flared with magic, extinguishing the candles lighting the room.

“I’ll pretend I was sleeping the whole time. Yes, that’s it. I was sleeping. The Princess told me that I needed to get sleep when I could, so I was just doing what she told me to do. I wasn’t out in the hall. I wasn’t at her door. I didn’t see anything.

“I didn’t see...Princess Celestia and...Princess Luna...doing that.” Twilight’s mind was awash in images from the past few minutes. “I don’t know anything about that. That would be crazy. And they...”

Her mind reflected back to Luna staring straight at her through the doorway to Celestia’s room.

“She saw me,” she said softly to herself, trying to pull the covers up tighter. “She saw me and she knows I was there. Oh, why was I there? Why did I have to see that? And why...”

Twilight brought the covers up to cover her muzzle, leaving them just below her eyes, like a child hiding from a nightmare.

“Why am I so aroused right now?”

* * * * *

Watching from a window above their bed, a darkened figure saw Rarity nuzzle up against Trixie as the two of them lay sleeping. A night of passion had left both ponies exhausted and resting in each other’s forelegs. The scene looked peaceful.

“So, that’s her little game, is it?” The figure said cryptically. “Fine by me. Now that I know the rules, I’m ready to step into this party. Trixie wants to play with my friends, well, I’m good at playing.”

The figure stepped away from the window and into the moonlight. Her bouncy magenta mane shining in the dim light.

“So, I’m gonna get into this game--Pinkie Pie style!”

...to be continued.