The Two Between

Chapters

Chapter 2 - A Little Town called Ponyville
Chapter 3- A spot of Tea and Corsets
Chapter 4 -An Innocent Trip to the Market
Chapter 5 - We Need to 'Talk'
Chapter 6 - Breakfast and Field Research
Chapter 7 - Everything is Better with Friends
Chapter 8 - Trouble in Paradise
Chapter 9 - Wait. Today's my what?
Chapter 10 - Tough Love
Chapter 1 - Back Through the Looking Glass

Chapter 2 - A Little Town called Ponyville

~~~~The Next Day~~~~

Oh, the thrill! She hadn’t been in the air, free to feel it flying past her, in so long she’d almost forgotten how liberating it was. Up in the clouds, sitting in the Canterlot chariot, she could almost lose her apprehensions for what awaited her in the town below. Almost. She had been a student of Princess Celestia, just as Twilight Sparkle was now. It wasn’t so impossible to think Sparkle had made this exact same trip once. Probably not under these circumstances though, Sunset couldn’t help thinking to herself, losing the exhilaration that was flight in a chariot at the thought of facing her one time foe. She forgave you though, Sunset she convinced herself. She won’t have gone back on her word.

And before she continue to overthink just what one scenario or another would mean, her transport began its quite rapid descent. Rooftops were whizzing past her eyes as said orbs darted this way and that to take in her new environment. It was not at all what she had been expecting. This… this was a peasant’s village! Since when did students to the Princess go into exile, educational or not, in towns built out of mud and hay and surrounded by farmland? Sunset could feel the mild panic rising in her chest; a panic she did not like in the slightest. But no matter how many mental control exercises she tried, the panic continued to spread. It carried her out of the chariot, ignored the guards completely, widened her eyes, and forced her to gaze around at her surroundings.

She had been expecting… well, she wasn’t quite sure what she had been expecting, but it certainly had not been an Earth pony settlement. How could she learn anything at all here? How had Sparkle? Was she really as brilliant as that; to teach herself magic in an Earth pony town? With all of the thoughts buzzing through her head, and her eyes seeing half-familiar faces all around her, she almost flashed past a particular set of six faces she would know anywhere. Oh, sweet Celestia help me, she thought, the panic rising to new heights. All of them?

It was like nothing had changed from those last few weeks of school. Minus the library being carved out of a tree of all things. They stood in a loose group by the entrance, chatting and laughing at the occasional joke, right in the same places they always were. Dash was leaning against the wall next to the door, as too-cool-for-school as ever and with the whipcord lean look of a born athlete. Right next to her, trying to keep herself small and failing miserably was Fluttershy, and by Celestia’s mane even her usual animal friends looked exactly the same. A little further from the door, Rarity arched a foreleg as gracefully as the one she’d known had lifted a hand and gave off a rich chuckle that echoed memories of many a fitting session for her latest fashion design.

Right next to her, Applejack stood with her hat and a quiet smile on her face and all the same unmovable solidness and dependability that practically rolled off her in waves. That left… “Hey, she’s here everypony!” came a bright, gasping, unmistakable voice. With a blur of speed, a pair of incomparably bright blue eyes filled her entire vision, and a smile fit to brighten up the entire world crossed the face of Pinkie Pie. If not for usually having had the same thing happen almost everyday for years, Sunset was sure she would have fallen back in shock.

“C’mon silly filly!” Pinkie couldn’t contain herself. “I know your name, and you know my name, and everypony else who’s here, but I still wanna hear what you sound like. It’s not fair for my other self to get to and not me!” Her voice came in the same rapidfire way as her counterpart. Utterly unstoppable. Heavens, she thought faintly. They could be twins.

“I… My name’s Sunset Shimmer, but you already knew that like you said,” Sunset answered, feeling the tightness in her chest beginning to loosen with the familiar antics of Pinkie. The sadness and pain she’d felt as they had parted back at Canterlot High slowly ebbed away from somewhere in the pit of her stomach, and for just a moment… she could feel a stab of hope.

“Oh, come closer, darling,” Rarity insisted, joining Pinkie and motioning for Sunset to come with her into the library. “Twilight never described you as a shy one, so why don’t you come on inside to see her. She’s working on something at the moment I believe.”

“If Princess Celestia and Twilight trust ya’ve gone good,” Applejack said, “I don’ see no reason ta not consider ya part o’ the family.” Sunset found herself almost carried into the library by four unexpectedly welcoming pairs of hooves (Fluttershy trying to stay out of the limelight and opting for opening the door for them). Similar didn’t even begin to describe these ponies. They’re identical! Sunset marveled. I… I haven’t lost them at all.

“Sheesh! Could you at least give the newbie some breathing room guys?” intoned the voice of Twilight’s pet, Spike. Or, wait, was he a dog or some similar creature here? No! That was ridiculous, he could speak after all. Sunset’s friends parted at Spike’s words, and she almost let her jaw fall down at the sight of a dragon. Young or not, what is Twilight Sparkle thinking? He breathes fire, and she lives in a bucking tree!

Nopony seemed bothered by this, least of all Spike himself, who only arched a single eyebrow upon seeing Sunset for the first time. “Huh, well, least your not as bland looking as Trixie.” He turned toward the only visible flight of stairs and yelled, “Twi, Whatshername’s here!” It was hard to ignore the fact that, dragon or not, he sounded like the most stereotypical little brother in history.

“Well, why didn’t you tell me sooner!” Twilight Sparkle’s voice blared down from some unknown room, followed briskly by the lavender unicorn herself. No, unicorn was wrong, she was… Sunset let her jaw truly hang open, and she felt she was more than justified. She’s… she’s… she’s an… alicorn!?

“Oh,” Twilight Sparkle giggled self-consciously. “Yeah, I’m still getting used to it myself, Sunset. The ride here was okay, right?” She sounded quietly self assured, a far cry from the righteousness of their last encounter or the nervous uncertainty of their first. Here, she was princess of all she surveyed, and it showed in the confidence with which she carried herself.

“You’re an alicorn,” Sunset could not help but state flatly. Somehow, saying it publicly made it easier to grasp. “I guess… never mind,” she trailed off, rubbing at her leg with a hoof. She had been a sight to behold with the power of Harmony surrounding her in the night sky outside the school, but as a normal pony (at least as normal as an alicorn could be) Sunset found her appearance to be nothing shy of beautiful. A natural beauty that fit her somehow, like she was meant to carry those wings, her confidence, and the lithe body of a pony.

“Hey… waitaminit…” Spike the dragon was scratching at his chin as she continued to absorb the monumental shock that was the sudden confirmation that all of her former ambitions had been possible, and that Twilight had not merely accomplished them… but had done so in apparent grand style. “You’re…. AHHH!” Spike’s sudden yell shocked her out of that thought as he scrambled behind Twilight with a scamper that was actually quite reminiscent of a dog’s. “Twilight, she’s… she’s…” He pointed a claw at her shakily, sending a sinking feeling into her gut…

Twilight’s voice came out firmly, hitting the room like a gavel against a lecturn. “She’s reformed, Spike. She wouldn’t have come to Princess Celestia if she hadn’t bettered herself. And she deserves a second chance.” A brief glow of bright violet magic dragged the dragon out from behind Twilight’s legs, and she fixed him with a stern look. “So keep it civil and apologize, or else no more comic books.”

“You don’t have to… I mean I wasn’t the best of ponies back then,” Sunset tried to intervene, but Twilight was apparently determined to have Spike behave according her standards. Spike nodded once, gulping and turning back toward her with a tentative smile. “So… um…” Sunset hesitated, rubbing at her foreleg again before offering it to him with a little smile. “I’m sorry I… treated you unkindly. Um… No hard feelings?”

The words came out incredibly lame to her ears, but they seemed to give Spike a little more life. He reached out and shook her hoof, the feeling of his scaly paw a little odd against her hoof.

“I guess. You’re not the worst villain we’ve forgiven around these parts.” While that was hardly praise, it seemed to cheer the little guy up quite a bit. “I mean, heck. You’re positively normal by comparison. At least you’re not-”

“Oh Fluttershy~!” a voice, positively dripping with smug arrogance and a self assurance that would have put even her at her worst to shame, drifted into the room as a… something that she could not immediately identify floated inside on a cloud of pink fluffy stuff. “Fluttershy, my dear! You promised we were going to meet for luncheon! Oh! And who is this?” He placed his lion’s paw upon his chest, his strange yellow eyes agleam.

Sunset would have thought the creature, despite its tone, to be a little on playful side had it not asked about her. It’s eyes hadn’t changed, and neither had its stance or, anything else. But a shiver ran down her spine nonetheless, and she swore there was a malignant magic on the words it spoke.

“Oh, my! I’m so sorry you had to come find me,” Fluttershy apologized to the amalgamation of animal parts, her voice smothered in the gentleness that Sunset had come to expect from her. “Twilight just need our help to welcome Sunset Shimmer into town.”

“Uh huh,” the beast replied. “Discord, Master of Chaos and Spirit of Disharmony at your service, Sunset Shimmer,” it continued, holding out a talon markedly sharper than Spike’s. For an instant, Sunset could have sworn she saw a gleam of speculation in the creature’s eye. Some combination of anticipation and sinister plotting.

“Oh no ya don’t!” Rainbow Dash darted in between Sunset and Discord’s outstretched limb. “Don’t be gettin’ any bright ideas. It’s gonna be hard enough without you messin’ with her head.”

“Discord!” Fluttershy perked up, taking Dash’s side. “Why would you play such a mean trick? I have a mind to not have our luncheon at all if Rainbow was right.” Sunset wasn’t exactly sure what the problem was, but to see Fluttershy actually take a stand… it must have been pretty serious.

“Ladies, ladies, I meant no harm,” the Discord creature answered, throwing up both forelimbs in innocence. “Besides, I don’t need to work my magic on her. There’s plenty in there without my help.”

“Alright you! That’s enough!” Rainbow bellowed at him, grabbing hold of one of those limbs and tugging on it with a fierce look on her face. “Fluttershy, I’m coming with you. Can’t be lettin’ this one of my sight for a while.”

“No, it’s okay Rainbow, I can handle him. Right?” Her last word was directed to Discord, and so thinly veiled a threat that Sunset had to blink twice before she was sure she wasn’t seeing somepony else. But when the three of them vanished out the door and Fluttershy wasn’t among the remaining ponies, she had to assume it had indeed been her.

Rarity tossed her mane elegantly, giving a decisive little sniff. “Well, I’m certainly glad somepony can handle him. Don’t mind Discord, darling. He’s dangerous, but we’ve got his number.” She arched an eyebrow at the doorway the trio had exited through, then gave a little tsk. “At any rate, my boutique is on the west side of town, and it’s impossible to miss.” She gave Sunset a cheerful, quiet smile. “Don’t hesitate to drop by if you need some help fitting in, dear. Goodness knows Twilight needed it.” The way she said that with a sly grin at Twilight, and the way Twilight just rolled her eyes and smiled sheepishly told Sunset it had to have been quite the scene. “I’ll be working on my newest designs for the big show in Manehatten. Ta Ta for now, darling!”

Rarity trotted out of the library with a graceful sweep of her much coiffed mane, with Applejack tilting her hat with a smile. “I’ve got a bucket fulla work myself, even though I hate to cut and run so quickly.” She eyeballed Pinkie Pie, who was scribbling something down on a fairly massive roll of parchment.

Pinkie just grinned at Applejack. “We’ll have our big party on Sunday. Tomorrow is the twins’ birthdays, and I’m committed to attend. Don’t worry, AJ - I’ll make sure you’re not too busy to come.” She winked cheekily and rolled up the parchment, pausing only to give Sunset a huge and fluffy hug that smelled oddly of strawberries. “Welcome to Ponyville, Sunset! I hope you’ll like it here as much as Canterlot.” Something about the way she’d said that…. something about how she’d phrased ‘Canterlot’ made Sunset stare after her for a moment as she bounced happily out the door. Could she have meant…. No, that would be silly. Even if it would be entirely in character for Pinkie Pie.

Applejack tilted her hat at Sunset with a smile of her own and trotted out. Just like Applejack to not need words to deliver the message she intended to give. For a brief, blush inducing moment, Sunset wondered what Big Macintosh might look like in this universe, but she banished the thought before it could form anything more than a moment of whimsy. The last thing she needed was to get tied up with a stallion on her first day back.

Of course, that left her alone… with Twilight Sparkle, the Alicorn Princess, and a whole lot of other confusing feelings. But she turned resolutely and put on her very best smile. She wasn’t going to let a little twinge get in the way of her learning… and it was so very like Celestia to put her in the hooves of living proof of her own hopes and dreams come true.

Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad, after all.

~~~~~~~~~

The swift sunset plunged the land into an inky purple darkness that settled like a thick blanket over the tiny town of Ponyville. Twilight had spent most of the past hours since Sunset’s arrival obsessing over the minutiae, as though she too was nervous to address the lessons that were to come. There had been the usual paperwork to sign (Sunset was expert in it, since the human world seemed to have an obsession with it), and a new room to move into with all of the various knick knacks and possessions she’d left behind all those years ago. It had been amazing to find her old posters and notebooks otherwise undisturbed in the chest of goods… and Twilight had also left a fairly impressive pile of scrolls carefully tucked into one of the nooks of her new room and had encouraged her to read them when she had spare moments. Mealtime was apparently pretty eclectic around the library, but Sunset was sure she could adjust.

Now with a full stomach of the dragon’s actually decent cooking and nothing pressing into her head or chest anymore, Sunset found herself able to actually relax a bit. She flopped down on her new bed, sighing at the softness of good Equestrian made down stuffing. She could make it. She would make it. And she’d have ponies around who would want to help her. How far a cry that was from her first stint as Princess Celestia’s student. But even if she was determined to be a better mare this time around, she still retained old habits: like reading before bed. And really, she couldn’t think of anything better to read than the scrolls Twilight had set aside for her.

They were all identical in style, each in the same pure white vellum bound by a red ribbon and a golden wax seal. The very first scroll, filed in Royal Canterlot Library style as was expected from Celestia’s student, was a set of instructions from Princess Celestia... ”...And I have an even more essential task for you to complete. Make some friends!” The words echoed through her head, a reminder of a meeting that now felt so very long ago, where Celestia had commanded her to do the very same thing… and in her arrogance, she’d dismissed it as being unimportant. One by one, as she drew down the scrolls and read through them, a pattern began to emerge. One of a pony not unlike herself, one obsessed with learning everything she could about magic but not understanding the value of friendship, or at least not at first. Each scroll was scented with a faint hint of maple and chalk dust.

It was definitely a different smell, but not unpleasant. In fact, Sunset found she actually enjoyed opening each scroll to be… Wait! Pay attention. The way she smells isn’t even important. Sunset harrumphed and rolled onto her stomach, tucking her hooves under her chest. She screwed up her eyes to focus on the words scrawled onto the page, forcing her brain to absorb the very real wisdom. Only, her brain seemed to not care about Twilight’s words as much as it did about the cute way she made ‘s’. “Arrrrgh! No!” she growled, planting her face into the parchment. It was delightfully crinkled, and Twilight Sparkle’s scent flooded up her nose. Some part of her nodded in extremely satisfied approval, the part previously interested only in reading quite effectively being stamped into non-existence. “Oh…” Sunset cooed to herself. “Is this what your mane would smell like?”

It was a slow sort of burn, one she didn’t immediately understand until old memories tickled at the back of her mind. She slowly closed her eyes and called to mind the sight of Twilight perched confidently and powerfully upon her staircase. That subtle smile, that blinding intelligence burning behind a pair of beautiful eyes. The memory of how when nopony else would have believed in her, she had done so without so much as a moment of hesitation… The candle burned low next to her bed as she shifted a little, pushing still vaguely unfamiliar hooves down between her legs and recalling an old shivery sensation. It was so unlike being human, so much more… intense as she felt the tip of her firm hoof find her little button and a gasp escaping her lips out into the parchment.

Almost without her conscious will, her hoof began to twirl… slowly, teasingly. She began jerking her hoof against her clit every so often, a small squeak escaping her lips each time and thoughts of Twilight flooding her mind’s eye. No… stop it… she’s going to be your teacher… Sunset’s critical mind urged in one last desperate gambit. Come on, get… it… cum…” Her hoof was circling her sweet spot more vigorously now, and while that was giving her so much to moan about, so much Twilight to imagine, she had to get into a better position. She rolled onto her back, spreading her hind legs and letting her sex scent mix tantalizingly with the Sparkle smell on the parchment.

It was going to be impossible to reign in her imagination at this point, so she simply gave into the wonderful sensations. It rolled through her like a wave of electric magic, sending her eyes closed again as she summoned up visions of Twilight again, unable to deny the attraction of the power she wielded. Not merely a unicorn, but an Alicorn, possessed of powers far beyond that of mere mortal ponies. She felt her hoof moving faster at the thought of it, the ripples of pleasure coming quicker with every stroke as her mind filled with visions of the princess atop her on the bed, pressing her lips to Sunset’s forcefully and grinding against her body. The sweet sound of her voice moaning in happiness in a perfect counterpoint to her own, the smell of her silky mane enveloping her…

Her hoof slipped down into her desperate, wet lips, and she thought of Twilight forcing her horn into her folds. She pulled her hoof in and out, muttering, begging for Twilight to taste her. Her second hoof joined the first, playing with her clit as she ground her hoof into her marehood harder and faster. The seconds of blissful pleasure mounted until both her body and mind gave in, and her hips bucked with the spasms of orgasm. She wanted to scream, but managed to keep her lips tight as she rode out her high… panting with spent exhilaration as the images of so domineering a Twilight faded.

The room had faded into a dim darkness that was broken only by a few faint rays of moonlight streaming through the window. A gentle warmth rested in her body, now loose and relaxed against the bedcovers, her breathing even and slow. Everything was quiet and cool, and she stared at the ceiling trying to wrestle with the conflicting and confusing thoughts that her little moment of pleasure had produced. What was it about the princess that created such a fierce... lust? It was inexplicable. She barely knew her, barely knew anything about her, and yet… yet those words in those letters that created just the barest glimpse was enough to grab hold of her heart and shake it firmly. As her breathing returned to normal, she carefully re-rolled the now much wrinkled and partially wet scroll and replaced it on the shelf gingerly. She turned toward her chest and focused for a moment, tugging a thick little book bound in golden yellow and fiery red silk out of it, rummaging a bottle of ink and a quill from the little desk in the room. She needed to think about this carefully, and she had found the best way to work her way through a problem was to make some good lists about it.

She hoped she had enough room in the journal for this one though.

~~~~~~

Morning in Ponyville shimmered, and Twilight was as glad as ever that Spike had gotten much better at fixing breakfast. Today, she couldn’t have any distractions from her primary job of taking up Sunset Shimmer’s education. Fortunately, the coffee smelled wonderful and the pancakes were sizzling nicely. One cup of Pony Joe later, and she felt ready to face the day. “Geeze, Twilight. Drink that a little slower, wouldya?” Spike muttered, looking just a little concerned as she downed the bitter beverage.

Twilight paid him no mind though, unrolling the list she’d constructed before bed last night and examining it thoroughly. Lets see. Best way to get to the heart of the matter is to trot her about town and expose her to the insanity of Ponyville. So. Cutie Mark Crusaders, Davenport, Sugarcube Corner… Oh! Granny Smith, of course. She tapped her chin with her hoof, descending deep into thought. Who else might help. Maybe I could get Zecora to rhyme at her for a while. Or even better, I’ll send a letter to Trixie. The thought of exposing Sunset Shimmer to Trixie was so incredibly amusing that she actually gave off a little giggle.

“What’s so funny?” Sunset asked cautiously, and Twilight snapped out of her study to blink up at the mare. She had to admit that Sunset was much better looking as a pony than a human. For starters, her mane was far more controlled and a lot less bushy, and it just kind of… fit better. It was hard to explain, but she liked it. Given how she was manipulating her fork as Spike laid down a plate of fresh pancakes in front of both of them, she was getting easily back into the swing of magic too.

Twilight shook the cobwebs from her head and gave off her best relaxed smile. “Just had a thought. There’s a particular unicorn who you really ought to meet. She had a counterpart back in the school, but here she’s…” Twilight waved her hoof airily. It was impossible to truly describe Trixie in comparison to the other universe. Actually, it was impossible to easily describe Trixie at all. “Well, unique. Anyway, we’re going to give you a little walk about town and introduce you to some of the important locals. See how much you’ve learned with our friends.”

To her credit, Sunset didn’t look much perturbed by that. Twilight had been worried she was going to be overly focused on the study of magic rather than the much more vital skills of friendship that Twilight was certain Celestia had sent her here to learn. “Princess? I don’t want to sound rude, but isn’t it difficult for you, as an alicorn, to live with Earth ponies in a town so… out of touch with magic?” Sunset cut in, once again interrupting Twilight’s woolgathering.

Twilight considered the… implications of that question for a few moments before slowly answering. “Well… I’ll admit, when I first came to Ponyville I wasn’t entirely enthusiastic about the idea. But this is more than just a town of Earth ponies, as I quickly came to learn.” She pressed her hooves together, taking a hearty bite of her breakfast before continuing. “There’s actually a pretty strong community of pegasi and unicorns here. Ponyville’s got a lot of hidden facets to it, especially given how close we are to the Everfree Forest.”

Twilight took another bite of the pancakes, wondering how much detail she should go into about what had been happening to the forest over the last few years and deciding that could wait for a later time. “But that’s all the more reason to show you around town.” She felt a cheery little grin cross her face, as a thought quickly occurred to her. “Besides, we’ll be able to handle a few errands in the process, and it’s always good to be efficient about these things!”

“I knew Ponyville was a sort of crossroads town, but I didn’t think it would have anything other than merchants living in it. Does the weather team do okay at least? I like the clear sky this morning, but are we just lucky?” Sunset’s voice was a touch uncertain as she glanced out the window, a forkful of syrupy pancake hanging just above her plate.

Twilight stifled a laugh as she mopped up the last of the syrup and devoured her treat with relish. “Cloudsdale sends new weather managers here to learn the ropes before sending them on to Manehatten and Baltimare. Our team needs to wrestle with the rogue weather from the Everfree, in addition to all of our other needs. The Apple Family demands the very best for their orchards, after all.”

“So, it’s just… amateurs?” Sunset replied, almost whimpering as she said it.

Twilight did laugh then, giggling brightly at the look of horror on Sunset’s face. “Oh, Celestia, no! Like I said, they send their managers to learn with our teams. Rainbow Dash actually has a doctorate from Cloudsdale Academy in advanced weather mechanics.” That had been a complete shock to Twilight when Dash had let it slip during a party a few years ago. Rainbow Dash - a doctorate! Oh what a world, that hath such wonders in it. “Trust me. They’ve got one of the best records in Equestria when it comes to good weather service.”

“So, that’s what Rainbow does here? Pretty impressive,” Sunset said, smiling at the thought of somepony as skilled as Rainbow taking care of the clouds. “I”m sorry for panicking there for a bit. You have no idea what it’s like in the other world where there is no weather control.” She gave off a little shudder of fear and shook her mane out. “Not fun.”

Twilight had to think it wouldn’t be. Rogue weather was a massive problem this close to the Everfree, and she couldn’t imagine how the human world managed without weather control. Then again, they did manage to have any number of other technical wonders, so perhaps that was a part of the tradeoff. Examining her empty plate, she blew out a breath. She was stalling. “Right. Well, I’m going to get another cup of coffee and go get my bags, and we’ll head out.” She hopped off her chair and gave Sunset a big smile. “We’ve got a long day ahead of us.”

~~~~~~

Sunset Shimmer was not a pony for dramatizing her own discomfort. She thought it was plain stupid to waste good energy exaggerating when one could just sit and rest for a bit instead. But, after walking around Ponyville for a day with Princess Twilight (she handled herself so… serenely), Sunset wanted nothing more than to lock herself in her room and puff out breaths like she had run several miles from hungry timberwolves. Well, maybe not breathe ridiculously, but she certainly felt a need to lock the door to her room.

She hadn’t met a bad soul in a single one of the town’s citizens, pegasi, unicorn, and Earth pony alike. In fact, all of them had been more than interested in making her feel part of the community, offering a free spa here or a bakers dozen of cupcakes there. Sunset knew the details of the Elements of Harmony unlike most ponies, but she had never seen a whole settlement live so completely with Harmony and simultaneously be completely unaware of it.

But at the same time, there were parts of Ponyville’s residents that made Sunset shiver with disgust. None of them were normal, and she was pretty certain a few were not only below her standards, but outright… vile. Aloe and Lotus (that’s what she thought their names were) were too close in appearance to not be sisters, but… Sunset knew enough about body language to know they didn’t just run their business together.

And true, Sunset knew she was looking at the most extreme scenario, but all of them seemed to have something wrong with them underneath their Harmony. She couldn’t make sense of it, and quite frankly, didn’t exactly want to try. You’re not really a shining example of goodness yourself, an unwelcome voice said.

“I don’t want to dislike them”, Sunset said aloud to herself. “And they aren’t all bad. I just…”

They’re not worthy of you, huh? the voice said. That’s pretty brazen.

“No… I, yes… they,” she stammered. “Why can’t I just like somepony despite their faults? she sighed defeatedly, resting her head on a pillow. “Or why can’t there at least be somepony who -”

“Sunset, are you okay in here?” Princess Twilight's voice cut through her thoughts, thick with concern and worry as it echoed through the library. Several thuds hit the floor by the door, and the sound of hooves clambering up the stairs followed. “Sunset?” the voice called again, and for a moment Sunset contemplated not answering it. The last thing she needed was… “Sunset, it’s okay. You did really well today.” Princess Twilight’s voice was soft through the door, almost gentle. “C’mon, I’d like to talk.”

“About what? Can’t I just think a bit to myself if I did alright?” Sunset asked tentatively, realizing before even all the words had left her mouth that it wouldn’t fly.

There was a distinct pause beyond the door, then a much more firm tone. “Sunset, you know what I want to talk about. But if you really want me to leave you alone…” There was a veiled sort of threat there. Princess Twilight would probably leave her alone if she demanded it, but that wouldn’t be the end of the conversation. Not by a longshot.

Sunset debated it with herself for only a few seconds. It would be better to get it out of the way. Not let things stew. She knew how badly that usually ended. She got up off her bed, eased her way to the door, and swung it open. “Yeah… what’d I screw up on?” she asked, looking rather purposefully into the floorboards.

Princess Twilight stood there with an odd sort of look. Something between pride and frustration. “You did really well all day, but there were times when it looked like you just couldn’t wait to get away from some ponies.” The princess somehow slipped past her, obviously not intending to get shut out of the conversation by a door in her face. “You looked so… angry and scared sometimes. I was worried for you.” There was no sign of anger or mistrust in her. Only genuine, heartfelt concern.

“Well, you don’t have to worry about me being angry,” Sunset replied, trying alleviate any anxiety she might have been causing the princess. “I mean, those spa ponies are sisters, right?”

Princess Twilight blinked at her for a moment before speaking tentatively. “Well, yes. They’re twins, actually, though I honestly don’t know much about them beyond that. Rarity knows them better than I do.”

“Blegh! You do see the way they look at each other?” Sunset couldn’t help but mention.

Princess Twilight stared at her for another moment, and Sunset could have sworn she could see the tiny gears turning over in her mind as she did so. “I… what?” she half blurted, her eyebrows retreating up into her mane. “What in the name of Star Swirl’s beard are you talking about?”

“Are… you can’t be serious?” Sunset replied flatly, and when Princess Twilight only barely nodded in response, she nearly facehooved before continuing on, “Well they obviously… you know… Okay, if you’ve got siblings, you love them, but you’re not attracted to them! That’s for special someponies who are powerful, and confident. Like you… You’re a princess, and you were a successful student to Princess Celestia, and you’re always so calm and collected… and… I’m… I like that a lot.”

The tension inside her faded a little as she got into it, a little voice in the back of her head starting to yell… but being drowned out by the rest of her mind. “I mean, seriously! Look at you!” Sunset brandished her hooves at Princess Twilight, feeling the words carrying her away. “You’re practically perfect! What am I supposed to do about that? How can I live up to that!? Every time you were talking today, you were so intelligent and witty, and everypony in town absolutely loves you! Absolutely nothing got to you, not even those annoying little fillies with the capes!” She stomped her hooves against the ground, not noticing the awkward silence the princess had fallen into. “I mean, how do you do that? Not even mentioning that tight flank, those gorgeous eyes, that beautiful laugh, your graceful walk, that sexy way you smile-”

Sunset stopped midword as she realized what she’d been saying. “I… um…” Sunset stumbled over the words, Princess Twilight’s eyes had gone as wide as saucer plates, and she looked just as lost for words. Panic began to take over as the weight of what she’d been saying hit her like a proverbial ton of bricks. I need to get out of here. Fast! The door. No. Window. No! TELEPORT! Sunset concentrated her power into her horn and felt the world spin around her for a fraction of a second before feeling the cool earth of the lawn outside the library.

She wanted to be able to go back in time, clamp her hooves over her mouth. Stop herself from looking like a complete idiot. She knew things had been too good to be true. Of course something had to go wrong. Why couldn’t you have kept your mouth shut! She wanted to cry, vent a little. If she had kept herself under control, she might still have had a shot of a normal relationship with the princess. But even that was down the drain now.

Or… not. It was a longshot; no, more than a longshot. It was so farfetched, Sunset knew she would probably end up only making her situation worse. But really, after so stupidly incinerating her chances, she wasn’t sure her situation could get any worse. Please know about this stuff, please for the love of Celestia, everything else fits, so this has to… She tore off away from the library in the direction of the one shop she and Princess Twilight had not stopped by during their jaunt through town: Carousel Boutique.

~~~~~

Twilight stared at the empty space where a nearly raving Sunset Shimmer had stood mere moments before. It took her a few minutes to fully absorb the potential meaning of the words that had poured out of her mouth, and even now Twilight was having a tough time deciding if she was either reading too far into it, or… “Spike!” she called out, turning on her rear hoof and quickly trotting down the stairs. “I need you to send a letter to Celestia for me in a few minutes!”

There was nopony else in the world she could trust with this sort of deficiency in her education, after all.

Chapter 3- A spot of Tea and Corsets

~~~~Ponyville, Late at Night~~~~

Sunset Shimmer, for all the natural beauty of Ponyville, already did not like the town at night. It was pitch black in the streets, nopony else was out at so late an hour, and there was no faint hum of activity an odd number of blocks away. Canterlot had been full of all of those things. Here, as she pelted away from her massive, embarrassing screwup with Princess Twilight, all she could feel was alone and isolated. And the last thing she wanted to be reminded of in that moment, was just how much she had managed to ostracize herself.

But luckily, unlike Canterlot, Ponyville was a rather small place, and with Sunset galloping at full pace, she was in front of Rarity’s boutique far sooner than she had anticipated. For several moments, she simply stood at the steps, looking up at the opulent structure. It certainly bespoke Rarity’s elegance quite well. But, now that she was no longer moving, Sunset found her thoughts catching up with her. Why had she torn out of the library for Rarity’s anyway? She wouldn’t be up so late anymore than the average pony. No doubt she went to sleep earlier to be ready for opening her business the next day.

Sunset’s head fell, all her energy spent, and she softly turned away from the shop. It was probably for the best. She’d once considered while in the other world, that some ponies were likely destined to be alone. And while she had distanced herself at the time from such a notion, everything having gone so badly so quickly only a few days back in her homeland, she was beginning to think it was true.

“Darling, whatever are you doing out here so late?” Rarity’s voice arched from the doorway, her slim white figure framed by warm candlelight. She wore a chic pair of glasses perched just upon the bridge of her nose, and a pencil was tucked up behind her ear, a look of concern on her face. “Is something the matter? You look as though you’ve seen a ghost.”

“What are you doing up so late? Don’t you go to bed early or something?” Sunset said in a knee-jerk reaction, despite her brain telling her not to dismiss the pony she had originally come to see in the first place.

Rarity tsked firmly, and the sound of her hooves upon the wooden porch seemed to echo off the walls of the other buildings on the street. “As if. The last time I got to bed early was was after the Gala.” A firm hoof took hold of her shoulder, and Rarity’s gentle voice came again. “Darling, what is the matter? I insist you tell me.”

“Then… are you busy?” Sunset asked, pulling her head around to look into Rarity’s sparkling blue eyes. “I… think I just screwed up pretty royally.” She would have normally stopped then, but just like she had in the human world, Rarity exuded the aura of an excellent listener, and Sunset found herself pouring out far more words than she’d intended. “I don’t know if you can really help me out at all, but when I got in a spot with, um... other potential special someponies on the other side of the mirror, the other you was an expert. I don’t want to bother you, but I just couldn’t think straight and I ran here, and -”

Rarity pressed her hoof to Sunset’s lips and turned her bodily around gently. “Hush. Come inside dear, you sound like somepony in desperate need of a spot of tea.” There was the ghost of something else around her smile, but it was hard to tell what it might be in the dim light streaming out from the boutique doors. Firm hooves pushed her along toward those doors, encouraging her inside. “And besides, the middle of the street at night is no place for a conversation like this.” There was a sniff of haughtiness in her voice, but also amusement.

“I forgot about tea,” Sunset lit up. Rarity’s voice and calm, even when her friends were completely frazzled by personal difficulties, was often enough to lift away negativity in its own right. “All they drank over in the other world was coffee. Blegh. They put ice cream and ice cubes in it too. Why would you do that?”

Rarity gave off a tittering little laugh as they crossed the threshold into the boutique, and Sunset found her nose assaulted by the soft scent of fabric and the sharp tang of ink and oddly, oranges. A nearby desk was covered with scattered sketches of dress designs, and a candle burned low next to a deeply plushed easy chair, where a book lay half-open across one of the arms. “I confess I don’t mind a cup myself from time to time, but that last bit sounds positively dreadful.” Sunset found herself chivvied into the still warm loveseat, and Rarity’s horn came to life, lighting several more candles which she stuck into candelabras scattered through the shop. “Now just wait here, dear. I shan’t be more than a few moments.”

She really had no argument. The loveseat was relaxing and comfortable, and having never seen the inside of Rarity’s shop and home, Sunset found no shortage of things to look over. But, as she was currently on the closed show floor and Rarity was not a pony given over to excessive clutter, Sunset found her mind yanked back to the issue of Princess Twilight a little abruptly.

Rarity was definitely older than Princess Twilight, both were unicorns, and both were probably pretty close. Sunset didn’t want to risk coming across too forward, lest she receive a protective big sister reaction from Rarity. But how to even break the subject without being forward? The inherent problem was that she had been too forward. Maybe, maybe it would better to ease into it just talking to Rarity about Princess Twilight: how much she inspired Sunset. Yes, that was a good place to start.

The clatter of a tea-set interrupted her thoughts, and a little side table floated next to the chair. “Here we go dear. Fortunately, I keep a pot of hot water on hoof for just such an emergency.” The tea-set was as elegant as Sunset would have presumed Rarity might have in a simple but exquisite green and blue whorl pattern. And oddly enough, a fainting couch, which Rarity perched herself upon with a smile. “Now, take a deep breath and start at the beginning, dear.”

Sunset giggled a bit. She was in good hooves it seemed, as the other Rarity had used those same words no small amount of times. So, with her confidence in Rarity risen, Sunset took in a deep lung full of Equestrian air, slowly breathing it out in a controlled blow. “I… I think I’d have to start way back before I even decided to come back to Equestria,” she said. “What did Princess Twilight tell you all happened between us in the other world? I don’t know how descriptive she might have been. It was otherworldly, even for here in Equestria.”

Rarity gave a little shrug of her shoulders, stirring a bit of lemon into her tea with a refined silver spoon. “She told us about the dance, and how she had to win the crown back. She told us about your, ah… interesting reaction to the crown’s magic, and how our…” She paused, tapping her spoon for a moment with a speculative look. “Doubles, I suppose is the word, helped her activate the Element of Harmony and turn you back. She glossed over most of the details, but I gathered it was a singularly unnerving experience for her.”

“Rarity, she kicked my ass,” Sunset answered sardonically.

Rarity stifled a laugh behind a prim hoof, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Well, she does have a habit of overdoing things sometimes. Not one for half measures, that filly.”

“It was pathetic, really,” Sunset replied, rubbing one foreleg with the other hoof. “On my end I mean. She showed me how wrong I was, how for all the control I know how to gain over others, I was a pathetic, power-hungry, and…” Sunset trailed off. There were so many things, notions she had had of herself and her strength, that Princess Twilight had completely wrecked in only a few seconds. “I spent every day after that thinking about it. She was so strong, so in control of her power. I couldn’t help it… she was the pony I wanted to be, but couldn’t, no matter how hard I tried. I… she… She’s -”

“Hush, darling.” Rarity’s voice came firmly, cutting through the scrambled words and even more scrambled thoughts. “You’re doing it again, poor dear,” she sighed, raising a delicate hoof to stroke at her cheek. “Let me guess. Your mouth ran away with your thoughts this evening, and you perhaps said a few things that were…” Rarity’s mouth puckered into a small, odd smile. “Shall we say, less than appropriate?”

“Are you kidding!?” Sunset burst out angrily. “She’s supposed to be my teacher. That’s what Princess Celestia told me she would be. And I just couldn’t keep a lid on it, and had to go ruin any hope of a normal life here. Why Rarity? I… why do I… of all ponies, why’d I have to…” Sunset couldn’t even bring herself to say the words she knew she needed to, instead lowering her head to stare blankly into the chair’s fabric.

There was a scuffling sound, then a warmth as she was no longer left alone on the chair. Rarity gently scooted her way into the broad seated chair next to her, and a pair of hooves came up to turn her head up and toward Rarity. “My goodness, you’ve got it bad. I’d thought I’d seen something in how you looked at her when she came down the stairs, but I never thought…” She shook her head minutely, and her smile broadened and warmed considerably.

“Wait! There’s not something wrong with me is there?” Sunset panicked. “Seriously Rarity. Should I go to the hospital? I’ll do it.”

Rarity shook her head and laughed softly. “Goodness, you… really don’t know, do you?” Her voice took on a tone of wonder, and her eyes went wide. “Darling, you’ve fallen head over hooves for our dear Princess. Quite spectacularly, I might add.” Her eyes sparkled for a moment, her voice taking on a tone of mischief.

“I… well, I think she’s attractive,” Sunset muttered. Why did Rarity have to make it so… blunt. There were gradual steps to this sort of thing, weren’t there? One, twos, threes. Things that marked out the progression to love. Was this even love? No… or, but Rarity seemed to think so. “Especially her… strength.”

“Oh, it’s much more than mere attraction, dear.” Rarity’s voice was changing moods quickly, but now it had darkened. It was almost… sultry. Speculative, perhaps. “I know a thing or two about physical attraction, darling, and this goes quite a bit beyond that. ” Her head tilted to one side, her hooves having now settled down onto Sunset’s shoulders. “Hm. How best to explain this…” she mused, her head tilting to one side. “I hope you’ll pardon the question dear, but just how familiar are you with the more… erotic facets of romance?”

“What? I know about kink, if that’s what you’re asking. But what’s that got to do with anything? I don’t want Princess Twilight… er, well… Why?” Sunset tried replying only to find her face burning with embarrassment at the thought of she and Princess Twilight doing anything remotely… unique. Her eyes darted in multiple directions, trying not to look directly at Rarity, but her fellow unicorn was focused, and Sunset eventually had to look back.

Rarity had a sly, knowing smile on her face now, and the mischief she’d shown before had bloomed fully into an almost devious look in her eye. “Darling, really. You’re much smarter than this. You’re showing all of the signs…” A delicate hoof lifted up, and Sunset felt it press into her chest firmly enough to push her back into the plush of the chair. “You’re obsessing over her strength, and how she’s already punished you for being a very naughty filly. Every other word, you’re praising how in control she is…” Rarity leaned in close, her voice a soft and almost sensual purr. “Come now darling, I know you can put the pieces together.”

Sunset heard Rarity’s words, but the only ones she fully comprehended were ‘a very naughty filly.’ If her face was burning underneath before, she was certain it was on fire now. Her eyes grew to their widest, and when she tried to speak, her mouth moved and stuttered, unintelligible sounds came out. She shut her mouth, vigorously shook her head, and visibly gulped. “I did… fantasize about her… pushing, um, pushing herself on top of me,” Sunset barely managed, the last bit coming out more as a squeak than anything else.

Rarity didn’t retreat either, she was only pressing in closer and harder, her voice coming in a hot whisper into Sunset’s ear. “And what does that tell you, darling? Because it tells me…” Her voice trailed off a bit, her eyes almost all too big and filling up her vision. “That you very much wish to put yourself under her power again. That she handed you your flank...” Rarity’s hoof trailed down her side, almost teasingly, her voice sultry. “And you liked it. You finally met somepony stronger than you… and in that moment, you wanted to know what it might be like to be under the control of that power, instead of the one in control.” Rarity’s eyes half lidded, and she smiled. “Do you know what that’s called, my dear?”

“I know what it’s called… I know… but since you seem to know a lot more than me… could you teach me how to do it better?” Sunset asked, feeling the heat in her face run through her whole body. I’m a subby? one part of her mind scoffed. Fat chance. And then, all at once she felt a twinge of fear, a leap of excitement, and a brush of fulfillment. Oh no… I am… I want, no, I need Princess Twilight to show me who’s the better, more powerful filly, the thoughts hit her one after the other, like hammer blows against her mind. It left her stunned with the revelation.

Rarity giggled delightedly, clapping her hooves together. “Oh, I would be delighted, dear. How fortunate that Sweetie Belle is off with Applebloom tonight…” She trailed off as she hopped out of the love-seat and trotted with a very distracting sway of her hips and tail up the staircase. “Let me go fetch a few things and…. Hmm… I wonder if…” Suddenly, a roll of measuring tape sprang to life from a working table and went to work taking her measurements even with Rarity out of sight. “Do you prefer red or blue, dear?” her voice echoed down from upstairs, almost jaunty in its tone as the tape snaked around Sunset’s neck for just a brief moment.

“I would like blue, please,” Sunset answered awkwardly, distracted by her own thoughts and the slinking tape. No wonder she’s up late. I wouldn’t be able to live with a filly and work either.

There was a rattling of sounds above her head, followed by a gentle thump-thump noise. “Oh, excellent! I knew I’d had those lying around,” Rarity crowed, and the sound of her hooves descending the staircase came soon after. “Now, lets see here dear.” Rarity’s voice was very saucy, her walk deliberately provocative as she swayed down the stairs. A bundle of blue cloth floated in midair, as did an intricate looking box with a prominent padlock on the side. “Hmm… You oughtn’t to need much fitting. You’re nearly my size, and blue simply isn’t my color this season.” She set the box down next to the chair with an ominous thud and grinned wickedly. “Now…”

“Ah… what exactly’s in the chest, Rarity?” Sunset asked, not quite being able to match her own revelation with Rarity’s comments. Dresses didn’t have anything to do with being a subby, so far as Sunset knew. Why does she want my measurements unless… “Heh heh, you know, I don’t think Princess Twilight is really all that interested in how a pony looks in clothes,” Sunset chuckled with a touch of apprehension. She gently slipped out of the loveseat, hoping Rarity wouldn’t insist she stay. “I’ve got a lot to sort out, but please send me a letter with your advice. I could really use it.” She was almost to the door. Almost.

The door refused to budge one inch, and a firm little grip of magic took hold of the back of her mane. “Ah Ah Ah, darling. I do not think so.” Sunset felt her neck stiffen at the sudden touch of silk, braced with some kind of stiff material underneath. The cloth wrapped sensuously around her neck, leaving the rest of her body begging to be similarly adorned. A glance revealed the color, a beautiful sapphire blue that almost shone in the dim candlelight. She turned to protest, but found herself faced with a smouldering Rarity, all too close to her and with several other pieces of what was certainly an outfit hovering in midair. “I am afraid I simply can’t let you leave in this state, dear.”

“I’ve got no money, Rarity. I just got back,” Sunset replied, trying the logical argument though she knew it would fail before she even spoke. But, perhaps it wasn’t her head that had told her such a silly response would fall on deaf ears. The collar certainly was comfortable, and Rarity had forced her to wear it. It was only right for it to be there, a sign of who was really in command of the situation. And Sunset found herself enjoying the sensation the collar brought.

Rarity gave a minute shake of her head. “Dear, money is certainly not what is important right now.” There was almost a scolding nature to her voice, like an angry schoolteacher. It was surprisingly affecting, causing her to stiffen in response to the rebuke. “Now, lift up your hooves one at a time.” Rarity’s horn was positively glowing with power as a host of other little accessories floated into sight. Makeup, jewelry, grooming tools. Rarity had that look on her face that meant she well and truly was not kidding around, and suggesting the dire consequences of trying to go against her will.

Sunset gingerly lifted her hoof off the ground, imagining Rarity might be intent upon a hooficure or other such treatment. “Not like that!” Rarity grumbled, grasping Sunset’s leg and straightening it out. From amongst the folded fabrics, Rarity produced four, long, full leg stockings. Only, Sunset realized they were in no way practical, being nothing short of sheer and suggestively stitched with wrapping vines. “Now hold still dear,” Rarity insisted, walking behind Sunset. “Magic just doesn’t have the right touch to pull these on. Hooves are the only way,” she purred, leaning her body and forelegs over Sunset’s back and around her neck to position the stocking’s opening at her hoof. “Now we’ll just move nice and slow…” Rarity continued, easing the sock over Sunset’s leg and allowing their bodies to brush with the most sensuous of sensations.

Sunset felt her body quivering with the contact, finding herself desiring and anticipating each and every one of the remaining three socks. And each time, as Sunset felt herself becoming more and more like a proper play toy, Rarity made ever exaggerated motions of purposeful closeness. “Just relax, darling,” Rarity cooed softly as the final stocking came to full rest upon her leg. “Honestly, you needn’t be so tense. You look gorgeous already.”

The warmth of Rarity’s body spirited away for a moment, only to be followed by the firm feel of another garment wrapping around her middle. The barest glance identified the corset as the snow white laces slowly wound their way up her back, tightening the garment and forcing her back into an attractive arch as the stiff bones of the garment tightened around her. Sunset could not even find it in her to voice even the merest whimper of complaint as the garment tightened itself to completion and Rarity gave off an approving murmur. “My goodness, I could almost suspect you’ve worn one of these before…”

“I guess… I guess I did,” Sunset said, revelling in how constricted but alive she felt with the corset, stockings, and collar. “I wasn’t a pony at the time, but I wore something similar.” She began to walk around in the outfit, gratified as the clothes almost forced her walk into something far more provocative. Yes, she had worn a getup similar to what Rarity had dressed her in, but it had lacked the attractive feel she now had coursing through her body. Every step she made was sexy, and she was fully aware of it. Oh! I wish Princess Twilight would just have me lie down so she could look at me as much as she wanted!

“There’s something else you should have darling,” Rarity called. “It doesn’t go with the rest, but I’m sure you’ll know what to do with it.” Sunset turned back to face Rarity, blushing heavily as she realized her friend had probably been quite impressed with her swaying backside. But what Rarity levitated to her only made her blush stronger. A pair of panties lay at her hooves, a fetching sky blue and made from lace, and upon her closer inspection, quite distinctly designed to keep her tail sensuously raised. They were enough to send an endless stream of extremely errotic thoughts flying through her head, but they were blocked by the rather unhelpful brick wall that was her logical mind.

“But… Rarity, how am I supposed to… to show myself to Princess Twilight?” Sunset asked. “She was clueless about what I was saying before I… um, bolted.”

Rarity gave off a soft sound of thought as she carefully fiddled with Sunset’s mane, giving it a swift and surprisingly delicate trim as she did a little trot around her. “Hm. That might be a bit of an issue. Twilight can be a bit dense at times… though I hardly doubt she’d be able to miss your intentions in this.” Rarity’s eyes were traveling up and down her body almost hungrily, and she gave off a tiny sigh. “If only we had more time tonight. At any rate, I suspect your best tack will be to educate yourself on the subject a bit better and then find a way to educate her without her realizing it. She is absolutely voracious for knowledge, no matter what form it might take.”

Rarity tucked her hoof under Sunset’s chin, lifting it up to give her mane a critical eye. “But don’t forget, if you ever need any supplemental education, I’m always up late…” Her voice was soft and sultrily suggestive, “And willing to help a friend in need.” Her eyes smouldered for a moment before darting to a clock on the mantle. “Oh, fie. It’s gotten quite late.” She half sighed, then smiled almost devilishly. “You really ought to hurry back, darling. Much as I’ve enjoyed your company, we don’t need Twilight wondering why you stayed out all night…”

“Oh horseapples! Um, do you have anything I can carry these things back with?” Sunset asked, now glancing at the clock overly frequently. “I can’t go back looking like this, not if I don’t want Princess Twilight asking questions.”

“You’ll be able to undress yourself in time once you get back to the library dear,” Rarity replied, a knowing glint in her eye. “It’s not too far, and besides, you need to be comfortable wearing them in your new home.” Sunset danced in place, jostling the risks of both options and taking Rarity’s advice into consideration. “I’ve got some shoes to protect the stockings too, dear.” Rarity half mentioned, her smile growing just a shade wider.

That was enough to convince her, as at least the outfit would be safe from improper wear. “Okay, okay, I’m going as is. Thanks Rarity. At least I didn’t run away completely like last time,” Sunset added, feeling a smile tug at her lips.

“Good indeed. It would have been an utterly shameful waste,” Rarity said, using her magic to ease the door open into the inky darkness of the night. “And here are the shoes. Run along now.” She levitated absurd slightly sparkling blue heels to Sunset’s hooves, and where Sunset might have complained before, she merely sighed and stepped into the elevated shoes. Now she would really be pressed for time, except, there was a slight leaping sensation in her chest at the thought of possibly being caught undressing by Princess Twilight.

~~~~~~~

Twilight nearly felt her jaw unhinge as she yawned softly, gently groping at the wall as she carefully descended the steps with an eye toward reaching the kitchen. Of all the things in the world that she disliked about these wings, it was their tendency to… stiffen up in the middle of the night that annoyed her the most. Rainbow Dash insisted the only cure for it was to wait for them to give in, or buy an expensive cloud bed to install in her room so she didn’t notice it. Since Twilight would give up her pillow-down mattress the day that pigs flew, she had to wait it out.

So as usual, she took the opportunity to go find herself a midnight snack and a glass of cold water, both of which seemed to help with the odd stiffness. As she did every time this happened, she resolved to engage in a massive research binge as to the cause of these effects. And just like every time, she knew she’d forget by the time she woke up in the morning. One visit to the fridge later, and she was enjoying the sour crunch of a pickle as she stumbled her way back toward the stairs. Except…

The door swung open with perfect silence, and the moonlight streamed in around a dark pony figure, who quickly slipped inside and shut the door behind her. Twilight felt the confusion rouse her faculties to a more alert status as the pony suddenly was illuminated by a tiny ball of white light… revealing Sunset Shimmer in… What in the world is she wearing? she half thought, her brain still slow from the needs of sleep. Sunset crept along the wall in absolute silence, an impressive feat given that she was wearing heels. She gently tugged the side door to her room open and glanced around the library once before slipping inside and shutting it.

Even in the darkness, it was clear that Sunset hadn’t wished to disturb Twilight. After her sudden flight from the treehouse, Twilight had honestly found herself quite distracted with worry for the poor mare. She shook her head slowly and wondered if perhaps she had simply dreamed of her return. Her hooves were thinking much more clearly than she was anyway, as she found herself back up the steps and tucked into her warm bed a few moments later.

Even now, as she tried to rouse her brain to enough wakefulness to analyze the situation, she found herself powerless against the needs of sleep. She felt her eyelids go heavy and the gentle warmth of rest overtake her, whisked away moments later to the realm of dreams… where the sensually attired Sunset Shimmer awaited her with a smoky smile on her face.

~~~~~

Good, nopony had been awake and about, which meant nopony had seen her. Sunset slowly allowed the glow to return to her horn, bringing a small amount of light and quite a few odd shaped shadows into her room. She kept the light from her horn minimal. The last thing she needed after getting back inside successfully was Princess Twilight or the baby dragon wandering by and curiously opening the door.

Which, come to think of it, she could take several measures to prevent. She removed the heels and locked the door to her room and was about to untie the corset but stopped. It felt right to wear it, especially in the dark of night. So she ceased her magic’s hold of her new clothes and shifted it instead to the book she had swiped from the shelf. She was more than certain Princess Twilight would not notice its absence, and she sincerely doubted any Earth pony would have enough time on their hooves to actually be interested in the book’s subject.

She gently lifted the book onto her desk, casting her light onto the title: BDSM: Your Curiosity and Fantasies Fulfilled. She inhaled a deep, preparatory breath, then cracked the book open. It crackled and snapped, a sign of little use, and Sunset went straight for the table of contents. She always found that there were parts of a book she could skip and was certain there would be things in this of all books she needn’t devote any time to.

Only, the more chapter titles she encountered, the more her fierce curiosity was aroused, along with the rest of her. She didn’t even finish running her hoof down the chapter list before flipping right into the meat of the book. It was a standard introduction, but before long, she scrambled for her journal and a quill, building a quick column list and jotting down the things that sparked in her fantasies most potently. Eventually, as the book became more intricate and specific, Sunset found herself noting every little detail. There was so much, fantasy and emotion, swirling around in her head, she figured that the book would help sort it out. And as it happened, she knew that finding any sort of help from the book could not be done without complete and accurate notes.

And she would have gone on reading all night, possibly even into the early morning, but the more she read, she could not help herself as she became more and more warm in her nethers. And just like the parchment with Princess Twilight’s musky scent, Sunset found herself slowly unable to absorb any more. She shut the tome, marking her page clearly, and was about to finally undress and sleep save for the thought of the scroll. It wasn’t hard to locate the one she had used the night before, and taking it off its shelf, she unrolled it to breathe in the warm smell it gave off. She returned to her bed and positioned herself in a way she knew she would be becoming very familiar with.

Author's Note

Hey guys, Don't forget that this is a collab project with my good friend and editor Inky Jay. His profile link is in the description and he put a lot of hard work in on this story, same as I did. Go throw him some profile comments (He loves comments.), follows, thumbs up, etcetera. He's a hardworking guy and a big reason why so much of my stuff is turning out way less technically troubled than it used to be. Thanks for your time.

Chapter 4 -An Innocent Trip to the Market

“Princess, I’ll be heading out as usual!” Sunset Shimmer’s cheery voice sang through the library just as Twilight finished her daily to-do list (it really irked her to no end that she couldn’t ever put making the checklist as an item on the checklist). “I’m going out to pick up some new quills and some extra parchment before heading to Rarity’s. Is there anything you need me to do while I’m out?”

“I can’t think of anything off the top of my head,” Twilight half-shouted down the stairs, distracted as she began sorting through the fiction and non-fiction books to be replaced on their shelves. “I’ll send Spike out if I need anything while you’re gone. Say hi to Rarity for me.”

“I always do!” Sunset replied and the snap of a closing door signaled her departure.

It had been two weeks since Sunset Shimmer’s outburst, and Twilight wasn’t entirely positive if she ought to be incredibly proud of Sunset Shimmer, or incredibly suspicious. On the one hoof, she had quickly adjusted to life in Ponyville and immediately made herself useful around the library. In fact, Twilight had been getting her tasks in the library done at an unheard of speed, leaving both she and Sunset plenty of time for other activities.

On the other hoof, those activities that Sunset had been getting up to were suspicious in the extreme. Why in the name of Celestia’s mane did she feel the need to sneak in and out of the library at odd hours? What were the oddly shaped packages she was bringing back from her errands, and what did they contain? And most strangely of all, what on earth had those strange and at times frightening noises coming out of Sunset’s room been?

She’d insisted nothing out of hoof was going on, assuring Twilight that she had just been pushing her physical and magical limits through exercise now that she was a pony again. But Twilight was well and truly wondering. Princess Celestia had once assigned her a book on the ethical considerations of magically experimenting on other living things, and the pages had taken the time to detail the noises when an experiment was going horribly wrong. And while Twilight couldn’t exactly translate text into sound, the words were apt descriptions of some of the noises she had heard from Sunset’s room.

Still, she’d had more than enough painful experience at making presumptions at this point to know that she couldn’t decide anything without proof. For a full minute, she fretted with the parchment roll in her hooves trying to decide what to do before coming to the conclusion that she needed more data. “Spike! You’re in charge until I get back, I need to go see…” She hesitated. Who on earth could she claim to be visiting that wouldn’t arouse suspicion? “... Miss Cheerilee about that magic demonstration!” That was a boldfaced fabrication, but she was certain Spike would buy it.

Sure enough, “Okie dokey, Twilight! Just leave the morning set up to me.”

Spike’s solid reliability was always a relief in times of stress, and today was no less so. She paused only to grab a small saddlebag from the side door before slipping out into the Ponyville morning. She’d need to find Sunset’s path in a hurry, so she quickly flared her wings out and took awkwardly to the skies. Though her flying had notably improved as of late, she was certain it would be a very long time before she could do it as easily as other pegasi. Still, as she rose above the streets of Ponyville, she couldn’t help but feel a rush of pleasure at the once impossible activity.

Spotting Sunset was surprisingly easy, her mane sticking out even in the colorful populace of Ponyville. She appeared to be heading off to the market square, and Twilight set a relatively simple glidepath that would allow her to keep an eye on her without having to do too much wing flapping. Of course, she failed to account for the sudden appearance of that wild blueberry bush that she crashed into mere moments later, but blessedly no one in town seemed to notice her crashes any longer… and besides, it was an excellent hiding place to observe Sunset.

She was standing at one of the tradespony’s stalls, apparently looking at something in a mysterious wooden box. The pony who was in charge of the stall looked incredibly shifty, with a strange looking fez and glasses, and a well tailored if slightly ratty vest. She narrowed her eyes and carefully summoned up a Listen-In spell to try to find out what she might be purchasing…

“So, its the real deal then?” Sunset’s voice echoed strangely in Twilight’s ear. The distortion was mild, but consistent, and Twilight wondered if perhaps the shifty trader had objects to thwart weaker versions of her spell.

“Of course!” The trader’s voice was unctuous, if a bit warbly. “Only the very best craftsponyship. We guarantee the product is…” His voice cut out a moment later as a pair of burly earth ponies cut between her and the stall, yammering on about sweet potatoes before the trader’s voice cut back in. “... Only the finest specimens, even with the Princess’ restriction on the trade of such substances.”

Twilight almost let out an audible grumble as a partitcularly boisterous clout of fillies burst into laughter and blocked Sunset’s initial response. “... got to have enough juice. She’s not an amateur, so it’s gotta be able to pack that extra punch.”

Twilight felt a little confused at those words, and it only got worse when the trader spoke in an enthusiastic tone of voice. “We guarantee it can handle even the strongest unicorn magic, though of course we recommend…” As if the world was conspiring against her, the Cutie Mark Crusaders picked that moment to go rocketing past on Scootaloo’s scooter, cheering the little pegasus filly on to faster speeds. “... And just to seal in the deal, I’ll throw in this special little potion, provided by our very own local Zebrican shaman. Guaranteed to provide the very best results.” He winked, slyly. “If you know what I mean.”

“If I’m paying that much, it had better vibrate when…” Sunset was bargaining before the spell’s duration winked out completely. Twilight considered recasting it immediately, but before she could even summon the magic, Sunset’s bits were on the counter and the exchange was over even faster.

Sunset was turning away into the crowd,and Twilight nearly screamed in frustration, but bit it back just in time to spot a familiar pegasus duo trotting through the crowd toward Sunset. She quickly glanced left and right before dashing out toward an empty stall, quickly setting up behind it and peeking her head above the counter in time to see Sunset giving Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy both enthusiastic hugs. With another mutter of concentration, she rebuilt the Listen-In spell with a great deal more power, resolving to rebuild the whole bucking spell from scratch when she got back home.

“I didn’t think I’d see you two today,” Sunset was saying to Rainbow and Fluttershy. “I thought you two were hanging at Dash’s place for the day.” Twilight hated to infer tone and mood when she used this particular spell, since the echo changed things, but she could have sworn Sunset sounded nervous upon encountering Flutters and Rainbow.

“Nah, we were,” Rainbow’s carefree voice snatched Twilight’s attention. “But ‘shy here just wasn’t diggin’ - “ The spell cut abruptly, leaving Twilight with a tinny sound in her ear and a minor ache from magical backlash. Damnit! Stupid unicorn, casting too fast always leads to bad results! She would need to wait for the noise in her ear to abate before she could recast, so she was stuck with just seeing physical gestures…

And quite abruptly, Rainbow Dash’s forehoof came around in a swift arc and smacked Fluttershy very firmly in the flank, just above her cutie mark. Fluttershy let off a bright squeaking sound and nearly jumped into the air before settling down, her cheeks blushing brightly and giving Rainbow Dash a slightly embarrassed look. Twilight had to admit, there weren’t many things in the world that could utterly baffle her… but what had just happened definitely qualified. It was so completely perplexing that she nearly forgot what she was supposed to be doing until Sunset twitched her hips back and forth, almost sashaying in place with a coy smile on her face. The tinny sound in her ear vanished a moment later, and she quickly but much more carefully rebuilt the spell, hoping she could pick up on what had just happened.

“... wish she would hit me like that,” Sunset was just finishing. Now Twilight was far from perplexed; she was outright bewildered. Of all ponies, Sunset was the last she would choose to seek out defeat or anything similar. Rainbow Dash opened her mouth, and Twilight let out a little gasp before ducking down behind the stall, realizing belatedly she had stood up without even realizing it.

“It’s okay Shimmy,” Rainbow said, almost consolingly Twilight would say. “You’ll just have to get her used to it is all.”

“And you are very pretty,” Fluttershy added, her blush intensifying.

“Yeah, give it a bit, Rarity knows how best to deal - “ Dash was replying, but now the three of them were walking away, and the spell lost its power. Twilight considered backing out now, but… worst come to worst, she could just waltz into Rarity’s place if the conversation took a less than savory turn, but only if she stuck with them. So she trotted along in their wake, carefully remaining out of sight and hoping that the situation didn’t get any stranger than it already was.

Travel to the Boutique was relatively fast, and the trio of ponies ahead of her were enjoying a raucous conversation which Twilight could not hear much of beyond the giggling. Even Fluttershy, of all ponies, was getting in on the fun with a bright smile of her own. Though she was sticking almost suspiciously close to Rainbow Dash… Odd. At any rate, their approach to the Boutique was greeted by a cheerful Rarity, a measuring tape draped over her neck, and her glasses perched upon her nose. “Darlings! I didn’t know you’d be joining us today…” There was a sultry undertone to Rarity’s voice that Twilight was unable to immediately categorize, even though it was tickling at the back of her mind.

“Well, we never really got started this morning, so we hopped down to the market, and ran into Shims,” Rainbow explained. “Ya don’ mind do ya?”

“Oh, of course not dear. These things are always more exciting with more ponies, as I’m sure you know,” Rarity replied, motioning for all of them to come inside. She shared a knowing smile with Sunset, and Twilight began to see signs of something sinister. That smile, that smile Rarity had given Sunset was different, meant specially for her. And as far as Twilight knew, only secret groups and enemies of Harmony used such subtle code. What exactly had Sunset dragged her friends into? Or worse, what had her friends been involved in and dragged poor Sunset into? Either way, if she was going to alert Princess Celestia, she needed details on this… secret club the four of them seemed to have formed.

That meant she only had one recourse, distasteful as it was. The door the boutique had been firmly shut, and the drapes drawn a moment later. Barging in wasn’t a smart move if somehow Sunset had coerced her friends into some kind of strange ritual. She needed more data. Data, data, data… she could not make bricks without clay! So… go to the source, then. Surely Sunset had left some sort of clues in her room. She turned on her hooves and quickly galloped back toward the library, hoping she could figure out what was going on… before it was too late.

~~~~~~~

Spike was sound asleep in his little bed, tucked in and oblivious to the world and for once, Twilight was thankful for that. She stopped at the threshold of Sunset’s room in the library, and nearly danced in place as she wrestled with the inappropriateness of just… searching her room without talking to her first. But there could be no time! You can apologize later if you’re wrong, Twilight! That was enough of a thought to send her careening into….

A perfectly ordinary looking bedroom. No demonic symbols on the walls, no signs of black magic, no evilly bubbling cauldrons. Just a neat, tidy room. Twilight eyeballed the place, hitting all four walls and the floor with blasts of illusion dispelling magic and found that they remained stubbornly mundane. Her first fears quelled, she went to work carefully combing the room for her intended target, and found it almost instantly: tucked under Sunset’s pillow. It was obviously a custom made piece of work, and probably a good ten or fifteen years old given the state of the binding and the slightly faded colors.

With a deep breath she cracked it open and started leafing through it as she continued to run her magic over the many corners of the room, searching for secrets. The entries started out innocuous enough, often times just ending up being places where Sunset had vented her anger at something or somepony. Harmless really. Well, except for the parts where she called Celestia an ‘Old Fool’. And judging by the neat, ordered size of each entry, Twilight realized she was unlikely to find anything useful in the little book.

But of course, that still left the more obvious hiding spots: the ones that needed only the magic of a thorough hoof and sharp eye. Twilight lifted away the bed skirt to Sunset’s frame, and sure enough, there was a decent assortment of variously sized chests. It might explain the lack of black magic and cryptic runes if she kept them sealed away in magic crates. Clever really, when Twilight thought about it.

Preparing for the worst, Twilight erected several magic barriers covering a wide range of spells and curses and their effects. The chest wasn’t locked, only deepening Twilight’s apprehension, but confident in her protection, she threw it open to reveal… “Wait, what in Tartarus?” Twilight asked herself aloud. She plopped into sitting just as she levitated a small metal pole from inside the chest. It was a touch smaller than her shower curtain rod and was about the same width. Though neither of these things explained why Sunset even had home repair items stowed away beneath her bed.

Twilight felt her brow becoming almost permanently creased in confusion as she dragged out more crates. The next was filled with nothing but miscellaneous junk as far as Twilight could tell, albeit well cared for junk, but still junk. There multiple strips of fabric in a variety of colors, but they weren’t really big enough for anything except maybe a headband. Twilight tossed aside three pairs of old hoofcuffs from one, along with one and a half pairs of ping-pong paddles. Two of the larger crates were filled with nothing but rope of varying coarseness. There was also the most ridiculous looking leg band she had ever seen thrown in the mix: a big, obtrusive red ball with far too many extra fastenings and straps on it and a very elaborate looking bridle attached to it.

When there was but one chest left, Twilight took a moment to stare around at the mess of random items strewn about her. She dug deep into her reserves of logic and analysis and… nothing. She could find nothing that connected any of the things Sunset had for some mysterious reason been stockpiling. But she still had the last chest, and science had proved to her time and again that one left no box unopened. Except this time, she wish she hadn’t listened to science.

She felt almost dirty just looking at it. There was a copious amount lingerie inside the final crate, and it was of the more erotic kind Twilight was for sure. She levitated garment after garment from within, and while each pattern and color differed slightly, Twilight couldn’t mistake the refinement of Rarity’s work anywhere. Well, it at least explained why she went to the Boutique so often. Only, when Twilight reached the bottom, she discovered not just undergarments, but a full outfit clearly of a sexually provocative nature. It was again, clearly of Rarity’s design. And to layer on this confirmation, a small scrap of paper rested on the outfit, and with words written in pristine letters only formable by magic, it said, “For the first time.”

Now Twilight’s mind absolutely refused to try to piece it all together. Random bits of home repair junk, bootleg jewelry, and Rarity’s more specialized line? It made no sense, none at all. Except, she hadn’t read through the journal, front to back. In a frenzy, Twilight stowed all of the items back in their chests, haphazardly sliding them back under the bed and nearly leaping for the journal before pulling it open.

This time, she quickly repaired her earlier error by flipping through the older pages until the obvious break in the timeline. It didn’t take long to find the abrupt change of tone, followed by an almost subtle change in hornwriting style. The last pages before Sunset’s self imposed exile had become bold and obviously frustrated, giving way to much more delicate letters forming precise lists. Page after page of them, with no end of footnotes and pages clearly marked for later reference. In between the lists, the pages gave way to more informal writing…

I actually thought clopping off to her kissing me would get rid of the fantasies. It always did when I had the same problem in the other world. But I’m still stuck with the ideas. I’ve got so many things I want her to do to me, and I’m so tired I don’t think I’ll remember half of them in the morning. Oh… maybe I will anyway. I should write it down at least. What I can remember. I’ve got no doubt it’ll make the next time even better, not having to start from scratch.

Twilight stared at the passage for a moment, which quickly gave way to an entirely new set of lists… this one of very, very explicit words that described acts she had no reference for. Even moreso, a single name stood at the top of the list in an almost lovingly flowing script: ‘Princess Twilight’. Beneath it, a series of short paragraphs, each describing a confusing number of acts. Everything from Sunset being ordered into a fancy maid’s outfit and made to clean the library to… Her cheeks suddenly inflamed, as the explicit and frank wording of the paragraph was all too clear about what it thought Twilight would make Sunset do. But the confusing and baffling question remained, where did all of this come from!?

She delved further into the book, now driven by her relentless curiosity more than anything else...

Tonight’s been a seesaw for me. First I practically dump out my feelings to Princess Twilight, then run off to Rarity. And she was amazing! She knew how to listen, when to talk, and when to tell me what to do! And she gave me an outfit like I’ve been dying to have for so long. She even included a collar! Better yet, she invited me to come back. I think she knows what I’ve been searching for all this time, and gave me the titles of books to look for. There are several already in the library just at a glance, and I’m sure I’ll find more if I search harder.

That startled Twilight immensely. Wait, I have BOOKS about these things!? Why didn’t I… She shook the thought out quickly, turning through the pages and noting the titles. Some of them were innocuous, but others… why hadn’t she ever investigated such strange works? Had she really been that busy with other things? She was almost entranced now as she turned to the next entry in the journal, wondering if she was tumbling down a rabbit hole she wasn’t prepared for.

Things are going really well since I’ve been in Ponyville. Princess Twilight is an amazing teacher, and maybe she’ll eventually be my mistress too. The books have told me so much, and reading multiple ones, I’m finding which things are constant: the stuff a good submissive is supposed to do and how one should properly act. Rarity is still being a huge help, always giving me the sexiest clothes. And I couldn’t believe it, but she told me I should talk to Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash too, though she wouldn’t tell me why. Oh! And one of the best books I’ve read not only tells me the kinds of things to use, but where to get them without anypony really noticing. I have to go get at least some stuff before the week ends. I think rope would be good. Then my mistress could tie me up if I’m ever a bad little filly!

Some strange feeling was working its way into the core of Twilight’s mind as the words floated off the page, her tongue darting out to moisten dry lips. It was like the first time she’d ever heard of the subject of sex, ironically from a stolen glance into Cadence’s own journal. Like she was looking through a peephole into a set of ideas and thoughts that she was only dimly beginning to understand… and some kind of deep and primal desire to know a great deal more as quickly as she could manage. The next entry was the last one, written last night she was certain, and what it contained…

”Get on your stomach servant,” Princess Twilight commands me. “Now, you know what I need. Lick me clean, and I mean it. If you don’t go deep enough, you’ll have to do it again until I -”

WHAM!

Twilight backed herself away from the journal, now sitting oh-so-innocently upon the sheets as her breaths came in heavy and unpredictable gulps. In all of her academic life, rarely had she felt like she was teetering on the edge of something so deep and unknown like she did right now. It was like looking down into a black abyss, uncertain of what might lie at the bottom and yet fascinated just the same at the possibilities. And much to her embarrassment, she felt a faint pulse of desire echo out of her core.

She had but one recourse now. Celestia had to be informed, but if Twilight did not know what she was talking about, the message could become hopelessly muddled in terms she did not understand. That meant she had to become educated in this subject as quickly and thoroughly as time could manage. She carefully, reluctantly, tucked the journal back under the pillow and quickly escaped the room, the names of the books Rarity had referenced to Sunset burned into her mind. This was her library, damnit. She was not about to be out-done on her own home turf.

Fortunately, Spike was still sleeping like a log. Good. She didn’t want him involved in this. She put on her best determined expression and went looking for the books and whatever else might be lurking on her shelves.

~~~~~

Sunset Shimmer had never been known as a happy filly. Her parents even told her so. She had never skipped, had rarely smiled in public, and had kept her conversations completely factual and informative. But now, now everything could not be more different. As if a lively tune were playing from instruments only she could hear, Sunset all but danced through the streets of Ponyville, a triplicate of parcels swaying with her in her magical hold. She smiled warmly and excitedly at the average passerby and greeted the few ponies with whom she was becoming familiar with a wave and friendly greeting.

She had every reason to be so upbeat. For the first time in her life, she had friends she felt she could talk to about nearly everything, and who often seemed to understand her better than she even understood herself. Rarity was still being as helpful as ever, seemingly imagining every possible scenario in which Sunset could confess the details of how she felt. She was also perpetually generous in giving Sunset exquisite lingerie, and Sunset was sure that within a few more trips she could confidently boast the largest collection of suggestive clothing for several miles. Thus far, Sunset quite liked Rarity’s idea to attend some event where dresses would be common and ‘accidentally’ bend down and allow Princess Twilight to see her evocative undergarments.

And while Rarity’s advice and suggestions were supremely helpful, Sunset very much enjoyed simply talking about the subject of doms and subbies with Rainbow and Fluttershy. The two hadn’t said anything outright, but they knew far too much about such a relationship to not be in one themselves. But vague insinuations aside, they both gave Sunset a glimpse of BDSM that Rarity simply could not. They made it sound fun. And to top it all off, today Rainbow and Flutters had each given her a special present. Dash had insisted she wait to open hers, but Fluttershy had given her another ball gag. Only, according to her, it was special: imbued with magic, it vibrated and grew into a rather special shape when the command was given. Oh! She couldn’t wait to have Princess Twilight force it in her mouth!

The door to the library swung open to reveal a sight Sunset had never before seen until today. The library was… disorganized. And not in the usual mess the place was in after a busy day, but in that unique sort of way that suggested vigorous and frantic research. Books were piled on every available horizontal surface, and little piles of scrolls dotted the landscape like mountains of parchment. Sunset felt her jaw hang slightly open at the sight of so much chaos, wondering what could possibly have seized Princess Twilight’s attention so thoroughly that she had left the place in such a state.

She carefully closed the door to the library behind her and threw the bolt on the door. A touch of magic turned the sign indicating the library’s status as open to closed, and she carefully tucked her packages into her saddlebags by the door, along with her purchases for the day. “Princess? Is something the matter?” she ventured into the silence but received no response. The entire library was eerily still at first, until…

scratch scratch... came the sound of quill against parchment, and Princess Twilight’s unmistakable voice muttering from her rooms. Sunset picked her way up the steps, doing her best to remain perfectly silent until she could determine what the source of the chaos was. It didn’t take her very long to reach the door and press her ear carefully to the wood. It took only the barest touch of magic to cast her listening spell on the door, and then… Princess Twilgiht’s voice came through loud and clear.

Scratch Scratch… “Books note that pleasure can be a function of pain. Results substantiated due to release of endorphins by the body that can be manipulated through careful application of pain upon a submissive using specific tools designed to trick body into releasing more than is necessary.” scratch scratch scratch… “Book also specifies that bodily restriction can create an odd psychological effect, in which the submissive feels more ‘free’ due to trust in the control of the dominant.” A pause. “Corroboration may be difficult, but makes sense in context. Knowing somepony is in total control of the situation can create feeling of freedom, allowing somepony to let go otherwise hidden fears or desires...” A cough. “At least from personal experience.” Scratch Scratch...

No. That was literally all Sunset could think at first. It wasn’t panic, or fear, or anything else. Just blank denial of what she was hearing. Of course, being in blank denial only lasted for a few seconds, and Sunset felt the tightness in her chest again as she was struck by the tidal wave of emotions. Princess Twilight was reading the exact same books she had, which could only mean she suspected something. Had she gone through the things she’d bought and that Rarity had given her? What did she think of her now? It couldn’t be good. Princess Twilight would probably only be able to see her as a pervert or worse…

There was a sound of Princess Twilight stretching and a deep, exhaled breath, ”Side note: Mmf.” Another stretching sound, and the creak of a wooden chair. ”There is a certain allure in the highly regimented nature of these practices. It’s kind of strange, romance always seemed like such a messy concept when Cadence described it. But this is something that makes a great deal of logical sense… a clear delineation of power between two individuals, an understanding of responsibilities on each pony’s part. No misunderstandings, provided both ponies can easily communicate.” A distinct pause, and the sound of a glass returning to a wooden desk. ”I’ve got to admit, I can even see how something like this would help Sunset become a better pony. A very clear set of rules with corresponding rewards and punishments. That those punishments can also be pleasurable, and the rewards…” Twilight’s voice trailed off then, followed by a rustling sound.

Under normal circumstances, Sunset wouldn’t have taken any heed to such a small sound. But her step-oriented, logical mind had already been overwhelmed, and it took no small amount of imagination for her to put together an image of Princess Twilight in her room, legs wide and pleasuring herself with Sunset’s own name moaning out her lips. Her horn seemed to be working on its own as well, levitating her new vibratory gem into her waiting hooves.

Not bothering with trying to find a softer surface, she leaned onto her back and levitated the gem toward her nethers, gently teasing her nub with its cool, smooth surface. She hadn’t waited the last time to feel her lips beginning to drip, but as she fondled her clit with the gem, waiting for Princess Twilight merely to move again, she became quite aroused upon feeling the moistness.

Princess Twilight’s voice came again, slightly huskier than before. ”Collating techniques has been frustrating. Every book seems to have it’s own idea of how a given technique is supposed to be used. Example: four separate books provided contradictory instructions on the use of…” A pause, a ruffling of papers. ”a vibrator in the pursuance of orgasm denial. The best of these books seems to recommend using knowledge of body language to make sure a submissive is nearly at peak before using pain to counteract the pleasure, then repeating this process until the desired outcome. The other three books provide much different instructions, leaving me to pick up the academic pieces.”

Princess Twilight… vibrators… “Mmngh!” Sunset strangled her cry of jubilation as she channeled her magic into the gem for its primary function and began rubbing it against her folds. Princess Twilight was keeping it from her. She wanted it so badly, but her princess had been very clear, it was she who decided when her little Sunset could cum. So, as the shaking gem rounded her now dripping slit, Sunset tried to not moan too loud, her head shifting from side to side and her back arching in eager desire.

More sounds of parchment scratching, then a sudden slamming of a book closed. ”No discernable patterns at all in technique! Ugh!” A grumbling sound, almost angry words coming out. ”Simmer down, Twilight. The last few books at the very least have an almost absurd level of detail when it comes to describing more advanced techniques, most of which revolve around either bondage or the psychology of what the books call ‘play’” A gentle rustling, a shifting of weight in the chair. ”It’s almost fascinating how they provide instructions to take an otherwise ordinary but submissively inclined pony and reshape their behavior to the whims of the dominant without coming across as evil or malicious. Such instructions include demeaning or degrading costume, enforced restrictions on what a submissive can and can’t do, and treating the pony as a lesser creature than yourself.”

Sunset couldn’t take her self-inflicted teasing any longer, inserting the entire gem into her sopping hole. The sudden burst of pleasure from the act sent a magnified charge of magic into the gem, giving her a brief increase in the roiling sensations of sex. Princess Twilight would soon thrust the gem into her, all the while nibbling at her love button. Sunset’s hooves found their way to her inner thighs, stroking provocatively and eliciting a shudder of anticipation for all the trouble she would be in should Princess Twilight catch her.

There was a distinct pause in Twilight’s musings that lasted almost a beat too long, before her voice streamed through the door again. ”Initial conclusions suggest that this subculture is-” Pause. “Yeah, it’s got to be categorized as that, silly as that sounds. This subculture is clearly, surprisingly not as malicious as I had originally thought. Much of this is based in scientific fact about how the pony body works, and is simply exploiting it through rigorous application of that knowledge.” A gentle sigh and a deep breath. ”And if I’m going to be honest with myself, which Celestia would want, I can’t help but imagine what it might be like to use some of these techniques on somepony like Sunset. It’s an… intriguing prospect.” There was another rustling sound, and Sunset could have sworn she’d heard a soft moan...

She… she wanted to play with Sunset, of her own accord? The shock of such a development almost knocked away her lust, but it came back fiercer than ever. Princess Twilight will tie me up, show me what happens when dirty fillies play too much! Her magic grasped the vibrating gem. Its rate increased, and she stopped even trying to hide the moans as her eyes shut to the sight of Princess Twilight ordering her to lubricate her horn. She was moving the gem in and out, in and out, leaving it to linger and rub harder against one side of her walls. A shivering warmth was spreading through her body, and Princess Twilight was becoming more and more pleased with the wet state of her - !

The bottom, or rather the door, suddenly dropped out from behind Sunset’s back, sending her falling straight to the floor of Princess Twilight’s room. And she found herself staring straight up between the Princess’ forelegs with her eyes staring in wide shock down at Sunset. For a few long moments, only the sounds of the buzzing jewel and her own uncontrollable panting moans filled the air. The world ran thick with tension as something inexplicable built up in Sunset’s chest like a dam threatening to burst…

And then it did, sending her body into a single convulsion of pure bliss at the impossibility of the scene she found herself in. The world went white all around her for a few glorious seconds, and when reality returned she found herself still staring up at Princess Twilight… who had gone from shock to an almost speculative look on her face, her cheeks flushed a bright red and her hoof tapping in what had to be an unconscious motion. And just because the situation wasn’t crazy enough, the princess had to go and open her mouth.

“Sunset, I think we need to talk,” she said quietly, obviously trying to deal with the almost absurd situation calmly.

“I know we need to talk. I… I want to talk,” Sunset replied, debating on whether or not to pull the gem from her nethers, as the waves of pleasure were slowly dying away and it was no longer vibrating. “Is that… May we, Princess?”

Princess Twilight took in a deep breath, lifting her hoof to her chest before blowing out the breath with a slow motion away from it. Her cheeks were still almost flaming red when she spoke again, but she was keeping her cool remarkably well, “Come inside, and we’ll talk.” She paused, and her blush got worse as some thought crossed her mind. “Um… That is to say… Oh, ponyfeathers, just get in here!”

“Yes, Mistress!” Sunset answered reactively, just as Rarity had shown her.

Chapter 5 - We Need to 'Talk'

~~~~Golden Oaks Library~~~~

Sunset Shimmer moved into Princess Twilight’s room with her hind legs stepping embarrassingly wide and clumsy. She needed to get the gem, but… her position in this case was already bad enough. How could she have been so stupid: clopping right outside the princess’s door?

“You can sit on my bed for now,” Princess Twilight said, motioning to the blue blanketed frame just beneath a beautifully set window. The princess took her seat in her writing chair, and Sunset noticed that while her blush had not faded entirely, Sunset could barely see it, especially as compared to her own which she was certain made her cheeks look like a part of her mane.

But how could she sit on the princess’s bed with a sex toy still inside her? Quite simply she couldn’t. So with legs and voice shaking in miserable embarrassment, she whimpered, “Can… can I go the… go… go to the restroom really quick?”

Princess Twilight blinked at her, then her hooves came up to her mouth in a cute gesture of shock. “Oh… oh! Oh goodness, yes.” She waved quickly toward a side door, her eyes wide. “Go on, the crystal will light up as you walk in. I’ll um… get tea!” She hopped off her chair and quickly bustled out the door for a moment, obviously thankful for the excuse to get herself more composed.

Sunset trudged inside the tiny, closet like space, allowing the white crystal in the ceiling to spring to life before gently closing the door. She tried desperately to not look in the mirror, but it wasn’t exactly an option in the confined space. As she lit her horn to extract the gem, Sunset noticed her mane was a frizzy mess. Any thoughts on the state of her mane were singularly obliterated as her love juices gradually dripped onto the floor. It was quickly becoming too much for her, and she felt that instinct to take off welling up again.

She at least managed to set the sticky gem on the vanity, and upon doing so, noticed how rustic and appealing the bathroom’s furnishings were. Why it grabbed her attention she was unsure, but it was something to focus on in a sea of self-misery. She glanced around, trying to find some appeal in the brass fittings, noticing belatedly that the tub and shower had to have come straight from a room in Canterlot… as had the sink and mirror, now that she took time to actually look at it. It was all too much like home, and she so desperately wished to run back to the castle and felt her muscles tense and the tears well up in her eyes. For a moment though, the familiarity was enough to hold her hooves in place.

Long enough for gentle, soft forelegs to wrap around her neck and turn her head into a warm and welcoming wing. Without even thinking of it, she turned into the embrace and threw her own forelegs around the awaiting neck. “Sh… It’s alright, Sunset. It’s okay.” Princess Twilight’s voice was soft and sweet, and her mane… her mane smelled like the maple from her scrolls, and clean soap and just that faint hint of ink and chalk dust and crisp parchment. Princess Twilight’s hoof stroked down her neck in long, soft touches as she whispered just loud enough to be heard, “You don’t have to be scared. I’m not angry at you at all.”

“Why?” Sunset couldn’t help but ask. There really was no reason for Princess Twilight to not be at least a little upset. “I… I just… You ought to throw me out…” She was fighting back the tears, and it was taking everything she had to do so. And everything she had wasn’t all that much at the moment. But it was always that way it seemed, always just short of having the strength to hold on on her own. She found herself being supported as Princess Twilight walked her to the bed, and sat them both down upon it. She still let Sunset lean into her shoulder; hide her glistening eyes. “I’m an embarrassment to you, to Princess Celestia, to every decent, normal pony!” she screamed, the force muffled behind her quivering lips.

There was an almost echoing silence in the room, until Princess Twilight spoke again. “Do you want to know what I did my third week here in Ponyville?” she asked cryptically. Sunset felt a vast sea of confusion, but knew that nopony ever asked that question without expecting a nod of assent, so she gave one. Princess Twilight chuckled, almost ruefully, “I cast a Want-It, Need-It spell on my stuffed toy from foalhood and nearly caused the entire town to collapse into a riot. All because I thought not having a report on friendship every week would make Princess Celestia angry at me and send me back to magic kindergarten.”

“You cast a Want-It, Need-It spell?” Sunset asked, unable to stop the glowing awe in her voice. “They’re supposed to be super complicated. But wait… why did you do it on a doll?” Sunset raised her head to look at Princess Twilight, although she found she could not do so without shifting her eyes away every now and again. “I mean, of all the things you could have chosen… I guess, I guess it would have been funny to see the whole town fighting over a silly doll.” She chuckled a little.

Princess Twilight gave off a soft giggle of her own, trying to tilt Sunset’s head up so she would sit up a little more before giving off a sigh. “Oh, it’s funny in context now, but Princess Celestia was very cross with me.” Princess Twilight stuck her chin on her hoof and smiled faintly. “Though it did take me quite a while to find out what happened to Mr. Smarty Pants.”

“Mr. Smarty Pants?” Sunset echoed Princess Twilight. “I had a little doll I named that once. I was very little, only about five. Princess Celestia gave him to me when she took me in. I remember, she told me she had stitched and stuffed him herself.”

“But…!” Princess Twilight’s eyes went wide for a moment, and she spoke in a soft, awed voice. “Did… did he have little shorts, and- ”

“... red and blue buttons for eyes?” Sunset said, only realizing afterward she had finished Princess Twilight’s sentence. “He can’t be the same one.” She knew she sounded incredulous, but why shouldn’t she be? It had to be a coincidence.

Princess Twilight turned to her side table and pulled open the larger second drawer with her magic. A moment later, an all too familiar little pony doll floated out from within. He hadn’t changed a whit since she’d last seen him more than fifteen years ago, not one stitch out of place nor fuzzy patch disturbed. The little doll hovered over and perched between the two of them, and Sunset could honestly not say what emotion was flowering up in her chest in that moment. “None of us are perfect, Sunset,” Princess Twilight said quietly, her hoof gently rubbing the little dolls ears. “We’ve all made our mistakes. Sometimes, we just need to be reminded that we’ve all got the stuff in us to be better ponies.” Princess Twilight looked at her and smiled faintly. “Will you take care of him for me? I think you need his help more than I do now.”

The little control Sunset had maintained over herself slowly began eroding as Princess Twilight leaned Mr. Smarty Pants against her chest. She felt her lower lip quivering beyond her control… and she couldn’t hold it in any longer. She threw her arms around Princess Twilight, sobbing like a filly, and her tears flowing in long and fast streaks. She wanted the comfort the princess had shown her only moments before. She needed her to shield her from the world. “But I… I… I don’t have anything in me!” she stuttered through her wailing. “I can’t do a damn thing right! It always goes wrong, I’m always wrong. I never have it in me to make it right, no matter how much I manipulate, no ma… ma… tter who I coerce. It never works! I just want to be able to hide behind somepony who isn’t always faking it like me!”

Her eyes were already burning and her throat was beginning to feel sore, but she couldn’t stop. Years and years of anxiety were pouring out of her, and it wouldn’t stop until there was no more left, or somepony else helped take it out a better way.

Princess Twilight didn’t speak at first, apparently content to try to soothe her with gentle touches and murmurs of reassurance. After a few minutes of this, though, she did speak, almost heart-breaking in her understanding. “First off, Sunset… You do have something in you. It takes something powerful, something wonderful to admit when you can’t solve a problem on your own and need help. I can’t tell you the number of problems we’ve had around here because certain ponies couldn’t admit they needed a hoof.” There was no shortage of tolerant amusement in those words. It sounded like she’d had a lot of experience with that lately.

The princess floated over a hanky and gently began to dry away tears as she continued to speak, keeping her voice calm. “Now, we’re going to sit here like the very adult ponies we like to pretend we are,” Sunset looked up to see her eyes sparkling with mischief and obvious jest at that little quip, “and together, like good friends should, we’re going to help you become the wonderful, smart, talented pony we both know you can be. No matter what strange or unusual paths that might lead us down. I Pinkie Promise.” Princess Twilight crossed her heart with her hoof, then half squished her eye with the oddly familiar gesture.

“Did you just say… us?” Sunset sniffed, barely hanging onto that hope. Princess Twilight wasn’t a narrow minded pony by any means, but that she was willing to engage with her…

“I would hardly be a good friend if I wasn’t willing to find the right way to help,” Princess Twilight half grinned at her, although it was clear she was a little nervous. “I mean, I’ve managed to live with Pinkie Pie, after all!”

“Bu… what do you want me to say?” Sunset asked, her tears beginning to flow afresh, although mercifully alone. “I don’t know where to start, or what’s even important.”

Princess Twilight gave off a thoughtful sound, then a soft sigh. “Well, I’m a little in the dark myself here but…” A hoof gently encircled Sunset’s and squeezed firmly. “I think if we work together, we can figure this out. And as for what’s important… well, I think we’d better figure out some ground rules for this… for us as...” She waved her hoof at the pile of familiar looking fetish books, and her cheeks went pink. “Um… what’s a good word for it?”

A little smile tugged at Sunset’s lips at Princess Twilight’s blush, and she felt a warmth surge in her heart as she leaned up to half-whisper, “Lovers?” She purred out the word, almost teasingly into Princess Twilight’s ear, causing the blush on her cheeks to darken a bit. “No… that’s not quite right,” Sunset mused, feeling a little… naughty. “Mmm. Marefriend doesn’t feel strong enough either.” She gently lifted a hoof, the other keeping Mr. Smarty Pants firmly tucked up against her before speaking in a soft, almost hopeful voice. “How about Mistress and Pet?”

Through most of Sunset’s suggestive offerings, Princess Twilight had done little except let her blush creep further over her cheeks, but at the mention of the dynamic Sunset so hungered for, she removed her hoof from Sunset’s own and laughed rather awkwardly. “Ah… I… Haha… I… that’s… I’m… You...” Princess Twilight fumbled over the words. In her heart, where hope and excitement had been only seconds before, Sunset felt an empty hole. She’d blown it for real this time. Princess Twilight had just been researching the topic, not trying to learn about it for actual use. And Sunset had just gone and asked for far too much, far too intensely.

“I’m… I’m sorry, Princess,” she sniffed, noticing the burning sensation behind her eyes building again and blinking to fight it. She wasn’t going to have a crying pony be the last thing Princess Twilight remembered about her. “I’ll just go… somewhere. I’ll let you and Spike clean up in peace.” She turned away from her princess, pulling herself off the bed only to have a strong, insistent hoof block her at the chest.

“I…” Princess Twilight began, coughed a little, then said over again, “I didn’t say no, did I?” She was putting on her best suggestive voice, just for Sunset, and the tears of defeat transformed into ones of relief. Hope rekindled possibility, and she turned to face the princess again. “Goodness…” Princess Twilight said softly, the look on her face empathetic, “We really do have a lot of work to do with you, don’t we?” Her smile was warm and welcoming, her forelegs spread wide. “Come here, Sunset,” she… commanded. It was very clearly a command, in spite of the small hesitation there.

Sunset nearly threw herself into those waiting arms, nuzzling her nose into Princess Twilight’s beautiful mane and feeling her tears drying away on her shoulder. The princess grasped Sunset’s shoulders, pulling her away to look her directly in the eyes. “Now, there’s a very great deal we should talk - Mmf!”

Since taking chances had turned out well for her so far today, Sunset took her boldest yet. Pushing down her hesitation, she leaned in and pressed her lips into Princess Twilight’s, stroking on her mane at the luscious feeling. She didn’t respond at first, but Sunset teased at Princess Twilight’s lips with her tongue until they opened, and they truly kissed one another. Sunset was already heating up, and as they tugged at each other’s lips… over and over… Sunset allowed a moan to escape her.

Sadly, heaven was not meant to last forever as Princess Twilight almost forcibly pulled her lips away from Sunset’s. Her breath came out in short pants, and only a firm hoof planted dead center in Sunset’s chest kept her from restoring the connection. “Stop,” Princess Twilight’s voice came out, as firm and clear as a hammer blow, and Sunset had to force herself to obey the order, given that she really, really didn’t want to.

Princess Twilight took in a deep breath, her eyes closing for a moment as she exhaled. “Well that was… certainly not how I expected my first kiss to go.” Her voice trailed down into a soft whisper, and her tongue darted out to her lip seemingly unconsciously.

“But it was a good first kiss right?” Sunset asked cautiously, submissively, waiting for the answer she wanted to come. But, when Sunset’s mind began clearing from the heat of the moment, she stumbled over an odd tidbit. “Wait. I can’t have been your first kiss. You’re beautiful, Mistress, and a princess.”

Princess Twilight’s cheeks were still faintly red, and she half turned away in shyness. “I… well, it’s just never come up before. I never really had time for anything like that and... and…” She paused again and giggled in surprise. “And it was a lot more fun than I thought it’d be.”

“So... would you like me to do it again?” Sunset paused, and… Rarity said the only way to get through to her is to keep at it. “I would be happy to service your desires, Mistress,” Sunset offered, controlling her urge to lean forward ever so slightly and bat her eyelashes.

Twilight’s gaze on her was steady, even if it was clear she was dancing on the edge of nervousness. “I think…” Twilight began slowly, her hooves fidgeting a little on the bedspread. “I think as much as I would enjoy that, we need to do this right. I think we need to lay out some… some ground rules.” Twilight held up her hoof, speaking quickly before Sunset could immediately react to that. “I’m not saying anything is or isn’t off the table, just that… we’re moving very fast, and I’ve never done this before, and I’m honestly a little nervous, and…” Twilight’s sudden rush of words came to a crashing halt as she slapped a hoof over her mouth and smiled sheepishly. “Be patient with me, please?” Her voice was playful, but also obviously a bit freaked out. Though in a good way, Sunset thought.

“I… I can do that… for you, Mistress,” Sunset acquiesced. Nothing had been lost and Princess Twilight was not rejecting her advance entirely. It was a small step, but at the same time, a massive leap. And it felt so good to address her as ‘Mistress,’ topped off by the fact that Princess Twilight had not once asked her not to.

“So… how much of the… erm, material did you read?” the princess asked, clearly stalling for time as she rallied her own thoughts.

“Ah… all of it,” Sunset replied. As if she wouldn’t have. It was one of her principles to read everything she could get her hooves on if she was digging deep into a subject. After all, one did not become Princess Celestia’s prize pupil from not reading more than most ponies.

“Excellent.” Princess Twilight’s immediate praise set a warm glow in her chest, even as the princess got her act back together. “So. While I’ve still a little to read myself, I’ve gone through enough to get a general idea of what this is… all about, so to speak.” Twilight eyeballed her desk in the corner of the room, where Sunset noticed an absurdly prodigious stack of parchment sheets teetering just on the barest edge of falling over. Reflexively, Sunset reached out with her magic and straightened the stack, neatly squaring off the edges.

Princess Twilight took notice of the act and a speculative look crossed her face. “Sunset… I need to ask you a very blunt question here. Something that’s important if we’re really going to move forward with this.” Twilight’s face became far more serious as she spoke, but it was clear this was more than just a question… it was a sort of test. “Why do you want to do this? Why me?”

At first, Sunset could not believe her ears. Hadn’t she… no, she had told Rarity… and Rainbow… and Fluttershy. Everypony except the one who she wanted to know most. “You… were me, are me. But I failed, and you succeeded. I lost sight of everything I was supposed to be learning, and you’re proof that I can still come back. You inspire me to do what I should have done in the first place,” Sunset spilled out the words, unable to stop herself now. “I don’t deserve anything from anypony, but you’re willing to give me everything I’ve ever wanted.”

Sunset hesitated over her next words, but decided that if ever there was a time to be completely honest, it was now. “And I guess… I guess I want somepony to love me, and be strong enough and confident enough to tell me when I’m failing. I don’t want to risk hurting others again, and I know you can stop me before I do. I don’t trust myself not to fall again… but I trust that you can make sure I don’t.” Then she felt a smile bloom across her face, cutting through all the emotions with a fierce passion for the pony in front of her. “And the fact that you’re stunningly beautiful as a pony certainly doesn’t hurt.”

Princess Twilight nibbled at her lower lip for a moment, before nodding once. “I suppose… I hadn’t looked at it like that.” She smiled, and oh what a beautiful smile it was! Free of worry and doubt, and her eyes sparkling with that same vivid passion she’d had the first time Sunset had seen her. “And… Well, I’m hardly the best judge of my own looks, so I’ll take your word for it.” Princess Twilight had descended into full on adorableness, and it made Sunset want to squeal and kiss her again.

But she was going to be a good pony and kept herself settled. Princess Twilight cleared her throat and gave her a pointed look. “Well, it’s quite clear your feelings are both intense and real, so let’s get down to brass tacks. I have a great deal still to learn about… well, relationships.” She gestured to the stack of notes. “No matter what I’ve absorbed out of that, the last thing I want to do is hurt you because I wasn’t responsible. And since the books emphasize that it’s my job to be responsible here… We’re going to go at this the proper way, learning together.” Princess Twilight tapped her hooves together, and a bright smile crossed her face. “On the upswing, it will be fascinating to see what I can learn from all those odd physical techniques in there.”

Sunset couldn’t help it. She giggled at Princess Twilight’s enthusiasm. It was quite infectious! “But if we’re going to do this right… ah, where did I put that note…” The stack or parchment rose up, and a sheaf was tugged out from the middle. “Aha!” Twilight exclaimed bringing over the relevant notes. “We need a contract!” she proudly proclaimed, brandishing the parchment with her magic. “So we both have a clear and present understanding of what’s expected of each of us.”

“You mean like a document we mount on the wall? With a seal and everything?!” Sunset asked, her voice bright with anticipation. Bondage sex anypony could do, but a real, physical contract? Princess Twilight was as serious as she was, and the very thought sent a thrill of energy through her body.

Princess Twilight briefly paused, then gave a little shoulder shrug. “Sure. We can do it that way.” She gave a bright smile, and within moments a stream of fresh parchment, quills, ink, and sealing wax were travelling over from the desk.

“You have your own, special princess wax seal, right?” Sunset almost wiggled in place as she said it. “Just for your official documents?”

“And whatever other papers are important to me,” Princess Twilight added with a sly wink as she organized the items on the floor in front of them both. “And scoot closer so you can see and use the quill too.”

Sunset buckled down with a smile fit to set the world afire, and she began to put her head together with Princess Twilight’s. Most of it was just formalities, establishing the little rules that made something like this work. Princess Twilight insisted upon giving her ‘official duties’ which mostly seemed to consist of chores around the library and some vague wording specifying ‘The Princess’ needs’. There was more, nitty gritty stuff, much of it lifted straight from the books they had now both read, with Sunset easily pulling page and paragraph numbers for easy reference. An act which impressed Princess Twilight to no small degree.

But the biggest bits were how to deal with their inexperience. Sunset personally didn’t feel she would have any issues with anything Princess Twilight might want to do to her body, but she was worried that Princess Twilight might have incredibly powerful second thoughts right at the last second. Thus far, the contract had mostly been restricting or directing Sunset, but this was one place she wanted Princess Twilight to agree to her side. “May I add in a condition for you, Mistress?” Sunset tentatively asked.

“Oh? What is it?” the princess raised her eyebrows as she asked.

“Will you promise me that you won’t go chicken on me?” Sunset asked, probably more direct than her place allowed. “I mean… will you promise to at least go through with it at least once? Not back out?” she repeated, this time with much more deference.

Princess Twilight stared at her for a moment, then giggled. “Sunset… I owe you more than just one bite at the apple, so to speak.” The quill lifted and began to scribble on the sheet. “Lets say I’ll give all of this an honest, passionate try for… say, three months?” Princess Twilight tilted her head with a coy smile. “At which time, we will decide,” she reached out to take her hoof and squeeze it, “... together, if things are working out the way we would like them to.”

“I like it,” Sunset replied simply. “Is there anything else you wish to add, Mistress?”

Princess Twilight did a little more writing, a soft hum on her lips. “Just a little wording on the subject of discussing things we might be uncomfortable with.” A thick red stick of wax hovered over the bottom of the document, and the tip glowed with a bit of heat magic. Slowly but surely, the wax dripped… Was Sunset imagining it, or was the sight of that wax actually kind of sensual? She shook the sudden thought off, as Princess Twilight lowered a simple wooden and brass stamp onto the wax and twisted it, the seal glowing for a moment with magical energy before she pulled it back up. “There. Now you’ve just got to sign -”

“Will a kiss do?” Sunset asked smokily, throwing aside her barriers of self control and locking her lips against Prince- Mistress. Mistress Twilight’s. “You… mmm… need to… relax… Mistress,” Sunset moaned between fierce kisses, Mistress Twilight giving way before the sensual onslaught. “Allow me… to… ohhh… tend to… your… needs…” She pushed her tongue farther, and Mistress opened her mouth to greet it, their tongues dancing and twirling around one another between nods and sighs of ecstasy.

The kiss was broken up a moment later, Mistress Twilight’s cheeks flushed red and her breathing coming in swift gasps. “Sunset… Bed.” Her words were broken up by her breathing for a moment, Mistress taking in a gulp of air before speaking again, this time more clearly. “Get back into bed, Sunset,” she commanded, her tone quite brisk.

“Yes, Mistress,” Sunset eagerly obeyed, climbing onto the silky bedsheets. “Where am I to rest?”

Mistress Twilight followed her up, slipping to the headboard and leaning back against it. She did not speak, she only beckoned Sunset toward her with a come-hither hoof, which Sunset swiftly came toward. A moment later, Mistress took gentle hold of her cheeks and pulled her in for a far softer kiss than they had shared before. It was tender and loving, and as sweet as rainfall on a hot summer day. “Right here sounds good to me,” Mistress whispered, her breath aflame with a sultry lust.

“Might I lay my head a little lower? It will be more comfortable for us both, Mistress,” Sunset proposed. Her hoof had briefly touched around Mistress’s nethers, and there was no mistaking that dampness. It needed to be cleaned up. Totally for Mistress’ benefit, of course.

Mistress Twilight blushed again, but there was an unmistakable heat in her voice as she spoke. “Go right ahead, Sunset… I’m certain you can…” Her breathing skipped a beat, her hooves pressing into the bedspread. “Get comfortable down there.”

“... Thank… you… Mistress,” Sunset said, trailing small, sweet kisses from Mistress’ chest until she reached her thighs. She took a long look at Mistress Twilight’s dripping marehood, her scent overwhelming Sunset’s senses. All of her scents, everything she’d first breathed in from those scrolls was here a hundred fold. She took in a deep breath, tantalizing Mistress with the tip of her nose. She probably should have asked permission first before moving on, but the smell, heat, and glistening wetness was too much, and Sunset let her tongue glide over Mistress’ folds in a long, hungry lick.

She could not see Mistress’ face at first, so the first cry of pleasure that escaped her lips was all she could hear. By the time she thought to look up, Mistress’ face had transformed completely. There was an awe and wonder there as she pressed her back up against the headboard, a squirming hoof slowly stroking through Sunset’s mane while she plied her tongue along. “Oh, Celestia…” Mistress whispered in a strangled voice, the words barely escaping out past the gentle gasps that were coming quicker by the moment. “This is… so much… Oh goodness, a hoof could never…”

Sunset was doing her job well, and she pressed father, nibbling at Mistress’ nub briefly before plunging her tongue inside her mistress’ love tunnel. The taste was glorious, better than just the outside, and Sunset felt her own lips begin to drip more heavily at the stimulation in her mouth. She swirled her tongue around inside, drawing it in and out to lap up the love juices now coming in waves from Mistress. And every now and again, she would lick the outside up and swirl her tongue around Mistress’ clit before darting back in again.

Mistress’ face continued to be a beautiful sight, her cheeks now fully flushed and a glaze settling over her eyes. Her free hoof had joined her other, stroking through Sunset’s mane in long motions as though trying to urge her on further. Then a little sparkle appeared, and Twilight’s mouth turned up into a slow and sensual smile of her own. She leaned further back into the headboard and closed her eyes, and Sunset could feel the tingle of a warm, ethereal touch at her own nethers as a gentle glow encircled Mistress’ horn.

Sunset redoubled her efforts, lapping faster and moving her tongue inside Mistress with more vigor. In return, Mistress’ magic began brushing against Sunset’s awaiting folds, and she moaned into Mistress when she felt the magic penetrate her and roll around inside her. But she had to continue to serve Mistress no matter how good that felt, and she latched her lips onto Mistress’ marehood, sucking with her tongue.

Mistress Twilight gave off a little giggle amidst her pleasurable sounds, which was quickly punctuated by a much louder moan as Sunset’s tongue went straight inside her. “Oh, sweet Faust! Right th-there!” her words stuttered over themselves, her magic tongue returning the pleasurable favor vigorously. “Oh, my goodness It’s… t-too good…” Mistress whimpered, her hips unconsciously beginning to push up into Sunset’s ministrations.

Sunset knew Mistress was close… and equally knew that if Mistress kept up at her with that magic of hers, she wasn’t going to be very far behind. And if there was anything Sunset liked most to do when she was close… well, she was sure Mistress would like it too. She pulled her tongue out from inside Mistress’ marehood, stalled for only a few seconds for Mistress to have nothing, then eagerly grasped Mistress’ clit with her lips. Pulling it, licking it, biting it. She spared Mistress’ love button no expense, moving against it with her mouth in every way she knew, and the loud moaning of Mistress was reward enough.

It only took a few moments of that intense stimulation for Mistress’s hooves to latch themselves into her mane. Mistress Twilight’s mouth opened soundlessly for just a moment, followed by a set of panting, sweet moans that got louder and louder as every moment passed. Her voice raised higher and higher, until finally it broke in mid gasp and Sunset felt her mouth almost flooded with the sudden release. Mistress’ body tightened like a harp string all at once, everything tensing for a few agonizing seconds before all of it ran out of her body along with her love juices, leaving her to slump against the headboard as Sunset lapped up the wonderful excess. Her voice was ragged even as she gasped out moan after moan under her breath, oh so slowly coming down from the peak.

And just when she had finished fully tasting all of Mistress’ love juices, she reached her own peak, crying out loudly and falling onto Mistress’ soft, comforting barrel. It was over, but for Sunset, the lingering taste of her Mistress and the bursting emotions of love, lust, and bliss still flowed delightfully through her as she panted into Mistress Twilight’s fur.

There was a shuffling motion, and Sunset realized a second later what was coming as Mistress’ hooves hooked under her forelegs and gently pulled her up to rest her head against Mistress’ chest. “Sweet goddess, no wonder Pinkie is always so enthusiastic about that,” she murmured, both amused and full of wonder. Sunset couldn’t restrain a gentle, tired giggle again at the thought.

“You were amazing, Mistress. Thank you,” Sunset breathed, and her eyes slowly began to flutter shut.

Just before sleep took her, she heard Mistress Twilight’s voice speak in cute quietness, and felt her hoof still gently stroking her mane back and forth. “You’re more amazing than you realize, Sunset Shimmer.” The words sent a surge of warmth through her body as the darkness closed in affectionately around her and her very, very special somepony.

Chapter 6 - Breakfast and Field Research

Twilight felt very funny.

It was like being tucked under a particularly warm and fuzzy blanket, a feeling of general contentment with the world. Hazy dreams slowly vanished under the warmth of the morning’s sun and the distant memory of the night before. The night before… when Sunset Shimmer, of all the ponies in the world, had essentially confessed her love for Twilight Sparkle and then proceeded to…

Twilight felt her mind trying to rouse itself to swift consciousness at those memories, but she just wasn’t quite as shocked at the thought as she probably should’ve been. Why was that? Maybe it was the warmth. She was so comfortable right then, it didn’t seem right to explode out of the bed in a tizzy. Besides, the fuzzy remnants of her dream were so much nicer than getting upset. The feeling of something warm and wet wrapping around her horn and teasing at it, the shivery feelings of pleasure racing down her spine.

Experimentally she cracked open one eye, wondering if she could still see the vague figure from her dream… and found it to be replaced by the slim and sleek Sunset Shimmer, straddling her middle. Her eye darted up in the faint morning light to see Sunset slowly engulf her slender horn with her lips and drag their softness up its length. It was quite possibly the most erotic thing Twilight had ever laid eyes upon… or felt, given the tingling sensation it sent coursing through her brain as soft violet sparkles spouted off the tip with a bit of magical reaction.

Sunset’s head came down, and her eyes… they were beautiful and bright and full of some unidentifiable emotion that tugged at Twilight’s heartstrings. Her lips were soft as they trailed down her forehead and then teased across Twilight’s own, almost instinctively drawing her out of her sleep haze to return the attention. The lips whispered across her cheeks and down to her neck, where they became far firmer in tasting of her coat and skin, and the faint brush of teeth gave her an electric shock of pleasure, banishing some of the sleep haze.

She wasn’t dreaming. This was oh, so deliciously real.

At first, Twilight didn’t know what to do. Then the knowledge of what to do became simple as Sunset’s lips came back to tug against hers, and she responded in kind. Pressing her tongue up against the other pony’s lips, she was rewarded with a whispering gasp and a sudden tension of Sunset’s body upon her own. Twilight felt her hoof snake out without a thought and rope around Sunset’s neck, holding her in close. The warmth of Sunset’s body was appropriate for her name, and Twilight immediately decided she liked the feel of it against her. The tension ran out of Sunset’s body as Twilight grasped it closer, and she simply gave in to the more insistent kiss Twilight was plying upon her.

The moment went on for what seemed like an eternity before Twilight finally loosened her grip, and Sunset tugged away reluctantly. Her breathing was steady and even, and her eyes bright. “Good morning, Mistress,” she whispered, savoring the words as she spoke them. Twilight felt her lips tug up in a smile, wondering why she found that word to be both nerve-wracking and pleasurable at the same time. “I’m… Did you enjoy your wake up call? Spike said it was almost time for breakfast, and I…” She hesitated over her words, and Twilight couldn’t help but stifle a small giggle at how cute she looked doing that. She must have been taking lessons from Fluttershy.

Twilight nodded once, a faint smile of her own crossing her face. “Well, it’s certainly better than an alarm clock.” She winked at Sunset, whose cheeks produced a faint blush, and she smiled brilliantly back at Twilight.

“I’m happy you approve my choice Mistress,” Sunset replied, leaning in for a brisk kiss to Twilight’s cheek. “I still have much to learn about your preferences, Mistress, but I think I could manage breakfast. What would you like?”

Twilight shook her head and grinned softly. “Uh uh. The best way to learn about something is to go to its source, and the source of my breakfast recently has been Spike.” She knew there’d be mischief in her eye, so she did her best to put on an equally sly smile. “We might be operating on different terms now, Sunset, but that doesn’t mean you get to stop studying.” Twilight grabbed her brush from the dresser, and put on her most prim voice. “So, I’m going to go shower, and you can go downstairs and learn how meals actually work around here from Spike.”

“Of course, Mistress,” Sunset said, rolling off the bed and shaking her head to clear up her mane. She would make herself more presentable only once Mistress had finished doing so. “And Spike will be willing to teach me?”

“Well, he’s never shied away from it before,” Twilight giggled softly, gently tucking the sheets to one side and tackling her messy mane with the brush as she hopped her way out of the bed. “Just go easy on him if he gets nervous with you. He’s more mature than most think, but he’s still a baby dragon.” She eyeballed the mess the rest of the room was in and resolved to have that handled as soon as she was out of the shower. It shouldn’t take very long. Though the sheets probably needed to be washed…

“I’ll go see what he’s up to then, Mistress,” Sunset trilled, “and we’ll have your breakfast ready when you come down.” She took to a light, cheery trot down the curving stairwell, eyes shut and head bobbing to a hummed tune. Twilight chuckled at that, shaking her head. Where on earth had she heard one of Pinkie Pie’s songs?

Ah well. Some hot water would certainly brighten up the morning quickly.

~~~~~~

Sunset wasn’t sure the tune was one she had heard before, changing the beat as it felt right to do so. But it was definitively upbeat, which was all that mattered in the end, as it was a match to her mood. She made her way into the kitchen, the catchy song still enthusiastically reverbing through her throat. She caught sight of Spike, and a moment later, the bitter but appetizing smell of sauteing greens. Having lived in Canterlot so long before, her sense of smell in regard to food was fairly limited to the smells of completed dishes. Of course, whatever Spike had in his pans had to be delicious judging by the smell alone, but what exactly it was Sunset could not say.

“So. Sleep well?” Spike’s tone was decidedly young, but definitely confrontational. “I mean, you two were making an awful lot of noise up there last night. Twilight doesn’t like roughhousing in the library.”

“We… there were… Books. There were books everywhere,” Sunset stuttered at first, but drew on some of her old, less than savory talents to cover for herself and Mistress. She would have to be careful about that too, come to think of it. “Princess Twilight had been doing some research late last night, and I helped her stack and organize her notes and pick the books back up.”

“Ugh! Would you stop calling her ‘princess’ all the time!” Spike fumed, jabbing rather harshly into his pan. “Nopony else does it. She’s even said she doesn’t think other ponies should yet.” There was a bright sizzle, and the dragon idly gave a toss of what looked like salt into one of the pans.

“Prin… She hasn’t said anything to me about it,” she countered. This was about breakfast, not an unhappy juvenile dragon. And Sunset privately doubted she would be able to win the battle with Spike as of yet. He still had issues with her coming to stay at the library, and it would no doubt be some time before that fact settled in an accepting portion of his mind. But until that time, Sunset would need to be on her best behavior with the dragon if they were to form a healthy friendship. And Mistress Twilight would be pleased with her too if she could master patience as a virtue of interacting with friends. She had said Sunset was to continue her studies after all. “But she is hungry,” Sunset said, leaning curiously over Spike’s shoulder to more clearly see inside the pan. “So how can I help?”

“By getting your face back,” Spike growled, swatting at her nose with a spoon.

“I’ll set the table then,” Sunset answered through her teeth, rubbing her nose.

“Yeah, you do that,” the dragon mumbled, choosing to be preoccupied with his cooking. Sunset nodded, shaking her head to clear it of the brief shock of the spoon whacking before reaching for the cupboard doors with her magic. The dishes within were quite the opposite of what she had been expecting. It seemed Mistress had no distinct set of plates or bowls or any utensils. They were all a mismatched collection of things from around Equestria: functional, but with a hint of artistic variety.

It made the job of setting up breakfast bowls and plates that much more interesting for Sunset, as she got to admire each beautiful piece before placing it on the small table. The mugs were last to come, and just as with the other dishes, there was no set. But neither was there a random amount. Nine simple mugs rested in the cupboard, and they were all quite clearly personal items Mistress had hoof-made for her friends.

There was Mistress’ own mug, which was amusing to Sunset: a simplified drawing of Princess Celestia decorating it with the words ‘Best Princess’ beneath. Spike’s was also easily found, encrusted with no small amount of sparkling gems. She supposed the remaining seven were for Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Mistress’ other friends. She was about to close the cabinet and ask Spike what she could drink from, when Mistress herself came into the kitchen.

“Good morning, everypony!” Twilight chirruped, her mane now back to it’s luxuriant normal state, and a newspaper tucked under her foreleg. Her eyes scanned the table as Sunset laid out her and Spike’s mug, then tsked. “Did you not see yours, Sunset?”

“Mine?” Sunset queried with a genuine confusion.

“She was probably too distracted looking at yours, Twilight,” Spike called, his tone nothing short of derogatory.

Twilight arched an eyebrow at Spike before opening up the cabinet and peering inside for a moment. A shuffling and scraping sound punctuated her next words. “Here it is.” Her voice was brusque, and her eyes narrowed. “Behind the plates.” The mug soared out from the cabinet, made of bright yellow ceramic with a beautifully detailed version of her cutie mark on the side. Twilight laid the mug on the table gently, then marched over to the stove with a very cross look on her face.

Certainly she was seeing things. Was Mistress about to reprimand Spike? Surely not. It made no sense. Sure, he hadn’t exactly been welcoming when she’d entered the kitchen, but Sunset understood. And now Mistress was going to stand up for her? She must have truly found something in Sunset to love last night.

“Oh, Spiiiike…” Mistress’ voice was a sing-songing warning shot to anypony with a brain to hear it, but either Spike was simply too mad at Sunset to notice or he didn’t realize what was going on. His head turned to regard Mistress Twilight, and in a split second she had grabbed his ear with a bit of telekinesis and was pulling firmly up on it. “Now, remind me Spike. Did we, or did we not have the discussion about being polite to guests in our home?” Her tone was nothing but sweet reason, but the look on her face was quite put out.

“Ow! Ow! Ow!” Spike initially squawked, then when the tug on his ear lessened, added, “Geez, what’s up with you this morning? Sunset take your side of the bed?”

Mistress’ cheeks colored for only a moment before her voice took on a much more firm tone. “That’s neither here nor there, mister. Since you’ve clearly forgotten your basic manners, perhaps I ought to ask Princess Luna to come and instruct you in them... again.” Spike’s eyes went wide at that, and Mistress’ smile curved up deviously, “Since you seem to think hitting our guests, speaking to them impolitely, and abusing my trust in you is an appropriate reaction when you don’t like somepony.”

“But… but… Sunset Shimmer’s not worth me havin - ”

“Oh, I think she’s perfectly worth you spending some time with Princess Luna,” Twilight pushed, silencing him mid-word with a more firm grip on his ear. “Now, get your act together, or I will send the letter right now. And Spike, she’s trying, so you could at least help by not provoking an angry reaction.” She turned to Sunset, letting go of Spikes ear as she said, “And I’m proud of you for not egging him on. Now, go help get the plates filled so I can read the morning paper.”

“Yes, M… Ma’am,” Sunset began, stopped herself, and transitioned in mid-sentence. Ma’am was a respectful word to be sure, but it just didn’t quite capture how Sunset felt. She needed to ask Mistress if addressing her properly around Spike was okay with her. Still, it felt good to just do a normal chore. As Princess Celestia’s student, the servants in the castle had done most of the small work for her, and when she had been in the other world… she had been a different mare. To bask in the accomplishment of completing even the simplest of tasks was a refreshing change of pace. And the fact that she had done it for Mistress Twilight made the feeling all the more fulfilling.

She had all of the dishes placed and ready well before breakfast was finished, but she held back from returning to the small kitchen. If Spike and Mistress were having a discussion, it was likely about her, and she didn’t think it was a good idea to interrupt. Besides, being present would only bring out more tension regardless of whether or not Spike and Mistress were speaking, and strife was the one thing she was trying to avoid.

So instead, she sat in her place, admiring with a flutter of joy the mug Mistress had made for her. Just for her. For being a good filly. She clutched it to her chest and a little sigh of contentment escaped her lungs. Yes, if her life was to be this, she would never have any desire to go back through the mirror…. or anywhere else for that matter.

The smell of rich, warm oatmeal wafted into the room ahead of the faintly glowing vessel that Twilight carried with her magic. “Soup’s on everypony!” Twilight cheerfully proclaimed, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes. A pitcher of crystal clear water followed behind her and both vessels settled gently on the table. “Spike, quit moping,” Twilight snapped, but there was a tolerant sort of amusement in her voice.

Spike came through the door looking distinctly hangdog, carrying several other serving vessels stacked precariously in his claws. One by one, Twilight transferred these to the table, revealing sauteed collard greens tossed with mushrooms, freshly made pancakes drizzled with butter, and a pile of crunchy looking homefries. Throw in some bacon, and it was a breakfast that wouldn’t have disgraced a table back in the human world. Oddly enough, in spite of the fact that she knew what bacon was really made from, Sunset couldn’t help but privately admit she’d miss it.

Spike gave off a heaving sigh, and Twilight gave him a sharp look before he clambered up onto a chair to put himself at eye level with Sunset. He dug his foot into the wood of the chair a little, looking down and away before giving off another childlike sigh and looking back up. “I’m sorry I was a real jerk, Sunset. Twilight’s right. Everypony deserves a second chance.” He coughed and looked away, a faint blush coloring his cheeks in a way she simply could not understand. Didn’t dragons have scales? Maybe his were still thin… “After all, I’ve uh… done some really dumb stuff myself sometimes.”

“He wrecked half of Ponyville during a greed binge,” Twilight supplied cheerfully, her smile widening just a touch. “We shook him out of it, but it’s always good to remind him that nopony is perfect.” She nudged his shoulder with her own, and gave the little dragon a motherly nuzzle. “We love him just the same.”

“Just half of Ponyville?” Sunset playfully scoffed, eyeing Spike’s confused turnabout. “That’s nothing. When I was little and practicing my magic, I loved working with plants, and one of my attraction spells got out of control…” She giggled. In hindsight, even though she had been in tears at the time, it was a performance she wouldn’t ever forget. “It grew and grew just to chase my professors around Canterlot. Took most of the sidewalk and storefronts with it. Princess Celestia ended up having to set it on fire sooooo… Yeah, we all have our moments of dumb.”

Spike stared at her in awe, then looked at Twilight and said in a remarkably mature voice, “Please, Twilight. Promise me you two aren’t going to team up on experiments. Our cleaning bills are already insane.” He plopped his dragon butt down, producing a big metal shaker and liberally sprinkling his oatmeal with…. were those rubies?

Twilight giggled softly, but the look she gave Sunset in that moment was very speculative. “Anyway… I’ve got some errands to run today, and Rainbow Dash wanted me to come over to Fluttershy’s place for some reason, though she wouldn’t say why. I don’t suppose you’d like to join me, Sunset?” She helped herself to a little bit of everything at the breakfast table, humming happily as she did so. “I’m sure that if there’s a problem, I could use your help.”

“I’d do anything to help,” Sunset piped up. “I don’t do much around the library as it stands, so if being a companion is all…” She did her best to layer on the hint of last night, smiling with eyes just beginning to lid. Spike was present after all, and she couldn’t give too much away without Mistress’ permission. “I’m surprised though that Rainbow Dash wouldn’t say why,” Sunset continued, enjoying the flutter of Mistress’ eyes. She had remembered. And Sunset was quite sure it was a blissful memory. “She’s not really the secretive type… well, not from the other world… but they’re a little alike…” She trailed off.

No matter how many similarities there were between the human world and Equestria, there always seemed to be just as many differences, and Sunset had yet to get a handle on all of the nuances. Rarity was certainly much more… of a wise pony. But in this, she was fairly certain it was odd for Rainbow Dash to hide things from her friends, especially if she intended to tell them later anyway.

The meal proceeded quietly from then on, with Spike eating and departing with a mutter about dusting the shelves only a few minutes later. It would probably be some time before he was truly at ease with her, but at least he seemed willing to give her a chance now. Mistress Twilight herself appeared lost in some form of thought, and Sunset took this time to study her. With nopony else around to see, Mistress let down some of her mask of control and assurance. There was a quiet uncertainty to her, but also a great deal of stubborn resolve. She was a lot like Celestia in that, and it pained Sunset to think of Mistress Twilight undergoing so many of the same tribulations as the princess did. Maybe there were ways she could help after all.

Breakfast wrapped up fairly quickly, and Mistress Twilight took only a few moments to cover the dishes with leftover food before gathering up the dirty ones. “I’m going to go grab my bags as soon as I’ve got these soaking, Sunset. Why don’t you go get ready and meet me at the door?” Mistress’ smile was bright, but there was a definite air of needing a few moments to herself. It was a feeling Sunset was all too familiar with.

She made her way back up to her room, her stomach warm with the fresh food. She passed Spike coming the opposite way, and while he wore a scowl, he did nod to her. Well, she’d take what she could get on that front. Her door swung open with barely a hint of her magic, and she entered a room looking as though it had been caught right in the middle of an explosion. Some of her things were put away, others were strewn about, and still more were haphazardly thrown into places not meant for them. She was tempted to at least work out a list of things to fix before they left, but Mistress would be sorely disappointed if she made them late for a meeting with friends.

Instead, she rummaged through her drawers, pulling out her saddlebags and stuffing them with the usual things. Quills in this pocket, extra parchment in that one, and Mistress’ gift of Mr. Smarty Pants for good measure. But as she was moving about, she could not help but notice some of her lacy lingerie half falling out of its chest. At first, she became determined to impress and satisfy Mistress in them that night, but a more pertinent thought came to mind at the sight of the sensuous attire. She reached out with her magic, pulling the chests out and searching through them for the one article she wanted.

As she went, she folded and properly replaced her collection (the black sheer ones were an enticing option) until locating the singular collar Rarity had initially given to her. A quick application of magic later, and she had it firmly strapped about her neck. After all, ponies needed to see her Mistress as she was. Saddlebags ready and collar in place, Sunset traipsed down the steps, greeting Mistress at the door.

“It’s a bit… formal, but…” Sunset said, hoping Mistress would not be cross with her.

Mistress’ eyes had only widened a touch at the sight of the collar, but she shook her head and smiled. It was, perhaps, the most beautiful smile Sunset had seen so far. “I promised you I wouldn’t chicken out, Sunset.” She turned and flicked her tail at Sunset with a slow, coy smile. “You know, maybe we ought to stop by Rarity’s place on the way home and see if she can’t make up something a little more casual for day-to-day wear, hm? Or if she knows where we can get something like that.”

Sunset truly had no words. Mistress… Mistress not only hadn’t balked at the sight of the collar, she was suggesting Sunset wear one at all times. She liked it. “I’m happy you approve, Mistress. Is there any particular color you would like me to wear?”

Twilight swung open the door, and she grinned with a surprising amount of enthusiasm. “I’ve always been partial to purple, actually.”

~~~~~~

Twilight couldn’t believe what she was doing right now. It was as though the past day had been a whirlwind of emotions and lusts breaking through barriers she hadn’t even known existed. There was, of course, a logical explanation for all of this. Sunset was really, really attractive like this, and the rush of pleasure she kept getting at Sunset’s deference to her was a heady draught indeed. She might have been worried about how much she had enjoyed the thoughts of Sunset under her total power… if it wasn’t for the fact that Sunset herself seemed incredibly gung-ho about it all.

So enthusiastic that she’d put on a piece of that beautiful blue outfit that she’d discovered in Sunset’s room, an act which had immediately conjured up images of the unicorn in the full regalia and marching through Ponyville like a prize pet. Actually, I probably should be careful about that thought. Sunset might just try to take me up on it! The blue was stunningly fetching against Sunset’s coat, and it caught the eye with its glittering silk patterns. And there she was, walking side by side with Twilight through Ponyville, and obviously struggling not to snuggle herself up against Twilight’s side.

Twilight could feel her cheeks burning a little, wondering who in town would understand the significance… and who would make assumptions anyway. The fact that Twilight had never taken a lover before in her life, resolving herself to elaborate fantasies and the occasional racy novel was likely not helping her right now. It was one thing to dream about the things one might do with a lover… it was another entirely to have done those things, and now realize the thoughts were cluttering up her mind whenever she saw Sunset slowly sway that tight, sexy flank of hers, so tempting a target for-

Twilight instantly shut that thought down before she started to stare, coughing once to grab control of herself and resolving to strike up ANY kind of conversation. “Um… So, have you gotten to know anypony else in town, besides our friends? This place is full of strange characters.” That was both the absolute truth and the biggest stretch for a conversation she’d ever engaged in.

“I’ve… done my best, Mistress,” Sunset replied, and Twilight almost ducked behind a bush at being addressed like that in public. But this was for Sunset, and in a way, she found the obviousness less producing of guilt than not mentioning it all. Never mind that there was a unique, latent kind of thrill that surged through her whenever Sunset said it. “The Cake family Pinkie Pie works for are nice to me, but everypony else seems to be putting on a veneer. Do they not know that I want to stay, Mistress? Am I not doing something right? I’d like to get to know that filly Cloudchaser better, but nopony seems to want to talk.”

Twilight pondered that question for a moment, wondering who might have been giving her the cold shoulder. “Well, Ponyville’s been through a lot in the past few years. Um…” She hated using non-words like that and bit at her lip for a moment in thought. Then, inspiration struck her. “Oh! I bet I know what’s wrong.” She felt a grin cross her face, hoping she could imbue some confidence in Sunset through it. “Did you see a little candy shop, just next to Sofas and Quills? That’s Bon-Bon’s place. She and her marefriend Lyra are really nice ponies, and they know everypony in town. Tell them I sent you because you’re having a hard time fitting in, and they’ll introduce you around, so they know you’re not another Trixie.”

“Marefriend? Ooooh! That makes that pretty clear then!” Sunset crowed, leaning her head back and accentuating the collar. “I knew ponies didn’t sit that close together unless they were into each other! Have you ever seen them in the park, Mistress? It’s almost sickeningly adorable.” Sunset was gleefully cantering now, as though she had within her knowledge things fit only for the most informed of ponies. “But… why does Lyra sit like that?”

“No one really knows, actually,” Twilight confessed, only to be interrupted a moment later by a flurry of grey feathers and a fuzzy pegasus body nearly colliding with her own. Only instinct and long experience with the mare in question prevented things from getting too out of hoof, as she quickly caught then straightened up Ponyville’s famous mailmare with a smart application of magic. “Ack! Ditzy, are you okay?!” Twilight exclaimed, nearly tumbling backward anyway.

Ditzy’s bright golden gaze came up from her odd position in midair, and she waved with all of the boundless cheer she always had. “Good morning, Miss Twilight! Spike said you would be going this way, and I wanted to ask you if you’d gotten that new book of practice magic for Dinky yet?” Her mismatched eyes swiveled over to Sunset, and she produced another vigorous and happy wave. “And good morning to you Miss Shimmer! That’s ah-” Ditzy’s eyes widened for a moment and darted back and forth between Twilight and Sunset for a few dizzying seconds before her hooves flew to her mouth. “Ohmigosh! Oh, it’s so adorably cute!”

In that moment, Twilight could have sworn hearts formed in Ditzy’s eyes. And then… “Wait, you understand?” Twilight found herself asking in a hushed, amazed voice. “Um… that is to say about…” She gestured helplessly at the collar. In response to the hoof waved in her direction, Sunset leaned down in deference, though she still kept her eyes on Ditzy.

Ditzy giggled brightly. “Of course, silly! Ohmigoodness, I won’t bother you for right now then! I’ll come by later tonight, after my shift. Have fun!” And she was gone in a flurry of grey feathers into the sky, spiralling off into the distance.

“I like her,” Sunset stated matter-of-factly. “Where does she live, Mistress? Do I have your permission to visit Ditzy?”

“Ah… certainly.” Twilight felt more than a little dazed. Ditzy Doo? Of all ponies in town? She decided it was best to consider that bit of insanity later on. “Um… I think she lives with Carrot Top, and…” She shook her head to clear it, a little slow to recover. “You know what? Lets get to Fluttershy’s place.”

“But… but, Mistress,” Sunset called after her as Twilight quickened her already brisk pace. “I don’t know where Carrot Top lives!”

~~~~~~

Sunset had grown up in Canterlot. Among other things probably more important, it meant she had never been raised anywhere near the wilderness. And consequently she disliked anything to do with the wild this or nature that. Fluttershy was an enjoyable pony to be around: sweet, caring, and kind. But to ever visit her at her home was something she would have done for nopony except Mistress. And as it so happened…

Well, there was nothing for it. She would thoroughly wash her hooves when she got back to the library (after washing Mistress Twilight’s own hooves of course). And anyway, Rainbow Dash was always a good pony to have a friendly chat with. Sure she embellished stories, but she did so in quite the entertaining way, unlike most pegasi Sunset had heard before.

As they approached the cottage’s single branching pathway to the main road, Sunset jumped ahead of Mistress. While Sunset was present, Mistress wouldn’t have to lift a hoof even to knock. A stray thought crossed her mind as she ascended the first of Fluttershy’s sets of mine-stairs: were Rainbow Dash and Flutters a young couple like she and Mistress? They knew more than Sunset and Mistress, but Fluttershy had never worn a collar, nor had Rainbow Dash ever really ordered her to do anything. Perhaps as Rainbow and Mistress were talking, she would ask Fluttershy. It would be fitting in a way; sticking to their proper stations.

Sunset allowed Mistress to join her at the door, and was about to knock when…

FWAP!

Sunset jumped in her skin and briefly checked her hoof. No, she hadn’t knocked, never mind the fact it hadn’t sounded like wood being hit.

FWAP!

Again this time, and now Mistress was looking confused. Sunset would have joined her expression, had she not caught the gentle, suppressed moan through the wood. Sunset thought she knew what it was, but her curiosity pushed aside her common sense just as easily as her hoof tentatively pushed in on Fluttershy’s door.

FWAP!

The sound came again, louder this time, and in nervous excitement, Sunset’s hoof threw open the door with a slam. And what lay before her induced a blush so deep she swore her ears had probably melted into her mane. Fluttershy was lying on her rug, forelegs tied behind her back, mouth gagged, a tight red blindfold over her eyes, and moaning deeply and lustfully into the floor. Rainbow Dash stood behind her, both forehooves stroking Flutteshy’s flanks with sensuous restraint. It was captivating, entrancing. Sunset could neither look away nor bring herself to make her and Mistress’ presence known. The way Dash stood over Fluttershy, pashing her hooves against yellow flank, Sunset could almost feel Mistress’ hooves gliding over her, kisses planted here and there. She shivered at the thought and became aware of rivulets of arousal forming around her opening.

“Geeze, Shy,” Rainbow Dash’s voice softly teased, as Sunset noticed the thick and simple wooden paddle lying not far from Fluttershy’s flank. “You’ve gotten even more sensitive than you were back in school.” Her hoof trailed up Fluttershy’s reddened flank, and the faintest of moans drifted out from behind the bright red bridle gag around Fluttershy’s muzzle. “Hm. Louder,” Dash cooed, and smacked Fluttershy’s flank so hard the slap echoed off the cottage walls.

Fluttershy’s moan mixed in the air with another sound - a squeak from behind Sunset that was followed by a creeping hoof encircling her body from behind. Mistress Twilight’s hoof that was moving oh-so-deliciously toward… Rainbow Dash’s head turned around suddenly, and a silence fell over the room. Sunset’s tongue darted out to her lips as the only neutral action she could take. Dash’s eyes traveled with agonizing slowness between Twilight and Sunset, and back again. As if Sunset needed reminding how close Mistress’ hoof was… and she hoped she wasn’t dripping on Fluttershy’s entry way.

Dash looked back at Fluttershy’s body, still writhing slowly on the floor blissfully unaware of what was going on around her, and with burning red cheeks finally spoke into the silence. “Um. You’re early, Twi.”

Chapter 7 - Everything is Better with Friends

~~~~~Fluttershy's Cottage~~~~~

Rainbow Dash was really a pony to be admired, at least in Sunset Shimmer’s opinion. She among them, Sunset was sure most ponies would have reacted to being caught dominating her partner by yelling nonsense and slamming the door in the face of whomever had been stupid enough to stand there gawking. Not Rainbow Dash though. She’d played it off, smiling with an all too knowing look at Mistress Twilight and Sunset and directing them to the couch.

In a few short moments, Fluttershy had been untied and had her gag removed, after which she obediently moved off to her kitchen to make tea under Dash’s instruction. Rainbow chose not to speak to Mistress or Sunset while she waited, gently tapping her hooves on the floor. She was thinking, gathering her thoughts and ways to explain. Sunset certainly would have been. And when Fluttershy returned bearing the tea tray, she set it on the small table between the chairs and couch before taking a lying position at the foot of Rainbow’s chair.

And while Mistress took the initiative, pouring tea, Sunset watched with rapt attention as Rainbow bent down, lovingly caressing Fluttershy’s mane and whispering in her ear. The smallest of cute nods followed from Flutters, and Rainbow Dash answered with a small peck on the cheek and quick ruffle of Fluttershy’s flowy mane. Sunset began filing it all away for later when an almost instinctual, primal urge tugged at her: showing her the one detail she had blatantly neglected. Almost as though she were in a daze, Sunset crawled off the couch, nestling beneath where Mistress Twilight sat. Her proper place. It felt right… good. And a quick glance at Fluttershy from her new vantage point revealed an assuring and approving nod from the cream-coated pegasus.

Dash cocked an eyebrow at her and took a deep breath before speaking again. “So. I’m sure this is a little…” She waved her hoof at Fluttershy and the discarded pile of fetish gear. “Well, a little strange, I guess. But, personally? I’d like to know when you two made things all official. Last I heard from Shims, you were as clueless as ever about this sort of thing, Twi.” Dash was very clearly eyeballing the collar around Sunset’s neck, and there was a coy sort of smile on her face. “And then you walk in with that cute little filly all collared up, and your hooves practically all over her. What gives, Twi?”

“My hooves were not ‘all over her’, Rainbow,” Mistress ardently defended herself, though Sunset could hear the denial in her tone. “And… it seems like it’s been longer than a day, but that’s all.”

Rainbow gave off a little giggle, as did did Fluttershy. The sound of the pair of them was very appealing, given how their voices mingled together. “Wow. That fast?” She grinned at Sunset and waggled her eyebrows. “Hats off to you, Sunset Shimmer. I thought it’d take months to get the egghead here out of her shell… And speaking of which, Twilight, you knew exaaaaactly what you were doing there. And that’s good!” Sunset dared to peek around, and saw Mistress’ eyebrows shoot upward. “I mean, it’s good to let them know how appreciated they are, yanno?” Dash’s hoof came down and ran lovingly though Fluttershy’s mane, who leaned up into the touch like a cat.

Sunset tried to keep her face expressionless, but her heart was struck by a precision blade at the sight of Rainbow and Fluttershy. She forced down the whining voice in her head that was only jealous of the two of them, but she could not help but wish Mistress would just... pet her that way. She loved Mistress’ hooves in her mane, curling her locks and smoothing her twirls. She hummed happily at the thought, and would have probably closed her eyes had a pressure not extended to her head. Her eyes popped open to full awareness, and she felt her mouth open slightly as Mistress caressed her mane. Just the touch made it as though she were at home in the library, no worries or anything else around her.

“Yeah, just like that!” Dash said brightly, and Fluttershy smiled in broad approval. “Get behind her ears. Flutters’ loves that. But seriously though. Why so fast, Twilight?” Dash’s tone was arched, and she leaned back into the soft sofa and gave them both a beady sort look. “Not that I’m not happy to see that poor filly finally look like she’s found her balance, but you don’t usually rush into things like this unless you’ve got a good reason.”

Twilight’s voice above her head was just as sharp, “She was a good filly. Did most of the work for me, but honestly, I could ask you two the same thing.” There was a shifting, but Mistress’ hoof didn’t leave her head. It gently moved its way behind her ears and gave a slow and affectionate rubbing there… and Sunset had to admit, it felt awesome

Much to her surprise, Fluttershy piped up. “Um… We’ve kind of… known each other like this since Cloudesdale Academy.” Her words ended in a mild squeak, and Dash’s stroking hoof gently touched her shoulder. Fluttershy lifted her own hoof to return the touch and continued speaking in a much calmer voice. “We’ve never really gotten all that formal about it, so it’s kinda been off and on over the years. Da-” Fluttershy squeaked again and blushed a bright red. “Um, Mistress always said we needed to wait to see if it was right for both of us and our lives.”

Dash nodded once, looking quite proud of the other pegasus. “I’ve always been kinda pushy in bed.” Sunset didn’t even have to look around to know Mistress was rolling her eyes at that one. She was doing the same thing. “Yeah, yeah, it’s obvious,” Dash grumbled, sticking out her tongue. “When I reunited with Fluttershy at the academy, she was kind of an emotional wreck when it came to sex. So I kinda just… helped her up, you know? We were pegasi, we were curious, and trust me when I say we were hardly the only two fillies on campus getting up to this sort of thing.” She grinned broadly, almost as though she wanted to tell tales… but probably wouldn’t, since that was hardly her style.

Fluttershy picked up the conversation, looking up with a fondness at Rainbow Dash. “We learned a lot of words, and lots of different ponies showed us lots of different things. We figured out what worked for us, and… Well, I’ve always trusted Rainbow Dash with everything.” Her cheeks went faintly pink as she turned to regard Sunset. “So it wasn’t hard to trust her when she started tying me up, and I… kinda sorta…” Fluttershy’s words trailed off as she seemed to realize what she was saying.

“But… is it just about… you know, getting off between you two?” Mistress asked, not exactly upset, but more confused and lost. She had stopped petting Sunset, that much she was acutely aware of and mildly disappointed by. “I don’t think it’s just about sex with me and Sunset.”

“Ha! You say that now, but… hey, you two have gotten the goods on each other at least once right?” Rainbow asked them both, hoof darting between her and Mistress.

“I gave Mistress everything she wanted last night,” Sunset spoke up, following Fluttershy’s lead, though she allowed a touch more pride in her voice.

Fluttershy nodded, a faint smile on her face. “Me and Mistress… We don’t know if we want to be formal yet.” She sighed a little, dipping her head. “We both have dreams and responsibilities, and neither of us want to hurt each other if those things separate us.”

Dash’s hoof came down and squeezed Fluttershy’s shoulder. “I don’t know how things are going to shake out with the Wonderbolts yet, and the last thing I want to do is leave poor Shy here attached to a mare who’s gonna be on the road most of the year.” Dash’s voice was quiet, but it was screamingly obvious to Sunset that about the only thing keeping them from doing things up formally was the worry of being pulled apart. If that problem wasn’t there… Sunset’s mind immediately began to turn, the gears of old habits throwing themselves into motion.

Twilight spoke up a moment later. “I’m fortunate enough… or, maybe it’s better to say we are fortunate that isn’t an issue, but…” She took a deep breath and exhaled it. “I want to take this risk, Dash. It’s unquestionably been a whirlwind so far, but…” She shrugged, and her hoof softly tangled itself in Sunset’s mane. “I’m willing to take the chance that it’ll all go up in flames for what it might gain me. Maybe it’ll work out, maybe it won’t, but we’re going to give it a try anyway. Besides, now that I know I’ve got a pair of experts to draw upon…” Mistress Twilight’s voice turned positively gleeful. “Oh, goodness. That will make things ever so much easier!”

“Well, I won’t say I’m an expert…” Dash drawled, brash confidence oozing out of her tone, “but I can show you some knots your filly won’t be able to undo.” Sunset’s heart lept at the thought, as the knotting itself had been one of the few things she had not found specifics about and the only books on the subject she was sure were on Equestrian coasts. Mistress must have found the idea just as enticing, for she undid her hoof from Sunset’s mane to stroke her cheek.

Fluttershy’s eyes widened and nibbled at her lip for a moment before shifting in place, her right hoof stroking along her own thigh and her left tugging at Dash’s petting hoof. “M-mistress…” she whimpered a little, and Dash blinked down at her. Fluttershy’s eyes went straight to the floor, and she whispered softly. “I can’t… hold it back, Mistress. I’m still… Um…”

Mistress Twilight’s jaw dropped a little, as Dash gave a soft laugh and slipped down next to Fluttershy, gently squeezing her body close to Dash’s. Fluttershy spoke in a gentle, low voice as Dash’s hooves stroked over her body. “She’s much more of an expert than she claims, T-” Fluttershy bit at her lip, and gave off a soft sigh of something like pleasure and relief. “Mistress Twilight. She’s really quite talented. I’ve… I never feel safer or more confident than when I’m with her. I know she’ll keep me safe and keep me from doing anything stupid.”

“Hush, you,” Dash murmured, gently pressing her hoof to Fluttershy’s lips. “You’ve never done anything stupid in your life, except maybe listening to that minotaur.” Her lips went to Fluttershy’s ear and gave them a firm nip before she went back to stroking her hooves down into much naughtier regions. “Forgive her, Twilight. She’s been super pent up recently,” Dash threw an apologetic look at Twilight… and unless Sunset was imagining it, a subtle wink of encouragement at her.

But Mistress didn’t respond. She merely stared as Rainbow Dash began rubbing her hoof around Fluttershy’s nethers, and while Sunset found her own arousal becoming more and more pronounced again, Mistress needed her attentions more. Ever so slowly, Sunset slinked up to Mistress, bringing them eye-level with one another. Sunset curved her body, throwing her slim lines into sharp relief and grinning suggestively with the gasping and sopping noises in the background. “Shall I help you refocus, Mistress?” Sunset asked, moving in closer for a kiss.

What came next should have been expected, but it really wasn’t. Mistress Twilight’s horn blazed to life, and a firm and broad bar of telekinetic energy hit her flank with an audible smack. The pain was instant and searing, and sent an electric arc straight up her spine and a yelp bursting out from between her lips. Mistress’ gaze and arched eyebrow at her said everything that needed to be said, but her lips twitched open anyway with a faintly amused tone. “Did I tell you to come up here, Sunset?”

“I’m sorry, Mistress,” Sunset recoiled back onto the floor. “I was a bad filly. I deserved a spanking.” And now that the initial pain had subsided, Sunset found the burning in her flank to be only complementing the warmth and moistness flowing from her folds. It was an intoxicating combination, and she wanted it again. “Must I be spanked any more?”

“That depends on if you think you need it.” Mistress’ voice was almost serene, full of a certain sweet reason that immediately reminded Sunset of Celestia. “Do you think what you did was appropriate, hm?”

“I deserve to be punished!” Sunset wailed out. “I was too forward for a pet!”

“Yeah Twi, hammer that lesson home on that filly’s flank!” Rainbow called out, only for her mouth to become occupied by Fluttershy’s eager tongue.

“Pet, huh?” Mistress Twilight’s voice became speculative, and without warning a second firm blow came crashing in on Sunset’s flank, this time on the other side. “Is that how you see yourself, Sunset?” Her voice was soft, and a telekinetic grip slid around the front of her collar and tugged gently on it like an invisible leash.

She hadn’t been ready the second time either, but it was twice as good and twice as painful for it. She squealed past her teeth as the shock of the smack sent shivers through her and excited her marehood more than anything she’d ever experienced before. There was no doubt about it now, she was dripping all over the floor. “Yes! I am your pet, Mistress. I need to be taught how to behave!”

For just an instant, Sunset worried that Mistress Twilight wasn’t going to go through with it. Even through her haze of excitement, she worried that things were moving far, far too fast for Mistress. Her face was almost unreadable in that moment, until she took a deep breath and gave a little smile. “Then put your flank in the air and count for me.” Her voice was rough with a primal lust. “And remember to thank me for taking the time to teach you your lessons.”

Sunset felt a thrill of pride for her Mistress and complied instantly, turning on the spot and presenting her flank to Mistress Twilight, bending her head low to the ground… only to see Fluttershy in a similar position. The pegasus smiled at her, and a hoof snaked out to grasp her own as the sounds of Mistress standing up from her chair rustled behind her. She swished her tail to the side briefly, hoping to please Mistress with a look of her wetness. And again without warning, the blow came hard against her right cheek and sent a fierce stinging straight up her spine. Sunset could hear her own voice cry out instinctively, “One! Thank you for teaching me Mistress!”

There was only a brief pause, and the second blow came. In that very moment, Sunset felt all the world narrow down to just her, Mistress, and Fluttershy’s hoof on hers. It was a perfect storm of sensuality and sensation. “Two! Thank you for teaching me, Mistress!” she cried out, feeling her back arch in pleasure at the warm burn on her skin. There was another brief pause, this one faintly longer than the last, and two more blows came in rapid succession. These were different, coming in mere moments after each other and striking at her in a back and forth pattern. If she hadn’t been entirely in control, she might very well have orgasmed there and then. “Three, Four! Thank you for taking your time to teach me, Mistress!” Her voice came out ragged, and she could feel her tail twitching wildly.

The final wait seemed to stretch on for eternity, but the last blow was the firmest of them all. It nearly sent her tumbling rump over head, but was not so powerful as to cause a bad kind of pain. It was simply much larger in volume than the last, as though Mistress had found some magical way to swat her entire flank at once. She sucked in a joyous and flinching breath, crying out, “Five! Thank you, Mistress. Thank you!”

There was a pause as the pleasure coursed through her veins, and Mistress Twilight’s cheek nuzzled gently against hers. “Are you… okay?” she asked hesitantly, and Sunset did not wait a second to nod her head enthusiastically, putting on her best smile. Mistress sucked in a deep breath and nodded. “I… Okay… I need to… to take a quick breather, and I…” And suddenly she was gone, and a shot of concern pierced through the haze of pleasure. She knew, instinctively, that something was very wrong… but that it had nothing to do with her being wrong. Mere seconds later, Rainbow Dash gave Fluttershy a single look and quickly blazed off in the same direction Mistress had gone, leaving her just a little confused.

~~~~~

Twilight didn’t slam the door behind her. She didn’t even close it all the way as she rushed past the wooden thing out into Fluttershy’s backyard. The sun was shining high up in the sky, marred only by a few banks of cloud that were shading the day from the heat. She ran for at least a full minute past the animal pens until she reached Fluttershy’s supply sheds, where she ducked behind one and pressed her back into the wood.

Her breathing was coming in hard gasps, and she dug her hooves into the wood trying to get some sort of sensation into them beyond the rippling pulse of pleasure from deep in her core. She had been beating Sunset, and she had been enjoying it. It was one thing to read about that sort of thing in a book, and another entirely to actually do it! The ropes, the toys, the clothing, the psychological stuff had all been fascinating enough, but this… she hadn’t anticipated this. She’d been sure she could avoid it, avoid needing to do it by being careful and firm and….

She was panicking, and she knew it. Her breathing was rapid and uneven, and everything around her was spinning to the point of near nausea. She had to stop, or she was going to hyperventilate, and then she would pass out, and Sunset would blame herself, and it would just get worse, and- “TWILIGHT!” Rainbow Dash’s shout penetrated her mental spiral as perfectly as it had ever done so before. Twilight felt her rump hit the grass next to the shed and the world came to a crashing, but blessed halt.

Dash’s bright magenta eyes were staring into her own pupils a split second later, and her hoof was pressed to her forehead. “Don’t talk, egghead. Just do what I say. Breathe in slowly, focus on something stupid but simple, like my nose. Let all that adrenalin out.” Twilight might have argued that Dash’s nose was stupid, but it was right in front of her face and perfectly simple to focus in on. There was something about Rainbow Dash’s commanding tone and confidence that made it much easier to do what she said than to argue, so she breathed slowly, and waited for the thrills in her body to slowly subside.

It took a minute. Or it might’ve only taken fifteen seconds. Or an hour. Twilight wasn’t really sure about time in that moment, only the feeling of coming down off of some kind of insane high. She couldn’t exactly pin down when she knew she was returning to sanity again, but as the more coherent, fully formed thoughts began inching through her skull, she felt a measure of relief wash all of it away. “I am such a flankhead,” Dash muttered softly, as sense and sensibility returned to the world. “I knew you were a newbie and a virgin, and I let myself get carried away with how hot it all was… stupid, stupid, STUPID. Never let a new flier do a divebomb!” Dash facehoofed hard enough for Twilight to wince at it.

“I’m… not a virgin, Dashie,” Twilight muttered, feeling her cheeks flame up. “Well… not technically, anyway.” It was a really lame line, but Twilight felt the need to at least correct the error. It gave some stability to the world.

“Whatever. That’s not the point,” Dash answered, taking her own deep breath. “So, you doin’ any better now? You need to talk it out if you can.”

“How would that help any more than writing it out, or thinking it out, or any number of things?” Twilight asked, wishing she could keep the panic out of her voice. It was never fun when something happened, and you genuinely couldn’t understand it!

“Because I said so,” Dash stated rather matter-of-factly. “And to be straight with you, I didn’t have anypony to talk it out with, and it wasn’t pretty for a while. So go on, get it out of your system.”

“Fine!” she snapped and felt her wings flare out and go stiff on her at exactly the wrong time for it. “What in the name of Luna’s Moon happened to me in there!? I just… I got sucked into… whatever that was! I… I was hurting her, and I liked it, and then I got turned around and confused, and I felt like my heart was going to beat out of my chest and-and-and-” She stopped mid-word, taking in a deep rasping breath and blowing it out. “I… I wanted to do much, much more to her,” she half whispered, staring at the grass. “And it had nothing to do with hooves.”

Dash waited patiently for her last word to tumble out, squatting down to get at eye level with her and giving her a strange sort of look. “First off, you got what pegasi call Fledgeling Madness. You had just leapt out of your safe, secure little nest into something way more intense than anything you’ve ever done before, and the pure sensory overload basically locked your brain up.” Dash tapped Twilight’s forehead with a little smile. “Nice to know even your big brain isn’t perfect. Anyway, you were kinda in the equivalent of a dive from really high up. Just a pure rush of pleasure and excitement, and then all of a sudden you realized you were about to plummet straight into the ground, and you freaked.”

Dash paused, rubbing her nose for a moment. “It’s actually pretty common. You tripped into your instincts on dealing with danger, and it short-circuited everything logical, so you ran for it.” Dash’s hoof took up her own and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “And that’s my fault. I knew you were still new to this sort of thing, and I forgot how super intense it can be that first time. Especially given how enthusiastic Shims is, she just kept feeding off you, and you were doing the same.”

That was…. surprisingly logical and almost scientific, coming from Rainbow Dash, who was grinning shyly. “Now before you start getting moody on me, Twi, as to the second thing… Yeah, of course you were loving it. Your sub was reveling in it, and you were exercising all those domme aspects I’ve known you had for years. If you were doing a single thing unsafely, Twi, I would’ve stopped you dead in your tracks, but I don’t think you could have. You’ve got such strong instincts for keeping others safe…” Dash shook her head slowly, with a confident smile on her face.

“I thought I did…” Twilight muttered, more to herself than Rainbow. Of course she naturally wanted to keep other ponies from harm. Princess Celestia was devoted to that ideal, and Twilight had been her personal student. But Twilight couldn’t help keep thinking that she wasn’t Celestia, no matter how much she tried to emulate the princess’ actions. “Who’s to say I don’t have it in me to… to… torture another pony. Can you hear me Rainbow? I was enjoying it! I was enjoying causing somepony else pain!”

“Woah… woah,” Rainbow eased out the words, flicking her mane and pointing a hoof to Twilight’s heart. “Yeah, you were enjoying it, but there’s only one reason for that. I’ll make it more obvious. You enjoyed spanking Shims because Shims enjoyed you spanking her. It went both ways, and that’s the reason you don’t gotta worry. If Shims hadn’t been taking to it, then we could talk, but she was digging it Twi, as in, she was super digging it. Was pretty sure she was gonna cum before you left.”

“I… What?” Twilight stumbled over that seemingly nonsensical thought, but then… “Wait. The books.” Twilight felt the stiffness slowly leave her wings, and she smacked her forehead. “Oh, for the love of Celestia, I’m supposed to remember the things I read. The first bloody book talked about how physical sensations of pain could be pleasurable!” Twilight wanted to smack her head into a desk, but with none available, she just smacked her head into Rainbow’s shoulder.

Dash just laughed, gently patting her back. “You are such an egghead, Twilight Sparkle.” The words were fond and affectionate, and Dash’s hooves on her back were actually quite nice. “Um…” Dash’s voice hesitated for a moment as Twilight looked up, and wondered why she hadn’t considered any of her friends in that sort of light before. “We should probably get back. Fluttershy’s really good with newbies, but Shims is gonna need you.” Dash wasn’t quite stammering, but it was clear she didn’t want to broach this topic quite yet… which Twilight was just fine with. Sunset Shimmer was enough of a hoof-full.

~~~~~~

Sunset couldn’t completely register what had just happened. In one glorious, ecstasy-filled moment, Mistress had been spanking her senseless, sending tingles of pain and pleasure surging from her spine to her hoof tips. And in the next second, there was nothing. Silence. Rainbow Dash was gone. Mistress was gone. And with the way Fluttershy didn’t talk much or make herself the deliberate center of attention, Sunset found herself as lonely as she had been the first day she had entered the other world. It was like being devoid of everything she had come to love about being back in Equestria.

Gradually, as if unwilling to accept it wouldn’t be receiving any more punishment, Sunset’s rump fell to the floor, the light thump perfectly matching the hollowness in her mind from Mistress’ sudden departure. She knew her eyes were glazed over in shock, but she couldn’t bring herself to move them. She’d scared Mistress; gotten too into her own sensuous ordeal.

A lone tear was beginning to trickle out of her left eye when it was delicately wiped away and followed by the ginger embrace of a certain yellow pegasus. “Your mistress will be okay,” Fluttershy said, her voice muffled in Sunset’s thicker coat. Any objections she might have had were suddenly smothered in feather soft hugs. “My mistress will make sure of it. It’s what she does best, supporting her friends when they need it.”

“But… but…” was the only word Sunset could intelligibly form. She tried anyway, but the more she did, the less she could get out, eventually allowing her own confused, desperate emotions to simply flow through her, easing the tension in her body and allowing her to lean into Fluttershy.

“Hush now,” Fluttershy admonished her, gently tapping her nose with a gentle hoof and sending her cross-eyed. “No wonder you’re so pent up, you’re nearly as bad as I was in the beginning.”

“I… I really didn’t hurt Mistress did I?” Sunset asked, trying but failing to keep the tremor out of her voice. She knew Flutters had already answered the question, but there was something cathartic about asking it directly… and having it answered just as directly. A clearer confirmation in a way.

“Oh no!” Fluttershy reprimanded, though sweetly. “She just scared herself more than anything. It happens all the time in the beginning.”

“Your… your mistress too?” Sunset broached carefully.

“Oh, goodness, yes,” Fluttershy giggled, her hooves hiding her mouth and the blush in her cheeks. “I um… I really don’t mind her being rough with me, but she’s so very strong that she was a little afraid at first. The first time I actually got her to let loose, I passed out from how wonderful the experience was…” Fluttershy’s ears drooped cutely, and her smile took on a more sheepish look. “She really didn’t take it well. It took me a whole month to convince her it had been a good thing.”

“She thought she’d knocked you out…” Sunset concluded. “But I didn’t pass out when Mistress was spanking me. I was just about to cum too…” she couldn’t help but add with a note of mild disappoint. “Why? I didn’t show any signs of anything harmful really. At least I don’t think I did.”

Fluttershy looked thoughtful for a moment before speaking even more slowly than she normally did. “Twilight has… always been very cautious about how she uses her power. The few times she’s ignored that caution, it’s caused quite a few problems.” Fluttershy shifted in place, and made sure Sunset was firmly cuddled up against her. “It only became worse after she became a princess. Most of the girls don’t know it, but… she’s been afraid that she might turn into something horrible if she’s not careful. She’s seen too many other powerful unicorns like that.”

“I can’t imagine who,” Sunset growled, grinding her hoof into the floor in frustration. Fluttershy didn’t have to say it outright for her to know she’d been part of that line of thought in Mistress.

“Don’t put it all on yourself,” Fluttershy said, nuzzling her to ease out the force she was directing into her hoof. “I don’t think anypony could be as terrible as King Sombra. Or Trixie with the Alicorn Amulet.” She paused again, looking faintly amused. “Or Nightmare Moon.”

“Does that really count?” Sunset’s factual mind taking slight offense to placing the Mare in the Moon on the same level as a unicorn, enhanced shadow magic or ungodly artifacts or no. Though it still privately amused her that Trixie, of all the creatures in the world, had ended up like that here. “Nightmare Moon was an alicorn, not a unicorn.”

Fluttershy just nodded once, to her sudden confusion. “Yes. And so is Twilight now.” That statement resonated through the air, almost like a physical blow. “And not just of the Moon, but of Magic itself. She’s scared of just how easily she could walk down that road… if she’s not careful.” Fluttershy shivered a little, but brightened with a smile. “Of course, Nightmare Moon never had friends like us.”

“... Alicorn of Magic…” Sunset murmured. She admitted she had never actually considered the source of Mistress’ powers as a princess. But with the entire fabric of the world, no, the universe, at the tip of her horn; and of all the ponies she could have picked, Mistress had chosen her to be her pet. It sent a silly little giggle up her throat, and Fluttershy joined her in the comforting, soothing sound.

The door slipped open a moment later, framing Rainbow Dash and Mistress Twilight in it quite picturesquely. Twilight slipped in first, trotting over to where the pair of them were embracing on the ground and bowing her head. “I’m sorry I freaked out on you, Sunset. I um… I got a little carried away there.” Twilight was rubbing at her foreleg and blushing in an entirely too adorable manner.

“You don’t have to apologize to your pet, Mistress,” Sunset replied, wanting to kiss her but not sure if the time was right. “And the more you spanked me Mistress, the better it got. I was in a heaven of pain. Does that make any sense?” She was sure it didn’t, but she couldn’t find the words to properly express having her flank whacked by Mistress.

Twilight’s eyebrows both went up at once in surprise at that statement… before she gave off a rueful chuckle. “I think I can understand now. At least a little bit.” She smiled at Rainbow Dash, who grinned back at her. “Just promise me you’ll make sure I never take things too far, okay? I know you’re perfectly capable of teleporting.” Twilight’s smile turned into a wicked sort of grin. “So don’t be afraid to stop me if I uhm…”

She appeared to be searching for the right way to say it, but Sunset couldn’t help herself. “Are about to put on a black cape and stroke a mustache while laughing maniacally?” she suggested archly, feeling a sly smile cross her lips. “Recruit some brainless minions to do your evil bidding? I don’t suppose Snips and Snails are just as gullible here as they were behind the mirror, so we’d probably have to recruit your friends and…” Sunset couldn’t help it, she kept her tone vibrantly humorous and layered on the teasing. It was appropriate, as she knew it would help Mistress calm her own fears.

Sure enough, Twilight burst into laughter at the suggestion of the evil cackling, and by the time Sunset got to Snips and Snails, she was doubled over with giggles. “Stop! Oh, Celestia, they are, but they’re still just little colts here.” Twilight shoved her hooves up to her mouth, a wide grin behind them. “Fine, fine, I’m letting my own worries get the better of me. Thank you, Sunset.”

“Would you pet me then, Mistress?” Sunset broached. Of all the things their budding relationship had brought, Sunset found being stroked and petted the most invigorating. It was just sexual enough to be exciting, but there was a genuine warmth in it too.

Mistress Twilight didn’t even hesitate this time. She lifted her hoof and rubbed it vigorously and lovingly right behind her ears, tickling at them in a pleasing way. “If you keep this up, pet, I’m going to start treating you like a cat,” Twilight muttered affectionately, and Sunset felt a lightning bolt of pleasure shoot through her entire body.

She called me pet.

That electric surge went straight to her hooves, and she shot up to tightly embrace Mistress. She had no intentions to say anything, only feel Mistress’ coat and smell her mane, but rather of their own accord, the words spilled out anyway. “I love you, Mistress,” she whispered, almost cooing to her.

Fluttershy gave off a bright giggle, and Rainbow Dash just laughed softly. Mistress Twilight… smiled, and held her in close. She was gentle, but not overly so in her embrace, and she nuzzled her cheek firmly against Sunset’s, leaning in for a moment to whisper…. “Did I tell you it was okay to pounce on me?” There was a sly humor there, and a definite hint of firm command… and she was unquestionably teasing her now.

Sunset felt the blush creep into her cheeks, but Mistress was very pointedly not letting her go. “Um… No?” she queried, half in embarrassment. She’d done this three times today now, and she was starting to think Mistress describing her as a cat was all too accurate a description.

Twilight grinned faintly, wiggling up a free hoof to stroke her cheek. “For future reference, you do have permission to pounce me like that so long as I’m not busy, but we must be consistent if this is going to work in the least.” Twilight’s horn slowly came to life, and the feel of that firm, invisible bar of hard energy stroked up against her flank. “So I think you’re going to need at least ten this time to learn your lesson about asking my permission to do anything.”

“I… oh… I guess I have been a misbehaved pet…” Sunset nearly whimpered in anticipation.

Twilight grinned, and made a little circular motion with her hoof. Sunset obediently turned herself around, feeling her tail unconsciously flagging up in anticipation. Fluttershy was smiling with pride at her, and Rainbow Dash was holding Fluttershy’s hoof firmly in her own. It was an odd thought to have at that moment, but Sunset resolved to ensure the two got together and stayed together. They needed one another… like she needed her own Mistress. “Oh… and Sunset? Don’t forget to count. Now, show me that flank that needs a good spanking.”

SMACK! “Ahn! One!” Sunset moaned out at the sudden hard impact.

“Mmh… I really should write a letter asking Cadence about this sort of thing,” Twilight mused in the lull, and then….

SMACK! “AH! T-Two!”

~~~~The Crystal Empire~~~~

“Shiny! We’ve gotten a letter from Twily!”

Princess Mi Amore Caden- Cadence. Princess Cadence, and by Celestia if she never had to hear that absurd title again in her life it would be too soon, cheerfully trotted into her private chambers in the Crystal Palace, where her most handsome husband was vigorously applying a buffing cloth to his royal armor. “Ugh, I swear I can’t get this… wait, did you say a letter from Twily?” Shiny was never the best of listeners, but there wasn’t a single word in the Equestrian language that got his attention better than the name of his sister. “There’s no problems with that weird filly Princess Celestia sent her are there?”

“I wouldn’t know,” Cadence answered. “I haven’t even opened it.”

“Then go ahead. And would you mind reading aloud, dear?” Shining asked, his tone becoming flat again: indicating he had returned to cleaning his armor. “I swear, that is the last time I accept training advice from Pinkie Pie. I don’t care how effective pies are at helping somepony avoid missiles!”

Cadence just rolled her eyes. Personally, she really hoped Pinkie would keep it up. The training ground had been the funniest thing she’d seen in months. A quick touch of magic broke the seal and and uncoiled the thick scroll. Twilight apparently had quite a lot to talk to them about, and Cadence instantly squashed her natural worry for the poor filly. Celestia really needed to give Twilight a break one of these days. “Ahem. Dear Cadence and Shining Armor,” she began, putting on her best cute Twilight impression, which got a little snort of laughter out of Shiny.

“My work here with Sunset Shimmer has proceeded in an entirely unexpected, but positive direction. While I was initially concerned about the content of her actions, it turns out there is a deeply seeded desire in her to improve herself and atone for her misdeeds. Well, that’s certainly promising,” Cadence remarked, uncoiling a bit more of the scroll. “This has also led me down a new path of study of my own. For many years I have neglected certain physical needs in deference to the other intellectual pursuits I believed were more important. But I am now convinced I have done myself and the world a disservice by neglecting this all too important facet of pony culture.”

Shiny had stopped polishing his armor and was looking up at her with both eyebrows raised. Cadence continued unrolling the scroll, feeling a little knot of worry forming at her middle, and found her lips forming the words on the scroll automatically. “I have therefore begun a more thorough personal study on the subject of BDSM, as it is termed by a number of books I’ve found hidden away in my library. Sunset, it seems, is a strong example of a submissive and has been extremely enthusiastic in encouraging me to explore these concepts. I must admit, I didn’t think I would find the prospect of spanking another pony, or allowing them to tongue-worship my horn to be so exciting and invigorating, but it’s been an experience unlike any other.”

If Cadence had perhaps been any other pony, she might’ve stopped reading there. But she wasn’t just any other pony, and Twilight wasn’t just any other mare. There were far, far deeper connections now forcing her along, even as she tried to ignore… well, just how incredibly erotic it was. “Sunset has encouraged me to more fully share our experiences with somepony I trust, and while I deeply love Princess Celestia, I fear she might be a little too above it all to understand the depths of what I’m feeling right now. Though the exercise of power over another pony can be frightening at times, I cannot deny the pleasure I’ve gained from commanding her to lick me to a shivering orgasm, nor how much I enjoy correcting her firmly when she strays from proper behavior.”

Cadence felt her hoof straying, and in that moment realized with a pulse of shock exactly what Twilight was describing. She also realized that her body was reacting to those descriptions in a very deep, intimate way. A way that had resulted in her being rather… aroused. No, she had to be honest. Very aroused. “I have also begun to experiment with the subject of ropes and other accessories, which Rarity has been so kind as to provide me with a number of-”

“Ah, Caddy, dear,” Shining interjected, his deep voice cutting through the mesmerizing thoughts, though it was filled with awkward lilts. “You don’t have to keep on touchi-… reading, reading I mean.” Cadence felt embarrassment overtake her in that moment, and her hoof pulled suddenly away from her marehood, finding the tip almost dripping with arousal. Her eyes darted up to Shiny, who had turned his torso to face away from her and was looking over his shoulder with a stare of both shock and confusion.

She must’ve let her magic get away with her. That was clearly the ticket. There were advantages to being specialized in such magic, but occasionally things did get out of hoof. She tried to surreptitiously brush the moistness from her hoof into something that would absorb it, but found the nearby chair cushion to be unwelcoming to the moisture. Arousal turned to anxiety, and sudden concern for Twilight welled up in her chest stronger than it had been even when she had escaped her playpen when she had just been a foal. She had never, not once, expressed any sort of dominant attitude in Cadence’s presence. What in the name of the Goddess was going on in Ponyville?

Concern and worry galvanized her into action. “Shiny, I’m going to go tell the conductor to get the train ready. We need to get to Ponyville and find out what’s really going on.”

“Ah, about that ‘we’ bit…” Shining trailed off, and the shame in his voice was plain as Celestia’s sun. “You’d better go alone. I… I don’t think I’d be able to not seriously hurt that filly if she’s messed up my little sis’s head.”

Cadence knew it was a dodge. That was far from the thing most concerning Shining Armor right then… and if she was being honest, it was pretty far from the thing most concerning her too. “She’s going to need us both if she’s been manipulated, Shining Armor. She was there for us when Chrysalis…” She trailed away, and firmly stamped on that name. “We’re both going. Stallion up and get your dick in gear, Prince Armor, or I’ll tell Princess Luna about those pictures you took!”

“Woah! Hey, you don’t need to go waving those… Wait, how’d you know about that!?” Shining threw up his hooves before whirling on her in near horror… and of course, revealing what he’d been trying to hide.

Cadence couldn’t help but admire him for a moment. His physique was only one small part of why she loved him so very much, but she had to admit it was a very nice part. “Because you’re even worse than your sister at trying to hide things from me,” she purred back at him, flicking her tail as she marched toward the door. “Besides, you think I can’t appreciate something like that scene too? Now stow that baggage, soldier. We’ve got a mystery to solve.”

Chapter 8 - Trouble in Paradise

~~~~A few days later...~~~~

Sunset Shimmer didn’t necessarily enjoy humming for any particular reason, and she hadn’t been given to doing it while in the other world or as Princess Celestia’s student. But there was something about Ponyville that was just simply… upbeat. And it made the desire to hum impossible to ignore. Something about Ponyville just screamed out for musical accompaniment. So she did, murmuring a little tune that she made up as she went along.

Of course, her current attire and pleasure with such attire might have been responsible for her mood just as well. Courtesy of the ever observant Rarity, Sunset had procured a full dress and cute hat worn by the maids of upper class society. This of course meant it was lacy at the edges and provocatively revealing of her flank. And Sunset was right proud of her flank, as it seemed was Mistress, as she had taken a liking to Sunset wearing a vibrant pair of purple panties at any given moment. This was one of those moments.

Unfortunately, Mistress wasn’t at the library to admire Sunset as she worked, having said something about running out to ‘deal with the local chaos buffoon’. The work before her was easy enough, cleaning the library, especially with Spike helping. But unlike Spike, who wasn’t all too cheery about trudging up and down stairs with stacks of misplaced books, Sunset actually enjoyed dusting and polishing and, oh how much fun it was to maintain the shelving! Mistress liked a clean library and home, and if she could satisfy that desire, she was happy too.

“Ya know, that ridiculous getup you’ve got on,” Spike’s voice intruded into Sunset’s thoughts of Mistress in her nightgown and fuzzy slippers and stroking her mane slowly, “doesn’t it just get in the way of all the cleaning supplies?”

“Yeah, it does,” Sunset replied rather absently. He might not be outright rude to her anymore, but when Mistress wasn’t around, he still made it a point to be difficult. It was rather like having a little brother, or at least how Sunset imagined it would be like.

“Then you’re being pretty stupid for wearing it. Just get the job done already,” the dragon grumbled, putting away the wash bucket under the sink.

“I do it because Mistress Twilight likes to watch me while I work in it,” Sunset said pointedly. “And if she wants, I give.”

“Yeah… you know, I was gonna ask what you got in return, but I don’t even want to know,” Spike sighed in a frustrated way before walking off again. Ah well. Perhaps when Mistress decided to more thoroughly educate him on relationships and sex, he would understand. For now though, Sunset merely had to deal with him. She adjusted her skirt slightly and resumed her humming, even waggling her flank a bit to the beat. Mistress would certainly enjoy it if she came back right then. She idly considered taking a free moment to continue studying those cookbooks she found earlier, when…

Knock-Knock, Knock-Knock, Nocka-nock-nock!

Hum! I wonder who that could be. Most ponies didn’t knock at the door to the library, they just sort of walked in. Which might have been kind of fun given how she was dressed right now, but still. Odd. “I’ve got it, Spike!” she called out and received no verbal response. Likely he’d already retreated to his little bed and his comic books, which was just fine with her.

She trotted cheerfully over to the door, summoning up her best sunny disposition before swinging it open. “Good morning, and welcome to the Golden Oaks Library! How can I help… you?” Midway through her greeting, she actually looked at the two figures now towering in the doorway. “Oh, g-good morning Princess Cadence!” Sunset squeaked, feeling a little stab of dread at the stone-cold, serious look on Cadence’s face that was only slightly marred by her obvious surprise at Sunset’s dress.

Prince Armor, on the other hoof, was just outright staring at her, his jaw hanging slightly open as though he had begun to speak and couldn’t find the words. She had to admit, even as the Princess loomed over her, there was a little pleasure at still being able to make a stallion stop and stare like that. But as Cadence was looming over her, she refrained from leaning to the side to accent her thighs.

“Where’s Twilight?” was all the princess said in her hardest, most serious voice, advancing inexorably and driving Sunset back several steps to give way to her advance. Quite the far cry from the way she’d been the first time Sunset had met her. Sunset had her eyes swept across the library, and the princess spoke again. “Not here. That will make this easier.”

“Um, I’m glad to see you’ve come all this way to see…” Sunset hesitated. To request Mistress’ permission to address her as Mistress when around Spike was one thing, but Princess Cadence was quite a different cup of tea (it wouldn’t be a bad idea to go make some). Sunset would have to have been blind not to see the princess was upset about her. Not necessarily at her, just because of her. But in the spirit of remaining honest as Mistress stressed she ought always to strive to do, Sunset went ahead. “Mistress is off running an errand right now. I don’t know when she’ll be back. It’s why I was cleaning.” She waved the duster in her magic for emphasis.

That got a shocked look from Prince Armor, and only a cold shake of the head from the princess. “We’ll have to talk to her later then, but as for you missy…” Then she did it, the princess wheeled upon her and bent a hard, hot gaze upon Sunset. The princess’ voice descended into a hiss as she started to advance on her, her wings flaring out to their widest extent. “What have you done to my little Twily?” she snarled, her voice seething in its rage. “What kind of scheme are you plotting?”

Wonderful. This was just what she needed. Apparently Mistress had sent that letter. “I haven’t done a damn thing to Mistress,” Sunset protested, her own voice settling back into a tone she had almost always used in the old days. It was condescending, confident, and self-righteous. It was her defending her honor. To her credit, Sunset did keep her voice down and managed to reign in some of the edge, but it was still quite apparent. “She’s… I…”

“She’s a sweet, innocent little filly!” Cadence’s voice thundered, apparently not nearly as concerned with keeping her voice down as Sunset was. “I haven’t even had so much as the merest hint that she needed to be instructed on sexuality, and all of a sudden she’s talking about heavy kink? And you think I’m too stupid to see something is going on here?!” She was almost a force of nature in this attitude, and everything about her exuded power and control over her world. “Now if you do not start telling me what is going on, I’m going to...” She trailed off, leaving the threat hanging in midair.

Not that Sunset couldn’t be any less intimidating, and if she was being honest with herself, she could outdo Cadence if she really wanted to go down that route. But, Mistress would be very unhappy with her if she let her old self take control. So it was with a great exercise of self-discipline that Sunset answered. “For one, sex isn’t all it’s about. It’s a lot more than that, and both Mistress and I love each other more because of it. Second, so what if something is going on? I mean, ponies change right? I’m proof of that. And if a relationship is part of that change, isn’t that normal too? That’s what I always thought.”

“Relationship? Relationship!? Okay, I’ve had enough of this drivel. ” Cadence gave off an angry snort and stomped her hoof into the floor. Her eyes narrowed and she reared back, the full power of her position practically pouring off of her in waves and screamed, “TELL ME WHAT YOU’VE DONE TO HER YOU MANIPULATIVE CHANGELING SLUT OR I WILL-”

Sunset wasn’t even listening anymore. Oh… wow. Cat’s outta the bag now bitch… “So now I’m the slut! That’s rich! I’d love to know how you of all ponies found out your special talent was love! Can’t imagine it wasn’t anything to do with seducing and fucking every Celestia damned stallion you laid eyes on! Just because you don’t get it doesn’t mean it isn’t any less real.. for me or Mistress. So you can FUCK OFF now!”

Even through the haze of anger, she noted the prince backing off toward the doorway as Cadence came nose-to-nose with her. “I get it just fine! I get that a sweet little pony is suddenly fascinated with whipping and spanking, probably on the road to some scheme to turn her into a tyrant! Oh, and don’t even presume you know what it’s like doing what I do. Seeing countless broken hearts and shattered dreams because of creatures like you who use others up and then spit them out when you’ve gotten what you want!”

“Could’ve fooled me bitch!” Sunset was now screaming at her. “Half the broken hearts you’ve healed is probably from guilt after one night stands and the other half from accusing a pony in love of trying to… Oh! Just get the fuck out! I don’t even want to bring myself low enough to argue with somepony as sensitive as you. I’d break you like a twig, then I’d break HIM too!” She threw a rage-filled hoof in the direction of Prince Armor.

Cadence was almost on top of her as she said that, and suddenly the alicorn’s horn blazed to life with vibrant pink magic. It was magic potent enough that she could almost hear it vibrating in the air. “If you so much as touch my husband…” she whispered, her power pulsing in the air like a heartbeat. “I won’t hesitate to break your neck, little pony. Auntie Celestia or not, no one will threaten the one I love ever again.”

“Heh… sore with our incompetence are we?” Sunset simpered. Cadence may have been straddling her with a horn ablaze with furious magic, but Sunset had more than brute force in her arsenal. “You won’t let anypony threaten him, well guess what you ass…” Sunset hissed before popping right out from beneath Cadence’s stance and teleporting to the top of the stairs. “I WON’T LET YOU INSULT MY MISTRESS, AND THE LOVE WE HAVE!” Sunset knew a lot of spells that would make most mages cringe in distaste and even more that would leave psycopathic killers vomiting, and several hundred ran through her mind as she aimed her horn at Cadence...

The door slammed open with all the force of a hurricane, and a dark-garbed figure elegantly marched through it. The sight took the wind completely out of Sunset’s sails and given the gaping jaws on both Princess Cadence and Prince Armor, it was having a similar effect on them. Mistress wore a dress in a vivid midnight blue, as dark as Princess Luna’s coat, and a matching featureless slim silk collar. Her mane had been artfully styled up into a bun held together with a vibrant red ribbon and a silk rose. The dress she wore was tailored tightly to her body, sleeveless past her upper shoulders in ripples of silk that gave the illusion of the sky after the sun had fully set. Her legs were all clad in tight fishnet stockings and ending in sleek raised heel boots.

Her voice was quiet, but the power in it was as unmistakable. “Sunset. Down.” Her voice rolled through the library, and Sunset could have sworn the walls shook with the power of it. She was reminded in that moment that this was Mistress’ personal domain… and, belatedly realizing it, the literal heart of her power. In a haste she had previously only ever reserved for Princess Celestia, Sunset extinguished her horn and flew to her stomach, maid dress flaring out as she did so. A little, unintentional whimper escaped her lips as she gazed at Mistress, and she gazed back. She wasn’t happy with her, but neither was she about to let her pet be mistreated.

Mistress strode across the room with a liquid grace to where Cadence stood still gaping at her and came to a halt a few feet away. “I’m going to presume…” Mistress began, her voice still rumbling through the walls, “that this is all one very large, very awkward misunderstanding on your part, Cadence. And we’re going to proceed from that thought, because if I come to the conclusion that you came here to insult Sunset’s feelings when she has given every conceivable effort to improve herself as a pony…”

Mistress leaned up, and her growl did shake the walls, a rumbling that Sunset could have sworn would qualify as a minor earthquake. “You and I are going to share very unkind words, and then I am going to throw you out of my home.” She glanced around to see her brother staying well away from the conflict, and added, “And you too buddy for letting her.”

Cadence swallowed visibly, and the glow vanished from her horn. “I… Twilight, I’m…” She looked lost, glancing back between Sunset (still obediently crouched) and Mistress several times as the anger and rage ran out of her like molten metal from a cracked crucible.

Fortunately for her, Shining Armor rallied in the moment of awkward silence and quickly strode into the middle of the fray. “Twily, even you’ve got to admit that letter was straight up… um...” Was it Sunset’s imagination, or did a little color go into his cheeks then? “Well, really out of character for you, Twilight. Seriously.” Both of his eyebrows went up, trying to convey his shock. “I mean, I knew you were a little sheltered but-” He smacked his hoof over his mouth mid-word and looked sheepish. “Sorry, that was unfair of me.”

To her credit, Mistress took it in stride. She actually laughed softly and showed a touch of blush. “I realize that, Shiny. But I’d have thought you two would trust me to know when something wasn’t on the up and up.” She fixed a beady glare at Cadence, her eyes narrowing. “I have had more than my share of experience at dealing with clever manipulators, in case both of you have forgotten all of the insanity I’ve gotten up to the past few years. I very much doubt Sunset at her worst could have compared to what Discord could do.”

Princess Cadence winced away from Mistress, rubbing at her forehoof in shame. “I… I suppose that’s true. I just…” Then she stopped and really looked at Mistress’ dress. And then she really looked at Sunset’s attire. It was incredibly amusing to see the pieces fall neatly into place in real time, and Princess Cadence gave off a groan of frustration and sank down to her flank. “Oh, buck me, you two were going to have an evening together.” She smacked her face with her hoof, dragging it down to her chin in a comical manner. “By the Goddess, why didn’t I actually look at her?”

“We still are,” Mistress said with dangerous simplicity, her eyes narrowing.

Shining Armor planted his hooves on his waist and gave his sister a stern look. “That can wait, Twily. And don’t give me any guff, or do neither of you realize the can of worms you two have opened with this?” For the first time since she’d walked in the room, Mistress looked a little confused. Shining Armor nodded once at her. “Yeah, didn’t think so. Cadence, can I trust you to play it cool while I have a talk with her upstairs?”

Princess Cadence nodded numbly, still sitting near the stairs and looking like too many thoughts were running through her head. Mistress opened her mouth, probably to object, but shut it at the very serious look on Shining Armor’s face. Without another word, the two of them swept up the stairs past her, with Mistress pausing only to stroke her cheek with an encouraging smile before shutting the door firmly behind them.

The silence that followed was the most awkward one in Sunset’s life.

The Princess blew out a deep breath and hung her head. “I’m sorry, Sunset.” The words came utterly without prompting, or even without comment on her part. They were actually so sudden she jumped a little in place.

“I… I’m sorry too,” Sunset reciprocated. “I shouldn’t have let the old me come back so easily. I’m glad Mistress came though, ‘cause I would’ve only gotten worse.”

The princess nodded a little. “Did Twilight tell you about what happened at my wedding?” She turned around to face Sunset, the naked worry in her eyes instantly shocking.

“Um… yeah, just a bit. The important parts,” Sunset said, tilting her head to the side to rest it on her hoof. Fights always left her tired, even if they were short, and she won. In a way, she took it as Harmony’s punishment for ever getting into one in the first place.

Princess Cadence blew out another deep breath, her hooves tapping together nervously. “Ever since then, I’ve been… I’ve been scared that Chrysalis would come after Twilight. I knew she didn’t know much about sex, since Celestia never really got around to that part of her education… and I know better than anypony how vulnerable the untried can be to seduction.” She shivered a little. “I… I overreacted, and I’m sorry.”

Sunset actually allowed a cute string of giggles to come out. “You overreacted. I talked smack about your cutie mark… But I think Mistress knew more about sex than you gave her credit for. I just don’t she cared all that much about it before… welll…” A mischievous grin split her lips. Cadence was still obviously perplexed by the concept of bondage and the like, so why not needle her a bit to lighten the mood. “... until she found a new pet to keep her entertained.”

And then… Cadence reacted unexpectedly, a slow and gentle smile crossing her lips. “You really fell hard for her, didn’t you.” That wasn’t a question, it was a statement. Probably the only pony who would phrase it like that without assumptions. Cadence sighed dramatically, and gave off a surprisingly beautiful laugh. “Oh, Goddess. We’re all in so very much trouble now.”

“Look at the bright side though,” Sunset said, a real note of relief coloring her words as she actually thought about them. “At least we didn’t end up shooting at each other and blasting apart Mistress’ books. Oh, and what do you mean ‘trouble’?”

~~~~~~

“So, before you say anything, can I at least ask why in Luna’s night you didn’t stop the two of them?” Twilight sighed at her brother, more exasperated than angry at him. “And what’s the trouble? It’s done, over. They’ve probably already apologized at this point.”

Shiny shook his head, making sure the lock on the door was thrown and glancing around the room before speaking. “One, because I know my wife when she gets mad, Twily. If I’d tried to get between them, you would’ve come home to your poor brother pasted across one of your bookshelves.” Twilight visibly winced. So they’d gotten to that point. “Shields or no shields, Cadey packs a wallop when she’s got her mad on. As for the second bit…”

Shining Armor sighed, trotting over to her desk and chair and bonking his head into the desk. “I swear, when I get to Canterlot next, I’m going to have some words with the Princess.” Shiny looked up, wearily humorous. “Twilight, stop for a moment and think. What’s the big difference between you and every other pony out there? I mean, aside from your brains.”

“I wield one of the six most powerful magical artifacts in the world?” Twilight guessed. The Elements of Harmony weren’t exactly making duplicates of themselves, but Shiny was giving her a flat look that told her she’d guessed wrong. “No? … I… uh, I’m the only pony in Equestria raising a baby dragon?” Shiny raised his hoof, his jaw opening as if to speak before he simply face-hoofed. “Well, what in the world are you talking abou-”

Shiny’s horn came to life and Twilight felt a firm tug on her… Wings. Oh. Those. “But… but why does being an alicorn matter? I’m still a normal pony in here.” She tapped a hoof against her chest where her heart was (which she supposed in retrospect wasn’t a good idea given she was wearing heels). “I can still choose to love somepony.”

“Twily… I love you, but sometimes you really miss the obvious stuff.” Shining leaned against the desk with his head in his hoof. “Didn’t you ever wonder why me and Cadey took so long to make things formal? I mean, we’d been dating since Canterlot Academy.” He waved his hoof in the air, a look of weariness passing over his face. “We know you’re not any different, Twily. And I’m incredibly happy to see you’ve found somepony you consider special. But we’re not the ones who you need to worry about.” He pointed his hoof out the window, toward Ponyville. “They, on the other hoof…”

“It’s… I guess it’s not appropriate for a princess to be… ah, spanking her special somepony, even if we both like it…” Twilight answered with realization, though it was decidedly harder to look her brother in the eye, and a blush crept into her cheeks.

“Kinda, though it has a lot more to do with…” He sighed, and grinned faintly. “Politics sucks, Twily. Try to stay out of it if you can. Look, I’m not going to tell you to stop being with somepony you love and doing the things you love. Celestia knows me and Cadey…” He coughed, once, his grin not faltering. “Well, we get up to some interesting hijinx ourselves.”

“So what was that all about down there?” Twilight couldn’t help sounding offended. “If Cadence isn’t upset about the kink, why… I mean aside from Sunset herself. There’s more to it than that.”

Shiny rubbed his chin slowly, obviously trying to summon the right words. “It’s like this, Twily. You’ve been pretty insulated here in Ponyville. I mean, this place is weird even by Equestrian standards.” He eyeballed her, and there was an amused grin on his face. “But outside of here, things are a lot more complex than that. Cadence and I both know that the rumor mill can get pretty damn savage, even if you’ve been protected from it.” He folded his hooves together and gave her a frank look. “I don’t give a buck what you do in bed, Twily. Someponies, however, will use that as an excuse to advance other agendas.”

“It’s… it’s more than just at night, BBBFF,” Twilight said, trying to find words to accurately and succinctly explain Sunset, and why she loved her for that matter. “It’s… we’re like this all the time.”

Shining Armor tilted his head at her, nodding slowly. “Hm. Okay. Then if you’re really committed to that, we’ll do whatever we can to support you.” He stood up and crossed the room to stand next to her. “But you gotta be aware, there’s gonna be issues. Canterlot especially’ll eat you two up, crunch a bit, then spit you back out on a silver platter for the whole country to gawk at. There’s gonna be nasty letters, as many as there will be supportive ones. There’ll be tabloids and worse. Someponies really don’t know when to keep their noses out of otherponies’ business.” He smiled at her. “To be honest, me and Cadey have been dealing with that crap for a long time now. It does simmer down eventually, but you’re gonna be put through the wringer. Can you handle that?”

Twilight wanted to assure him that she would be fine. No problem. That she’d faced down the God of Chaos himself. But the way Shiny talked about it, the fact that he was her brother, made her stop to think a bit before answering. But in the end, she had still faced down the God of Chaos himself, who she imagined would be worse on any scale anywhere than some random magazine used solely to insult ponies. “I’ll be okay big brother. And it’s my job to make sure Sunset will be okay too.”

He nodded and gave her a fierce hug before pulling back. “Then you gotta promise me you’ll do two things. The first, is you need to write to Princess Celestia. Explain everything, and make sure she understands how important this is to you.” He arched an eyebrow at her, even as she felt blush creep into her cheeks… again. “And yeah, I know it can be hard to talk about that sort of thing with her, but trust me. It’s important. the second thing you need to do is make sure your friends know what’s up. I know they’ll stick by you, but they’re gonna be a part of the scrutiny. Scrutiny that could get awfully heavy in public opinion, and given that at least two of your friends have very public profiles, you might want to make sure they know what you’re getting into here.”

“I’m pretty sure Rarity already knows,” Twilight reassured him. “Applejack I”m not looking forward to telling, and Pinkie probably knew before either of us did, knowing her. And Rainbow and Fluttershy… heh, they kinda egged us on and, um… showed us things.”

“Okay, okay,” Shining cut her off. “And that’s another thing. I get that you needed to get your thoughts out on paper when you wrote the letter, but geez Twily, you don’t have to tell us everything.” He chuckled a bit at that… and had a decidedly bright blush in his cheeks too. “I mean… seriously, when did you learn how to write like that? It was… um.” His voice halted, and he held up his hooves helplessly.

“I just wrote what I felt and thought,” Twilight replied. “I didn’t mean to… well… Wait… Did you? Oh!” She felt shock course through her, as she put the pieces together. “You did not! And I bet Cadence was right there too!”

Shiny tapped his hooves together sheepishly, almost muttering. “She was the one reading the letter. And she was just as bad off as I was.” He glanced to the side, looking the most embarrassed she’d ever seen him. “Not my fault it sounded really, really hot the way she was reading it…”

“I’m gonna tell her you… you… oh Celestia,” Twilight breathed out, half amused, half bewildered. “Just give a straight answer Shiny. Did you clop off to my letter?”

“Well, um…” He winced a little, and put on his best friendly grin. “Kinda, yeah. I mean… I sure as heck wasn’t the only one who did either!” he huffed out, crossing his forelegs over his chest. “When Cadence gets like that, it’s really, really hard to control little Shiny. That magic of hers does things to me.”

“You know you just gave me the best ammo a sister could ask for right?” Twilight now fully laughed. “I’m never gonna let either of you live it down! Haha! C’mon BBBFF, I want to talk to Cadence, and I’m sure she wants to talk to me.”

~~~~~

“So. That’s how things will stand,” Cadence said quietly, her hooves folded over themselves and a serious look on her face. “Celestia will be able to help some, and so will we, but the entire world is going to come down on your heads here. I need… I’m asking you, Sunset, to promise me you will take care of her.” The princess ducked her head, her eyes squinting shut. “I know Twily. She’s not going to let this go for anything, and I know just how far she’d drive herself to protect others… but… but…”

“You never had to ask, Princess,” Sunset replied, her words somewhat muffled against her hooves and the wood floor. “I’ll always want to take care of Mistress.”

Cadence smiled faintly. “Tell me truthfully, Sunset. Is she really that natural of a dominant? Given how she always acted around Celestia, I was convinced she was a submissive at heart. It actually kind of concerned me.” She blew out a sigh, plopping her head in her hoof. “She gets so worked up over the oddest things, to the point of anxiety attacks and panic.”

“Oh, Mistress is a great mistress!” Sunset positively beamed. “She pets me all the time and does my mane and tail up. And, Mistress always thanks me for everything, even the little things. She tells me what to do and is always very clear about it, but even when I mess up, she just comes over, shows me the right way, and orders me to do it again. And…” she felt her blush and was glad it was harder to see in a golden coat. “... she spanks me awfully hard…”

Cadence threw up a hoof and laughed softly. “I know! I read that in her letter.” She rolled her eyes a little, but there was a tiny smile on her face. “Sunset, I meant what I said last. She’s prone to anxiety and panic when things start getting really out of control. I need to know you can handle her when she gets that way. She’s been prone to do some very, very irrational things in those states and with what you two are going to face...” She winced. “I don’t need reports of her turning a crowd of reporters or protesters into rocks.”

“It… it confused me the first time it happened,” Sunset confessed, remembering that day in Fluttershy’s cottage. “She was hitting me one second, and I was almost going to finish, but then she bolted out the door. Rainbow Dash went after her, and I don’t know what they talked about or did, but she came back, just the way she’d been before. I guess it’s just a temporary thing.”

Cadence shook her head slowly. “Sunset, I need you to focus. Rainbow Dash knows how she can get, and she can definitely calm her down. But there will be times when you two are alone, and she gets that way.” Cadence leaned in toward her, coming almost as close as she’d been earlier. “I need you to promise you’ll talk to her friends, and also come up with your own methods. The last few times she got really fixated, she cast a Want It, Need It spell and a Time Travel spell developed by Star Swirl. And that was before she ascended. I do not wish to contemplate what she might cast now.”

“Mistress told me about the Want It Need It,” Sunset said in pure awe. “But she never said anything about Star Swirl’s Time Travel! I didn’t know normal ponies had enough power to…” She smiled sheepishly at her own tangent, switching back to the topic at hoof. “But… what would I do? Just, stroke her back? Sleep?”

Cadence’s voice was soft. “She loves you. Give her something to focus on other than her anxieties. Break the self-perpetuating cycle somehow. I can’t tell you what will or won’t work, you’re just going to have to learn that yourself.” She tilted her head to one side, then blew out a breath. “They’re coming down, I can hear the door.”

“Do you really think she’ll be cross with us, Princess?” Sunset asked with a little shiver of dread. It was only made worse knowing she would deserve it.

“Knowing Shiny? Hopefully not,” she replied musingly as the door to the upstairs swung open to the sound of gentle laughter and a weary sigh from Shining Armor. The pair of them descended the steps, with Mistress stopping next to her, and Shining going all the way down. “So?” Cadence asked sharply, her eyes on her husband.

“Yeah, she’s sticking to it. So what’s our next move?” Shining Armor replied just as swiftly, his tone all business as he came down to ground level.

The princess tilted her head and stood up quickly. “Damage control. I’ll handle the mayor and the pegasi. You go deal with any journalists that are lurking around, tell Pinkie Pie to politely keep her mouth shut, and see if you can’t wrangle some co-operation from Filthy Rich.”

“I love not being on duty anyplace,” Shining almost sang. “No rules, no restrictions.”

“I’m not going to hide, Cadence,” Mistress declared. “And neither will Sunset, or our relationship. We’ll take the fire and come through.” With the barest movement, Sunset wrapped her forelegs around one of Mistress’ own netted forelegs. It made things feel better.

Cadence smiled brilliantly at the both of them. “Oh, I am fully in support of that. But that doesn’t mean buying a little time for us to get some protection for you and your pet in place isn’t a good move. You’ll want some time to get more settled into things, before those fires come… Besides. It gives me an excuse to stay in town a little longer and further your education.” Cadence clapped her hooves together with a positively wicked grin on her face. “Now that I don’t have to worry about Auntie’s silly restrictions on teaching you, I can finally give you some real lessons in my speciality!”

“You said your specialty was mending broken love,” Sunset smirked from between Mistress’ legs.

Cadence tossed her mane very fetchingly as she grabbed her husband by the collar and hauled him toward the door. “Why, it is,” she idly commented, stopping at the door to turn a blazing eye toward the pair of them. In that moment, Sunset could not help but feel a strange burning heat of desire in her stomach as Cadence spoke in a low, smoky voice, “And I’m certain by the time I’m done teaching Twilight, she will be very good at breaking you and putting you back together.” And with a sly smirk, she whisked out the door and into the night.

Author's Note

Hey guys, Inky Jay here! As this is a clopfic, Lapis and I are right proud of the sexy bits we cooked up for this story, but as a personal note, this chapter (particularly the argument scene) was my favorite portion of this fic to write. I hope you guys are still enjoying the work we've put into this, and are anticipating the chapters to come.

Cheers!

Chapter 9 - Wait. Today's my what?

~~~~A week and a half later...~~~~

Morning again. Just like yesterday, and the day before that, and the day before that. Sunset Shimmer hadn’t had a routine since she’d been Princess Celestia’s student, and she liked having that consistency back. Today was Thursday, or so she thought. She wasn’t really all that awake yet. She blinked her eyes several times in rapid succession, holding them open at the last. A yawn escaped her, as did a desire to stretch. It was only when she sat up that she became fully, or at least semi-alert, to the morning world around her.

Mistress wasn’t sleeping next to her. And Sunset knew that wasn’t right. Even if Mistress woke before her, she would still wait in bed for Sunset to wake so they could go eat breakfast together. Sunset’s second instinct was to the eye the clock. Noon! Already! She’d slept until noon! It was outright embarrassing for her, and she couldn’t understand why Mistress hadn’t woken her at some point, even if she had eaten breakfast without her.

Sunset pelted for the shower, washing and adjusting her mane and shaking the last vestiges of sleep from her eyes. It was only after having shampooed herself three times over (she never did think the smell of late sleepers came out easily… and truth be told, she liked hot water all over her pony form) and stepping from the shower with her senses now somewhat soothed by the warm water that she noticed the note. Scrawled in Mistress’ horn writing were simple enough words. “Wear what I have for you in the closet. Love you, little one.” It brought a small grin to Sunset’s face, and she tucked the note behind her ear as she used magic to dry her mane and tail.

Once it had returned to its voluminous self, Sunset peered into the closet. The outfit hung alone, as her outfits always did. Mistress stored everything else in a basement cupboard, preferring only to take what she would need the night before. But, to Sunset’s mild disappointment, the attire was decidedly less erotic than many of the other things Mistress told her to wear. There were some sheer stockings, and the dress itself did cling fetchingly to her curves, but it was the sort of thing one would wear to a party to attract the eye of a stallion (or mare, as was Sunset’s case). And it was certainly not working decoration, even if the corset built into the dress was very fetching on her. Mistress was quite adamant about work clothes remaining work clothes, no matter how frilly and cute.

But Mistress obviously found something pleasing about it, and Sunset would not make her upset over something as silly as a dress. Besides, she reasoned to herself, maybe she’s taking me out and wants to follow Princess Cadence’s advice about being a little more discreet in public. If that were the case, Sunset would do her best to have her figure shown to be very much belonging to Mistress.

So with thoughts of brunch and hip-swaying occupying her mind, Sunset ventured out of Mistress’ room. And into an explosion.

Well, that was a generalization. She had stepped into a noise and confetti explosion. And there were a few balloons too. Ponies were everywhere in the lobby, all talking and drinking amiably. The balloons, all in Mistress’ favorite shade of violet, had been tied to every conceivable surface, and confetti littered the floor like a light dusting of rainbow colored sand. The lobby had become home to several tables with cookies and salad, and a small gramophone played a soft record that… It was Sunset’s favorite album from Missy Two-Tone and Lady Melody.

Why were all these ponies here listening to something so, admittedly, old? Was it a get together of some of Mistress’ Canterlot friends? That still didn’t explain the smooth jazz. She had known she was different among the fillies her age for liking it all those years ago. Sunset slinked down the stairs, not wanting to make a scene if this was an official or business party. It didn’t look like one to her, but if Pinkie Pie had done up the place, it wasn’t all that surprising. Mistress was a princess after all, so it would make sense she would be need to meet with important royalty from time to time. But… wait, why were Lyra and Bon-Bon here?

Gaaaaaaaasp “THERE YOU ARE!” Her vision was filled with pink, fluffiness, and manic energy a mere instant later, and before she could do more than open her mouth with surprise, she found herself tumbling ass over teakettle as Pinkie Pie literally glomped her. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SUNNY!” Pinkie crowed at the top of her voice.

“What? Who’s birthday?” Sunset asked, her eyes adjusting to the odd shadow cast by Pinkie’s erratic mane. “No, no, no. Not mine Pinkie. Who is the party for?”

“Why, you, Sillyface!” Pinkie giggled, wiggling her tail enticingly back and forth. “I was just putting together your party finally, cuz I got so busy with the Cakes’, and Rumble’s birthday was a week ago, and that took forever to plan and there was so much frosting to clean up and-” gaaaaasp “Then I got a letter from Princess Celestia, which was so cool and she told me your birthday was gonna be like TODAY, and I was all like no way! And she was all like Yes, way! You should totes do something for her and so I was all like Okie-dokie-lokie! And so I talked to Twilight and Lyra and Vinyl and Big Macintosh and Cherry Berry and Davenport and Mr. Cake and-”

Princess Celestia does not say, “Yes way…” Oh! “It really is my birthday isn’t it?” she asked Pinkie, a shred of lingering confusion and doubt coloring her excitement. “I… I don’t even know how old I am to be honest.”

“NO WAY!” Pinkie nearly exploded, her face coming inches away from Sunset’s. “We have to fix this!” She hopped off Sunset and offered her a hoof before yanking her up and dragging her to the only round table at the party. “Everypony! Let’s get a good ol’ fashioned, super loud happy birthday for Sunset Shimmer here! She needs to count the candles!”

“But Pinkie, you wouldn’t know how many -” The rest of her words were drowned out as the crowd of ponies focused first on Pinkie, then her, before raising a shatteringly loud, “Happy Birthday, Sunset Shimmer!” She blushed and rubbed her leg with her hoof a little. Attention from Mistress suited her just fine, but this many ponies was a bit more than she was used to.

“Now hurry up and see how old you are!” Pinkie urged her closer to the cake (a five layered beast with smooth vanilla icing, chocolate ganache, and raspberries on top). And sure enough, a very particular amount of candles were arranged in a spiral pattern on top. Sunset noticed they were in the same blue as Mistress’ favorite outfit for her…

Twenty-seven. Pinie had placed twenty-seven candles on her cake. She didn’t feel that old… and how in Equestria did Pinkie know? She didn’t even know herself anymore. But then, it was Pinkie, and Sunset had learned one simply did not question Pinkie Pie. She just was. “I’m… I’m twenty-seven I guess,” Sunset said.

“HAPPY TWENTY-SEVENTH BIRTHDAY, SUNSET SHIMMER!” the crowd roared again, taking up a cheer at the end. “For she’s a jolly good pony, for she’s a jolly good pony! For she’s a jolly good PO-NY! That, nopony can deny!” they chanted at her in a traditional earth-pony sort of way. Which was odd, but actually kind of nice.

“I’ve got all the presents over in that corner!” Pinkie gleefully said, directing Sunset’s attention to one portion of the library, but before she could see anything, Pinkie proceeded to attempt to show her where the games, other food, music, and most importantly, the booze were all hanging out.

Fortunately, midway along this whirlwind tour of the party, the pair of them ran headlong into… “Morning, sleepyhead,” Mistress said in a gentle, loving tone. Sunset was instantly glad that it was Pinkie that had taken the brunt of the crash, because the way Mistress was dressed up in that shimmery dark blue dress she’d worn when Cadence had arrived was… She gulped a little, swallowing the thought. “C’mere and give a birthday morning hug,” Mistress gave her permission, and Sunset was in her waiting hoof within seconds, nuzzling contentedly against her neck.

She nearly jumped when she felt a firm pair of lips nip at her neck and felt a shock race up her spine. She was… shocked that Mistress was getting that intimate in public, except- “Oh, my goodness. You were right, Twi. She looks so cute like that…” The vaguely familiar voice snapped her out of her reverie, revealing a broadly grinning Lyra Heartstrings, dragging her marefriend Bon-Bon along with her. “Oh, please. Don’t mind me,” she cooed, twisting a lock of her spiky mane somehow around her hoof.

“That’s mean, Lyra,” Bon-Bon half scolded her with a gentle thwap across the back of Lyra’s head. “They were having a moment.”

“Come on, Bons. Don’t be such a killjoy. I’m sure they’ll get plenty of ‘moments’ later this evening,” Lyra quipped back. Nopony said anything, Bon-Bon rolling her eyes and Sunset doing her best not to blush too heavily. Lyra glanced back and forth between the three of them twice, paused, and burst into heartily amused laughter. “You guys are great! For real though Twi, she’s cute.”

“Pet, I’m certain you’ve met Lyra and Bon Bon before,” Mistress quipped dryly. “Girls, do be nice to her, would you? We’re still...” She shifted a little, so Sunset could look up at her… and see Mistress smiling down at her. “Adjusting. I was wondering if you two would be willing to help her meet some other folks in town tonight?”

“Adjusting my sexy flank!” Lyra said frankly. “You two’ve got it goin’ on!” She proceeded to dance a small jig, as if this somehow emphasized her point.

“Of course we’ll help her, Twilight,” Bon-Bon said more evenly, with a kind smile for Sunset. “But she seems to get along with all of your friends well enough. And she’s been by my shop once or twice.”

“That’s where I got the candies for you, Mistress,” Sunset added perkily.

Mistress chuckled softly, nodding. “Yes, but we’ve got some ponies here outside my usual circle, and you two know most of them much better than I do. Two in particular.” Her eyes focused across the room, with a slow smile on her face. “I’ve actually been wanting an introduction myself. I don’t suppose you could assist?”

“Oh, you mean Vinyl and Octavia?” Lyra asked, the realization dawning in her eyes. “You sure your, um… pet, Oh Celestia, it’s so cute! Sorry. No, like, you sure Vinyl won’t be too intense for your pet, Twi?”

Mistress grinned a little. “Rainbow Dash assured me she would be ‘cool’. And since I would trust Dash to know what we can’t handle or not, given that she’s been my very best tutor…” She paused and giggled brightly. “Oh, how incredibly absurd that sounds, but so true! To think, Rainbow Dash as my tutor in something other than flying.”

“She’s very talented, Twilight,” Bon-Bon said with her own small grin. “And she really is a natural teacher, even if she doesn’t want to admit it. Foals just gravitate toward her.”

“Shall we find Vinyl then?” Lyra piped up. “She’ll dig that getup on Sunset for sure.”

Mistress nodded, and the little knot of them began to move through the party. All around her, ponies smiled and waved at her and Mistress, who was keeping her very close by. Touching, most of the time, side by side as they walked. Gradually, Sunset began to notice an odd pattern in the room. The couples were all… well, not unconventional, there were plenty of stallions and mares together, but there were quite a few pairs of mares and stallions too. Likewise were there ponies in odd forms of dress, forms that she recognized as being of a distinctly kinky slant thanks to the exhaustive research she’d been doing. And everypony in the room seemed… comfortable with one another, in an odd way. She couldn’t quite put her hoof on it yet, but…

“Ayo, Lyres! Bons! And- Whoa-ho-ho-ho, izzat the birthday girl?” Sunset turned around to come face to face with a pure white coated unicorn with a pair of extremely expensive designer shades hiding her eyes and a wide smile across her face. “Daaaaaayum, Princess. Where in the world did you fish this sweet filly out of? She is all kinds of fly.”

“Vinyl Scratch, I presume?” Mistress held out her ever polite hoof.

“Yeah! That’d be the one,” Vinyl replied, firmly hoofbumping Mistress instead. “DJ, party pony, an’ music genius extra-ordinare, at yer service.” She waggled her eyebrows at Mistress suggestively. “So, c’mon. Spill the beans. I gotta get over to the pond you found this hot stuff in.” Though she couldn’t see Vinyl’s eyes, it wasn’t hard to tell she was drinking in every possible curve Sunset had. She found herself rubbing her foreleg again.

Mistress’ smile was faintly amused. “She’s one of a kind, I’m afraid. Though I suppose you might be able to meet other strong magical unicorns in Canterlot,” her tone drawled out, almost teasingly. “Though I’ve already snatched up the very best of them for myself.” Her hoof curled around Sunset possessively, pressing her against her side. Sunset leaned into it, adoring every little touch between her and Mistress’ silky dress.

There was a brief moment of silence, and Vinyl gave off a low rumbling chuckle. “And here I thought Pinks and Dashie were pulling my leg.” She cocked her head to one side, and with a fearless grin lifted up her shades to reveal bright, almost pure red eyes. A shockingly rare eye color in any pony, but especially in unicorns. “Nice to see they were right.”

“Did… were you bitten by a vampony?” Sunset asked, her inherent curiosity blurting the words before she could reign them in. Mistress gave her a warning glare, with her hoof curling in tightly against her shoulder, squeezing it to the point of pain for just a moment before releasing.

Vinyl laughed heartily, a deep, almost baritone sound that rumbled out of her chest. “Oh, Faust no. Born this way, I’m afraid. My madpony love of staying up all bucking night and seducing pretty young fillies notwithstanding. Though being a vampony? Man, that’d be totally boss.” She bared her teeth and affected a ludicrous accent. “Vant to suck your… Vell, everything!” she chuckled brightly again, slapping the ground with her hoof. “Hah! Still, I’m glad to see you two are immune to the usual bullpuckey. Means I can be easy with ya.”

“Easy? What’s hard then?” Sunset asked. She was never one to back down from a challenge unless of course it was Mistress, but she couldn’t fathom why Vinyl would phrase it so awkwardly.

The cultured voice that rolled out of the crowd in response was a shock then. “What she means is she was testing to see how you two reacted to her getting a touch fresh with you.” Sunset turned her head to regard… The grey coated mare that waltzed out of the crowd in an absolutely stunning red gown, done up in glittering sequins and tailored so tightly to her body that when her hips swayed it gave off a little shower of light.

She wore a bright white collar with a cute coral-pink bowtie, and if Sunset wasn’t very good friends with Rarity, she would have been tempted to call her the single most elegant and classy pony she’d ever met. There was a certain grace about her. One not learned and practiced, but natural and instinctive. Her walk was some pure mixture of that grace and sensuality that was enough to make even Sunset gape at her a little. The mare lifted a hoof to place gently on Vinyl’s shoulder and smiled beautifully. “My dear DJ here is not always as subtle about her little games as she ought to be, but I forgive her anyway.” She leaned in to plant an oh-so-gentle kiss on Vinyl’s cheek. “You ran off on me, you brute,” she whispered teasingly at Vinyl. “You think I can move quickly in this thing?”

"Maybe she should have a leash like me?” Sunset proposed, and she noticed she still needed to get one properly fixed onto her collar. Mistress couldn’t truly keep her at her beck and call without one.

The pair instantly burst into giggles, and the pure ease they were with one another was actually making Sunset a little envious. “Oh, goodness! Now that would be a sight.” The gray mare - Sunset was certain that had to be Octavia - giggled.

“I’d probs end up tearing her leg off or something looking for booze!” Vinyl guffawed.

“Not everypony is like you, little pet,” Mistress whispered to her, brushing through her mane a bit.

But then Octavia grinned wickedly at them both, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Yes, dear. I’d much rather be the one wearing the leash, if we are to be honest with each other here.” She eyeballed Vinyl, who had a slow smile of her own. “Which is what we agreed upon, yes, beloved?”

“Totes. Tavi gets the leash. I get the stick,” Vinyl agreed, but with a sly look to Mistress, added, “Most of the time…”

“You guys are great,” Lyra laughed. “I don’t think Bons and I would ever be up to it though. I like my mare just like she is.”

“What? Covered in chocolate sauce?” Bon Bon retorted, getting into the spirit of things. “Perhaps I ought to borrow some of Vinyl’s toys to get you into line!”

“Hey! That whole desert thing was completely your idea,” Lyra rebuffed in a fake huff. “And it was a pain to clean up afterward too…”

“Everypony doesn’t mind… me and Mistress?” Sunset said, a note of appreciation and awe filling her tone. Never had she known there were so many ponies in Ponyville alone so accepting of her particular desires. Pinkie must have really searched far and wide to find them all.

“Yeah, we’re chill,” Vinyl waved a nonchalant hoof. “Now, we gotta have us a chit-chat with Lyres and Bons about some important stuff for you two.” She grinned. “An’ don’t ask, it’s a surprise. We’re gonna make some plans to get together regular, so you two can get to know the in-crowd in Ponyville. Send that dragon of yours over to Bons’ place for the details tomorrow.” She waved, her hooves grabbing Lyra and Bon Bon around the neck and dragging them away with a softly giggling Octavia.

Mistress gently tugged at Sunset’s shoulder, leading her off into the party to meet more of the ponies, or at least the ones Mistress knew. She really needed to get a leash for her collar. All of the ponies they met were of a less extreme variety than Vinyl and Octavia, but all of them shared the single glowing acceptance of them as a couple. In a way, Sunset had almost prepared herself to be hated again for whatever reason, be it being a pervert or seducing the newest princess. Princess Cadance hadn’t exactly banished those thoughts, instead building upon them with her warnings of the coming heat. But everypony in the library now were more than open to the relationship Mistress and she displayed, many even going out their way to compliment them both and even asking Mistress if they could pet Sunset. It was the world Sunset had dreamed of, but one she’d never thought she’d see, let alone be allowed to be a part of.

Part of that world of course, was friends. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy trotted toward them in cute synchronization, and for the umpteenth time since that fateful meeting in Fluttershy’s cottage, Sunset resolved to see them both happily paired off. She had already devised a number of ingenious strategies and was currently working on how best to deploy them. It was the very least she could to do repay them for what they’d given her… and Mistress. “Hey you two!” Dash said first, coming to a halt with a cute little dance of her hooves. Her eyes traveled across their outfits, and she chuckled. “Geeze, I really gotta get Rarity to fix something like that up for us. Only, you know. Twe-” Fluttershy fixed Dash with a stern look, and Dash smiled sheepishly. “Um. More my style.”

“Actually, I got my pet’s dress from Canterlot this time,” Mistress surprised the three of them. “It was supposed to be for me I think. A gift from a noble. But I liked the look of it and wanted to see it on her.”

“We have a gift too,” Fluttershy said, a genuinely cheery smile lighting her features as she pulled the parcel from under her wing.”It’s um… Well, we thought you might like it. It was our first, too. We think it’s appropriate to pass it on.” Her eyes crinkled a little in the smile, almost misty eyed in nostalgia.

“Handing off of the torch,” Rainbow affirmed with a smile of her own. “Yanno, next generation and all that.”

Mistress blinked and took the box, then glanced at Sunset. She nodded once, and Mistress carefully used her magic to unwrap the slim little box. Beneath the paper was what looked like a white jewelry box, plain and unadorned, but long like it was for a dragon’s cane. Mistress lifted the lid and revealed… “Oh…” Mistress murmured softly, the sleek black cord of heavily braided fabric, leading from a simple hoof loop to a glittering steel ring-clip brushing her hoof. “This was yours?” she quietly asked the pair, who both nodded at her happily, and Mistress blushed brightly. “Girls…”

“Well, what are ya waitin’ for?” Dash said, wiggling her hooves in excitement. “C’mon, Twi. I know she’s got a collar ring on that thing.” Mistress gave a little start, and Dash fixed her with a look. “Cuz I know you, egghead. You plan for everything even if you don’t admit it. Now c’mon. That filly wants that thing on her, or my name’s not Rainbow Dash.”

“You can’t have such a good pet getting lost in this crowd,” Fluttershy said, nodding her head at Mistress’ suppressed delight.

“Well, sit down then and lift your chin up like a good filly,” Mistress said to Sunset sternly, though there was a distinct twinkle in her eyes. Sunset did as she was told, waiting to hear the resounding, sharp clink and the unique pressure around her neck. Click “Okay, up you get now,” Mistress commanded and a tug against her collar sent wave upon wave of bliss through Sunset. She was certain she was visibly shaking from excitement. “You look gorgeous,” Mistress said, stroking her mane. Her magic was gripping various parts of the leash, experimenting with the best way to hold it. “I want you to promise to obey me when I pull on this,” she said. “And also promise you’ll tell me when you feel uncomfortable with it.”

“I will, Pinkie Pie Promise,” Sunset replied, making all of the appropriate gestures for the promise. “But I’m going to always feel comfortable with you holding onto me, Mistress.” Really, it was a silly thing to ask of her… but she supposed Mistress had her reasons.

“Silly filly,” Mistress chuckled, ruffling Sunset’s mane. “Thank you girls,” Mistress turned her attention back to Dash and Fluttershy, both of whom had positively huge smiles on and were holding one another’s hooves. “It means a lot that it was your first one. And you’re right Fluttershy… I don’t want to lose such a beautiful pet.”

“Keep it tight then!” Rainbow insisted earnestly. “And give her a good pull if she tries to get punch without your permission.” She mimed the gesture, and Sunset was amused to see Fluttershy almost instinctively pull herself closer to Dash.

“Don’t worry about the punch, Dash,” Mistress said. “I have rules about when my pet can drink.”

“Oooh! Nice!” Dash breathed, impressed. “Well, I don’t, so Flutters and I are going to go grab a few shots. See ya round I’m sure!”

“Come by some time Sunset, if its okay with your mistress,” Fluttershy said as she began trotting after Rainbow.

~~~~~

The party was going so much better than she had imagined it would. Pinkie had insisted she knew exactly who to invite, and so far hadn’t disappointed in the least. Everypony present seemed to either understand, or be into some kind of strangeness of their own, and it was a comforting thing to know that even if things got heavy, Ponyville would still be a welcoming place.

It was kinda funny too, as she felt her magical grip slowly run down the upper length of the braided leash, how so simple a thing could have such a profound effect on a pony. Sure, she had been protective and even affectionate for Sunset before now, but… something about holding the thing made her feel much more than just that. There was a sense of responsibility, of pride in the pony who was trying so very hard to better herself. Certainly, she’d focused a lot of that energy into being submissive toward Twilight, but… well, foal steps. Nopony could instantly improve themselves, and if this is what Sunset needed to focus herself on her task, then Twilight was very okay with that.

She just had to be careful to make sure it didn’t get out of hoof. Go to her head, so to speak.

Fortunately, so far that hadn’t happened, and she was determined not to let it ruin her good mood. So she focused instead on other things, positive things. LIke how wonderful it felt to have Fluttershy and Dash firmly behind them, or how touching it was that Pinkie had instantly understood the kind of boost they needed to get on firm hoofing with this thing. She had to think up some way to thank all three of them later. Of course, that did leave…

As though her thoughts summoned her, there stood Applejack. And not far from her was Big Macintosh, who appeared to be ‘guarding’ her back as it were… but was only succeeding in being eyed by a pair of mares in sleek dresses that only barely concealed the fetish nature of their clothing. In fact, they were starting to kiss one another and make inviting glances toward the farmpony… and he was doing a very poor job of ignoring them.

Applejack on the other hoof, was very much focused on Twilight. The silence was a little awkward, but… Applejack sighed and fidgeted with her hat. “I ain’t gonna pretend t’ understand it,” she began in a rueful voice. “But I don’t rightly understand Pinkie Pie much either. Doesn’t mean I don’t love that silly pony fer alla’ that.” A faint smile crossed her face then turned serious again. “Jes’ tell me one thing, Miss Sunset. I want t’ know that you love this filly as much as Dash think’s ya do. No fancy language, jes’ plain speakin.”

Twilight let the leash slacken for the moments Sunset spoke. And she very determinedly did not look at Sunset. How her pet answered this question should be hers and and hers alone. “I love my Mis - I love Twilight more than anypony I have ever met. I wouldn’t want anypony else even if they offered me the world to give her up,” Sunset said, resolute. And Twilight could not help her face beam.

Applejack tilted her head a little, then nodded and turned with a stolid look to Twilight. “An’ I want t’ hear the same from you, Twilight. Not that I don’t trust her, or you fer that matter, but it’d do my ticker good to hear it straight from the pony’s mouth.” Applejack’s hoof came up again to nervously adjust her hat, but there was a raw determination there that Twilight knew well.

“I… I can’t say the same thing as Sunset, Applejack,” Twilight began, and she cringed at the horror and hurt she could feel radiating off Sunset. “But that’s only because I’ve never had a special somepony before. You want my honest answer Applejack. I don’t want to have another one. She’s the first and only.” And just where the fear had been moment’s before, Twilight could sense the pure relief and joy rolling from Sunset.

Applejack’s mouth turned into a faint grin. “Reckon’ I can’t fault ya that, Twilight.” She nodded once, firmly. “Alright then. That’s all this ponygirl needed t’ know. You’ll both always be welcome on the farm, no matter what shakes down the tree. But, if ya do stop by, try not ta…. ya know… be obvious ‘round Granny. I’d like to keep mah hide fer a coupla years more.” Applejack’s grin was a little sheepish then. “An’ I don’t need Applebloom gettin’ any funny ideas. She’s got enough of those already.”

Twilight felt her cheeks go a little red. Yes, they really did need to be careful about the Crusaders. “Agreed,” she said fervently, trying to imagine what Rarity might do to her if Sweetie Belle started asking about being spanked.

“Just the leash?” Sunset pleaded, her eyes turning up to Twilight in that special way that Twilight found so hard to resist. With those big, glittering eyes and that cute smile and… Oh, Celestia damnit.

She eyeballed Applejack, who was rubbing at her chin. “We’ll manage,” she concluded with a faint smile. “Look… Twilight, Sunset, I ain’t a terribly complicated pony, but I know the real stuff when I see it. You two got it.” She reached out with her hooves, taking Sunset’s hoof in one, and Twilight’s in the other. “Treasure it. Hang onto it. An’ don’t let nopony tell ya different about it.” She winked and tipped her hat. “Now, I’m gonna go get me some of Pinkie’s treats. Y’all have a great party. We’ll break out the whisky an’ talk about the nuptials later.” And then she was gone into the crowd, leaving poor Big Macintosh to be slowly cornered by the pair of mares.

“Mistress?” Sunset asked, Twilight noting a hopeful but confused tone in her pet’s voice.

“Yes, little one,” she turned to her, taking up her grip on the leash again.

“We… can we… Ponyville will let us get married?” Sunset asked, almost disbelieving.

“Of course,” Twilight replied, cocking her head. “Why wouldn’t they?”

“... wouldn’t in Canterlot,” Twilight barely caught the tail end of her pet’s mutter.

“They would if we asked Celestia,” Twilight said with a firm, determined voice. “And I know she would do it, too. And knowing Celestia…” She grinned slightly. “She’d make a huge public event out of it. Cadence could even do the ceremony, and there wouldn’t be a single pony amongst them who’d be able to doubt her judgement on love.” She winked at her pet, feeling a fierce fire in her veins. “But to be honest? I’d rather do it here. This is home.” She gently stomped her hoof into the rough wood of the library floor. “And it always will be.”

~~~~~~

Mistress was over at the table where the cookies had been set up (or moved, at this point Sunset wasn’t sure), and she was chatting with somepony Sunset didn’t know. But the stranger wasn’t why Sunset was not at Mistress’ side. Just a few hoofsteps away from her, a table held a variety of flavored shaved ice cones. She wanted one desperately, but she just knew the leash wasn’t exactly long enough. So she just stood there, staring at the sugary treat and debating whether she should pull against her leash or not.

In the end, the part of her gut that wanted the cone won out, and she began straining against Mistress’ firm hold ever so slightly. Her hoof… She could just barely touch the table… a little more… You have a horn dummy, her analytical side pointed out, so still leaning against the leash, she lit her horn. A paper cone floated up, dollaped up the ball of ice, and was just beginning to squeeze the first flavor on.

“Sunset! Get back here!” Mistress’ frustrated voice laid into her ears, and before she could even lower them guiltily, her leash yanked her back, sending her rolling across the floor in a heap. Only to roll headlong into somepony else midway to Mistress, the sudden impact causing her to send the flavor-laden ball of ice careening through the air above her head. Sunset stared at the ice almost elegantly soaring through the air toward disaster.

Except it was plucked out of the air by a faint blue glow of magic. “Goodness, Darling! Are you alright?” It was Rarity. Rarity whom she’d crashed into, Rarity who was wearing a… a… Sunset stared at it. The outfit was sleek and tight around her waist with a built in and fully laced up corset, a perfect mimicry of Mistress’ coat color with gold trim. A split skirt enticingly showed off her flank, and she wore a broad brimmed narrow hat with a high class feather. And, Sunset idly noted, the sleeves of which were carefully tightened around the ankles of her legs, with what looked suspiciously like cloth loops for… but no, she couldn’t possibly have intended those for that purpose. Even if it looked like she was wearing a garter and lacy stockings under the dress, too, and were those the same panties as… “Darling?” Rarity said again, gently waving her hoof before Sunset’s eyes. “Oh dear, Twilight! I believe she’s gone dazed!”

“What! No! Everypony outta my way!” Sunset heard Mistress’ voice shouting at the party, but she didn’t completely register it. She was intently staring into Rarity’s eyes, and an odd set of events and things said began to fall together with Rarity’s dress as as the backdrop. “Sweetie!” Mistress’ hoof snapped her out of the mental puzzle as she directed Sunset’s head to her. “Sunny, talk to me. Are you okay? Do want to lie down upstairs? Should I send somepony for the doctor? Can… can you hear me?” Mistress’ voice was beginning to run into its panicked state, and that alone was enough to jolt Sunset out of her daze.

She shook her head vigorously to clear it, then nuzzled Mistress’ cheek with her nose. “Just a little bump on my head, Mistress. I’m fine.”

“Oh, Celestia!” Mistress sighed out in relief, grabbing Sunset into a strong embrace. “I’m sorry for yanking you like that. I’ll be more careful next time.”

Sunset patted at Mistress’ foreleg gently, trying to soothe her. Rarity, it seemed, had other ideas. “You need to take a breather, Twilight,” she said, her voice quite firm. “I’ll make certain Sunset here will be fine.” Rarity gently squeezed Twilight’s shoulder and smiled warmly. “It was not your fault, dear. I really ought to have been looking where I was going.”

Mistress nodded once, taking in a deep breath and exhaling. “You’re… thanks, Rarity,” she finished with a sheepish smile. “Sunny… Stay with Rarity while I cool down, okay?” She gently unhooked the leash from Sunset’s neck, her other hoof gently rubbing along her shoulder. “I won’t be gone for long.”

“I love you, Mistress,” Sunset giggled. “Would you save some punch for me later please?”

Mistress gave a soft giggle in return.. “I’ll ask Pinkie to set it aside.” And with one more look she swept off into the party, leaving her alone with Rarity next to the sweets tables. Which is when something rather unexpected happened.

“You’re so very lucky, Sunset,” Rarity whispered, the emotion thick in her voice.

“I don’t really deserve Mistress,” Sunset half chuckled. “She’s done more for me than I’ve done for her anyway. But I think Mistress is like that to everypony. She just wants to be a good help.”

“Is she allowing you to drink at all Sunset, dear?” Rarity asked, though her voice had a strained quality to it.

“No, not right now,” Sunset giggled, smiling at Rarity. “I’m apparently a real lightweight, so Mistress likes to keep an eye on me when I do.”

“Well, at least you can tag along while I get myself a little tipple.” Rarity put on her best smile, brushing her coat absently and getting to her hooves before offering a hoof-up to Sunset. “I’d like to talk to you a little, filly-to-filly so to speak. It’s been a while since you dropped by the shop for a chat.”

“Well, to be honest, Rarity, Mistress has been finding a lot of ways to put me to work, and I don’t think my drawers could hold any more sexy things,” Sunset mused. “When are you not busy though? If Mistress gives her permission, I’d love to come see you sometime.”

“Nonsense, darling. No such thing as too many lovely things for a mare to wear.” Rarity flounced her mane artfully as they passed the punch table, drawing a draft of the stuff. “I must presume Twilight’s approved of it all?”

“She likes to dress me up in at least three kinds every morning before deciding on one,” Sunset murmured. She had no problem telling these things to Rarity per say, but she didn’t want anypony outside of her friends knowing so much. And there were things she wanted to keep in her heart alone.

Rarity drank deeply of the punch. Twice. That was more than merely odd, Rarity never heavily indulged in alcohol. The delicate cup she set down next to the other used ones, and leaned against the table, facing away from Sunset. “Life’s funny, isn’t it?” she asked, almost no one in particular, but Sunset knew it was for her. “One day you think you’ve got it all figured out, and the next…” She waved her hoof in the air, airily. “Poof. Gone. I suppose you know that even better than I do though.”

“I think I know what you’re talking about,” Sunset replied, tilting her head as she stared at the back of Rarity’s. “I kinda caused it myself though, instead of it all just happening.”

Rarity took another drink of the punch, and that was more than enough to cause Sunset some concern. That was three cups, and there was no telling how much she’d had before. “I’m not a terribly brave pony, myself,” she murmured, turning half-glazed eyes on Sunset. “I suppose it makes sense, given what’s happened to me before. Blueblood. Suri.” She gave a little hiccup. “Others. I can’t seem to take a step out of the box without the box exploding.”

“You took a step out of the box for me, and that hasn’t come back to bite you in the flank yet,” Sunset tried to be encouraging. Obviously, buried emotions normally kept in check by Rarity’s organized mind were slipping out through the cracks created by the liquor.

Rarity gave off a half smile, her eyes softening. “Not entirely, I suppose.” Rarity lifted a hoof and rubbed it across her eyes suddenly, taking in a deep breath. “Goodness, look at me. I’m…” She shook her head, slowly as though trying to clear it, then walked deliberately over to Sunset, almost too close for comfort. “I don’t… deserve that love,” she half whispered, then leaned up to kiss Sunset’s cheek almost… sisterly. “You do.” She withdrew, and her eyes were full of obvious tears... Then she whirled and ran pell mell for the door.

The guests parted around her, and Sunset, still slightly numb from shock, stared as she shouldered bodily past the door. “Wha… Rarity, wait!” Dash’s voice cut through the silence and she followed in a blast of wind and wing, Fluttershy hot on her hooves.

Sunset couldn’t think. She tried. Her mind refused to rationally consider what had just happened between her and Rarity. Too many different and varied emotions swirled in her heart, permeating and infecting her thoughts. At one moment, she wanted to feel one, but before she had fully grasped it, another stray scrap of raw feeling would take its place. She wasn’t angry, Rarity was her friend. But at the same time, Rarity had willingly broken a trust Sunset had placed in her. And with that, all of the rage, confusion, and shock coalesced into a single feeling pulsing deep in her chest. It was hurt, of a kind only to be felt like a needle driving into the soul. Sunset coughed then, trying to hold back the silent tears as her head fell and her rump hit the ground.

A firm hoof hit the ground behind her. Another. Then they stopped. Familiar hooves. “Up.” Mistress Twilight’s voice was way beyond firm now, it was almost as hard as a rock and twice as unyielding. “And turn around and face me. Now, Sunset.”

“I… “ she sniffed, hesitating for the first time. “Yes, Mistress,” Sunset rallied herself, standing and rotating around to face Mistress. It certainly wasn’t easy, and her shaking legs were proof enough. “I… will you… “ Sunset couldn’t even finish asking before she buried her face in Mistress’ chest, sobbing.

Mistress sighed heavily, hooking a foreleg around her shoulder and pressing her in close. “What in Equestria am I going to do with you,” she half asked, but probably not seriously. A dab of magic lifted a kerchief from the table to let Sunset cry into something that could dry her eyes, and Sunset could feel her waving her hoof toward the crowd. “She’s alright, she’s just overwrought. Give her some air,” Mistress firmly commanded the crowd, without even a moment of hesitation. A few moments later, her voice dropped to a quiet tone meant only for her. “I am not going to ask you, right this moment, why one of my best friends just ran out of my library crying. Nor am I going to ask what has set you to sobbing your heart out. We will discuss those things another time. Right now, we are going to help you put yourself back together. Okay?”

“Y-yes, M-mistress,” Sunset’s voice shuddered as she repressed the urge to cry more. “Do they have to stay?” She didn’t think she needed to elaborate. She didn’t think she had in it her to string anything longer together anyway.

There was a pause, and… “Pinkie! Code Four!” she called out into the party. Whatever it meant, she heard a sudden decrease in the noise around her. Within mere moments, the library had gone completely silent. “Thanks, Pinkie. We’ll make this up later,” Mistress continued, and oddly enough, Pinkie made no noise of her own, only shutting the door, likely behind her. “There. Nopony else in the library except us. Not even Spike.”

“Do… do you really love me, Mistress?” Sunset asked the first thing that came to her head. She sniffed heavily afterward, likely ruining any earnestness she had tried putting into her voice.

“Of course I do, little one,” Twilight murmured softly, her hoof stroking down her mane slowly. “But if you’d like, I can say it again for you.” There was a gentle tease in Twilight’s voice, and she lifted Sunset’s head up to smile gently at her. “I love you, Sunny.”

“Then… then there’s something I need from you, Mistress.”

Chapter 10 - Tough Love

Sunset leaned into Mistress as the two of them sat in a silent serenity upon their bed. In light of the evening’s events, she couldn’t help but notice herself thinking of the bed as ‘their’s’ not ‘Mistress’’. She loved Mistress more than anypony else she had ever met, and she felt Mistress shared her deep feelings. She doubted thinking of the things around the library as now belonging to both of them would have been possible otherwise. It was a comforting revelation, but it was, like her love and all of the words of her friends, all in her head: all an interpretation. She didn’t want to think why, but doubt was beginning to poison her thoughts. Was Mistress truly as in love with her as she thought?

But she couldn’t say anything, not yet anyway. It didn’t feel right. The party guests had just left, and they just journeyed up into the bedroom. Neither of them had said anything at first, Mistress obviously wanting Sunset to voice her desires instead of guessing at them. But Sunset craved the sweet, quiet moment simply lying next to Mistress: nothing pressing against them except for a touch of white noise.

She nuzzled the underside of Mistress’ chin. Did this really have to end? Couldn’t she just lie here with Mistress like this forever? No, she would grow restless if she didn’t say anything. And she knew from experience, if she let herself become restless, she would destroy her life before she had even realized it. If her world was to come crashing down around her again, better it be on her own terms. “Mistress, why do you love me?” Sunset asked plainly, still pressing up against Mistress, but with less fervor.

Mistress was quiet for a moment, then blew out a big sigh of air. Her hoof stroked absently down Sunset’s back, and she stared up at the ceiling. “That’s a complex question,” she half murmured, closing her eyes. “With an equally complex answer. It’s not…” She huffed again. “Sometimes, I think I should have actually taken Cadence up on that offer to learn emotional terminology.” Mistress gave an unladylike snort before continuing to speak. “It’s not as simple as a single reason, so to speak. I care for you on a great number of levels, for lots of different reasons. Not the least of which is you happen to make me smile, you’re a pleasure to do research with, and you’re fun to be around.” She paused, rubbing at Sunsets back a bit more. “It’s… I wish it was something I could make a simple declarative about, I really do.”

“Thank you for the compliments, Mistress,” Sunset said, unconsciously giving in to the gentle strokes. “But, I guess I mean to say… Why do you love me over any other pony who can give you those things? Why am I special to you?”

“Well… who is to say any other pony can give me those things?” she half smiled down at Sunset, a little mischief in her tone. “Frankly, Sunny, I’ve yet to meet another pony with my level of intelligence other than yourself, just as a beginning.” She shook her head slowly. “Besides, I’m rather of the belief that Love isn’t about what makes you better than everypony else, it really is that last thing you said. What makes you special.” She gently booped Sunset’s nose with a smile. “And what makes you special is that you manage to fill a thousand glorious little niche’s in my life that I never before knew needed to be filled.”

“Then… prove it to me, Mistress,” Sunset replied, unable to find words that would make it sound any less like an order yet still retain the severity of the statement. “Prove that I’m the pony you love. Somehow. Anyway. I… I need to know for sure.”

Mistress frowned sharply at her, her hoof stilling. There was a dangerous glint in her eye too, and Sunset felt a momentary thrill of concern at the intensity of the look. “Within the next few days, you and I are going to have a very serious discussion about tonight,” she said quietly. “But right now, I think we have other concerns.” Sunset felt something firm grab the back of her neck and the leash re-clipped to it. “Namely, that you seem to be under the impression that I haven’t been sincere with you.”

“I… Can you fix that impression, please, Mistress. I just want to know,” Sunset nearly pleaded even as her heart began to increase its pace. Even if she tried to repress what she knew was coming in thought, her body still responded.

~~~~~~~

“You want to know.” Twilight knew her voice sounded flat before she even spoke. She was trying very hard right now to give Sunset the benefit of the doubt, especially given all the events of the evening so far. She was trying, albeit not very successfully, not to let some of her own stress and concern bleed through to her actions. “You think I don’t care?” she half snarled, reigning in the desire to smack Sunset across the face for that. “Head up, eyes forward, and look at me!” she snapped with all of the panache of a drill instructor. The kind she’d heard Shiny talk about when it had come to guard training.

Sunset obeyed, quite readily, though Twilight genuinely did not like the look in her eyes. Why was there fear there, buried beneath the quavering concerns she kept voicing? “Look at me,” she said, much more softly. “Not with just your eyes. What in the name of Celestia do you think I’ve been trying to do for you these past few weeks? Did you think I was simply playing a game? Joking around?” She moved up, almost to the point of touching. “I don’t do that to my friends, Sunny. When I care, when I love, I don’t say things that aren’t true.” And then she grabbed Sunset right around the front of her collar and kissed her. Hard. Sunset resisted at first, more from surprise Twilight assumed, but in only a few moments, she relaxed and let Twilight’s tongue greet and begin playing inside her mouth.

Twilight wrenched away from the kiss after a heated moment, staring at the still shocked Sunset. “I told you that I would give you my honest shot. I told you I would do whatever I could to see if this would work out.” Twilight shuddered and exhaled heavily. “I don’t know what’s going to happen next, and frankly that scares me. But I can’t deny the incredible rush I get from…” Her head came up, and Twilight felt a warmth flood her. “This intensity. Being so very close to the edge of things.”

Twilight called to her magic and felt it stroke down Sunset’s cheek, the rest flowing around her sleek form and holding her rigid in place… unable to move. “Knowing the power I have over you, and knowing you’ve just… given it to me. Not taken, not demanded or conquered, but gifted. It’s…” She felt herself shudder again and pressed into another kiss with a far greater intensity. Sunset’s lips and head were all that she allowed to move in that moment, the wet heat of her tongue against Sunset’s giving her chills.

Twilight felt control, or at the very least restraint, slipping away from her. She wanted to just… push her. “Fine. You want proof?” Her voice even sounded huskier, almost a full octave deeper. Her magic stretched, and she slowly forced Sunset’s body down to kneel. “Then I’ll give it to you,” she half purred, throwing the bedroom door open and reaching down into Sunset’s rooms with her magic.

The crates and boxes, filled with her goodies slowly hovered up the stairs, and Twilight gave a little sway into her hips as she reared up onto her hind legs. She grasped the back of Sunset’s mane and arched her head back until her muzzle was at the perfect height to… “Now, I’d suggest you keep me entertained while I decide what to do with you.” Twilight growled, steadying herself with a hoof wrapped up in the other filly’s mane as she practically straddled Sunset’s muzzle. Not quite enough to bury that nose in her folds… but it was close enough that Sunset really didn't have a lot of choices about what she could do with her tongue.

“Oh… oh yes, Mistress,” Sunset moaned in reply, her hot breath tickling against Twilight’s lips just before the barest touch of tongue reached out to entice her marehood.

“More,” Twilight ordered, locking her hips against the sides of Sunset’s head. Her pet complied, and she let out a pleasure ridden shriek as Sunset’s tongue flashed deep inside her. “Oh, yes, just what I… Ungh… needed to figure out all the things I’ll do to you, little pet.” Sunset redoubled her efforts, her tongue brushing up against the sides of Twilight’s love tunnel, sending shivers of ecstasy up her spine.

Twilight shook off the thought with a grin as she cracked open the crates. She knew exactly what she was looking for, and like any good scientist, she made sure it would serve a double purpose. The tongue slowed for a moment, and Twilight growled. “Did I say you could slow down?” Sunset responded quite quickly, adding a shaking nibble to her clit, and Twilight decided upon the spot that she needed a stopwatch to get better data on this sort of thing.

The garments in question she lifted from the crate and, thankfully, all of them did not require her to move in order to dress Sunset in them. The corset she slipped on first, and slowly began to lace it up just tight enough to force Sunset into that lovely arch. Her pet gave off a little, muffled gasp into her folds as Twilight tightened the last knot, sending a wave of hot breath into her. Then came the stockings, one after the other. She lifted her pet’s legs with her magic, not even allowing Sunset the illusion of choice in the matter. Not right now. She needed to drive a point home.

Sunset was already wearing a collar… but she could use this one later. Then she bundled up Sunset’s tail and wrapped a little cord around it, which she then wrapped to the corset, forcing the tail into a permanent flagged position. There, perfect little display. The tongue still felt marvelous, but there was a time and place for such fun. This wasn’t it. “Stop,” she panted heavily, even though such a command was a little more difficult to give, and pulled herself off the talented muzzle. She released the telekinetic hold, and spoke softly. “Stand up. Slowly.” She had to make certain Sunset understood what was about to happen, and why. Or else all of this was just going to end up meaning nothing.

~~~~~~

Sunset was in bliss. Mistress’ tight folds rubbing against her tongue as she slid it in and out was surreal and simultaneously grounding. Her own marehood was already soaked, and she could feel her juices running down her legs after Mistress pinned her tail upright. “Stop,” Mistress ordered her, and with a slow reluctance and final flick to her love button, she pulled her tongue back in. Mistress extracted herself from Sunset’s muzzle, saying, “Stand up. Slowly.” Sunset did as she was told, licking enticingly around her face, covered in Mistress’ mare cum.

Mistress was standing with a serious, slightly crazed look in her eye, right in front of her face. “I am going to make a few things very clear to you, Sunset. But I need you to understand I am not making them clear to you because I do not love you, or because I mistrust you, but because you need to be something more than just a marefriend to me. I know that’s what you want, and so I’m going to get you there.” Her words were punctuated as she slowly stalked around Sunset, toward her rear. “Do you understand what I am trying to say, Pet?”

“That you are going to educate me, Mistress,” Sunset replied, quivering all over. “... as harshly as necessary.”

“Yes. And that some of what I must educate you on will not, to you, seem to be fair.” Sunset felt something… cold and hard trail down her flank. It wasn’t real, but Mistress was making it ‘feel’ real. “Especially because the first thing I must inform you, is that you will need to be better than this.” There was a whiring sound, like something soaring through the air, and-

CRACK!

The pain bloomed massively across her left flank, all the way down to her thigh. It seared unlike anything she’d felt before and forced a cry of pain from her lips. “If I cannot turn away from you without incidents occurring, especially around my closest friends, then you are a problem I must solve.” Sunset’s mouth snapped open to respond, and found itself shut instantly by a band of tight magic grabbing it. Mistress’ voice growled in her ear. “I do not care who started what, Sunset. You must be more than just another pony. If you are supposed to be mine, your actions reflect upon me.” That hard, cool feeling stroked along her other flank. “Open your mouth and do not speak.”

Sunset cracked open her mouth, testing if the magic holding it shut was indeed gone. It was, but the moment her breath began escaping from between her teeth, an object was forced into its place. She whined and struggled as Mistress affixed the ball in her mouth, holding her jaws wide and muting her aside from moans and squeals. And as her saliva began to wet the outside of the ball, it combined with Mistress’ juices, eliciting a needing whimper from Sunset. The whirring noise came again, and….

CRACK!

Sunset cried out through the gag, her back restrained in its need to arc from the pain and sending all of that energy coursing through her body. The searing heat against her flank pulsed from an itching warm to an icy cold, convulsing her whole body. The initial pain began dying away, but the sting in her flank still left a wince in her eyes and a clench against the gag.

Mistress’ hoofsteps were soft, and Sunset could feel her hooves press into her sore flanks. “Listen to me, little one,” Mistress whispered, softly into her ear. “There is a lesson about friendship that was tough for even me to learn. It’s that no matter what we might think, we must have faith in the ones we call friend. We must believe that they love us, even when they make mistakes, or we can’t see the reasons why they care as much as they do.” A scrap of cloth settled over Sunset’s eyes, and tightened behind her head, cutting off all sight.

Then Mistress giggled. “Or see what they’re about to do to us.” Sunset could feel a weight in her upper back, and it pressed down firmly, obviously intending to make her raise her flank higher up in the air… It was kind of funny, the way Mistress’ hooves were grabbing onto her hips, it was almost like-

Sunset tried to scream, but nothing made it past the gag, and in her moment of uncertain fright, she felt her hips swaying against Mistress’s firm hooves. There was no doubt what Mistress was about to do now, and with that surety, the movement of her hips slowed, and became an enticing waggle. She needed Mistress to… to… rut her harder than she could stand.

There was nothing at first, then a warmth. Sunset moaned into the gag as her lips spread wider than they ever had for a real stallionhood. Mistress had clearly conjured something with magic, and it was nothing short of glorious for Sunset. It was solid, very much a cock in shape as it eased into her hole, but at the same time it was amorphous, licking out to grind against her insides of its own free will. And to make it beyond any pleasure she could possibly resist, Mistress’ magic fed a warmth into her, causing her juices to come spilling out onto the ground like a leaky tap. Sunset felt her hips grind side to side, trying to get Mistress’ stallionhood to grate against her walls.

And in unexpected response, Mistress all but yanked the magical member out of Sunset, eliciting a cry of blissful pleasure from her. “Oh, buck! I d-didn’t think that would work that well!” Mistress moaned out, digging her hooves into Sunset’s flank. “Oh, yes. Let’s give that another try!” And before Sunset was entirely ready, Mistress had the magic cock back through her folds, only this time, she began gradually pumping in and out. It was nothing like Sunset had ever experienced, and she wanted it more than all of her other exploits combined.

Mistress began quickening her pace, grunting whenever she thrusted particularly hard into Sunset. In response, Sunset was panting out her nose, drool rolling off the gag and joining her love juices pooling on the floor. Her legs were shaking with pure, undistilled pleasure as Mistress rutted harder and faster, the stallionhood seeming to grow in size with every push, filling Sunset until she could take no more. But she did. She let Mistress stretch against her walls, grinding with carnal desire back and forth, the wet slap and schlicks accenting her mounting lust. Mistress was going to cum in her, and Sunset was all but crying out for it.

The bedroom was a chorus of sex, moaning, and fast breathing as both Mistress and Sunset began to reach their peaks. Sunset had spread herself on her stomach on the floor, her coat soaking in love liquid and saliva, while Mistress repeatedly slapped her flank with every increasingly, unbearably blissful thrust. The stallionhood in Sunset wasn’t just growing now, but pulsing to the panting breaths of Mistress. It was sex in paradise.

“Mmf…” Mistress panted into her ear, her voice rough. “You’re my good little mare… and you’re mine to do with as I please! Mmf… So get that body ready for your Mistress…” Sunset could only whine in reply, but it came out as a squeal of ecstasy, a cry of a mare ready to filled with cum. One thrust before, and Sunset felt her walls clench up, and she screamed into the gag as orgasm wracked her whole body, locking her hips. “AHHHH!” Mistress cried out, and the stallionhood whirled inside Sunset, spewing some kind of joyously searing liquid into her and sending her over the edge. A second orgasm took hold of her, and this time, her own liquids flew from her folds, spattering up against Mistress’ chest.

~~~~~~~

The world wound down around them, Twilight’s forelegs wrapped tightly up against Sunset’s middle. Her breathing was regular, soft. Just like Sunset’s. It was a strange moment for her, mostly because so much was still so very confused. What had inspired such strong emotions in her, and why? Was it because she wanted to believe that with love, that anypony could be saved from their past? Or was it some deeper thing, some inherent desire of one who was powerful to wield that power over the weak?

She didn’t know. It was something she would need to think about, but very quietly and away from Sunset. The poor pony was latching on so strongly to her, and Twilight worried for her. There was a genuine love there, a desire to see Sunset happy and warm and fulfilled… but would Sunset change her? She… didn’t know. That wasn’t a state of mind she liked being in. But she knew it was one she could get herself out of. She gently pressed her lips to the back of Sunset’s neck and kissed softly.

The cute mare murmured and curled up and into Twilight, spooning against her from within even as they lay upon the sex dampened wood. It was an unconscious reaction, not a conscious one. Sunset wanted control in her life, that much was plain. And having failed to exercise personal control over it, she now demanded that somepony else control it for her. Twilight knew where that might lead, but… no. Now was not the time for that.

Even as Twilight came down from the high of forcing Sunset to do her every bidding, she felt a twist in her middle. A twist she knew of only one definitive cure for…. but that would have to wait for tomorrow. The problem would be keeping Sunset occupied long enough to do it. So she curled up close, but did not close her eyes, instead focusing her magic tightly into her horn and lifting both Sunset and herself up and to the soft bed. Sleep would take her soon, but not before she had a plan.

~~~~~The Morning After~~~~~

Twilight Sparkle lifted the quill and carefully set it to the parchment. ”Dear Princess Celestia…” she began the letter, even if Celestia had long ago admonished her for continuing to use that form of address. Spike was not going to be the appropriate being to write this letter, even if he was much faster than she. It did not help, of course, that there were other demands on her attention. Important demands, too.

“She’s not at the boutique, Twi,” Rainbow Dash said, quietly. Fluttershy was not in attendance, but the fact that that had become odd rather than the norm was just a sign of how much Sunset had changed things around Ponyville. “Or at the spa, or anywhere else in Ponyville. Sweetie Belle was staying with the crusaders at AJ’s place last night. All we found was a note for Sweetie and a bag of bits. It said she’d be back ‘soon’ but didn’t give any real reason.”

Twilight sighed, slamming her hoof into her forehead and rubbing at the incipient headache there. “Great. Just wonderful. Now I won’t be able to get a complete explanation as to what the sodding crumpets went on yesterday.” She shook her head firmly, then smiled wearily at her friend. “Thanks, Dash. All we can do now is keep an eye out for her, and maybe see if any of the pegasi are willing to make a run to Canterlot or Manehattan and ask around.”

Dash nodded, giving her a brief hug before zooming out the door. She likely had her own things to be concerned about. ”I’ve enclosed Sunset’s first friendship report, and it seems like she might very well be everything we’d hoped for. Even though there are several concerns I still have regarding her personal attitudes.” Twilight winced away from that one, but she had to be brutally honest. ”I would be very pleased if you could send an expert in ponies recovering from mental trauma to Ponyville at some point in the near future. I feel the need to consult with somepony much more studied in that subject as soon as is reasonable.”

Twilight hated to go behind Sunset’s back like that but… she definitely was not qualified to tell if Sunset was merely incredibly enthusiastic, or if some other dark explanation was in hoof. She eyeballed the scroll Cadence and Shiny had left on her table and half smiled. ”It was wonderful to see my brother and his wife again. I hope you will find some excuse to have them visit me more often.”

Twilight sucked in a deep breath and exhaled it. “Something the matter, Mistress?” Sunset’s voice asked from just beneath the round table, slightly distorted by a mouth full of food. Twilight marveled at her complete change in mood. Just the other night she had been downtrodden, and now that the morning had arrived, she was positively beaming: her eyes were even shut adorably when Twilight passed a smile her way. She doubted she would ever understand why exciting sex and a good night’s sleep helped a pony’s mental state so well.

“Just thinking,” Twilight said, but she quickly let out a fit of giggles. “C’mere you.” She tugged at her pet’s leash, bringing her head up enough to playfully rub at her freshly washed mane. Sunset absorbed the contact, a deep sigh of contentment escaping her. “Now keep eating. We’ve got a busy schedule today.” Sunset nodded, retreating back beneath the table where Twilight had placed her plate… at Sunset’s request, no less.

Twilight gently rubbed at her temple. The last thing she needed right now was… well. ”As a side note, if Rarity comes to speak with you, please inform me by the most immediate possible means. There may have been an unforeseen complication between her and Sunset, and I wish to head it firmly off at the pass. I have also enclosed my first week’s notes regarding what has happened between myself and Sunset, my personal concerns, as well as Cadence’s own personal missive to you. I miss you very much, teacher, and ask that if you have any guidance for me in these matters that you reply at your earliest convenience. I remain as ever, your faithful student. Twilight Sparkle”

Oh-so-carefully, she rolled up the thick bundle of scrolls and sealed them with a ribbon and a ready made bit of wax. “Spike!” she called out into the library, reaching down to put a warning hoof on Sunset’s shoulder. “I need you to come here, please!” The last thing she needed was those two going at it again.

~~~~Canterlot~~~~

Princess Celestia quietly sipped at her tea as she shuffled through the pile of letters, re-examining each one in turn. Things had taken a decidedly intriguing turn in Ponyville, if she was reading all of the signs right. There were fires that needed to be put out, oh yes. But plenty of positives to spin as well. The matter of Rarity was one that needed her attention, obviously, since having any disunity amongst those six very special ponies was simply unacceptable.

Still, there was plenty here to recommend. She sipped at her tea again and eyeballed the shelves full of her personal diaries over the ages. “I wonder if Twilight knows about the Royal Harem tradition,” she mused softly, rubbing at her chin. Perhaps she ought to send some probing letters to Ponyville to see who might be suitable. One lover would simply not do for her student, after all. There were appearances to be kept up, nothing to mention of course of the fact that… well, that was another concern for another time.

“Miss Inkwell!” she singsonged into the silence, finishing off her tea with a broad smile. “Bring me my writing utensils and put on that nice red number of yours! The one with the stockings! This will be a long afternoon, I think, and I shall need something nice to focus on.”

“Yes, Princess!”

~~~~ To Be Continued ~~~~

Author's Note

And so, dear readers, we (myself and Lapis) come to the end of this wonderful voyage on the S.S. Sunlight. We hope you all have enjoyed this rather rough and tumble, fast paced cruise!

And never forget, the Sunlight will be back!

Thanks for reading, and again, this has been....

See you in the sequel!

Chapter 1 - Back Through the Looking Glass

~~~~~The Crystal Empire~~~~~

The moon above was shimmering with an elegance that always had surprised Sunset Shimmer since she had first stepped through the portal all those years ago. Even without Princess Luna to care oh so loving for it, the moon of this world still managed to be a beautiful guiding light for the night sky. And yet, at times, it was also a herald of… sadness, melancholy thought? Sunset had never been able to nail that down even she had been sure of its beauty from the first night onward.

And just like the confusion she had felt seeing this world’s moon, Sunset Shimmer now found herself a tangle of emotions. She stood outside the school building that had become, for lack of anything better to call it, home. A home that was now forcing her to leave. None of the others back inside understood. They were still partying the night away: their last time in the place they had grown up in before they scattered away to the wide opportunities their world held. But they had been born here - Sunset hadn’t. As much as they had accepted and helped her along after her (admittedly, ridiculous) plan to thwart Equestrian power, she had always known she wasn’t truly one of them.

That point was hammering home now, and only two options stood before Sunset. The moon was just about at its peak in the night sky, and once it reached it, the choice would be hers. She could follow in the footsteps of the ones here: run off to that bigger school they all called ‘college’. Or… or she could go to her real home. She could make proper amends. Make the apologies she ought to have made a long time ago.

In reality, the choice wasn’t really all that hard, especially as there would be uncertainty at the ends of both. She would place herself under the authority of Celestia, the one she had defied and the one to whom she needed to repent. Besides, in this world, there was a higher level of scrutiny when it came to officialdom. Faking signatures, thumbprints, and official ledger was far more difficult, and if Sunset were being honest with herself, rejection from these ‘colleges’ would be the least of her problems if her forgeries were detected.

The moon completed its arch through the darkening, deep blue night sky, and Sunset noticed with a practiced eye the subtle change in the statue from stone to ethereal magic. Her hand reached out and brushed the new surface, a shining and rippling effect responding to the presence of one ready to enter its domain. Hands. She wouldn’t have them anymore. She’d have a horn… and hooves… and a tail. Sweet Faust, she would definitely have to read up on how to take care of one after all this time. At least clothing would be an optional thing again. Though, she might have to see if ponies understood how a skirt worked, or at least, how the shorter ones worked. She would definitely have to show them. Of course, that was a lot of ‘ifs,’ and really, they would all hinge on if…

Sunset stopped herself. She was stalling, and it was not the kind of thing she did… ever. She pressed harder against the magic barrier, her arm falling through. And squinting her eyes in a gut reaction, she threw herself forward, doing everything she could to keep herself from thinking too hard about what waited on the other side.

With her eyes shut so tight, Sunset was only momentarily blinded by the flashing hues within the portal’s magic; but they snapped open instantly when she quite literally found herself falling out the other side. Unable to control her momentum, she landed ungracefully on her chin, butt in the air. It was hardly the way she would have liked to come back to Equestria, but there were far worse ways. Luckily, there were no ponies present in the small chamber, and with lidded brows and a huff to blow her small curl of mane out her eyes, Sunset righted herself.

She shivered a bit as the sensation of fur over fabric settled in and began testing her magic. She lit her horn with a light first thing, casting ugly shadows over whatever else the crystal ponies had decided to store in the place. This working properly, Sunset levitated a few boxes, teleported a short distance and back, and practiced producing a spot of fire. Satisfied all her skills were intact after so long without use, Sunset eased her way to chamber’s entrance.

With a delicate touch of magic, Sunset grasped the ring on the door and cracked it open. “Ahhh!” she squealed, falling back on her rump and pulling the door open wide in surprise. Her hoof went over eyes instinctively as the brilliant yellow glow of Celestia’s morning sun streamed into her unprepared eyes. And while she trying to blink to adjust her pupils to the assault of light, her ears were buffeted by the incessant clamoring of palace staff. The hay? she grumbled in her head, getting back to her hooves for the second time and poking her head out into the corridor. Breakfast? she thought. But… but… What?!

“ ‘Scuse me, miss! Coming through, miss!” somepony shouted in her direction, and Sunset jumped into the hallway proper to avoid being rolled over by a maid pushing a cart stacked with fresh, steaming pancakes.

“Oh, sorry, um… could you…” she started to ask the maid, but she was already gone before Sunset could string a proper sentence together. She wheeled around, spotting a guardspony. Dodging around a hall apparently filled to the brim with bustling servants, Sunset managed to reach him and ask, “Sir, I’m respectfully - ”

“Kid, I don’t got time to chat,” the guard snapped at her before she could finish. “Watchin’ these servants is bad enough without fillies tryin’ to grab my attention.” Sunset’s eyes narrowed as she whipped around and flicked her tail in mild annoyance. Deciding it would be better to find somepony not so desperately occupied with the morning routine, she spied around for any of the servants whose trays were not filled with plates of food. In all honesty, she felt it took longer than it should have to find such a pony, but when she did, it was at least an elderly stallion moving at… well, moving at his own pace.

She didn’t even have to trot to catch up to him, and he gave her no odd looks when she settled into his pace beside him. “Hey, I’m Sunset Shimmer, and I’m here to turn myself over to royal custody.” Nothing. “I said, I’m Sunset Shimmer, and I’m here to give myself up to the law.” Still nothing. Now nothing short of frustrated, she raised her voice and shouted, “I’m Sunset Shimmer, and I want to be arrested!”

“Oh, yes I do agree, the sun is looking very nice to today, and I probably will take a nice rest later,” the old stallion replied with a grin that only served to drain away what little calm Sunset had left in her.

“Celestia damn it! Who do I have to threaten to get arrested around here!?" she yelled to the hall. None of the servants seemed to notice her outburst as the world rolled on without her, seemingly uncaring for her declaration… except that a shadow was cast over her from behind. A very tall shadow for a pony.

“Well, you could try me on for size,” came a brusque male voice behind her, thick with authority and a surprising amount of strength. Sunset slowly turned around to look into the bright blue eyes of a white coated unicorn wearing a…. ball cap? With a Wondercolts emblem on it!? Was the mirror broken, or was there some deeper magic at work? Was she… dreaming? Just to be sure that wasn’t the case, Sunset went to pinch herself except, she couldn’t. Instead, she just ended up standing there with her hoof on her cheek looking outright ridiculous. So much for respectability.

“Shiny, don’t be mean,” came a much lighter voice from her right, and her head whipped around only to have her heart drop into the pit of her stomach at the sight of the pink coated Crystal Princess. Except…. she was smiling, quite slyly in fact. There was a definite twinkle of mischief in her eye as she strode to the side of the white coated pony. “She’s just spent five years in an entirely different world. I think we can forgive her a little bit of confusion, even if she is technically a criminal.”

Cadenced turned on her heels with an enviable grace that no mortal pony could replicate. Even as Celestia’s personal student, Sunset’s contact with Princess Cadence hadn’t been extensive, but she had a…. reputation. Cadence arched a delicate eyebrow at her, still smiling in that mysterious way. “Well, allow me to at least welcome you back to Equestria. Can I presume, given the lack of an army of demonic schoolfillies, that you’ve come in peace?” There was a hint of good humor in her tone, utterly lacking in the sting or accusation that Sunset might have expected from her. It was almost like she was trying to… put her at ease.

“Peace is a little nice,” Sunset replied, reigning in her aggressive tones only at the end. “But like you said, I’m technically a criminal. If by peace you meant I won’t put up a struggle, then you’re right. Take me into custody.” She leaned her head out, expecting a magic inhibition ring to be slid over her horn. When nopony did anything she raised her voice again, “Take me! Arrest me!” Her voice cracked, desperate for them to do exactly as she thought they should. Why would she deserve anything but a sentence from them?

But to her surprise, the white unicorn the princess had called ‘Shiny’ gave a smile. “Much as I would enjoy that after what I heard you put Twily through, we’ve got higher orders.” He shook his head slowly, looking vaguely amused. “We’re to place you under light guard until the Friendship Express can take you to Canterlot. Celestia wants to speak with you herself.” He turned and gave off a curious little whistle, and a pair of armored ponies trotted up from behind her wearing some odd silver armor.

“Really?” she couldn’t help but ask, almost hopefully. She had not a few bones to pick with Celestia, but that would never be able to overturn the fact that the princess had, a long time ago, been her teacher. Despite her pride quite often telling her otherwise, she missed doing research with her mentor. Even if that research had led to their ultimate fight. She’d paid for being wrong, paid dearly. And now, she had come back, and if she was ready to be punished for her crimes in the aftermath, she could admit she had been wrong then too. She hadn’t been ready. She probably still wasn’t.

But to her mild shock, when she finally came back to reality she found a gentle pink hoof on her shoulder. “Yes, Sunset Shimmer. Really.” She smiled gently, almost a mirror image of the same quietly proud smile that Celestia had worn for her once upon a time. “She told me herself. And actually…” She did a little gesture to one side, where a pair of crystal pony maids were carrying a simple wooden chest. “She had your things sent from your rooms in Canterlot. She wanted you to have the things you left behind when you first left…” And a sly smile appeared on the Princess’ face again. “And the things you left behind when you left the second time.”

The ponies carrying the chest clearly were to follow the three of them to wherever this room was Princess Cadence had set aside for her, but Sunset couldn’t stop her mouth moving, even though she knew in her head it was better to just keep it shut. “Could… could you set it down here?” she asked, motioning to the servant ponies. They looked to their princess for confirmation, and when Princess Cadence nodded, they serenely placed the chest at her hooves.

She wasn’t even thinking as she tapped open the locks, forgetting even that she had a horn on her head that would do the job much more efficiently. Inside was very little, the top mostly a dusting of spare pages of parchment, quills… and her old letters. She absently took them out, rifling through them. They weren’t in the specific order she’d left them in, that was for sure, and judging by the fact that her fold lines were worn away, somepony had read them recently. She held back the sting in her eyes at the thought of the only pony who would - the only pony who would even know where the look for them.

In an effort to distract herself from the letters that bled of her past, she looked back into the chest where they had been, and noticed a small patch of black fabric. Odd. She knew for a fact that she hadn’t owned any clothes in Equestria… Her hooves reached out, brushing away the, frankly, useless junk to pick up the bundle. It was unmistakably her cloak. The one she had run away in, and the one she had accidentally teleported out of to evade Twilight Sparkle. She shook it out, and before it had fully fanned, Sunset found her attention grabbed by a light tinkling of metal bouncing against the crystal floor.

She glanced to the side, and there it was, having dropped out from the cloak it had been wrapped in. The fake crown. The crown she had helped make back in Canterlot High, and the one she had attempted to use as replacement for the Element of Magic. As she grabbed it off the floor, she found herself no longer caring what the ponies around her thought. Her hooves were shaking, and the tears were becoming harder and harder to fight. Holding both, cloak and crown, Sunset gave way. She supported her head on the chest, trying to suppress the low sobs and seemingly making them louder for it.

Why was everypony being so nice to her!?

~~~~Canterlot Castle, Four days later~~~~

Sunset Shimmer considered herself an academic. And an accomplished, well-versed academic at that. And it was perhaps for this reason she had never quite understood military procedure, namely, the universal rule that all soldiers never spoke. Ever. Not unless answering a direct question from a superior. Pony Guards did it, Griffon Centurions did it, and even the dragon Knights. She knew it was better than the excessively chatty types, but at the moment, she would rather have at least somepony to talk to.

Canterlot Castle hadn’t changed in the slightest in the five years she’d been gone. She swore even the hanging banners were the same. But Sunset had taught herself in her studies that what was different was always more important, rather than what was constant and the same. But as she swung her head from side to side, looking for something, anything to show some kind of change… some kind of response to her flight and return, but she could find none.

A peek in the library’s open doors showed all the tables and chairs were still exactly where she remembered them (she even thought she saw her favorite), the castle’s servants still waved cheerily to her or gave a pleasant ‘Good morning, Sunset,’ and while she was certain the military types hadn’t and wouldn’t ever change, she had to wonder. Princess Celestia hadn’t altered their positions or patrol patterns one iota. She was only being escorted by a single guard, and not even a senior guard at that. It was as if she was merely being called out of her room and away from her books to see Princess Celestia like it was any other day.

Still, it gave her some idea of what to expect. Or not. “Hey!” she called out to her guard as he turned away from the corridor which would end with the Royal Hall. “Hey! I’m talkin’ to you!” she said again, bopping him on the back of his helmet. She immediately regretted it, wincing silently and mentally reminding herself that similarities aside, hoodies and armor were not the same. But even if her hoof would be a little sore for a while, it still got the attention of her escort.

“What?” he turned to face her, a scowl on his face.

“You new here or somethin’?” she asked him, waving her hoof in the general direction of the correct corridor. “The Hall’s that way.”

“My orders aren’t to take you to the Royal Hall,” the guard answered stolidly. “We have several staircases to climb first, then I’ll leave you at the Princess’s personal quarters.”

“Wait… wait…” Sunset shook her head. “That doesn’t make any… I’m a prisoner…”

“Look, I don’t get it either and, don’t care to, and don’t want to be chewed out by my CO. So let’s book it. You can take it up with Her Majesty if you want,” the guard said, and without waiting for her to answer, resumed his pace.

Celestia’s personal chambers? Why? It made no sense. She had come to be arrested, tried, and thrown in some dark dungeon under Canterlot. That’s what the law books said would happen. But all of it was for some reason being turned on its head. First Princess Cadence, then the castle staff, now Princess Celestia too. Were they trying to rub it in, to make it that much more obvious how much she had needed what Twilight Sparkle had shown her. Now at least, she already knew how important friendship was.

But before she could really wrap her head around what they all might mean by all of it, the guard pony was gesturing to a door Sunset had seen on no few occasions. Behind it was the one mare she admired more grudgingly than anypony in the world. Gingerly, she pushed in the door with her magic.

The room was hauntingly familiar, the same spicy-sweet scent that permeated the very floorboards rose up to greet her like an old friend. The room itself was a textbook example of controlled clutter, filled with mementos, books, wall tapestries, and the oddest collection of cushions and chairs she’d ever seen anywhere. And as predictably as the sunrise, Princess Celestia was tucked into a little nest of cushions by the gently crackling fireplace. A simple cast iron kettle was nestled against the flames, giving off the occasional spout of steam, and a large book was resting in front of her.

It was a scene she’d seen more times than she could count, a flashback from a lifetime ago that had somehow wormed its way into the present time. After a single moment, Princess Celestia turned her gaze up to Sunset, and all the world came to a freezing halt. Five years after being dismissed as Princess Celestia’s student, five years after she’d muttered dire threats of revenge and sworn she would find more power on her own… five years, and Princess Celestia still smiled at her. “Thank you, Guardspony,” she said quietly, in that gentle but firm tone she used with all her guards. “Please inform the Royal Guard we are not to be disturbed.”

“Ma’am,” he answered with a stalwart salute before swinging the door shut with nothing short of a slam. Sunset winced visibly. Loud noises in quiet places were never a good sign. Princess Celestia gently closed whatever book she had been reading and lifted the thing up to it’s place on the shelf, perfectly sliding in as though it belonged there. She turned her head back to Sunset a moment later and tapped the ground in front of her with her gold glad hoof boot, the unspoken message as clear as day.

But… Princess Celestia refused to be the first to speak. She wanted Sunset herself to be the first to… do what exactly? She’d already apologized via Twilight Sparkle, so why was Celestia looking at her like she expected something. Sunset rubbed her her leg with her hoof, refraining from taking up her old habit of wringing her tail. Perhaps she had missed something, and now she was being tested on having recognized it. Only, she was sure she hadn’t missed anything! What was there to miss when everything was the same as the day she had left!?

Then it hit her, and she prostrated herself as deeply as she could, saying, “I submit! Whatever punishment you deem necessary I accept as my d-” A hoof hit her mouth as gently as a butterfly, instantly silencing her words as she only belatedly realized just how close she’d ended up to Princess Celestia. She dared in that moment to look up, to see her once teacher’s face filled with complex emotions, many of which even she had no words for. Only in that moment of confusion did her self-consciousness break, and she spoke softly around the hoof, her tone oddly detached. “Princess?”

Princess Celestia’s face lit up with a smile, and only then did she notice the gentle glitter of tears in her eyes. “Oh, thank the goddess,” Celestia half whispered, leaning down to tug her off the ground with both hooves. “There you are, Sunset Shimmer. At long last, there you are again,” Celestia said in the most heartfelt tones she’d ever heard her teacher speak, and without prompting found herself wrapped in a tight embrace, Princess Celestia’s head pressing into her shoulder and her words half muffled. “I had feared I would never see this you ever again… and yet, here you are. The greed is gone from you, thank Harmony.”

Sunset could only hold tight at first. The princess… her teacher had never hugged her before. It was more comforting than anything else she’d ever had happen to her, and Sunset grasped that much harder with the realization. Princess Celestia didn’t just want to see her to pass judgement. She’d wanted merely to see her again - see her without the ego she’d built up before running away. The castle was still the same, she had been treated the same… To Princess Celestia, she wasn’t a criminal returning from guilt, but a prodigal daughter coming home. And she had endeavored to make it still as much like home as Sunset could remember. So she would feel like it was still home… that she belonged. That she was ready to come back and be taught again. But, why the cloak and crown? Well, if Sunset thought even a little bit about it, Twilight Sparkle had probably told her about all that had happened and had probably wanted to give them back to her...

The princess gave off a little cough, and then another… and it took a moment before Sunset realized she was gripping onto Princess Celestia tight enough to probably cause a little bruising. She would have thrown herself off, if it were not for the firm foreleg keeping her from doing so. “Ah ah… No. You stay right here,” the princess said in a firm if humorous tone. “Look at you… you’ve grown considerably from when we spoke last. In mind, and in spirit especially.” There was a mischievous twinkle in Celestia’s eye - a familiar look she got when she was up to something. “Which is good. You’ll need every bit of that growth for what is to come.”

“I’m… I’m ready,” Sunset replied, hushed. Nothing really has changed I guess, she thought to herself, a smile splitting her lips. I may have… done things, stupid things, but Twilight showed me back, and I can still be Princess Celestia’s student. Yes, she would make her teacher proud, show her she was still worthy of living a life of Harmony in Equestria. Whatever this test was - and it was bound to be a great, challenging feat requiring no small amount of skill - she would meet it head on, horn blazing.

Celestia gave off a soft chuckle, “Oh, I have no doubt. So much has changed here.” Celestia looked up toward the single window in her private study and half smiled. “More than you’d realize at first glance, but it provides me with the perfect opportunity for you.” She refolded her hoof daintily in front of her and lifted her head imperiously. “I have always believed in making use of the most effective lessons I’ve managed to teach, and this is no exception.”

Celestia’s eyes twinkled as she spoke, her lips curling in a warm smile. “I’m going to send you to a town called Ponyville… where you will study the magic of friendship under it’s most capable teacher, Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

Sunset Shimmer was sure the golden color in her face drained to white then. Her open mouth certainly thought so. Princess! Princess! Surely not. This was a little joke. “Princess Celestia, I know you hold Twilight Sparkle in high esteem. I… she is a good pony. But, princess? What’s my real assignment please?”

Celestia’s smile grew even wider, and that mischief had seeped down into it. “Oh, but that very much is your assignment, Sunset.” She tilted her head to one side and gave Sunset a coy sort of look. “It is, after all, the very same assignment I once gave Twilight on the path to becoming a princess herself.” Celestia flared out her wings and took on a much more firm and commanding tone, her eyes narrowing just a touch. “Consider this an opportunity to prove to me that my faith in you is not misplaced. I shall remind you, my once student, that for all of your knowledge, there is much about the magic of Friendship you have yet to learn.” Her voice softened, and so did her gaze as she carefully folded her wings back. “While I am certain there is much you have learned in the other world, I must see and hear of the results myself. You will be travelling to Ponyville immediately, and I shall expect regular letters on your studies.”

Celestia paused for a moment, her lips opening but not forming words, as she gently sunk her chin into her awaiting hoof. “Sunset… I ask you to believe me, this time, that I would not set you a task that was not vital to your future. All you have experienced here…” she gestured around them, “was the truth I wished you to see about how I regarded your return. I must ask you now to have the same faith in me that I have kept in you. Now, hurry along. I’ve already sent your things ahead of you, and Princess Twilight will be expecting you.”

Well, she was serious, that was for sure. And just when Sunset had thought everything would be returning to the way she remembered, Princess Celestia moved her to a new town, gave her a new teacher, and nearly gave her a stroke trying to comprehend it all. This was going to be one Tartarus of an assignment.

~~~~~Ponyville, The Golden Oaks Library~~~~~

“TWILIGHT!” Spike hollered from up on the ladder. “LETTER FOR YOU! AND IT TASTED WEIRD! COULD BE BAD NEWS!”

Twilight almost… almost dropped the phial, but fortunately she had finally gotten used to being interrupted at the worst possible moment in an experiment. Years upon years of explosions had finally trained her mind to reflexively hold on to the thing she was manipulating rather than dropping it. So she carefully swirled the sparkly blue liquid and resettled the thing in its appropriate stand. She sighed heavily and rubbed at her temple. The last thing she needed right now was some other crisis to be solved. She had been enjoying her time off, darnit!

But of course, letters from the Princess - and it had to be from her given what time it was - weren’t the sort of thing she could put off no matter how exasperated she was. “Leave it on the table!” she called back up the stairs as she doffed the custom made lab coat. “And what do you mean it tasted funny?” she continued a moment later, hoping to Faust that Spike wasn’t becoming ill with anything. The last time that’d happened he’d ended up regurgitating copies of every letter she’d ever sent, ever. And nopony could figure out how it’d happened.

“I’M PUTTING UP YOUR BOOKS, PRINCESS!” Spike’s voice roared through the library. “AND IT JUST TASTED WEIRD! YOU WANNA KNOW MORE, YOU CAN COME AND LICK IT FOR YOURSELF!”

Twilight huffed out a sigh and tossed the labcoat over a chair, glaring at the concoctions on her bench. “Nothing explode until I can get back,” she commanded and began stomping up the stairs. “Spike! I told you, you don’t have to yell that loud!” Her steps clomped up the stairs, and she swung the door to her basement lab open a moment later. “What’s gotten into your craw today, Spike? Surely the letter couldn’t have been that strange tasting,” she asked with a gentle, genuine concern as she hunted across the familiar expanse of the library’s main room until her eyes hit upon the bright golden seal and red ribbon tied around the familiar parchment Princess Celestia had always used. It only took a moment to fetch it and… she sniffed a little, and had to admit the thing smelled more than a little off. It was almost floral and spicy and… musky. Odd. Very odd.

“Did you lick it for real?” Spike asked, almost ecstatic. “You know, Twi, I always knew you’d come around.”

“No, I didn’t,” Twilight replied flatly. “Now hush.” She snapped open the seal neatly, carefully unwinding the scroll to examine what the Princess had written to her, her eyes methodically travelling down the lines of text.

My dearest Princess Twilight,

As I have long believed would happen, Sunset Shimmer has returned through the mirror portal and at long last sought out my guidance. There is much that has changed in her, Twilight. And I must admit that you were right to leave her in the good hooves of your friends in the other world.

With that wisdom now proven, I have decided the best thing I can do for her is to send her once again into your care. There is nopony alive with as great a knowledge of Friendship as you, and that will be the most difficult thing for her to finally learn in full. There remains a great potential in her Twilight, even if her original destiny has long been since supplanted.

She will be arriving this evening by chariot, and shall be staying with you in the library. I must ask that you teach her everything you can about the magic of Friendship, and that you help her finally find peace in her own soul with the new life she has chosen.

I shall expect regular friendship reports from both you and her. Just remember - send them when she has learned something, and not just because it is Tuesday. If you have any other questions, do not hesitate to ask.

I look forward to your next visit to Canterlot, and maybe with a new friend.

Love,

Princess Celestia.

For a few long moments, Twilight was almost certain she’d misread Celestia’s words. So she re-read them twice, just to be certain she hadn’t been hit with a bafflement hex. When the words proved to be immutable, she felt her rump hit the ground as her mind ranged back to that altogether strange episode beyond the mirror portal, and the confrontation with the once student of Princess Celestia.

Then she felt her resolve swell, and her heart beat with a firm determination. After everything she’d been through, even after all the insane stuff she’d had to deal with the last few years, there was no doubt she truly had become an expert in the magic of Friendship. If there was anypony in the world who could help Sunset Shimmer, it ought to be her.

“Spike!” she called out through the library, her horn flaring to life as she grabbed up a stack of books and began hurriedly, but accurately, organizing them. “We’re going to have company!”