Motherhood, Mayhem and the Mane-iac's Return

The day that everyone in Power Ponies HQ had been waiting for had finally arrived. With Zapp's bachelorette party done, and with a few days of recovery time, the time had come to test the effectiveness of Matter-horn and her ability to plan a wedding.

Given that it was the Power Ponies, the biggest deal in Maretropolis, it was the social event of the year, possibly the decade. The streets bristled with cops keeping the paparazzi in line, both the local reporters and stringers, and the out-of-towners who rushed in to snap photos and talk to anyone that would speak into a microphone. The local prison and asylum were reinforced with military personnel, to prevent escapes or riots that might ruin the affair.

The ceremony was being held at the Temple of the Great Sisters, which Matter-horn managed to swing through clout and confidence in equal amounts. The grand temple sat at the heart of the oldest and most affluent part of the city. It was a grand edifice that merged the icons and style of the sisters, dark basalt twining with the polished marble. Golden sun motifs merged into silver moons.

Inside, the unity continued. Rather than dividing the space into separate spaces for the sisters the artwork, from frescoes to stained glass, was about both of them. The pews were all padded stone seats, alternating basalt and marble. The carpet down the middle was a merging of swirled gold and silver, which led to a large altar composed of marble and basalt, set with candles. Behind it on the wall was the classic national image of the sisters dancing around one another.

The entry of folk was being tightly controlled. It consequently made the crowd within very small, looking even smaller in the titanic temple. The Power Ponies, minus Mare-velous, were standing at the head of the aisle, all in matching peach-colored gowns. Hum Drum, Iron Willie and Diamond Dong were on the opposite side of the aisle, wearing tuxedos over their normal attire. Mane-iac was sitting in the audience, with Sassy sitting beside her in a baby carrier. The other children were also there, tended to by primly dressed hired help. Also in the audience were several country-looking earth ponies, who occasionally scowled across the aisle at several donkeys.

“So... boring...” Zapp said, feigning weariness.

“Zapp, show some decorum!” Radiance hissed, sotto voce. “We are here for our dear friend.”

“Oh come on. You might be into this junk, but I was just in it for the strippers. Damn that was good,” Zapp said, grinning lecherously, licking her lips at the memory.

“Well... at the very least now you see the appeal of Diamond Dogs,” Radiance said with a teasing voice. “And all of that without him taking off his thong. There are many advantages...”

“I'm still all about ponies... maybe zebras and donkeys too. That dude last night was awesome. Mare-velous is lucky I didn't try to jump Jo...” Zapp said

“Zapp!” Matter-horn hissed. “You don't talk about wishing you had seduced your best friend's fiance when you're standing there as a bridesmaid at her wedding!”

“Chillax, I'm just horny and hot. Still feelin' that buffalo bucking me around on his back. That guy was really built. And he could really move,” Zapp said, continuing to grin.

“Ugh, Zapp... you're such a jock...” Matter-horn muttered.

“I would say 'uncouth' but I suppose that suffices,” Radiance said with a sniff. “You don't see the groomsmen acting in such a manner.”

“Of course not! They're all soft and sensitive. They cook, and open doors, and talk about feelings and junk. I'm amazed they can even fuck...” Zapp said with a shake of her head.

“I rise in defense of J- in defense of Diamond! Saddle, forgive me for speaking out of turn and for you, but I would suspect that Iron is quite a lover if he is even half as... passionate as Diamond is,” Radiance said, with a small blush tinting her cheeks.

“He, um... he's very nice. He's very... strong...” Saddle said, blushing quite deeply.

“Okay, fine, they can screw, but I'll bet they still did something lame. Hum Drum was the one in charge, after all. I like the guy, but he's a lightweight. And the rest of them, even Jo, would go along with it,” Zapp said.

Several Days Earlier...

Hum Drum, Diamond, Iron and Jo all stood, transfixed in delight. They were in Cheerful Chip's Indoor Petting Zoo. They had tossed some feed to the goats and were watching as the odd-eyed creatures munched on it. All four then moved over to the rabbits, who wiggled their noses up at the four males.

Hum Drum, Diamond and Iron reached down to each pick up a rabbit, while Jo just leaned his head down to nuzzle at one of them. They seemed transported in bliss, snuggling and stroking the fluffy creatures, who seemed shocked at seeing the various big men acting so kindly towards them.

“I would imagine this seems strange. Other people probably think it's wrong that big, burly guys have a great love for bunnies and other soft, adorable creatures,” Iron said as he stroked his hand over the little white rabbit.

“History will prove those folks to be heartless bastards,” Diamond said, softly tickling his bunny's belly.

“Ain't that the truth?” Jo asked, gently nudging a sleepy rabbit. “There ain't nothing wrong with lovin' a cute lil critter. Ah mean, ain't love supposed ta be grand?”

“He's right, but he's a little biased. He's getting hitched,” Hum Drum said, snuggling the bunny in his arms.

“Yeah... that sure does make the world all bright an' purdy...” Jo said with a dreamy expression.

“It's a nice change of pace from what mercs are expected to do. I'd much rather do this than hang out in a dirty bar with deafening music,” Diamond said.

“It's a perfect fit fer mah mood. Jes walkin' on a cloud, waitin' ta marry Marvy and live happily ever after,” Jo said with a happy sigh.

“And this night is just beginning. After we settle up with Chip we can head out to get extra-thick chocolate milkshakes and some grub,” Hum Drum said.

The suggestion was met with general hoots and cheers of delight.

“That was some party,” Hum Drum said, shaking his head. “Fuzzy animals and milkshakes. I wish I could do that more often.”

“No reason you can't. It's not that far to Chip's. I've taken Saddle there a few times, just walking,” Iron said softly.

“It's not as much fun alone. It's not even as much fun with the girls, or Mane-iac. I dunno if this makes sense, but sometimes it's nice hanging out with some guys who get me. I mean, maybe you two and Jo can join me for some guys' nights. You're going to be around a lot,” Hum Drum noted.

“What makes you say that?” Diamond asked, looking suddenly worried.

“Oh come on. Saddle and Radiance as super happy now. And you two can barely stop smiling. We have extra rooms we can convert for you or, well, look at this. You'd probably leap at the chance to marry them,” Hum Drum said.

“I would if I could...” Diamond mumbled softly, taking a jab in the ribs from Iron.

“It's a tough decision. And it takes a while to get that all figured out. You're not engaged to Mane-iac yet, are you?” Iron asked gruffly.

“No,” Hum Drum sighed, looking to Mane-iac in the audience. “She keeps saying things aren't right yet and that she needs more time to think about everything. But, she loves Sassy, she likes the other girls and... she likes sex with me, so it might happen someday. Maybe sooner than I think.”

“I'm certain something will happen sooner than you think...” Diamond muttered, getting another jab from Iron.

“Really? Right here?” Iron hissed softly to Diamond.

“Don't be so cold-hearted! I'm going to... we're both going to pay a price beyond any amount of money. Let me be maudlin for a minute,” Diamond hissed back.

“If I let you, you won't go through with it,” Iron noted.

“And what about you? I thought you were the one fixed on life and love and happiness,” Diamond said with some venom.

“When I have the luxury to be concerned about that, I will be, wholeheartedly. For now, I have other problems,” Iron replied.

“Weddings are such a drag. It's why I'm never getting married,” Zapp said, rather smugly.

Matter-horn rolled her eyes shook her head. “Right, Zapp. That's why you're not getting married. It's not your arrogant attitude, your pushy nature, your frequent malapropisms, your boasting, your drinking or the fact that you'll have sex with anyone that can get that necklace to get you wet. It's because you think weddings are boring.”

“I know! Isn't it a shame no guy will ever experience that awesomeness, just because weddings have to be so dull?” Zapp asked, with a smug pose.

“I-I don't... this is a new depth, even for Zapp...” Matter-horn said, hanging her head in defeat.

“When is it going to start?” Saddle asked Radiance in a whisper.

“It shouldn't be long at all...” Radiance started to respond, her ears perking as an organ started to play. “Ah! There we are! That music indicates Jo should be up momentarily.”

All eyes went to the back of the temple, watching as Jo entered the room. His coat was practically glowing, being well brushed and conditioned. He was wearing a tuxedo that looked very odd on his bulky and muscular form. He still did his best to look calm and natural, strolling up the central aisle as the music played around him.

He slowly climbed his way to the altar, standing a short distance from his groomsmen. “Well, fellers, this this it. Me 'n' Marvy... getting' hitched.”

“It's been a long time coming, from what you've said,” Diamond said, a strained smile pulling on his features beneath the hood. “I hope you enjoy it.”

“It's Marvy. Ah'm gonna love it,” Jo said confidently.

“It's gonna be good having you around HQ. I was just telling these two we can go out to Chip's, and then for milkshakes. We can have guys' nights when the girls get busy,” Hum Drum said.

“Nothing was set in stone. It's not a bad idea but it's just not that certain,” Iron said, giving a thumbs up and smiling nervously.

“Gonna be a pleasure ta hang out with some fellers that know how ta have a real good time without getting' drunk 'r gawkin' at women,” Jo noted.

The music changed, and once more all eyes were drawn to the back of the temple. Mare-velous was looking completely different. While she still had her hood, her face was further covered by a white satin veil. She had on a white dress, that was not too puffy, but well beyond her usual. The sleeves were modestly puffed, the silken midsection was strung with pearls in artistic patterns, and the bell portion was hanging taffeta. As she walked, formal white heels would be seen on her rear hooves, while the front hooves were bare.

Mare-velous slowly made her way up the aisle, smiling happily behind her veil. She shot a sharp glance to her family, the collection of them looking down guiltily. She snorted softly in their direction then turned a smile on her friends, and Jo.

A pegasus priest of the Sisters had stepped up to the altar, and was adjusting his vestment, made of merged gold and silver threads, depicting the state symbol. He opened his copy of the Harmonious Scriptures and spread his wings in benediction. “Welcome, to all of you, to this most wonderful happening. We are here, as you know well, to join in harmonious union this mare and this jack. This is a very special event, being that she is one of the Power Ponies, who protect this fair city. To join in union one so strong and dedicated is truly...”

“Ah don't mean ta be a bother, preacher, but this here is mah day, and ah've been separated from th' one an' only jack in the world ah can love for years. Ah ain't too inclined ta wait much more,” Mare-velous said, with a bit sternness.

The priest cleared his throat and flipped through his book quickly. “Very well then, let us get to this ceremony. I understand you have written your own vows. Please recite them now.”

“Ugh, and now sappy vows,” Zapp grumbled.

“Wow... even I know why you're not getting married,” Fili-second said with a glance aside at Zapp.

“Jo... when ya left the farm it was like mah heart left with ya. The sun didn't shine so bright and the stars didn't sparkle so nice when ah laid in bed and cried over yer leavin'. Ah left 'cause nothin' was holdin' me there. Then ah came here and still loved ya, more than ah had when ah was on the farm. Now that ah know it was mah family that made ya go, ah look back an' see ah was never meant ta be there. Ah was always supposed ta come here, get famous and find ya again. Jo, ah promise that ah'll love ya extra hard, ta make up fer lost time. Ah'll love ya, be with ya, stand with ya, fer as long as we live. Sick or well, rich or poor, nothin's takin' ya from me again,” Mare-velous said, looking to Jo with love.

“Marvy... when yer kin told me ta leave ah knew why. When ah had ta leave ya mah heart cracked ta pieces. Ah never felt anythin' like ah did fer you. Mah life weren't none too bright when ah lost ya. But ah never fergot ya. When ah saw ya getting' famous an' fightin' crime ah cheered. Ah told everyone ah met ah used ta work on yer family farm. But ah stayed away. Ah figgered ya had moved on ta better folk, that ya had some rich and handsome feller givin' ya all ya ever wanted. When ya called me... ya gave me back mah heart, Marvy. And ah wanna be there fer ya. Even if we get poor or sick, ah'll be there. 'Cause when we're together, ain't nothing too bad we can't take it,” Jo said, eyes shining with barely suppressed tears.

The priest smiled brightly and nodded. “Now, do you, Mistress Mare-velous...”

“Jes call me 'Marvy', preacher. It's good enough fer Jo, it's good enough fer everyone,” Mare-velous said with a blush.

The priest cleared his throat and nodded. “Do you, Marvy, take Jo to be your lawfully and harmoniously married husband?”

“Ah do,” Mare-velous replied.

“And do you, Jo, take Mis- Er, Marvy, to be your lawfully and harmoniously married bride?” The priest asked.

“Ah surely do,” Jo answered.

The priest smiled and nodded. “If anyone should know why these two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

“I know of no specific reasons, though she does have a child out of wedlock,” Mane-iac said, rising from the pew. “But I have a reason for stealing the smile off their faces. All of their faces.” She pointed to the Power Ponies with a trembling hoof. “I'll rain on your parade...”

“Uhh... Hum Drum? What's up with your batscat marefriend?” Zapp asked.

“C-come on... just sit down. I promise, even if Matter-horn arranged the reception the food'll be good. And free champagne. I mean, I don't drink much but I guess you'll like it...” Hum Drum said, walking forward towards Mane-iac. As he moved, Iron and Diamond moved as well, going to Radiance and Saddle.

“Oh be quiet you simpering dragon! I know you believe your kindness will reach me, and that you're nice to Sassy and you love her and love me... no! I said be quiet! I had been plotting revenge since I was released! Now is my chance to do it! I will destroy this day, just as you destroyed so many of my days!” Mane-iac screamed.

“You're pure evil ya crazy mutant!” Zapp screamed, leaping into the air and flapping her wings.

“You're also restrained,” Matter-horn noted with a sage nod. “I don't think you'll be ruining any days, as premarital sex isn't grounds for halting a marriage.”

“Funny story...” Mane-iac whipped her mane and tail around, the unobtainium bands sliding off and clanging loudly on the ground. “Seems that dragon semen and these have a strange reaction. They got looser the more I worked in. I could have struck days ago but I wanted to wait for this perfect moment!”

“You helped her get out?! What is wrong with you?” Zapp shouted at Hum Drum.

“I-I didn't know! I thought she just liked having sex with me!” Hum Drum stammered, looking fearfully at the loosed tendrils.

“I'm big enough to confess, it was delicious. You enjoyed when I sat on your face or your back, and even if I never let you finish anywhere but over me you know how to work a mare. It's a pity it has to end,” Mane-iac cackled, rising up on her tendrils.

The crowd in the pews panicked, both families rising up and running, screaming from the temple. The caretakers of the foals likewise cut and run, leaving the babies crying loudly. Sassy, too, started to cry, but a simple tendril-stroke from Mane-iac made her calm down at least a small bit.

“That will not be- wait! What is this?!” Radiance started to activate her bracelet, hidden under her bridesmaid dress, when Diamond grabbed it and pulled it from around her leg. “J-jarl..?”

Diamond gritted his teeth and pulled at his attire, tearing both his robe and body suit partly away. “The name is Diamond Dong. And I'm just a mercenary... in the employ of a client named the Mane-iac...”

“No. You can't be...” Radiance sobbed, looking at Diamond with huge eyes.

“Sidero... no...” Saddle turned her head to Iron, who had similarly removed his plated bodysuit.

“We took the money. We took the contract. And I promise when I have the luxury I'll hate myself,” Iron said, muscles bulging and swelling.

“You lied to me. I... hate... liars!” Saddle screamed, her powers activating. She thrashed about as her muscles swelled, the rage of betrayal surging through her. She leaped at Iron as soon as she had finished growing, battering and rubbing against him. He staggered back but did not seem unduly affected.

“We've beaten you up when you had way more minions,” Zapp said, a storm cloud surging overhead. “Down boy!” She screamed at Diamond, sending a lightning bolt at him.

Diamond's body flashed with brilliant light and the bolt crackled against him, without a trace of harm. “I'm an insulator. A giant block of magical carbon,” he said, standing proudly in the aftermath of the hit.

Matter-horn charged up her horn and fired off a beam at Diamond. “Then take this!”

The beam struck Diamond's body and seemed to be absorbed by it. It looked to be bouncing around through his insides, slightly slower than it had been moving when fired. “That may be magic, but it's also light. I know where all my internal reflectors are...” He stretched out his hand towards Zapp and adjusted his stance. The beam bounced up his arm and out his palm, striking at Zapp's chest and knocking her to the ground.

“Zapp!” Matter-horn cried, rushing to her fallen friend. “S-stop them, Fili!”

“I'm on it!” Fili zipped off quickly, attacking Iron with rapid kicks and stomps, moving over his expanded body as he grappled with the enraged Saddle. During one assault on his arm he flicked the limb quickly, sending Fili flying off to slam into a wall, leaving her dazed.

“I paid them to come in and earn your trust. I never expected they would get so... close. Isn't it delicious? The betrayal, the pain. Taste my pain, Power Ponies!” Mane-iac screamed, whipping her tendrils around to crack the pews and snap in the air. “Those tears you're going to shed are mine! This is your reward!”

Matter-horn rose up and charged a beam. “What are you talking about? This is beyond anything sensible, this goes well past any rivalry and competition! This is... evil! You've never been this monstrous!”

“You forced me to do this, Power Ponies!” Mane-iac snarled, whipping a tendril out to attack Matter-horn.

Matter-horn dodged the attack and fired her beam. “How?!” Diamond stepped into the path of the beam, caught it with his diamond form and fired it back at Matter-horn, catching her in the chest and sending her tumbling.

“What in tarnation are ya talkin' about?” Mare-velous cried, standing protectively in front of Jo and reaching for hoofarangs that weren't there.

Mane-iac lashed out with her tendrils, ripping the dress of Mare-velous and wrapping the squirming tentacles around the other mare's legs. “I have been humiliated enough. Debased. Shamed. Now I'll teach you all what it feels like to lose so spectacularly!”

“You gitcher tentacles off mah-!” Jo attempted to rush forward but was slapped across the mouth, the tendrils wrapping up his legs as well.

“You told me your little secrets. Your new shame. While you were just 'dishing' with the girls. You can't have sex properly until marriage, eh?” Mane-iac queried darkly. Her tendrils slithered up Mare-velous' rear legs, caressing them almost sensually.

“Whoa, nellie! Whatcha think yer doin' there?” Mare-velous cried out, struggling hard and squirming around as the tendrils caressed over her puffy sex, gathering up drops of fluid. It looked like she had been working herself over before the ceremony.

“How deliciously improper. You must have been watching him. You're really desperate for this. I think I'm doing you a favor...” Mane-iac cooed wickedly. She continued to slide and tickle her tendril tips along the winking slit, occasionally wrapping one around Mare-velous' clit and squeezing lightly. She started twisting two of the tentacles together, wrapping them around and around to get them knobby and thick.

The combined tentacles ground and squirmed against the heated, trembling slit, sliding up and down in the divot and seeming ready to enter. There came a pause and a sudden thrust, the twined tendrils mashing the fleshy, semi-pointed tip against Mare-velous' puffy pucker. The gathered mare honey helped ease things along as Mane-iac twisted and rammed the writhing tentacles into Mare-velous' well-used ass.

With Jo being a frequent user of her back door she wasn't incapable of taking something as modest as the two tendrils, but with her trying to fight it, every inch was a struggle and strain. Mare-velous huffed and groaned out loudly in frustration and subtle pain. “Get... outta... mah ass!” Mare-velous cried out, her muscular body squirming around as she attempted to break free of the restraining mutated mane and tail.

“This wouldn't hurt so much if you gave in. You've confessed just how often you've let your precious Jo ream your rear end! If that donkey's pole could fit in there I could probably fit my hoof in there. Just give in, it will make this much less of a struggle, for both of us,” Mane-iac laughed, twisting the pair of tendrils around and drilling away at Mare-velous' anus. It was a struggle, but she was managing little by little.

“And ta think ah was sayin' good things about ya at mah bachelor party!” Jo cried, tossing his body all over, using his muscular force to try and wrench himself out of the bindings. “Ah told that dragon he was mighty lucky ta have a lady that wanted ta be a good momma! But her jes a beast!”

“Are you upset because I forgot you? Oh don't worry, I could never forget about you. You're an important part of this plan...” Two more tendrils, having gathered up more of Mare-velous' dripping arousal, twisted around one another and snaked their way to Jo's rear. The intrusive tentacles briefly caressed and squeezed over his fat, dark-colored sac before slithering under his tail to prod and tickle his own tight and wrinkled sphincter.

“Wh-what? What're ya doin' to mah- Ahhh!” Jo let out a tremendous bray of surprise and pain as the merciless tentacles crammed themselves into his unprotected back door. Unlike Mare-velous he lacked super powered strength. His own muscles weren't enough to put up a good resistance to Mane-iac's twisting, insistent tentacles. The thick bundles pounded in deep, stimulating him as had never been done before.

“You guys never like to admit how much you enjoy this. Hum Drum seemed to, and now I see you do,” Mane-iac cooed, watching Jo's impressive donkey dick slip from its sheath and wag in the air for a moment. An involuntary twitch slapped it heavily against his belly, making it firm up a bit. Experimental twisting and grinding of the anal-invading tentacles showed Mane-iac how to force Jo to slap, getting his rock hard and groaning in forced pleasure in no time.

“What're ya doin' ta him? You let him alone! Yer fight's with me! You let Jo go!” Mare-velous screamed, redoubling her efforts to try and escape. Her closed-eyed, teeth-gritted focus was broken when she felt a hoof brush against her strong flank. She snapped open her eyes and saw Jo lifted above her back, his thick erection occasionally slapping against his belly, flinging precum all over himself and her. “Yer... yer gonna...”

“You are the one that confessed that it was improper. I'm just going to used that information. My little sexual puppets, you will know that my revenge is powerful,” Mane-iac whispered, heavily resting Jo's chest on Mare-velous' rear end, and sliding the heavy donkey forward.

“Ah'm so sorry, Marvy... this ain't mah doin'...” Jo said sadly, body squirming and struggling with all his might. He tossed his head and bulged his muscles in an attempt to break free. Nothing helped. He was drawn inexorably forward on Mare-velous' back.

“Ah know it ain't yer fault, Jo! Ah know, ah kn- ngh!” Mare-velous grunted sharply as Jo's cockhead pressed against her molested mound. The twitching of his hips made the rod bobble and swish around, missing the mark more often than not, and thumping the fat, flared crown against her sensitive clit more than a few times.

“You shouldn't keep her waiting. Hold still!” Mane-iac wrapped a tentacle around Jo's organ, right at the medial ring, squeezing it tightly and pulling on it to get it to hold still. With the bouncing shaft of flesh immobilized she dragged Jo forward again, making that thick tip mash against the wet and prepared folds. Another pull forced the tip in, the flesh squeezed down by Mare-velous' passage.

“Ah! M-marvy...” Jo groaned out, eyes squeezed tight, teeth grinding. “Marvy...”

“Oh yes, Marvy, remember, he's not in control. Squeeze too hard and you'll destroy this cock you've been wanting all your life,” Mane-iac whispered to Mare-velous, laughing as she pulled Jo further, getting a pained bray from the action.

“Curse yer mind, Mane-iac... ah'm sorry Jo...” Mare-velous grunted out. Her walls loosened, jut a bit. Just enough that Jo's dick could slide down, slow and smooth. There was some resistance, but there was more caressing. The passage rolled and pulled on the desired donkey dong. Despite herself, Mare-velous let out a long, low moan, and her fluid flowed all the more heavily.

The tendril around Jo's medial ring slowly untwined as the bump of flesh approached the juicy snatch. Another hard pull on both of them plunged the ridge through, more than half of the grand cock sunk deep inside the moaning and struggling mare. Jo grunted and huffed through his teeth, shaking his head and thrashing his body atop Mare-velous. Both of them were trying so hard to fight against the pleasure of the tentacles pumping and drilling at their rear passages, but their continued arousal showed it was a losing battle.

During the molestation of Jo and Mare-velous Iron and Diamond had been busy. They had snuck unobtainium bindings into the temple and quickly had the Power Ponies secured. Zapp's necklace was taken from her, and placed with Radiance's bracelet. Matter-horn was directed away from the action, to prevent a stray beam from interrupting. Saddle was restrained and still raging, her face twisted in a strange look that could not decide on anger or sorrow. Radiance had chosen early. She was crying, but not with the same sobbing and choking histrionics as she might normally.

“All this time... all this time you were with me you knew you would betray me...” Radiance said to Diamond, who was standing near her, still in diamond form.

He didn't reply for a time, doing his best to look like nothing more that a caryatid. He finally let slip a soft, and sorrowful, “Yes...”

Radiance was quiet herself, then exploded with cries of, “Gonif! Kadokhes! Momzer! Kelev! Kholerye!”

Diamond didn't even flinch. “You're being too kind. You should just say, 'a meesa mashee af deer' and be done with it. Don't bother with the petty insults.”

“Do I mean nothing to you?!” Radiance cried, the tears returning to her eyes.

“You mean enough that I wish I was dead, right now. It would be easier than this choice I was forced to make,” Diamond said, with an attempt to hold emotion out of his voice.

“Then why? Why Jarl?! Tell me why you did this to us... to me...” Radiance demanded.

“The moment we opened the sealed orders we knew we were in trouble. But we were only supposed to become your allies. We were never supposed to fall in love with any of you. But you were so kind. So polite and sweet and you cared about the real me, not the diamond-bodied creature... she wasn't even supposed to have her tendrils free. She brought us because she thought we could do... what we did,” Diamond said, his voice going flat at the end.

“All this just for money... you don't even want to do it but you're doing it,” Radiance weeped.

“I'm stuck. Doing evil means I may lose my powers. Pledging my powers means I swore on Faust, and debasing her name is a sin as well. I have no good way out. I half hoped that in my furious action and adherence to the contract one of you would kill me and free me to serve penance to Her. I don't want this to happen to any of you, least of all you, but you tell me how I can get out,” Diamond said, with increasing desperation.

“I... I don't know...” Radiance admitted, going quiet except for the occasional sob.

The battle between Iron and Saddle raged on for a while, both of them mostly matched in strength. Iron had a secret weapon, in the form of the bands. He managed to bring them out and restrain Saddle. “Please stop fighting...” He grunted out. “I don't want to hurt you but I could on accident.”

“Liar!” Saddle shouted, “You're a villain! And you want to hurt things! You probably punch goats and bunnies!”

“No! I promise you I was telling you the truth about everything. I just never said I was hired...” Iron started.

“She paid you to be nice to us! That's a worse lie than anything! I cared about you! I loved you!” Saddle screamed with tears falling from her eyes.

“Well I love you too!” Iron bellowed, securing the last of the bands and stepping away from Saddle's restrained form. “But I took the contract. It was stupid not to get information. But at least I got to know you.”

“Don't say that! You can't love me! Not if you do this! I knew you were a liar!” Saddle screamed, thrashing wildly and sobbing between her bellows of rage.

Hum Drum had run off towards the foals when the attack had happened. He had taken up his daughter and rushed to try and calm the rest of the wailing foals. 'S-stop it! You're scaring the foals! I thought you liked foals!”

“Be quiet! I'm exacting my vengeance!” Mane-iac screamed, forcing Jo to rut Mare-velous harder. She twisted and thrust her tentacles into their asses harder, tearing unwanted moans and cries form their mouths. She practically beat Mare-velous' ass with Jo's hips, and agonized him by forcing his balls to beat on Mare-velous' thighs and belly harder than he would have wanted.

“Jo! Ah don't mean ta hurt ya!” Mare-velous cried out. Her pussy fluttered and clenched down. It squeezed especially hard every few thrusts as she fought against the pleasure. But she knew each clench hurt Jo. Her pleasure rose against her will, because she really did want to enjoy it. It was Jo and he was hammering her. Even against his will it was what they both wanted so badly.

Jo couldn't reply. The combination of pleasure from having Mare-velous and the pain of his assault was clouding his mind. He wasn't sure what to think of any of it. He focused on the pleasure to block the pain from his mind, and to think only that his Marvy was getting pleasure. They were meant to be together like that. Their marriage had been going on. It wasn't bad.

His cock spat and trembled, warm precum spattering all over Mare-velous' insides. Both were in tune, the warm tingles of pleasure overpowering the sensation of force and the alien feeling of the tentacles hammering at their asses. Their screaming voices rose higher and higher, reaching towards a crescendo, Mare-velous whinnying and Jo braying as they came.

Mare-velous' sex clenched but not enough to hurt, while Jo unleashed a torrent of hot seed. Thick blobs smacked wetly against her cervix, and flooded her insides quickly. The hot flood fought past the tight clench, slowly oozing past the plug of Jo's flare and medial ring, to fall and hang in long, pearly strings. Even though both had climaxed Mane-iac continued to force Jo to pump Mare-velous.

“You... you had your revenge. You did... and now they have foals. We have a kirin,” Hum Drum said, looking to his daughter who seemed somewhat confused by the whole matter.

“No! That didn't count! I lost again! I lost to you again! A powerless little sidekick! I was bloated, impregnated and utterly humiliated! I've had it with being the laughingstock of the villains! I'm better than that! I'm better than that!” Mane-iac shrieked, her tendrils getting more erratic, the forced-fucked between Mare-velous and Jo losing any style.

Sassy began crying, fussing and tossing in Hum Drum's hold. Hum Drum slowly stroked his daughter's belly and caressed her cheek. “You're scaring Sassy. How could you do this in front of our daughter?”

“She's my daughter!” Mane-iac cried. “You may take care of her well and you may have sired her but she's mine! She's the only good thing that I've ever had in my life! And I want her to have a mother who's important! A big shot! I won't have her have a mother who can't beat a powerless sidekick! I will not let her look at me like a failure!”

“But you're not a failure!” Hum Drum insisted, slowly approaching Mane-iac. “You were doing good in therapy, you got along with the girls, you were being a great mother...”

“I'm an excellent mother,” Mane-iac said pridefully. “The best there is. Even with everything against me I still loved and cared for Sassy the best I could. But I am still regarded as a failure and I will not abide it!”

“Well then tell me how you're a failure because... I thought you were great...” Hum Drum said quietly. “Before you hurt our friends you were great...”

“'Friends'? Ha! I may have gotten close to them but they could never be my friends. The angry one never liked me anyhow, and the rest all had various levels of doubt. I was no more their friend than my hired goons were their lovers,” Mane-iac declared.

“Hey!” Iron and Diamond simultaneously shouted.

“They regarded me as a failure, too. Everyone does. Did... Everyone!” Mane-iac screeched. She yanked her tentacles out of Mare-velous and Jo, and released them, letting them fall in a sweaty, panting heap on the ground. She rose up on her tentacles and turned an imposing look on Hum Drum. “I saw the looks, heard the laughter. It didn't matter if it was the other villains in lockup or the loons in the nuthatch, they all mocked me!”

Hum Drum took a trembling step back, but largely held his ground. “I'm sorry I made you a laughingstock! I should have waited for the swelling to go down, I should have hidden what happened. But it happened. You shoved tentacles in my mouth and butt and then sat on my face until I almost passed out. You tried to kill me with your rear end, but I still get up every day with a smile.”

“You must be a weak-minded simpleton, then. There is no other explanation. You are known for your powerlessness, your weakness, you've been called useless! It's been haunting you all your career! How can you not boil over with rage and shame and exact a vengeance upon the world!?” Mane-iac screamed.

Hum Drum peered at Mane-iac's face, seeing the flaming rage in her eyes and the small dabs of tears hovering at the corners. “Please... tell me why you feel like this. I'll listen. I love our daughter... and I think I still love you.”

Mane-iac gritted her teeth harder and loomed higher over Hum Drum. She looked poised to strike but held herself back. He still had Sassy, and the little kirin's innocent face made her restrain herself. “Ever since the accident... no one has respected me. I sacrificed everything to become what I had been. Friends, love, my free time, everything. But I made it. I owned a major corporation, and I was a big shot. I was important! Ponies scraped and bowed to to me, they kissed up to me and wanted me to be around! And after the accident I lost everything, even most of my mind, but I still had the old ambition. I would do anything to be respected again. Anything...”

Hum Drum turned Sassy away from Mane-iac and stroked her softly. “We could respect you. Sassy loves you... I love you when you're not hurting everyone. Isn't that enough?”

“It cuts so much deeper, you poor, simple sidekick,” Mane-iac whispered. “Even as a villain I was mocked and derided. My power is a mutated mane? My schemes all involve hair? I was crazy and fixated but I still did it. And the other villains, from street criminals to the other supers, treated me like a pariah. There is more respect for that madpony the Trickster than there is for me. That's why when I heard he had a way to break out I had my mercenaries stop him, and rough him up. He laughed in my face. I hope he can still laugh minus a few teeth.”

“Yeah, not having any respect hurts. No one respected me either. Even you. You tried to make me believe the girls only had me here out of pity. But that's not true. They respect me for who I am and what I can do. Anyone who doesn't isn't worth noticing or listening to,” Hum Drum said, fearlessly approaching Mane-iac.

“I had to change my name, hide all that made me special and go around bellowing like a drunk idiot because I was afraid of how the one who hired me thought of me...” Iron rumbled, stroking his chin. “I just wanted to help, but it got to be all about the money. And like an idiot I just kept selling a fake me using my real powers. And I'm supposed to be a philosopher. I should have seen this a long time ago.”

“I feared the reputation my kind had, feared the response to seeing a Dog with these letters carved into him, speaking a language that supposedly wasn't his. Or if it was accepted what the ponies would think of me. But I do no good for Our Mother and Architect by being like this. I have been tasked to do valiantly in Her name, for Her and not for myself. I have been beaten into obedience by hateful folk who could not get past a name they did not recognize,” Diamond said, tearing at his outfit and ripping away more of it, to reveal the letters carved into his body. “Forgive my transgressions as you did before. I did not mean to take your name in vain.”

Iron wrapped Saddle's huge form in a tight embrace, and he started working at the bands binding her. “Whatever happens next, I'm sorry...”

“Hate me eternally, I deserve as much. I will be abandoned by Faust. But it hurts more to know I will be abandoned by you, too...” Diamond whispered to Radiance, setting her magic bracelet back around her leg.

“You were just... crazy,” Hum Drum said, softly stroking one of Mane-iac's tentacles. “I didn't know you before the accident. Sounds like you were like me. You needed respect. We all need respect. But you shouldn't just try to get it from a bunch of nameless, faceless folks. They don't really care about you. You need respect from those who really care about you, who love you and know you personally. Like... me...”

“I just... I wanted to be a brilliant supervillainess!” Mane-iac screamed, adding a hard sob. “I still wanted power, and recognition! They all know the Trickster and the Inquisitor and Pain and... they have their cults of personality and devoted normal ponies. Folks apologize for their crimes and endlessly defend them with an ocean of ink! No one has so much as written a card in defense of my crimes. Just mockery and comparisons to villains they thought were better and more amazing than me. They could justify all the crimes of the long-winded and insane monsters... but never mine...”

Hum Drum rubbed his cheek against one green tentacle, and gave it a little kiss. “Come on, stop this. I know what you're going through. And since... you know, the incident... I really know what you're going through. I mean, besides the pregnancy. But... Maybe some more time in the asylum will help you.”

Mane-iac slowly came down, to nuzzle at Sassy, who started to coo and laugh. “The therapy wasn't so bad...”

In the background Iron and Diamond had freed the other Power Ponies. The five mares rushed over to check on their foals, all of them holding and kissing the crying children. The two mercenaries, having made their choice, dropped to their knees, placed their hands behind their backs and slowly laid out on their stomachs, Iron's muscles slowly returning to normal, Diamond's body flashing to return him to flesh..

“I think in some sense I always knew eventually we'd discover we were used for evil. Who hires superpowered mercenaries?” Diamond asked across at Iron.

“Desperate folks who can't fight the big, bad guys. They need all the power they can get to sway the tide,” Iron answered.

“The bad guys have all the money,” Diamond noted.

“I always checked. I always checked before. I was sure we had a reputation for doing good. So I... got sloppy. And then this happened,” Iron said sadly.

“At least I met the love of my life. However brief... I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world...” Diamond sighed.

“I know the feeling. I met mine, too. At least we had that. At the end of the day, that won't go away,” Iron said, with a sad smile on his face.

“Thank Faust,” Diamond whispered, looking down at the ground. “Mother and Architect, you nurtured me and constructed the world to your will. I thank you that your rule and square saw fit to let me hold Radiance, if only for the blink of an eye...”

“Stand... up...” Radiance huffed firmly, shooting a glare down on Diamond, ignoring Iron completely. She had constructed a magical bassinet and had her child tucked safely in it. “I said stand up.”

Diamond quickly got to his feet and stood before Radiance. “I deserve everything I have coming.”

Radiance glared at him for a long, uncomfortable moment. “You held me in your arms, your bare, scarred arms. You have held my precious Starry Night, the light of my life, while knowing that you were destined to betray me. Why should I not throw you away and demand you never come back?”

“You should,” Diamond said, flatly. “I held your foal. Your foal. Like you said, I was a traitor in my mind. But I promise, never in my heart. I would never hurt your foal. And once I knew you, the real you, I wished the contract had been just a dream. You listened to my stories, you learned my language, you liked my kreplach. You were everything I ever hoped to find in a woman. I'm disgusted that I ruined that relationship.”

Radiance used a magically created scarf to pull Diamond's head down to her, planting her lips solidly on his. She held the kiss with some savagery, snorting loudly through her nostrils and mashing her plump lips against his trembling ones. She pulled back with a huff and soft pant. “You are going to prison.”

“Yes I am,” Diamond concurred.

“You will be known by all, who you are, what you are, in every detail,” Radiance continued.

“That is to be expected. I think I always knew it would happen,” Diamond said.

“And then you will be paroled. To my custody,” Radiance said, with a soft tone.

“I will be... what?” Diamond asked, looking up in confusion.

“Make no mistake, your betrayal was terrible, it stings and it burns at me. I should never have been treated in such a terrible way and I assure you you will make up for the pain you have caused,” Radiance said with a stern glare.

“All my life will be atonement, I promise you,” Diamond said.

“You are correct, though I will be a kind custodian. You will work but never toil. And you will teach me about your home and your faith and you will show Starry those ways as well. You will tell, often, how you did not betray your contract. You surrendered, an act of goodness, in accordance with Her laws. You kept your word, but also did right. I think She will forgive you. I... will take more work,” Radiance stated.

“Wait... you said... do you mean..?” Diamond started to ask.

“Yes. We will meet your Rabbi Goldschmidt. Talk about courage, a pony among Diamond Dogs daring to take up their religion, with a child not sired by you. But we will be one, whatever it takes,” Radiance said, pressing her head against Diamond's belly. “Because, I still love you, Jarl Diamantstein.”

Diamond placed his head on top of Radiance's and let his arms drift slowly around her. “And I will always love you, Radiance. And love Starry Night like my own flesh and blood.”

Saddle stood over Iron's form, cradling her foal and looking on him with a mix of anger and pity. “You know that I hate liars. And you were lying the whole time.”

“Time was, when I was Thelisi, I probably could have defended myself, said I hadn't really lied, that it was all for a higher purpose... dang, I was kind of a Mouth-Shitter back then. Guess I didn't even realize it,” Iron said.

Saddle tittered softly, then cleared her throat and glared down on Iron. “H-hey! I'm mad at you right now!”

“You got every right. I messed up bad. I regret everything...” Iron said, quickly fumbling over his words for a bit before adding, “E-everything about the assignment! I really don't regret meeting you.”

Saddle nodded firmly and gently patted Iron on the head. “But I don't know if I can believe you. You're apologizing but you could be lying. You already proved you do that.”

“This was not my finest assignment. I should have asked for all the details before taking the money. At least we beat up that Trickster guy. He's completely nuts,” Iron said.

“Well... that's true. You did a good thing by capturing him. But Mane-iac told you he'd be escaping,” Saddle noted.

“That's right... but she never paid us to stop him. The city did. We had a competing client! I should have voided the contract,” Iron grumbled.

Saddle shook her head a bit and gently urged Iron to his hooves. “See what happens when you let yourself be led around without thinking? It's why I control my anger. You control your growth but you can still be affected.”

“That's the truth. I should do a lecture around that. Might make for a good comeback tour. 'Don't be a fool, keep your cool.' But...” Iron looked down on Saddle with lopsided grin. “That'll wait a few years.”

Saddle shook her head and snuggled up against Iron's belly. “Maybe. I might want to keep you around. Maybe I'll bring you into my custody, and maybe I'll let you teach Velveteen things like cooking and rhetoric and wrestling someday. Maybe.”

“I really feel like I can trust that 'maybe.' I trust it more than most folks' 'promise.' And for you, I really, really promise, I love you,” Iron said, carefully leaning down to kiss Saddle's head.

Saddle blushed just a bit and returned Iron's kiss. “I think... I believe that.”

The other freed Power Ponies, once assured their foals were secure, got to work taking care of the situation. Fili did a quick cleanup of the temple, zipping around to gather up the rubble, while Zapp and Matter-horn re-banded Mane-iac's tendrils and used the bands with which they had been bound to secure her legs as well.

“I am... a failure,” Mane-iac said, as she stood bound beside Hum Drum. “I know you think I shouldn't think so but... it's hard to argue with the evidence.”

“You're not a failure!” Hum Drum insisted. “You're a good mother. And you're... you're good as a marefriend. You taught Radiance about styling manes and tails and I'm sure you can do more great things. You failed at things. So did I. But I'm not a failure. I just had to find what I did well. You do too. Maybe it's not evil.”

“It's all I know, really. Stylist without respect turned cold-hearted business mogul turned insane supervillainess. I don't have a very robust CV,” Mane-iac said with a half-hearted chuckle.

“Try being what you were like as a stylist,” Hum Drum suggested.

“I had no respect! No admiration! No fawning wealthy and powerful folk begging for my notice and approval!” Mane-iac cried.

“Okay, you didn't have all of that. But now you have a daughter you love and a dragon that is kinda freaked out but still loves you... when you're not trying to take over stuff,” Hum Drum said with a slight blush.

Mane-iac snorted softly but did eventually lean her head in to touch cheeks with Hum Drum. “I love Sassy. And you're not so bad. At least you take care of her properly. I'll try to pay more attention in therapy. Maybe I can stop thinking that mane-related crimes and sex are the answers to my problems.”

“Well... you know, don't get rid of all the sex...” Hum Drum mumbled, kicking his foot lightly.

“Fine, I'll keep sitting on your face and your back. And other things will be considered, and probably done too,” Mane-iac huffed.

“That's all I'm asking,” Hum Drum said happily, kissing Mane-iac on the lips. She hesitated for a moment, but eventually pressed forward some, to return a portion of the kiss.

Jo and Mare-velous were a bit dazed by the overload of forced pleasure, which included an extensive post-orgasmic session of anal and continued mounting. Jo had gone limp once he had been dropped, and Mare-velous was panting and groaning loudly when the Power Ponies finally got her up and somewhat back to a fit state. Both outfits were in tatters, and Radiance barely managed to get them closed an on in something approaching a proper fashion.

“Tarnation, ya crazy fool. Couldn't ya have waited 'til the preacher talked 'bout the power invested in him?” Mare-velous asked to Mane-iac. “Ah was apt ta jump Jo the minute we was legal. Gotta go spoilin' things...”

“I promise this will all come up in therapy. Maybe there's some new pills,” Mane-iac said with a surprisingly sheepish look on her face.

“Weren't quite the weddin' ah was expectin' but... ah'm here, Jo's here, y'all're here. Before we call up the law an' get this stuff sorted out we got one more thing ta do,” Mare-velous said. She dragged Jo over to the front of the altar again and set herself beside him. “Someone best go snag that preacher and haul him back in here! Ah said ah was getting' hitched today and consarnit ah am gettin' hitched today!”