Author's Note

This section includes (very) mild pain play. That white fire balm that's been used elsewhere, roughly equivalent to candle wax. This section is again marked with an Author's note. If you do not wish to read that section, please skip from that note to the next section break, where the plot continues.

The Ophidian Temple of DOOooM

“No, no, don’t hold it so tight. You just need a gentle grip– There you go.”

Twilight had called a break after the transformation, and Moondancer decided to spend the time teaching Twilight some basic carving techniques. She had a simple knife, and easily found an apple tree branch to work on.

As far as distractions went, it wasn’t bad. Twilight was so focussed on not cutting off her own thumb that she was even able to mostly ignore Moondancer’s proximity. Moondancer’s jacket was open, so Moondancer’s breasts were separated from Twilight’s back only by the thickness of a couple of thin shirts.

Moondancer was pressing close, intent on the wood in Twilight’s hands.

Twilight carefully cut away a little more of the applewood, her hands guided by Moondancer’s.

“So,” asked Twilight, “When did you learn to whittle?”

“Oh, daddy taught me when I was knee-high. Couldn’t do much more than a clothes-peg back then, but I just loved making stuff. And being with him.”

Twilight cut away another curl of wood.

“It was great. But… I grew up, Twilight. And he didn’t notice. I was always just the little girl who sat on his knee. He didn’t want to let me be anything else. He had so many dreams for me.”

This was going to be a stick-man, Twilight decided. She tried to narrow the wood a little at one end to make a neck.

“I love carving. I love making things. But every time I do it, daddy just lights up. He won’t stop going on about how I’m clearly supposed to be a crafter. He talks about apprenticeships, rising through the ranks. As soon as I pick up a knife he maps out my whole life. I don’t– I had to stop. It hurt him, Twilight. It hurt. But I just want to live my life.”

Twilight didn’t know what to say, so she remained silent. Sticky the stick-man would need hair. Twilight was toying with an idea about leaving some bark to be his hair. Maybe cut some grooves in it?

“It’s better this way.”

Twilight hadn’t really thought her stick-man through. It looked as though he wasn’t going to have any arms. He probably would prefer to have arms, she thought. That’s funny, the sky is clear and I can see the stars so bright so pretty so why is it raining–

Sticky the stick-man was discarded, unfinished. Hugging was much more important.

“It’s a shame that your heat was so strong. And you had amnesia. I really wanted to know what scenario was supposed we were supposed to play out. The evil baddy, capturing Golden Prancer at last? I could have run with that, you know. You’d have been begging for it by the end. Not that you weren’t anyway, but– You know what I mean.”

“I’m trying not to think about it, thank you.”

“Come on, Twily. You cannot seriously tell me you didn’t enjoy it.”

“I’m trying very hard not to think about how much I enjoyed it. And the possibility that I may now be pregnant.”

Moondancer laughed shakily.

“Nah, don’t worry about that. Those were grand-master-ninja-alchemist level potions. No way would that happen. And I’m far too irresponsible to be a father. No, I’d be more worried that thing you have for bad guys. And girls.”

“It’s not my fault Firelance is sexy. Or Entice. She’s supposed to be sexy. It’s why she was made. Anyway, Entice is sexy. So what? She’s evil. And trapped. In the same room that she’s been trapped in for the last thousand years. More. And I can’t help her. But maybe Princess Celestia will send her to Tartarus if I ask nicely, and I’ll never see her again and I really need a distraction right now!”

“Okay, I think we both need one. And whatever aphrodisiac was in those energy drinks does not let up, does it?”

“It is rather persistent, isn’t it?”

“Right. Let’s go look at that list.”

Twilight sat still, hugging herself, as Moondancer read through the list for a third time. When the redhead growled in frustration and started a fourth, Twilight’s resolve broke.

“Come on! There must be something we haven’t tried.”

“Lots, but you really don’t seem to be in the mood for the tantric stuff, we lost half the toys with your pack, and I’m really not in the mood for the various ones where you just lie there while I tickle you, or ‘kiss your body all over’, or whatever.”

“So what are you in the mood for? Anything you want to do with, or to, me? Or should we just jump on Princess Luna’s bed, and see what happens? Or ask Entice for suggestions. Argh.”

Twilight turned away, clenching her fists with frustration.

Moondancer watched her with concern for a moment, and then sighed.

“Okay. There is one thing not on the list that we both might like. I wasn’t going to suggest it, but it’s starting to look like a good idea. What are your thoughts about candles?”

“Wax play? I’m, um, curious? And hesitant. I– does it hurt?”

“‘Not much’ up to ‘some’, depending on the candle, how high the candle is, blah blah blah. Pain is really not the point, anyway, Twily. It’s more about control, and giving yourself to someone else. Ugh, I’m not describing it well. But if you’re interested, but are afraid of the terrible pain involved, go grab a candle. We’ll drip some wax on your arm and see if you think you can take it.”

“Where from? Did you bring some?”

Moondancer facepalmed.

“I forgot the candles. Okay, forget that idea.”

Twilight sat back down again, relief fighting disappointment in her mind. And losing.

Moondancer, slumped as well, and then perked up again. “Oh wait! Idea!”

Twilight hugged herself again, disappointment’s advance being pushed back by a coalition between relief, hope, and curiosity. Fear and lust were fighting each other in a separate battle over the rest of her body.

“It’s a bit more sting-y than candle-wax, but how about White Fire Balm? We’ve got a tonne of it, after all. And you know exactly how that feels, so you know you can take it.”

Disappointment’s forces were routed by curiosity. Fear and lust stopped fighting when they realised that they were on the same side; they ganged up instead against Twilight’s beleaguered superego.

“...Okay.”

“How come I’m naked and you’re not?”

“Because, Twily, hidden under your adorable shyness is an exhibitionist dying to get out, and get attention. Plus it helps remind you who’s in charge.”

Twilight grumbled under her breath.

She didn’t stop putting as much sway as she could into her walk.

"Sooo," said Moondancer as they walked, "Did you like that thing where Entice chased you?"

Twilight stopped dead. Moondancer swung round to look at her.

"Where did that come from? I mean, yes, it was... thrilling. But Entice is a demon. You're not. I don't want to run away from you, Moony."

"Just asking," said Moondancer, holding up her hands defensively.

Twilight started walking again.

"Ugh. Sorry. How long do you think this aphrodisiac will last, again?"

"Still no idea, Twily, but I do know what will make you feel better for a while."

Moondancer stepped behind Twilight and grabbed her into a tight embrace. One of her hands explored her body.

"Eeek!"

Once Twilight overcame her initial surprise, she leaned back into Moondancer, relishing their closeness, and what her hand was doing.

Before Twilight could get too excited, Moondancer let her go.

"Aww, I was really enjoying that." Twilight's hand drifted down to where Moondancer's hand had recently been.

"Nope."

"Nope?"

"That's right. Keep that hand where I can see it. In fact, hands behind your back, missy. You can't be trusted."

"Mooooony," wailed Twilight, but she did as she was told.

Twilight was rather surprised when the handcuffs clicked in place. She ran forward a couple of paces, and twisted this way and that, but clearly couldn't free herself.

"How long have you had those on you?"

"Quite a while. I like to keep them handy. You never know when they'll be useful."

"Well, if you're not going to let me take care of my needs, you're going to have to do it yourself."

"And I will do so. In good time. For now, do you read 'Daring Do'?"

"Huh? What sort of question is that? Of course I read 'Daring Do'. These handcuffs are actually rather uncomfortable, you know."

"I know. You won't be wearing them for long, promise. Now, quick quiz. In 'Daring Do and the Crystal Skull', what happened when Daring was captured by the High Priestess?"

"The Priestess interrogated Daring for the location of the Crystal Skull. It was quite steamy, really--"

Twilight stopped, wide eyed.

"Yup. You are Daring Do. I am the High Priestess. We are heading to Entice's little sex dungeon, that is 'The Ophidian Temple', where I am going to interrogate you until you tell me where I can find the Crystal Skull. Only differences: I'll be using White Fire Balm rather than tallow. Oh, and you will not be rescued by a cute animal companion. Sound okay to you?"

Twilight froze. Twilight moaned quietly. Twilight bit her lip. Twilight nodded. Twilight was hoisted into the air by Moondancer's aura.

Moondancer laughed with a booming voice that belied experience on a stage.

"Too slow, Ms Doo. Too slow. You aerials need to learn your place! Without your vaunted wings, you are nothing!"

"Tribalist! Foul consort to serpents! Let me go!" said Twilight, struggling. Moondancer's aura wasn't as strong as Twilight's, but it was adequate to the task of holding Twilight in the air, free to thrash and kick without risk of either hurting or freeing herself.

"Oh, I'll be happy to do so, Ms Doo. Just as soon as you tell me where I can find the fabled Crystal Skull. Oh! Wait. Timeout."

Twilight stopped struggling, irritation fighting frustration on her face.

"You do actually remember what happened to the skull, right?"

"The Jade Smuggler stole it from Daring two chapters ago. Come on, Moony. The book came out a month ago. Of course I remember!"

"Just checking. That information is your safeword. Tell me where it is, and I'll let you go. Oh, but hold out long enough, and we can do that scene where Daring turns the tables on the priestess later, if you want. Good? Good. Any questions before we begin?"

"Shouldn't we do this in the library, not just above Entice's room? I mean Entice might not--"

"Entice will love it, I promise. If she can't have you, I promise that she'll want to be nearby when I have you."

"Um..."

"Twily, if we do this then Entice gets a little lusty lunch before the Princess sends her home. So we can either do a sexy recreation of the Daring Doo interrogation for your favorite demon to snack on, or we can play 'Charades' in the library. Which do you want?"

"...Fiend! I'll NEVER tell you where the Crystal Skull is. You'd sequester it in a museum!"

Moondancer laughed maniacally.

"Struggle all you want, Miss Doo. Soon you'll be begging to tell me where you hid the Skull."

"Noo!"

Moondancer highly enjoyed watching Twilight's enthusiastic struggling, which showed off her naked body to good advantage.

For her part, Twilight was caught up in her role and excitement. She forgot all about the handcuffs as she did her best to show off her long legs to Moondancer. She was breathing hard by the time they reached the dungeon.

"Behold! The Ophidian Temple!"

"By Discord's right talon! What a wonderful example of a third-century pre-erisian vaulting! The stonework is beautifully joined, despite the temple-builders' reliance on obsidian tooling. Just look at those cornices."

Moondance rolled her eyes in exasperation.

"What? I'm supposed to be an archaeologist."

"Your supposed to be my captive. The Ophidian Temple is scary, not an example of exquisite pre-copper-age masonry."

"Eeeeek! Oh no! The dread Ophidian Temple!"

"Better. Now hold still while I tie you to the bed. Altar. I meant Altar."

Moondancer levitated Twilight over to the plain, low bed not far from the seal that they had put around hole in the floor.

It's hard to undo handcuffs from a struggling maiden, so Twilight obediently stood still while Moondancer fiddled with the keys. She even gamely allowed Moondancer to strap one wrist to a corner of the bed before she resumed trying to escape.

It didn't matter so much anyway, as Moondancer was stronger than Twilight, and had full use of her magic. Moondancer had no trouble strapping the other wrist to the other corner. All Twilight's struggling achieved was to force Moondance to lie down on top of her to hold her still while strapping her down. Twilight had difficulty thinking of this as anything other than a tremendous victory.

Mindful not to hurt Moondancer, Twilight stopped kicking long enough for Moondancer to secure each leg to the other corners of the bed. She was now lying on her back, spread-eagled and fully exposed to Moondancer's whims.

Panting, Moondancer climbed off her captive.

Panting, Twilight struggled against her restraints.

Both were well satisfied with the situation.

"Mmmm, keep struggling, Ms Doo," said Moondancer, caressing Twilight's leg, "I'm going to enjoy this."

"I shall escape! I shall foil your dastardly plans! I--" Moondancer pinched one of Twilight's nipples, and twisted it. A flurry of emotions crossed Twilight's face. Twilight moaned with need.

"All I want to hear from you, Miss Doo, is the location of the Crystal Skull. I promise you'll tell me soon enough. Why don't you tell me now, and save yourself some pain? It's your choice."

"Never!" croaked Twilight.

"Oh, thank you, Ms Doo," said Moondancer, briefly pinching that much harder, "Serpentor does so appreciate willing sacrifices."

"Huhhhh."

Moondancer released Twilight's nipple.

"Ms Doo, you are an archaeologist, or so you say. So I shall generously show you one of our tribe’s sacred healing rituals. I'm sure you'll just love assessing the deeper cultural implications."

"I feel honoured," said Twilight sarcastically, twisting her wrists in her bonds.

Moondancer produced a pack of White Fire Balm.

"Remember, tell me where the Skull is and you shall be freed."

Moondancer smeared a short line of balm on Twilight's thigh. Twilight tensed for a moment. The balm flared with heat, and Twilight hissed in a lungful of breath. Then the burning faded, leaving behind a deep warmth that spread delightfully across her body.

"The location of the Skull, Ms Doo."

"Mmm ...Never!"

"Very well," said Moondancer, making no effort to hide her smirk.

Moondancer changed her grip on the pack, and dragged a trail of balm that ran along Twilight's thigh, swirled around her belly, and traced the contours of her chest until it finally stopped at her shoulder.

Before the trail had even finished, the start of it blazed into heat. Twilight arched her back on the bed as the fiery feeling traced the path that Moondancer had mapped. The wash of pleasure that followed behind was delicious.

"Again, Ms Doo. The Skull?"

"Mmmmmm"

Moondancer leaned over Twilight's body, propping herself on the mattress with one arm. She could now dab the balm wherever she pleased, which she then did. Taking care to avoid the most sensitive places, Moondancer randomly placed spots of the balm all across Twilight in rapid succession.

There was no way for Twilight to remember the sequence of locations, so when each spot in turn flared with heat, it came as a surprise. Twilight squirmed and moaned. She was sheathed in sweat now, and breathing hard and fast.

Eventually Moondancer pulled back, and waited for Twilight to regain focus enough to look at her.

"Impressive endurance, Ms Doo. You've almost persuaded me that I need a different plan. Almost. One last chance. The Skull, please. Or I shall see how sensitive you really are..."

"Nuh," said Twilight, shaking her head for emphasis.

"Eloquent and witty as ever, Ms Doo. Very well."

Moondancer touched the balm to both of Twilight's nipples with taunting slowness.

"Aaaaahhheeeooooooooohhhh."

Moondancer conscientiously wiped the drool from Twilight's mouth, and then undid the straps holding her friend down. Twilight lay limp on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

"...whooo."

"I think you liked that rather too much, Ms Doo. You win."

Twilight looked at Moondancer in confusion as the latter's magic aura took hold of her once more.

Moondancer lifted Twilight off the bed and held her in front of her. Twilight's mind slowly drifted from the zone, and her awareness returned.

"Allow me to change tack," said Moondancer, "I admire you, Ms Doo. In fact I find you extraordinarily attractive. So, let me make you an offer: tell me where the Skull is, and I shall be yours. Simply tell me where you last saw the Skull and I shall be your slave. Punish me for my previous treatment of you, if you like. This room is well equipped for you to do so."

Twilight opened her mouth to claim her prize, but held still at Moondancer's raised finger.

"Or, Ms Doo, refuse me for the last time, and I shall have no choice but sacrifice you to the demon in the pit!"

Moondancer nodded to the hole in the floor, surrounded by the wards to stop Entice from escaping. Twilight froze.

Entice's voice rose from the darkness.

"Feed me, Priestess! Your goddess, Serpentor, hungers!"

"Entice?" called out Twilight, startled.

"Come back to me, Twilight. You know you need to be punished for all the naughty things you've done."

"Well, Ms Doo? Tell me about the Skull, and you may use me as you please. Or deny me, and the demon shall have you!"

Twilight noted with alarm that she was drifting towards the hole, held aloft by Moondancer's telekinetic field. She opened her mouth to answer, but no words came.

"Who has the skull?"

"Come to me, Twilight. Uh, ‘Ms Doo’. Come."

Twilight gaped, trying to work out the answer to the question. Moondancer's telekinesis kept moving Twilight across the floor.

The pit was black.

Twilight knew the answer to a question, but couldn't bring herself to say it. Instead she stared at Moondancer, paralysed by indecision.

The darkness of the hole started to roil and twist. Tendrils of shadow seemed to stretch from the surface towards Twilight.

Twilight's glacial drift finally brought her to the wards, and across them.

"You can still escape, Ms Doo. You haven't forgotten where the skull is, have you?"

"Nuh," said Twilight.

A searching tendril of darkness touched Twilight's foot, and wrapped around her ankle with astonishing speed. It grew in girth, and began winding itself up Twilight's leg.

"I would be your slave, Ms Doo. Don't let the darkness have you. The Skull!"

"Nuh," said Twilight, struggling against the aura, against the tentacle, helpless to both.

Another tentacle stretched out of the void, and found Twilight's other foot. It too twined itself around her leg. The first tentacle had stretched all its way up Twilight's leg, and the tip began gently rubbing Twilight's clitoral hood...

"Last chance, Ms Doo."

Moondancer didn't look worried, or angry. She looked... Sad. Happy. Fond.

"Never!" shouted Twilight.

The telekinetic aura winked out. The tentacles pulled Twilight down into the void.