Who Rules?: Relations

In the center of the courtyard stood the heart of ice. A massive structure born of magic and hate that surrounded the ultimate perversion of love on at least two separate worlds. The figure of Fantasia Coldheart was faintly visible as an obscured silhouette who’s proportions shifted depending on where you stood and what facet of it faced you. At times it even seemed as though she was fractured into multiple figures inside her personal prison. If any pony were able to see it.

No pony was allowed in the courtyard, except for very select guards who patrolled the perimeter at all times. Each of them having to wear heavy protection from the frigid bite radiating from the icy heart, and still they felt chilled the entire length of their shift. The courtyard itself sat in the middle of three high walls connected directly to Canterlot Castle. The only way to see the heart without being in the courtyard itself was from the Castle, and then only from a select few rooms.

Every day the guards had to turn away ponies trying to get a glimpse of the captured despot. The majority of them went away calmly, but there were those who had to be dragged off kicking and screaming, swearing vengeance against the fallen tyrant. No pony aside from the guards was ever allowed to see the frozen prison of what every pony considered the most reviled being ever to live.

But there are always exceptions.

The view from the castle was obscured, but that helped to keep the pony hidden. The shadows of the room hid the pony and allowed time to stare out, sometimes for hours, at the icy display. Or, more accurately, the figure trapped inside.

“My empress…” The voice was deep and seemed to linger in the room for a moment. “This impudence will not be tolerated. Your glory cannot be contained. Your legacy shall continue. You will be freed,” the figure stepped back away from the window, disappearing into the shadows, “and those responsible shall pay.”

* * * * * * * *

Celestia adjusted herself, shifting her weight slightly to try to get a little more comfortable where she sat. Not that she was uncomfortable, just that she wanted to be as comfortable as possible.

Looking out the window, she confirmed what she was already sensing: the sun was moving low on the horizon. Soon it would be time for her to lower the sun and for Luna to raise the moon into the night sky.

Which meant she was going to have to let her up soon.

Looking at the prone figure beneath her once again, Celestia let her hooves run over Luna’s barrel, caressing her coat gently even as she shifted once more, settling her weight more fully onto her wife’s muzzle.

She licked her lips, marveling at the talented tongue that had been servicing her for…well, she wasn’t sure how long. Three orgasms so far, which tended to cause her to become a little distracted.

Her hips began to shift back and forth, rubbing her sex across Luna’s face, even as the Night Princess lashed her tongue out, desperately trying to keep pace with the rhythm Celestia had created.

Both of Celestia’s hooves planted themselves onto the core of Luna’s barrel, holding up enough weight to allow her to increase the tempo of her ride. Her eyes closed as she bit her lip, doing her best to stay off another orgasm—at least until she had one last thing.

Shifting again, she moved her weight forward, sliding her hips down Luna’s body until all of her sister’s face was engulfed between Celestia’s twin cheeks. No instructions were needed. Immediately, Luna began to administer to her sister’s tailhole. Pushing her tongue as far out as she could mange, she plunged it deep into Celestia’s ass, then pulled it back and began thrusting it in and out.

A deep moan grew from Celestia as she let her left hoof trail up Luna’s chest and towards her own marehood. She let it slide along her sopping wet slit, massaging it gently at first, but quickly turning vigorous. It didn’t take long for her entire body to shudder and convulse for the fourth time atop Luna. She sat there, letting the pleasure wash over her and allowing Luna to continue to pleasure her until the last spasm faded away.

Raising herself up, Celestia freed herself from her sister’s face. A desperate gasp for air filled the room, swelling Luna’s chest. Sharp ragged breaths followed, causing Celestia to pause for a moment, but the moment they began to subside, she smiled.

“You shouldn’t brag about being unkillable, Luna. You don’t need air, do you?” Celestia teased.

“I…I will be…fine…my Goddess,” she gasped as her breathing returned to normal.

“You’re welcome,” Celestia said, standing over her wife, staring intently into her eyes.

Luna squinted. “Goddess?”

“Well, I assume you want to thank me for the privilege of bringing me to orgasm. Several times, in fact. You should be very grateful.” Celestia raised an eyebrow as she spoke.

“Thank you, Goddess!” Luna said instantly. “You’re too kind to me.”

A small smile pushed its way onto Celestia’s face. “Well, even though it’s late, I suppose I still have time to amuse myself a little further.” She motioned towards a heavy wooden cabinet on the far side of the room. “Fetch the golden rod, will you?”

Luna looked at the cabinet from her position on the floor, and then back at her lover. “Yes, Goddess, but I…” Her voice trailed off to nothing.

“What? What is it?” Celestia asked. “Speak.”

“If you would, Goddess, I could teach you a spell that would allow you to…to grow your own…” Again, her voice trailed away.

The smile curled up larger on the right side of Celestia’s face. “My own? My own what?” She leaned down until her face was beside Luna’s ear. “My own cock? Is that what you want?”

Luna gasped. “I…I was merely suggesting that—” The tremble in her voice was cut off by Celestia.

“Show me!” She commanded in a whisper. “Cast this spell on yourself. I want to see what it does.”

“You…you know what it does, Goddess,” Luna whispered. “I’ve—”

“Don’t argue with me. Obey me,” Celestia nipped Luna’s ear. “Unless you are trying to anger me, which doesn’t seem wise.”

“No, Goddess. I….” A midnight glow surrounded Luna’s horn and genitalia simultaneously. Celestia stared down as she watch the magic coax forth a growth from her love’s vagina. Her clitoris expanded to become a fully formed penis.

“Very good.” Celestia’s magic surrounded her sister’s new member, stimulating it. “Very good, indeed.” A short motion brought Celestia above her sister, allowing them to meet eyes once again. “Do you like this?”

“Yes, Goddess,” she muttered.

“Do you want me to continue?” Celestia purred.

“Please.” Luna closed her eyes.

“Open your eyes,” Celestia commanded gently. “I want you to see this.”

Instantly, Luna obeyed. Her eyes opened up and stared down her body at the magic that undulated slowly over her rock-hard she-cock.

“Not there.” Celestia stood and took two steps away. “Watch me.”

With a blink, Luna slowly turned her head to look upon her sister. She stood there, her white coat all but glowing in the fading light, while her horn of gold radiated her magic from her brow. Luna could feel that magic working on her, driving her closer and closer to the edge.

“It seems only fair that you pay attention to me. After all, I’m the one giving you pleasure, aren’t I?” Celestia’s voice was steely silk on Luna’s ears. “So I feel that you need to watch while I explain something to you.”

The glow around Celestia’s horn increased, and out of the corner of her eye, Luna spied a glowing item approach from the far side of the room. She also felt something brush against her stomach and started to turn to look, but her sister’s magic held her head, keeping it focused on her.

“You seem to think that having that…thing…between your legs is special. What I find amusing is the simple fact that you believe that I cannot cast such a spell. That you would actually need to teach me.” Celestia’s laugh sent a shiver through Luna’s body. “Is it truly possible that I need to prove how much more capable I am than you?” Her eyes narrowed. “Again.”

The object from the far side of the room floated clearly into view. Constructed from gold, with elaborate decorations circling its length at semi-regular positions, it was immediately recognizable as a faux-phallus. A construct designed to mimic a horse cock in most every way. The part that seemed out of place came towards the base of the shaft, where it flared out wide and then curved sharply upwards.

“I do not need a spell to change who I am,” Celestia raised her head up. “I have no desire to change from mare to stallion. Not when I can remain a mare and be a better stallion than any pony alive.”

The phallus moved between Celestia’s legs as she positioned it carefully. Slowly, the upturned portion of it slid up, parting the folds of Celestia’s sex and sliding inside her. A low moan accompanied the action, as did Celestia licking her lips sensually.

Luna whimpered. Seeing her love looking like she did right now was almost enough to push her over the edge. The fact that Celestia also increased the tempo on her shaft only made it worse.

“I want you to orgasm now,” Celestia commanded. “I don’t have time to wait for you to finish on your schedule.”

If Luna thought that the sensation she felt before was intense, this was something beyond measure. Her eyes rolled back in her head, and she could only imagine what the magic must be doing to her. The intensity of it prevented her from being able to concentrate, but it seemed as though a million separate things were all stimulating her at once.

She screamed as she came. Her cock burst and throbbed, pulsing as she felt a torrent of cum rush from the end of her magically made member. It took her a moment to realize that she felt none of that ejaculate land upon her chest or stomach.

“Very good!” Celestia cooed as she stepped around to position herself between Luna’s legs. “Now, let’s see if we can’t do better than that, shall we?”

Her head once again free to move, Luna watched as her sister raised her hips up from the ground, holding her legs apart with her magic. The golden cock dangling between Celestia’s legs pointed menacingly towards her sex, waiting for the moment when it would finally invade her.

“I will get rid of the spell, if you like,” Luna said. “If you like, Goddess.”

“Please do.”

A moment later, Luna’s cock was gone, but her arousal had gone nowhere.

“I know that you’ve been working hard, Luna,” Celestia purred. “I’m sure you could use something to refresh you. Which is why I gathered this.”

Floating into her field of vision, Luna spied a large crystal goblet. It was filled with a thick, white fluid.

“You’re going to drink this while I fuck you,” Celestia said. “And if you let a single drop fall or go unswallowed, then I shall be most disappointed—and you don’t want that to happen.” A wide smirk curled up on Celestia’s lips. “Now, take the goblet with your magic, and start sipping.”

The magic pulled away from the glass immediately, and Luna was barely able to catch it before it could spill. At the same moment, she felt something long and hard push its way inside her marehood.

She gasped. Celestia’s phallus was specially crafted, and carried a magical property when it was being used. It was warm like flesh, but more than that it carried a charge of energy that coursed over its surface and transferred it to the recipient. It also conveyed that same sensation back to the wearer.

“Drink!” Celestia commanded as her hips began to drive against Luna’s. “I want to see you drink your own cum!”

Luna summoned the goblet to her lips and let the viscous fluid slide into her mouth. The salty, tangy flavor hit her tongue and played around her mouth before she swallowed it down. Luna’s body rocked back and forth as Celestia increased her tempo, making it far more difficult to empty the glass.

“What birth put between your legs isn’t important, Luna.” Celestia’s breath was already ragged. “I am more of a mare than you will ever be, and more of a stallion than you could ever be with!”

Celestia stared down at her sister as the goblet tipped up, draining the last of its contents down Luna’s throat. She ripped the glass from Luna’s hold and threw it against the wall, shattering it. Smiling, she watched as Luna’s eyes once more rolled back in her head, and she knew what was about to happen.

Luna convulsed beneath her, trembling and shaking as she reached the edge of ultimate pleasure. As she pushed over the edge, she screamed out loud.

“Yes! Chryssie! Yes!”

Celestia froze. Every muscle in her body refused to move, with the exception of her mouth and eyes, both of which fell wide open.

Writhing beneath her, Luna rode out her orgasm, oblivious to her surroundings completely. Any sensation was lost on Celestia. She had become completely numb. By the time Luna’s orgasm passed, Celestia had regained enough presence to pull out and step away, setting her sister gently back down to the ground.

Behind her, Luna moaned contentedly on the floor as Celestia slowly walked over to the cabinet that held her phallic creation. With scarcely any thought or sensation, she removed it from herself and floated it over to the open doors to put it back in place, mindlessly casting a sanitation spell on it as she did.

“Tia,” Luna groaned, “that was amazing. Thank you so much.”

“You…you’re welcome, my love,” she answered. “It is as much a pleasure for me, as you know.”

“Mmmm, I hope so.” Celestia could hear Luna twisting around, finally regaining her hooves. “You deserve to feel amazing after something like that.”

“Yes, I…do.”

By the time Celestia had turned back around, her face wore a huge smile. “You should go clean up, my love. You have court in a short while, and we really need to lower the sun and raise the moon before then.” With a nod of her head, she gestured towards the bathroom. “It wouldn’t be appropriate for you to show up to court looking rather disheveled, now would it?”

With a chuckle, Luna trotted over to her wife. “You are always thinking about decorum, aren’t you?” She kissed Celestia lightly on the lips. “I still have a lot to learn from you.”

“I’ll always be here for you, Luna,” Celestia whispered.

Luna gently rubbed her horn along the length of her sister’s spiral. “I’ll just be a moment, and then we can take care of the sun and moon.” She turned and walked towards the bathroom, swaying her hips wide with each step. “Though you’ve already taken care of the moon, in my opinion.” She glanced back over her shoulder. “I love you, Tia.”

The door shut lightly behind her as Luna entered the bathroom. As the sound of it closing faded, so did Celestia’s expression. The smile melted from her face and she walked to the window, staring out once more at the fading sun on the horizon.

“I love you, too, Luna,” Celestia whispered. “I love you, too.”

* * * * * * * *

“Mares and gentlecolts, and honored representatives from other parts of the Six Kingdoms, I want to take a moment to thank you for coming this morning.” Trueblood stood on the podium, looking out over the assembled group, doing her best to appear calm and collected. “All of you know me, but it’s not me that I would like you to listen to this morning.”

She looked out at the various faces staring back at her. The expressions ranged the full gamut, from curious to charmed to confused to confrontational. She swallowed and continued.

“It wasn’t that long ago that we learned we weren’t alone. That another world—another Equestria and similar nations—existed in another dimension. With that discovery came something that all of us had been fighting for all of our lives—the defeat of Fantasia Coldheart, and the restoration of freedom to the inhabitants of the Six Kingdoms.”

A murmur of approval swum through the gathering.

“Key in that event was a pony of unquestionable courage. A pony who risked her life to free us from enslavement and tyranny. A pony who is visiting us today.” Trueblood stepped backwards and to the side, raising her hoof up in a flourish. “I present to you all, Twilight Sparkle.”

Twilight stepped forward, glancing towards her marefriend casually. “That was quite the introduction,” she whispered.

“You deserve it. Go get ‘em.” Trueblood whispered back as she stepped even further away, leaving Twilight as the lone focus of the room.

“Um, hello,” Twilight’s voice cracked. All of the butterflies suddenly desperate to escape her stomach stopped the moment she looked out at the crowd. A slight cough cleared her throat, and she raised her head up high. “Good morning!”

A smile beamed across her muzzle. “As Trueblood mentioned, my name is Twilight Sparkle, and I’m here as an ambassador from Equestria—that is to say, my Equestria—and I want to help.”

Her hooves shuffled, sliding her first right and then left. “I cannot say that I know any of you personally. What I can say is that I’ve read your complaints and petitions, and I want to help you find an answer.” Her eyes went from pony to pony, doing her best to meet each of them for a moment. “I can’t do it alone, though. I need your help. What I can offer each of you is an unbiased ear and a chance to bring all of us together.”

She could hear the sound of her own hooves clicking against the floor of the dais. It brought a smile to her face. As long as it was quiet enough for her to hear that, then the ponies in the room were listening to her.

“I propose that each of you—one at a time—is brought in for a private conference with myself and Superintendent Trueblood, where we can document your concerns and begin to structure a plan to bring all of you together peacefully.” Twilight smiled. “This is the time for friendship among all the ponies of your world to set the standard for generations to come.”

The silence during her words was reassuring. The silence that currently followed them left her uneasy.

“Is…is there any questions?” Twilight asked.

A long pause preceded any answer.

“The people of my home don’t want to serve anypony else,” a stallion uttered from the middle of the room. “We can be friends with our neighbors and still be ourselves, can’t we?”

“I’m glad you asked that.” Twilight began breathing again. “It’s not just a matter of being a friend to your neighbors, but not having to think of anypony as a neighbor. You said it yourself, all of you have been through a horrible ordeal, and if you separate, all you are doing is leaving yourselves open to fear and hate seeping in and isolating you from everypony. It is only by coming together that you can reach your potential.”

She raised a hoof up, quelling the murmur that started. “I’m not being foolish. I don’t think it will be easy. That’s why we want to talk to you as a group now, and then as individuals after. Once all of your concerns are outlined, we can put together a plan that will address them as a whole. And before you argue, let me ask you all something: Isn’t it worth the time to talk to us one-on-one rather than just give up and let the world fracture into smaller pieces?”

The murmur returned, but there was a new feeling behind it. A quick glance over was enough to see Trueblood smiling and nodding back towards her. The first hurdle seemingly was crossed.

“Bull hockey!” A sharp, twanging voice shouted from the back of the room.

Every head turned, looking for a figure to match the tone of that voice. A pale yellow mare with a crimson mane stood alone, away from the other ponies who had been sitting. Twilight squinted. Something was familiar about her.

“There ain’t nothin’ that you can offer that ain’t here for anypony to do themselves!” She stalked forward, unerring and unfazed by anypony here. “Ah think Ah know why you’re here!”

Twilight blinked rapidly.

The mare turned around and looked at the other gathered ponies. “Cain’t you all see what’s goin’ on here? This here pony is doin’ all of this for just one reason. She’s another dang alicorn! All of them just have themselves they worry about, an’ you know it!”

“Apple Bloom?” The name came out slowly, and barely loud enough for anypony besides her to hear—but still loud enough for the mare in front of her.

The yellow mare turned to look behind her. “Do Ah know you? I think I woulda remembered meeting somepony like you.” She turned back to the gathering. “Which is more proof that she ain’t normal!”

The tone of the crowd changed. The murmur grew into something louder and with a decidedly sharper edge.

“Ev-everypony just calm down,” Twilight urged. “I promise you that I’m here to help. I have nothing to gain in this, I just—”

“Then why’re you doin’ it at all? Can you tell me that, ‘Princess?’” Apple Bloom asked. “Why help?”

“Well, firstly, I’m not a princess. I just have wings and a horn, I don’t think that… Well, that’s not important, really. What is important is why I’m helping. Because it’s the right thing to do,” Twilight explained.

“Right for who?” A nameless and faceless voice asked from the crowd.

“For her, obviously!” Apple Bloom yelled. “I don’t know exactly what she’s up to, but she…she’s…well, look at her!”

“Yes! Look at her!” Trueblood stepped up beside Twilight. “She’s standing here being attacked for trying to help!” Pointing her hoof out to the side, Trueblood continued. “I’ve never known anypony more capable and considerate than Twilight Sparkle. The fact that she’s willing to spend her own time—traveling literally worlds away—to help us is not something that you should be questioning at all!”

“Why aren’t you?” Apple Bloom asked suddenly. “Ah thought that you woulda known the danger letting somepony like that tryin’ to worm her way in here.” The young mare squinted her eyes tightly. “Or is there somethin’ else we need ta know about you two? Are you in cahoots with her?”

“I’ll have you know that—”

“Excuse us! Everypony please calm down,” Twilight interrupted her marefriend. “Obviously things have gotten out of hoof, and I don’t want anypony getting angry with anypony else. Things have gotten off to a rocky start here, but I still want all of you to consider what I offered. Please?”

“Yeah, well, Ah don’t see exactly what you’re offerin’,” Apple Bloom said loudly. “All Ah can see is another alicorn, and we all know what they’re like.”

“Do we?!” Trueblood shouted. “One example is all you need to know something?”

“Well, it was a helluva example!” Apple Bloom shouted back.

“Calm down!” Twilight stepped between them, hoping to quell the rising tempers around the room.

“This meeting is over.” Turning on her hoof, Trueblood stalked off of the dais quickly, making a line for the heart of the castle.

“Trueblood!” Twilight took a step towards her and then stopped. The crowd behind her grew louder giving her pause and turning her head around. Her mouth moved for a moment with nothing coming out. She took a deep breath and tried again. “I’m sorry. I’m truly sorry. Just…just think about my offer.”

Immediately she trotted off, moving to catch up with Trueblood. Twilight could hear the temper rising in the crowd, all lead by the far too familiar voice of Apple Bloom.

* * * * * * * *

“So, the question that leaves, I suppose, is the identity of this Queen Ersatz.” Chrysalis’ voice purred slowly. The left side of her body weighed against the chaise, creating the edge of an indention that her right hoof slowly trailed along. “Beyond her name, I mean.”

“That’s not exactly the case, Your Highness,” Fleur answered. “It is, however, an accurate recap of the events of that night.”

The white unicorn sat some distance away from Chrysalis. Her front hooves crossed over each other casually, while a smile played in her eyes. Fleur looked somewhat out of place with her pristine coat in the dark, dull room. Shades of darker grey and deep green echoed through the space, from the walls to the surprisingly lush furniture.

One of Chrysalis’ eyebrows raised. “What are you keeping from me, Ms. de Lis?”

“Fleur, please.” The hint became a full smile. “Call me Fleur.”

“Well, then please answer my question, Fleur,” Chrysalis replied. “And also, there is no need for you to sit on the floor.”

“I don’t mind, Your Highness. I’m perfectly comfortable,” she said. “Though I must commend you on your new furnishings. It’s much nicer than I was led to believe.”

Chrysalis let her head loll back slightly, causing her tattered mane to shift and fall back away from her face. “Why aren’t you answering my question, Fleur? I won’t be drawn away from the matter.”

“I believe you are reading too much into the matter. All I was saying was that there are many, many things that still need to be discovered and resolved, not just the location and details regarding Queen Ersatz. Among them being where these changelings came from, why they are here, and why they decided to target you in such an elaborate manner,” Fleur explained.

With a shrug of her shoulders, Chrysalis’ head fell forward once more, concealing a portion of her face under the wispy strands of her mane. “That’s no secret. I rule all of the changelings of Equestria. This upstart is trying to usurp my throne. Not her wisest choice, actually.”

“Of course, but why now? Why here?” Fleur shook her head. “Those changelings didn’t come into Canterlot with a lack of understanding. They came in fully prepared with a plan to deal with three princesses. Rather ambitious, don’t you think?”

“No more so than trying to take my changelings from me. You might not be aware of this, but I have a bit of a…reputation preceding me,” Chrysalis laughed.

Fleur nodded slowly. “And what are your plans, Princess?”

“Plans? I have no plans. Celestia herself asked me to stand down and wait. For the…process…to unfold and then take the proper action in the proper way.” The point of her right fang snuck out of Chrysalis’ mouth. “I am a princess now, after all. I wouldn’t want to do anything improper.”

Like a slow-moving duster, Fleur’s tail brushed against the floor behind her. “And what is it that you consider improper, Your Highness?”

“Why, Ms. de Lis! Such brashness!” Her right hoof left its resting place on the upholstery and moved to her chest dramatically. “Do you consider it proper to even be asking such a question of one of your princesses?”

Fleur laughed. “The actual question, Princess, was whether or not you found it improper.”

A long pause separated the two mares even further as they locked eyes together.

“You should never question your betters, Fleur,” Chrysalis growled. “That is what I believe.”

“My apologies.” Fleur bowed her head slightly. “I meant no disrespect, of course.”

Her head tilted back as Chrysalis snorted. “You are a very strong-willed pony, Fleur. I admire that.” She leaned forward, angling her eyes directly at the other mare. “I just want you to admit that you understand who it is you are working for right now.”

For a brief moment, it appeared as though there was a quiver in Fleur’s lip. “I do understand, Your Highness. I’m working for you, Princess.”

“Princess?” Chrysalis’ voice raked over the edge of her fangs on the way out.

The delay in response matched the time it took Fleur to swallow gently. “Queen,” she said slowly. “I work for you, Queen Chrysalis.”

A purring trill sound rose from Chrysalis’ throat as she leaned back once again.

* * * * * * * *

“What was that?” Twilight paced back and forth. “I mean, seriously, what was that?”

“Now you see what I was talking about! Those ponies are just being…gah!” A quick stomp of her hoof completed Trueblood’s tone.

“Not them!” The two mares faced each other. “You. I had that under control. Stepping in like that only riled them up more. I expected there to be reaction from them, but not you.”

“What? I was stepping in to defend you!” The white’s of Trueblood’s eyes dominated her face for a moment.

“And I don’t need defending! The whole purpose of me going out there was to talk to them. Once you stepped in I was nothing more than your marefriend. I’m sure at least some of them knew that already, and after what you did I have no doubt the rest of them do now.” Twilight took a step towards the other mare.

“Oh, so you just wanted me to step aside? I’m supposed to let others attack you and just take it?” Trueblood responded with a step closer herself.

“Yes!” Twilight shouted, and then shook her head, lowering her tone. “No. I don’t know. If I imagine myself in your place, I can’t say that I wouldn’t have done the same thing that you did. What am I supposed to say here?”

Two more steps brought Trueblood face to face with Twilight. “I don’t know. And…and you’re right. I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m sorry.”

The smile on Twilight’s face was awkward, but very genuine. “Well, it’s in the past. We just have to work forward from here.”

“Which means what?”

Turning, Twilight stepped away and once more began pacing. “I don’t know. We need to find something or somepony to help win over our point.”

“Well, who was that pony who stepped up? That young mare? You seemed to know her.” Trueblood moved alongside Twilight, matching her pace for pace.

“That…that was Apple Bloom. An older version of Apple Bloom, anyway.” Twilight glanced to the side. “You remember Applejack, I’m sure. Apple Bloom is her baby sister. Again, not so much baby here, though.”

“She seemed young to me,” Trueblood answered.

“Young, but grown up.” Twilight shook her head. “I just wasn’t expecting anypony like that to be there.”

“Hey, Sparky, don’t blame yourself. It’s not the type of thing you would think about.” With a shift of her hip, Trueblood bumped Twilight’s flank. “This place will keep you on the tips of your hooves.”

“And back to the matter at hoof. I think—”

A sudden knock on the door stopped Twilight in mid-sentence. Both ponies turned to look at it, but Trueblood is the one who responded. “Yes?”

Immediately the door opened, and a brick red pony cantered in without delay. “Superintendent, we…we have a problem,” Cobblestone stated.

“What’s wrong?” Stepping in front of Twilight, Trueblood moved towards her aide.

“It’s… Well, it’s….” He looked past Trueblood to the mare behind her. “I think you need to read this.” He produced a scroll from a bag on his hip and moved it up, where Trueblood took it in her magical field and brought it closer. With a familiar sound, the scroll opened in front of her, moving up and along as she read down.

“What is it?” Twilight asked, moving her head to glance at what her marefriend was reading. “What does it say?”

No answer came. A second time Trueblood shifted the paper, once again starting at the top of the scroll and reading down.

“What does it say? Tru?” Shifting to one side, Twilight once again tried to see the scroll clearly. “Tru?”

“It’s a call to action. It’s signed most of the ambassadors in attendance right now. Maybe all of them, actually.” She rolled the scroll up and levitated back over to Cobblestone. Trueblood faced her aide and spoke directly to him. “I need you to clear a path out of Canterlot. Some route where nopony will be watching. Do it as quick as you can.”

“Yes, ma’am. I was thinking the same thing. I think I can get the guards to set something up in a couple of hours at most,” he answered.

“What? Why? What’s going on?” Twilight’s brow furrowed as she moved up to join them. “What does that scroll say?”

Trueblood sighed. Her head went down and she closed her eyes, first gently and then tightly, causing her entire muzzle to wince. With another sigh she opened her eyes and turned to look directly into Twilight’s gaze.

“It’s about you, Twilight,” she said softly. “They are calling to have you arrested and imprisoned.”

“What?!” The word seemed to cause Twilight to stagger back a step.

“That’s not all.” Trueblood gently raised a hoof and put it on Twilight’s withers. “They…they are demanding that you be put on trial.”

“I…I don’t understand. What do they want to put me on trial for?” Twilight twisted her head slightly.

“Fantasia. They are wanting to try you for the crimes my mother committed.” Trueblood turned to Cobblestone. “Get that path cleared. Go.”

Without a word Cobblestone turned and sprinted out of the room.

“That…that’s ridiculous. I had nothing to do with Coldheart. I fought with you against her. I was one of the ponies that she almost took control of and…and…. I don’t understand.” Twilight’s voice went flat.

“It doesn’t make sense, Sparky, but that’s not the point. I read what they wrote. It’s not about sense. It’s about revenge. They want blood.” Trueblood took a deep breath. “And if we don’t get you out of here, then I fear they will get it, one way or another.”

* * * * * * * *

“You don’t need to be here, Chryssie.”

Luna’s eyes were directed down, staring at the pages of the open volume in front of her, as had been the case for several minutes. It was only one of several books and scrolls on her desk, all of them scattered about in a seeming haphazard manner. Odd stacks and piles that teetered and hovered on the edge of her oversized workspace, leaving only a small area directly in front of her chair where she could work. No pony could understand how she was able to accomplish anything amidst that chaos—and worse, they were always amazed at her ability to locate any single item instantly when asked for it.

On the other side of the room, remaining perfectly quiet, stood Princess Chrysalis. Currently, as seemed to be the normal case, a small, narrow smile played over her lips. She stood in the long shadows of the room, created by the slowly setting sun hanging barely above the horizon. All of her attention was focused on the black mare sitting with her back to her. She watched and she waited.

Eventually, Luna turned her head around, narrowing her eyes as she did. “Don’t think that I am unaware of you behind me. I said that you didn’t need to be here. Clearly you still are, so that leaves me to ask: why?”

“My pardon, Princess.” Chrysalis bowed deeply, lowering her eyes to the ground as she did. As she came back up her eyes remained half-lidded as her gaze intensified. “I know that you are preparing the annual speech to give to your—I mean our subjects, and wanted to check in to see what I might be able to do to help you.”

“You’re already helpful enough, Chryssie. Simply by dealing with the everyday issues of Equestria during the Day Court, you lessen the burden on me.” Luna turned back to the books in front of her, which was accompanied by a loud series of pops from her neck. Without being able to see her face, Chrysalis could see Luna wince.

“Ooh, that does not sound good, Luna.” With a barely audible click of her chitinous hooves on the marble floor, Chrysalis stepped towards Luna. “In fact, it sounded rather painful.”

Sharply twisting her head first to her right and then to her left, Luna popped the remaining joints in her long neck. “It’s these damned books!” Luna snarled. “Having to hold my neck down and read one after another, let alone the scrolls that are given to me on a daily basis. It’s madness!” Her voice turned to a low grumble. “I have no idea how Celestia did it.”

“Celestia? Oh, I sincerely doubt that she did it on her own.” By the time she finished her sentence, Chrysalis was standing directly behind Luna. “There were dozens of ponies sifting through all of these details for her. Her only real job was making sure that she was well spoken at the right moment.”

Luna snorted. “You obviously don’t know my wife,” the words were accompanied by a light chuckle. “I’ve never known any other pony who could answer questions quite as thoroughly as Celestia. Her mind is a prison of knowledge, and I don’t think that any of it will ever escape her.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t be too sure of that,” Chrysalis’ buzzed.

“What? Are you insulting—aaaah!” With the sudden turn of her neck, Luna cried out and immediately turned her head back straight in front of her.

“Oh you poor dear,” Chrysalis cooed. A green glow simultaneous surrounded both her horn and the back of Luna’s neck and upper withers. “Let me help you.”

“I don’t need…any…” Luna’s voice trailed off as her head fell forward slightly. “That…that feels wonderful. You have quite a gift, Chryssie.”

“Why, thank you, Princess,” the changeling purred. “I do try.”

Slowly swaying her neck back and forth, Luna sat in silence while Chrysalis’ magic worked on the length of her neck. Gradually, a moan built up inside her, seeping out from the back of her throat.

“And tell me, Princess,” Chrysalis whispered, “exactly what is the current state?”

“Mmmmm…well, it, uh…. Canterlot is still the worst for wear. Ponyville and a few other towns suffered some damage from Coldheart’s attack but, uh…uh, they have done well in recovery.” Luna’s words came slow and haltingly.

“And exactly how bad is Canterlot right now?” Chrysalis leaned in towards her ear.

“Recovering. There are still likely…likely three or four years left before the scars are healed.” Luna sighed. “That feels wonderful, Chryssie.”

“I can make it feel better,” she growled as her hoof slipped onto Luna’s flank.

The desk in front of Luna squeaked as its feet skid across the floor, unable to resist the pressure of Luna’s body suddenly lurching against it. Luna’s hooves scrambled as she rushed away from the desk and the changeling behind her.

“What are you doing?” Luna’s eyes scanned up and down Chrysalis’ body, rapidly darting from one location to the next.

One of Chrysalis’ eyebrows went up. “I was simply trying to relax you, Luna. I was going to use my hooves along with my magic to increase the sensation you were feeling. Why? Did I do something wrong?”

“No. No, of course not. I just…”

“Did I make you uncomfortable? Oh, I do apologize. I only wanted to make you feel good, Luna. You seemed like you could use some tender care.” The light buzz behind Chrysalis’ voice put an edge on the soft tones she was using.

“I am fine.” Luna stood to her full height and gave a shallow nod. “The pain in my neck is much better. Thank you.”

“Should I go?” Chrysalis asked. “I mean, I imagine that you have a lot of work to deal with, still.”

“Yes. Yes, I do. Thank you for stopping by, Chryssie.” Luna cleared her throat after she spoke.

“Of course. I’ll leave you here, then.” She started to turn, but stopped herself before she made any real progress. “Please do let me know if there is anything that I can do…for you, Luna. I would be more than happy to help you with any more stiffness that you may have.”

Two heartbeats passed between them. “I’m…I’m sure I will be fine,” Luna answered.

“Well, the offer stands.” Chrysalis turned and slowly walked toward the door, the dark plates of her chitin seemed to gleam due to the sun’s fading light. Luna watched every step. Just before exiting, Chrysalis looked over her shoulder, and Luna’s eyes snapped up to meet her gaze. “Good night, Princess. Perhaps we can share a meal later, if you are hungry?”

“I expect I will be busy all evening,” Luna answered, “but thank you.”

Without another word, Chrysalis stepped out of the room. As she walked back to her desk, Luna suddenly noticed the ache pervading her body.

* * * * * * * *

“Look at them.” Tiny figures filed out one by one far below, following in a line as the dark figure watched. “Following the pattern. Being perfect little pawns.”

After the last of the ponies exited, the dark figure turned and walked along the wall, pausing at every window.

“Fools. Each and every one of them are fools.” Each window brought a new statement. “Perfect fools. Tiny minds. Limited vision.”

A turn to the left and the figure crossed the room, arriving at a window with a very different view. A giant frozen heart stood alone in the center of the courtyard below.

“My Empress…” The deep voice trailed off slowly. “Every second that you are imprisoned is another moment of torture. One more tick of the clock where I cannot bathe in your radiance. Where the world is denied your glory.”

Two ponies crossed along the far wall. The mist of their exhalation obvious even at such a distance. “I envy those ponies. You can almost smell the fear on their breath. They don’t begin to understand the glory of what they have the chance to behold. Even through the walls of your prison you can touch them.” The figure’s head shook slowly. “They have no appreciation of your absolute radiance.”

“Aw, fer cryin’ out loud.” The second voice spoke from behind the dark figure. “Do you always have to talk so dang funny? Ain’t nopony around to hear you say all that stupid stuff.”

The dark figure didn’t move. A laugh preceded any words. “Ah, my beleaguered associate. I do hope that all went according to plan.”

“What do you think?” the young mare replied.

“Oh, Apple Bloom, remember the goal. The glory that we will achieve,” the dark figure said.

“Look, you got your reasons, and I got mine. Let’s just leave it at that,” she answered. “You ain’t forgettin’ my part of this deal, right?”

“No! Of course not!” The figure finally turned to look at the young mare. “I’ve given you everything you need to accomplish your task just so that we both will get what we want.” Stepping closer, the figure continued, “Once my goals are achieved, I promise that I will give you what you want.”

“Like Ah trust you,” Apple Bloom sneered.

“You wound me,” the figure laughed. “Then again, you also have no choice, do you?”

Apple Bloom’s face was steel, even as the dark figure smiled down at her.

“Ah hate you,” Apple Bloom said.

“Of course you do,” the figure said and turned to walk back over the window overlooking the courtyard. “How can you do anything but hate while the source of all love is imprisoned?”

She watched for a full minute longer before Apple Bloom turned and left the room.

* * * * * * * *

Celestia sat and stared across the table. Laid out in front of her was a wealth of delights, ranging from simple dishes of roasted carrots to complex creations of oats and grass melded with the finest flowers from across all of Equestria. Any pony sitting before it would be drooling and fighting to contain themselves.

And she was paying no attention to it at all. Her eyes were firmly locked on the chair that sat across the table from her. An elaborately crafted creation covered with images of stars and moons, subtle and delicate to the casual viewer, making them all the more dynamic to Celestia. Mostly due to the fact that they were currently unobstructed by an occupant.

“I’m so sorry that I’m late!”

The words were the ones that Celestia wanted to hear. The voice was not.

“Hello, Chrysalis,” she said calmly. “Welcome.”

The changeling sauntered up to the chair sitting to the side of the table on Celestia’s left, midway between her seat and the one reserved for her sister.

“Mmmm,” she purred as she sat down. “What a delicious looking display.”

“Yes, the chefs do a magnificent job.” Celestia turned her eyes towards Chrysalis. “Though I am surprised to see you here, I must admit.”

“I thought that I had a standing invitation to this dinner table, or am I misremembering what I was told by both you and your lovely sister?” The gasp accompanying her words was obviously forced.

“Indeed, that is true. You are always welcome at dinner.” Twisting her head slightly, Celestia forced a smile. “It’s just the fact that you don’t actually eat food that makes this surprising.”

With a slight shake of her head, Chrysalis answered, “After all this time, you still do not understand me or my changelings, do you, Celestia?”

A green light enveloped a pastry filled with spinach and cheese, floating it over to Chrysalis. “I can eat the same food as you. I can even enjoy it and gain…some nourishment.” Her teeth sank in, taking a large bite from the food in front of her. As the flavor splashed across her tongue her eyes grew in size. “And I’m finding this dinner absolutely delicious so far.”

“I’m sure you are.” Celestia took a deep breath. “What I am referring to, however, is the fact that you have only joined us for dinner once before, and that was many, many weeks back. What made you decide to choose tonight?”

“Hmm? Oh, that.” Her tongue came out and snatched the remaining half of the pastry from her magic. “When I was with Luna earlier we talked about having dinner tonight. I assumed that she was going to meet me here, actually.”

Celestia’s smile twisted with her head. “Earlier? I thought that you had the day free today? When did you see her?”

“Oh, I was in her private chambers earlier. She was very tense, so I just…relaxed her.” Chrysalis levitated an apple up to her mouth and licked her lips. After only a moment’s pause she tore a large bite from it.

Wordlessly, Celestia watched her chew. Their eyes slowly met, and stayed locked until well past the time that Chrysalis swallowed. A faint cough from one of the servant ponies hovering near the entrance broke the silence.

“Why are you really here, Chrysalis? What do you want?” Celestia asked.

“Dinner isn’t enough?”

“We’ve had this talk once. I want you to leave Luna alone.” The golden horn on Celestia’s head came to life, summoning a plate of woven organic hay to her. Delicately, she removed one and placed it on her plate.

“And I believe that I told you then that she was a grown mare. Or do you not trust your own wife?” Chrysalis narrowed her eyes.

A short snort began Celestia’s response. “Oh, I trust her completely. I wish I could say that about everypony, however.” She leaned in towards the table. “I’ll ask again: what do you want?”

“Why must there be a grand plan behind this? Isn’t it enough that I want the princesses of Equestria to be…friends with me?” Chrysalis clicked her fangs together.

“Princesses? Plural?” Celestia replied.

“Oh yes. I like to think of you in a very friendly manner. You’ll forgive me for remembering our more…intimate…moment, Celestia,” Chrysalis purred. “I have to admit that I’ve never found you more attractive than when you were beneath me.”

“Below you,” Celestia answered. “I’ve never been beneath you.”

Chrysalis shrugged her shoulders. “However you would prefer to say it.”

With a grace that defied the action, Celestia closed her eyes. After a count of five she reopened them, letting a smile once more cross her lips.

“This is unnecessary, Chrysalis,” she said. “You have proven yourself to Equestria. There doesn’t need to be any tension between the two of us.”

“Are you feeling tension, Celestia? Do you need me to help you relax as well?” A full row of fangs exposed themselves on Chrysalis’ muzzle. “Your sister seemed to enjoy it earlier.”

The table rattled as Celestia suddenly stood, causing a small tower of baked sweets to topple over. Immediately two servant ponies dashed towards the table to rectify the situation—only to be stopped by a single upraised hoof.

“Do not concern yourself, my little ponies,” Celesta said with a calm fluidity. “I find that I am not very hungry this evening. Perhaps I have become a little ill. I believe I will take my leave of the table.”

“Oh? Is there anything that I can for you, Celestia?” Chrysalis asked with a buzz of her wings.

“You’ve done enough this evening, Princess.” Celestia spread her wings wide. “Perhaps I just need some fresh air.” She stared at Chrysalis. “Good night, Princess.”

“And a good night to you, too, Celestia. I suppose I will take my leave of the dinner table as well.” Chrysalis smiled. “I do hate to be the only one eating anything.”

“I’m sure.”

“I wonder if your sister is hungry? I could always take her some—”

“She’s not,” Celestia interrupted. “As you said, Luna is capable of making her own choices.”

Standing, Chrysalis stretched up, bowing her back and rolling back her shoulders. “Well then, I will just retire to my room. You remember where it is, don’t you?” Chrysalis raised an eyebrow. “In case you wanted to come visit later.”

“Why don’t you wait up for me,” Celestia suggested. Chrysalis laughed.

A mighty beat of her powerful wings sent Celestia airborne, flying up and out of the high balcony above them. With no regard to the white alicorn, Chrysalis turned and exited through the same door she entered. Leaving the room empty—save for a table filled with uneaten food.

* * * * * * * *

“Is it clear?”

The guard gave a curt nod towards his Superintendent. Trueblood stepped up, her eyes darting back and forth, surveying the entire landscape, looking for anything unusual or out of place. Rows of buildings stood on either side of the long side street. Businesses, long closed at this hour, lined the way ahead, with no sign of anypony anywhere. Satisfied, she took another step forward, motioning for the ponies behind her to follow.

Surrounded by four guards, Twilight moved behind her marefriend. The dim light from the street lamps shifted over her face, revealing very little as it slid across. Her lips were a straight line. Her eyes a distance glaze. The movement of her hooves seemed more accidental than intentional.

“We’re down to the final leg,” Trueblood whispered loudly. “Once we get past the edge of the city it’s a straight line for you to get back to the portal. The guards will go with you just as a precaution. But once we’re out of the city, you should be safe.”

“Idon’tlikethis,” Twilight mumbled.

“What?” Trueblood trotted back to Twilight’s side, lowering her head down to get a better look at the other mare’s face. “I couldn’t hear what you said. Is everything okay?”

Twilight looked up, her eyes scrunching around her muzzle. “No. No, this isn’t okay. What about this is okay?”

“Well, if you ask me, the okay part is getting you safely out of town. Back to your world. Once you’re there then I can start to clean up this mess,” Trueblood stated. She leaned over and nuzzled Twilight gently on the cheek. “I gotta keep you safe, Sparky.”

“But what about you? What about this mess? You were already being questioned and the foundation for your new country was crumbling around you. I want to help you, too!” Twilight took a deep breath and let out a long sight. “I want you safe.”

“Hey, don’t worry about me. I got this.” She winked and smiled, a gleam shining off her teeth. “I fought against a power-mad goddess for years. I can handle a few unruly ponies.”

“But this isn’t just a few unruly ponies! This is your future!” Twilight pleaded.

“Superintendent,” one of the guards stepped up to the couple, “we have to move. We can’t guarantee this passage to stay clear without raising suspicion.”

“Right. Thanks.” Trueblood replied to him and then turned back to Twilight. “Let’s go. We don’t have time to talk about this.”

“I…but…” Twilight shook her head, and as she did she heard a slight ruffle from behind her. With a slow, halting motion she turned back to see a pair of wings. Her wings. She raised the right one carefully and stared at it.

“Sparky!” Trueblood shouted in a hushed tone. “We’ve got to go! Now!”

Twilight moved her wing, spreading it out to the side, then up, and then back out to the side. As she pulled it in against her body, her head moved back around to look at Trueblood.

“No,” Twilight said calmly.

“No? What do you mean, no? We don’t have time to—”

“I’m not going,” Twilight interrupted her. A smile grew across her face. “I’m staying here.”

“You can’t stay here! If you stay here the ambassadors are going to—”

“I know. I’m going to be arrested and put on trial. I understand.” Twilight stood up straight. “I think they’re right. I think it needs to happen.”

“What are you…? What? That doesn’t make any sense, Sparky. They’re going to railroad you. This won’t be a fair trial. This is a fancy lynching.” Trueblood insisted.

“I know. I know that’s what they want, or at least what they think they want. It’s my job to prove them wrong.” Her wings ruffled. “I have a…a responsibility.”

“Not here! Not to this place!” Trueblood got directly in Twilight’s face. “This isn’t your home. You don’t owe it a damn thing.”

“You’re wrong. I might owe it to your world more than my own, actually.” Twilight raised a hoof and placed it on Trueblood’s withers. “You need me.”

“I know! That’s why I want you to go!” Trueblood’s voice was far above a whisper at this point. “I…I need you, Twilight. You’re the most important thing in my world.”

Twilight’s smile warmed both of them. “And if I leave, then I won’t be in your world. Maybe ever.” She took a deep breath and stood up straighter. “What happens if I leave? Everything here will still end up in chaos, and who knows what will happen to the portal. Maybe there will be a war about controlling it—or even destroying it—to make sure that I, or any of the princesses, don’t ever come back here just because of what we are. If I go, nothing gets better. It probably gets worse.”

“Don’t…don’t do this, Twilight. Please.” The corners of Trueblood’s eyes grew damp, threatening to overflow.

“You’d do the same if the situation was reversed,” Twilight said. “I’m not going to abandon you or this place. I…” she glanced back at her wings. “I know what my responsibilities are, and I’m not going to turn them aside just because it might be dangerous.”

“You can’t do this to me. If you stay I…” Trueblood’s voice trailed off.

“I know. I know what you have to do. It’s okay.” Slipping her head forward, Twilight gently placed her lips on Trueblood’s cheek. “I’m okay. Go ahead.”

“I can’t.”

“You can. You have to.” Twilight took a big step backwards, her eyes still locked on Trueblood. Trueblood’s head fell, her eyes staring at the ground beside her hooves.

The street was still. Nothing moved and no pony made a sound. It lasted for a long moment before Trueblood broke it with a sigh.

“Guards?” Immediately the four figures around Twilight snapped to attention. Trueblood brought her head back up and she swallowed visibly. “Twilight Sparkle, in the name of New Equestria, I am placing you under arrest for crimes against this world. You will be treated fairly, I swear it.” She took another deep breath. “Take her to a holding cell and make sure that she gets everything she asks for. Everything! If anypony harms her in any way…”

“Tru, it’s okay,” Twilight said. “Everything will be okay.”

“You don’t know that! I certainly don’t know it,” she snapped back.

“I don’t, no, but I have faith.” She smiled and blinked slowly at her love before turning to the guard beside her. “I’m ready to go.”

The guard glanced to Trueblood, who barely visibly nodded in response. Motioning, the stallion directed Twilight back towards the castle, surrounded by four guards. Behind them, Trueblood matched their pace. Her eyes were no longer able to hold back the tears that now streamed down her cheeks.

* * * * * * * *

“I find my tolerance becoming increasingly small.” Celestia sat calmly—for the most part. Her tail, always in motion, was flipping far more vigorously than usual. “I know that it is wrong, and I know that she is taking pleasure that her actions are starting to irritate me, but…” She sighed. “It’s working.”

“What’s she doing?” the other mare asked.

“Everything,” Celestia laughed. “Oddly enough, I don’t have a single fear right now that Chrysalis has any ill intentions towards Equestria. She needs us, and has already seen the benefits of becoming a princess.”

“So I’ve been told. What is your concern with her, then?”

“That, sadly, is far more complicated.” Celestia raised a cup of tea up, sipping gently from it before continuing. “There was a…situation…that arose between her and Luna. I don’t feel the need to go into details about it, but suffice it to say that it has done something I thought impossible. It has raised…doubts.”

“About?”

Casually, Celestia glanced to her left, gazing out of the window of the tower. The moon sat high in the sky, having just crossed the apex of its journey through the night.

“I don’t doubt that Luna loves me. I could never doubt that. Not any more than I could doubt if I loved her.” She looked back across the table at the other mare. “You’ve spent time with her. You understand how she thinks and what she feels.”

“Who? Chrysalis?”

Celestia laughed. “Yes. Chrysalis. I should have been more clear. My apologies.”

“You don’t have to apologize,” the other mare stated. “And I’m not sure how I can help. Chrysalis keeps everything so guarded. Hidden behind so many layers and layers of falsehood that I’m not sure she even knows how or what she feels anymore.”

“But she does. She’s driven by her emotion far more than she wants to believe.” Celestia locked eyes with the other mare. “I know that I’m asking a lot of you, and I won’t force you to do anything, but—”

“No. Stop.” She leaned in to the table, smiling warmly across the way. “Don’t worry about it for even a second. I’ll do everything I can, Auntie Celestia.”

Cadance smiled at her, and Celestia couldn’t help but return it.

…to be continued