Faulty Hoofcuffs

Around midnight, all the ponies left the hospital, heading to the castle where the princesses had made accommodations for them. They had been allowed to stay as long as they had because of Fluttershy, but now the Stare was not working, so they were heading out. Every pony was exhausted, and thought a nice quite day to follow would be perfect.

"Say Twilight," Spike said walking with Sweetie, "Would we be able to see Shining Armor and Cadence today?" The purple dragon asked. Twilight was proud for him, although part of her pride was she was not having to let him ride right now.

"Yeah, I don't see why not," Twilight answered with a yawn, bumping Rarity a bit as they strolled the three blocks to the castle. Rarity could not help but chuckle a bit at this, it was cute.

"What's so funny Rarity?" Applejack wondered.

"We might have to carry Twilight here in a second," Rarity said bumping Twilight back. Twilight made a dramatic show of throwing herself on Rarity, begging her to 'please carry her, she was far to weak to go it alone!'

"Hey now, I'm the drama queen!" Rarity laughed with every pony. They made it to the castle, and were greeted by a pair of servants.

"Hello, Dusty Trails," Twilight said, bowing to the elder, "Good to see you again."

"Like wise my Lady. We regret to inform you, but there were not enough rooms for every pony to sleep separate, what with the Coronation approaching," The one named Dusty told them with a passive expression. "I am to escort you and Miss Rarity to your chambers. The Kids will be across the hall from you. Now please follow me," Dusty said leading Twilight, Rarity, and the four young ones up the stairs. Once in their rooms, no pony was up to much more than crawling under the covers, where with Twilight and Rarity, it was a race to dreamland that they both won.

"I'm Miss Clear Waters," The other said stepping forward, "And I will show Miss Pinkie Pie and Miss Applejack to their room. Miss Fluttershy, the Princess has cleared you to stay with Miss Rainbow Dash in the hospital til she is released."

"Oh thank you so much Miss Waters. Girls, I will see you all tomorrow then," Fluttershy said taking flight back to the hospital. So Pinkie and Applejack settled into their room for the night, and before long were both in bed. Pinkie sound asleep, dreaming of what ever went on in her head, while Applejack sat and looked at the hat she now had. The large brimmed purple hat of Mare Do Well. Applejack struggled with her feeling. This was the second time she had kissed a mare, and it was even better than the first. But Granny Smith's words rang inside her head.

Filly loving is Discord's work! She had said. If'n I ever catch ya foolin' with a filly Applejack, then by jove yer out. There is no place in this family for that. We are true to the Princess's word. I want ya to swear to me Applejack, that you and yer friends will be the beacon of right in town. Cause if ya ain't, ya ain't in this town much longer. Her harsh words rang. Granny Smith would do it, she would rally all of Ponyville, and Applejack had a sense that was coming soon. This was going to be a long winter.

"Ah miss the good ol' days when I was too young for this crap," Applejack muttered under her breath as she blew out her lantern and lay down. She thought she would struggle to get to sleep, but she was out as soon as her head meet the pillow.

Twilight awoke late into the morning, happiest she had ever been, snuggled up with Rarity. They were sleeping nose to nose, Rarity looking so cute while she slept, the gentle rise and fall of her breathing a metronome Twilight could be forever lost in. She kissed Rarity, and waited for Rarity to wake up also. After ten minutes though, Twilight's playfulness had won out, as she was drawing small circles on the sleeping mare's chest with her hoof.

"Wake up my love," Twilight whispered into Rarity's ear, then put her teeth on the ear and nibbled ever so lightly, just enough to be felt.

"Mmmm, go on, pleazzzz," Rarity said in her sleep, shifting slightly to the affection. Twilight began to play with Rarity's mane, stroking it and twirling it with her hoof, playing with it and nuzzling it. Rarity again responded with a shift towards Twilight, but refused to wake up. Twilight began kissing her neck, getting sleepy purrs from her love, when there was a knock at the door.

"Uhgg, this had better be good," Twilight groaned, getting out of bed to see who it was. She magically pulled a robe around her and opened the door.

"Twilight, um, I, um..." Scootaloo said, her voice dropping to a low mumble as she spoke.

"What's up Scoot?" Twilight asked, feeling a bit guilty that she had been irate before opening the door.

"I can't find the bathroom..." Scootaloo said, looking down.

"Oh, of course. Please, use mine and Rarity's, it's just right through there," Twilight pointed for the small filly that walked past, almost crouching as to not wake Rarity. Scootaloo washed up and brushed while Twilight woke Rarity up in earnest, promising a breakfast made by the royal chefs.

"Sounds good, let's go," Rarity mumbled into her pillow. Twilight rolled her eyes and kissed Rarity on the forehead, just as Scootaloo was walking out. She stopped upon seeing the kiss though.

"Um, doesn't that hurt?" Scootaloo asked, tilting her head.

"What do you mean Scoot? I just kissed her forehead," Twilight said with a small laugh, Scootaloo was curious, and would be treated as an inquiring mind should be.

"Isn't that like, really sensitive for a unicorn though? The horn I mean," Scootaloo asked pointing with a hoof.

"Not at all. The nerves in the horn are pretty deep, and strongest at the base," Twilight explained, taking a seat with Scootaloo at the mirror to fix their manes.

"Then why does it hurt a unicorn to have their horn touched during casting?" Scootaloo asked with a frown as Twilight fought with the brush through the filly's mane.

"Well, magic is very delicate. If the spell is interrupted, the magic will fail, and fall back into the unicorn caster. It can hurt a lot, or worse. I created Spike when my magic collapsed, and manifested as uncontrolled magic," Twilight said to the mirror more than Scootaloo, it had been a painful day that day.

"Oh. Why?" Scootaloo asked. Twilight was regretting her promise, but would not falter, she would answer truthfully.

"I have more magic than any pony else. I might even have more than the Princesses when I am older. Magic matures around 35, so til then I will keep getting stronger and stronger," Twiligth said as Rarity started to snore again. Lazy mare, Twilight thought.

"Oh," Scootaloo awed at her foster mom, though calling Twilight that was a bit odd, seeing as that there was only a 12 year difference in age. "Cool. This is fun."

"That's the spirit, but I hope it's not always about my ability to lose control," Twilight said knocking Scootaloo side to side playfully, making her laugh. There was another knock as Spike, Sweetie and Apple Bloom all came in, looking chipper.

"Hey gang," Scootaloo said hopping down and joining the group to run out and explore.

"Ah, foals..." Twilight mused, then looked over to the still slumbering Rarity, which made her sigh again. Life was pretty good right about-

"Twilight, my daughter. Come give your mother a hug," A grayish unicorn mare said. Rarity woke up at the less than polite voice, which had practically shouted. " Again, Twilight? Who is it this time?" The new mare asked stepping in and getting a quick, unfeeling hug from Twilight.

"Mother," Twilight said cursing herself for thinking nice things and jinxing it, "This is Rarity, my-" Twilight was cut off before she could say further.

"Charmed. I am Twilight Velvet," Velvet said, offering her hoof to Rarity. Rarity curtsied politely, and took the hoof for a very brief kiss. "I am sure my daughter has told you all about us at great expense."

"You could say that," Rarity said looking away, trying not to make eye contact.

"Really? You must be quite the bad lay if she found time to talk with you then," Velvet said to Rarity and Twilight's rage. No pony said anything bad about Rarity! "Anyways Twilight, your father wishes he could make it, but was held up, social obligations. I'm sure you understand," Velvet said with a wave of her hoof to Twilight. "So my darling, I have some pony I want you to meet, right away. You will make the cutest couple."

"What?" Rarity inquired, sure she had heard wrong. Twilight was still trying to keep her magic from sparking, knowing where that would lead.

"Yes, your father and I have found you the perfect stallion darling. You will just love him, he's a Duke!" Twilight's mother sang practically as she dragged Twilight out. Rarity tried to follow, but Velvet slammed the door behind her, locking it magically.

"Why the nerve! It is on now, Mommy!" Rarity yelled at the door, taking a second to put on something warm, then straighten her mane. Then... No, Twilight needs me! Rarity told herself, heading out. She was in such a rush she almost didn't notice Applejack and Pinkie.

"Whoa there, what's got yer bloomers in a bunch sugar cube?" Applejack laughed, thinking it was some 'fashion emergency.'

"Twilight's mother just came in and snatched her up! She has a Duke she is going to try and pair Twilight up with!" Rarity cried, anger boiling over into rage.

"What? Twilight's mom is even trying to pair her up! That's awesome. What a good mom," Pinkie said, looking down the hall and smiling.

"No, she is not. She doesn't care about Twilight's feelings. Now come on," Rarity snarled, leading the two now scared ponies after the escaping mother/ daughter. Applejack nor Pinkie asked about why Rarity was so heated, just respecting that she was. They left the castle, standing in the street, Rarity angrily looking up and down for any sign of her love. Why did I have to take so long getting ready?! I should have bolted after them and told that bitch what's what.

"Rarity, maybe we should ask-" Applejack started but was cut off.

"Who? Who can we ask? Please Applejack," Rarity begged.

"What's got into you? This ain't you at all Rare," Applejack said putting her hoof down.

"I'm sorry girls, but trust me when I say this is important. We haven't the time to lose," Rarity said, looking a touch guilty but still full of fire.

"Then let's just go ask her brother where her folks live," Applejack calmly replied.

"Oh, hehe, yes. I guess we don't have to rush so much..." Rarity said blushing a thousand time over.

"Now Twilight, I know you just love Duke Thorough Bred," Velvet said, magically pulling Twilight along the street.

"But, mother," Twilight said, growling when she was ignored.

"Now stop being such a child Twilight," Sparkle ordered, turning to Twilight, "I am only trying to show you a nice colt. That you can wed and have lots of foals with. Your friends will be fine with out you for a day."

"But, I'm already raising a filly, Scootaloo." Twilight said trying to plant herself with her magic. She didn't want to fight with her mom, or be rude, she just didn't want to be with her either.

"So I heard, as a foster parent. Twilight dear, you don't need to stoop to such common place tasks, you're a lady of Princess Celestia's court. You are royalty. Your Brother is a prince," Velvet retorted, doubling her magic. A parents magic was always strong against their child's. When they reached the manor, a dark blue unicorn and a gray earth pony with a silver goblet cutie mark greeted them.

"Ah, this must be the lovely Lady Sparkle. You have your mother's beauty, Miss," The Gray stallion said, to which Velvet chuckled and blushed a bit.

"Thorough my boy, you are spot on as always," Night Light, Twilight Sparkle's father chimed.

"Yes, hello Thorough," Twilight said devoid of emotion. They made the niceties of introductions til they heard a sound of hooves on cobbles, and turned to see Rarity galloping towards them.

"Hello Darling, sorry I am late," Rarity gasped and heaved as she caught her breath. She looked ragged, she had not even finished styling this morning. She really does love me, Twilight thought.

"Where is everypony?" Twilight asked.

"And whom do you think you are, crashing a private family event?" Night Light asked.

"They went to see Rainbow Dash, I told them I had this," Rarity gasped as she returned to normal for the polite introduction. "As for who I am, I am Rarity, fashion icon and," She said stepping next to Twilight and intertwining their tails, "Twilight's marefriend."

The three ponies raced to the guard captains office, happy to find Shining Armor stepping out. They slowed as they saw who he was leading, three fillies and a purple dragon. The mares felt rightly embarrassed.

"Ah, Shining dear, good to see you again," Rarity said a bit out of breath as she closed in on Twilight's brother and Prince of Canterlot. He kept his job as Guard Captain because it was what he did, excel at being a guard.

"Rarity," He replied, a little gruff "Would you like to guess where I found these four?" He asked, looking down his snout at them.

"Ah, haha, um..." Rarity stammered.

"Oh I love guessing games. The bathroom! No, the roof! The library? No, not there. Oh I know the kitchen!" Pinkie rattled off guess after guess.

"Try Princess Luna's chambers. Thankfully, the princess is a fair sport, and enjoyed the company, but still," Shining said with a sigh.

"Of course Shining, thanks," Applejack said.

"No problem really. It was nice to meet my foster niece at any rate," Shining said smiling a bit as his anger subsided.

"Yeah, I totally want to be a Royal guard when I grow up!" Scootaloo said, dancing around her uncle of sorts, "Hey, maybe that's my cutie mark!"

"After ya locked yerself in those hoof cuffs of Twilight's? Doubt it," Apple Bloom laughed.

"Hey, maybe I'm good at the other bit, like helping kids. Right Shining?" Scootaloo beamed at the guard, his heart melting under the kid's wide eyed stare and bright smile. These girls are the cutest destructive force ever, Shining thought.

"Well anyways, I was about to go to the hospital and see Rainbow Dash, would you all like to join me?" Shining posed to the group. The kids were all on board, wanting to tell Rainbow of their adventures with the guard.

"I would love to normally, but we have a bit of a problem, Your mother ran off with Twilight this morning, something about a Duke," Rarity said, hoping Shining would get the message.

"Yeah, Thorough Bred. He's a real good guy. Why?" Shining asked, looking puzzled.

"Ya never did say why Rare," Applejack added behind her.

"Trust me, it's important. Twilight needs my help, I-I just can't leave her at a time like this," Rarity said, choking back tears. Every pony there thought it was just more melodramatic none sense, but these tears were the real deal.

"Fine, head to 42 Adams lane. That's my families manor," Shining said caving in to the fashion deva.

"Thank you Shining, I will explain to you and Cadence tonight with Twilight, I swear," Rarity said, taking off.

"Well, that was odd. So anyways, let's get going," Shining said. They walked along, and eventually got the conversation going.

"So Shining, why are ya going to see Dash?" Applejack asked her friend.

"What, I can't go see my friend in the hospital?" Shining asked.

"Well, of course you can," Pinkie Pie added, to a laugh.

"Cadence is already there. She went over right after breakfast. I had to do some work before I could find the time," Shining said. Soon they were in the hospital, and again at Rainbow's side, finding Fluttershy, Soarin, and Cadence already there, along with a small group of foals. They walked in and caught Rainbow in the middle of her story.

"So there I am, diving hard, trying to shake this Dragon. It yells at me, 'Come to me little pony, Let me feast!" Rainbow said doing a deep voice for the dragon to the joy of the kids, "But I was like 'Fat chance,' and took off, pulling out of my dive feet from the ground, and- Oh hi guys!" Rainbow beamed seeing her friends. Her forelegs where pretty free of injury, her wings and back took the brunt of the fall. But Rainbow's left shoulder was smashed, and would take weeks to heal. "Where are Twilight and Rarity?" She asked looking about the new comers.

"My mother got to Twi, and Rarity had to be with her, moral support," Shining said smiling, moving over to kiss his wife on the cheek.

"With your mom, that's needed," Cadence joked. Shining laughed and nodded.

"Ah, well, you all are just in time. So where was I... Oh yeah, I was flying even with the ground..." Rainbow continued to tell her story, not playing up a single detail, but instead, leaving a little bit out. For the foals, and Applejack. Every pony thought that Applejack had never gotten over Rapid Fire, and now...

"Twilight's marefriend," Rarity stated, standing tall against what ever hell came down upon her now. So she was a little disheartened when instead of shocked or angry or even happy, Twilight's parents just started to laugh.

"Ah, Twilight," They mused, laughing their polite little laugh. Duke Thorough Bred looked a bit confused as well, but Twilight was angry. Almost flaming unicorn angry again, so Rarity spoke up for her.

"Pray tell, what is so damn funny?" She asked, a little hotly, after all they had just laughed at their own daughter's coming out.

"Oh, Miss Rarity, was it?" Night asked, a wide grin on his smug face, "Our little Twilight was always picking up some pony, a new one every couple of nights. She does not date. You're just the flavor of the hour," He scoffed at Rarity. "She'll be over you soon, poor thing."

"Well father," Twilight growled, "I do now. Rarity is my marefriend, and I have never been happier. She is not just a lay to me. She could never be," Twilight hushed, and looked at Rarity with pleading eyes, eyes that begged Rarity to not let their words take root.

"Well of course she is Darling," Velvet chimed, dismissing Twilight with a wave of the hoof, "Ponyville is much smaller than Canterlot, you would need a commitment to keep getting any. But you can stop playing with this seamstress now and come home, to us. We have picked the perfect Stallion for you, Duke Bred." Rarity was now the one being held back by Twilight. No pony insulted her passion, or her work!

"Well," The Duke said, nodding his head, "I for one am not so convinced." His words rang harshly in the parents ears. Surely he had not just said that? "I would like to be the judge of this relationship if I may. Miss Rarity, would you please join us," He smiled at the mare. Twilight and Rarity were speechless, just moving their mouths, but to no sound. Finally Rarity collected herself.

"Yes. Yes of course I would your grace. You're reputation as a Stallion of high standings was spot on," Rarity finally said, with a bow to the good colt.

"Yes, and please, just Thorough," He laughed. So they all retreated into the manor to escape the cold, and dismissed Rarity and Twilight to clean up some before lunch. Rarity was delighted to find a wardrobe full of lovely dress, that she soon mixed and matched to perfection for her and Twilight. They emerged from the guest room looking as eloquent as ever, to the pleasure of Twilight's parents.

"Ah, there is my beautiful daughter," Night said stepping in and giving Twilight the briefest resemblance of a hug. "Now we can begin. Lunch will be in an hour, please mingle til then," He cooed, his words some how poisonous.

"Mingle? But father, there is only 5 of us," Twilight asked, sensing that this information was no longer true.

"My dear, when word that we were hosting royalty got about, several friends stopped by, so we decided to make this an impromptu garden party. I do hope you don't mind," Night replied, his words were hissed, not said.

"Of course we don't mind," Rarity said, stepping up and nuzzling Twilight. Twilight would weather this storm, with her.

"Oh Miss Rarity, so very good to see you again," Jet Set called, walking into the room with his wife, Upper Crust. They swooped in and pulled Rarity aside, making their way out into the main dining hall. Twilight tried to follow, but her father was a bit obnoxious, stopping her to meet so and so. She knew better than to cause a scene though, she did at least respect her parents. Eventually, Twilight was able to glance around and spot Rarity here or there, but always very far away.

"So I told him that he could keep his water, I would not drink it," A posh pony, who's name escaped Twilight, said to a round of polite laughter. "So Lady Twilight, I understand that you are the protege to the Princess herself, no?" The pony asked, apparently just realizing who she was.

"Yes Chancellor, I am. I study advanced magic under her direct guidance. Lately I have been assigned to study the magic of friendship in Ponyville, among other things," Twilight said.

"Advanced magic you say? Very bright girl here Duke, a fine choice," The Chancellor said with a nod from the group. "By any chance, could you demonstrate for us your magical prowess?" He asked to another nod. Twilight had a brilliant idea now.

"Yes, of course," She replied, her horn starting to glow as she pictured the spot she wanted to materialize at. She poured in power and started to feel the magic coursing through her. She lifted her head and-

"Oh Twilight, this is Lord Ironsmith of Trottingham," Velvet said. Twilight made a loud meep as the magic she was building collapsed into her, safely this time, no uncontrolled White eyes, like with Spike...

"Mother, do be careful, I was showcasing my magic for the Chancellor. One mistake and I could wind up anywhere, or everywhere," Twilight yelled. It was a bit uncouth for the engagement, but it was rather correct.

"Oh dear, your magic is that strong?" Lord Ironsmith asked, intrigued. "We could make great militaristic use of a power so strong."

"Thank you, your Lordship," Twilight said breathing easy again, "But I would disagree. If we were to use such means, then the enemy would escalate as well. It would never end if we employed my magic," Twilight explained to the general murmur of the group.

"Yes, quite," One fairly older mare, a rich pony named Mrs Gold, commented, "Like the problem facing Canterlot now, with this Mare Do Well out there."

"I apologize, I'm not familiar with the situation in Canterlot these days. Is the Masked Mare really that big of a problem?" Twilight asked, a touch guilty. After all, she had been the Mare at one point in time.

"Oh heavens yes," Ms Gold said, waving her hoof about for emphasis, her southern accent was not a thick as Applejack's, but was still present, as were her mannerisms. "She does not take the needed step. She beats these deviants to a bloody pulp, then hangs 'em up outside the guard stations. She needs to bring down the law. She needs to kill or the scum will kill her."

"I had no idea..." Twilight reflected.

"She has made the work for your brother double. She is just stirring the waters, but to no change."

"Oh my, I can't believe this. Thank you every pony, but I for one stand by her actions. She should not kill I think, that would just bring a gang war. No, she needs help, not blood. Now if you will excuse me, I see some pony I need to talk with. Good day," Twilight said politely making her retreat. No one tried to stop her this time, just let her walk about. So she took charge and headed straight for-

"Ah my dearest Twilight," Duke Thorough chimed as she almost bumped into him. Damn it all! Twilight thought. "So good to see you. But I must say, it looks like you need a hoof. Allow me," He said as he splashed her dress with some of his red wine. Twilight scoffed at the gesture, Rarity had put a lot of work into dressing her, and now her work was ruined, Twilight would have.... to... change... Oh, he's good, Twilight thought.

"Darling," Rarity cried, walking over, "I'm sorry every pony, fashion emergency," Rarity lied as she and Thorough lead Twilight to the back to clean up. When the entered the kitchen, Thorough looked about and whispered to them.

"Take your time, I'll handle the party," He urged.

"Why are you helping us?" Rarity asked as she peeled the wet clothes from Twilight before heading upstairs.

"Because, I had planned on blowing this whole thing anyways. You see, I love some pony already. She is mine, and I love her dearly. She is the best chef in the world.She works at the Rose Dew Cafe in town square. Oh, just thinking of her alfredo alfalfa, her lavender a la mode, her wine and basil, her rosemary flat bread sandwiches, her-," He rambled, thinking of his love.

"Thorough, Thank you. I'll pay you and her a visit here soon. But for now, I want some time with my love," Twilight said with a smile to Rarity. They bowed out, and headed upstairs, taking them three at a time. They stopped at the top, and engaged in a kiss. Twilight had never been this aroused before.

"Rarity," Twilight gasped between kisses, "I can't wait, I want you. I want you and I never want to let go."

"As do I," Rarity panted as Twilight kissed her neck, "More than you can imagine. Where?" Rarity asked, looking down the hall of at least 7 doors. From her anger to just seeing Rarity create art from nothingness, it was too much for the studious mare, and having this small window, maximum danger of being caught, it was just icing on the cake. Twilight pulled Rarity into a random room, not even caring which one. Twilight just wanted to feel Rarity, and pulled the sweet mare back into a proper kiss. Their tongues explored each others mouths, hungry for the taste of the one they loved. Twilight was sliding her hooves down Rarity's back when the door started to open. Twilight panicked, and jumped on the large guest bed, the kind with curtains around it. Thick black curtains, Twilight mused as she hatched a plan for revenge. Rarity hoped up also, but Twilight spun her to face the door as the curtains were dropped by Twilight, hiding her and the back half of Rarity.

"What are you doing?" Rarity hissed as she smiled at the entering pony, the Chancellor from before. Rarity had meet him come to think of it.

"Remember when you played hoof-sees with me at the Corner?" Twilight said quietly, just loud enough for Rarity to hear.

"Oh, you wouldn't," Rarirty hissed.

"What was that?" The Chancellor asked.

"Nothing, Chancellor Drummer, so good to see you," Rarity said, her head propped up on a hoof as she laid half on the foot locker at the foot of the bed. That's his name, Twilight thought. She started to kiss and nibble around Rarity's cutie mark, making Rarity fidget.

"Miss Rarity, no? What are you doing here, in the smoking room?" Drummer asked as he pulled an odd cloth bag from his coat and started to stuff a pipe.

"Smoking room? Oh I love a good smoke," Rarity lied, her voice breaking on the 'I' as Twilight bit her.

"So refreshing to see a young lady such as yourself having a multitude of interest," Drummer said, offering the lit pipe to Rarity. She took it and sucked gingerly, only to start coughing like mad. "Ha ha, yes, this blend is rather potent. Makes you see things, some mighty fine weed this is."

"I'm Sorry, did you say weed? As in?" Rarity asked as the truth sank in, along with Twilight's teeth. Twilight, this means war! Rarity thought, enjoying the payback but also hating it she she kept up her falsetto smile.

"Poison Joke weed, best there is. The joke is a trip when smoked," Drummer said with laugh as he took up the arm chair in the corner. "Pray tell, why are you on the bed, and sweating?" He asked, taking note of Rarity's struggle. If he could see Twilight right now as she started to lick and bite Rarity's inner thighs though, he wouldn't need to ask.

"Oh, I-I-III, ah, haha, mmm," Rarity stuttered, slapping the footlocker her top half was on. "It's a looooonnnng Story, Chance-Ellor! Mmmm, please, why is there a bed in the smoking room?" Rarity breathlessly asked as Twilight started to lick her tender folds, rubbing Rarity's button with her nose.

"Well, really this room is not a smoke room, I just wanted to enjoy my pipe," Drummer smiled, the sly old colt. "Would you care for some more?"

"Nnnng, Oh Goddess Yes!" Rarity cried as Twilight worked her mercilessly, bringing her to the edge, then easing off, and back and off.

"Ha ha, a mare after my own heart, starting to kick in eh?" Drummer said putting the pipe in Rarity's mouth. She had no choice, and puffed a bit, coughing more but playing the part like a champion. Maybe I'll let her finish, Twilight thought. "Well I must be getting back. Ta ta Miss Rarity," Drummer said leaving, making Rarity relax a little, "Lady Twilight." That coupled with the attention she was getting drove poor Rarity over the edge, and she came hard and fast for Twilight. Twilight threw open the curtains after Drummer had closed the door. They lay on the bed a minute as Rarity collected herself.

"Ready to head down my love?" Twilight inquired of the spent mare.

"Ha ha ha ha ha. That ceiling looks funny. Oh I want cake, do they have cake!" Rarity said as the drug worked her over in a different way. Oh no, Twilight thought, the panic starting to set in.

In the middle of the afternoon, Princess Luna was huddled over a table with Pinkie, side by side, each making a suggestion, then crossing it out, back and forth, for the past hour. They had been at this ever since Pinkie got back from the hospital, Applejack agreeing to watch the kids for a bit.

"No no, Princess," Pinkie said taking a bite of her apple lunch, "You can't just walk out there. You need a show. You are the star after all."

"Yes, but I don't care for the drama of royalty Pinkie. I just want to enjoy my night with my friends," Luna pouted. She floated an apple to her lips, taking a bite as hunger set in. "What do you suggest though?"

"Hmm," Pinkie rallied as she took another bite, "How about the mist thing?"

"Too Night Mare Moon," Luna said taking another bite, "Now I was thinking, music start, light down, glow sticks to light me as I walk out and the stage lights come up."

"Ouh, very nice Luna, I love It!" Pinkie said, going to hug the princess, but she missed it, by that much. Luna had been absently eating her apple and failed to notice the incoming Pinkie. This lead to a rather awkward moment as Pinkie lost balance, and ran face first into the Princess, one lip on the royal lips, the other on top of Luna's nose.

"Oops," Pinkie said with a blush, she had really been a little to over zealous with her hug.

Luna just shrugged, and relpied "Tis of no offence, Miss Pinkie. But next time, just ask if you want a kiss."

"Wait I wasn't MMMm-" Pinkie tried to correct as the night goddess Princess Luna put her lips to Pinkie's. The princess slipped her tongue in and played with Pinkie's, tickling the roof of the pink mare's mouth. Pinkie was shocked stoic, but melted when the hoof on her head pulled her in deeper. Pinkie gingerly reached up and put a hoof to the princess's head, expecting to be yelled at, but found the exchange to be encouraged. Pinkie was just starting to get into the kiss, when again, all too soon, it was over.

"Very nice Pinkie, the best kiss I have had in recent memory. Do I taste cotton candy?" Luna inquired, looking distant. Pinkie just moved her mouth, but her brain was not sending words. The unthinkable had happened, Pinkie was speechless. "I expect more," Luna said still looking down at the plans, "How about they start with a classical song as Tia and I walk out, then 'drop the bass' as it were to kick the Coronation off?" Luna asked as if nothing in the world had changed.

"Well howdy Sugar Cube," Applejack cried to Pinkie as she walked back into the room. Pinkie just nodded and mumbled. "Um sug, are y'all alright?"

"I-i-i-i. I Just Kissed Princess Luna!" Pinkie stammered then shouted, her first sentence since the kiss.

"What in? Damn it Pinkie, what is with you and kissin' every pony?" Applejack yelled.

"I want a kiss," Scootaloo said. But no pony paid her any mind, she was just being a kid, right? Her friends just laughed and made kissing noises at her. "Every pony but me and Bloom is getting kissed," Scootaloo muttered.

"She kissed me! Totally not my move! I was not doing the kissing. I was the kissie, kissed, kissered?" Pinkie said as she tried to figure out what had just happened. She just slumped down against the door and started to mutter.

"Um, what's wrong with Pinkie?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"She don't know what to do," Applejack said as she went to Pinkie and hugged her. "It's alright, Ah'm here for ya."

"She was just so, so-" Pinkie said shaking a bit.

"Ah know Pink," Applejack whispered, trying to console her troubled friend.

"Amazingly Kisserific Excellent! I can't wait!" Pinkie shouted, making Applejack's ears ring.

"Damn It Pinkie!" Applejack shouted, holding her ears as Pinkie began to pour forth with how great it was.

In a noisy downtown sound studio, a mare donned with rocking sunglasses was hard at work trying to perfect the song for the Winter Moon Coronation.

"Veve" Octavia said, entering the composers suite, "You look ragged dear. Is everything alright?"

"Hey Tav, yeah. I just can't seem to get this beat right," Vinyl said taking off her glasses and rubbing her red eyes, red not just in color, but from lack of sleep as well. She stayed up night and day now writing her music, among other reasons. "This is our shot. This will be huge Tav, and soon I will be able to get you that Concerto original cello you have had your eye on. He only made 8, you know," Vinyl said as Octavia came over and sat with her long time friend. They had meet back in college, Octavia on a Music scholarship, Vinyl on a computer mathematics. Vinyl had been composing on computers for years, it was her special talent actually, to write music, not just play. That was why she and Octavia worked so well. They both loved to write new music. Vinyl had a reputation for her over the top antics, while Octavia was a stick in the mud, but they enjoyed the others company, so buck anyone that said otherwise.

"Well Veve," Octavia offered with a pout, "Maybe a trip back home is what you need, see your parents before the show."

"Not now, I can't fool around at a time like this," Vinyl said, slumping to her desk.

"Of course, why do something you want to for once? You are a slave to your work Veve," Octavia said rubbing her hoof around on Vinyl's back. Octavia was the best friend a mare could ask for.

"I know, but..." Vinyl said, hugging Octavia tight, sighing. "You have to go to practice. And I can't sleep here by myself, I get the nightmares when I'm alone..." Vinyl lied, patting Octavia's back. Then Octavia noticed it was not a pat, but a beat. A very personal beat.

Octavia sighed as she spoke "Vinyl, are you timing my heartbeat again? I am not a biological metronome!"

"But it's perfect. Just what I need!" Vinyl cried as she typed in the new figures and hit play. The synthetic music purred to the notes, the beat perfect as one cello was spliced together with other random sounds to create music. It was perfection, Vinyl's gift to the world. Her gift to Octavia. And maybe, just maybe, this time, she could tell Octavia the truth.

Rainbow Dash awoke this first night, covered in sweat. In her mind, she was diving, faster and faster, but Rapid Fire just dropped faster, nearing the ground. So Rainbow was looking for a distraction. She noticed Fluttershy was in her room again, sleeping on the couch she had. Fluttershy was muttering in her sleep. It sounded like a name. It was- No, that can't be. Rainbow listened and again Fluttershy said that name.

"Oh my goddess..." Rainbow said under her breath. She just stared at the sleeping pegasus, curled up nice and cute. She wanted to cry hearing her best friend say that name, because she knew full well it would not end well. How could Rainbow ever look her in the eyes again? Why her, of all the ponies in Equestria? Why now?