'Tis Better to be Vile

Chapters

I: Than Vile Esteemed
II: Let Us Assay Our Plot
III: A Mare In Her Time
IV: This General Evil

I: Than Vile Esteemed

“'Royal Court Satisfaction at All-Time High?'” Princess Luna set the newspaper onto the dining table. “I am afraid I do not follow, sister. You said you required my assistance?”

“I do,” answered Princess Celestia, raising another bite of eggplant parmesan in her magic. “That is exactly the problem I need your help with.”

Luna scanned the headline again, searching for some hidden meaning. “I fail to see it. Our subjects are content, are they not?” Celestia merely put on a knowing smile. Luna rolled her eyes before returning to the article, knowing that she wouldn’t be getting a straight answer from her sister until she’d tried to suss the mystery herself.

Surprisingly, Celestia broke her silence after only a minute. “If you look towards the bottom, you’ll see a few statistics regarding the nature of the cases brought to court in the last few months.”

Luna complied. “Disputes amongst the nobility have dropped over the years, while domestic cases have risen somewhat-” she stopped abruptly. “Ah, I think I see the issue.”

“Indeed. The populace have seen fit to air their dirty laundry in the courtroom, while the upper classes have taken to the shadows to plot their petty conquests,” Celestia summarised. “This is why I need you, Luna. I need you to do what you do best; to go where I cannot.”

“To work in the shadows, away from your sacred light?” Luna jested, chuckling as Celestia’s smile turned pained. “Fret not, sister. I imagine you’ve a place for me to start? Mustn’t upset the poor innocent ponies, after all.”

“On the contrary -” Celestia took the opening immediately “- you have carte blanche.” Seeing Luna’s eyebrows raise, she stood and crossed the table to nuzzle her sister. “I am tired of this bureaucracy, Luna. I’ve kept Equestria at peace as much as I can, but I can’t make it free like it once was.”

For a moment, the two were content merely to reminisce, as Luna turned the issue over in her head. “I shall begin tonight, then. You say I have carte blanche? Truly?”

“Absolutely,” Celestia confirmed. “Although, there is one pony who I think you might take a particular interest in...”

⁂

Dreams may have a definite end, but they do not begin so succinctly. Twilight Sparkle did not wake, as it were, as much as she gradually became aware of having already woken; nor was she surprised by the place she found herself in. A blue sky wafted around her legs, low enough that it tugged gently at her hooves, but rising and darkening as she looked out so that it was difficult to say where the ground ended and the sky began. Around her head were innumerable sparks of light, hovering as though the night itself had come down to greet her. They floated nearby, drifting this way and that, dancing in a sea of abstract blue, occasionally coming close enough that she could hear them emit a gentle, ear-tickling hiss. The surface beneath her hooves was firm, smooth and only slightly cold to the touch - and when she stopped thinking about it, it barely ‘felt’ at all.

It was only after she had taken all this in that it finally occurred that she should be taken back; and then a while longer before she realised that the whole time, standing patiently in front of her with a gaze of perfect contentment, was a navy-colored alicorn adorned with a crown and peytral of deep black.

“Welcome, Twilight Sparkle.” That snapped her out of her daze. Twilight immediately ducked into a bow, drawing an awkward laugh from the princess. “There is no need for such formalities here, my friend.”

Twilight straightened herself. “Princess… where are we?”

Luna pondered the question for a moment. “You are in Ponyville, and I am some miles away in Canterlot - and yet the distance is not so great that we cannot hear each other speak. To be less cryptic, we are ‘in’ a dream, as it were.”

“This is my dream?”

“In a sense, yes. Though you’ll notice I’ve taken the liberty of redecorating.” Luna glanced at the world around them. “I am rather fond of this wallpaper.”

“I had no idea you could do this…”

“You wouldn’t - I have not done so for a while. A long time ago, I would serve my subjects at night just as much as my sister does during the day, addressing the issues that they were unwilling to bring into the light.”

“Issues?” Twilight stammered. “I-I’m not in any trouble, am I?”

“Not to my knowledge,” Luna teased. “Though, judging from your reaction, I suspect you are aware of some issue.”

Twilight laughed nervously, eyes darting in search of some distraction. “Well, it’s nothing too- I mean, it’s silly, but...” She faltered, unable to finish the sentence. Luna’s smile broadened.

“Twilight Sparkle.” She spoke slowly, as though relishing each syllable of the name. “You have stood unabated against the greatest threats Equestria has known in a century. You have done in a handful of years that which has eluded your peers for decades; and yet you speak as the same bookish filly that you were all those moons ago.” Luna sat on her haunches, motioning for Twilight to join her. When she did so, Luna produced a familiar-looking scroll and began to read.

Dear Princess Celestia;

This week, I was ecstatic to learn that two of my best friends had formed a bond that went beyond friendship. Despite my surprise, I am overjoyed to see such a relationship blossom between those I care so deeply for, and how it can change their lives for the better.

Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle

The scroll vanished, and Luna turned to look at Twilight. “Not the easiest of reports to write, I imagine?”

Twilight nodded glumly. “Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. I’m happy for them, I really am, but…”

“I don’t doubt it, Twilight. In fact, I think I perceive some envy in you.”

Twilight’s shoulders slumped in defeat. “I didn’t want to spoil it for them… Celestia doesn’t know, does she?”

“She knows... and she understands more than you realise. I suspect my sister feels she’s been something of a bad influence on you. You’ve had an icon of purity and holiness to idolise your whole life; it’s understandable that when these feelings emerged, you would be perturbed by them.”

“I… I just don’t want them to think that I’m…”

“‘Wicked’ might be the term. Though I think by ‘they’, you mean ‘her’.” Luna leaned in. “You mustn’t compare yourself to Celestia, Twilight. That way lies only misery.”

“Then what should I do?”

“The first step is to come to terms with these new emotions. This is why I have brought you here, to my world of dreams. Where none can see you, hear you, or judge you. When all is said and done, you shall wake up, and - though your thoughts and feelings might be so vivid as to be indistinguishable - none of this shall ever truly have happened.”

“Princess Luna… are you saying?”

“This is a place where you can feel safe. I know how much it means to you to have a controlled environment... and how much comfort you take in having a figure of authority.

“This realm is my domain. I see each and every dream - every whim, every fear, every fantasy - just as I did all those years ago. It was my duty to be the confidant of those secrets, and a guide in areas where my subjects could not turn to my sister for help.” Luna rested her jaw on Twilight’s head, drawing her into her chest, letting her starry mane flow caress the unicorn’s back. “You are my friend, Twilight Sparkle. You helped me at a time when none else would - perhaps, none could. Now I ask that you let me return the favor.”

‘Let me’. Luna noted her own choice of words. Good. Spin it into a good deed on her part. Make her think she’s helping me fulfill a duty.

Twilight drew into Luna’s embrace, yielding to the security that came from her posture, letting the offer turn over in her mind. For Princess Luna to let me- no, to teach me, about… that. She couldn’t deny, it was enticing - some part of her brain sighed in frustration at what she was denying herself with an outlet so close to hand. But still, there was that other part of her - the part that was Twilight Sparkle, Element of Harmony, Champion of Equestria; the part that could never...

Luna sighed, quite certain as to the nature of the unspoken debate. “You fear yourself, my friend. It is a spectre that will forever hold you back unless you overcome it… but for now, I think I might have an alternative solution.” She lowered her head to meet the unicorn’s quizzical gaze and solemnly asked, “Twilight: do you trust me?”

“I-” Twilight stopped mid-sentence, suddenly aware of what exactly Luna might be implying. It’s the princess, she reminded herself. Of course I trust her. Twilight looked Luna in the eyes and, with an edge of solemnity, said “I do.”

“Even knowing that I may well not be worthy of that trust?”

That question threw her again, but only for a moment. “Yes.”

“Close your eyes, then.” Twilight scanned Luna’s face for any betrayal of what she might have been planning; finding none, she centered herself, took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

Removing herself from Twilight’s side, Luna closed her eyes and focused on the world around her. The light blues and teals of the dreamscape gave way to darker, richer shades, as a blanket of darkness seemed to draw over the skyline; encircling them, enclosing them. The air drew warm and humid, and filled with a symphony of low, undulating hums. Finally, the princess focused on herself, as her own form began to shimmer and change...

The difference in climate did not go unnoticed by Twilight, but she kept her eyes closed, ears perked in wait of further instructions as she fidgeted slightly in her spot. Truth be told, it was… easier to relax, like this. She felt less exposed; like the air itself was a thick blanket around her.

“Princess? Can I open m-AIE!” Twilight shrieked as her limbs were suddenly bound by some aetherial rope. Paresthesia set in almost immediately, and she fell to her side. Her eyes shot open - the void around her was now almost completely black; the wisps had drawn closer, shushing softly as they floated lazily around her, observing her bound state. Looking at her legs, she saw that they were wrapped by threads of deep, sparkling blue. Her breath quickened, her head raised. Standing above her, looking down with a half-lidded gaze of devilish intent, was the visage of Nightmare Moon.

“If you cannot bring yourself to see this act as anything but villainous, Twilight Sparkle...” Ooh, old voice. Perfect. “Then I will be your villain.”

“L-Luna!?”

I need to act quickly, the alicorn realised. Before long, her fighting instinct will kick into gear. Feeble as she was now, all it would take was a few seconds of clear thinking and Twilight would have the tides turned. Luna - or perhaps she should say Nightmare Moon - craned her head down and, unhinging her jaw to reveal her fanged teeth, exhaled a thick smog, just as Twilight drew in a shocked breath. The bound unicorn spluttered, confused.

“Miasma,” she purred. “Sedative and aphrodisiac.” Twilight’s eyes rolled into the back of her head the moment the words were out of her mouth. I do love it when they play along. I wonder if she realises she’s doing it...

Twilight’s thoughts had scattered to the winds; bleary-eyed, she looked at Nightmare Moon with fear etched on her face. The goddess was still leering over her, watching her out of those piercing eyes, watching her writhe as the poison lit her breath aflame with a fire that spread throughout her entire body. Focus… I need to… focus! But it was hopeless; she was caught.

And still she struggled; panting, breaking out in a sweat, she flailed against her bonds, wriggling in an attempt to get away from her attacker.

Luna hesitated. She’s putting up a token resistance. Still, I have to be certain. Straightening, she stepped calmly forward, placing one forehoof under Twilight’s barrel and using the other to pin her head down. “If you truly do not wish for this, Twilight Sparkle, you should find you have the strength to say ‘stop’. But, if there is any lingering curiosity in your mind… any long-hidden desires…” Nightmare Moon removed her hoof and craned down again, brushing Twilight’s ear with her lips. “Well, I daresay you would be simply unable to resist.”

And with that, she lowered herself onto Twilight, trapping the unicorn in an embrace; her hair spilling down and cushioning the floor beneath her head. Twilight tensed up beneath her, eyes closed. Purring, Nightmare Moon drew her tongue over the unicorn’s ear, eliciting a gasp as she nibbled it gently.

Eventually, Twilight’s lungs could hold no more. She let out the air she had been holding, and as she feared, her breath came out in a low, guttural moan. “N-noo,” she mewled.

Plausible deniability, but she didn’t say the word. Clever. Nightmare Moon let out a low growl of her own, letting the air flow coldly over Twilight’s wet ear. Her captive squirmed beneath her. Now to sell it.

Raising herself slightly, Nightmare shifted Twilight onto her back, cradling her mane in a hoof. “You’re mine, Twilight Sparkle,” she crooned, emitting more ‘miasma’ that sent Twilight’s eyes rolling into the back of her head and her jaw slack. “All mine.” She brought their muzzles to touch, lightly drawing her tongue over Twilight’s lips before sealing them in a kiss.

Any thoughts of resistance were driven from Twilight’s mind the moment that forked tongue entered her mouth; invading, claiming its new territory, wrestling her own into submission. Her entire body went limp in Nightmare Moon’s embrace, but she barely noticed; eyes closed, she heard only the echoes of the dreamscape around her, and the sensual breathing of her captor that reminded her of her own need for air.

After some time, Luna drew back, breaking the kiss and leaving Twilight gasping. She observed her quarry through half-lidded eyes; she was limp, tongue hanging over opened lips and eyes wide in… was it fear? No, more like trepidation. Is she still keeping up appearances, or could it be…?

Nightmare Moon’s mouth twisted into a lewd grin… and then she lunged at Twilight’s neck, lapping at the sweaty fur with her tongue, pulling at the skin with her lips and letting her fangs brush oh-so-slightly against the skin. The response was immediate; Twilight’s head flung back, her spine arched up and she let out a raw, primal cry of ecstasy. With a delighted purr, Nightmare continued her attack, moving unpredictably and suddenly, nipping at flesh, washing the matted fur with her mouth, sending the unicorn further into a frenzy with each lick.

She likes being dominated, Luna thought, even as she kept up the relentless assault. It doesn’t take much to see she wouldn’t care for being demeaned, but maybe… As she calculated, the alicorn inched her way down, teasing every patch of coat her lips passed over; slowly, deliberately making her way to Twilight’s teats - and then simply hovering over them, her mouth so close Twilight could feel her breath. The unicorn took a moment to realise she had stopped, and just a moment more to glance around in confusion; before Nightmare Moon descended onto a nipple, latching on and slurping wetly as she sucked it into her mouth.

Twilight’s voice cracked as she screamed, as the fresh burst of electric stimulation coursed through her, leaving her numb to anything but the feeling of Nightmare’s ministrations; the constant, ceaseless flickering of that tongue as it lashed and wrapped around her skin. Just as her thoughts began to creep back to rationality, Nightmare moved to the other nipple, delivering fresh torture, sending her spiralling out of control again.

When the alicorn relinquished her attack, Twilight barely even noticed. Nightmare stepped off her, released her bonds, and stood back to look at her work. Twilight’s legs had simply flopped to her side; her eyes stared off into space, her tongue was lolled out of her mouth and her breathing was heavy and rasping from having cried so much.

For a horrible moment, Luna wondered if she had gone too far. Twilight’s eyes focused in on her as her mental facilities began to regather themselves. A moment passed, and Twilight just lay there - slowly taking control of her breathing; doing nothing, her face a picture of disarray and confusion. And in that moment, through no logical or rational process, Luna understood.

Nightmare Moon fell into pace, circling Twilight, drinking in the view from every angle, before coming to a stop in front of her and stretching down - placing her head just inches from those flanks. She wasted no time in separating Twilight’s legs - holding them to either side with her magic, leaving her captive splayed in front of her, and exposing a glistening marehood. Her horn flared and the ephemeral bonds reappeared, rooting Twilight’s hind-legs far apart and her fore-legs by her side.

It was at around this moment Twilight was able to ascertain what was coming next. She struggled; groaned and strained against her bonds; but didn’t have the strength to fight it. Her body was completely numb, and still… throbbing.

Nightmare Moon cooed in delight; Twilight shivered, staring dumbly at the scene before her - the dark, sultry mistress of the night, just inches from her crotch, intent and desire written all over her face. On Twilight’s was a visage of fear, but also the slightest betrayal of anticipation. Nightmare slitted her eyes and fluttered her tongue out, visibly revelling in the scent around her.

“I see what you truly desire, Twilight Sparkle…” Nightmare purred, gazing over her hostage like a predator, taunting her prey just before the execution. “It’s not about virtue; it’s not about being pure. You just want someone to beat you for once.”

Twilight’s eyes shot open, and a glaze of satisfaction rolled over Nightmare’s face. She lowered herself to her stomach, tucking her back legs in, becoming a picture of regal dignity. Then she simply reached out to Twilight’s vagina with a hoof, and gently began to knead it in a rhythmic circular motion. Twilight’s breath caught in her chest and she gritted her teeth against the torturously slow stimulation.

“Isn’t it tiring?” Nightmare spoke casually. “To be the champion, day-in, day-out… to know that, whatever’s around the corner, you’ll be there to beat it back: because you’re the only one that can.”

As if on cue, Twilight’s limbs gained a burst of strength as she tried to rip them free from their shackles. She strained herself, grunting with the effort, unable to let the air out of her chest - and Nightmare didn’t move, still calmly maintaining that constant stimulation, speaking in that steady tone.

“You don’t fight out of goodness. You don’t fight because it’s the right thing. You don’t even fight because of your ego. You fight because you don’t want to disappoint them... because you don’t want to disappoint her.

“But at the end of the day, deep down: you still want this. You still want to feel good, just like everypony else does. You want to feel that fire so badly that it drives you insane... but you can’t have both. Not unless -” Nightmare’s hoof stopped. “- you have someone who can beat you.”

Suddenly, Nightmare Moon redoubled her attack, stroking up and down over Twilight’s clit, drawing out lewd squelches as the unicorn’s juices coated her hoof. Twilight’s head fell back as the pleasure crashed through her, moaning out, breathing starting to come in pants.

“You want to lose, Twilight,” Nightmare Moon pressed on, malice now seeping into her voice. “You want a situation you can’t overcome. You want to know there’s nothing you could have done. You want someone to make you feel good and you want to fight it the whole time, because you’ll never be able to enjoy it unless you’ve completely lost control.”

Twilight’s entire body shook as Nightmare finished speaking and removed her hoof. Breathing heavily, Twilight strained forwards to stare at the alicorn.

“How…” she wheezed, “how could you know?”

Nightmare Moon’s sneer faded, leaving only a warm smile.

“Go ahead and fight, Twilight. Rest assured, I’ll beat you.”

And with that, Nightmare Moon plunged her muzzle into Twilight’s vagina and began to ravage her with her tongue. She spared no mercy, withheld no depravity; her tongue flicked up and down with a furious tempo, lapping at the spilled juices, thrusting in and out before latching onto the hard nub of her clitoris, bringing it into her mouth, pinching it between her teeth and sucking firmly.

Twilight simply threw her head back once more and, as though some great restraint had been lifted, screamed with all her might: crying and wailing in anguish, pouring forth every wretched emotion and pent-up frustration in one primal roar. It was desperation, it was misery, it was fury beyond comprehension; but above all of those, it was sweet, sweet relief - and she let it all come crashing out in a single, cacophonic wall of noise. She screamed until the air in her lungs ran dry, and lapsed into a series of ragged gasps and shrieks.

Nightmare Moon did not let up for an instant, relishing the sounds of sweet agony as she whipped her prey into a frenzy, drawing up every drop of repressed lust into a raging maelstrom, and simply overpowering it; burning through every ounce of resistance, draining every last spirit of fight from her victim until there was nothing left. She drove out all thoughts of defiance, extinguished every flame of hope, leaving only the sensation of her onslaught.

I-I’ve lost, Twilight realised. I’ve completely lost.

And just like that, the dam burst; her legs gave in and her body collapsed as a wave of pleasure washed over her. She could feel Nightmare Moon continuing to defile her, lighting a flame in her groin that spread with every viscous lick, until her entire form burned with ecstasy.

There’s nothing I can do to stop her.

The fire burned stronger, replacing every other thought with its pleasure. Twilight barely noticed her eyes half-open and her mouth break into a stuporous grin. All she felt was the blissful attacks of the mare that had so defeated her. That had conquered her.

She’s taken me...

That thought finally sent her over the edge. Twilight’s vagina clenched as her mind went blank once again, save for the sensations of her assailant bringing her to orgasm.

Nightmare Moon is making me c-cuuum!

Barely, she managed a final, weak cry of pleasure as her cum spurted out of her to be lapped greedily up by the alicorn before her - and then leaned back, relaxing involuntarily as her consciousness faded away.

⁂

Twilight wasn’t aware which coherent thought came first. A few jostled for leading place, including: “this is very comfortable”,“that’s probably a good thing since I’m still completely immobile”, and “well, now I know I don’t have to worry about post-coital dysphoria.”

The image of Nightmare Moon’s muzzle between her legs chose that moment to resurface. Twilight noted that any expected feelings of distress were not forthcoming; in her current state, it was very difficult to worry.

She really did beat me. Again, not much trauma in that thought. I lost to her… I was at her mercy.

Reality slowly started to fade in around her as the morning sun shone in her eyes. The world was no longer soft and gentle - every facet of the Golden Oak Library assaulted her senses with an oppressive vigour. Her sheets were tangled, her eyes stung and the smell of old wood hung in the air like…

Wait. That’s not wood.

“Morning, Twilight! Package for you.” Spike entered the room, holding the small box with an air of pride. “Heh, and the Princess thought I couldn’t handle parcels yet.” The dragonling would have continued had he not then made eye contact with his charge. “Eh-heh-heh… I’ll just leave this here.”

Twilight made an affirming grunt, and Spike set the package on the bed-side table before moving hastily to the door and bolting down the stairs. Making a mental note to make it up to him later (regardless of circumstances, dealing with early-morning Twilight Sparkle deserved some overtime) she levitated the parcel to her side. There was a hastily-scrawled note affixed to it.

You have my sister’s ear as you always have - if you see me as your villain, I assure you she will be a suitable champion. You may write to me, of course, but I would not be surprised if you did not do so. Should neither my sister nor myself hear from you for a week, I shall visit you once more.

She scanned the note twice over, expecting to find some hidden meaning. Disregarding it, she ripped the parcel apart to reveal a tastefully-decorated box bearing the label: ‘Canterlot Premium Detergent’.

Twilight groaned.

II: Let Us Assay Our Plot

Author's Note

Pre-read by Lone Beast and Commander Darklight.

II: Let Us Assay Our Plot

I see what you truly desire, Twilight Sparkle…

The light of the sun filled the bedroom of the Golden Oak library, rousing Twilight from her sleep. She clung to the words that still rang in her head, protesting silently as the dream slipped away from her. It wasn’t really there, not like the first time; it was just her subconscious replaying the events over. Each re-enactment was maddeningly less clear, like an overplayed vinyl record, but the words were still there.

You want to lose, Twilight.

She pushed her head back into the pillow, trying to stave off the oncoming day; but, gradually, the sound of the birds outside her window and the itch of the sheets beneath her seeped into the cracks of unconsciousness, and the state of rest was unceremoniously ripped from her.

Twilight sighed. I can’t go on like this, she realised. I can’t get it out of my head… She flung the covers from her body and stepped heavily onto the wooden floor, walking groggily over to her desk. Atop it was an a piece of parchment; the words “Dear Princess Celestia,” written at the top and nothing thereafter. She stared at the paper, still unsure of what she intended to write next.

The events of that encounter had filled her waking thoughts all week; and yet she found herself unwilling to think on the matter. Somehow, her age-old recourse - analysis - could not help her. To think on the issue was to understand it; to understand the issue was, in some way, to be complicit in it. To not stop Luna was tantamount to accepting her offer.

She was Twilight Sparkle. She was the bearer of the Element of Magic, student of Princess Celestia, and a champion of Equestria - this much she was familiar with, this much she could take comfort in. But this new experience stood against all of it; stood against the virtue and the goodness she so often sought refuge in.

On the other hand, Luna had given her exactly the opening she needed. She could continue to fight - continue to be a hero, continue to be the one in the right. All she had to do was keep losing...

⁂

Celestia was late to supper.

It was not a rare occurrence - the sun princess was known for putting the well-being of her ponies over her own needs (actually, whether or not an alicorn required regular sustenance was not confirmed, but no-pony had yet plucked up the courage to ask ‘do you really need all that cake?’) and over the past week it had been occurring more regularly, as an increasing number of ‘urgent’ matters began to spring up in the Royal Court.

Luna sat at the dinner table, waiting patiently for her sister and reflecting on the events of the week. Her time of “moonlighting” as a private detective had proven fruitful - just a brief peek into the minds of the landed gentry had revealed a dozen insipid plots and - more to her interest - potential undoings of those plots. All week long, she had observed; but she had never intervened. Not since...

She closed her eyes. All too easily, that sight returned to her: her sister’s student, collapsed on the aetherial floor, utterly paralysed; her eyes wet with tears and her coat dishevelled and drenched in sweat.

It had to be done, she reminded herself. She would’ve never come out of her shell if someone wasn’t there to drag her along.

But what must she think of me now?

The answer came immediately. She’ll think me the villain, just as I wanted her to. The alien is less terrifying when it has a face; much less so when that face is not your own. To her, I am now an avatar of the sordid - an authority on all things licentious - a voice to listen to, and a hoof to guide her.

She was almost satisfied with that; but the nagging sense of doubt was obstinate. I’m justifying. Right or not… I presumed. I shattered her virtue, stripped away a part of her that she valued. Twilight Sparkle would be right to think me vile. Even if that was the point… she may now be even more repulsed by her own thoughts.

But she will be drawn to me. I could smell her desire, no matter how much she hid it… my goal was not wrong, only my execution. I defeated her; I should have waited for her surrender.

Luna realised she was very much speaking in two voices; both quite familiar, but one she was far less comfortable with. She hardly noticed her sister’s presence in the room until she had already taken her place at the table; and when she finally did, she saw that Celestia’s face held that familiar, warm patience - the near-imperceptible prompt that she was ready to begin.

Luna drew a long breath. “Celestia… I am afraid. I fear I have done something terribly wrong.”

Celestia’s brow raised slightly. “You speak of your endeavours with Twilight Sparkle?” Luna nodded. “I’ve not received any letters from her; so I would say she neither considers the case closed, nor wishes it to be so. If anything, I suspect she is waiting for you to make the next step.”

Luna shifted uneasily. “Still, I fear that I went too far.”

Celestia’s expression softened, but her speech became stilted, as though each word required a great effort to speak. “I suspect I am as much to blame as you are, Luna. I should have brought the matter to you independent of politics… but you know how I am when regarding this subject.”

“If I did not know better, sister, I would say you feared my night,” Luna jested.

Celestia visibly relaxed. “I do not fear it, Luna. But - for the thousand years I was its shephard - I could not bring myself to learn it as you did.”

A stillness settled over the room as Celestia’s words sunk in. Luna blinked once, then twice, disbelief in her eyes. “Sister,” she breathed, “have you been alone for a thousand years?”

Celestia closed her eyes and nodded. Silence fell once again, before the elder’s ears were pricked up by a muffled chuckling.

“We have both been quite foolish, I daresay.” Luna rose and crossed to where Celestia sat, silently relishing the role of mentor she now found herself in. “Do not fear to step on my hooves, dear sister. The day and night intertwine, do they not? At dawn, -” her eyes gleamed, “- and at twilight.”

Now, it is an extremely un-princessly thing to groan at a bad joke; so we shall say that Celestia did not groan, and that the timing of her long, descending release of breath was purely coincidental.

“Were these politics all a front, then?” Luna continued.

“Not in the least,” Celestia quickly asserted. “I am tired of the stiffness, just as I said.”

“And Twilight Sparkle?”

Celestia drooped. “I… I fear for her, Luna. I fear that she might never learn what I cannot teach her.”

Luna’s expression warmed. “Have you ever spoken candidly with her, Celestia?”

“I cannot… I cannot bring myself to tell her. To say that her perfect teacher was a front. It’s unhealthy, I know, but-”

“She will understand. She must know eventually.”

Celestia nodded. “I have already lost one student that way. I don’t want to lose another.” She looked at her sister, eyes pleading. “Tell her, Luna. Please.”

⁂

Twilight stood over her bed, staring down at the pillow as though daring it to make the first move. Her sheets had been ceremoniously made, and the library was silent. It was late, and she was tired. Sooner or later, the inevitable would occur.

She realised exactly what it was she was doing. It wasn’t as though she had wanted it - she had just hesitated for too long. Allowed her curiosity to linger, not quite wanting to extinguish the possibility…

Or at least that’s what I’m telling myself.

Even if she were to stay awake, she couldn’t avoid it. Luna hadn’t promised to meet her on this night; only to come to her dreams if she had not written in a week. Whenever she fell asleep, the night princess would be waiting for her.

Well, she jested, let us go quietly into that good night. And with that, she dropped onto the mattress, closed her eyes, and waited.

She didn’t have to wait long. The first change she was aware of was the shift from lying to standing, as though standing were as comfortable as lying. Then she began to hear that strange ambience, like a thousand stars cooing and shushing her; but this time the noises were conspiratorial and filled with mirth, as though relishing in what was to come.

It was warm - warm like a blanket; and ever so slightly muggy - the kind that causes one’s thinking to be ever-so-slightly slower - but this time it did not distract from the issue at hand. This is it, Twilight thought. This is it. Her eyes were shut closed, her jaw fixed, her head bent down in an act of defiance, her legs held straight.

For a long time there was nothing; then a soft clearing of the throat followed by, “Welcome back.” Twilight opened her eyes, and to her surprise, there before her was the same Princess Luna that had greeted her before. For a moment, Luna wilted under Twilight's glare, until the unicorn realised who it was before her.

“You’re not…” Twilight breathed.

Realisation flashed in Luna’s eyes, and she straightened herself. “I have been encouraged for some time now to employ the appearance of Nightmare Moon as a jest; to trivialise the image to myself and to my ponies. I had been under the impression that the image was… appealing, in some ways.”

Twilight was completely taken aback. Luna certainly wasn't wrong - the image had barely left her mind all week - but where was the alicorn that had assailed her?

“Twilight Sparkle…” Luna’s voice brought her back to attention. The night princess was looking her in the eyes, firmly but not forcefully. “Was I wrong?”

The question hung in the air for several moments. Twilight stared at the ‘floor’, finding herself unable to hold Luna’s gaze. Words failing her, she walked up to the night princess and placed her head under the taller alicorn’s muzzle. Luna drew in, letting Twilight snuggle up to her as she had before, waiting silently.

Finally, Twilight responded. “You were right about one thing… when I realised you’d won, it-” She swallowed. “I’ve… never felt like that before.”

Luna let out a breath she hadn’t been aware of holding. “My sister is always telling me that I must be more certain in my actions. That I must be sure that I am acting for the best. It is… difficult, in my line of work.”

“I- I think she’s right,” Twilight whispered. Luna paused, not quite convinced by the compliment; before the bit dropped. She looked down, and sure enough, Twilight’s eyes were closed, her head tucked into her mane.

“Twilight…?”

In an instant, Twilight scampered away. “I’m sorry! I-I thought…”

Her stammering was broken by the faintest of chuckling coming from the princess - if she were feeling especially cliche, a likeness to the ringing of bells would no doubt have come to mind.

“It seems there has been miscomprehension on all sides. Dear me,” Luna sighed. “I suppose we had better set the matter straight.” Luna set herself onto her haunches, then onto her stomach, motioning for Twilight to mirror her actions in front of her.

“I believe it is time we spoke candidly, Twilight; and not blurred the issue with talk of larger problems. I know that you find it difficult to speak of such things, so I will require no more an answer than ‘yes’ or ‘no’; unless, of course, you would care to elaborate. Is that acceptable?” Twilight - having taken her position - nodded, shuffling her hooves nervously. “Well, then: you feel that, as long as you have the choice, you are unable to indulge your base desires for fear of failing yourself or others in some way. Am I correct?”

“Yes,” the unicorn responded, with just a moment’s hesitation.

“And yet, you do feel these desires. Correct?”

Twilight’s head drooped. “C-correct.”

Luna shuffled closer, changing her clinical expression for one of as much ease as she could manage. “Twilight, would you like to kiss me?”

Twilight reared back, stuttering and stammering. “I- well, ah, I don’t-”

The princess allowed her non-answer to continue for just a moment before lowering her head, clearing her throat and putting on as authoritarian a gaze as she could. “Twilight?”

“Y-yes?”

“Kiss me.” Luna leaned in, pushing her lips to Twilight’s - and as she expected, though the unicorn first shied away and shivered, she soon stilled and leaned into the kiss, her tongue joining Luna’s in a slow dance around their mouths. Satisfied as she was that her point was made, Luna allowed the moment to linger for a few moments, observing her partner become slightly more relaxed; slightly more intimate.

When she drew away, the look on Twilight’s face put any lingering doubts to rest. The unicorn’s countenance was aflame with not lust, but barely-concealed longing - a look of awe and desire that once again gave way to timidness as her breathing returned to normal. A smile crossed Luna’s features, and she drew closer - but as Twilight closed her eyes in anticipation, the princess stopped, their lips just inches apart. It took Twilight a moment to open her eyes and recognise the daring gleam in Luna’s.

Slowly, hesitantly, she moved closer - and Luna moved back. Twilight mewled in impatience, before Luna thrust forward, catching her off-guard and locking their mouths into a frenzied kiss. How long it continued for, Twilight couldn’t quite say - when they separated again, her shoulders were rising and falling rapidly. Luna sat back, seemingly proud of her work.

“Did you enjoy that?” she asked.

The blush on Twilight’s face intensified. It was, of course, practically a rhetorical question. But that’s what this is all about. Figuring out where her boundaries are, and seeing which ones we can convince her to step beyond...

“Yes...” Twilight breathed, low and husky. A shiver shot through the alicorn at the sound.

“The journey of a thousand miles, as they say. That was the first step - what would you say to taking another?” Just as she suspected, Twilight went rigid. Luna suppressed a sigh. “I believe I have realised something, Twilight. You may correct me if I am wrong, of course, but I think you would find it more... shall we say, thrilling... were you to not have a partner, but an opponent.”

That time, Twilight truly hung her head in shame. A stream of apologies worked their way onto her tongue, but she was stopped before she could utter them.

“Twilight…” Luna cut in, her voice ringing with uncertainty. “Are you ashamed of this desire?”

It took a few seconds for the unicorn to compose herself. When she did reply, her breath came in gasps and sobs. “I- I shouldn’t want- why should I want to run, and fight… and not be able to…” She stopped, sucking in a breath through her teeth. “I shouldn’t want to do one thing and hope that I’ll fail. I want to act towards one goal while hoping that the other will come true… it’s stupid…”

“It is nothing more than roleplay, my friend - a game of pretend in an adult context - and it is not nearly as demeanable as you perceive. You yourself have seen how I take to it on occasion.”

It took a moment for Twilight to catch onto her insinuation. “Nightmare Night…”

“Indeed. I was quite taken aback by the - how should I say - tenacity of modern ponies to fill their roles. But I digress.” Luna leaned in once again, nuzzling the unicorn who still couldn’t bring herself to meet the princess’ eyes. “Twilight; I remind you that you are dreaming. None can possibly bear witness to this event save yourself and myself, and I would consider it a privilege to… guide you in such matters.”

Luna once again stepped closer to Twilight, waiting for the unicorn to creep backwards - but she didn’t. Encouraged, the princess lifted a hoof to run along her friend’s mane and down her neck, positioning herself just so that she could whisper directly into her ear.

“Putting aside all fear and shame, I would ask you this: consider our last meeting. Consider your struggles against Nightmare Moon; how helpless you were against her attack. How, for all your tenacity and resolve, you knew that inevitably you would be subjected to her sordid, wicked pleasure… does this excite you?”

The question hung in the air for a moment - neither pony moved, save for the steady, reassuring movements of Luna’s hoof. Finally - still looking at the indeterminate ground around them - Twilight sighed, and answered: “Yeah. I suppose it does.”

“One last question, then, Twilight. Do you trust me?”

For a moment, there was silence. Then, a soft gasp as the unicorn steadied herself. Then, almost inaudibly: “yes.”

“In that case…” and just like that, the voice in her ear was different. Clear and piercing, sonorous and full; but dripping with intent. Twilight looked up in shock to meet a pair of draconian slitted eyes, and a grin that bared a set of viciously-fanged teeth.

“Run.”

III: A Mare In Her Time

The halls of the Everfree Castle had lost the motionless, frigid chill of so many years’ neglect; a permeating, indomitable warmth filled each corridor and chamber, moving in currents that waved and shimmied through every doorway and niche. It was as though the castle had forgotten its state of abandonment and had sprung to life, eagerly spectating the unicorn that now darted this way and that, desperately fleeing her pursuer.

Twilight skidded to a halt as she bolted out of the passageway, realising that she had somehow come back into the throneroom. A smashed stained-glass window revealed the full moon, bearing down on the scene and illuminating the floor like a searchlight, while shadows gathered in the rafters above. She glanced all around her, anxiously strafing as she turned to keep every angle covered. Her lungs ached, her legs were burning and her coat radiated heat - and still…

“Run,” came the whisper in her ear.

With a yelp, Twilight broke back into a gallop as the walls echoed with a low cackle. Running wasn’t helping - no matter where she went, just over her shoulder, on her peripheral vision, there would always be something - a shadow whipping out of view, or an indistinct blur that lingered for just a moment. She needed a plan.

As long as she stayed in the larger halls, she could at least avoid being forced down a single path, but her breaths were already coming in quick and shallow; she couldn’t keep running forever. She latched onto a single place: the chamber containing the Elements of Harmony. It made no sense, and somewhere in the back of her mind she knew it, but it was a part of the castle she at least knew.

Before long, she was at the base of the spiral staircase that led up to the oratory-cum-secondary-throneroom. She paused for just a moment, and slumped against the wall as her legs nearly gave out, gasping for air. She lingered, trying not to think about the soreness in her limbs, ears pricked up in search of any sound. For once, there was nothing; even the low, near-inaudible wail of the air itself had ceased. Allowing herself a sigh of relief, Twilight straightened herself and looked around… to find that her view of the passage behind her was completely shrouded.

A wall of smoke filled the corridor, seemingly swallowing whatever light it found. At its centre it was an impossibly-deep black, while the tendrils that hung around the edges painted the stone in shades of violet. It crept forward, undulating as though sentient and groping each surface for its target, and its intent was clear; already, a familiar, sickly-sweet scent was filling Twilight’s nostrils. She turned tail and raced up the stairs.

She didn’t let herself think about how long she was running for - tried to ignore the screaming of her core as she focused solely on putting one hoof in front of the other as fast as she could. Once, she slipped on a loose step and collapsed onto the rough stone, and had barely enough time to right herself, glance behind and see that the sea of mist was just seconds behind her. After what could have been a minute or an eternity, the claustrophobic staircase gave way to that familiar hall, and Twilight allowed herself to fall once again to her knees.

It was only then that she realised how foolish she had been. The rising miasma had completely blocked her escape, and it wouldn’t be long before it covered this floor, too. The only higher ground was the plinth on which the throne stood; something Nightmare Moon would surely have allowed for. Groaning, Twilight stood and braved to look at the platform. Sure enough, the throne was occupied… but-

“Hurry, Twilight!”

“Princess Celestia!?”

Twilight limped to her mentor and finally collapsed into the embrace of her wings, subconsciously latching herself onto one foreleg as though it were a liferaft in a storm. Before she knew it, her breaths had become ragged, exhausted wails, calmed only by the gentle shushing of the alicorn above her. Celestia hugged Twilight firmly, rocking her slightly, never relinquishing that reassuring hold until her student’s cries had become quiet sniffles.

“It’s okay.”

“Princess… is it really you?”

“It’s me, Twilight. It’s really me.”

“H… how?”

The sound of creaking, cracking rock filled the room. Twilight clung to her anchor as she watched the aetherial flood burst from the stairway and begin to engulf the chamber. Panic welled up inside her as all around became a sea of darkness, but though it surrounded the plinth, the miasma could not spill onto it; their island stood just above the waves.

A wan smile spread over Celestia’s face. “We have a shared point of communication, do we not? With an operator in place, it isn’t difficult for one dreamer’s actions to be mirrored in another’s dream.”

Sure enough, Twilight visibly relaxed at the lecture. “It’s all going through Luna,” she mumbled. “You’re not really there... I’m just seeing her recreation of you.”

“Likewise,” Celestia confirmed. “But - from my end, at least - it is quite convincing.”

“It’s an interpretation,” Twilight countered. “You can’t duplicate a thought perfectly… it’s going through a lens: the way she sees your actions.”

A sheen passed over the alicorn’s eyes - something that could almost have been remorse. “My sister knows me better than most, Twilight; and in the end, we’re always looking through a lens. We’re all judged by the perspectives of those who see us.”

Her breathing having stabilised, Twilight backed away from Celestia and looked at her, scrutinising her every feature while the princess sat patiently. Sure enough, there was no one detail out of place - each facet was exactly as Twilight had always known her teacher. And yet, the entire image was somehow wrong; repetitious, like a symphony whose trumpets had long since stopped sending a thrill down the spine of its audience.

“She looks at me like that, sometimes.” Celestia’s voice snapped Twilight out of her reverie. “I’ve always wondered what she saw.”

Twilight cast her gaze to the floor as she formulated a response. The question hadn’t been asked outright, but she could almost hear the pleading edge in its speaking.

“She’s known you for such a long time,” she thought aloud. “No matter what, you’re always there… and you never change.”

The look on Celestia’s face sent Twilight’s stomach plunging; her mentor’s distress, perfectly replicated on puppet-strings. Already, Twilight wished she could take those words back.

“It’s what I do, Twilight,” Celestia said at last. “It’s what I’ve always done.”

“It started such a long time ago; when my sister and I fought against Discord. You couldn’t possibly know how long it went on for - days and nights would pass as you blinked, at his whim - but it drained the world like nothing else had. Nothing was sacred. Wherever we went, ponies would look at each other like they were seeing ghosts. You couldn’t ever settle, knowing that whatever you took comfort in - your friends, your family, your home - could be gone by the time you turned your head back.

“When we used the Elements of Harmony, it changed everything. There was hope again; but no-one would dare to take the first step towards rebuilding. They’d almost forgotten what life used to be like. So I made my decision: I became a fixed point; something they could build off. I asked my sister to join me, and she did. We promised every single one of them, that no matter what, we would be there. We became the rulers of Equestria, just by saying that we would rule... and it made them happy. Life began again.

“But I had to change myself. I had to be the embodiment of what was right - what was just. Ponies would compare their every action by the way I held myself, because they had no-one else to look to. I could never be seen to fail or falter, because if I did, their trust would be shattered. I could never love, never cry, never rage. And I did it; I did it because I had to. Because no-one else could.

“But Luna… she and I did everything together in those days. We were always different, but it never mattered; whenever there was an enemy, or a struggle, we’d each find our own ways to the solution, and we’d never let the other fall. But when peace came, and I chose to stand firm for so long, I went down a road she couldn’t possibly follow. She was so young… no, she was youth itself, Twilight. Always earnest, and always changing. And just like that, I cast her aside. When she couldn’t stand alongside what I had become, I let her fall into the shadow; and I couldn’t dare to join her there, because everyone else needed me to stand in the light.

“She suffered terribly for what I did - but when I banished her, there wasn’t a soul in Equestria that didn’t suffer. Even if they didn’t know it - to them, she was just the weak ruler; the one who faltered. But I failed her, and I failed them; all because I was so terrified of failing.

“And it didn’t stop there, either. I thought I needed to be a rock more than ever; but I couldn’t abandon her. I founded the capital, Canterlot, built my new home, and for one thousand years I cultivated the best heroes I could. I made the academy, the nobility, the royal guard, and I raised the ponies in them to the highest ranks of office. I created a breeding ground for champions; ponies that could take the place I held so long ago while I sat around and aged. Warriors, to take my place on the battlefield.”

By the time she had finished, Celestia looked utterly broken. In that minute, a thousand years of strain had worn away at that perfect mask before Twilight’s eyes; but there was nothing she could do. She sat, rooted, unsure even of what her own expression said. Disbelief, empathy, anger - they all came to her, but none could take hold.

“Twilight…” Celestia breathed, “I’m so sorry. You have no idea how desperate I was, when I saw you, and realised I might yet save my sister. I guided you at every turn, molded you into what you are now… but I never asked your permission. I never asked what you wanted in life before I made all the decisions for you.”

The alicorn finished, head hung low in shame, awaiting her sentence. Countless reassurances and just as many questions came to Twilight - but she uttered none of them. She asked the only question she could.

“Do you think you were wrong?”

Celestia didn’t move. Twilight could understand - she could barely process the question herself. But at the same time - somehow - she didn’t need to.

“I don’t know how things might have been different,” she continued, “but I don’t regret it. I’m happy to be where I am now, honestly. But, this -” Twilight gestured to the scene around her; “- I just don’t know what to do.”

Celestia’s gaze was still set on her shoes. Twilight barely heard her whisper, “It’s as I feared.” Feebly, she raised her eyes to meet the unicorn’s. “I can be a fixed point, Twilight, for as long as it takes. I don’t know how, but I’ve always been able to. But if that’s your idol - if that’s what you strive to be in life - I worry that you’ll go down the same path as those before you. My sister, and…” She trailed off.

Twilight blinked. “...And? There was another?”

Celestia swallowed and nodded. “I’ll tell you about her someday. I promise. But for now… I need to make sure I don’t repeat my mistake yet again.”

“So, all of this was…?”

“My sister and I are day and night. If there was anyone who could bring you towards the balance - show you the joys of life that I could not - it was her. You’re a grown mare, Twilight; but you’ve never stopped being my student.”

“Y- you’re not saying…!”

“No, no. Nothing like that. But… I think it might do you some good to have a different instructor for a while.”

Twilight observed the plane of smoke around them. The trails of vapour had by now formed waves that lapped against the edges of the plinth, conjured by an impossible tide.

“It’s your choice, of course. But this time, I want to know that it was really yours.”

She laid down at the water’s edge, and tentatively lowered a hoof. The gas seemed to form a solid tendril that set her skin shivering as it stroked her frog. Taking a deep breath, Twilight drew back and turned to Celestia.

“And what about you?” She asked. “Equestria is at peace now. Discord’s gone, Luna’s back… you don’t have to be a rock anymore.”

Celestia’s smile was as honest as Twilight had ever seen on the alicorn’s features. “I’m an old mare, Twilight. I’ve tried to change ever since you brought my sister back to me - but it’ll be a while before I can learn any new tricks.”

Nodding, Twilight turned her back once more, letting the stillness wash over her; not even thinking about the choice that lay before her. All the time, Celestia waited; understanding, if not knowing, what was going through her student’s mind.

Finally, Twilight broke the silence. “I feel better,” she said, almost to herself. “Somehow, I feel better about all of this. Like it’s not quite so wrong anymore.” She chuckled nervously. “It’s just… not quite how it happens in the stories, is it?” The two of them managed a laugh at that, but silence soon took hold again. Twilight turned back to look at the smog, and slowly began to walk forwards.

“I think I’m ready now.”

“Twilight…” Celestia’s voice stopped her just a few steps from the edge. “I may not be able to guide you down this new path. But, one day, I’d be honoured if you would walk it with me.”

The implications of that sentence took a while to set in. Slowly, Twilight’s eyes widened, just as Celestia averted her own.

“I’m sorry; I sh-”

“I’d like that.”

Celestia dared to look at her pupil, and found there a smile that set her legs quivering.

“Well, then. I’ll see you soon, my fai-” Celestia caught herself at the last moment. “...My friend.” And with that, the image of the alicorn distorted and faded, leaving the unicorn alone.

The tide waited patiently, content to flow inconsequentially in near-silence. For a while, Twilight studied the surreal landscape before her. Then she took a breath, and - with an air of tranquility that she had not felt in days - descended the stairs and walked into the mire.

IV: This General Evil

Twilight dared to open her eyes, surprised that they didn't sting against the strange fluid around her. Beneath the surface, she could barely tell that she was still in the Everfree Castle; the moonlight from above was all but completely blocked out, the walls obscured by fog - even the frayed carpet beneath her hooves barely registered, compared to the feel of that indescribable stuff that tickled her from every angle. She puffed her cheeks out, steadying herself, trying to hold that breath for as long as possible - and all the while, wondering why.

So I can tell myself I did, she thought. So that I'll know I did all I could... when I lose.

She kept walking, idly noting her surreal stoicism. Ten heartbeats passed, then twenty. She let out a little air to ease the urge to breathe. Before long, she was back at the entrance to the staircase. She stared. Three more heartbeats.

"Go on," came a voice from behind her. She looked around, and saw no further than a few metres behind her was a figure, its outline blurred by the fog but its irises as clear as ever. A light appeared in her peripheral vision, and she turned back to find the archway had filled with an ethereal glow.

"Walk through, and you'll wake up." The voice had lost its malicious edge, leaving a cold, yet hauntingly beautiful tone. "Stay... and we dream together." And still there was no threat to be heard. Twilight's eyes remained fixed on the portal, observing impassively, legs and back perfectly straight.

She emptied her lungs - and then drew in. The light blinked out.

A second later, with a rush of blood in her ears and a shock that rolled over her spine, she keened to the side, only catching herself at the last moment. In an instant, her calm composure was swept away by a tide of mind-numbing need, and she was suddenly aware of the minute, infinitesimal ministrations of the very air around her. The breath which she had taken not a moment ago came out as a rasping groan, only to be replaced with another lungful that set her skin burning anew.

But just as quickly as that sense of the inevitable filled her, it was joined by a sense of indignation. Her groan became a growl. Brow furrowed, ears flattened, nostrils flared, teeth bared. She spun around and crouched, breathing heavily, ready to meet her opponent; and found nothing.

A rumble sounded in Twilight’s throat as she crawled forward, her impatience building with every moment she spent in anticipation. Her fur stood on end, but that only made it easier for her to feel the tickle of the current around her. She turned, pacing backwards, twitching her head from side to side - and felt herself backing into something soft.

She reared up, but in an instant there was a weight on her back and a pair of legs wrapped tight around her barrel. With a roar, she fell to her side. The air was knocked from her lungs, and for an instant she was still, but just as she made to scramble to her hooves, a second set of limbs coiled around her own and forced them asplay, holding her tight against a warm coat. She struggled, but with every kick and flex, the bonds around her tightened, until her legs burned from the effort. Before long, she could only wriggle feebly in the embrace, and her captor curled over her to whisper:

"There is but one rule here, Twilight. If you say 'stop', the game ends. Tap three times, and the game ends. No winners, no losers." Twilight squirmed against the limbs that held her, only to feel them press yet more tightly, leaving her incapable of doing anything but waiting.

"Are you ready?"

Her response was a snarl as the question set her body into yet another spasm of expectation. Cracking open one eye, Twilight could barely make out the face of Nightmare Moon leering out from the darkness. She met the leer with a glare, fear now far surpassed by fervour. For the first time, she looked upon her foe with determination. The alicorn surveyed her with a passion of her own, delighted at the feral display before her.

“I’ve been looking forward to this.” Nightmare pressed her lips onto Twilight’s, meeting the wild movements of her tongue with precise, deft motions of her own, thrilling at how readily she gave in to that passion. They separated for just a moment, for Nightmare to take a breath and tilt her head before moving back in, their teeth knocking together slightly as they connected. She raised her forelegs higher, locking them around Twilight’s head and holding it in place - then drawing back just slightly, her lips just out of reach. Sure enough, the unicorn tried fruitlessly to lunge forward, grunting as she struggled against the metallic shoes gripping her. Nightmare extended her tongue with a prompt of “aah”, and Twilight did the same, but still they could not meet, until Nightmare took the tongue between her lips, supping and chewing gently before moving all the way back to kiss her once more.

She’s not fighting anymore, Luna realised. Has she- And that was when Twilight got a hoof free, and spun herself around to be on top, legs fixed either side of the alicorn’s barrel. Panting, she fixed a stare at her adversary that was equal measures of lust and determination.

“I won’t lose.”

Even in character, Luna barely avoided the temptation to squee. Twilight leaned in, lowering her barrel and pushing Luna’s head back onto the floor as their lips met again. They separated after just a moment, the unicorn’s face betraying the slightest hint of glee as she revelled in her new position. She hesitated for just a moment, unsure of what to do next but not wanting to break the pace she had established, then moved down to nip at the fur beneath Nightmare’s jaw - where she found her head locked between two forehooves.

“You will if you keep copying my moves,” the alicorn crooned. Twilight barely had time to realise her mistake when a set of black, smouldering chains whipped around her lower legs, holding her completely in place between them and Nightmare’s grip. Just as she tried to fathom what was coming next, her train of thought was derailed by the sensation of a mouth planting itself on her horn. She was so surprised that she couldn’t even stifle the gasp that came when Nightmare began to suck gently on the appendage, nor the moans that followed every shallow breath as the alicorn began to build up her ministrations. Her legs began to quiver as that tongue slowly rolled around her tip, the constant changes in pressure scrambling her thoughts completely.

With a wet smack of her lips, Nightmare moved back, chuckling softly. “Bet you didn’t know that could feel good...”

Twilight grunted as she tried to steady her breathing. If she keeps that up, it’ll be all over. Eyes closed, she could only feel the body beneath her moving. Panicking, she flared up her horn.

“Ah-ah-ah,” Nightmare tutted. Swiftly, she lunged forward and flicked her tongue over Twilight’s horn in a series of rapid side-to-side motions. The effect was immediate: whatever spell Twilight had been preparing simply blinked away as her concentration was completely shattered. This time her breath came out as a cry that soon faded into a whining moan. Nightmare relented just long enough to let out a mirthful laugh before resuming in earnest.

Twilight’s legs were by now ready to buckle, her back writhing at each new sensation, groans of defeat escaping as each fresh wave of pleasure crashed over her. All too soon, the burning had reached a peak, and Twilight felt the pressure in her threatening to overflow. Closing her eyes and clenching her teeth, she tried desperately to keep it in - desperately tried to hold back the inevitable fall. Nightmare must have noticed her sounds of effort, because she relented, for just long enough that Twilight opened an eye, before flashing a wicked grin, locking onto the horn one last time and sucking her cheeks in hard. As she did so, she let out a low, descending hum of contentment - and just like that, the dam burst.

Twilight screamed her defeat as her orgasm overtook her; knees buckling, she fell onto Nightmare’s chest, forcing the alicorn to relinquish the hold on her mouth. Twilight’s horn came free with a wet schlurp, emitting arcs of uncontrolled magic as the mare continued to writhe feebly, gasping once more for air, feeling her every movement become lethargic.

It was some time before either of them moved again. Luna was content to wait, feeling Twilight’s heart beat through her chest, and listening to her heavy breathing gradually begin to slow down. Eventually, Twilight lifted her head and looked at the alicorn with an expression that caught her by surprise.

The alicorn lifted an eyebrow, and chose her next words carefully. “You’re not finished yet, are you?”

Twilight’s breath caught in her throat, but she couldn’t bring herself to avert her gaze. She opened her lips and, with a ragged, quivering voice, whispered:

"Please..."

Slowly and simply, Nightmare raised a single hoof to Twilight - then leaned up and curled around, throwing her to her side and lifting her legs to the sky as she straddled her. With the unicorn pinned beneath her, Nightmare moved her mouth down to Twilight’s neck… and began planting soft, gentle kisses.

Twilight craned her head skyward - whether recoiling from the touch or allowing easier access, she wasn’t sure. Luna felt a low moan rumble in her throat as she drew her tongue gently over the skin, taking in the taste and scent of sweat. She moved down to Twilight’s barrel, softly washing each new patch of fur she came to, before finally reaching the pair of already-pert teats.

A creaking, whooshing sound filled the chamber. As Nightmare hovered, Twilight realised that the fog above her was clearing; the room was draining. Her head broke the surface and she gasped for fresh air, watching her breath come out as a dark cloud that twisted and curled as it faded into the air.

“The miasma…” she croaked, tilting her head back down. “Why did you-?”

It was no longer Nightmare Moon before her; the glinting armour had disappeared and her coat had lightened. Princess Luna looked up at her for just a moment with a gentle smile. “You don’t need it anymore,” she replied, before setting her tongue to Twilight’s nipple.

All she could manage was a low moan as the feeling washed over her. It wasn’t like the previous time; where once the stimulation had been a frenzied assault, now it was a tender caress, each lick a steady stroke that sent tingles throughout her body.

“That’s right,” Luna whispered. “Relax. Allow yourself to feel.”

And Twilight did. Just the idea in her mind, without any evaluation, was enough for her to notice the slight roughness of the tongue on her skin, or the coolness of the saliva left when Luna swapped one teat for the other. Gradually, her body relaxed, her limbs lying lazily at her side.

“I- I don’t understand,” she said - perhaps to Luna, perhaps to herself.

Luna raised an eyebrow at her. As if answering her question, she placed her lips on Twilight’s and gently pecked at her. Twilight’s mouth obligingly opened, and they shared a soft, tender kiss, through which Twilight could taste her own sweat on her partner’s tongue.

“You don’t understand why you are not fighting?” asked Luna, her voice soft and warm. “Maybe you simply do not wish to fight anymore.” Twilight could only stare as she pondered the question. “Pleasure takes many forms, Twilight, and they change as readily as the tides. Where one night may find…” her voice dropped momentarily, “a conqueror, the next might find a lover. A protector. An equal. Maybe even a servant...” Her eyes searched Twilight’s for any response to her suggestion, but the unicorn’s expression remained that of bewilderment.

“At times, we feel we are so strong that we can hurt those around us without meaning to,” she pressed on, slowly creeping back once again. “Then, it is a pleasure to be made weak. Other times, we find ourselves in a world that lurches and tilts with us caught helplessly in its grasp. Then, we might delight in having total control. One day, a teacher may yearn for instruction; others, a hero may wish to be vile.”

And with that, she had assumed the position that Twilight had recalled so frequently throughout the week - that sent a shiver down her spine to behold: stretched in front of her prone form as though ready to pounce, eyes locked on to hers with a stare that rooted her to the spot and drew her in with equal measure. Luna moved forwards, and Twilight flinched at what was to come - only to feel the lightest of touches on her nethers. Once, twice, then three times. There was no frenzy, no overwhelming rush; just a slow series of tiny nips.

Twilight looked back, and saw that Luna’s gaze hadn’t strayed - she was watching; gauging for any reaction.

She let her head fall back, resting it on the ground beneath her. Almost unconsciously, her rear legs moved further apart. Luna took the cue, and opened her mouth to lap softly at the juices that had come forth, each lick steady and rhythmic. Immediately, Twilight had to stop herself from moaning - with every touch, something stirred in her; a need that had her every fibre yearning for more. Before she knew it, Twilight’s rear hooves had planted themselves, and she was pushing up to meet the movements of Luna’s tongue. But the princess simply pushed forwards, and in one swift motion she was knocked flat again. Their eyes met, and she saw a stare that brooked no defiance; that dared her to make another move. An involuntary tremble shot through her at the sight, and Luna resumed her work.

She groaned against the sensation - the feeling of Luna’s tongue against her nethers, coaxing out each stilted sigh and suppressed gasp, gradually stoking the fire within her. The unicorn squirmed, silently begging her partner to push forwards, to give her more of that tiny sliver of relief; but for what seemed like minutes on end, there was nothing but the barest hint; an unbearably tiny, white-hot flare in the pit of her stomach. Before long, she couldn’t hold in the tension, and gave out a loud, brazen cry that echoed throughout the chamber.

That sound seemed a clarion call to Luna, who suddenly increased the speed of her movements, making swift, staccato flicks with her tongue, each of which brought forth a yip or gasp from Twilight. With a sense of glee, she moved up to the nub of her clitoris and focused her efforts there, causing each yelp to become higher and higher. Twilight could feel herself nearing the edge once more, but now there came no thoughts of prolonging her resistance - she could only think of that release.

And sure enough, that release came; just as Luna began alternating between suckling on her nub and tending to her folds, Twilight felt that familiar rush of warmth sweep through her. It was no longer oppressive or overbearing, but instead a sweet, disarming glow that had her in a drunken stupour, unwilling to focus on anything but the sensation of the alicorn before her, drawing her orgasm out with her ministrations.

Everything was warmth; a great blanket that did not diminish when Luna removed herself, but only seemed to increase when she joined Twilight’s side and held her within a pair of velvet wings.

Neither of them bothered to count the time they spent thereafter.

⁂

“Twilight?”

The name came soft but firm; and how wonderful that voice was. In that state, she could have listened to that simple chime forever-

“Twilight, wake up. ‘Tis almost dawn.”

The urgency of time roused Twilight from her state of half-sleep, enough to straighten herself and see the princess sitting before her.

“I… believe we should talk before the night is over,” Luna stated, somewhat methodically. "T’was an oversight on my past last time.”

“...Yeah,” Twilight responded, for want of a better insight. She nearly chided herself for having nothing better to say, but realised that ‘negative’ still wasn’t quite on the agenda. She glanced at the sea of blue around them - back to its original state, but lighter, as though trying to stifle the impending day for its inhabitants.

“I believe I have- well, let’s not start there. How are you feeling?” Luna probed.

Again with the necessity for words. “Good, I guess. I- that was… something, alright.”

Luna’s brow flicked upwards and she tilted her head momentarily, as though silently saying ‘that was the point’. “Well, I am glad to hear it.” A sigh. “This isn’t the easiest conversation to have; especially not now...”

“But it needs to happen,” Twilight concluded. “We’ll just put it off otherwise.”

Luna was quick to nod and hum in response. “I was going to say that I… my approach to this whole affair was, I suspect, not entirely founded in rationality. I sought to kill two birds with one stone… one merely so I could excuse myself for the other.” The sentence earned her a curious tilt of the head. “I… mean to say that I made mistakes.”

A silence fell. Twilight searched for a reply; and finding one, had to avert her eyes.

“Well," she chanced, "they were fun mistakes.”

A nervous glance towards Luna found her eyes wide in surprise. Then, almost at the same time, the two of them broke into relieved giggles.

“Dancing around the issue, terrified of getting something wrong," Luna murmured. "Truly, I should practise what I preach.”

A grin came to Twilight’s face. “Hmm,” she mused, twirling a hoof in the air for emphasis. “‘Dear Princess Celestia; last night I learned a very important lesson about friendship.’”

That earned her a heartier laugh. “Strewth,” Luna exclaimed, “to see her read that one…!”

The realm seemed to pulse, and though she had not moved, Luna was suddenly somehow further from Twilight than before.

“Ah; our time is up, it seems. Twilight… shall we-?”

“We’ll talk,” Twilight said, gradually raising her voice for fear that she wouldn’t be heard. “I know we need to talk about this... about everything." The barest hint of the princess remained. "I’ll write to you. Soon!”

And with that, they were parted.

⁂

“It seems my dear nephew has seen fit to give his blessing to the fundraiser,” Celestia concluded, lowering the newspaper. “Fancy Pants will be very pleased.”

Luna was content merely to smile in response, as she took a sip from her goblet, before the bit dropped.

“Why did you have to read the newspaper to learn that? I would have thought the day’s dealings would have told you of it.”

“Ah, yes,” Celestia agreed, “but I’m afraid most of my day was taken in correspondence with Ponyville.”

Not for the first time, Luna rued her decision to listen to the response with a drink to her lips. “Sh- she didn’t!” she spluttered, after clearing her airways.

It was only after seeing the grin on her sister’s face that she realised how readily she had walked into the trap.

“Why, I’m sure I have no idea what you’re talking about, Luna,” she practically sang. “We were merely discussing the possibility of entertaining the delegates from Saddle Arabia in Ponyville.”

“I… see.” Luna composed herself, attempting to extinguish the heat that had sprung to her cheeks.

“Still,” Celestia continued. “Our concerns regarding the upper crust of Canterlot seem to have resolved themselves, dear sister. I imagine this was no dealings of yours?”

“Oh, none whatsoever,” Luna chimed. “I imagine they simply had a sudden change of heart.” Then, more softly: “...And financial advisor.”

“Well, that is all well. And, dare I ask…?”

“Oh, the woes of the beloved, everyday subject? I believe I have found a rather unique solution.” Luna positively revelled in the shoe being on the other hoof, as her sister’s facade slipped just a little into curiosity. “If you’ll look towards the adverts in the middle…”

There followed none but the crackle of the nearby fire and the movement of pages, as Celestia scoured the newspaper for her clue.

An eyebrow raised. She lowered the paper with parted lips. Then:

“...’The Jeremy Colt Show’?”

Author's Note

Wow, when was I going to finish this? Most of this chapter has been in the wings for a good long while, but I really struggled to get it finished.

Many thanks to all those who've been patient thus far, and to everyone for the fantastic reception the story has received. It's definitely rough around the edges, but I hope you've enjoyed it nonetheless. If you're feeling so inclined, I would be much obliged to have your comments and opinions.