'Tis Better to be Vile

“'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.