Bookends Part 2: Or Making Dreams Come True

Chapters

CHAPTER TWO: Learning To Love
CHAPTER THREE: Learning To Live
CHAPTER FOUR: Lessons In Canterlot Or, Tia And Lu’s Secret
CHAPTER FIVE: A Loving Family
CHAPTER SIX: A New Life
CHAPTER SEVEN: Horror In Paradise
CHAPTER EIGHT: Voices In The Dark
CHAPTER NINE: Love And What Comes After
CHAPTER TEN: Wedding Bells For Rainbow
CHAPTER ELEVEN: A.I. or I.V.F.
CHAPTER ONE: Return To The Library

CHAPTER TWO: Learning To Love

They spent the rest of the evening in the main library, just talking about their day. They were also including Spike in the conversation. But as it was getting later, Spike went up to get his bed and said good night to Twilight and Cheerilee.

The new couple went up to Twilight’s room and after some deep kissing, Cheerilee asked if Twilight would take her shower first, it was important. Twilight was happy to comply. Cheerilee took a little longer than the night before, but Twilight didn’t mind waiting.

When Cheerilee came out of the bathroom, Twilight saw her and thought she was in Elysium. Cheerilee was wearing a very sheer white negligee. She approached Twilight as she was sitting on the bed. Cheerilee’s flanks were swaying like a tree in a breeze. She winked at Twilight and turned around so Twilight could get a good look at the garment, and at herself. As her rump was pointed in Twilight’s direction, she swished her tail seductively, exposing her marehood long enough for Twilight to get a good look.

“See anything you like?” Cheerilee asked Twilight in a sexy voice.

“Do you want me to go get my quill and parchment to make a list?” laughed Twilight.

Cheerilee giggled and finished her turn, then walked to Twilight. She kissed Twilight and put her fore hooves on the bed forcing Twilight back onto her back on the bed. Twilight put her forelegs around Cheerilee’s neck.

“You look divine,” said Twilight.

“Your friend Rarity stopped me on the way over, she told me she’d heard the good news. She said she had a present for you, but it was for me to wear.”

“I like it very much,” said Twilight, “when do I get to unwrap the present?”

Cheerilee paused a moment, Twilight could see the look on her face had changed. It was now a look of concern.

Twilight knew the playful banter had to be put on hold.

“What’s the problem, My Love?” asked Twilight.

Cheerilee smiled at the endearment.

“Twi Sweetheart, I want you to know I love you, I truly do. Never has anypony made me feel this way.” Said Cheerilee as serious as Twilight had ever heard a pony, “and no, I don’t think it’s too soon to say we love each other.

It’s just I just don’t want you to think I’m some kind of whore that’s ready to jump in bed with the first pony who smiles my way.

I’ve never done anything like this before.

The only thing I know about sex is what I’ve read...

To tell the truth, I’m even unsure how to proceed.”

Twilight drew Cheerilee close for another passionate kiss. Then she loosened the hug and broke the kiss.

“Cheeri,” said Twilight, still holding Cheerilee’s face close to her own. “All I know about sex is what I’ve read also. I’ve read a lot of factual books, and I’ve read a lot of erotic literature also. I’ve had no other experience...

Up to this point, I’ve not wanted any.

I think our hearts would be as much our guide as any books we’ve read.

But if you’re not ready, I can wait as well. I love you but I want you to know I totally respect you just as much. I’m more happy now than I’ve ever been, and it only takes me being in the same room with you.”

Then Twilight got a little bit of a mischievous twinkle in her eyes;

“I mean I don’t have to make love to the first ‘knock-my-eyes-out’ beautiful mare who slinks into my bedroom and forces me helpless to the bed.”

Cheerilee smiled;

“Why? are you expecting another ‘breathtakingly beautiful’ mare to seduce you?”

“My Darling, there are no other mares in the world,” said Twilight with a look that showed that she was deadly serious, “even Celestia and Luna pale in comparison to you, My Love.”

Cheerilee smiled a smile of pure joy.

“Lover-Pony,” purred Cheerilee, “I think your present is ready to be unwrapped.”

Twilight grinned, her horn glowed and the ties and buttons on the negligee came loose, then the garment flew across the room. The feeling of Twilight undressing her was arousing.

They climbed fully on the bed and embraced.

The kiss they were sharing was the greatest in their life (so far). They were in no rush, there were no questions anymore of ‘if the other would respond’. They’d declared their love, there was no time constraint. There were years of loneliness and isolation begging to be remedied. Along with pent up desire and the eagerness to discover how intimacy at this deepest level actually worked, with a pony who was everything they’d ever hoped for and dreamed about.

They were two virgins eager to give their ultimate and most private gift, their virginity, to the pony of their dreams.

They took their time exploring each other’s tongue. Both mares thought similar thoughts somewhere along the lines of; ‘if kissing can make me feel this great, making love is going to be awesome.’

After a while, how long didn’t matter, Twilight started working the kiss down Cheerilee’s cheek to her neck. Then she kept working down her chest to her navel where she lingered. The moaning from Cheerilee made Twilight happy to be able to elicit a sensual reaction from this beautiful pony.

The reaction of her lover along with the excitement of what she was doing was making her own marehood wet. Twilight knew of the reaction, but the feeling wasn’t what she was expecting.

Twilight moved on down to just between Cheerilee’s hind legs to her nipples. Twilight gently sucked on them, stimulating them with her tongue. They became erect almost instantly.

“Oh Twi!” purred Cheerilee.

The feeling of Twilight kissing not only her lips but also her body was more than she’d expected. As Twilight moved down her neck, she lay back on the pillows, only allowing her head to be raised enough to occasionally look down to see her lover’s progress. It was a paradox, it was relaxing and exciting at the same time, that’s until Twilight made it to her navel. Twilight’s tongue in her bellybutton was almost a preview to what she was sure was to happen. It was as if her navel had a direct connection to her marehood. It was becoming wetter and the stimulation was fantastic. Twilight then moved to her nipples. She could feel the tissue around them tighten as they erected. She wanted to express to Twilight just how good this felt, but the only thing she was able to get out was:

“Oh Twi!”

Twilight then started moving off in an unexpected direction. Cheerilee looked down to see what her lover was up to.

Twilight was determined to continue down, but she had a mischievous idea after remembering some references from a particularly erotic book where the author used flower metaphors for intimate parts of the anatomy.

Twilight worked herself (still kissing) to the left and came around to Cheerilee’s flank. Twilight looked up toward Cheerilee’s face. Cheerilee was looking back down at her lover. A small look of curiosity and a raised eyebrow on her comely face.

“Look what I found!” said Twilight. “They look like daisies! And they appear to be happy to see me! I love to eat daisies!”

Twilight started to gently nibble at Cheerilee’s cutie mark. Cheerilee started to giggle. Then she started to work around the back of the flank.

Twilight moved on to Cheerilee’s anus, she started kissing and licking it. She had some apprehension about this, but as she did this, all fear and uncertainty disappeared. She was becoming so very aroused by this.

Cheerilee had read about it and wasn’t quite sure about the act. But with Twilight tongue on and in her anus, it was more thrilling than she ever imagined. Her own breath started to come in pants and her hips started to grind.

After a little while, Twilight continued to her destination. There before her was Cheerilee’s marehood. Twilight was amazed that the pink of the inside portion almost matched the rose of Cheerilee’s coat.

“What’s this?” said Twilight. “it looks like a pink orchid! I love to eat flowers but I’ve never tasted and orchid!

No better time than now.”

Cheerilee giggled then it turned into a gasp as Twilight put her tongue in her love’s marehood. Her hips twitched instinctively.

Twilight was there! It was what she’d dreamed of ever since she discovered her proclivities and had read her first erotic novel of a mare with a mare. A book, if her father had found, would’ve been the end of any free life at home. But it opened her mind to the possibility that she wasn’t some peculiar freak of nature, a pony with defective brain. She wasn’t alone. There were others that felt the way she did.

Now Twilight thrust her tongue into her marehood. The feeling elicited an involuntary thrust of her hips. It was fantastic. The stimulation, the pleasure, the connection with this most wonderful of ponies at the very basic physical level.

Twilight’s tongue moved around inside her, touching parts of her anatomy which had never been touched or stimulated. The feeling was beyond description. Twilight started to lick her clitoris. That was it, the last part of reason left her, it was all base instinct now.

Her heart was pounding, her hips moving to meet Twilight’s efforts. Now Twilight was sucking on her clitoris, her tongue still stimulating it as she worked it. A feeling started to build inside her. She knew it’d be coming, and she’d read all about it. But this was her first orgasm, she felt her own face cringe as if in pain, but the feeling was far from painful. There were no words for what was building in her body. When she could open her eyes, her vision was hazy, lights danced before her. Her abdomen tightened and her hips arched as the feeling released and washed over her. Wave after wave moved through her. She heard herself call her lover’s name, almost as if she was detached and listening to somepony else. Twilight, inexperienced as she was, knew enough not to stop yet.

Then her strength left her and she surrendered to the feeling of total contentment and collapsed to the bed.

Twilight, being the pony she was, part of her mind was still in analytical mode. That small corner however, was being pushed back farther and farther by the hormones now flooding her brain. She was thinking if only a week ago she thought she’d be in this position, with her tongue in somepony’s anus or marehood, she would’ve gagged and hurled her lunch.

But now...

Oh but now, it was the only thing in the world important at this time. She’d discovered love, she’d discovered it with a pony who was equal in almost everything (okay, she couldn’t do magic, except the kind of magic that she was working on Twilight right now). The thought of pleasing her in any way she could was now paramount.

It wasn’t even entering into Twilight’s mind what Cheerilee would do for her (Cheerilee had every intention of returning the favor). But being the type of pony Twilight was, the only thing important to her was to give with all her heart, no reward necessary. She couldn’t conceive of anything else which would bring her this much pleasure, but she was soon to find out.

Twilight explored, with her tongue, every fold and crevice of the outer and inner lips and then deep, to the limit of her tongue, the opening of the love organ.

Then she zeroed in on the clitoris. This caused Cheerilee’s hips to move again on their own. Cheerilee was breathing heavily and was moaning in a way which caused Twilight to work harder. She licked and sucked on the little nub, Cheerilee moaned louder, Cheerilee started to squeal, her hips quit moving and remained in a raised position.

“OH TWI!” shouted Cheerilee.

Cheerilee collapsed to the bed limp. She was breathing hard.

Twilight slid up the bed and looked into Cheerilee’s pale green eyes, Cheerilee gazed back into Twilight’s purple eyes. Cheerilee had tears of joy and a smile that would light up the darkest of nights.

“Darling,” said Cheerilee, “that was the most intense thing to ever happen to me. You’re the greatest thing to ever happen to me! I love you! I love you! I love you!”

Cheerilee reached out and pulled Twilight’s face to hers. She kissed so intensely that Twilight thought the she’d go insane.

Cheerilee could taste herself in Twilight’s mouth, she could smell herself on Twilight’s muzzle. It was so arousing, she now wanted to taste her lover.

Cheerilee rolled Twilight onto her back and started to move her kisses down Twilight’s neck, following the path her lover had taken.

She’d wondered in the past if her sexual preference would hold up under the actual act of lovemaking. Now, with her close contact with the feminine body of this special pony, along with the intense orgasm she’d felt, knowing that it was this special mare who was loving her, it made no difference if she was a mare-lover or just a mare in love with a mare. Right now, the thought of loving another mare, ever, was ludicrous.

Her mind, heart, soul and now her body was for Twilight only. No other mare, stallion or god would ever do.

As Cheerilee moved down Twilight’s chest, Twilight squirmed a bit and giggled. Twilight was ticklish! Cheerilee would file that information away for future (playful) torment.

Cheerilee didn’t spend as much time on Twilight’s navel, but her predilection for mares made her spend some extended time on Twilight’s nipples. Twilight didn’t appear to have any problem with that.

When Cheerilee broke the kiss and started to move down Twilight’s cheek and neck, Twilight marveled how good it felt to have this special pony kissing on areas of her body that were not particularly erogenous zones. Twilight would look down and see Cheerilee, with her eyes closed, it so appeared that she was enjoying it as much as Twilight had when kissing Cheerilee in this fashion.

As Cheerilee reached her chest, Twilight’s fear came true, the kisses were tickling. She’d been afraid that Cheerilee would find out her chest was very ticklish. And with what she’d found out about Cheerilee’s personality, Twilight was sure this information would come back on her some day. It didn’t matter, Twilight was so in love with this mare she could stand some future tickling.

As Cheerilee moved on to her nipples, Twilight felt that her marehood was on fire. Twilight couldn’t wait for her love to continue on down.

Cheerilee was enjoying this as much as when Twilight was doing this to her. Her marehood, still tingling from the afterglow. was starting to feel a desire for more. She felt a deep hunger to move on to Twilight’s marehood. She was actually looking forward to this since Twilight ‘flashed’ her as she was leaving the school.

Mare-lover or not, she was craving Twilight’s love organ, and she wasn’t going to wait any longer to get it.

Cheerilee moved down and before her was ‘the promised land’. The purple of Twilight’s coat gave way to a pink peaking through the tight outer lips. Cheerilee took her front hooves and spread Twilight’s marehood. Cheerilee wanted to cry, she realized it was the situation, the excitement and the desire, but by Celestia! it was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen.

She could feel Twilight tremble with excitement. That in itself was spurring Cheerilee to do her best.

Cheerilee moved in and started by just kissing and then licking around the outer lips, slowly working inward.

No real hurry and it was a little amusing to think she was teasing Twilight. But she knew she wouldn’t want to be teased too much if the roles were reversed.

So she moved in past the inner lips to the clitoris itself. She’d start her lick just below it and work her way up and over, then go back the other way, on the way down she’d do a little circle with her tongue around the clitoris itself.

Cheerilee’s hooves spread her marehood fully open. Twilight was excited as she felt Cheerilee’s breath on her marehood. She was totally expecting what was coming, but as Cheerilee put her tongue into her, it was the most amazing feeling she ever had. She didn’t know, or even care why her hips were moving as if they’d a mind of their own.

With Cheerilee’s tongue reaching deep inside her, Twilight was doing her best not to analyze what was going on and just enjoy it. And as the excitement grew, it was easier and easier. Moans were escaping her lips, it was as if her body was expressing its pleasure without the assistance of her mind.

Then it happened. A feeling from deep inside herself started to spread out from the deepest part and radiated out to every part of her body. It was as if a balloon had burst, releasing wave after wave of passion/pleasure/joy to flow through her body. She called out to her lover in pure love and joy.

All this time Twilight’s hips were pumping just as she’d found her own had done, as if by their own will.

Then with Twilight’s breathing coming quicker and the moaning getting louder, she move to sucking the clitoris only, holding it with her lips and stimulating it with her tongue. Twilight’s hips stopped pumping and were almost vibrating.

“Cheeri! Cheeri! CHEERI! AHHHHHH!” shouted Twilight.

After it had passed, Twilight didn’t wait for Cheerilee to come up to her, she spun around on the bed and went directly to kissing her rose colored lover.

They both climbed back up the bed, without breaking the kiss. They lay there interlocked and embracing.

Then they broke the kiss and lay there holding each other trying to catch their breath.

Cheerilee noticed the feeling of a warm wetness on her coat, Twilight was crying!

“Twi, Honey,” said the rose pony, “what’s wrong?”

“I’ve never ever, ever, ever believed some pony would ever love me. Especially not at this level. I don’t deserve a pony as special as you.”

Twilight buried her face in Cheerilee’s chest. She couldn’t stop crying.

“Twi!

Twilight!

Look at me,” said Cheerilee lifting Twilight’s face to face hers.

Twilight looked into her beautiful pale green eyes. Cheerilee could feel tears in her own eyes forming.

“I’ve never expected to be loved like this either. My father humiliated me into the idea I’d have to hide the real me forever. That if anypony found out, I preferred mares, ponies would shun me for life as some freak.

I was convinced I’d have to live a lie and die without ever being loved, that it was my destiny to be the stereotypical ‘old spinster schoolmarm,’

With you, I’m free to be me, without judgement or condemnation. You loving me is the greatest liberation of my life. Don’t you ever think I’m any better than you!” said Cheerilee, then with a smile she said. “At least until we live together. That’d be a different story.

There has to be a pecking order.”

Twilight managed a chuckle at that.

“You might want to live together?” asked Twilight.

“We’ll have to talk about it.” Said Cheerilee, “but I can definitely see advantages.”

“You just want to have sex all the time,” snickered Twilight, her tears stopping.

“And your point being?” asked Cheerilee with a wicked grin.

They just lay there for a while, holding the other and feeling that this was what life was really all about. And they happened to be right.

They kissed again, this time Twilight broke the kiss and started to scoot down the bed. Cheerilee looked confused but Twilight smiled.

“What’re you up to?” asked Cheerilee, intrigued.

“A position I read about once,” said the purple Unicorn, regaining her composure.

Twilight got between Cheerilee’s hind legs, then she pulled one over her and put one of her hind legs under her lover.

“I know this one,” said Cheerilee.

They scooted into each other until their marehoods touched. The lovers found the sensation, warm, wet and soft. It was if their hips knew what to do, in spite of their owner’s inexperience. Their marehoods rubbed together and the two lovers adjusted their position until they found the perfect angle, clitorises touching. It took longer than their first time, but the climax together made it worth the time. They felt like they were truly connected.

The lovemaking lasted most of the night.

CHAPTER THREE: Learning To Live

Cheerilee was waking up, she felt she was in Twilight’s comfy bed and not the ‘pull out’ in her attic apartment at the boardinghouse.

She’d read dreams were mostly based on experiences from the previous day. Apparently, she’d clued in on her own comment about living together.

Cheerilee took her dreams seriously, she found out many of them were of some importance. Not quite premonitions but more than just fantasies.

In her dream, she and Twilight were just a little older, married and still very much in love. And there were two foals! They were hers and Twilight’s, not adopted. She didn’t care to try to understand it. But it made her very happy. They were two beautiful fillies. One with Twilight’s purple eyes and her mane and tail with an almost black coat, and another one with Cheerilee’s pink mane and tail with her pale green eyes and a white coat. The joy they both felt over these foals was beyond words.

Cheerilee stretched as she was unfortunately leaving her magnificent dream.

She placed her foreleg out for Twilight. But Twilight wasn’t there.

Cheerilee sat up quickly. Was Twilight getting her back for running out on her yesterday morning? She didn’t want to think Twilight was that petty. She looked around and confirmed she was alone.

“Twi?” she half called, half cried.

“So you’re awake, sleepy-head,” said Twilight’s voice coming up the stairs.

Twilight was levitating a tray of food. She also had a cup of tea, which she levitated to Cheerilee.

Twilight then stopped and looked at Cheerilee.

“Oh my gosh, your face!” said Twilight.

“What’s wrong with my face?” asked Cheerilee, slightly worried and putting her free hoof to her cheek.

“Don’t you know?” asked the purple Unicorn.

“No,” said the teacher.

Twilight walked over;

“It’s the most beautiful face in all the world.” Said Twilight giving her a kiss.

Then she lowered the tray into Cheerilee’s lap.

“You don’t have to wait on me fore and hind hoof,” said Cheerilee.

“Eat before it gets cold,” Twilight said, just ignoring the comment, “I think we should close the library this weekend and perhaps take some time to be together.”

Then with a sly look in her eye she said;

“At least time together not in the bed. We can have that kind of a relationship too, can’t we?”

Cheerilee only nodded her head, her mouth was full of Twilight’s wonderful cooking.

“What do you think of a little trip to Canterlot?” asked Twilight.

Cheerilee swallowed;

“I don’t think I have the bits for the train.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Said Twilight with a smile. “You’ve a marefriend who works for the Crown. I’ve got it handled.

We can stop by your place and pick up anything you might need for an overnight trip. Come to think of it, I don’t think I even know where you live.”

Twilight sat on the bed by her. Cheerilee looked a little embarrassed.

“Don’t be like that,” said Twilight, “if you live there, then it’s a palace.”

Cheerilee just looked at Twilight. She was thinking that things had moved so fast. Just two days ago, the two were almost just passing acquaintances. Now, after deep lovemaking and even deeper talks, it was as if they’d been in love for all their lives. Cheerilee attributed this to they both had in mind what the perfect pony for them would be. And it turned out that it was like they were thinking of the other all along. Almost as if they were in love with each other all their lives, they just didn’t know it.

“Darling,” said Cheerilee with a smile, “I’d love to go to Canterlot with you.”

Twilight and Cheerilee walked the boardinghouse where Cheerilee lived. Not before dropping Spike off with Pinkie Pie. Pinkie loved to have Spike around. And Spike said he didn’t know if he could take a weekend of watching Twilight and Cheerilee being all lovey-dovey! Plus Pinkie let him eat all the goodies he wanted.

The boardinghouse was at the other end of Ponyville. They went into a part of town where Twilight had never been. There was a large three-story house with attic Cheerilee was leading them to. Over the door was a plaque;

Sunflower’s Boardinghouse For Mares

Cheerilee opened the door and motioned Twilight to follow.

They entered a well-furnished common living room. It appeared homey enough. A couple of mares Twilight didn’t recognize were sitting and talking. They looked at Cheerilee and waved, Cheerilee returned the wave, Twilight nodded.

“Cheerilee,” said a plump older mare with a sunflower cutie mark, Twilight was reminded of an older Cup Cake. She was standing in a doorway which appeared to open into the kitchen.

“Good morning Ms Sunflower,” said Cheerilee, sheepishly.

“Good morning Cheerilee,” she answered, “who’s your friend?”

“This is Twilight Sparkle,” said Cheerilee.

“Oh yes,” said the older mare. “Golly, I should’ve recognized her. Eyes getting old, don’t you know. I should’ve figured you’d hang out with such an important pony.”

Twilight blushed at the recognition.

“We’ve missed you at dinner the last couple of nights,” said Sunflower.

“Oh, I’ve been staying at the library, research, you know how it is.”

Cheerilee gave a sideward glance at Twilight and barely shook her head.

“I understand,” said Sunflower, “life of a teacher.”

“Indeed,” said Cheerilee. “By the way, I probably won’t be here for dinner the next two evenings either. Going to be in Canterlot with Twilight.”

“That sounds nice,” said the older pony. “I hate to bring this up, in front of your friend, but the rent is a week over due. I really need to get the one hundred bits soon.”

Cheerilee was afraid of this. She didn’t want Twilight to know just how bad off she was for money.

Cheerilee was about to say something but Twilight spoke first.

“Cheeri,” said Twilight, “remember, you gave me the rent money to hold for you.”

Cheerilee looked stunned, as Twilight levitated a small bag of bits from her saddlebag to the landpony.

“Thank you Cheerilee!” said Sunflower, walking back into the kitchen.

Cheerilee led Twilight up two flights of stairs to the very top. All along the stairs were posted the rules of the house. There was one rule that appeared that on the top of every posting, no matter the content:

No Coltfriends In The Rooms!

Cheerilee’s room was in the attic and was accessed through a trap door. She started up the little stair, Twilight hesitated.

“Am I allowed to go up? The sign said....”

“Twi, I had a really close look last night and I’m pretty sure there wasn’t any evidence of you being a colt,” then whispering, “it said nothing about marefriends.”

Twilight blushed as she followed Cheerilee up the narrow stair. To tell the truth, the view was magnificent. Twilight just wanted to bury her muzzle between Cheerilee’s flanks and...”

“Watch out for the door,” said Cheerilee. “Don’t let it fall on you.”

Twilight entered the room. As Twilight closed the door behind them she turned in time to get a very large kiss.

“Twi, what you did down there.....”

“Don’t mention it.” Said Twilight, “and I do understand the reason you sidestepped our relationship.”

Cheerilee looked away a bit embarrassed.

“I’ll pay you back every bit, Darling.”

Twilight grabbed and kissed Cheerilee intensely.

“There, debt paid,” said Twilight with a smirk.

Cheerilee just blushed;

“May I ask a personal question?”

“We aren’t in bed, but I guess we can make up for it later,” said Twilight.

Cheerilee looked a little timid or intimidated;

“Tell me the truth Sweetheart, are you rich?”

“As long as I’m with you I am.” Said Twilight with a smile.

“Thank you, but that isn’t an answer,” replied Cheerilee.

“No Honey,” said Twilight, “I’m not rich. My parents live in Canterlot. My father has had a government job for years. My mother retired from the Royal Guard and has her pension. My parents live comfortably and are ‘well off’. But I don’t let them support me. I get a generous stipend from the Crown for my position as Celestia’s protégé and for my job in Ponyville. In the past I’ve had almost nothing other than food and a few odds and ends to pay for. The library is a government facility, living there is part of my position as Chief Librarian so I haven’t any rent or utilities. Most of the money has built up in the bank. My father has helped me invest some of it so I could be provided for in the future.

Until now, other than Spike and myself, I didn’t have anything or anypony to spend it on. When I travel it’s either at government expense, that’s when Princess Celestia sends my friends and me on a ‘mission’. Otherwise, I only have to pay half-fare because of government employee discount.

So it’s nice I now have a reason to use some of the bits which have built up. Especially a reason as beautiful as you, My Love.”

Cheerilee just smiled at the complement.

As Cheerilee busied herself with collecting some items, Twilight started to look around at the apartment.

Except for the rose colored Earth Pony, she wasn’t liking what she saw.

There was a small window with no drapes at one end of the room with a couch underneath it. An inadequate steam radiator was against a wall. There was a bookshelf by a small desk covered with papers. A single floor lamp was on the other side of the desk to illuminate the room. The other end of the room stood a wardrobe with a portable fan sitting on top. Except for a small rug, which was to cover the trap door, and a couple diplomas on the walls, there wasn’t any room for anything else. It was a bit cool and stuffy, and Twilight was sure it’d be too warm in the summer.

‘One hundred bits a month for this?’ thought Twilight. ‘My kitchen is bigger.’

“Honey, where do you sleep,” asked Twilight.

“Didn’t you get enough last night? I thought you wanted to catch the early train.” giggled Cheerilee, not really serious. “The couch pulls out to be a bed. It’s comfortable...

Kind of.”

“Honey,” said Twilight, “that talk about us living together? Consider it now had. Even if we weren’t sleeping together, I couldn’t let you live in this over priced cramped space.

Please Darling, I love you and I’ll not be able to sleep at night now knowing you had to live here.”

Cheerilee looked down at the floor, she really didn’t like living here. She was just afraid that Twilight might think her too needy.

She wanted love from Twilight, not pity.

“I don’t want to be anypony’s charity case,” said Cheerilee not looking up.

“How is wanting the pony that I love to be with me, treating you like a charity case,” said Twilight, “we’ll go have fun in Canterlot and then when we get back, we’ll get our friends to help you move into the library.”

“I love you so much, Twilight Sparkle! You said that you don’t deserve me? It’s I that doesn’t deserve you.”

“I don’t think love has anything to do with deserving each other,” said Twilight with a smile, “I just want to live to please you.”

“And I you,” said Cheerilee, “I’ll be glad to move in with you. Just promise me I can help with everything, except maybe the cooking. I don’t want to poison the pony I’ve always dreamed of.

But most importantly, no waiting on me like I’m a princess, deal?”

Twilight kissed Cheerilee deeply.

“Deal,” said Twilight, “now get what you need and we’ll catch that early train.”

About a half-hour later, Twilight and Cheerilee were checking their bags. Cheerilee had told Twilight she didn’t have to get first-class tickets for a ride that was only a couple hours long, but Twilight insisted.

The conductor called out the last warning for boarding, so instead of walking up the platform to the first class coaches, they boarded from the rear so the train could take off. The train lurched forward. Cheerilee was excited about the trip, she’d related the only time she ever got to go to Canterlot was on school fieldtrips.

They made their way forward through the snack car to the coach class cars. All the train staff they passed appeared to recognize Twilight and would greet her. As they were about to enter the last coach class car before their first-class coach, Twilight stopped Cheerilee, she pointed through the window in the door to a couple ahead on one of the forward facing benches.

From the back they could tell it was Applejack and Rarity. They were sitting very, very close. Applejack had a foreleg around Rarity’s shoulders. Then the two turned to each other and kissed a fairly respectable kiss. In profile, it confirmed their identity. After kissing, Rarity leaned her head over onto Applejack’s shoulder and Applejack lay her head lightly against Rarity’s head.

Cheerilee looked at Twilight, both were doing the best not to laugh. Twilight then whispered;

“Follow my lead and laugh when I finish. What ever you do, just keep looking forward and keep on walking.”

They opened the door and Twilight started talking as if they’d been in an animated conversation;

“Then I said, oatmeal? Are you crazy?”

The two ponies walked through the car laughing together. It wasn’t the fake punch line that brought a forced mirth, it was real laughter due to Rarity and Applejack’s reaction. As soon as they heard Twilight’s voice, they sat up straight and separated, so fast Rarity’s horn almost impaled Applejack’s cheek. It did, however, catch AJ’s hat and sent it flying into the next row of benches. Luckily, nopony was sitting there.

Applejack and Rarity just sat there as Twilight and Cheerilee walked past, apparently oblivious to them. They continued through the door into the first-class coach.

“Darling, that was Pinkie’s random line, wasn’t it?” asked Rarity, continuing to look straight ahead.

“I reckon it was,” said Applejack, doing the same.

“They saw us, didn’t they?” asked Rarity.

“It’s a good bet, Sugar Cube.” Replied Applejack.

“Do you think they saw us kiss?” asked the white Unicorn.

“I’d say that’s a fair estimation,” replied Applejack.

They turned to each other and gave a nod of silent consent, got up, Rarity levitated Applejack’s hat to AJ’s head and they went forward to face the music.

As the ‘discovered’ couple went forward, they discreetly as possible, looked into the window of the door to each first-class cabin. They finally found Twilight and Cheerilee, who were of course kissing, and a better job than what Applejack and Rarity had been doing.

Rarity slid open the door quickly, without knocking. It startle the two lovers.

“Twilight Louise Sparkle!” said Rarity in her most authoritative voice. “What do you think you were doing?

Spying on us?”

Twilight was stunned for a moment. She wasn’t aware any of her friends knew her dreaded middle name.

“Louise?” Cheerilee just chuckled at having another bit of info to tease her lover with in the future.

Twilight blushed.

“Why whatever do you mean Darling?” said Twilight, recovering and trying her best to mimic Rarity’s proper voice.

All four ponies burst out laughing.

“Sorry to bother y’all Cheerilee,” said Applejack.

“Don’t be,” said the rose colored Earth Pony. “I’ve hoped Twilight’s friends will be my friends.”

“Count on it Darling,” said Rarity with a warm smile.

“I’m glad you feel that way,” said Twilight, “because Cheeri is going to move in with me when we return.”

“Cheeri is eh?” asked Applejack with a smirk. “I think that’s wonderful. If’n y’all need a hoof, let me know, I can have Big Mac bring a wagon.”

“That’ll be great,” said Twilight. “We’re just going for an overnight excursion. We’ll be back tomorrow afternoon.”

“We’re goin’ for some supplies for Rarity’s shop.” Said Applejack, “we’ll be comin’ back on the afternoon train tomorrow.”

“So will we.” Said Twilight, “Perhaps we can talk about it then.”

Rarity and Applejack turned to go back to their seats.

“Before you go,” said Twilight, “and if it’s none of my business just say so. But if I may ask, how long have you and Applejack been ‘dating’?”

Applejack and Rarity paused, looked at each other. Applejack nodded, then they turned around closed the door and sat down across from Twilight and Cheerilee.

“I guess that’d be one way to put it, but not quite accurate. We’ve not really let anypony else know. Dating usually has the connotation of going out together, in public. You two are the first to know and that’s by accident.” said Rarity, then turning to Applejack, “we guessed if it continued, we’d have to come clean sometime. We just didn’t know how we were going to explain it to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.”

“Or Granny Smith for that matter.” Said Applejack, “it started with that slumber party of yours.”

“You’ve been hiding it for over a year now?” asked Twilight.

“Has it been that long?” asked Applejack to Rarity, then she continued, “you see, once we’d settled down and got to sleep, it felt real nice to be in the bed next to each other.”

“You didn’t...

With me sleeping in the bed across from you?” asked Twilight.

Cheerilee giggled at Twilight’s concern for propriety.

“Elysium no! Unless you’re talking about kissing, how uncouth do you think I am?” Said Rarity looking genuinely shocked, then her countenance softened;

“Anyway, when we woke up, for whatever reason, I’d snuggled up to Applejack and was holding her. She realized what I was doing and turned to look at me. I didn’t expect it, but she kissed me. At first I was shocked, I tried to push her away, but the only thing my forelegs would do was pull her closer. When we stopped, we didn’t know what to do. After we left, we avoided each other for about a week.”

“A week that I didn’t hardly get any sleep in,” said Applejack.

“Nor I,” said Rarity.

“After a week, I was layin’ in my bed, starin’ at the ceiling; as I had every night since we kissed. You can only count the five hundred seventy five designs on the ceiling so many times.

I finally decided I couldn’t take it anymore, my brain hurt thinkin’ ’bout Rarity and kissin’ her. I didn’t even want to admit it to myself, but my heart was hurtin' as well. I wanted so much to be with her, to kiss her again and to make love to her. I never ever had thoughts ’bout makin’ love to a girl before. But all I could see in my mind, when I closed my eyes was Rarity’s beautiful body and me kissin’ every inch of it.

So I decided I’d go to see Rarity and fig’r what we were goin’a do ’bout this. I wanted to see if'n there was anythin’ to what we shared.

I couldn’t avoid her for life and the feelin’ wasn’t goin’ away.” Said Applejack, “so I got out of bed and headed to the door, not even thinkin’ o’ grabbin’ my hat. I headed to Carousel Boutique. By the time I got there, I realized it was well after midnight. I was ’bout to turn around and go home when I noticed the lights were on, all the lights. So I decided to go up and knock on the door.”

Rarity reached her hoof out and placed it on Applejack’s leg, as if to let her finish.

“I’d been wandering around the shop night after night, as if I was looking for something missing.

Something was missing, but I wasn’t quite ready to admit what it was. Whenever I tried to think of what was out of place, all I could think of was Applejack holding and kissing me.

It was so crazy, I never thought of any pony like I was thinking about Applejack. I’d wonder what it’d be like for Applejack to sweep me off my hooves, take me up to my bed and make love to me.

I too have never thought of making love to any mare ever. But something told me inside I wasn’t wanting to make love to a mare, I was wanting to make love to Applejack.

Then came a knock at the door. I almost didn’t answer, no telling what kind of pony would be out at that time of night. Against my better judgement, I opened the door.

My heart skipped a beat; there stood Applejack, without her hat, looking lost and forlorn. It was all I could do not to tackle her right there and kiss her body like I was wanting to do.

She asked if she was bothering me, I invited her in. I closed the door behind her and locked it. When I turned to face her, we both launched ourselves at each other.

After that, let’s just say that it was the second time in just over a week that we’d woke up in bed with each other.”

“And this time,” said Applejack with a smirk, “it was a good thing that you weren’t in the bed across from us.”

Applejack took Rarity’s hoof as they sat there for a moment, just looking into each other’s eyes.

“So let me ask you two a question you asked me Rarity,” said Twilight, “do you love each other?”

Rarity and Applejack just continued to look at each other. They were wide-eyed and silent. Rarity then turned to Twilight.

“You know, I don’t ever think we’ve ever talked about it. But I guess to have gone through all the subterfuge and clandestine meetings and weekends away to Canterlot or wherever. I guess there really has to be something more there than just lust,” said Rarity.

Then turning to Applejack with a small tear in her eye;

“I’m so sorry I haven’t said it sooner Darling, but I do love you.”

“I’ve known all along, Sugar Cube. You’ve not had to tell me. But I didn’t wan’a force it from you either. But I do love you too, my beautiful, beautiful pony,” said Applejack.

None of the other three ponies had ever heard Applejack talk like that.

Applejack and Rarity kissed for the first time (knowingly) in front of their friends.

“It probably doesn’t really matter, but Twilight and I’ve talked and I think she’s still on the fence. You’d think such an organized mare could make a commitment.” Cheerilee said and then asked delicately, “so please don’t take this wrong but do you consider yourselves to be mare-lovers?”

“I can now say I love a mare,” said Rarity, “I’m not sure if that makes me a mare-lover.”

“Or me,” said Applejack, “are you?”

“I’ve always known I was,” said Cheerilee, “I only ask because I was forced to hide it all my life. I was made to feel that a mare loving a mare was sick and demented. You know how you tend to believe what your parents tell you.

But Twi has freed me to be the real me. So I now have no problem with admitting it openly.”

The other three ponies looked at Twilight questioningly.

“I know I love a mare-lover, and have been making love to a mare-lover,” said Twilight blushing, “so until I discover different, I’m okay to say that I’m a mare-lover.”

“See Sweetheart,” said Cheerilee, “that wasn’t that hard now was it?”

They all laughed, exchanged hugs then Rarity and Applejack departed back to their seats, not before agreeing to meet on the train platform after they’d collected their bags.

“I love you my shy little mare-lover,” said Cheerilee as she continued kissing like before they were interrupted.

Twilight didn’t say anything, she was taught not to talk with her mouth full. Right now it was full of Cheerilee’s tongue.

CHAPTER FOUR: Lessons In Canterlot Or, Tia And Lu’s Secret

Twilight, Cheerilee, Rarity and Applejack collected their bags. Twilight hired a cab to deliver Rarity and Applejack’s bags to their hotel, and for Cheerilee’s and Twilight’s to her parent’s house.

The two couples walked to a little café Twilight frequented in her student days. They sat and drank tea or coffee and had some chrysanthemum salad Twilight recommended was to die for, it didn’t disappoint.

After an hour, Rarity told them she and Applejack really did have business to do and if they wanted any ‘recreational time’ later at the hotel, they needed to go.

They agreed to meet at the baggage check counter the next day before going home.

But not before Twilight and Cheerilee promised they wouldn’t tell anypony about them. It was their business and their responsibility if they wanted ponies to know.

After Rarity and Applejack left, Twilight looked at her lover with a gleam in her eyes.

“You say you haven’t been to Canterlot a lot?”

“No Sweetie,” said Cheerilee, “usually it’s a field trip to the sculpture gardens or to the art museum.”

“Have you never had a tour of the castle?” asked Twilight.

“Never,” said Cheerilee, “I’ve always thought it was such a beautiful place. But I’ve never had the chance.”

“Then that’s our first stop.” Said Twilight with a smile, “I think I can pull a few strings and get us in without a tour group.”

Cheerilee’s eyes lit up, she was excited. She probably would’ve been even more excited if she’d known what Twilight had in mind.

They walked the distance to the castle, it was hard to miss, it dominated the Canterlot skyline. As they drew near, they could see ponies, young and old waiting in designated areas for guided tours. Weekends were always a busy time for castle tours.

Cheerilee looked at the ponies waiting as she and Twilight just walked past them.

As they approached the large open gate in the perimeter walls, she saw several uniformed Palace Guards guarding the entrance. They’d stop any ponies who approached and ask for their passes or identity papers. Cheerilee was a little nervous, she didn’t remember if she’d brought her I.D. with her, and if she had, it was in her bag, now at Twilight’s parents’ house.

But what happened next wasn’t what she was expecting. As Twilight with Cheerilee in tow, approached the guard, two of them saw her and motioned them to come to them.

“Twilight Sparkle!” said the one guard, “haven’t seen you in a bit. How’s your brother doing in the Crystal Empire?”

“He and Cadence are doing great Strong Hoof,” said Twilight. “I’ll tell him you asked about him when I see him next. By the way, this is Cheerilee, she’s with me.”

“No problem and thanks Twilight,” said the guard stepping aside to let them pass.

They walked into the castle grounds headed to the Castle itself. It was the same thing almost every guard they passed. As the princess’ protégé and Shining Armor’s sister, Twilight was well known to the Palace Guard.

They entered the castle and Twilight started to show Cheerilee the finer points of the architecture, some of the exquisite stain glass windows (a few were even depicting Twilight and her friends) and some of the well-used areas. They came to a large vaulted hallway with a velvet rope across the opening. A sign was hanging on it stating;

Official Business Only. No Tours.

Violators Subject To Arrest.

Cheerilee was nervous about the warning, but Twilight kept walking in the direction of the hallway. Cheerilee heard a voice from behind shout to them. Her heart stopped.

A guard came galloping up.

“Stop right there,” said the guard.

Cheerilee froze in fear, but then the guard continued;

“Let me get that for you Twilight,” and he levitated the rope for them to pass.

“Thanks Noble Heart,” said Twilight as the guard gave a little bow as they went by and then put the rope back in place.

Twilight continued to show Cheerilee some of the inner sanctums of the castle. She was wide eyed with wonder, the library was beyond what she had ever imagined. They turned a corner in the hall and there were some of the largest doors Cheerilee had ever seen. There were at least half a dozen guards before them. When they saw Twilight they all snapped to attention.

Twilight walked up to one wearing a sash, obviously the officer of the watch.

“Are they occupied?” asked Twilight.

“No Miss Sparkle,” said the officer, “you may go on in.”

Cheerilee was in shock when she realized that Twilight had brought her to the throne room, and was about to bring her before the princesses. The doors glowed and opened enough to allow the two ponies to pass, and the guards moved aside to let them in.

“Thank you Swift Wind,” said Twilight as she passed.

As she entered, it was all Cheerilee had ever imagined. The walls lined with hanging tapestries showing heroic and historic scenes. Precious metals were inlayed in the walls.

But the most impressive sight was the raised dais with the two regal princesses enthroned thereon.

Twilight approached the princesses, but Cheerilee was unable to move. Twilight noticed and chuckled.

“Come on Darling,” said Twilight, “they don’t bite. Well, Luna might nibble a little.”

They noticed Luna had overheard and giggled a bit. Twilight took Cheerilee by the hoof and led her before the princesses.

“Twilight Sparkle!” said Princess Celestia in a stern voice, “what’s the meaning of bringing such a beautiful mare before us? Is it your intention to put us to shame?”

Then the princesses and Twilight broke out in laughter.

“Guard,” called out Princess Luna, the door opened, “no admittance until further notice.”

The guard closed and bolted the door. The two princesses came down to meet the two mares. Princess Celestia and Luna hugged Twilight.

“My most faithful student,” said Celestia, “to what do we owe the pleasure?”

“I’ve learned a lesson in friendship and I didn’t want to commit it to paper, it needed to be brought before you in pony.”

“Oh, is that so,” said Luna, “and who is this lovely mare with you?”

“She’s what this is all about,” said Twilight, “this is Cheerilee, she’s the teacher at Ponyville School...

And my marefriend and partner.”

Celestia and Luna looked at each other. They turned and returned to their thrones.

“Twilight,” said Celestia, in a very official voice, “I don’t believe you’ve thought this out. Your position here with me, as well as a public servant in Ponyville, demands the highest of personal decorum.

Are you telling us that you’re in love with a...

Mare?”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Twilight was starting to get nervous, perhaps she’d been rash in bringing Cheerilee here so soon. She could feel Cheerilee’s fear growing.

“Are you admitting that you’re in a homosexual relationship, Twilight Sparkle?” asked Luna.

“Again yes, Your Highness,” said Twilight starting to regret this trip.

Luna and Celestia whispered to each other. Then Celestia spoke up;

“Because of your service to us, we’ll not act without giving you a choice. If you remain with this mare, then you must renounce your position as my protégé and student, resign your position as librarian of Ponyville. But most importantly, you must surrender your Element of Harmony,” said Celestia.

“You must decide now!” said Luna sternly. Twilight was suddenly reminded of Nightmare Moon.

The wasn’t any hesitation on Twilight’s part, she spoke up right away.

“I thank you for what you two have done for me, and my love for the two of you doesn’t diminish any. But I must be true to my heart, I choose...”

“Twilight wait!” interrupted Cheerilee, “I love you but I’ll not let you give up everything you’ve worked for, just for me. I’m not worth it.”

Then turning to the princesses;

“I’ll leave Twilight alone and you’ll never be bothered by me again, you’ve my solemn word Your Highnesses,” said Cheerilee in tears.

“I can’t let you do that Darling,” said Twilight to Cheerilee.

“SILENCE!” Luna said in the Traditional Royal Canterlot Voice.

Twilight and Cheerilee cringed as if physically assaulted.

“Twilight Sparkle,” said Princess Celestia, “you’re willing to give up all you’ve worked for and fall out of our good graces…

All for this mare?”

“Yes, Your Highness,” said Twilight.

“And you, Cheerilee, you’re willing to give up your happiness for Twilight’s future?” asked Luna.

“Yes Your Highness,” said Cheerilee in tears.

“Then I must pass judgement without delay.” Said Celestia, Twilight and Cheerilee held hooves and braced themselves. But they noticed that Celestia and Luna smiled.

“Twilight, You have learned the greatest lesson about friendship…

That of love.

There’s nothing more important in life. True love gives a pony strength to face the greatest of adversities (nopony knew how prophetic those words would be).

I’ve never been more proud of you than how I am right now,” said Celestia.

“We wish we could take credit for this,” said Luna, looking at Cheerilee, “but it takes a special pony to teach this. We only hope what we’ve taught has opened the way for you.”

“So as of now, you’re a complete adult, you’ll retain your official position as my protégé and I’ll still be your mentor, if you want. But most of all I hope you’ll consider my sister and me as personal friends.”

Twilight and Cheerilee just looked at each other stunned.

“Come with us,” said Celestia.

The two princesses did something that Twilight had never witnessed. They levitated their tiaras and put them on their thrones. And they walked to the wall behind the dais. Their horns glowed and a hidden door appeared, opened and the two princesses led them through to a suite of rooms Twilight never knew existed. There was a small kitchen area, a bathroom with a hot tub large enough to be a small swimming pool. And the main area was a large open area with a magnificent balcony, the only furniture was a huge cushion with blankets and pillows scattered.

Celestia and Luna lowered themselves to the cushion, they were actually up against each other quite close. It appeared as more than just a sisterly familiarity.

“Please join us,” said Celestia.

“Thank you Princess,” said Twilight as she and Cheerilee joined them on the cushion.

“In here, my beloved Twilight,” said Celestia, “there are no crowns and no rank.”

“We have our ‘official’ quarters, as you’ve visited in the past. But here is our area to get away from the issues of state. In here is our most private inner sanctum sanctorum, here we’re just Tia and Lu. The only ponies who are invited here are the closest of personal friends and lovers.” Said Luna, then nuzzling Celestia as if to punctuate what she’d said.

To the surprise of the two visiting ponies, Celestia turned and kissed her sister quite passionately. They rested their heads against each other before facing them again.

“Don’t be shocked ladies,” said Celestia, “we’re immortal, we’ve had lovers and consorts from time to time, stallions and mares, but we go on. There are no other ponies who can ever be as close. We have each other, and we need love as much as any other pony.”

“Does this disturb you Twilight?” asked Luna.

“No it doesn’t. I’ve often wondered about that. And I guess it’d be more to the spirit of this place if you just called us Twi and Cheeri.” Said Twilight.

“I believe we’d like that,” said Celestia. “What about you, Cheeri?”

“To tell the truth,” said Cheerilee, “I’m still in awe. But I’ve no problem with the situation.

Twi and I’ve only recently discovered the importance of love and I don’t think that I’d want to go on without it. In your situation, I believe yours is the best solution, as long as you’re happy with it.”

“Thank you My Dear,” said Celestia. “You’re a teacher, of all my roles, teaching at the School for Gifted Unicorns is my favorite. Sometime we must talk about dealing with unruly students, like Miss Sparkle.”

All ponies laughed.

They all talked for several hours, Twilight had never been around her teacher and her sister this relaxed. They laughed, gossiped, kidded and just talked about love and loving. There was even innuendo that some visit in the future that they’d be welcome to stay a night with them (after Luna had raised the moon) so they could experience the true depth of immortal love.

After their visit, Twilight’s affection for the two princesses doubled.

As Twilight and Cheerilee got ready to leave, Princess Celestia told Twilight her brother and Cadence were in town from the Crystal Empire and were probably at Twilight’s parent’s home.

They returned to the throne room, where the princesses gave a hug to the two mares and a kiss of blessing on the forehead. Then Twilight and Cheerilee departed to find some snack before going to Twilight’s parents’ home.

CHAPTER FIVE: A Loving Family

Twilight and Cheerilee decided to have a little fun and went to Mac Donkey’s for a fast food snack.

Cheerilee laughed when Twilight insisted that aside from her regular snack she wanted a foal meal so she could get the toy for Spike. Especially when she asked for it to be for a filly. Twilight swore that even though Spike was a boy, he liked to collect the ‘My Little Chipmunk’ figures. Especially since the featured toy was his favorite, Duchess Evening Twinkle. It took some convincing to get Cheerilee to believe the toy was for Spike. Cheerilee so loved Twilight, but she also found joy in having somepony that she could tease.

When they finished, Twilight took Cheerilee to some of her favorite places in the capitol city. As the afternoon wore on, they found themselves in a comfortable suburb, Cheerilee realized they must be near Twilight’s parent’s home. Twilight noticed her lover was getting apprehensive.

“What’s bothering you Sweetheart?” asked Twilight.

“What if your parents don’t like me?” she asked, “are you sure they’ll be alright with you being with a mare? I don’t want to be the reason for a fallout with your parents.”

“You’re worried because of how your parents reacted to you?” asked Twilight.

“It feels as if we’ve loved each other all our lives, but we’ve only been together for a very short time. I don’t want to storm in and destroy your relationship with your family when we’ve not been together that long.”

“Relax Darling,” said Twilight, giving Cheerilee a kiss, “You’ve nothing to worry about. And you don’t have long to wait, we’re here.”

They were standing in front of a modest home, not too big, but big enough to have raised two foals in comfort.

Cheerilee followed Twilight to the door. Twilight opened the door and called out;

“Hello! Anypony home?”

Cheerilee smiled as Twilight’s mother trotted into the room, except for the coloration, she was an exact copy of Twilight, or the other way around.

The mare saw Twilight and her companion and smiled and called out;

“Night Light! Get your flanks in here, Twilight’s home.”

Twilight hugged her mother as a blue stallion came in the room. A large white stallion and a beautiful pink Alicorn mare followed. Cheerilee noticed the tiara, this must be Shining Armor and Princess Cadence.

“Twilie!” said the white stallion.

There were more hugs all around along with an amusing ritual between Cadence and Twilight which involved a rhyme, clapping hooves and shaking their rumps. In spite of her nerves, it was all Cheerilee could do to not crack up.

“Who’s the knock-out?” asked Twilight’s father, Cheerilee blushed.

“Everypony,” said Twilight, putting her foreleg around Cheerilee and pulling her close, “I want you to meet Cheerilee, my marefriend and partner. She’s the love of my life.”

The four ponies looked shocked. They looked back and forth between each other.

Cheerilee was about to cry, she was certain she’d just ruined Twilight’s relationship with her family.

“Twilight, there’s no way this pony is your marefriend,” said Night Light.

Cheerilee felt the tears starting. She couldn’t stand to think of Twilight being treated as her father had treated herself.

“Yes,” said Twilight’s mother, Twilight Velvet. “I don’t believe such a beautiful mare would ever have such low standards that they’d be interested in you.”

“Twilight!” said Cadence, “she’s obviously too good for you.”

All of Twilight’s family burst out in laughter along with Twilight. Cheerilee looked lost. She couldn’t believe her ears. She’d just been to see the rulers of Equestria and now to visit her beloved Twilight’s family. And everypony had accepted her as if there was nothing wrong with being with and loving a mare.

The evidence was there, she wasn’t some freak, she wasn’t fated to die alone. She could be happy, she could be accepted and she could be loved.

The four ponies rushed Twilight and Cheerilee and gave more hugs and welcomed Cheerilee warmly. Cheerilee was ready to cry again, she couldn’t believe that a family could be this warm and accepting. The teasing was all an attempt to complement Twilight and herself.

Loving families DID exist! And she was being accepted into one.

“Let’s not just stand here,” said Twilight Velvet, “I’m sure you’ll want to tidy up. We put your bags in your room, Twilight. Show Cheerilee where the bathroom is and come out when you’re ready. Dinner won’t be ready for a while but I can get some tea started.”

“Thanks, mom,” said Twilight. She led Cheerilee down a hall to her room.

Cheerilee was lost, Twilight’s bedroom was larger than her studio apartment. There were bookshelves everywhere along with some carefully preserved toys and other personal items. Including My Little Chipmunk posters and figures. Twilight was never to hear the end of it.

The bed was a little smaller than Twilight’s bed back in the library, but it was larger than her ‘pull out’. They’d have to sleep close, but Cheerilee had no problem with that.

Twilight and Cheerilee took the opportunity, being alone, to get in some well needed kissing.

Suddenly Twilight’s bedroom door burst open,

“Hoof check!” said Shining, laughing at catching Twilight and Cheerilee kissing,

“I’ll tell Cadence on you if you do that again!” said Twilight. Suddenly, with a glow of her horn, Twilight launched a pillow from her bed in Shining’s direction.

The two siblings laughed.

“Mom asked if you two might hurry up,” said the big brother, “the tea is ready and everypony is eager to get to know your marefriend.”

“We’ll be right there,” said Twilight.

“And I’m going to tell Cadence what I caught you doing!” said Shining, who launched the pillow back at Twilight.

All three ponies laughed.

Twilight showed Cheerilee to the bathroom where she did a quick touch up of her mane and brushed her teeth. Then she led her to a comfortable living room where Twilight Velvet insisted the couple sit on the sofa while the others sat in different seats around them.

The tea was served by Cadence, Cheerilee couldn’t believe a princess was serving her. She was even provided with a tea cup designed to be manipulated by a pony that couldn’t do levitation.

Twilight felt she should proactively tell them of the last couple of days and how their relationship began. How through their talks they discovered they appeared to have had each other in mind whenever they’d ever considered a relationship.

“Oh my,” said Twilight Velvet, “third day together and you act as if you’re an old married couple. I guess there really must be such a thing as kismet.”

“I think it’s sweet,” said Cadence, “I always knew that Twilight would be destined to find the perfect pony. I can see that I underestimated in my prediction.”

“Thank you, princess,” said Cheerilee blushing.

“Okay! Stop right there!” said Cadence holding up a hoof and trying to sound stern but a pony could tell that she wasn’t very serious, “to my family and friends, I’m Cadence. And I think you can be now considered family. I’ll tell you what I told Twilight some time back. If you call me princess again, I’ll shove my tiara up your muzzle. It’s bad enough I have to wear this thing.”

Everypony laughed as Cadence got up and hugged Cheerilee to prove that she was only kidding.

“So what’s your family think of your good news,” asked Night Light to Cheerilee.

Twilight and Cheerilee got quiet, the rest of the family saw the change.

“Dad,” said Twilight, “It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say Cheeri’s father is violently opposed to her or I should say now, our lifestyle. She was humiliated into having to live a lie and hide who she is. She’s been so afraid you’ll not accept us being mare-lovers”

“I didn’t know accepting families really did exist,” continued Cheerilee, “I was made to believe I was some kind of sick and demented pony. And I’d have to hide my true self from everypony.

Your daughter has freed me and I couldn’t be more grateful for the love and acceptance she’s shown me. And the acceptance you’re showing me now.”

“Sweetheart,” said Cadence, “there’s nothing wrong with you, aside from Twilight bringing so beautiful a mare here to show us up.

You’re accepted, you’re welcome and you’re loved.”

Cheerilee blushed brighter.

“Mare-lover doesn’t mean anything to intelligent ponies.” Said Twilight Velvet, “I’d rather my daughter be in love with a mare who loves and cares for her, rather than being in an unsatisfying relationship for the sake of trying to appear normal. Or worse, a life alone because she was afraid of what somepony might say or think.”

“I think you’ll find you’ve lived the exception, not the rule. We’d be thrilled if you’d consider us your family,” said Night Light, then with a wicked grin, “even if you come to your senses and dump that looser marefriend of yours.”

“Daddy!” exclaimed Twilight.

Cheerilee laughed, it felt so nice to be treated so well.

“Thank you,” said Cheerilee, taking Twilight’s hoof, “but I think I’ll hang on to Twilight for a while. Living with her will make it a lot easier to return library books.”

Everypony laughed, Cheerilee continued;

“But seriously, in so little time, I’ve found I love your daughter so much and would do anything to keep her.”

There were smiles all around. As Twilight and Cheerilee exchanged a little kiss and hug.

The talk turned to more mundane topics. The fact Cheerilee was a teacher appeared to be a point of great pride to the family.

After a time Twilight Velvet went back to the kitchen to put the finishing touches on dinner. It wasn’t long before they were gathered around the dining room table enjoying a scrumptious meal. Cheerilee saw where Twilight got her cooking skills.

The rest of the evening went great. There was kidding between the siblings and Cadence. The parents told embarrassing stories on Shining and Twilight, even the time Shining was caught making out with Twilight’s foal sitter (Cadence) by Twilight when they thought she was taking a nap. And how Twilight tried to blackmail them for ice-cream.

Cheerilee had learned so much about princesses today she would’ve never guessed.

As the evening wore on, the yawns became infectious.

As everypony started to get ready to turn in, there was a lot of kidding of Twilight and Cheerilee not to be making a lot of noise while ‘respectable’ ponies tried to sleep.

After sharing a quick shower, to save time was the excuse, Twilight and Cheerilee retired to Twilight’s room. As she had noticed prior, Twilight’s bed was cozy with having to sleep very close to Twilight.

They just lay there, holding each other for a while. The feeling was to die for.

“Twi Darling?” said Cheerilee.

“Yes Sweetheart,” responded Twilight.

“I want to thank you for bringing me to Canterlot,” said Cheerilee, “I’ve learned so much.”

“I told you that everything would workout.” Said Twilight, pulling Cheerilee closer. “But if you feel you need to thank me properly, I can think of a couple ways.”

Suddenly, Twilight felt a hoof at her marehood.

“That’s one of the ways I was thinking of,” said Twilight, as she started kissing Cheerilee hungrily.

Cadence’s voice was heard at the door;

“Hoof check!”

“BITE ME PRINCESS!” shouted Twilight while continuing her lovemaking with Cheerilee.

There was a giggle from outside the room they could hear going away.

Half a city away, in their hotel room, Applejack and Rarity were laying in their bed, enjoying the afterglow of their lovemaking.

Being they’d been hiding their relationship, opportunities to express their love were few and far between. When they did have the chance, they took every opportunity to express it.

The cobwebs were about to close in on Applejack when Rarity interrupted;

“Darling, are you asleep?”

“Yes I am Sugar Cube,” said Applejack, then pretending to snore.

Applejack received a love tap, Rarity was really good at expressing herself.

“Darling, I know we can trust Twilight and Cheerilee’s discretion,” said the white Unicorn, “but don’t you think it’s time for us to come out of hiding? I’m glad that Twilight made us admit our feelings, and I do love you. So if we do love each other, don’t you think it’d be nice to go public with it?”

“Sugar Cube,” said Applejack, “I’d love to be able to go places with you and hold your hoof in public. Most of all, I’d love to have our families share our joy.”

“Plus you wouldn’t mind having sex when ever you wanted instead of sneaking around,” said Rarity with a giggle.

“You mean like now?” said Applejack pulling Rarity close and kissing her deeply.

The next morning found Cheerilee warm and happy, she opened her eyes to find that Twilight was holding and looking at her.

“Don’t you ever sleep, Darling?” asked Cheerilee, giving Twilight a little kiss.

“I do,” said Twilight with a smile, “but I don’t want to miss a single moment being with you, I love you so much. I still can’t believe I’m so lucky to have found the pony for me and it’s a pony as special as you.”

“I feel the same, My Love,” said Cheerilee.

The two kissed passionately for a few minutes before there was a knock at the door.

“If this is Shining or Cadence pulling another hoof check,” said Twilight a little irked, “then it’s no longer funny! You don’t want to know where my hooves are right now.”

Cheerilee just giggled as Twilight’s hoof started deeply rubbing her love organ.

“It’s your mother,” said Twilight Velvet, “and no, I don’t want to know where your hooves are as long as they’re at the end of your legs.”

Twilight got up and went to the door and opened it. Her mother was standing there smiling.

“Sorry mom,” said Twilight.

Twilight Velvet kissed her daughter.

“I understand Sweetie,” said the older Twilight, “Shining can be a pain in the flanks sometimes and I’m afraid he’s rubbing off on Cadence. But he’s Cadence’s problem.”

The two mares laughed. At that moment Cheerilee walked up to join them.

“I’m glad to see you two are up. Breakfast will be ready soon, if you want.”

“Thanks Mrs. Sparkle,” said Cheerilee.

“Mom, please!” said Twilight Velvet, “and you’re welcome, anytime.”

Twilight and Cheerilee went to the bathroom and shared a shower (and finished up what they’d started in the bed) then went in to join the family. Cheerilee had never been so relaxed in a family setting. She envied Twilight’s childhood, she was sure if her lover had declared herself a mare-lover back then, her childhood wouldn’t have been any different.

They stayed with the Sparkles until lunch. When they were done, Twilight informed her family they had to get to the station for their return to Ponyville. Cheerilee was so sad to leave, she’d had more fun in this family setting than she could ever remember her own. But Twilight’s parents, brother and sister-in-law reiterated to Cheerilee she was to always consider them as family and would be nothing less than insulted if she didn’t treat them as such.

They took their time going to the station, seeing some of the sights they’d missed the prior day.

At the station, they found they were about an hour early so they checked their bags then went to the café in the station to wait. There they found Rarity and Applejack already at a table. Rarity saw Twilight and Cheerilee and motioned for them to join them.

“You gals look relaxed,” said Applejack, “I take it y’all had a good visit.”

“I’ve had a wonderful time.” Said Cheerilee happily, “I was introduced to Princesses Celestia and Luna. I was shown parts of Canterlot Castle I never knew existed.

But best of all, I had an evening with a happy family who were warm and accepting. I’m so grateful to Twi, I know now just how wonderful of a pony I’m in love with.”

“Yes Darling, Twilight can be quite the pony. But if she gets too high on herself, just ask her about the time that she missed sending the princess a letter for the week,” said Rarity.

Twilight blushed brightly being reminded of the time she ‘went off the deep end’ worrying about being tardy.

But all four ponies laughed.

They sat and enjoyed tea or coffee and some light snacks.

When the train arrived, Twilight asked to see Applejack and Rarity’s tickets. She walked off and was back in just a few minutes.

“What was that about?” asked Rarity.

“I thought it might be nice if we shared a cabin and talked.” Said Twilight, “I want Cheeri to feel part of our group. I don’t plan on letting her go anytime soon, so I thought she might like to get to know two of my closest friends better. So I hope you don’t mind, but I upgraded your tickets to first class.”

“That’s so sweet of you Darling,” said Rarity, always happy to get the first class treatment. “We’ll pay you back.”

“Don’t say that!” said Cheerilee, giggling, “last time I told Twi that, I got her tongue down my throat.”

“Well, now we know the way Twilight swings,” said Applejack with a chuckle, “maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad thing.”

Applejack started to make a fake kissy face to Twilight. Rarity quickly gave Applejack a love tap.

“For a pony who’s only recently admitted to loving a mare,” said Rarity, “you sure are acting like you want to sleep by yourself, for life!”

All the ponies laughed.

‘Now boarding for Ponyville on track 1,’ said an announcement.

“Now why in the hay do you think they say it that way?” asked Applejack

“What do you mean?” replied Rarity.

“They only have one track here,” said the farm pony.

“Maybe it makes them feel more important,” said Cheerilee.

“That’s about as good of an explanation as I would’ve thought, Darling,” said Rarity.

The four friends laughed as they left the café.

CHAPTER SIX: A New Life

The trip to Ponyville went by quick with the conversation and company. Despite officially being secretive about their relationship, Applejack and Rarity were very affectionate and touchy. Twilight was delighted to see two of her very best friends so happy.

At the station in Ponyville, Applejack told Cheerilee she’d have Big Mac with a wagon to Cheerilee’s boardinghouse within an hour. Applejack and Rarity promised to help with the move. Cheerilee told them the move wouldn’t be hard, owing to not having a lot of personal items aside from books and a couple of old dresses she had hung on to for special occasions.

Hearing this, Rarity promised to remedy that, no friend of hers would be lacking nice clothes. They exchanged friendly hugs and kisses to the cheeks then went their ways.

Big Mac, Applejack and Rarity came to help move Cheerilee. Ms Sunflower was sad to see Cheerilee go (and the one hundred bits a month that went with her, especially because she had to prorate a refund of unused rent money), but she was genuinely happy for her when she found out the reason for the move.

The move was exactly like Cheerilee said. Her things didn’t even half fill the wagon. After Big Mac had taken all of Cheerilee’s things to Twilight’s room, Cheerilee took Big Mac aside and had some quiet words with him. The only thing that the others heard was Cheerilee asking;

“Don’t you think you might enjoy that?”

“Eeyup!” was Big Mac’s reply.

As Big Mac left, everypony could tell he was in a hurry and quite happy.

“What was that about, Sugar Cube?” asked Applejack.

“I was paying Big Mac for helping” said Cheerilee. “It’s something that Twi had told me, and I knew that Big Mac would like to know there’s a pony who wanted him to ask her out to the upcoming Barn Dance. A pony he’d told me in the past he was sweet on as well.”

Rarity, being the romantic she was, smiled. She so loved to hear of ponies being happy when it came to affairs of the heart.

“Who’s that Darling?” asked the white Unicorn.

Cheerilee looked at Twilight, who nodded to say it was okay to say.

“Let’s just say, Rainbow Dash might be visiting you for a new dress for the Apple’s Barn Dance.”

Rarity giggled with the news. She so wanted Rainbow Dash to be happy. Her friend was happy for the most part, but she believed most stallions were intimidated by her forward and tomcolt personality. She also knew a lot of ponies thought her to be a mare-lover.

But through heart to heart talks, Rarity knew Rainbow was all mare underneath. And one who was missing something in her life.

Twilight had arranged for Big Mac to come out to modify the store room for Spike. Twilight’s old bed was moved out and a slightly larger bed had been delivered and set up while they were away. It was amazing what you could accomplish by sending messages through Spike. And the new arrangements made Cheerilee so very happy.

There were thanks all around and everypony left to let Twilight and Cheerilee settle in.

When it was quiet, Spike said he was tired (he is a baby dragon after all) and he couldn’t wait to sleep in his own new room.

As Spike disappeared up the stairs, Twilight and Cheerilee went into the kitchen and made some tea. They both were thinking how much and how fast things had changed just a few days ago when last they sat at this table sharing tea.

Twilight looked into Cheerilee’s eyes;

“Welcome home My Love!”

Cheerilee took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

“I’m still in a shock.” Said the teacher, “so much has happened in just four days. It’s like all my dreams have come true!”

Twilight reached across the table and took Cheerilee’s hoof.

“I know what you mean,” said Twilight, “that snowy night saw me, a lonely pony who thought happiness and meaning could come from books. Then a chance of the weather (and remind me to thank Rainbow Dash), threw two lonely souls together. Two souls who were made perfect for each other.

I thank Celestia or whatever power that guides ponies for the greatest gift of my life. All my dreams have come true as well.”

Cheerilee and Twilight gazed into each other’s eyes, just holding hooves. They were quiet, listening to the silence and the beat of their hearts, as if in perfect synchronization.

They leaned in across the table, exchanged a small kiss and then still close Cheerilee said;

“Twi?”

“Yes Cheeri.”

There was a quiet pause. Cheerilee looked deeper into Twilight’s eyes. She moved closer.

“We need to turn in,” said Cheerilee with a smirk seeing the look on Twilight’s face as she was taken off guard, “I have school in the morning and you have to work.

Oh, and Twi?”

“Yes My Love.”

“Don’t freak out in the morning when I have to go to school.”

The two ponies laughed and went together up stairs.

After a quick shower together, they made ready for bed.

When they climbed into the new bed, they both noticed the increased size. But they chose to lay together just touching and putting a foreleg around the other. They were tired from a busy weekend, and they knew they now had all the time in the world for sex. But it was just as nice to lay next to each other.

“Good night Cheeri. Again, welcome home.”

“Good night Twi. And it’s home because you’re with me.”

They shared a respectable kiss. Then looking in each other’s eyes, Twilight’s horn glowed and the lights went out, the fireplace ignited and the two lovers fell asleep in each other’s forelegs.

Applejack and Rarity decided the first step in letting everypony know about their relationship was to have Rarity spend the night at Sweet Apple Acres.

The Apples were used to visitors, so when Applejack told the family she’d invited Rarity to dinner, it was no problem. Being that Granny Smith always made plenty, there was no concern of somepony going a bit hungry.

Later, all appeared normal as Rarity and Applejack sat in the living room talking with Granny Smith, Big Mac and Apple Bloom.

The other ponies noticed it was getting late and Rarity had said nothing about having to leave.

They also noticed that Big Mac was in a very good mood.

“Rarity, do you want Big Mac to walk you home?” asked Granny, “it’s kind’a late and dark outside.”

“No thank you Granny,” said Rarity with a smile, “that won’t be necessary.”

“So sis,” said Apple Bloom, “do you need me to make up the bed in the guest room for Rarity?”

“That won’t be necessary either Sugar Cube,” said Applejack with an equal smile.

Rarity and Applejack were sitting noticeably close to each other. They looked at each other and nodded and smiled.

There were looks of amusement from the adults and a look of confusion from Apple Bloom as Applejack reached over and held Rarity’s hoof.

“Listen y’all,” said Applejack, “We have a confession. We’ve been secretly seein’ each other for over a year now. Twilight and Cheerilee helped us to realize we’re really in love with each other and we shouldn’t try to hide it.”

As if to give weight to her statement, Applejack and Rarity kissed for the first time in front of family. It wasn’t rushed as they found joy in being able to express their love publicly.

Granny Smith just smiled, showing no concern for her granddaughter loving another mare.

“First, Miss Cheerilee and Twilight Sparkle kissin’! And now Rarity and my big sis are kissin’!” said Apple Bloom, as she watched in shock. “I guess I should go see Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo tomorrow and see who wants to start kissin’!”

“I think you should wait on that,” said Granny Smith with a wink.

Then from up stairs there was heard a voice;

“AJ and Rarity are doing what?”

Rainbow Dash came gliding down the stairs. There were shocked looks all around. Rainbow was able to catch the end of the kiss.

“Awesome!” said the blue Pegasus.

After breaking the kiss, AJ looked in shock at Rainbow on the stair.

“And what in tarnation are you doin’ up stairs?” asked Applejack.

“Uh, I was waiting on Big Mac, so... So we could talk about the Barn Dance!” said Rainbow Dash, realizing too late, she was caught.

“Big brother?” asked Apple Bloom, by now beyond confused.

“Eeyup,” said Big Mac.

“Maybe I should go upstairs and see if’n there any ponies hidin’ under Apple Bloom’s bed!” said Granny Smith.

All the ponies started laughing.

Applejack and Rarity felt at ease being in public together, a lot more than they’d thought they could. It appeared most ponies were happy for the two and very little resistance was ever expressed.

To be a little more respectful to the ponies in the home at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack moved in with Rarity at Carousel Boutique. It was starting to get crowded in the ‘Big House’ because Rainbow Dash was spending a lot of time with Big Mac, over nights included.

No pony had ever seen Rainbow Dash so happy. She’d stopped trying to act cool and was actually seen in public showing affection to Big Mac and even kissing. She’d stopped wearing her mane in the wind blown style and started to have it more practical, gathered almost like Applejack.

The only pony who was confused by this turn of events was Scootaloo. Rainbow had Scootaloo over to Sweet Apple Acres to talk about what was cool and what was real. She finally convinced the little filly having a pony to love was much cooler that being artificial and hiding your feelings.

Rainbow remained Scootaloo’s hero and she even started to tune down her own tomcolt ways. Her fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders almost fainted when Scootaloo showed up at school one day with her mane in a ponytail and wearing a dress.

It was a few months later…

The Annual Apple’s Barn Dance was to Ponyville what The Grand Galloping Gala is to Canterlot. Not as stuffy and snooty, but the social event of the year.

It was the first event the three new couples made their public debut.

The big surprise was Fluttershy was there with a stallion. She was very cozy with him and he appeared to be fawning on her as well.

He was a multi colored Pegasus with a cutie mark of eight arrows radiating from a central point. His was named Loki. Twilight recognized the name from an obscure ancient mythology. Loki was a god of chaos and discord.

Fluttershy had made a big impression on Discord, but it appeared Discord had made a big impression on Fluttershy.

Twilight didn’t say anything to anypony about her suspicion, she figured why fix it if it wasn’t broken.

But as Twilight and Cheerilee was dancing near Fluttershy and ‘Loki’ he did smile at her and gave her a knowing wink.

The talk of the dance was Big Mac and his fiancée Rainbow Dash, Ponies who knew Rainbow from her ‘wild and wooly’ days could hardly recognize her, wearing a dress which was perfect on the farm and her mane back in a ponytail, she was just a simple farm mare. Her beau, Big Mac was more outgoing than anypony had seen before. The couple appeared to meet in the middle as far as temperament went. And both were happy with that.

Applejack and Rarity were dressed in matching dresses. They were a little fancier than what Applejack liked and a little plainer than what Rarity was accustom to, but the rural chic was her new style, now that she was with the Apples.

It was fun getting Applejack to put on makeup. Rarity almost fell over when she discovered Applejack had a drawer in her room with all the necessary makeup. Applejack had to admit in the past, she’d put on makeup just to see what she’d look like if she were a pony like Rarity.

Twilight and Cheerilee were happy to just be in nice dresses. Nothing too fancy, they were more concerned with being together.

Twilight didn’t consider herself to be a very good dancer, she did okay at one of Pinkie’s parties. But Cheerilee loved dancing, and she was determined to get Twilight to shed the rest of her reclusive ways. She loved Twilight so much, but she wanted Twilight to loosen up and have fun.

Twilight loved Cheerilee and often told her that there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for her.

Unfortunately…

Twilight would soon be forced to prove it.

CHAPTER SEVEN: Horror In Paradise

It was several months later, Nightmare Night, Hearth Warming Day and Hearts and Hooves Day had come and gone. Most ponies had almost paid no attention to the two sets of mares who were seen everywhere together.

Except maybe the kids in Cheerilee’s class. Suddenly their assignments became more involved and required a little more study than in the past. They started to regret their teacher was now living in a library with an equally smart pony. They really didn’t harbor too much ill will. After all, there were no students who didn’t love Cheerilee and to see her so happy was worth the extra reports and homework…

Almost.

But elsewhere in Equestria in the city of Baltamare a Pegasus has been called into the forepony’s office at the construction site;

“Thunder Hammer!” said the forepony, “this is the second fight you’ve started this month. You’ve been warned. I’m going to have to let you go.”

“No Mr. Plumb-Bob!” pleaded the worker, “you can’t do that. I need this job!”

Just then the door to the office opened.

“What is it, Miss Bluebell? Can’t you see I’m busy,” said the boss.

“The message from your wife. You wanted me to tell you when I got it.” Said the secretary, “she said to tell you ‘it didn’t work’.”

“Thank you,” said the forepony, facehoofing.

“Are you okay sir?” asked Thunder Hammer.

“My blasted son,” replied Plumb-Bob, pointing at a picture on the wall, a picture of the most ugly stallion Thunder Hammer had ever seen, Thunder hammer almost thought that the photographer had taken a picture of the pony’s rump (perhaps it would have been a less disturbing picture). “I don’t think I could even buy a wife for him. I’ve enough troubles here at work with you without worrying about this.”

An idea entered Thunder Hammer’s head.

“Mr. Plumb-Bob,” said the Pegasus, “I’ve a daughter; smart, attractive and unmarried. I’m certain that she doesn’t even have a coltfriend. What if I can get her together with your son? Would that save my job?”

“If she’s attractive and smart,” asked the forepony suspicious, “why no coltfriends?”

“She’s a teacher,” said Thunder Hammer, sidestepping the real reason, “it’s a career thing. But I’m sure if you give me a couple of days, I could bring her back here and we could get them together.”

Plumb-Bob thought; it wasn’t quite ethical, but having Thunder Hammer away for a few days would let things cool down. He was a hard worker and his help would be missed if he were dismissed. And to have his son fixed up with a nice mare, that’d be another weight off his shoulders.

“Okay,” said the boss, “be back within a week and we’ll get them together. We can forget about our earlier talk, except the warning about fighting. By the way, what’s her name? I don’t think you’ve ever mentioned a daughter.”

“Her name is Cheerilee, she teaches at the elementary school in Ponyville.”

Days later back in Ponyville;

“So My Love,” said Twilight enjoying a weekend lunch with Cheerilee, “what’s your plans for the upcoming summer break?”

“Twi, Sweetie,” said the teacher, “I’m so looking forward to having time with you. Our first summer as a couple. Aside from Big Mac and Rainbow Dash’s wedding, I’ve nothing planned. Except loving the pony who’s the center of my world.”

“My plans exactly,” said Twilight bending across the table to kiss her love.

The two held hooves across the table, content to look into each other’s eyes.

The bell at the front door rang alerting that somepony had just entered.

“Cheerilee! Cheerilee are you here?” said a voice.

Cheerilee’s expression changed as she was looking at Twilight, there was now panic on her face.

“That sounds like my mother,” said Cheerilee.

“Stay here,” said Twilight, “I’ll check.”

Twilight went into the main part of the library. There stood a pink Pegasus mare with a rose mane and tail and a cloud cutie mark. Her eyes were the same color as Cheerilee’s.

“Hello, I’m Twilight Sparkle, can I help you with something?”

The mare appeared to recognize Twilight’s name.

“I’m Rain Shadow, Cheerilee’s mother. Is Cheerilee here, they told me at the boardinghouse she’s moved in here. It’s very important, I’ve got to warn her.”

“Warn her about what?” asked Twilight.

“Warn me about what, mother,” said Cheerilee coming into the room.

“Thank goodness I found you first,” said the Pegasus, “your father made a deal with his boss to keep him from getting fired. He says he’s going to bring you back to Baltamare and marry you to his boss’ son to save his job.”

“He’s going to do WHAT?” shouted Twilight. “That’s barbaric and illegal! Cheerilee is an adult!”

Twilight remembered Cheerilee’s description of her father and his propensity to use violence, so she yelled up the stairs:

“Spike! Go out the back and bring help!”

“You’ve got it!” came the reply.

“Calm down Honey,” said Cheerilee, nuzzling Twilight. “We’ll handle it.”

“Honey?” asked the mother, who actually for the first time smiled.

“Yes mother,” said Cheerilee, “I know you and father don’t approve but Twilight is my marefriend and partner. We’re in love, we even have the blessings of Princesses Celestia and Luna, along with the acceptance of Twi’s family.”

“Cheerilee, I’ve never said I disapproved of anything. Twilight is a very important pony, so much so we in Baltamare have heard of her and her friend’s exploits! She’d be a great partner for you.” Said the Pegasus, then with a grim look returning to her face, “your father is the one who has the issues. Unfortunately he’s been like that from the time you were born.”

“Why?” asked Twilight.

“Thunder Hammer and I are both Pegasi.” Said the mare, “we’d just bought a lovely new cloud home to raise our new foal. But he was devastated to find when Cheerilee was born, she was an Earth Pony.

He tried to accuse me of infidelity until it came out his mother was an Earth Pony.

Later, when she tried to confide to us her sexual preference, trusting her parents would be there for her, he went crazy and it was all I could do to keep him from becoming violent then.

From then on, he was never happy with anything our daughter would do. He didn’t even attend her graduation from the university even though she graduated top of her class with a perfect grade point average.

He treated her quite harsh and physical. To my shame, I never tried hard enough to make him stop. When I did try, I got beat also.

I never regretted Cheerilee moving out and becoming a teacher. I was proud, but I never tried hard enough to express it to her.”

“Why didn’t you take Cheerilee and leave?” asked Twilight.

The question didn’t get to be answered. The door opened and there entered a large brown Pegasus stallion, almost as large as Big Mac. He had a black mane and tail and a crossed lightning and hammer cutie mark. He walked up to the three mares and gave Twilight an odd once over.

Something about this Unicorn looked familiar, as if he’d seen pictures of her before. But he couldn’t place her. (He’d later regret this as the biggest mistake of his life.)

“Good, I found you,” said the stallion turning his attention to Cheerilee, “grab your things, you’re going home with your mother and me.”

“I’m sorry father,” said Cheerilee, “but I am home.”

“You’ll get your things, you’re leaving NOW!” said the brute.

“And I said I’m NOT!” said Cheerilee defiantly stomping a hoof.

The stallion backhoofed Cheerilee across the face. It sent Cheerilee across the room. Twilight was shocked. Before Twilight could react, Rain Shadow jumped between her daughter and husband.

“Stop this now!” said the Pegasus mare.

This was met with another backhoof to the mare’s face sending her flying.

Then Thunder Hammer walked over to Cheerilee and kicked her in the ribs.

“You’ll get your things, we’re leaving!” said the stallion threateningly drawing back his hoof to deliver another blow.

The next thing Thunder Hammer saw was a purple bolt of magic strike him, it knocked him to the other end of the room.

Twilight situated herself between the two fallen mares and the brute.

“You’ll not lay a hoof on ANYPONYin MY library! Especially my marefriend and partner!”

The stallion got up, shook his head to clear the cobwebs. Then approached threateningly.

“Listen pointy, (an old derogatory name for Unicorns).” said the stallion, “I eat ponies like you for breakfast. So you’ve used your one free shot. Now just get your flanks out of my way before I decide I don’t like you, you mare-lover bitch!”

The stallion drew back his foreleg as if threatening to hit Twilight. He was surprised that the mare didn’t appear to flinch or be intimidated. He was grudgingly impressed, but that wouldn’t save her.

Then another purple bolt sent him flying back to the wall, he got up again, albeit slower.

“I can take this all day,” said the stallion with a sadistic smile. “I’ll have my daughter and wife and I’ll leave you broken on the floor.”

Twilight saw he was right, she could only hold him off for so long. She knew even with Spike gathering her friends, there was no hope, they wouldn’t be there in time. The monster had the constitution of a minotaur. Twilight knew what she had to do, but she knew that she only had the strength for two ponies.

“Goodbye My Love,” said Twilight.

Cheerilee heard Twilight and panicked. She knew what was coming.

She saw a purple aura form around herself and her mother, then all went fuzzy.

“Twilight, No!” shouted Cheerilee.

Thunder Hammer saw Twilight’s horn glow, her face contorted. He braced himself for another attack. But what happened next was a complete surprise.

There was a purple aura around Cheerilee and Rain Shadow. Then a bright flash, and they were gone. Twilight collapsed to the floor from the exertion.

“WHERE ARE THEY!” he bellowed.

“Safe,” said Twilight.

“Unless you tell me right now where they are,” said the beast, “safe isn’t where you’ll be!”

Twilight just smiled defiantly at the monster.

Cheerilee had been with Twilight for about half a year now. She’d seen Twilight do many things. She’d seen Twilight teleport in the past, but she’d never been teleported herself. She was disoriented and confused for a moment as she called out;

“Twilight, No!”

Then as all became clear, she saw she was in the throne room at Canterlot Castle. She was no more surprised than any of the courtiers or the princesses themselves.

“Cheeri!” said Celestia intently, “what’s going on?”

“Twi is protecting my mother and me from my father!” said Cheerilee, tears now pouring down her face. “I’m so afraid he is going to kill her.”

“GUARDS!” screamed Luna, “have six of my guards on a wagon in two minutes or every guard at the palace will be court-martialed, this is life or death!”

“You’ll explain on the way. Follow us,” said Celestia ignoring the courtiers.

The two mares galloped after the two princesses.

Twilight was so weak from teleporting two ponies the scores of miles to Canterlot.

For the last twenty minutes, Twilight had been completely at Thunder Hammer’s mercy, which he’d shown none.

Thunder Hammer had been beating Twilight slowly. It was his sadistic way to make sure that she got the full effect of the pain he was so joyfully doling out.

But he was becoming angered, stronger ponies than what he supposed this Unicorn to be, would’ve told him what he wanted to know by now. But being the emotion was completely alien to him, he hadn’t considered the strength unselfish and true love would give a pony.

By now, Twilight could barely tell what was going on, one eye was swollen shut. Her ears were ringing. It was hard to think straight. Everything was hurting.

The only thing kept her together was knowledge she’d sent Cheerilee and her mother somewhere the beast could never touch them again.

“I guess you don’t have enough brain to tell me what I want to know,” said Thunder Hammer, “I should’ve expected it from some mare-lover whore of a Unicorn.

You know, I never liked mare-lovers, a total waste of a marehood. Well I’m just the stallion to teach you what your marehood is really for.”

Twilight panicked, she could barely move, she was sure both her hind legs were broken, and perhaps most of her ribs. Three teeth were loose and she was having trouble breathing through her nostrils. She tried to cast a protection spell, but she was in too much pain to cast any spell.

Thunder Hammer walked in front of Twilight where he was sure she could see. From his hidden sheath, his penis extended. The monster just laughed as he let it rub against Twilight’s face, she felt the pre-cum on her brow. Then he moved around her and lay himself on her back.

Twilight tried to protest, but couldn’t even get the word ‘no’ out.

“Just can’t wait, can you?” taunted the stallion. “Don’t worry, you’re going to love this. It’ll make a new pony out of you. No, you don’t have to thank me.”

Twilight felt his penis at the opening of her marehood, he thrust it in. As he continued to hump her, it hurt more than she expected, especially because his weight on her broken ribs and bruised pelvis. Not to mention any movement caused her broken legs to send sharp bolts of pain throughout her.

Twilight managed a weak scream, Thunder Hammer only taunted Twilight more.

“Harder? If you insist,” said the monster humping her even harder.

The pain was excruciating, the mortification was even worse.

Twilight prayed to whatever kindly spirits that guided and protected ponies to take her life and spare her the shame.

Then all went dark.

Outside the library, Luna’s cart was about to land as Twilight’s five friends came galloping up. Celestia didn’t wait. She flew out of the cart while a couple hundred feet in the air, Luna followed. She smashed through the door, not even thinking she could’ve opened it with her magic.

What she saw made her scream in rage.

Luna was sickened at what she saw.

Cheerilee collapsed.

Some of Twilight’s friends wanted to rush in but Luna’s aura held them back. She didn’t want them in the way of the coming retribution she knew her sister was about to unleash.

Luna remembered her sister in battle many centuries ago, she knew not to be in ‘the line of fire’.

There before them they saw Thunder Hammer getting up, pulling his penis out of Twilight’s motionless body, semen still dripping from it.

Twilight was totally limp, her eyes were closed, there was blood seeping from her mouth, ears and nostrils. It was hard to tell if she was breathing at all.

On the floor and walls there was blood where the monster had bashed Twilight.

Rarity fainted, Applejack was trying to hold her up while at the same time holding Rainbow Dash’s tail in her teeth. There was murder in the blue Pegasus’ crimson eyes. If not for Luna’s aura holding everypony back, AJ couldn’t have held her back this time. All while Applejack was trying to see through a torrent of tears.

Pinkie, who’s tears were a fountain, was comforting Fluttershy who was throwing up.

Thunder Hammer looked to the door, expecting some more of these wimpy Ponyville ponies, not the sight before him.

“Princess Celestia?” gasped the fiend. His mind went into high gear trying to concoct a lie to blame his wife, daughter or this Unicorn.

For a moment, in everypony’s eyes, there was a glory that surrounded the princess. They beheld not the gentle and wise ruler of Equestria, but a battle hardened goddess of war.

Gone were her tiara and collar. It was replaced with blood splattered battle armor and helmet of a bygone age. Her mane and tail cropped short for battle and a fierce fire of righteous indignation burned in her eyes.

For whatever reason, this image appeared more befitting of Celestia.

And it was frightening to all.

Then the vision faded.

Thunder Hammer knew it was too late to regret his actions.

Right then he wished that he’d known this Unicorn was so well connected.

Luna expected her sister to react severely, but what happened next, not even Luna was ready for.

“Your Highness,” said Thunder Hammer, hoping that she’d give him a chance to speak so he might figure how to escape. “This mare-lover bitch attacked me while I was trying to protect my wife and daughter. If you’ll give me a chance to explain.”

Celestia had no intention of giving anything to this monster other than her wrath and perhaps a trip to Tartarus.

There was a vicious snarl on the good princess’ face, her ears were laid back and a growl could be heard. Celestia’s eyes glowed a sickening green with blue tendrils, her horn glowed black. A bolt of black shot out from her horn smashing the stallion against the bookshelves, he rebounded but the bolt smashed him back even harder. It snapped half of the vile fiend’s ribs along with three shelves, despite them being carved from the living tree itself.

Unlike Twilight’s attacks, the bolt continued pinning him in place, about three feet off the floor. Celestia knew just how much pressure to exert, the fiend couldn’t draw a breath, his eyes were bloodshot and were starting to bulge from his head, he was suffocating.

Somehow he managed to scream and cry like a little filly. His fear was so great he wet himself there in front of all those mares. A most macho display for such a large and tough stallion.

There was dark energy in the air like static electricity, as the black bolt continued to pin the stallion to the wall.

As Celestia advanced, the stallion couldn’t hope to get away. The years flashed by in an instant. All the ponies who warned him; his parents, teachers, coaches, employers and parole officers. One day he’d bully the wrong pony. He always assumed if it did happen, it’d be some pony the size of a buffalo, not a scrawny mare-lover partner of his disappointing daughter.

A pony who happened to have an entire deck of aces up her proverbial sleeve.

His mother had warned him one day he’d get his comeuppance, now he wished he’d paid attention to the calendar, for this was the day.

Celestia was seeing red, there was a ringing in her ears, the old battle lust was rising. Lowering her head, she lined up her horn to pierce the monster’s chest.

She was remembering how it felt to have her horn piercing her enemy’s body, the feeling of their beating heart against the tip of her horn, just before her horn pierced it. The heart quivering as the horn punctured and then continued to expand the wound. The enemy’s hot blood running down her face as their life ebbed away. With a flick of her great neck muscles the lifeless corpse would be thrown aside as Celestia lined up the next victim.

The feeling was actually sexually arousing.

But then Celestia heard a voice through her rage;

“Sister,” called Luna;

“Celestia!

TIA!

As much as you and I’d like, you can’t do it this way! It must be done legally, by the code you established!”

Celestia shot a look at her sister that Luna had never seen before, such hate, such anger. A shiver went up the blue Alicorn’s spine, she was almost afraid she was about to be the target. And with Celestia’s power and anger, she was unsure that she could properly defend herself for very long, even if she were still Nightmare Moon.

‘Thank the Maker Of Ponies,’ thought Luna, ‘it was I and not Tia who became Nightmare Moon.’

Then Celestia’s face softened, the anger and rage replaced with sorrow and remorse.

Celestia let Thunder Hammer crash to the floor mercilessly hard. He landed in the puddle of his disgrace.

He lay stunned on his back as the towering Alicorn’s aura dragged him to her, she stepped on his throat. He could tell, any more pressure and his larynx would be crushed.

“Mercy!” whimpered the bully.

Unfortunately for Thunder Hammer his plea only caused anger to rise in Celestia once more.

“How dare you!” screamed Celestia, “how dare you insult these ponies here. You who know no mercy now plead for it?

What mercy have you ever shown your wife and daughter? What mercy did you show Twilight!

Aren’t you alive?

That’s more mercy than you deserve! If I didn’t believe in the rule of law, I’d teleport your worthless head into deep space and your body to Tartarus!”

There was a shiver that went up the spine of most of the gather ponies, not just Thunder Hammer’s. Luna had never heard her sister threaten such a merciless act before.

Celestia looked over to where Twilight lay. Rain Shadow was trying to comfort her daughter as Cheerilee tried to comfort Twilight. Luna scanned Twilight’s body with her magic.

“She lives my sister,” said Luna, “I can control the bleeding and some of the pain, but she’ll need medical attention soon if there’s to be any hope.”

By now all the ponies had sufficiently recovered to think straight. They all gathered around Twilight.

“This won’t take long!” Said Celestia through clenched teeth and in a most threatening tone.

“Spike, go and get an ambulance. Have my cart take you,” said Luna.

“Yes Your Highness,” said Spike going out the door.

“I Celestia Rex do hereby call the High Court of Canterlot into session.

Rarity, will you consent to being court reporter?” said the princess with her foot still on the villain’s throat.

“My pleasure Your Highness.” Said Rarity, levitating a nearby parchment, ink and quill.

“Princess Luna will you act as bailiff, master at arms and if need be, executioner?”

The way the last word was spoken gave everypony there a shudder, Thunder Hammer especially.

“As you command, my sister!” said Luna scowling at the fiend under her sister’s hoof. Almost as if she was wanting to exercise the last office Celestia had mentioned.

“The rest of you ponies are to be witnesses to the proceedings to make sure everything is done properly. If you question anything, you’re commanded to speak up right then or face contempt charges, understood?” asked Celestia. “This is to be proper and legal, not a court of vengeance.”

All the ponies voiced consent.

Then Celestia cried out in the Traditional Royal Canterlot Voice, much louder than Luna’s, the walls and floor shook. She also addressed the accused in the royal ‘We’ to show the level of seriousness she was taking with him. Several ponies had to cover their ears.

Thunder Hammer cringed as if being physically assaulted;

“THUNDER HAMMER, YOU STAND ACCUSED OF TWO COUNTS OF ASSAULT, MULTIPLE COUNTS OF ASSAULT AND BATTERY, ATTEMPTED PONYNAPPING, PANDERING AND MOST SERIOUSLY; ASSAULT, RAPE AND ATTEMPTED MURDER OF A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL FAMILY.”

The last charge brought a look of confusion and fear to the brute’s face.

“TWILIGHT’S BROTHER IS MARRIED TO LUNA AND MY NIECE. THIS MAKES TWILIGHT AND HER HOUSEHOLD, RELATIVES OF THE CROWN. INCLUDING HER DECLARED LIFE-PARTNER, CHEERILEE.

ALSO, SHOULD TWILIGHT SPARKLE DIE BECAUSE OF YOUR ACTIONS, THEN AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE OF MURDERING A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL FAMILY WILL BE ADDED. WHICH IS THE ONLY CRIME IN EQUESTRIA THAT STILL CARRIES THE DEATH PENALTY.

AND IT IS MANDATORY!

DEATH BY SLOW TORTURE.

IT’S BARBARIC, BUT IT’S USED ON BARBARIANS!

WEIGH YOUR NEXT WORDS WELL, THEY MAY COST YOU YOUR LIFE!”

Then through clenched teeth;

“How do you plead?”

‘Twilight Sparkle?’ thought the stallion, he recognized the name too late. He thought if he’d known who it was he was messing with he would have acted differently. This explained why he was now under the princess’ hoof…

Literally.

Celestia’s hoof slackened ever so slightly. Her gaze was almost too much to handle. The bully started to cry like a foal.

He looked around to see if there was any support.

“Rain Shadow?” Beseeched the stallion as he looked at his wife with a pleading look.

She only looked back in loathing and spit in his face.

Celestia’s voice returned to normal.

“Rain Shadow, I must ask you to control yourself or you’ll be held in contempt. I’ll not allow prisoners in the care of this court to be abused,” said Celestia, then looking back at the pathetic wretch beneath her, and in a voice that dripped with disgust, “no matter how much they deserve it!

We are waiting for your plea. We are immortal, but in cases like this, Our patience isn’t limitless.”

“Don’t I get representation?” asked the fiend. Hoping to delay this and thus the princess’ anger to cool.

“What representation have you left Twilight?” Asked the princess, “but if it will make you feel better, who do you think would represent you?”

Thunder Hammer thought hard, but the thought of who would represent him would not come to mind.

“Nopony?” asked Celestia.

The stallion shook his head.

“I’ll do it,” Applejack chimed in.

All the ponies, including Thunder Hammer looked at the mare astonished.

Applejack stepped forward and addressed the princess professionally.

“Your Highness,” said Applejack, “my client wishes to plead guilty to all charges and demands the full measure of punishment under the law. In fact he demands the prohibition of the death penalty be suspended this time and he demands it!”

Thunder Hammer turned pale.

“I withdraw my request for representation,” he said.

“Good one Applejack,” whispered Luna giving AJ a hoof bump.

“Very well,” said Celestia, trying not to be amused by this. “What’s your plea?”

“I did what I thought was best for my family,” croaked the liar.

Celestia’s voice rose again but not quite to the T.R.C. Voice.

“Do not confuse Our benevolent rule as proof We are somehow a naive simpleton!

Do you think you can convince Us, physically abusing Twilight Sparkle, Cheerilee and Rain Shadow and then raping Twilight Sparkle was for the best interest of your family? For the best interest of anything?”

Then Celestia screamed;

“Draw one more breath and make Us believe you!”

“She consented to the sex,” said Thunder Hammer, his voice almost a pathetic whine.

It was obvious he knew he wouldn’t be believed. But such was his character (or lack thereof) he couldn’t admit being at fault.

“No pony that badly beaten could consent to anything! And We know that Twilight would rather die than be unfaithful to Cheerilee.

Unlike you who abused your wife and used a broken and helpless pony for your sick pleasure! A pony who’s only offence to you was protecting a pony she loves and that pony’s mother, ponies you believed yourself to be above!”

Celestia’s voice returned to a professional level;

“Your lies insult Our August Self.

Would you like to call any witnesses to speak in your defense?”

“Rain Shadow, Cheerilee,” wept the wretch, “please help me!”

Rain Shadow looked at her husband, her face showed utter surprise. She was totally speechless because the brute would dare ask, even after she’d just spat in his face.

Cheerilee looked away from Twilight long enough to respond.

“After all the misery you’ve put mom and me through all these years? After the way you’ve treated me? Never expressing any fatherly love or care? Making mom and me live in fear of you every day. Shaming me and making me live a lie because of your bigotry. Causing me years of unnecessary loneliness and humiliation. Making me believe I’d have to live without love?

And with what you’ve done to the pony who loves me for me?

You now have the audacity to ask for me to defend you?

If Princess Celestia would let me, I’d kill you myself. But I don’t want to prove I’m your daughter!

(“I’d let you,” commented Luna.)

Know that you’re hated for the rest of your life, which I hope isn’t for very long!”

There was a silent moment as Cheerilee just glowered at the bruit, then she looked back to her darling laying before her.

“The testimony of your witnesses wasn’t very helpful for your defense,” said Celestia sarcastically. “Are there any pony or ponies in all of Equestria who’d say anything on your behalf. Anypony who could give a good word for you to this court which might help sway or soften Our judgment of yourself?

Name them and We will teleport them here right now.”

Thunder Hammer thought, there were so many ponies he knew, ponies he’d interacted with. But he couldn’t think of one who’d be willing to come to his defense. Not even his parents.

“We can see by the look on your face there are none.” Said Celestia, “more's the pity.”

“Why am I not surprised?” remarked Luna.

“If such is your defense then We must pass judgment without delay.

Thunder Hammer. You’re found guilty of all charges. You’ll be taken from this place to the lowest sublevel of the dungeon at Canterlot Castle. There you’ll spend the rest of your natural life in darkness without possibility of reprieve or parole.

The accounts of yourself, your works and all agreements and contracts will be expunged from all records, including marriage contracts and birth certificates. Thus freeing Rain Shadow and Cheerilee to lead normal lives without the threat of your memories.

The royal doctors will surgically remove your cutie marks. You are now an un-pony. You deserve no better.

The vision of Battle Goddess Celestia returned. She was looking at the wretch in a way he couldn’t hold her gaze. Then she spoke in a hollow, echoing and booming voice. It was almost impossible such a voice could come from a mere pony:

THAT IS UNLESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE DIES FROM YOUR ACTIONS, THEN SENTENCE OF DEATH WILL BE CARRIED OUT...

IMMEDIATELY!

AND KNOW THIS, IF THAT COMES TO PASS, I WILL BE THERE AND THE INSTANT BEFORE YOU DIE, I WILL TELEPORT YOUR USELESS, STILL LIVING CARCASS TO THE FLAMES OF TARTARUS PERSONALLY!

The vision faded for everypony except Thunder Hammer. The image, words and warning were burned into his brain and would haunt his nightmares for the rest of his life.

Absolute fear and dread wracked the fiend’s face. He’d had his way through most of his life by intimidation and by bullying other ponies. His hoof would always back up his demands and threats. He believed himself to be ‘untouchable’.

Now he was forced to face a truly untouchable pony. One he hadn’t the power to threaten or intimidate. He was truly being forced to ‘take his own medicine’.

Perhaps he may have acted differently if he’d known that before the very beginning of Equestria and the war for freedom that Celestia and Luna had led, the magnificent Alicorn earned and took the name;

Celestia Invictus;
The Unconquerable Pony Of The Cosmos.

Such were the demonic evils she’d put down and destroyed that Thunder Hammer, by comparison, was like the minor annoyance of a gnat.

Tears poured from Thunder Hammer’s eyes as he looked to his wife and Cheerilee.

But the two just turned their backs on him, hoping that they’d seen the last of such a poor excuse for a husband, father and pony.

For the first time in his life, Thunder Hammer regretted the way he’d treated ponies, especially his wife and daughter. He’d never believed his treatment of them would be his undoing. Now because of this, he’d lost everything. He’d even lost himself, doomed to be a no-name pony locked away in darkness for the rest of his life. Not even a cutie mark to identify him to any pony who might care, if there were any.

At this moment, he hoped that his daughter’s wish would come true and his life wouldn’t be long if he was to live life like that.

“GUARDS!” called Celestia in a voice which shook the library to its roots.

The guards appeared at the door.

“Bind him so he doesn’t try to fly away, then fly this thing to the castle and turn him over to the jailer along with the transcript of this trial. Send word to Baltamare to have the civil authority detain his forepony and have him brought to Canterlot to stand trial for accessory. Send a cart to retrieve his conspirator when you get to Canterlot.

At least this monster will have company in the darkness.”

“One of my carts,” said Luna.

Luna knew the shock factor her guard had on most ponies.

Celestia put a spell on the villain to immobilize him, and then levitated him out to the cart.

As he passed, Rainbow unleashed a wicked kick to the monster’s face. It knocked the monster out cold.

“Sorry Princess,” said Rainbow, “leg cramp.”

Rainbow wanted the fiend to have the last memory of the free world to be her hind hooves impacting with his face.

“See that it doesn’t happen again,” said Celestia. Her face was trying to hide her amusement at the act and the transparently lame excuse.

“Good shot,” whispered Luna.

Celestia lifted Twilight with her magic. In her forelegs, the princess cradled Twilight’s broken and violated body as she would a fragile foal, carefully as she could. Twilight barely opened her good eye and saw the princess, smiled and then her eye closed.

Cheerilee stood hugging Celestia and Twilight, her tears a torrent.

Celestia’s heart was breaking.

“My Darling, Darling Twilight, please hang on!” said the princess crying harder than Luna had seen her sister cry in centuries, not since Celestia had to banish her to the moon.

The hospital staff was unsure how to handle the ponies in the waiting room. The five ponies who were friends of the patient were well known in Ponyville. The teacher Cheerilee had taught almost every one of their children. But then there were the rulers of Equestria sitting as if they’d no other responsibilities.

This patient must be important.

As time went on, it got harder and harder to wait.

Cheerilee was trying to hold it together. Luna was sitting with her, holding her hoof and letting her lay her head against her. The princess was speaking low and soft to comfort her.

Luna had commanded the rest of Twilight’s friends to go home. Actually, with Rainbow, she had to threaten to have her guard physically escort (as in carry) her home. But Luna let Rainbow know she understood and if roles were reversed, she’d feel the same.

They needed to be rested if they’d be standing watch by Twilight’s side, should she pull through. She also promised any word on Twilight would be sent immediately. Only the princesses, Cheerilee, and Rain Shadow remained.

“Your Highness?” said Rain Shadow to Princess Celestia. She was still in awe of being around the ruling princesses. And impressed with her daughter’s and her partner’s relations with them.

“Yes?” replied the princess.

“Shouldn’t I be tried as an accessory also?”

“Normally the answer would be ‘yes’,” said Celestia quickly, a noticeable touch of anger in her voice. “You allowed many things to go on and yet you never tried to remove yourself or more importantly, your daughter from an abusive situation.”

Rain Shadow’s face reflected the acceptance of the guilt and shame the princess was expressing. It let Celestia know this pony was truly sorry and she did care for her daughter.

Celestia’s voice and stern visage softened;

“However, Twilight Sparkle could just as easily teleported your daughter and herself away, but she saw something in you she deemed worthy to risk her own life for. I’ve never doubted her counsel, so my judgment will be deferred until what time, if any, I’ve found evidence that proves Twilight wrong.”

The princess reached out a hoof and tenderly rested it on Rain Shadow’s withers;

"This isn’t going to be over soon. You’ve a daughter that’ll need support until Twilight comes through this.”

The princess gently pulled Rain Shadow to herself and embraced her as she and the mother cried.

Hours later, a doctor walked into the waiting room, nopony had prepared him for the fact the ruling princesses were waiting on him.

Needless to say he was shocked.

“How is Twilight?” asked Celestia.

“She came through the operations okay, Your Highness. There was a lot of internal bleeding and damage, broken bones had to be reduced and pressure on the brain had to be relieved...

“Yes doctor, I’m sure everypony did their best!” said the princess impatiently. “How is Twilight?”

The doctor swallowed hard, shamed by the princess’ chastisement.

“There’s an eighty five percent chance she’ll pull through this with a minimal of disability.”

The ponies in the room breathed a sigh of relief.

“Can we see her now?” asked Celestia.

“I’m sorry but she’s in recovery,” said the doctor, “visitors aren’t allowed in the recovery suite.”

Celestia was becoming annoyed, what had just happened and the wait had put her on edge. She was truly a gentle and tolerant pony, she never liked to push her position on anypony. But she was due a certain level of respect and privilege.

“I understand, but apparently doctor, you’ve forgotten to whom you’re speaking.”

Celestia nodded to Luna, Luna understood.

“Guards!” called Luna.

Two dragon-winged Pegasi in Palace Guard armor entered the room. Luna nodded in the direction of the doctor. They went and stood on either side of him. The doctor looked frightened.

“Apparently you misunderstood me, perhaps I should rephrase what I said,” continued Celestia,

“Doctor, you’ll take me, my sister, Twilight’s partner and Twilight’s partner’s mother to see Twilight;

NOW!”

Discretion being the better part of not being imprisoned, the doctor led them to the recovery room.

Later, in Baltamare…

Plumb-Bob was clearing away paperwork so he could go home for the day. He was looking forward to the weekend.

He’d promised his wife there should be some good news soon about getting their son together with a nice mare. Plus it’d been nice to have Thunder Hammer out of his mane for the last several days.

Still he had a nagging feeling what he’d agreed to with Thunder Hammer wasn’t quite right.

‘But what harm could come of it?’ he’d thought.

His wife was standing in the office with him, they had a nice evening planned and she couldn’t wait for her husband to get off work so they could go out.

That evening wasn’t to be...

The office door opened and the secretary stuck her head in.

“Mr. Plumb-Bob?”

“What is it Miss Bluebell,” responded the forepony, “I’m busy.”

“There’s ponies here that want to talk to you.”

“Tell them they’ll have to wait until Monday,” said Plumb-Bob smiling at his wife. “Just tell them to go away, I have plans.”

“I don’t think I can,” said Bluebell.

“And why not?”

At that moment the door was pushed open and the secretary stepped aside. There stood two Baltamare Police Officers. But more frightening, there were two dragon-winged Pegasus Palace Guards. They entered without being invited.

“Plumb-Bob?” asked one of the Police Officers.

“Yes?” replied the forepony starting to break out in a cold sweat.

Plumb-Bob’s wife started to shake uncontrollably, tears streamed down her eyes. She was afraid of something like this since her husband told her of his plans with the pony she couldn’t stand.

A Guard stepped forward.

“Plumb-Bob,” said the Guard, “I arrest you in the names of Princesses Celestia and Luna.”

“What are the charges?” asked the forepony’s wife.

‘What could Thunder Hammer have done to provoke this.’ Plumb-Bob thought.

He quickly found out.

“You’re charged with accessory to two counts of assault, multiple counts of assault and battery, attempted ponynapping and pandering. Also, accessory to assault, rape and attempted murder of a member of the royal family.” Said the other Guard.

“You’re accomplice has already been tried, convicted and imprisoned for life. Needless to say, Princesses Celestia and Luna are most anxious to see you,” said the other Guard.

“Imprisoned for life?” said Plumb-Bob.

“He, and if convicted, you will also face execution by slow torture if the victim dies from her wounds.” Said the first Guard.

Bluebell caught Plumb-Bob’s wife as she fainted.

Through the color of his coat it could be seen all color drained from his cheeks.

“Come along quietly now,” said one of the Police Officers.

‘They’re going to have to add murder to the charges if I ever get my hooves on Thunder Hammer,’ thought Plumb-Bob pointlessly.

Author's Note

Plumb-Bob was found guilty on all charges. However, Princess Celestia had pity on the stallion. He didn’t intend to enter into an agreement that would conclude in violence. He truly was acting on behalf of his family.
Plumb-Bob was sentenced to five years’ probation and 100 hours community service which he served without incident.

CHAPTER EIGHT: Voices In The Dark

Twilight didn’t know how much time had passed. All she knew was something bad had happened to her, something she didn’t know if she could ever come to terms with. A horrible, horrible ordeal because she protected the love of her life and her love’s mother.

A rampaging monster who beat, abused and violated her. She remembered wishing to whatever god, goddess or kindly spirit who might be out there to take her life so she’d be free of the pain and shame.

Twilight wasn’t sure if her request was fulfilled. Everything went black, then when she was able to open her eyes for the last time (so she thought), she was being held and caressed by Princess Celestia. Twilight smiled, as far as she was concerned, her prayers had been answered and she was now resting in the bosom of her goddess, where all her earthly pain and concerns would be soothed away.

Blackness came welcomed.

But then she realized she hadn’t died, she was in some kind of coma. She remembered reading how ponies in comas had reported remembering voices of those around them.

She found she couldn’t move, open her eyes, speak nor do any voluntary movements. She was sure she felt sensation from all parts of her body so she was pretty sure there wasn’t any significant spinal cord injury.

It freed her mind to wander. She thought of her childhood, her schooling, her coming to Ponyville and making wonderful friends. But the one event which made all the past pain worth it all was the rose colored Earth Pony mare with a cutie mark of three smiling flowers. A pony who’d made her realize love and loving wasn’t what she’d assumed in the past.

To love, be loved and make love to a mare wasn’t as preposterous as she’d once assumed. A pony who taught her more about life in six months than what she’d learned in the rest of her twenty-something years.

She was out for almost two months, but time meant nothing to Twilight. She was just glad she wasn’t dead. There was now a chance of being back with her beloved. That gave her more strength to ‘hold on’.

She’d read ponies who’d ‘given up’ often died when their injuries wouldn’t normally be fatal. And Ponies who ‘fought on’ survived injuries which would’ve taken a stronger pony.

There were other motivations which kept her going.

They were voices...

Voices in the dark.

She could also feel contact ponies would make with her. Some ponies would hold her hoof and say nothing. Some would stroke her mane and speak low and soothing. There were even kisses on the cheek and forehead. Yes, even some on the lips, she was sure most were from Cheerilee and her family but she could tell some were Princesses Celestia and Luna as well.

Later, she’d remember some of the conversations her visitors would have with her;

“Twi? It’s me, Rainbow Dash. I don’t know if you can hear me, but I just wanted you to know how much I miss my best friend. I’m so glad you and Cheerilee convinced Big Mac to ask me out. I now understand the love you spoke of when you first started going out with Cheerilee. I want to let you know Big Mac is as broken up over you as I am. But we have each other to support the other and give each other strength. We’ve tried to be there for Cheerilee, making her dinner and making sure she’s okay. Her mother is staying with her at the library. I think that’s helping her as well.

We were going to postpone the wedding next month, but Cheerilee said you wouldn’t want to be the reason for that. I really wanted you to be my Best Mare, but knowing you’ll be okay eventually will keep me going.

I know it flies against tradition, and when has that ever bothered me, I’m not going to have a Best Mare in honor of you.

I bet I never told you just how much you’ve meant to me. I want you to know the day you flew into Ponyville was the best day of my life. I got a friend who opened my closed mind to the wonders out there. Ones I hadn’t noticed because I had my head so far up my flanks, trying to be a pony that I wasn’t.

Thank you Twi. I really miss and love you.”

There was a kiss on the cheek and her hoof was held for some time thereafter.

Somepony had their hoof resting on her foreleg, a small hoof.

“Twilight? I want you to know Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and I miss you. Of all ponies who’ve talked to us, other than our sisters, ‘bout our silly chasin’ after cutie marks, you’ve always been the most carin’ and supportive. The only other pony even comes close is Miss Cheerilee. Maybe that’s why you’ve made her so happy. The two of you are so alike.

Ever since you were hurt, we’ve had a substitute teacher. Miss Cheerilee hasn’t wanted to be away from you. We can tell she loves you so much. Our substitute teacher says you’re here because you love Miss Cheerilee so much, you were willin’ to risk your life for her. I hope somepony will love me that much in the future.

Oh, you’re never guess who the sub is! It’s Princess Luna! It’s so cool. The first day she had us all make crowns and tiaras from cardboard and aluminum foil. Then she swore us all in as honorary princes and princesses. That way we could call her just Miss Luna. She can be so funny!

But don’t get caught talkin’ durin’ a lecture or passin’ notes. She turns into Nightmare Moon and scares the horse-apples out of us. I think she has fun doin’ it. And nopony is really too scared of her. And everypony, includin’ her, laughs afterwards.

Well I got’a go, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and I will be comin’ back in here to see you. We’re goin’a to try to get our cutie marks in brain surgery.

No! Only kiddin’!

But I promise I’ll come back again and talk.”

“Twilight? Am I bothering you? I hope not, I’ll go if you say I am. But I just wanted to let you know how much Angel Bunny and I are thinking about you. I really think it’s hit him hard, he hardly ever acts up. I know he does act the way he does because he is so full of energy and mischief. But in a good way. Now we sit around the cottage worrying about you.

Even Harry the bear came by and brought flowers to give to you. They’re on the table in a vase.

Ever since you found me practicing with the birds for the Summer Sun Celebration, I’ve found the ability to be more open to new things. I’m ever so grateful for that.

Well, I won’t bother you anymore for now. Get better soon.

And I hope you won’t mind…”

There was a kiss on the forehead.

She felt her hoof being held on both sides.

“Darling? I hope you can hear me. Applejack and I wanted to come by and check on you. You and Cheerilee opened our hearts to how much we meant to each other. A love that helps and sustains. And now to see you like this, and to see how much Cheerilee is affected by this. Well, we only wish we could help more. Right Darling?”

“We’ve been so concerned, Sugar Cube. The whole of the Apple Family asks about you from Manehatten to Appleloosa. You don’t realize just how much you’ve touched pony’s lives.”

“We or the rest of the Apples are makin’ sure Cheerilee and her mother are fed and not left alone. We feel so responsible to you for our happiness, we wanted to make sure your happiness is taken care of also.”

There was a double hug, as gentle as possible from both sides. Along with a kiss on both cheeks.

“Hi Twilight, it’s Sweetie Belle. I remember how you were disappointed when you found out I wasn’t singing at the talent show. And thinking back, you were probably right, I should’ve.

Thank you for having faith in me and my friends. And thank you for being a good friend to my sister. I don’t know if she’s ever told you, but she’s so glad to have you as a friend. She talks about you all the time.

Well, I won’t talk your ear off, so if you don’t mind, I’ll sing a song. Just for you.”

There was a kiss on the cheek and a beautiful little voice sang a comforting lullaby.

“Twilight, it’s Pinkie Pie. How ya doing? I know you can hear me, my Pinkie Sense tells me you can. Don’t worry about us ponies out here. We’re all taking care of each other and watching after Cheerilee. I’ve had my friend Octavia, drop by the library to play for Cheerilee, I think Octavia enjoyed it as much. Cheerilee is such a big fan of her kind of music.

The Cakes have made sure Cheerilee is getting treats from time to time. We’ve had to make sure Spike leaves some cookies for her.

Ha!

Well I know I can be annoying. And don’t tell anypony I admitted to it, but most of the time, I do it just to have fun with ponies. So for now, I’m just going to sit here with you and hold your hoof. If you need anything just let me know.

Oh and Twi?

I love you.”

A clawed hand held her hoof.

“Twi, It’s Spike. You’ve got to pull through this. I miss you so bad.

You’re like my mother, big sister and best friend. I try not to let Cheerilee or Rain Shadow hear me, but most nights I cry myself to sleep.

You’ve been there all my life. Yours was the first face I ever saw. Your face is the last thing I see when I close my eyes at night.

I know dragons are suppose to live almost forever, but if something happens and you can’t come back to us, I don’t think I could live.”

There was heavy crying, she could hear sniffing as Spike tried to get control of himself.

“I’m sorry Twi, you’ve enough to worry with, without me coming and crying to you. Get well soon and come home. I love you so much.”

“My most beloved student, I’ve never cared for any pony like I’ve found that I do you. You’re so special, you’re like the daughter I wish I could’ve had...

But more.

Being immortal has advantages. But as the centuries go by, I find more and more disadvantages. Like finding a pony who’s in spirit an equal to Luna and myself. One who’d be a perfect companion and friend for the ages but one I’ll lose one day.

You can’t imagine the pain I went through when I discovered what that monster had done and was doing to you.

I almost killed it.

I’ve never talked to you about that. But it’s my choice to never take a life unless it can’t be helped. And yes, killing it would’ve come under that. But I didn’t want to kill to protect.

I wanted to kill out of vengeance...

Out of hate!

I’m so glad you didn’t see what I became. That part of my past self should never come out again.

Twi, I’m so ashamed to say but as Celestia Invictus, I’m still tempted to send your brother down into the dungeon to end the life of the wretch who tried to take you from me.

I know he’d do it without question.

And I’d watch with satisfaction and perhaps, pleasure.

That’s why I can’t let it happen.

I’m sure this sounds odd to you, and I know you can hear me. But if you didn’t have Cheeri for a lover, I’d want you now for mine. Together we’d explore forbidden magic and find a way for you to obtain immortality with me. But this is something that I should never ever give voice to again. You’re happy with Cheeri and I don’t think you could ever be as happy with me.

But the invitation for you and Cheeri to share love with Lu and me will always stand. And I think you don’t understand what it is I’m offering. But perhaps we’ll be able to talk about this.

Please know there are many ponies out here who love you my Darling, but very, very few as much as I do.”

There was a very passionate kiss which followed, no tongue but there could’ve been, there was also a hoof that stroked her abdomen, her nipples and almost to her marehood. The hoof stopped, but Twilight felt it was hard for her to stop. Twilight wasn’t sure if it would’ve disturbed her or if she was actually craving Celestia...

No, Tia, to continue.

A hoof took hers, she felt it lifted to a pony’s face and then kissed it.

“Twilight, It’s mommy and daddy. Shining and Cadence are here too.

When we heard what happened we came as quickly as we could.

It’s a good thing Princess Celestia gave an order barring Shining from seeing the fiend. Especially after he heard exactly what he did to you. I think Shining would’ve tore him apart with his bare hooves.

But it’s better he didn’t. We know you’d not have your brother sink to his level.”

“Twily, Cadence and I are beside ourselves. You’ve meant so much to each of us and to us together. Without you, there’d have been no us.

And despite what mom was saying, I wouldn’t have killed him. I’d have hurt him so he’d remember that no pony hurts a Sparkle and lives comfortably after.”

“Twilight, don’t listen to my husband. You know Aunt Celestia did the right thing by imprisoning him in the darkness for life.

We’ve visited with Cheerilee and she appears to be holding up all right, or at least she’s putting on a brave face.

Your mother and her mother talked for a long time. It was so good to hear the pony does care for her daughter and cares for you.”

“Twilight Sweetie, It’s daddy. We’re all pulling for you and we’re keeping faith we’ll be talking together real soon. As you know, Cadence, Shining and I have important jobs. So your mother is going to stay with Cheerilee and her mother for a while to help and just be near you. She can’t stay too long, but she does want to help.

We love you Sweetheart and we’ll be by a lot.”

There was two kisses on the lips and two on the cheek, then a hoof that held hers for several hours.

What no pony could’ve known; while Twilight Velvet held her daughter’s hoof, alone and in the deepest part of the night, there was a violet glow from Twilight Velvet’s horn which surrounded the two.

Twilight, in her mind’s eye saw her mother approaching. Nopony had ever been told of this deep connection between mother and daughter. Twilight saw herself as a little filly again and her mother in the prime of youth. Twilight ran crying to her mother.

“Mommy! Mommy! A bad pony hurt me,” said Twilight, “he hurt me bad!”

The mother embraced her daughter.

“Mommy! He hurt me in my tushie! You said no pony is to touch me there unless I want them too.”

“I know my precious girl,” said Velvet, “I know. But he’ll never hurt you or anypony else ever again. I promised I would always take care of you.”

“Did you talk to him?” asked Sparkle.

The mother smiled.

“The princess gave orders not to let Shining see him,” said Velvet, “there was no mention of me.”

The guards at the doors that led to the dungeon snapped to attention. All Palace Guards had been instructed that no matter the rank, anypony in the black uniform of the Special Unit were to be treated with the utmost respect. Especially one of this high of rank.

“Field Marshal Velvet!” acknowledged one guard, “I thought you were retired, ma’am.”

“I am,” answered the mare, “but this is important. Let me pass.”

“As you command,” said the other guard.

The purple/gray mare walked through the doors, but she stopped and addressed the guard.

“I’m sure I don’t have to remind either of you that I was never here,” said the mare.

“Of course Field Marshal Velvet,” replied the guard, then with a smile, “it’s so good to not have seen you again.”

“You too Night Stalker, give my love to Star Dancer,” said the Field Marshal smiling as she entered the dungeon. The guard smiled at the Field Marshal remembering his wife.

The mare walked down the multi flights of stairs to the very bottom. At the lowest levels, there were no lights, only the glow of lichens growing on the walls. But the violet glow from her horn was enough to allow her to see well enough.

Thunder Hammer saw a pony in a strange uniform at his cell door. She looked familiar.

He thought he’d try to intimidate this mare who was much smaller than himself. Perhaps he could distract, grab and try to use her as a hostage to make them release him.

Thunder Hammer charged the door and tried to reach through the bars to grab the mare. The aura that blocked him from even touching her was the most painful thing he had ever experienced.

“AHHHH!” screamed Thunder Hammer.

His entire right foreleg from hoof to withers was encased in a violet aura and now felt as if it were on fire. The aura as well as the pain was slowly fading. What made it impossible for Thunder Hammer to ignore this was the pain was actually all in his mind.

“Who are you and what do you want?” asked the prisoner, trying to sound intimidating.

It wasn’t working. And there was little chance to intimidate anypony with tears streaming down his face. Truth be told, something about the way this mare carried herself terrified him deeply. He was almost afraid that Twilight Sparkle had died and this was the pony that would now start the execution by slow torture.

“I’m the mother of the pony you hurt,” said the newcomer.

“You’ll have to be more specific,” he chuckled as he tried to brag of his evil deeds. Another attempt to intimidate. “You might say I’ve made a career of doing that.”

“The pony that put you here,” said Twilight Velvet. The fire in the mare’s eyes frightened him.

He realized that this mare in uniform looked like the pony that had kept him from his daughter and wife. The one whom called his daughter her marefriend and partner.

“What do you want,” he demanded.

“I want to make sure you never forget how very bad of an idea it was hurting my baby,” said Velvet.

The way she said this unnerved him. He wouldn’t admit that every time he tried to sleep, he relived the drama of being before that fearful image of Celestia.

“I believe the princess beat you to it.” Said Thunder Hammer, as the vision reappeared in his mind.

“Perhaps,” said Velvet, “but call this a parting shot from an overprotective mother.”

Twilight Velvet’s horn glowed violet, a bolt shot out and hit the fiend between the eyes.

What Thunder Hammer and most other ponies didn’t know was the Special Unit was composed of ponies who were trained to do memory retrieval and implanting.

Suddenly in Thunder Hammer’s mind, he was reliving the incident at the library. But he was seeing it from the perspective of Twilight Sparkle. He was reliving the shame, pain and horror she felt as she was attacked. It was more than just memories. He felt the pain of every blow, the mortification at the violation.

The fiend fell to the floor screaming as the mother walked away.

“Don’t worry,” she said, “it’ll pass. But it’ll resurface at any time. Goodbye, and enjoy the personal Tartarus you created.”

As the Field Marshal reached the stairs a second pony was there to meet her.

“Well done my faithful student. I think that gives him something to occupy his free time here.”

“Thank you, Princess Celestia.”

“Yes honey, I talked to him,” said the mother. “And I can tell you that he’s now very sorry for what he did.”

“Good,” said the daughter. “Can we go home now mommy?”

“No my sweet child,” said Velvet sadly, “you have to stay here.”

“But it’s no fun,” said Sparkle, “I can’t do anything.”

“You’re doing plenty,” replied the mother, embracing the daughter. There were tears in the older mare’s eyes. “You’re like this because your body needs all your energy to heal.”

The mare’s touch strengthened her daughter, Twilight could feel the power of her mother coursing throughout her body. She looked at her daughter and smiled.

“You’ll be back with us soon.”

“Promise?” asked the daughter.

“I promise, and I promise that Rain Shadow and I will be taking care of Cheerilee for you.”

At the mention of Cheerilee, Twilight transformed to an adult, her mother was older as well.

“Okay mom, if you say so,” said Sparkle, “I love you.”

“I love you too, my precious baby. And I’ll be here to watch over you, always.”

Twilight felt her mother kiss her lips. Then Twilight was alone in the dark once more. But her hoof was still being held and Twilight was sure it was still her mother.

There was no physical contact this time. She wasn’t sure if she was hearing the voice with her ears, or was it directly in her mind.

“Twilight Sparkle, this is Loki.

I know you know who I really am. The only ponies who know this are just you and Fluttershy. Thank you for not interfering, I also want to thank you for what you’ve done for Fluttershy. She speaks of how when you first came to Ponyville, you helped her on a path to be more outgoing and thus open to relationships.

I know when Celestia had you and the other ponies release me, you didn’t trust me. Don’t feel bad, you were right not to trust me. I’d no intention of ‘being reformed’.

But something happened nopony expected. Fluttershy opened her heart to me in friendship. It’s been eons since anyone trusted me that much, not since I really did go by the name of Loki. Even then I really didn’t have any friends.

The friendship awakened lost and hidden feelings. The longing for companionship, so long buried, came to the surface. Soon there was desire, not the type of desire for shallow and meaningless self-gratification. No, desire to be truly loved, and I think as I started to be open to Fluttershy’s wants and needs, the same feelings woke up in her.

I want to swear to you now my feelings for her are genuine, so much so in taking this form, I’m bound to it until the body dies. Most of my powers are suppressed until then. If they weren’t, I would’ve healed you and sent that despicable worm to the fires of Tartarus.

That aside, I’m now Loki for decades to come, and I’m also Fluttershy’s protector, mate, and yes, lover.

And I hope, your friend as well.

Get better soon Twilight.”

Then the presence was gone.

A small hoof took hers;

“Twilight? It’s Scootaloo. I know we’ve not talked a lot in the past. But you’ve been such a friend to Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom’s sisters and I guess to them too I feel like we’re friends because of them. I’ve seen how you’ve taken care of your friends and have been there for everypony. I didn’t realize how much until this happened. I want you to know I’m proud of the pony you are and I know I wish I could be the same when I grow up.

I told Rainbow Dash I’d like it if she was my big sister, but I’d be just as proud if I had you as a big sister.

Get better Twilight.”

There was a kiss on her hoof and Twilight could swear there were tears landing on her hoof as well.

This time the kiss came first, a respectable kiss.

“Twilight Sparkle, this is Lu, don’t get up.”

There was a short snickering.

“Don’t tell Tia I used that joke, she doesn’t get my humor. Truthfully, sometimes I think my sister is so straight because she has a stick up her flanks.

But knowing Tia, she’d probably enjoy it!”

More snickering;

“I wanted to let you know just how much we need you to come back to us. How much I need you to come back to me. You freed me from my self-made Tartarus of Nightmare Moon. You showed me that there’s more to being a princess than being a hard-flanks. You taught me humor, humility and whether you realize it, by your example, love.

My sister and I’ve talked and if you were free, there’d be a fight over you now. Especially now with the two of us almost loosing you and causing both of us to examine our feelings.

The last time we felt anything even close to this was a little over a thousand years ago, It was over a sharp and quite good looking stallion. I think you may have heard of him. His name was Star Swirl the Bearded. And he was one heck of a lover. I bet the history books don’t tell how he was able to keep two princesses going ALL NIGHT! I still get wet thinking about him.

But all that aside, you taught me the same thing you were sent to Ponyville to learn. I’m happy to have you, your partner and your friends to be my friends.”

Then came a more subdued kiss.

“I love you Twi.”

There were other visits from the ponies of the community. Mayor Mare, Bon-Bon, Muffins, Lyra Heartstrings, the Cakes and others.

However there was one visit which meant the most.

“Twi My Love? it’s me. Honey, I have to believe you can hear me. I need you to come back to me. Everypony; our friends, the princesses, the Apples, your family and my mother all are doing all they can to help me. But Sweetheart, there’s nothing they can do to ease the pain I feel when I see you like this. You freed me to be me, you’ve showed me love without reserve, judgment or condition. You’ve taken me into your home, your family and your heart. Not that you intended, but you freed my mother and me from the threat of that pony whom I’ll never name again.

You were willing to sacrifice yourself to be abused, violated and even face death to save my mother and me, and at a horrible price. A price, if you were able to talk to me right now, I’m sure you’d tell me you’d do it all over again for me.

My Darling, I know you can hear me. I need you to come home to me.

They make me go home to rest, but every time I do, I fear you’ll not be here when I return. They tell me you’re getting stronger, but I’m still afraid.

When at home, I sleep in that bed, OUR bed and no matter how many blankets I put on, it’s still cold without you there. I’m lonelier now than I ever was before you.

I know sex isn’t the cornerstone of our relationship, but it’s so special. I told you at first I didn’t have any experience with sex.

That wasn’t quiet true.

Not long after I told my parents I liked mares, my father came home drunk. My mother was out for some reason. He started in on a tirade about mare-lovers, and he’d half a mind to teach me what stallions were for.

It turned out he only had half a mind.

After chasing me through the house, he cornered me at the end of a hall. I was just a young teen, I had no chance. He kept talking like he was going to do me a favor. He had me pinned, his penis at my marehood ready to penetrate me, but luckily my mother came home in time and he stopped before he could rape me. But he threatened to kill me if I said anything to anypony.

I thought it was the worst thing that could ever happen. But seeing him rape you, in the condition you were in, makes me ashamed to even feel bad about what he tried to do to me.

I know most stallions out there aren’t like that. I’ve seen what a good father is in your dad. What a loving partner a stallion can be with your brother and Cadence or Big Mac and Rainbow Dash.

Don’t give up on ponies. You’re so special, and I believe that you’d sacrifice yourself for ponies even it they weren’t your lover. A pony that special needs to be in the world.

Equestria needs more ponies like you.

I need you.”

Twilight felt Cheerilee’s face on her chest, she was crying harder than she’d ever heard a pony cry.

“Please come back Twilight! Come back! I don’t want to live without you!”

The sobs continued, then Cheerilee thought she felt somepony stroking her mane. She figured another of Twilight’s family or friends had come in the room and were attempting to comfort her.

Then she heard;

“Don’t cry Cheeri My Love, I haven’t gone anywhere.” It was Twilight’s voice, low and harsh.

“TWILIGHT!?!?” shouted Cheerilee.

She looked and saw that it was Twilight stroking her mane, her eyes were half open, and she appeared to be trying to smile.

“Twilight!” said Cheerilee again. She was kissing all over Twilight’s face.

“Darling, I love you, but it still hurts some,” said Twilight with a gleam in her eyes.

Cheerilee was laughing and crying at the same time. She pulled the nurse call rope. Then ran to the door. She saw a passing nurse.

“Go get Princesses Celestia and Luna from the waiting area, NOW! Tell them Twilight is awake!”

Cheerilee went back to Twilight and held her hoof and just looked into her eyes.

“I love you Cheeri,” said Twilight, a little hoarse (no pun intended).

A doctor came into the room but was quickly trampled by the two ruling princesses.

There was so much excitement it was hard for them to leave Twilight alone enough to let the doctor check her over.

The word got out and soon the waiting room was full to capacity and lines out the doors of ponies waiting to see Twilight. But for now, only Cheerilee, the two mothers and the princesses were allowed in.

Normally it was only four visitors at a time in the ICU, but just try to tell one of the princesses to leave.

Unless you like extended camping trips in the Everfree Forest.

Twilight was moved to a private room later that day, but there were so many that wanted to visit that it was put out by Princess Celestia that anypony that wanted to visit should be at the hospital the next day at one o’clock. Right after lunch and she’d make sure everypony would get to visit with Twilight at once.

The princesses convinced the hospital staff to allow them to use the dining room to gather the family friends and visitors from the community. Convinced as in all but making it a Royal Command. They moved the tables and kept the cushions and chairs in place. They had ponies sit or stand wherever they could.

Twilight’s family was contacted, so were they were all there as well. Everypony made room for the family and five friends of Twilight to sit at the front.

Twilight’s bed was wheeled in. She was elevated where she was almost in a sitting position. Cheerilee stuck to Twilight’s side, holding her hoof. There was a smile on her face and tears of joy in her eyes.

As they came in the room, all the ponies stomped and cheered. Twilight was taken aback.

She was wheeled to the front of the gathering, the two princesses stood behind them and Celestia held up a hoof and addressed the crowd;

“My faithful subjects. I want to let you know how touched I am at the outpouring of concern and affection for our friend Twilight Sparkle and for her partner Cheerilee.”

Applauds and cheers;

“I doubt that there’s a pony here who doesn’t know the sacrifice Twilight made and was willing to make to save ponies she loved. It’s just one more action by a pony close to all of us, who’s heroics would’ve made the heroes of old blush.

And I knew quite a few of them!”

Chuckling;

“I don’t think there’s a pony in Ponyville, nay, in Equestria who isn’t proud of the pony before us.”

Applauds and cheers;

“That’s why it makes me so sad to know in light of recent events, despite all she’s done and for all the ponies she’s helped, there’re no ponies who can legally take care of Twilight.”

Mumbles and ponies looking at each other;

“Twilight has a loving family. A mother, father, brother and even my niece, her sister-in-law. But Twilight is an adult so they no longer have any type of guardianship over her unless she’s committed as a helpless cripple. Which she isn’t.

She has friends the kind most ponies wished they had. Ponies who’ve stuck together in the darkest of times and brightest. Whose actions have saved this town, country and it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say, the world.

They can support, care and watch after her. But none can be responsible if hard decisions needed to be made.”

More mumbles;

“Twilight’s been my student and friend since she was a filly. She’s served the House of Celestia with distinction. She’s saved my sister and myself in the past.

And yes, I’m the ruler of all of the ponies of Equestria, but it isn’t my place to make decisions and judgements for the care of one pony, even one such as Twilight Sparkle.”

More mumbles;

“Twilight has the most wonderful of ponies as a lover and life-partner. One who’s devotion to her marefriend is so great, I had to threaten her with having my guard escort her to get sleep or to eat.

But even this dedicated pony can’t do the things for Twilight which might need to be done.

This is because by the laws of Equestria, only a spouse can make the hard decisions and things required when Twilight can’t.

Is there a pony among you who believes Cheerilee doesn’t love Twilight as much as a stallion would?”

No’s from the gathered;

“Has anypony seen evidence Twilight loves Cheerilee any less than a stallion would love her?”

More no’s;

“To my shame, there’s been talk in the Court at Canterlot about amending current laws which were written centuries ago, when the mindset of ponies was different. I haven’t given much thought to these laws, thinking I could do it later.

Now one of the greatest ponies to have ever lived; and I don’t exaggerate, has to suffer what is paramount to bigotry because of how ponies thought in the past.

Can we let that happen?”

“NO!” was the thunderous reply.

The princess smiled;

“Night Light, Rain Shadow, please come up here and stand by your daughters.”

There was questioning looks from those who were trying to figure out what the princess was hinting.

“Think carefully about what you say next, you’re about to make policy and perhaps history.”

The two parents came up and took their daughters by the hoof.

“As representatives of your families, do you consent...

To give these two in marriage?”

Night Light and Rain Shadow smiled and gave their daughters hoof a little shake saying they were very happy hearing what they’d just heard. Twilight and Cheerilee’s faces lit up. It hurt to smile so hard for Twilight, but she didn’t care.

Night Light and Rain Shadow looked at each other and nodded.

“We do, Your Highness,” was the reply in unison.

“You may be seated,” said the princess with a smile, “thank you."

The parents kissed their daughters and went back to sit.

"Twilight Sparkle and Cheerilee have by their actions proven the limitless depth of their love. Even the narrowest of minds couldn’t deny this.

Twilight for her willingness to sacrifice herself for the pony she loves. Cheerilee by her devotion to the one she loves.

And so I just have a few questions for you two.”

Looking at Cheerilee;

“Cheerilee, do you take Twilight Sparkle to be your wedded wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?”

“I do, your majesty,” said Cheerilee, a tear streaming down her cheek.

Then turning to Twilight;

“Twilight Sparkle, my beloved student, do you take Cheerilee to be your wedded wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?”

“I do, Your Highness, more than anything,” said Twilight.

“Then if none object,” said Celestia.

Not a sound from the gathered.

“Hearing none, in the name of the Crown and Our Regal Self. I declare you to be the first wedded mare couple in Equestria.

What We join together,

Let no pony sunder.

You may kiss your Bride.”

Cheerilee kissed Twilight as deeply as she dared considering her injuries.

“May I be the first to introduce Mrs. Twilight and Mrs. Cheerilee Sparkle.” Said the princess with a smile.

The entire crowd jumped to their hooves, cheering and stomping. The noise woke every foal in the nursery, but it could be forgiven considering the medical staff cheered as loudly.

The princess asked that everypony allow Twilight and Cheerilee to return to Twilight’s room to ‘come to terms’ with what just happened.

Most ponies filed by in a quick receiving line to congratulate the couple and then filed out.

Twilight and Cheerilee’s family and friends along with the princesses took Twilight and Cheerilee back to Twilight’s room.

Later, it was agreed everypony should give Twilight and Cheerilee some privacy for the night. Cheerilee let the medical staff know if there were any problems, she’d let them know. But they should skip Twilight’s room when rounds were made that night.

CHAPTER NINE: Love And What Comes After

The hospital bed was narrow but Cheerilee found she could snuggle close enough to Twilight to be comfortable without undue pressure on her injured body. It was hard to maneuver but the two found ways to make love without compromising the casts and bandages. Cheerilee did have to do most of the work, but she found with the adjustable bed, she could position herself so Twilight could do for her.

It’s a good thing Twilight hadn’t been on a heart monitor for weeks now or the nurses would’ve been interrupting them several times.

Now they lay side by side, Cheerilee embracing Twilight. Thankfully there were side rails to keep them from rolling out of the bed.

“Did you and the princesses have this planned?” asked Twilight.

“No Honey,” said Cheerilee, “it was as much of a surprise to me as it was you. But I think it was a wonderful wedding gift...

A wedding!”

“I only wish I had a ring for you,” said Twilight.

“I have you; alive, awake and now fully mine.” Said Cheerilee with a smile and a tear. “I couldn’t ask for anything more.

But if you really feel it necessary, I like sapphires.”

Both laughed, Twilight tried not to laugh too hard, it still hurt.

“Well, if we’re putting in our orders, I like rubies. Just keep an eye on them incase Spike gets, as Pinkie puts it, snacky.”

Again they laughed.

“Twi?”

“Yes Darling?”

“Do you think we might later regret the princess springing this on us?” asked Cheerilee, “we never talked about such a thing. I mean now if we had a falling out, we can’t just go our separate ways.”

Twilight looked a little confused.

“Were you expecting to leave me? Did you find another mare while I was out?”

Cheerilee delivered a very light love tap.

“I love you Twilight, I never expected we could be married. Now, it feels so natural.”

“Well don’t get the idea just because you’re now a Sparkle I’m a husband.”

“You sure? Perhaps I should look to see if the princess did anything to you.”

With that Cheerilee carefully moved down to Twilight’s ‘nether regions’.

“Find anything?’ asked Twilight with a giggle.

Her answer was a tongue in her marehood.

“That feels so much better,” said Twilight, Cheerilee knew exactly what Twilight was talking about.

There was a knocking at the door, interrupting what was going to be another ‘round’. Cheerilee got out of the bed, a little stiff. Went to the door and opened it.

“Mrs. Sparkle?” asked the nurse.

Cheerilee smiled at the name;

“Yes?”

“Sorry to bother you but we’ve waited as long as we can, we do have to check your wife, change the bandages and give her medicine to her.”

“Of course, go right ahead, I need to get us some breakfast anyway.”

“That’s been arranged.” Said the nurse with a smile, “it’ll be here soon.”

The nurse went in, checked Twilight over, changed a couple gauze bandages and gave her a couple of pills.

A little later another nurse brought in a couple of plates for Twilight and her. It was apparent it was more than normal hospital fare.

“Princess Celestia had this delivered. Don’t tell anypony that we allowed Champagne.”

Twilight and Cheerilee were eating the non-hospital breakfast and drinking the delicious Champagne. They were still giddy about the previous day’s happenings and the night of love despite being in a hospital bed.

There was a knock on the door and it opened. Twilight’s doctor poked her head in and asked if it was okay to come in.

“Yes doctor,” said Cheerilee.

“Oh! Champagne!” Said the doctor, with a sly smile. “I guess with such blatant disregard of hospital rules, I’m just going to have to send Mrs. Sparkle home.”

“Home!” said Twilight and Cheerilee together.

“Yes,” said the doctor, “now that Twilight is awake and doesn’t appear to be in much distress, there isn’t much we can do here now which can’t be done at home and with some physical therapy and follow-up's. It’s clearly apparent she’ll be watched after and with all the ‘exercise’ last night, she should do well at home.

Finish up your breakfast, by the time you’re finished the paperwork should be done.

That way we can give the bed to somepony who actually needs it.”

The doctor turned to go but Twilight called out.

“Before you go doctor.” Said Twilight with sudden trepidation. “Did you get the results of that one test? The one I asked about yesterday?”

Cheerilee just looked confused. But the doctor smiled.

“Sorry I didn’t tell you sooner Mrs. Sparkle. I’m glad to tell you that’s one thing you don’t have to worry about.”

“Thank Celestia,” said Twilight as she let out a large breath of relief. The doctor turned and left.

“What was that about?” asked Cheerilee.

Twilight took her hoof and smiled.

“You don’t have to worry about being married to me but having to raise your brother or sister.”

Cheerilee was shocked, she hadn’t even thought of the possibility. How Twilight was able to act so calm with such a possibility hanging over her head, she didn’t know.

“Don’t think you’re getting out of raising a foal,” said Twilight. “We’ll need to talk about it, but I remember one late snowy night a beautiful mare told me she’d be open to the possibility of adoption.”

Cheerilee kissed Twilight so hard, it almost hurt.

A wheelchair was issued to Twilight, and Princess Celestia’s cart was waiting for them. There was several of the medical staff along with many of Twilight’s friends from the community waiting for her outside. There were cheers and applaud as Twilight was loaded on the cart. Princess Celestia was seated and Twilight and Cheerilee sat with her. She gave a command and the guard pulled them to the library. Ponies lined the way cheering as if it were a victory parade.

At the library there was a large Welcome Home banner was above the door.

The princess told Twilight and Cheerilee she had to return to Canterlot for now, but she’d be checking in on them. Then she kissed Twilight and Cheerilee.

After Twilight levitated herself onto her wheelchair, the princess took off. Everypony waved and they all went into the library.

To her surprise, the library wasn’t decorated for a party. All her friends were there waiting for her.

“Welcome home Twilight,” they all called out.

“No party?” said Twilight laughing.

“No!” said Pinkie, sounding hurt. “Everypony said you needed to rest yet.”

“I appreciate the thought,” said Twilight, it did lighten up Pinkie’s mood. “And I expect a party later.”

“No problem,” said Pinky, throwing a hug around her.

“Ouch!” said Twilight, “still got some healing to do Pinkie.”

“Sorry Twi,” said Pinkie, not sure how she should feel.

“It’s okay,” said Twilight, “I’ve had worse.

A LOT worse.”

Twilight looked around the main library floor. She could almost point where every blow was delivered. Where the horrible violation occurred. All the blood had been cleaned up, but in Twilight’s mind the blood stains were still fresh. Cheerilee saw the look on Twilight’s face, she knew this would have to be dealt with.

“Thank you everypony,” said Cheerilee, “Twilight still needs rest to get better. I’d really like it if we could have today just to get her accustomed to being back home. I promise anypony who wants to visit tomorrow will be welcome.”

Everypony agreed with Cheerilee. They all gave gentle hugs and left Twilight with Cheerilee, Spike and Rain Shadow.

“Well Honey,” said Rain Shadow, “I was invited to spend the night at Sweet Apple Acres. I’ll just get a few things and be on my way.”

“I was going as well,” said Spike.

“Rain Shadow?” said Twilight.

“Yes Twilight,” answered the mare.

With her magic, Twilight moved the wheelchair over to the pink Pegasus.

“Thank you for what you risked in standing up for and warning Cheeri,” said Twilight. “That took guts, and I really do know how much and what you risked. I just want to let you know I love your daughter so very much. I hope now we’re married, you’ll consider me a daughter as well.”

“I know I could’ve done more to protect her in the past. I’m so ashamed of it. But I’m so glad Cheerilee now has a marefriend...

Sorry Twilight, a wife like you to protect her. I thank Celestia I’m now free of past oppression.”

The past flashed through Rain Shadow’s mind. She realized with past terror gone, she now had a future with two very loving ponies. It felt so good.

“Twilight, you gave me my daughter where before I couldn’t have a relationship with her. Her father was proof it’d be better if she was with a mare who loves her rather than being with a stallion just for appearances.

I’d be proud to consider you my daughter. Two daughters are more than I’ve ever dreamed of.”

“Thank you… Mom,” said Twilight.

A look of joy crossed the older mare’s face. A joy she’d not felt for a very, very long time. She wiped a tear away and hugged Twilight lightly. Twilight returned the hug, Cheerilee came over and joined the hug as well.

Rain Shadow had forgotten what love and friendship could feel like.

She started remembering a very special pony from the past.

Later Twilight and Cheerilee sat at the kitchen table. Cheerilee had made a light lunch and tea. In spite of her claim of not being able to cook, it was quite tasty.

It felt like years since they’d sat there talking about the summer, the day it happened. And an eternity since the late evening, sharing daisy sandwiches, chamomile tea and dreams one late fall night.

“When I said I’d move in with if you didn’t wait on me,” said Cheerilee with a smile, “I never realized it’d be me having to wait on you.”

“Nopony is making you,” said Twilight.

“Yes there is,” said Cheerilee with the look of love in her eyes. “It’s my heart that does. With the unconditional love you’ve shown, I’ll never be able to pay you back for what you were willing to sacrifice for me.”

Twilight motioned Cheerilee closer. Cheerilee walked around the table to Twilight. They kissed deeper than they had since the incident. They broke the kiss and Cheerilee was panting.

“Debt paid,” said Twilight.

“Sorry Twi,” said Cheerilee with a tear in her eye, brushing back Twilight’s forelock, “I never want to be free of that debt.”

Twilight pulled Cheerilee gently on her lap. As they kissed, there was a purple glow around them, the next thing Cheerilee knew was they were in their bedroom. This time the teleportation wasn’t as disorienting, perhaps the distance or perhaps having gone through it once.

“What a horny little mare I’m married to!” said Cheerilee snickering and getting off Twilight’s lap to help her to the bed. “If I knew how you really were…”

“You would’ve made love to me that first night,” said Twilight.

“You’ve got that straight,” said Cheerilee, laying Twilight on her back and then straddling Twilight’s head. Cheerilee put her face at Twilight’s marehood while hers hovering at Twilight’s muzzle.

“So are you going to talk?” asked Cheerilee, “or are you going to…”

Cheerilee was interrupted with a tongue deep inside her.

“Good girl,” said Cheerilee as her own tongue dove into Twilight.

The weeks went by fairly normal. Twilight got stronger and was able to help out around the library, cook meals and keep up with all the well wishers, along with other business.

The important event coming up was Rainbow and Big Mac’s wedding. Rainbow was falling all over herself to make sure Twilight could be there as her Best Mare.

Twilight complained to Rainbow it was Rainbow’s wedding, she shouldn’t fuss so much over herself. But Rainbow pointed out Twilight and Cheerilee’s wedding had been sprung on them without warning and she didn’t get to have any of the fun working up to it, so she wanted to share her fun with her best friend. Rainbow, in spite of her past actions, was really a sentimental softy and Twilight did appreciate the thought.

Big Mac, who’d been one of the few close friends Cheerilee had in Ponyville in the past, asked her to be his Best Mare.

It was a week before the wedding and Cheerilee was sitting in the waiting room while Twilight was having the casts removed from her hind legs. Both mares were excited.

Cheerilee was reading an old copy of Scientific Equestria when her eye caught the title of a pamphlet in the literature rack on the wall. Wishing she could levitate like her wife, she got up and retrieved one. Cheerilee looked it over, then reading it again, she thought she’d burst. She’d keep it for now, and let Twilight know what she was thinking after all the excitement was over with Rainbow and Big Mac’s wedding. No need to distract Twilight from all the activity that Rainbow was throwing at her for now.

It wasn’t long before Twilight came out, she was out of the wheelchair, on her own four hooves. She was wobbly and her hind legs looked skinner but she was managing as well as could be expected.

“Okay, Mrs. Sparkle,” said the doctor, “just take it easy at first. No running for at least a couple of weeks. And for Celestia’s sake, no more bar fights!”

All the ponies laughed as Cheerilee came up.

“I’ll keep an eye on her doctor,” said Cheerilee, “but no promises. She can be a real spitfire when she’s had one glass of wine.”

“We’ll talk about that one, Darling” said Twilight, not really annoyed.

“No, we won’t,” said Cheerilee, “but I’ve something we’ll talk about. But we need to get through Rainbow’s wedding first. And I promise, you’ll like it.”

Twilight just looked questioningly at Cheerilee as she leaned on her for support as they walked out the door.

As they arrived at home, there outside the library was Rain Shadow and another Pegasus mare. Cheerilee thought she might recognize the mare but hadn’t seen her for a long time.

Twilight thought to herself she could see a striking resemblance to Rainbow Dash.

Rain Shadow had her saddle bag packed and on her back.

“Girls,” said Rain Shadow, “I don’t think you need my help anymore. Twilight is all but healed and I do have things to clear up back in Baltamare.

Twilight, I want to thank you again for what you did for Cheerilee and me. You probably saved our lives and the lives of some other future victims. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Take care of your wife for me, and we’ll be back from time to time. I promise our next appearance won’t be followed by trauma. Just remember you’ll always have a place in our hearts.”

“We, our, mother?” asked Cheerilee.

“I’m so sorry,” said Rain Shadow, embarrassed, “everypony, this is Wind Walker, a very old and close friend from before I was married, you’ll see more of her.”

Cheerilee looked confused, Twilight started to snicker. She’d figured it out.

“Cheerilee,” said the mother, “when I told you I had no problem with your lifestyle from the beginning. Let me just put it this way.

You come by it honestly.”

Cheerilee thought a moment, then the thought hit, her face reflected it.

“You’re a mare-lover mother ?” asked Cheerilee.

“Wind Walker and I’ve loved each other from the time we were in school. My parents made me marry your father to hide their perceived shame.

And you see what became of that.

That’s why I finally stood up to him (everypony swore never to give voice to the fiend’s name ever again). When I heard what he was planning, I couldn’t let the same thing happen to you that happened to me, my lovely daughter.

When he accused me of infidelity when you were born an Earth Pony, it was partially true. And I’m somewhat ashamed, but it wasn’t with a stallion. Windie and I had seen each other secretly from time to time, but not for a while now.

There’s only one good thing to come out of the marriage, one which made it worth everything I went through.

And that’s you my sweet daughter, and you too Twilight. I couldn’t be prouder of each of you.”

Rain Shadow and Wind Walker gave the younger mares a hug. Just before leaving, Wind Walker spoke up for the first time;

“Girls, don’t repeat our mistake. Be true to yourselves, don’t try to please anypony else. Just each other.”

The two mares shared a kiss, perhaps for the first time in their lives in public, then they flew off.

Cheerilee and Twilight just looked at each other and laughed, kissed then went inside.

CHAPTER TEN: Wedding Bells For Rainbow

Everypony, especially Twilight and Cheerilee’s five closest friends we ecstatic to see Twilight on her hooves again. In spite of her weakness, Twilight didn’t want ponies to ‘baby’ her (too much). She was happier to be able to just walk around or up and down stairs more that any other pony.

Rainbow kept kidding Twilight she’d timed her cast removal to make a dramatic appearance in Rainbow’s wedding. But Rainbow was almost as happy to see Twilight up and around as Cheerilee.

It was a whirlwind measuring and fitting session at Rarity’s to get Twilight fitted for a Best Mare’s dress. Rainbow kept trying to put input into the design. Twilight and Rarity kept telling Rainbow the dress shouldn’t outshine the bride’s dress.

Rarity also threatened to run Rainbow’s lips through the sewing machine if she even thought the words; it needs to be about 20% cooler.

Rainbow was just so happy to have Twilight up and around.

Pinkie threw a bachelorette party for Rainbow. It was surprising how Pinkie could mix silly and innocent with silly and naughty. Plus her good friend Bon-Bon, Ponyville’s master confectioner, made naughty chocolates that brought a smile to almost everypony.

But it would’ve been too much for Twilight, the reminder of her recent violent and traumatic violation, but luckily Pinkie had foreseen this and had Bon-Bon make chocolates more suited to the predilections of Cheerilee and Twilight, as well as Rarity and Applejack.

Bon-Bon made a surplus of these, which she made more bits by providing them to Big Mac’s bachelor party.

Pinkie had arranged for some hot dancing stallions, the Chippenclydesdales, to come in and ‘strut their stuff’ for the party. She’d forgotten(?) to warn them about Twilight, Cheerilee, Rarity and Applejack.

As the stallions made their rounds, their egos were almost shattered when they were totally ignored by four attractive mares who just talked among themselves in spite of their best efforts in front of their table. The other mares present started to giggle at the reaction from the stallions. Twilight said something in a low voice to Rarity and the four mares started kissing as a sign this table wouldn’t appreciate the stallion’s act. They did move on to other tables in the room who responded more to what they were accustom to. But occasionally they’d glance back at the table they’d failed at.

Rainbow kidded her four friends, with their tastes in ‘private parts’ they perhaps should have attended Big Mac’s bachelor party instead.

But she would’ve been hurt if they had.

At the wedding rehearsal, there was a chair provided for Twilight. She thanked everypony and promised that she’d be okay the next day for the service.

Mayor Mare was presiding, she’d been a long time friend of Applejack, Big Mackintosh and Apple Bloom’s parents.

Rainbow Dash had Twilight for her Best Mare, the Bride’s Maids were Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy.

Big Mac had his long time friend Cheerilee as his Best Mare. His Groom’s Ponies were his cousins Braeburn, Carmel and the twins Red and Golden Delicious.

The wedding was held outside the barn, the inside had been fixed up for the reception. There was a pavilion at the back for the Bride and her maids. Cheerilee kept going between the bride’s party and the groom’s. She was making sure that Twilight wasn’t over doing it. Twilight and the friends had never seen Rainbow so nervous.

“Are you ready to do this?” asked Twilight, She was to give the signal when the bride was ready.

“Yes Twi, thank you so much. I’m glad to have all my friends with me today. I bet none of you ever thought you’d see Rainbow Dash settle down with a husband and raise a family.”

“A family?” asked Rarity. “Are you trying to tell us something?”

“No, not yet Rare,” said Rainbow with a laugh, “we’re going to take our time and let it happen when it happens.

I never ever thought I’d feel so much for a pony. He’s totally changed my life. Thank you all for what you’ve done for me in the past.”

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath.

“Well, let’s get this going.”

The six friends joined in a group hug. They started to line up when Pinkie said loudly;

“Stop! I’m never going to get this chance again!”

She grabbed Rainbow around the neck and kissed her rather passionately.

Pinkie broke the kiss, Rainbow just stood there stunned, but Pinkie said;

“Okay, I’m done!”

They all got in their line giggling.

Twilight looked forward, there stood the Groom, the Best Mare and the Groom’s Ponies. Cheerilee saw her, Twilight blew a kiss (the pre-arranged signal). Cheerilee motioned to the little country band who did a rather moving processional for the Best Mare and the Bride’s Maids. When Fluttershy was in place, they broke into a spirited Bridal March.

Rainbow Dash came up the aisle. All eyes were on her, but her eyes were fixed on Big Mac. Twilight couldn’t think of anytime she’d seen her friend so happy or for that matter, so beautiful.

The wedding was going as normal, the bride and groom exchanged vows, there were chuckles when Big Mac said ‘I do’ and not ‘Eeyup’!

Mayor Mare then said;

“The rings please.”

Twilight gave the ring to Rainbow that she’d been entrusted with, as Cheerilee gave Big Mac the ring he had entrusted to her.

“Rings are a symbol of the love and the promise of marriage. They have no beginning or end. And so the rings are given as a sign and a pledge of your love for all time.” said the Mayor.

“Big Macintosh, place the ring on Rainbow Dash and repeat, ‘With this ring, I thee wed’.”

“With this wed, I thee ring. Oh! I mean, with this ring, I thee wed,” said Big Mac placing the ring on the fingerlike structure on the end of Rainbow’s left wing. Blushing at his nerves.

Rainbow chuckled.

“Rainbow Dash, place the ring on Big Macintosh and repeat, ‘With this ring, I thee wed’.”

“With this ring, I thee wed,” said Rainbow as she placed the ring on his left fore hoof.

Then the Mayor got a funny look on her face and called out;

“Listen everypony, I’m sorry to stop right here, but there’s been a travesty that’s happened in Ponyville just recently. Two mares were married, this wedding was sprung on everypony without warning or allowing anypony to have any say.

It wasn’t even done properly.”

Mumbles from those gathered.

“As mayor, I’ve decided that I can’t sit silent. So I’ve enlisted the Apple Family to help me do something about it.

Cheerilee and Twilight looked at each other nervous.

“The two in question are here before us, Twilight and Cheerilee Sparkle. The two of you come up front here.

I’m sorry, but I can’t standby and not take appropriate action.

And so...”

Twilight and Cheerilee were about to cry.

“The rings please,” said the Mayor smiling.

Big Mac produced a ruby Unicorn ring and gave it to Cheerilee for Twilight and Rainbow produced a sapphire Earth Pony ring for Twilight to give to Cheerilee.

The Mayor repeats;

“Rings are a symbol of the love and the promise of marriage. They have no beginning or end. And so the rings are given as a sign and a pledge of your love for all time” said the Mayor.

“Cheerilee, place the ring on Twilight and repeat, ‘With this ring, I thee wed’.”

“With this ring, I thee wed,” said Cheerilee placing the ring on Twilight’s horn.

“Twilight, place the ring on Cheerilee and repeat, ‘With this ring, I thee wed’.”

“With this ring, I thee wed,” said Twilight as she placed the ring on her left fore hoof.

“Now kiss and let’s get back to the other wedding,” said the Mayor with a wink.

All cheered as Twilight and Cheerilee kiss, then hugged Big Mac and Rainbow Dash. Then they returned to the Best Mare position.

And so, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you stallion and mare.

Big Mac, you may now kiss your bride.”

Rainbow launched herself at Big Mac and kissed him with all her heart.

“May I be the first to introduce, Mr. Big Mackintosh and Mrs. Rainbow Apple,” said the Mayor as everypony cheered.

The reception was the kind of party the Apples were famous for. Good food, music, dancing and a lot of fun.

The couple sat at a table as all filed by and gave their congratulations. After the cake and the first dance came the wedding presents. There were all kinds, as to be expected But after the last one, Rainbow said she had a special gift for her new husband, and for the community as well.

“I want to read two letters, I received the first one this week and the second I sent right away. I did make a copy for me to read here.” said Rainbow as the crowd quieted down. “I’ll be my normal self and read the second one first:

Ma’am,

I thank you for your kind offer and the honor it represents.

But I have to decline because I’ve decided I have an even brighter future with a husband, a home and the promise of a family.

Again, thank you and know I’m completely honored!

Yours,

Rainbow Dash

Now the first one I wrote the response you just heard.

To: Ms Rainbow Dash

Greetings,

Because of your record of heroism as a wielder of one of the Elements of Harmony, your actions at the Best Young Flyer’s Competition saving the lives of four ponies at once and your outstanding performance at the Training Academy, it is my pleasure to extend to you an invitation to join the Wonderbolts.

Please reply A.S.A.P. or report to the Academy within the week.

Looking forward to flying with you,

Spitfire

Captain, Wonderbolts”

There was silence.

Everypony understood the significance of what Rainbow had just read.

Then there were cheers from the crowd, tears in the eyes of her friends and a large hug and kiss from her husband.

“You did that for me?” asked Big Mac.

“Eeyup,” replied Rainbow giving Big Mac another quick kiss.

The rest of the wedding went off without a hitch (no wedding pun intended). The bouquet toss started a small riot, and of all ponies, Scootaloo caught it. Finally her skill at being able to hover for a moment helped.

The plans for the Honeymoon were withheld from Rainbow, Big Mac asked her to trust him. She did that without question.

There was a taxi waiting for the couple to ride off in. They sat there waiting, as Twilight made her way through the crowd to the couple. She levitated an envelope to Rainbow Apple.

“Here’s what I promised Big Mac. Cheerilee and my gift to the two of you.

Round trip first class tickets to Canterlot, and a letter from the princesses to authorize you to stay in one of the best suites in Canterlot Castle for five days and four nights.

Complete with all food and drink from the castle kitchens and wine cellar. And castle staff at your service twenty-four hours a day. Plus an invitation to a state dinner with Princesses Celestia and Luna.”

Rainbow looked stunned.

Rarity walked up and levitated a package to Rainbow:

“You can’t attend such a dinner in just anything. From Applejack and myself, here are new outfits for both of you to help you make a good impression,” said Rarity.

“Thank you,” said Big Mac, “You’re really the best friends a pony could ask for.”

“I don’t know what to say,” said Rainbow.

“Just have fun and start practicing for that family,” said Twilight with a wink. “But make sure they change the sheets, Cheeri and I’ll be staying in that suite when we’re at the castle.”

All the ponies laughed and Big Mac gave the pony the signal and they rode off to the train station.

It was about a month after the wedding, life in Ponyville went to normal. Rainbow had resigned as head of the Ponyville Weather Team, she was now just a simple farm pony and house wife. She left the weather in the capable hoofs of her assistant, Rainbowshine.

Cheerilee was getting prepared for the start of school. As she was going through her papers she found the pamphlet she’d picked up at the hospital while waiting as Twilight’s had her cast removed.

“I think it’s time” said Cheerilee aloud to herself.

“Time for what Darling?” said Twilight, who just walked into the room.

“Twi,” said Cheerilee smiling, “we need to talk. I know we talked about the possibility of adoption. But I think I’ve changed my mind.”

“Why so?” asked Twilight, sounding disappointed.

“Cheer up Sweetie,” said Cheerilee, “I’ve a better solution.”

Cheerilee pushed the pamphlet in Twilight’s direction and Twilight levitated it.

Twilight looked it over, she then looked questioningly at her wife.

“Who?” asked Twilight.

“I had a dream not long after we started going together,” said Cheerilee, “and don’t think me silly. But I’ve found a lot of dreams, the ones I can remember, have some validity. In the dream, there were two foals. Yours and mine, I didn’t understand how they could’ve been ‘ours’ but this makes sense now.”

“Both of us having a foal?” asked Twilight.

“Yes!” said Cheerilee very happy.

Twilight stood there and thought about it. She looked over the pamphlet again. Then she looked back. A smile spread across her face.

“You and me, mothers, together!” said Twilight, “that’s a wonderful idea! But who’d the fathers be?”

“According to the pamphlet, you can choose from anonymous donors or you can use volunteers.”

“I’ve found that you never do anything without thinking it out first, so spill it,” said Twilight.

CHAPTER ELEVEN: A.I. or I.V.F.

Twilight and Cheerilee’s guests had a wonderful dinner. There were Shining Armor, Cadence, Applejack and Rarity. They’d moved into the main part of the library where the hostesses has set the sofas and chairs in a circle with a coffee table in the middle. On the table were wine glasses and some of Celestia’s best wine.

Everypony was suspicious of being buttered up for something.

“Okay Twily,” said Shining , “you said it was important. And I don’t think that the dinner, as good as it was, was what you were talking about.”

“You’re right,” said Twilight, “Cheeri and I need to ask a huge favor of all of you.”

“How big of a favor?” asked Cadence.

“We want help having foals,” said Cheerilee.

The silence was deafening.

“I’m ‘fraid to ask,” said Applejack, “but what help are you needin’?”

“It’s like this,” started Twilight, “there’re two procedures. The first is tried before the second, which can be more invasive for us.

They’re called Artificial Insemination and In Vitro Fertilization, or AI and IVF.

We could do this and use anonymous sperm donors, which gives us very little knowledge or control of what the foal could be. Or we can use volunteer donors.”

“Twilight and I talked, and please know that anything said here will stay here.” Said Cheerilee, “we thought long and hard about what ponies would be a good choice.

Shining Armor, you were my first choice. I know you and Cadence have decided to wait for children. And I want to have Twilight’s foal, but that’s impossible. So we thought we’d ask you. You’re a Sparkle and as close as we could come to being a substitute for Twilight. That is, if Cadence doesn’t mind us having your foal first.”

“So incase you ain’t noticed, Rarity and I are in the same predicament as you. Ain’t got the equipment.”

“We know that,” said Twilight and the others chuckling as well, “but as we talked, Cheeri and I came to the conclusion the father for my foal should be an Earth Pony, like her. And the best Earth Ponies I know are the Apple Family. I would’ve asked Big Mac, but it’s too soon after his and Rainbow’s wedding. And it’d be unfair to have his foal before Rainbow. Shining and Cadence are family and have decided to wait on foals. But even though Rainbow and Big Mac are close friends, this is different. So we wanted to know if you’d have a suggestion of which of the Apple’s might want to help.”

“Twi and I will leave the room and let you talk,” said Cheerilee, “if you feel the need to say no, please do so. Know we’ll not be hurt or upset at you. We know this is a lot to ask of you, even if you’re family and close friends.”

Twilight and Cheerilee got up and went up the stairs. Cheerilee saw that Twilight was quite nervous.

“It’ll be okay Sweetheart,” said Cheerilee nuzzling Twilight. “If they don’t want to help, well there’re plenty of other ponies out there.”

“I know Darling,” said Twilight. “It’s just I’m getting so excited about this and I don’t want anything to go wrong.”

After several minutes there was a voice calling up the stair;

“Twily, Cheeri,” called Shining, “will you come down here.”

The two mares kissed for luck and went back down.

Cheerilee and Twilight sat back down and held hooves.

“We’ve some questions,” said Shining, “what, if any, would be our responsibilities after the foal is born? Would this be a secret, would there be any legal issues?”

“What my husband is saying is, will we be able to see the foal, will it know it’s true father, and would you expect any support?

I want you to know I’m all for it. That way I can see what to expect before I get myself ‘knocked-up’ by the big lug!” Said Cadence giving Shining Armor a playful nudge.

“We’ve looked into all of this and a contract was suggested,” said Twilight, “everything would be spelled out. Unless the biological father requests it, the foal will know who the father is. There would be reasonable visitation allowed and encouraged. The cost of the procedure and the cost of bring up the children would be ours alone. As for my foal, the foal will be a Sparkle, not Apple. There’s one proviso, should both of us die, we’d like the fathers or their family to step in and finish raising the foal or foals.

“Cheeri, Twily, we’d be happy to help,” said Shining. “Just be careful, the first time Cadence or mom holds either foal, you might not get it back.”

All the ponies laughed.

“Twilight Darling,” said Rarity, “Applejack and I agree Big Mac would be perfect, but too soon. But there’s a cousin we think would be a good choice. And we’re pretty sure he’d agree.”

“Y’all know Hayseed Turnip Truck right?” said Applejack, trying not to laugh.

All the gathered ponies looked at AJ shocked.

“Ouch!” exclaimed Applejack.

“Darling, this is serious,” said Rarity, who’d just delivered a respectable love tap. “Forgive what my partner claims is a sense of humor.

You remember Braeburn Apple, don’t you?”

“I know Braeburn, he’d be a perfect choice, if he agrees. Should I approach him or would you?” asked Twilight.

“I’ll talk to him and his marefriend,” said Applejack, still rubbing her shoulder where Rarity had whacked her.

“Good,” said Twilight. “We have pamphlets explaining the procedures, about the collection process and what to do or not do before the collection process. Applejack please give one to Braeburn if he agrees. Then let us know what he says so we can make an appointment.”

Braeburn was happy to help, he remembered Twilight from when they helped the Appleloosens and the Buffalo settle their differences. He considered it’d be an honor to give a child to so important of a pony. His marefriend was more than happy to help with the collection process.

Basically either stallion would collect the sample by ‘manual manipulation’, or with a natural collection process with use of a special condom without lubricant or spermicide.

Meanwhile, Cheerilee and Twilight had to take medications to make them more fertile. As it happened, both mares’ cycles were almost exactly the same, within days. So they were able to go through the procedure at the same time.

It was a couple of weeks until the procedure. Both Cheerilee and Twilight thought they’d burst. It was most of their talk when they were together and on their minds when they were apart.

The weeks passed and Twilight and Cheerilee did survive the anticipation.

On the day of the procedure, Braeburn and his marefriend, Cactus Flower, and Shining and Cadence were taken back to private rooms for the collection process. When they were finished, they came out and wished the couple luck. They departed to let Twilight and Cheerilee to go through the procedure.

“Twilight and Cheerilee Sparkle?” said a voice.

“Yes,” replied both mares.

“Are you ready?”

“Yes!”

“Follow me, I’ll be your doctor for this procedure. Just a quick question, are you wanting to do this in private or with each other?”

“My wife and I’d like to do this together.” Said Twilight.

“Wife?” said the doctor, “I’m sorry, I assumed you to be sisters or sister-in-laws. But that’ll be no problem. We have a room ready.”

There was a clean clinical room with a procedure bed in the middle. The doctor explained the procedure how the sample would be delivered and it wouldn’t take long.

“We have some concerns,” said Twilight, “first, we need to be assured that I get the correct donation. My wife’s is from my brother and it’d be awkward in the future to explain how I had my brother’s foal. I love my brother, but the thought is creepy.”

“I can understand that,” chuckled the doctor.

“Second, can we have this done at the same time.

And third, can we apply the donation so it’s we who impregnates the other.”

“We’d have it no other way.” Said the doctor with a smile.

A second bed was brought in and placed in the opposite direction. Twilight and Cheerilee were instructed to get on the bed and put their hind legs in the stirrups. Then there were moved so that their hips were across from each other, then the doctor took the loaded the delivery devices after checking with Twilight to make sure they were using the correct samples.

The doctor inserted a tube into their marehoods, they could feel them manipulating the tube to go through the cervix. When both were in place, the doctor handed the end with the syringe, which would blow the sample into their wombs to the other mare.

“Whenever you’re ready,” said the doctor, “I’ll be right outside the door.”

The doctor left the room, Twilight and Cheerilee looked into each other’s eyes.

“Now’s the time to back out, if you’re not sure.” Said Cheerilee.

“I want this more than almost anything,” said Twilight. “Let’s do it at the same time. On three?”

“No Darling,” said Cheerilee with a smile, “on ‘I love you’.”

Twilight smiled.

“Ready?” asked Twilight

“Ready,” said Cheerilee.

“I - Love – You,” they said together.

They pushed in the plunger. It was almost anti-climatic, they really didn’t feel anything.

But they could see in each other’s eyes an excitement of promise.

“Doctor,” called Cheerilee.

The doctor came in the room.

“All done?” asked the doctor, the two mares nodded.

“Good,” said the doctor, “I’ll remove the equipment and I’d like to have you two just lay there for an hour, to make it easier on the sperm.”

The doctor removed the tubes and then pushed Twilight’s bed around to be side by side with Cheerilee, then he left.

“It’s done My Love,” said Cheerilee

“I hope, we won’t know for a few weeks.” Said Twilight.

“Let’s have faith,” said Cheerilee.

“In your dream, do you remember what the foals were?” asked Twilight.

“They were two fillies,” said Cheerilee, “I don’t think I remember if they were Earth, Unicorn or Pegasus Ponies.”

“That’s right,” said Twilight, “your parents are Pegasi.”

“Do you think it’ll hurt the ‘samples’ if we were to kiss?” asked Cheerilee.

“I think we can risk it,” said Twilight.

They kissed and just lay there holding hooves. They talked about what they were going to have to do to the library to make up a nursery.

The doctor came back in and told them it was okay to do normal things. They didn’t have to be too worried yet. He did tell them however, if everything went well, it was a good bet they were now pregnant.

Twilight and Cheerilee both got a shiver of thrill at the word.

The following weeks went by too slow. Cheerilee had school to distract her most of the time and Twilight tried to bury herself in her work. But at night they lay in bed just talking about foals.

One morning about six weeks after the procedure, Twilight had gotten up early to make breakfast. It was a light breakfast because she and Cheerilee weren’t too hungry in the mornings lately.

Cheerilee was finishing up in the bathroom brushing her teeth and was going back into the bed room when her stomach told her to turn around. She made a beeline to the toilet and heaved her guts.

Twilight heard a noise and called up to her love to see what’s wrong. She heard Cheerilee throwing up, the sound set off something. Twilight never had a queasy stomach and even took the time when both the cake’s foals spit up in her face without incident.

But this set off something, Twilight ran to the downstairs bathroom and found herself throwing up as well.

The realization hit both mares about the same time. As soon as their stomach would allow they sought out the other.

“Did you just get sick?” asked Cheerilee.

“Yes, I heard you too!” said Twilight.

“I’ll go get Blueberry to substitute for me today and meet you at the doctor’s office.”

Cheerilee took off to find the substitute while Twilight got Spike up and told him to gather their friends and to wait at the library.

The two mares had given urine samples and now they sat in the doctor’s waiting room. They were holding hooves, afraid to say anything about their suspicions. Twilight and Cheerilee were too intelligent to be superstitious, but on something this important, they didn’t want to jinx it.

A nurse stuck her head out of a door.

“Mrs. Sparkle?”

“Yes,” both mares answered.

The nurse looked at the paperwork, lifted a page and saw another name.

“Okay, both of you come back, the doctor will see you now.”

Cheerilee and Twilight sat on the exam bed, hind legs dangling over the side, they were holding hooves and could feel the other tremble.

The doctor came in and looked at the two and smiled.

“So how are you two this morning?” she asked.

“That depends on what you have to say,” said Cheerilee.

“I can understand that,” said the Doctor with a chuckle, “so I’ll just cut to the chase.

Cheerilee Sparkle, congratulations, you’re with foal!”

Cheerilee and Twilight gave a squeal of glee and grabbed each other and hugged.

“However, I’m sorry to tell you, but the test was negative for you Storm Cloud.”

Twilight’s heart dropped but then it hit her.

“Wait a minute. My name’s Twilight Sparkle.”

“Oh! In that case, congratulations Twilight Sparkle, you’re with foal as well.

I love pulling that joke,” said the doctor.

Cheerilee and Twilight walked to the door, Cheerilee said to Twilight;

“Let the doctor down gently Honey, I’m sure she has better things to do than be stuck to the ceiling all day.”

Cheerilee and Twilight walked home in shock. The two entered the library.

All their friends looked as nervous as they’d been.

Every eye was on them.

“Well?” asked Rainbow Apple.

“WE’RE PREGNANT!” they shouted together.

There were cheers and hugs all around along with Rainbow kidding they had to upstage her, but they reminded her they got married before her.

CHAPTER ONE: Return To The Library

Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle walked away from the classroom window giggling.

“Ewww!” said Scootaloo.

“I don’t know,” said Sweetie Belle, “I think it’s kind of sweet.”

“What’re you three laughing about?” asked Diamond Tiara.

“Another scheme to get rid of your blank flanks?” said Silver Spoon.

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon laughed as if something incredibly witty had been said.

“Go bother somepony that cares,” said Scootaloo.

“No Scoot, I think we need to call a truce on this ‘n’,” said Apple Bloom.

“And why’s that?” asked Diamond, unsure of this turn. Never had any of the Cutie Mark Crusaders ever suggested such a thing.

“Look in the window.” Said Scootaloo.

“This better not be a trick,” said Diamond suspiciously.

“No trick Diamond,” said Sweetie Belle.

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, walked to the window, looked in and after a few moments returned to the CMC.

They just looked at each other for a minute and then they started to laugh.

“Wow,” remarked Twilight, breaking the kiss, “it just gets better.”

Cheerilee giggled and scooted off her desk.

“I wish we could take up where we left off this morning,” said the teacher, nuzzling Twilight and giving another small kiss, “but I’m sure the students have seen us, but like you said, I don’t care. But I’ve the rest of the school day to finish. Can we meet back at the library? I promise not to run out on you this time, it’s Friday after all.”

Both ponies giggled again.

“I’ll be waiting on you. I’ll have dinner ready, if my cooking doesn’t run you off. I guess I need to have a talk with Spike.”

“I’ll see you there,” said Cheerilee.

They exchanged another small kiss and Twilight walk to the door. Cheerilee, for the first time really looked at Twilight’s flanks. She was imagining the treasure hidden behind Twilight’s tail. It was making her tingle ‘down below’. Before Twilight went through the door she stopped. Cheerilee then noticed that Twilight had been looking over her shoulder at her.

“Like what you see?” asked Twilight, twitching her tail for a better view.

“We can talk about that later.” Said Cheerilee with a smile.

“You bet we will,” said Twilight with an equal smile.

Twilight walked on, Cheerilee decided it was time to call the kids back in and finish the day. She was sure she’d have no problem with staying on task now.

As Twilight was leaving the school yard she saw the Cutie Mark Crusaders along with their frenemies, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon nearby, looking at her, whispering and giggling.

‘I’d better talk to AJ and Rarity at least, before their sisters exaggerate,’ thought Twilight.

Then it struck her, if this was anything else personal, she’d have trouble talking to her friends about it. But this was liberating. She couldn’t wait to tell them! She heard Cheerilee ringing the bell for the students to come in.

As Twilight walked the road back to town, she could swear that her hooves weren’t in contact with the ground. There was a rose colored Earth Pony taking control of all her thoughts. She’d never felt like this before. There was a word that kept coming to mind, a word she never thought she’d feel. She didn’t want to give voice to it as of yet, it had to be too soon to think she could be like this. After all, that’s what she’d read.

As Twilight came into town, Rainbow Dash was flying over. She banked sharply and flew down to Twilight.

“Twi!” said Rainbow, “what’s up?”

“What do you mean?” asked Twilight.

“I could see your smile from two hundred feet up,” said Rainbow with a smile, “you win the Equestria Lottery?”

“Even better,” said Twilight, “could you do me a favor? Could you find our friends, and if they’re not busy, have them meet me at Sugarcube Corner?”

“Sure thing Twi,” said the blue Pegasus as she took to the sky.

It was about a half hour later when the six friends were sitting at a table. Twilight was so giddy she could barely sit still.

“Okay Sugar Cube,” said AJ. “We’re all here like you asked, so wha’s up? ‘You look happier than a pig in mud’.”

“Yes Darling,” said Rarity, “I was almost blinded by your smile when I came in.”

“Did the newest Daring Do book arrive?” asked Rainbow Dash.

The other ponies just looked at Rainbow, she slouched down just a bit and blushed.

Twilight took a deep breath.

“Everypony, I’ve found the pony of my dreams,” she said. “I’m really sure this is the one.”

Five ponies sat open mouthed.

“That’s great news,” said Rainbow, “it’s Davenport, the stallion at the Quill and Sofa Shop, isn’t it?”

“I bet it’s that brainy stallion, Dr. Time-Turner Hooves,” said Pinkie Pie.

“Is it that very talented artist, Claude Ponet,” asked Fluttershy.

“It’s not that dork Gizmo. Please say it isn’t,” pleaded Rarity.

“It ain’t my brother is it?” asked Applejack. Rainbow gave an odd sideward glance.

“Not even close girls,” said Twilight, “it’s Cheerilee!”

The five friends sat silent. They looked back and forth between themselves.

Twilight’s heart started to sink. Had she misjudged her friends, had she just alienated herself from them?

All of the sudden, smiles grew on their faces. Her friends got up and rushed to hug her.

“That’s great,” said Fluttershy, “she’s such a nice pony.”

“I bet there’s a story to tell,” said Rarity, giving voice to her curiosity. Everypony knew that Rarity loved details, the juicier the better.

The girls all sat back down; Twilight related the events of the previous evening, the glorious morning, the misunderstanding and the confirmation of their feelings at the school. She also related Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle would probably have something to report.

After letting it sink in, Twilight continued.

“So you’re all okay with me liking a mare?”

“Darling,” started Rarity, “there’s nothing wrong with the two of you dating. It’s only important how the two of you feel. And I can tell that it’s making you happy, more happy than we’ve ever seen you.”

“Twi,” said Rainbow, “times are different, anypony who’d say anything about you being with a mare, well, they have their head so far up their flanks, they’ll be bumping into everything.”

“Twilight,” said Fluttershy, “you told me once there are about nine or ten mares for every one stallion in Equestria. Ancient equines had entire herds of mares as a harem. But now, even if every stallion had two mares, there’d still be thousands of lonely mares.

I think if two mares weren’t allowed to find companionship or more with each other, then that’d be wrong.”

It was Fluttershy’s turn to have everypony look at her with blank expressions. They’d never heard Fluttershy talk like this.

“Soooooo,” said Pinkie, with a deceptively innocent smile, “is she a good kisser?”

“Wait, what?” said Twilight blushing. “I…”

“No need to answer,” said Pinkie, then in her singsong voice:

“♪ I-can-see-that-she-is! ♪”

“Do you love her, Darling?” asked Rarity.

Twilight went blank. She’d just fought with this concept before running into Rainbow Dash. She’d tried not to consider exactly what her feelings were other than wanting to just be with Cheerilee.

“I... I don’t know, we just started sharing our feelings last night,” said Twilight, “isn’t it too early to say?”

“That’s up to you,” said Rarity, “but just ask yourself; how would you feel if you could never be with her or even see Cheerilee again.

I think you’ll find your answer.”

The friends all congratulated Twilight and hugged her before going back to their business. Twilight sat for a good hour and four cups of tea, just considering what Rarity had said.

After the way she felt when she thought Cheeri had run out on her. There must be something, or at least the start of something. Something she’d never felt for anypony before.

The realization of this made Twilight smile so much it hurt, but she didn’t care.

Twilight then went straight home. She had to get dinner together, she also had to talk to Spike and she had one more task to do.

“Okay Twi,” said Spike, “it must be important or very bad for you to ask me to sit down for a talk.”

“Oh Spike,” said Twilight with a smile, “it isn’t bad, but it’s important.

Ever since I hatched you, you’ve slept in my room. I’ve a bit of news which will have to change that arrangement.”

Spike looked confused;

“Am I snoring that bad?”

“No silly,” said Twilight with a giggle, “I have a new marefriend, and she’ll be staying the night with me. How often is to be determined. I thought it might be less embarrassing to all involved.”

“Do I have to sleep in the library?”

“No Spike,” said Twilight with a smile, “we’ll turn one of the store rooms into your own room. It’ll be yours alone. One has a nice window in it and we can get you a real bed if you want, you can even put pictures of Rarity all over the walls if you wish.”

The two laughed at that.

Then it hit him;

“Wait! Did you say marefriend? As in a girl? How’s that even work?” asked Spike scratching his head with his claw.

“Yes Spike, do you know of any other kind of mare?” said Twilight, “and it works very well, thank you. Do you have a problem with mares?”

“I guess not, I just never thought of you with a mare. Actually I’ve never thought of you with a stallion for that matter,” said the dragon.

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” said Twilight, a bit hurt.

“No Twi, I didn’t mean it that way.” Said Spike, “it’s just you’ve never made any time for such things. Who is she?”

“It’s Cheerilee,” said Twilight happily.

“The teacher?” asked Spike with a laugh, “Wow! She’s a looker and smart. I think you’ve hit the jackpot.

Are you sure there’ll be enough room in the library for two brains that big?”

“Oh Spike,” said Twilight laughing.

Twilight busied herself in cooking the best dinner she could manage, it was an eggplant parmesan and a green salad. Twilight then went about gathering the good plates she kept for special occasions. And because of the special occasion, Twilight put a small dish of gems by Spike’s plate.

Then after a little bit of thought, she wrote a note and left it under the plate she had set for Cheerilee.

Then she and Spike busied themselves cleaning up the library. They were putting the cleaning supplies away when they heard the bell at the door.

“She’s here!” said Twilight jogging in place. Spike couldn’t remember ever seeing Twilight this excited. It truly made him happy for the pony that was like a sister/mother/best friend.

“Cheeri!” said Twilight joyfully trotting into the main library.

“Twi!” said Cheerilee just as excited.

They rushed together, put a foreleg around each other’s neck and gave a warm kiss.

“I guess you weren’t kidding,” said a voice.

They both turned and saw Spike standing there smiling.

“Hello Spike,” said Cheerilee, “I guess you’ve heard the news.”

“I have and I’m so glad for the two of you.”

“Thank you, Spike,” said Cheerilee, “I hope it wasn’t too big of a shock. It kind of was for us at first.”

The three got a laugh out of that.

“Well,” said Spike, “I have to finish up my chores before dinner. I’ll just have to leave you two alone.”

Cheerilee and Twilight giggled at the obvious ‘leaving them alone’.

“How was the rest of your day, Cheeri?” asked Twilight. “Any issues with the kids?”

“Most of the fillies wouldn’t stop giggling, but other than that it was so much better than before you came to see me.”

“I’m glad to hear it. I hope you don’t mind, but after seeing the girls giggling at me, I thought it’d be best to let my friends in on the news. That way there’d be nothing blown out of proportion,” said Twilight. “Didn’t want parents contacting the school asking why the teacher was ‘getting it on’ with the kids watching. I guess you could’ve told them it was a practical demonstration concerning the biology lecture.”

The two giggled.

Cheerilee kissed Twilight again;

“I’d be disappointed if you were hiding it.” Said Cheerilee, nuzzling Twilight, “especially after what you said at the school.”

Cheerilee and Twilight walked into the living quarters of the downstairs, their sides and flanks touching. Cheerilee could smell the dinner finishing up.

“Oh my,” said the teacher, “it smells great! I’m doubly glad of my choice of marefriend. Whenever I get to cook, I usually burn the salad.”

The two laughed at that.

“Can I go freshen up, I brought some personal items in my bag.”

“Cheeri,” said Twilight, “you’re welcome to use my rooms. You don’t need any permission to do so. My home is your home. I’ll be hurt if you didn’t treat it that way.”

They kissed and Cheerilee went up the stairs from the kitchen to Twilight’s upper rooms.

Twilight put the food on the table, poured some wine for Cheerilee and herself, and water for Spike. She’d never before caught herself humming as she worked, but now she was. Twilight didn’t even recognize the tune, but her heart was telling her it was the right thing to do.

She called out for everypony to come and eat.

Spike and Twilight sat at the table, Cheerilee came down the stairs and joined them. Twilight noticed Cheerilee had fixed up her mane and put on a little bit of makeup. Twilight could also smell a light amount of perfume. Cheerilee gave Twilight a look that made her weak all over.

“Wow!” said Spike.

“You look and smell beautiful!” said Twilight, reaching out her hoof and placing it on Cheerilee’s.

Cheerilee leaned over and kissed Twilight.

“Thank you,” she said, “you don’t know how much that means to me.”

They ate the delicious meal that Twilight had prepared, Spike was thrilled because Cheerilee paid attention to him as well. He’d been a little afraid he’d be ignored.

“That was delicious,” said Cheerilee. “I’ve not had a home cooked meal like that in a long time. So much better than at the boarding house.”

“I’m so glad to hear it, Cheeri,” said Twilight blushing at the praise.

“See,” said Cheerilee snickering, “I knew you did more than write poems.”

“You didn’t tell her about that, did you Twi?” asked Spike.

“Yes she did,” said Cheerilee, “and I think they’re cute.”

“I’m glad you feel that way,” said Twilight, starting to blush again. “Because I wrote one for this occasion.”

“Let’s hear it,” said Cheerilee, “but I might just grade it this time.”

“It’s okay Spike, it’s safe,” said Twilight, then turning to Cheerilee she said, “it’s on the paper under your plate.”

Twilight was so excited for Cheerilee to read it from the moment she’d written it. Twilight levitated Cheerilee’s plate enough for Cheerilee to retrieve the note.

Cheerilee opened it, read it;

Then she read it again.

There were tears rolling down her cheek, as she read it out loud;

“There’s something that I must do,

Something that’s just for you,

My sweet Cheerilee,

I need you to see,

Just how much Iloveyou!”

Cheerilee paused, just looking at the note. Then she looked up at Twilight,

“You love me?” asked Cheerilee, her face outshining the sun.

“I know it’s quick,” said Twilight, “but I don’t know how I could ever feel more for any other pony. I’ve never told anypony outside my family that.”

“No pony ever has told me they love me,’ said Cheerilee, “maybe my mother but never my father except perhaps when I was very young.”

Cheerilee broke down crying.

“I love you too Twi!” said Cheerilee, “I love you so much! Thank you! Thank you!”

Unashamed, she leaned over and kissed Twilight with all her soul.

They broke the kiss, their brows pressed together. They both had identical looks of complete contentment on their faces. Then Cheerilee turned to talk to Spike;

“Sorry for acting this way in front of you. Realize Twilight is the pony I’ve always dreamed of. In less than twenty four hours she’s made me happier than I’ve ever been in my life.”

“Spike,” said Twilight, “would you mind…”

“Hey Twi!” interrupted the dragon giggling. “Why don’t I move my bed down here tonight?”

“You’re the best,” said Twilight.