Who Rules?: The Ascended

Who Rules?: The Ascended

by Nom deCheval

Chapter One

The birds were singing, the wind was blowing, the grass was growing, and all of this was being done without the aid of magic or ponies at all. Such was life in the Everfree Forrest, and it was one of the main reasons why this odd, unnatural place just outside Equestria frightened all of the ponies that lived in the magical land.

Except of course for the inhabitant wandering through the woods with a large basket of herbs balanced upon her flank. It was though the oddities of this place seemed natural to her, and she seemed natural to them. Perhaps that is one of the reasons that she was so frightening to the inhabitants of nearby Ponyville for so many months. Perhaps it was just her foreign appearance to those ponies. Whatever the case, once the ponies learned more about the zebra and her ways, Zecora became a welcome visitor to their small town.

Her familiar little hut welcomed her as she stepped inside, sunlight spilling in through the organically shaped windows and lighting the room. She shuffled through the smallish confines, bucking her hip at just the right moment to shift the basket from herself to the large counter along one wall. Mindlessly, the zebra began to hum a tune that was familiar to her, but unrecognizable to residents from this area of the world.

Zecora began to place the items she had gathered into their own unique and special containers, mostly gourds that had been hollowed out and given new purpose. Muskroot and nighthazel. Tempestuous vine and allpenny flowers. Boxwing and satinkey. All of them were sorted quickly and precisely, locked away to keep them fresh and ready for use. And there was one that Zecora left for last. A dirt-covered root that twisted and turned upon itself multiple times, lacing around but never touching another part of its own structure. Smallish, not quite a full hoof across, it looked fragile and delicate, despite its obvious earthy qualities. Zecora took a few steps away from the counter and picked up an intricately decorated box of darkened wood, its surface dotted with the same tribal style markings that rested on the zebra’s flank. She opened the box, withdrew a small but gleamingly bright blade and carefully moved it above the root. She studied for a moment, not rushing this action, and then decisively moved it down to slice through a section of the root. She replaced the blade back into the box, and then moved the remainder of the root to rest in it as well. Picking up the root cautiously in her hoof, she spoke.

“To find some twist of fate is lucky for me,

And for a moment it will allow a vision to see.”

Moving to the ever-bubbling cauldron that dominated the center of the hut, Zecora dropped the tiny bit of plant into the liquid, moving up to watch as it quickly dissolved into the vat.

“Now work your magic, root most rare,

A glimpse of the future is my fare.”

She stood there, her face tensing as her eyes grew in anticipation. A light blossomed inside the churning contents below her, casting shadows up her face, like the figure of a ghost story told around a campfire to foals everywhere. And then the images began to appear. The light started with the colors of a blissful morning and Zecora smiled, but her face fell as the color shifted. It moved from the subdued softness into a bright flare and grew to a full flame red, and the zebra’s eyes reflected the change with tears starting to well.

“No, no! This cannot come around!

The world itself must remain sound.

A false future this is most surely,

The cauldron I trust has done quite poorly.

Again I must try, as many times as needed,

To see that the fate revealed isn’t so seeded.

The horror I saw must not so bend,

Something must stop that one to ascend.”

Zecora turned towards her work counter and began to bring out container after container ignoring the normal care and caution that she maintained. Small bowls were filled with powders and herbs, potions were mixed, and the cauldron was used again and again, as the mystic tried to find the answer to the most important question she ever asked.

Sleep was not a luxury she would be able to afford for the following days.

* * * * *

Rarity fell onto the bed, laughing hysterically, as the familiar feel of her lover’s body fell beside her, not quite laughing.

“I do NOT appreciate you laughing,” Trixie said in her best angry voice. “The ruffian deserved everything that happened to him, but I most certainly did not!”

“Darling, that’s just the point. I truly believe that he didn’t see you at all, which made him tripping over you and spilling the cupcakes that much more delightful. Of course, you instantly demanding satisfaction and challenging an earth pony baker to a magical duel was priceless as well, especially when you finally realized that he couldn’t do it.”

“You’re mocking me.” Trixie’s voice flattened.

“No! Not at all.” Rarity suppressed her laughter for all of two seconds before the giggling started. “Okay, yes, a little perhaps. But, darling it was so...funny. And seeing you so ready to defend your honor was frightfully entertaining.”

“He ruined my cape.” She was still less than happy.

“Your old cape, I might add. I have crafted you not one, but three new capes, and yet you always wear that tired, old, blue one. I thought you came to me because you admired my skills as a seamstress?”

“Trixie likes this cape!” She defended.

“I’m sure you do, but don’t you like the ones that I made for you?”

“Of course I do!”

“Well then,” Rarity’s horn glowed and the cape on her lover was suddenly pulled from its host and tossed across the room where if fell in a pile, “you don’t need to be wearing that old thing.”

Her eyes narrowed as she looked down at the white unicorn. “Trixie almost thinks that you planned for that, just to get rid of her favorite cape.”

“I assure you, I did no such thing!” Rarity’s eyes bulged. “I hardly know anyone in Canterlot. How would I accomplish such a thing?”

“You are a tricky one.”

“This coming from you? Darling, I’m flattered.”

Scanning down her own body, Trixie furrowed her brow with what she saw. “Excellent. Not only is my cape ruined, but I got icing all over myself, too. Now I’m going to have to bathe.”

A twinkle of light came on in the white unicorn’s eye. “You don’t actually HAVE to you know...”

Rarity didn’t wait for a reply, moving her head down a little to the first visible spot of frosting that rested on Trixie, lapping it up in a slow sensual lick. Her eyes spotted another dab on the neck and moved over to remove it. This time she brought her lips down to cover the frosting completely, sucking the sweetness into her mouth and pulling a gasp from the mare beneath her.

From there Rarity never let her mouth or tongue leave Trixie’s coat. Kissing or licking her way from small spot of frosting to tiny dollop of cake, she moved with careful precision from place to place, making sure to enhance each moment with as much passion as possible. Slowly, she raised her head and looked towards the other mare.

“Will Trixie allow me to pleasure her?” she asked, batting her eyelashes softly.

“Trixie insists upon it,” the mare answered in a husky tone, looking down her body at her willing lover.

With her eyes still looking up, Rarity moved down in a series of kisses, finally reaching her destination between the mare’s hind legs. Only then did she look down and begin to plant the kisses with more aimed precision, targeting the area around Trixie’s sex. Careful not to actually touch the swollen cleft, Rarity let her lips come to rest along first the right side of the slit, and then--purposely dragging her muzzle lightly across the lips, eliciting a short gasp--she covered the flesh on the left. And then she repeated this with her tongue. And then her teeth.

This was not a contest for Trixie. This was a time of joy, where she allowed herself to be herself and not a show pony. She let her defenses down and let this one pony get close to her--the true her.

Rarity could smell the excitement coming from her lover’s marehood. She moved her hooves up to come to rest on the cutie marks on Trixie’s flank, and then brought her lips down to place the first direct, gentle kiss on the mare’s nether lips. A groan this time, bringing a bigger smile to Rarity’s face. Pulling on the labia with her lips, she parted them, one at a time, opening up the flower before her.

Her tongue snaked out, gently lapping from the base of the opening and running all the way up, drawing the sticky fluid that signaled arousal with it. Arriving at the clitoris, Rarity took a moment to circle the tiny, hard nub before making direct contact. She flattened her tongue out, widening and softening it at the same time, and dragged it over the enflamed nerves, causing Trixie to shudder and shift her weight down towards the muzzle pleasing her. Rarity moved her mouth over the clit, pulling it into a kiss with slightly more force than she had used previously, and garnering the desired effect.

Rarity could feel the juices starting to flow freely from Trixie’s pussy, dropping her hooves a little lower to kneed her lover’s ass. She pushed her tongue forward, pressing it into the tunnel of Trixie’s sex. The cunt pulled at her tongue as she slid it in and out, fucking the unicorn with her mouth. Taking care to not overwork any one moment or action, Rarity alternated between driving her tongue into Trixie’s pussy and pulling it out to lick on and around her throbbing clit.

Trixie felt her marehood pulsing from the attention it was receiving, sparks of pleasure shooting through her entire body as Rarity worked her own special magic on the unicorn. She could feel the other mare’s tongue speed up, flicking across her clit with decisive action, causing it to grow and swell with each swipe. Hooves moved down between her legs, coming up to rest on either side of her pussy and spread it wide open, giving Rarity the opportunity to finish her off.

Taking that opening, Rarity thrust her tongue deep inside Trixie’s cunt, pressing down until her muzzle was wedged between the already spread lips. Bobbing her head up and down, she began to tongue-fuck the mare in earnest, driving her face against the flesh with each advance. When Rarity brought one hoof up to begin rubbing her clit, Trixie knew that it was all but over.

Rarity felt the pussy clamping down on her tongue, but that only redoubled her efforts. She was rewarded with a loud moan, an arched body, and the release of cum from Trixie’s cunt. It didn’t stop her though, as she continued to drive in and out, slapping her face directly into the marehood, while her right hoof did it’s best to stay on the clit of the bucking unicorn.

Eventually she slowed down as Trixie relaxed back onto the bed. She pulled herself away from the still glistening sex, her face covered in mare cum. Moving up, she came to rest face-to-face with the other unicorn, still basking in post orgasm glow.

Rarity leaned forward, bringing her forehead towards the other unicorn, and let her own horn drag across Trixie’s. The two protruding appendages rubbed against each other, the spirals creating a texture that massaged the other horn in a provocative manner. As Rarity pulled back, a spark of magic arced between the horns.

“Oooh...” Rarity exclaimed in surprise.

“My, my,” Trixie said seductively. “You are a bad little pony, aren’t you? All worked up. Perhaps Trixie should do something about that.”

“Yes, Trixie. Please, Trixie,” Rarity murmured submissively.

“Like you even have a choice.” Trixie raised herself up, looking down into the other unicorn’s blue eyes.

Her hooves trailed down Rarity’s body as Trixie took in the situation, deciding what to do next. She felt the unicorn shudder beneath her as she traced the contours of her body, never actually going near her most sensitive area. A smile grew as Trixie formulated a plan. She levitated a length of silken rope over to the bed and began to bind the white unicorn’s hooves.

“Are you hoping to cum anytime soon?” Trixie asked.

“I...I was hoping to, yes,” Rarity answered.

“And you were thinking that I would be responsible for that?”

“Well, yes. I was hoping that you would--”

“No,” Trixie interrupted. “No, I don’t think I want to do that. Especially not after you mocked Trixie only a few minutes ago. That was not something deserving a reward.”

“I’m so sorry, Trixie. It was just...I didn’t mean anything by it.”

“Oh, Trixie knows. That’s why I’m going to give you a chance to prove yourself. I want you to cum for me.” She was just finishing tying the beautiful pony to the bed as she spoke.

“I want to. Very much so, actually,” Rarity answered breathlessly. “But, tied up this way, I’m afraid that I will need Trixie’s help.”

“No.”

Rarity lay there, her mouth open in shock, trying to form words, with only moans of disbelief and desperation coming out.

“No, I won’t stimulate your body. I won’t touch you,” Trixie explained. “And you can’t do it yourself, obviously. So, I want you to cum only from what I’m going to say to you. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Trixie.”

“And you remember your safeword?”

“Yes, Trixie.” Rarity’s voice was becoming more ethereal.

“Good. Now, I want you to close your eyes. I want you to imagine everything that Trixie is about to describe.” She complied instantly, shutting her eyes gently. “Remember that young mare at the restaurant last night? The one sitting at the table two down from ours?” Rarity nodded. “I saw her looking at you, and it wasn’t a look of jealousy. It was lust, pure and simple. She wanted you.”

Rarity moaned.

“How does it feel to know that everypony who sees you wants you? That they have at least a passing sexual thought? You can’t help it, I know, but I want to know that you understand it. That when colts and mares look at you they become aroused. The mares have it easy, actually. When they get aroused it’s much easier to hide, but a colt? That stands out. Still, I’m sure the mare at that table would have had a hard time explaining the stain that she left on the chair.”

Rarity shifted on the bed, writhing.

“In fact, I would love her to be here right now, explaining it to both of us. I wonder if she would even bother trying to hide her lust? If she could even do it with you tied up like this? Trixie can almost smell her desire. She couldn’t even speak, staring down at you like this. She would simply stare.”

Shifting her body, Trixie moved closer to the tied mare, allowing her to speak in more hushed tones into Rarity’s ear.

“I wouldn’t even want her to hide it, actually. I would want to use it. I would want her to use you. Trixie would make her obedient. Make her do what I told her to do. Make her a good little pony. And then I would instruct her on the best way to pleasure you.

“First, I would make her stroke your coat and mane. Trixie knows how much you like your mane and having it played with, so that seems like a pleasant place to start. Of course, with how immaculately kept you are, she wouldn’t be able to help herself and would bring her nose right down into your mane, breathing in the perfumes that you apply daily. They would drive her onward, her mouth and tongue caressing you, and I would tell her to take her time working her way down your body. Teasing every erogenous zone--and I know all of yours--as she goes.

“Finally, she would be there. Facing your most glorious of sexual intimacies. You would feel her hot breath as she waited there, her muzzle posed over your marehood, hoping that I would give her permission to finally lower herself down and taste you.”

Rarity’s breathing was become more short and rapid.

“And I am not a cruel mare. I would only make her wait until the look of begging grew in her eyes to the point of tears actually falling. And of course, you would be waiting that whole time. Able to look down and see her as she licked her lips, hungry for your flesh, but not able to force her down upon you. Not able to draw her tongue down to your sex.

“But Trixie could do that--and Trixie would. With one word I finally let her move, her mouth and tongue falling down and surrounding your dripping cunt. Her tongue exploring every crevice and fold, working its way up to your hard little clit. And that one touch makes you want to explode, but she doesn’t stop with one touch. She keeps moving, drinking you in like a thirsty mare out of the desert. Her tongue washes over your sensitive button, making you want to scream, but you have no breath. A silent picture of a mare in sexual bliss fills the moment.”

Her breath was panting, her eyes fluttering spasmodically.

“Oh, but she doesn’t stop there, either. I instruct her to bring her hooves up into play, and while she has her tongue working so masterfully on your clit, she carefully slides one hoof to your opening, and starts to push it in. You are so slick with your own juices that there is virtually no resistance. You feel it penetrate you while the tongue pulls on your clit. Your cunt is full, as full as it’s ever been, with this mare who hasn’t even told us her name, as she begins to work the tip of her hoof in and out of your pussy, fucking you. And she won’t stop until you’ve drenched her muzzle and coat with your cum.”

Rarity lay there straining against her bonds. Her body was twisting as she sought some sort of physical release.

“Oh, and there is one other thing, Rarity dear. When Trixie told you that she had no intention of touching you--she lied.”

Trixie’s hoof instantly found the wetness between Rarity’s legs, and stroked it once. Rarity let out a cry of pleasure as her lover then moved that hoof to concentrate on her throbbing clit, rubbing in small circles on and around the area to stimulate every nerve ending her body seemed to possess.

She screamed, her body completely tensing and pushing the limits of her bindings as Rarity came. Her juices flooded out, covering Trixie’s hoof with their sticky fluid. For her part, Trixie was unrelenting, continuing to rub the unicorn’s pussy with fervor, driving her lover further over the edge. The cries of pleasure eventually subsided as Rarity’s body could no longer find the energy to continue.

Moving her hoof up along the unicorn’s body, Trixie placed it directly in front of Rarity’s muzzle. “Clean this. Lick it off my hoof.” Without question or hesitation, Rarity did just that, her tongue grooming the damp limb flawless.

After she was done, Trixie pulled back her hoof and moved her face to replace it. She looked down into those blue eyes once more, and then brought her lips down gently to meet up with the other pair beneath her. Their kiss lingered, tongues playing with each other in an erotic ballet.

“Trixie loves to taste your juices on your lips,” she said, pulling back from the kiss. “Are you okay?”

“Okay?” Rarity replied, her eyes slightly glazed over. “Darling, I’m simply wonderful! That was amazing.”

Trixie smiled, her horn coming to life once again as the ropes holding down Rarity were lifted from her body. Instantly, Rarity moved over to embrace the other unicorn, cuddling her head into the soft coat at the base of Trixie’s neck.

“I love you,” Rarity said tenderly.

Trixie stroked the mare’s mane. “That makes me very happy,” she answered.

Rarity lay there, feeling the fragile motion along her mane. And sensing the fragile air of the moment. It took her a few moments to work up the courage to speak again.

“Trixie?”

“Yes?”

“Do...do you love me?” Rarity asked.

“What?” Trixie’s body stiffened.

“You never say it. I first said I loved you weeks ago, but you’ve never said it back to me. Do you love me?” Rarity could hear the heartbeat in the chest beneath her quicken.

“I....” Trixie hesitated. “Is that something I have to say? Right now?”

“Of course not,” Rarity answered, raising up to look down at Trixie. “But...it would be lovely to hear.”

“Is it enough that I don’t want you to go back to Ponyville tomorrow?” She asked.

“And I don’t want to go, darling, but you know that I must.”

“You could move here. Set up a shop in town. You love Canterlot, far more than Trixie does, in fact.”

“Oh yes, that is true. I do so adore this place. It is the very pinnacle of high culture, in fact. But...” she smiled. “But I have a home and responsibilities back in Ponyville. I cannot abandon those any more than I could ask you to give up your studies under the princess.”

“So, we are forever to be apart? Only able to share small visits together?” Trixie asked.

“Well, forever is a long time, darling. I try not to plan that far ahead, it only leads to dramatic disappointments. But I also truly believe that there are good things destined for the two of us,” she smiled.

“It’s already been a good time together.” Trixie brought her hoof up to Rarity’s face, touching it lightly. “I just don’t want it to end.”

Rarity pressed her face into the hoof. “It won’t end, darling. Just think of it as time apart to build up the passion again. And besides, we have the rest of tonight.”

“Yes,” Trixie smiled. “Yes, we do.”

She moved her hoof around to the back of Rarity’s head, slowly pulling the mare down to her lips. The kiss reignited the flames that hadn’t truly faded, and the two lovers melted into each other, sharing every remaining moment they had together for the rest of the night.

* * * * *

Walking along the street there was an odd bumping sensation striking Twilight Sparkle’s back. She had grown accustomed to it years ago when the baby dragon had first started riding there when she went out. She was even fairly used to the whining.

“Twilight, I don’t understand why we have to go out to the bookstore again,” Spike all but cried.

“I told you, Spike, I need new books. I’ve read everything in the library.”

“But that’s impossible!” he replied. “You just got in another fifty books from Princess Celestia two days ago.”

“Yep! And I’m done with them already. I want something new to read.”

“You know, you might be reading a little too much lately, Twilight.”

“What?” Her head recoiled in shock. “How is that possible?”

The dragon never got his chance to answer, as the two were suddenly bowled over by an onrushing pony rounding the corner. More surprising than the impact was the identity of the mare.

“Oh, I am so sorry, Twilight. I didn’t mean to do that. I feel absolutely horrible about that. Can I help you up? Oh, I’m so clumsy!” Fluttershy fell over herself verbally.

“Don’t worry about it, Fluttershy,” Twilight laughed as she stood up. “But what’s got you in such a hurry?”

“Oh, it’s a horrible thing. I made a terrible mistake with poor little Angel’s lunch and he ran off in such a foul mood. I’ve been chasing after him trying to apologize, but he keeps running off.”

“What did you do?” Twilight asked.

“I was horribly neglectful. He clearly asked for no carrots in his lunch today, but I put a few shavings off to the side, just in case he changed his mind. It made him so angry that he stormed out of the house. He was so angry I thought he might be rushing out to do something rash or...or worse!”

“Sheesh!” Spike put his head in his hands, shaking it back and forth.

“I don’t think that it’s as bad as all that, Fluttershy.” Twilight’s kept her voice rich and soft. “Angel can be a bit temperamental after all.

“Oh, but this is completely my fault! And I just know that he’s run off so far away that I will never be able to find him!”

Taking a deep breath, Twilight couldn’t fight off a fallen expression. “Okay, well, how about Spike and I help you find him?”

“Would you? That would be so kind. If you don’t mind, that is. I’m sure you have plenty of other things that you could be doing instead.”

“Well,” Twilight’s horn shimmered for a brief second, “not really. And besides,” she looked towards the horizon, where a small magenta sphere appeared, flying effortlessly through the air, “here he is now.”

Three beings were in shock. None of them was a purple unicorn. Inside the sphere was a very surprised looking bunny. It came to rest, dissolved, and Angel immediately ran behind his pegasus protector, hiding from Twilight.

“How did you do that?” Fluttershy asked, amazed.

“Do what?” Twilight asked.

“You found Angel and brought him here like that. I’ve never seen you do anything like that before. I’ve never seen anypony do anything like that.”

“Yeah, well, you should have been hanging around the past few months,” Spike commented.

“Spike, don’t exaggerate. I just cast a simple spell and summoned Angel here, that’s all.”

“I didn’t know that you could do anything like that,” Fluttershy commented.

“Well, I’ve been getting a bit better at magic lately,” Twilight admitted softly. “It just seemed to make sense, so I did it.”

“Wait a second, you just came up with that spell?” Fluttershy asked.

“You should see her at home! All she does is sit up at night and read. She’s always trying out new magic stuff. I mean, way more than she did before. And I don’t think she’s slept in about two weeks.”

“Two weeks?!” Fluttershy almost raised her voice. “Twilight, are you okay? Have you seen anyone about this sleeping problem?”

“It’s not a problem,” she answered. “I just...don’t feel tired. I haven’t really felt like I needed to sleep lately.”

“When was the last time you slept? Has it really been two weeks?” Fluttershy asked.

“Um...maybe more like about two months,” she smiled, trying to deflect what was coming.

“Oh my!” Fluttershy’s pupils shrank to dots. “We need to get you to a doctor, right away!”

“But I feel fine!” Twilight protested.

“You obviously aren’t fine. It’s not healthy to go so long without sleep. I’m taking you to the hospital this instant!” Fluttershy moved behind her friend and began to push Twilight along, nudging towards the hospital.

“But Fluttershy, I have things to do. And you are overreacting. And trust me, if there is anypony who knows about overreacting, it’s me. I’ve read up on sleeping, and as long as I relax, I’m fine. And I read to relax, so I’m always relaxed. It makes perfect sense.”

“To you maybe....” Spike mumbled.

“I don’t care. And you already told me that you didn’t have anything important to do,” the pegasus answered still pushing her friend along. “We are going to the doctor this very minute.”

“I don’t--” Twilight began before Fluttershy cut her off.

“Shush! You don’t get to argue about this. You could be very sick. We’re going to take care of this.”

Twilight surrendered and began to walk towards the hospital. “You know, for somepony as quiet as you are, you sure can be bossy,” she joked.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Fluttershy answered. “I don’t mean to be.”

* * * * *

Late afternoon found Luna walking the halls of Canterlot Castle as normal, working her way towards the evening meal she shared with her sister. The part that still seemed new to her was that, from the moment she left her chambers, several aides and advisors were berating her with requests and information. Some wanted her to attend their meetings, while others wanted to come to meet with her. An ambassador from some region wanted to personally introduce himself, and a prince from another distant land wanted her to visit and introduce herself. She had asked for more responsibility and duty from her sister and had received it full-fold.

She had no idea how Celestia dealt with it.

Since her self-created transformation into a full-grown alicorn, Luna’s image had slowly changed. At first there was fear. The image of Nightmare Moon still hung over her head, and though her coat remained midnight blue and her eyes those of a normal pony, all anyone could see was that frightful incarnation. With time opinion changed. What was first fear became fascination. And that fascination became curiosity. Now, instead of trying to find things to do to fill her nights, she had to find time to do the things that she wanted. And right now, she wanted to be left alone.

“Enough!” Her voice was perhaps a bit too loud. “Leave us. We will meet with our sister at this time. You can find us in our royal chambers later this evening.”

Without a single argument, all of them bowed and quickly departed the hallway, leaving the princess alone. Or at least, apparently alone.

“Good afternoon, Princess.” Luna turned to see her protege bowing in a nearby alcove.

“Good afternoon, Trixie. It’s good to see you,” she smiled. “I take it Rarity has left for Ponyville? Did you enjoy your time with her?”

“I did, Mistress,” Trixie answered, rising from the bow. “Thank you for allowing it. Rarity returned home this morning.”

“Excellent. And are you ready to return to your studies?” Luna asked.

“Oh, Trixie is ready for anything that Mistress wishes.” She stepped closer to the larger mare. “Anything.”

“Trixie, we have been over this already. I am your princess and your teacher, not your mistress.”

“But that night we spent together spoke otherwise. You made it clear that you were Trixie’s Mistress, and I will never forget that.”

“Yes, well, that was a special occasion, and not something that is to be repeated.”

“Please Mistress, do not force me to beg. I will, but I ask that you grace me with your pleasures. I did not get to experience you first-hoof that night. I pleasured Twilight Sparkle at your insistence, but was only able to see and hear you. You are the most beautiful mare in all of Equestria, and to be so close and not actually touch you is torture.”

Luna took a deep breath. A smile grew on her face, whether from flattery or patience wasn’t perfectly clear.

“Trixie, I understand what you are saying. But you must understand that there are physical reasons why this could never come to pass. It is too physically dangerous for me to be with you.”

“Is that why you only love your sister?” Trixie asked.

Luna paused.

“I would remind you that my relationship with my sister is a private matter,” she stated.

“Oh, Trixie understands that, Mistress. I am so sorry. I just thought that being alone it was permissible to speak of it.”

“You are aware of it, I know, but again, please do not speak of it.”

“Are you embarrassed by it, Mistress?”

“No!” Luna cut back, instantly. “Of course not. I love my sister.”

“Trixie knows. I have seen it.”

“You know what I mean, Trixie.”

The eyes on the unicorn softened as Trixie spoke again. “I do, Mistress. I apologize. I find myself jealous of your time with her. I know it’s not proper--my jealousy, I mean--but I cannot help myself.”

Luna smiled. “And tell me, Trixie, what about Rarity? Do you speak to her about this jealousy? About your intentions towards me?”

Trixie blinked repeatedly. “Is Mistress actually comparing herself to a common unicorn? Yes, Rarity is the most lovely unicorn that I have ever known. She is amazing on all levels, but...to compare her to a goddess? That seems unfair. And I would never do that to her.”

“But how would she feel about your actions? About how you act towards me?”

“If Rarity had spent the same time and moments with you that I have, she would feel the same as Trixie. If she had experienced what Trixie has, then she, too, would think exactly the same way that I do.”

“You flatter me,” Luna said.

“No, Mistress, I do not. I only speak the truth,” Trixie said. “I would give anything for a single night with you the way I imagine it.”

Luna sighed. “That cannot happen. I have told you that many times. And please, stop calling me mistress. Call me princess if you must, but only one mare may address me as mistress.”

“Oh. Trixie understands, Princess. I haven’t earned that privilege yet. I will work to please you.”

“Reverence is one thing, Trixie, and it is good that you have it, but it cannot overrule your role here. I brought you here to be my student, and that is all. What happened that one night cannot change things. Do you understand?”

“I will try, Princess. I will try.”

“And at the very least,” Luna smiled down at her student, “you will always have the memory of that night. Now excuse me, I need to go meet with my sister for dinner. I will see you later this evening.”

“Yes, Princess. Enjoy your meal. And I will keep my memory of that night.” Trixie bowed.

Luna nodded a small bow in return and walked down the hallway towards her meeting with Celestia. Trixie stood there for a moment watching her walk away, any trace of a smile on her face fading away.

“Do not worry, princess, I remember what happened that night. Trixie remembers it very, very clearly.”

* * * * *

“Well, Doctor Stable, what do you think? Is Twilight okay?” Fluttershy asked.

“That depends on how you look at things, young lady,” he answered, and then turned towards the unicorn in question. “You appear to be in perfect health, Twilight. The best health I’ve ever seen you in, actually.”

“That’s good news, right doc?” she replied.

“It would be if it wasn’t for these other things that you’ve been telling me. You say you haven’t slept at all for approximately two months?”

“Um...yeah. Something like that, anyway.”

“And there are no issues that have come from this?”

“No. None at all.”

“Except all that reading,” Spike added.

“What reading?” the doctor asked.

“Well, I’ve been putting my time to good use and reading all night. I do live in the library, you know.”

“Well sure,” Spike continued, “but she’s been reading way more than she ever has before.”

“How much more?” the doctor asked Twilight.

“She read over a hundred books just this week!” Spike answered for her.

“Spike tends to exaggerate a bit,” Twilight cut back in.

“Well then, how many do you say you’ve read?” he asked again.

“Um...only ninety-six.”

“In five days?” Fluttershy went wide-eyed.

“Actually it was just...three,” Twilight smiled in faux reassurance.

“Well, while that is impressive, it probably doesn’t have any medical explanation. I would like to keep you here and run a few tests, though,” the doctor stated.

“How long will that take?” Twilight asked.

“It shouldn’t take too long,” he gave a generic answer.

A heavy sigh was immediately followed with a reply. “Okay. I’ll do it.”

“Somepony will be in soon,” the doctor said as he left the room.

“Are you okay? Do you need me to get you anything?” Fluttershy asked.

“Other than a speedy way to finish this testing, no. Thanks anyway,” she answered.

“You know this is a good idea, right, Twilight? I mean, the doctor seemed very sure that this won’t take too long, and it’s always best to know,” she reassured her friend.

“I just don’t know what he’s going to tell me. I mean, I feel fine. Actually, I feel better than I’ve ever felt in my life. He even said the same thing. I’m healthier than ever. I just haven’t been tired,” Twilight explained.

“Well, you gotta admit that you’ve been acting kinda odd, Twilight,” Spike added. “All kinds of little things.”

“But nothing bad. If it was bad I would have noticed. I take special care to write down all of my actions for every single day. That way I can review them later to make sure that I maximized my time to the best of my potential. And I review them regularly, so I know that I haven’t been doing anything destructive or counter-productive since this sleep issue started.”

“Um...okay,” Fluttershy said. “You can always just...relax, too. You know, just rest and enjoy the day.”

“Oh, I schedule in time for relaxation on every third day. I allow myself a full hour to do whatever I want.”

“Which is usually read another book,” Spike countered.

“Well, that’s what I enjoy doing,” she defended.

“I hope that the doctors are able to find out what is happening to you.” Fluttershy returned to the concern at hoof.

“I just hope they get in here soon. My schedule is already way off today.” Twilight lay back and waited.

“Yeah, it’s just your schedule that’s way off,” Spike commented snidely.

* * * * *

“Good afternoon, Tia,” Luna smiled as she walked to the dinner table.

A setting of food was already in place for her, with a variety of extra choices on plates nearby if she decided that she wanted a little more variety. It was a lush setting of food, filled with some of the chef’s most delightful offerings. Wheat an corn crowned pastry with carrot jam surrounded by a selection of wild greens was the highlight, resting in front of Luna and Celestia as their main offering.

“And good morning to you, Luna,” Celestia spoke with the even and friendly tone that was her trademark.

“It is hardly morning, sister. The sun will set soon and the moon rise to take her place.”

“True, but it just seems more polite to say good morning to somepony who just woke up. And you’ve missed an exciting day.”

“Have I? What has happened on this day?” Luna asked.

“You have another proposal.” Celestia was visibly repressing a laugh.

“Goddess, no.” The younger sister’s body slouched under the weight of the statement. “Tell me this one is at least a pony.”

“Oh, it is. And a rather famous one, at that. A Mr. Pony Depp.”

Luna blinked slowly. “The actor?”

“The very same.”

“And he wants to marry me?”

“Oh no. He suggested that the two of you go away to his private estate abroad so that you could get to know each other better. And then marry him.”

“You’re kidding me. You’re kidding me, right?”

“Not at all.”

“I do hope that you told him no.”

Celestia reared back in mock surprise. “Me? How could I? This was a request for your affections, dear sister. I would never be the one to speak for you.”

Luna smiled and took a bite of her dinner. “Well, I do believe that the matter of my affections is the one area where you actually can speak for me.”

The cheeks on the white alicorn turned a decidedly pink tone as she lowered her eyes slightly.

“Do you get these offers, Tia? I seem to be bombarded with them in the past weeks.”

“Once upon a time. But I suppose most got used to me saying no, so I don’t get anywhere near the number that I used to. Besides, I’m not the popular young alicorn right now.”

“Preposterous!” Luna exclaimed. “You are the most beautiful mare in all of Equestria. You are the radiant goddess of the sun! Every pony in the land idolizes you! Every mare wants to be you and every colt wants to be with you.”

“Do you think so?” Celestia cocked her head slightly to one side as she looked across the table.

“I know it to be true!”

“You know only what you imagine to be true, then. I have been usurped in my role. Overthrown by none other than my own sister!”

“Do not mock me, Tia. I do have my own path for revenge, remember,” Luna smiled, thinking of her sister’s ripe flank.

“Actually, I’m not mocking you. You really have become the image of beauty in Equestria. You have well passed me by. I’m very proud of you.”

“I don’t believe that.” Luna munched away on the pastry, enjoying it tremendously. “I may have some fans, but you are the acknowledged ruler of Equestria. Our subjects revere you, Tia.”

“But they want to be you,” she countered. “You are the young princess who has caught the paparazzi’s eye. I’m just some old mare who everyone has gotten used to seeing on the throne.”

Luna started to speak, but Celestia waved a hoof to silence her.

“I’m not saying that they don’t love and respect me. I would be crushed if that was true. It’s just that they have somepony new to idolize. A new--and very, very beautiful--face that has caught their eye.”

“It only matters to me if I still have your eye,” Luna said softly.

“You know that you do,” Celestia answered.

Luna took another bite of food and her eyes fell on the plate resting in front of her sister. Celestia was pushing the greens around the plate slowly, circling the unbroken souffle, but it appeared as though none of it had been eaten.

“Sister, are you not hungry? You don’t appear to have eaten a single bite.” She asked.

“Hmmm? Oh, I’m just...” Celestia seemed to search for the right words.

“What is it? Is something wrong?” Luna asked.

“It’s just... Well, I would never say anything to the chef about the food. He and his staff prepare the most delightful items, as you well know. But recently I’ve found that I just don’t have the taste for it that I once did.”

Luna looked at her mostly empty plate. The food was simply amazing, the wheat and corn were dense and filling while the carrot jam was crisp and refreshing. The chef was always exploring and creating new and innovate dishes.

“How so?” she asked. “What about the food isn’t appealing to you?”

“Perhaps I am being a bit foalish. It is nothing.”

“No. Tell me. I want to know. It is important that we share everything.”

“Well...” The white alicorn looked around to make sure no pony was close enough to overhear, and then leaned in closer to her sister. “Tell me, have you ever been curious about the taste of meat?”

The color in the face of the night goddess drained away.

“I find myself very curious about it recently,” Celestia continued. “It’s something that I have never done in all my hundreds of years. Do you ever find yourself thinking about eating it?”

Luna’s voice was soft and weak as she answered. “Not for a while now, no.”

Celestia pulled back, smiling. “I told you it was silly. I shouldn’t have brought it up.”

Luna raised herself up and, taking a deep breath, spoke calmly and clearly across the table. “Tia, what have you been doing? Have you been visiting the diamond chamber?”

“Wh-what? No. No, of course not,” she stammered.

“Do NOT lie to me. You have, haven’t you? You’ve been down to the chamber and looked at the dark volumes.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Why would I--”

“DO NOT LIE!!” Luna stamped her hoof on the table, causing the plates to shake and several items to fall over. “I know EXACTLY what you are talking about. Moreso than any pony in all of Equestria I know what you are talking about! I’ve been there, remember?”

Celestia lowered her head in silence. Luna stood and walked around to the other side of the table to stand next to her.

“What is it, Tia? You know what that did to me. What that turned me into. It does nothing good. I know this. Why? Why did you go? What have you done?”

There was a pause before any more words were spoken.

“I...I felt weak,” Celestia answered. “I have only scanned a few of the scrolls. I didn’t touch anything else, I swear. I was hoping to find something that would help me to protect Equestria. I have to be able to protect my subjects from anything.”

“Protect your subjects?” Luna spoke delicately. “Celestia, you are the most powerful creature in the world. Is this about that ordeal with Queen Chrysalis? She was being fed by pure love. You know that. She doesn’t posses the power that you do. Everypony knows that. SHE knows that.”

Celestia seemed unmoved.

“Besides, that was months ago, well before my transformation. And even then, if I had been there, I would have--”

Luna stopped herself. Celestia’s head dropped down even further.

“This...this isn’t about Chrysalis, is it? This is about me.” Luna took a step back. “You are afraid that I will become dark again.”

“She beat me. It doesn’t matter how or why, it just matters that she did. If she could do it, then others might be able to as well. I have to be able to protect the ponies of Equestria from all threats. And lately, I’ve felt...weak...next to you.” Celestia raised her head enough to look her sister in the eye.

“Weak?” Luna shook her head. “Does this have anything to do with...us? With the nature of our relationship?”

“No!” Celestia raised her head completely. “No. I swear on my own oath, it does not. I love you, Luna. Truly and deeply.”

Luna nodded. “Just not enough to trust that I won’t try to truly usurp your throne. That I haven’t taken a step back into the nightmare.”

“I cannot be weak, Luna! There are ponies depending on me.”

“Of course there are.” She slowly began to walk away. “And you aren’t weak. I just thought you were much stronger than this.” She turned to look over her shoulder. “I have duties to perform. You will excuse me, Celestia.”

“Luna!” she cried after her sister, but the night goddess faded into the growing shadows of the afternoon.

Away from prying eyes, in the hidden eaves of a balcony overhead, Trixie watched and listened.

* * * * *

“I am so glad that is finally over!” Twilight Sparkle said as she stepped inside the walls of her library home. “All those test are exhausting.”

“So, are you tired? Ready to sleep?” Spike asked.

The two of them returned alone. Fluttershy went home to care for her animals, but vowed that she would return in the morning to check up on her friend. The argument was very one sided, with Twilight never standing a chance.

“Actually...no,” she answered. “I’m ready to take a break and relax, but I don’t feel sleepy-tired. Maybe there is something wrong with me.”

“Something wrong there is indeed!” A voice spoke from the darkness.

“And I have come to give you heed!”

“Zecora?” Twilight lit a candle with her magic, breaking the darkness of the room and revealing the zebra.

“Pardon me for waiting inside your room,

But I have come with a message of doom.

The world around is in danger most dire,

And I must try to extinguish this fire.

I have looked many times to see what to do,

And every message leads me directly to you.

So Twilight Sparkle, danger lies ahead for all,

And it is by your hoof that these ponies rise or fall.”

Twilight stood there taking in everything that Zecora just said, processing it a hundred times before she even had time to take a breath, and the same message kept coming out of it. Twilight spoke softly, as much to herself as anypony else.

“I’m going to destroy the world?”

...to be continued.