Who Rules?: The Ascended

Who Rules?: The Ascended

by Nom deCheval

Chapter Two

Despite the candles, the room seemed somehow dark to Celestia. She sat at the window, staring out into the open night sky. Luna had not shown up for their nightly ritual, choosing instead to let her sister handle the task for this night. As she stared up, Celestia could see all the mistakes that she made. Every time she raised the moon and stars for the thousand years that her sister was banished all she could see were the mistakes that she made. She wanted to create the perfect night sky, the sky that Luna seemed able to craft with such ease, but all she could muster was a flawed imitation.

No one else seemed to notice. Nor should they. To anypony looking up, the stars were in the right place and the moon shone down with nightly regularity, but every time Celestia looked up the night looked wrong. The twinkle of the stars was too dim. The ring around the moon was too blatant. And tonight was the worst of all. Tonight the sky was cold.

She turned and looked around her bedchamber. Celestia had long ago gotten past the idea of opulence to show her station, but there was an air that had to be presented. So every corner of her own personal room was rich with indulgence. Fine silks and gold seemed to lie everywhere, and nowhere more than her grand bed. Large enough to hold her four times over, four posts of gold towered up while linens of exquisite finery covered the deep mattress. Her covers had been turned down by her chambermaids with the same care and precision as every night, but there was no draw to it. No desire to climb into its luxury.

It was not every night that Celestia welcomed her sister to her bed. They had a country to rule after all, and the affairs of state always had to take precedence above the affairs of two sisters. There were fewer nights that they were alone than when they were together, however, and they always knew when those nights were coming. This was not such a night, and she desperately missed her sister.

Luna was angry. And more than that, she was hurt. She hadn’t spoken to her since dinner and it was driving her mad. She wanted to explain. To make it perfectly clear to her sister why she had pursued the course that had the night goddess so upset. But that was exactly what she couldn’t do. She had to let Luna come to her when she was ready to listen. Centuries of ruling taught the value of patience all too well.

“Celestia, you are a foalish old mare,” she said to herself softly, “and you need to get some sleep.”

Turning to look out the window once more, she looked up in the sky and thought about all of her mistakes.

* * * * *

Trixie walked into the throne room of Canterlot Castle knowing that she would find Luna there, but was expecting to find at least a handful--if not far more--of the royal court present as well. It was a regular occurrence for the princess to be swamped with responsibilities at the beginning of each night, even when she was supposed to be directly tutoring her student, such as tonight.

Which is why Trixie was surprised to see the princess sitting on the throne completely alone. The lighting in the room was dim, much more so than normal for this time of night. Only a few torches and braziers burned, creating a flickering glow that became lost in Luna’s dark coat. There weren’t even any guards inside the room. Just the lone goddess, lost in thought.

“Good evening, my Princess,” Trixie said slowly. “Is everything all right?”

Luna sat, not turning her head or eyes, staring straight ahead and into a distance only she could see. “We are glad that thou art here, Trixie. We have something very important for the two of us to do tonight.”

“You do?” Trixie’s voice sounded enthusiastic. “Can Trixie hope that it involves the two of us in a much more intimate setting? If that is my Princess’ wish, that is.”

“It has been a...we choose to call this a difficult night.” Trixie noticed the princess had slipped into her royal speech pattern, but there was no change to Luna’s expression, remaining distant and lost. “And we need thee to assist us with something that we thought we would never have to do.”

“I am your humble servant, Mist--my Princess. I will do anything that I can to please you in any and every way,” Trixie stated with a short bow. “And you have seen that Trixie is quite capable of pleasing a mare.” With her head lowered, the response was even more shocking.

“ENOUGH!!” Luna’s voice reached Canterlot levels. “Most nights we are flattered by your fawning platitudes, but tonight is a serious matter!” Trixie jumped back, looking up at Luna, who stared back down at her. “We are the Goddess of the Night, Trixie. Doest thou not think us wise enough to know when somepony is being flattering? Secrets and obfuscation fall into our realm, little unicorn, and we fully understand thine actions are meant to gain favor. Tonight we do not wish to hear them, doest thou understand?”

Small trails of midnight colored energy leaked out of Luna’s eyes, falling up into the air of the chamber and dissipating into the obscured light of the room. And though she was startled, Trixie was not put off her path, stepping towards the goddess with a more serious expression twisted onto her face.

“Very well, Trixie will be more direct with you,” she said as she walked. “But you must be more direct with me.”

“Agreed,” Luna nodded. “Hast thou heard of the diamond chamber, Trixie?”

“No, should I?” It was a half-truth. She had heard Luna reference it when talking to Celestia earlier, but had no idea what it was.

“It is a most secret place--perhaps the single most secret place in all of Canterlot. And it houses things not meant for the eyes of mortal ponies.”

Trixie’s ears twisted forward. “You have my attention.”

“What we are going to tell thee--”

“Princess, please stop talking that way. Trixie finds it annoying.”

“What?” Luna pulled her head back, anger flashing on her face. It faded as she considered Trixie’s words. “My apologies. Old habit. To continue, what I am going to tell you is something that cannot be known by anypony else, is that clear?”

“It is. And I swear it,” she answered sincerely.

“Good. You have heard of the crystal caves that lie beneath the castle, correct? They house a vast variety of gems and stones that magical beings such as ourselves find very useful.”

“Yes, yes. Go on.” Trixie waved her hoof to get past the common knowledge.

Luna’s eyes pierced the space between them. “I would remind you, Trixie, that you are still my student, and I do not possess the near limitless patience my sister is so famous for having.”

“You asked me to be more direct.”

“But still respectful, little pony,” Luna explained. She took a deep breath and continued. “To be direct then, there is a room that has been carved from a single massive diamond that caps off the caves. It took a huge effort from Celestia herself to carve a doorway and a space inside. Now, it serves as the repository of things that we do not want seen by anypony else.”

Trixie’s eyes were sparkling. “And you are going to take me there?”

Luna paused, considering her words very carefully before she spoke. “I don’t believe I have much of a choice.”

* * * * *

“So, wait, you’re saying that I DON’T destroy the world, then?” Twilight kicked her head to the side, trying to make sense of the zebra’s words. Since her declaration, Zecora had been trying to explain the reality of the situation to the unicorn with mixed success.

“What I am saying is that fate points to you.

Your exact role is not clear as to what you do.”

Zecora moved several boxes out of her satchel and started to arrange them on the floor. Spike had moved throughout the room, lighting the remaining candles to cast a healthy light.

“The twist of fate is a root very dear,

but the vision it grants isn’t perfectly clear.

Time and again I watched the vision unfold

and each time I saw the world fall as I have told.

Sometimes in fire, sometimes in tears,

sometimes in shadow, and sometimes in fear.

But no matter the vision, one thing remained true,

and that one thing, my little pony, was only you.”

While her friend spoke, Twilight Sparkle kept herself busy, scanning her book shelves for a particular volume that she recalled reading a couple of weeks back. It only took her a minute to locate it.

“Let’s see....” She flipped the book open, scanning though at an amazing pace. “Ah! Here it is.”

“What are you reading in that book?

Is it something upon which I should look?”

“It’s called ‘Vivek’s Guide to the Ground.’ It’s about herbs and roots and their uses.” Twilight spoke distantly, caught up in her book. “It says here that twist of fate is a magical root that grows in the Everfree Forest. And that when mixed with other ingredients it can provide a skilled user with limited visions of the future.”

Zecora smiled softly. “It seems that you should listen more closely,

I just explained all of that, well, mostly.”

“No, no. What I’m reading here is that it is a limited view of the future. So what you saw might be only a glimpse. There is a chance that the world won’t be destroyed by any of those things you mentioned.” Twilight turned to look at the zebra, her face looking more relieved.

“A look at the future it is, limited or not,

so we must work to see what is wrought.”

“So, how do we do that?” Twilight asked.

Zecora readied herself once more, moving back to the containers that she brought with her, carefully inspecting the contents of each one. She spoke as she moved about.

“In good time, but first things first, my Ponyville host,

right now a bowl and brush is what we need most.”

“Easily done. Spike!” She turned towards her number one assistant.

“Yeah?” He rushed up to her side.

“Go to the basement and bring up the wooden bowl on the east wall, third shelf down. The middle sized one, not the big one.” She thought for a second. “Actually, go ahead and bring them both, since we don’t know how much of whatever it is that Zecora is going to make will be needed. Besides, it’s always good to have a backup. And then go to the south wall and open the top drawer and bring the set of brushes inside it. You got all that?”

“Got it!” Spike saluted his friend and then rushed into the basement on his quest.

“Okay, Zecora, the bowl and brush should be here in a jiffy. What after that?” Twilight asked.

“From there we must make our spirits come together

and determine which of these truths the future will weather.

For that to happen we must unite together our fate,

and the only way to do that well is for us to mate.”

Twilight stood there, her eyes growing larger. “Excuse me?” Zecora turned to look at the unicorn, her eyes completely serious.

“Sorry to be so blunt, but we are out of luck.

For the truth to be known, we two must fuck.”

Twilight took a step towards the doorway down to the basement, and then spoke sideways, loud enough to be heard down the stairs, keeping her gaze directly on Zecora. “Uh, Spike? There’s no rush. Take your time. Really.”

* * * * *

The beauty and refined nature of Canterlot Castle were long passed. From what was visible, there was only rough stone and barely carved out steps. To her left, Trixie saw nothing but darkness as the chamber fell away into a vast cavern, on her right was a wall of dark gray, highlighted by the occasionally glittering gem and jewel piercing through the surface. The only light provided was coming from her own horn, giving everything a blue tint, including the flank of the goddess walking in front of her.

“I don’t mean to complain, princess, but how much further is this? We’ve been walking for quite some time now.”

“My apologies, Trixie,” Luna replied calmly, “but we had no control over the location of this chamber. And its location is only known to my sister and myself--and now you, I suppose.”

“Yes, that reminds Trixie,” she kept her eyes down, fearful of whatever size drop awaited her off of this path, “why me? Why am I going to this super-secret chamber with you? I thought you kept all of the secrets and valuables locked up in Canterlot Tower.”

“Only those things that we feel safe letting others see lie in the tower. This is...something else.” Luna walked with confidence, her eyes able to see clearly in completely darkness. The light from Trixie’s horn made this chamber as bright as the noonday sun to her.

“Fine, but that doesn’t explain why I’m here,” Trixie said.

“You are here because I trust you,” Luna answered, her voice even in the dark light. “And I need somepony with me that I trust.”

“You--you trust Trixie?” Her voice waivered as she fell back a step, looking up from the stairs to the face of the alicorn who had turned to look back at her.

“You sound surprised. Is there a reason I shouldn’t trust you?” Luna asked.

“I... No. No, there isn’t,” she answered. “I’m just not used to it. I’ve always had trouble with people not trusting me.”

Luna turned back towards the stairs. “Perhaps that is because you have given others reasons to not trust you. I understand that problem. It has followed me all of my life.”

“You? But you are loved. Adored. I heard you talking about how there are ponies throwing themselves at you in desperate hope on a daily basis. You are a Princess of Equestria and the Goddess of the Night. You are beloved.”

A quick laugh snorted out of Luna. “Ah, if only it was like that. All of the things that you mention are new to me. New since I transformed myself into the mare that you see now. All of this adoration comes from physical desire, nothing more.”

“That’s ridiculous!” Trixie exclaimed, stepping up closer to the alicorn and speaking quickly. “You are far more than a beautiful mare. Your physical beauty is easily matched by the quality of your nature. Anypony that doesn’t see that is blind.”

Luna turned back once more, a smile on her face. “How kind of you to notice.”

Trixie was as much startled by her own words as she was Luna’s. She skittered back again, her hooves slipping on the cold stone, sending loose rock tumbling over the side. Reflexively, she pushed herself up against the solid wall, her heart racing as she waited for the sound of the rocks finally hitting the bottom of the fall. It took far too long for her comfort.

“Don’t be afraid, Trixie,” Luna reassured her. “I will not let any harm befall you. Besides, we’re here.”

Luna took another step forward, revealing a passage that opened into the wall of the cavern. Trixie stepped up to look down the tunnel just as the alicorn’s horn lit up, her magic igniting the braziers hanging on the walls of the passage. Less than ten feet beyond was a large door that seemed to be made from a single large piece of shining metal. Onto the surface of the door was etched the image of a sun-pony and moon-pony circling around a single globe, the symbol of the two sisters.

“Princess,” Trixie said softly, her voice uncertain, “I still don’t know why I’m here.”

She looked over at the goddess, who smiled back at her, the expression masking the mare’s true feelings. “You are here to stop me,” Luna said.

“What?” she asked, confused.

Luna’s horn came to life again, and a dark circle of metal floated over to Trixie. “Take this,” she instructed. “That is a special ring that I constructed myself. It is designed to take away my magical powers as long as it remains on my horn. If I even begin to falter, I need you to put that on me and stop me from....”

“From what?” Trixie asked, taking the ring from the air.

“From becoming what I once was.” Luna walked over to the door and lowered her horn down until it touched the globe in the center of the symbol. With the sound of the earth opening, the metal door pulled away from the wall, swinging wide to reveal the interior beyond.

Light poured out of the room, temporarily blinding Trixie as she tried to peer inside at the contents. Slowly, her eyes adjusted to the new light, and she saw the interior of the diamond chamber.

The walls of the chamber seemed to glow with internal light, illuminating shelf after shelf of sparsely stored items. Books, scrolls, manuscripts and written material dominated the room. All of them kept apart from each other and standing alone. Despite the bright light coming from the walls, a dim shadow hung over each shelf, as though the light didn’t want to penetrate the area.

And in the center of the room was a table. At first glance it appeared ordinary. Crafted from wood, without any ornate design or stain, it was just a table. But what rested on it was far from ordinary. Four shoes, a breastplate and a helmet of gleaming metal lie in the center of the table. Even though she had never seen them personally, Trixie had heard the descriptions and read plenty of accounts to recognize them instantly.

They belonged to Nightmare Moon.

“What....” Trixie couldn’t finish her thought. She had hoped to find some trace of the magic that created the legendary figure, but never thought to see something like this.

“I know,” Luna answered the unasked question. “And yes, this is the helmet and armor I wore as Nightmare Moon. When I was restored by the Elements of Harmony it shattered, and my sister and I gathered up the remaining pieces to lock them safely away immediately. It was shortly after that they began to reform. Only three months after we thought them destroyed they were whole again. Besides Celestia and myself, you are the first pony to know this.”

“What are all these other things?” Trixie stepped up to the door, ready to enter, when she felt an hoof hold her back.

“It is evil, Trixie. Pure and simple. All of these things are items that are better off destroyed, and, by the starlight, both my sister and I have tried, but they resist every attempt we have ever made to rid the world of them.” Luna pulled the pony farther back away from the door.

“Why are we here?” Trixie asked.

A heavy sigh came from the goddess as she stepped in front of her student. “There has been...an issue...that has arisen with Celestia, and I have to explore this chamber to find out what exactly has happened, so that I know how to repair it. So that I can save her.”

“And Trixie is here because?”

“As I stated, to stop me. This chamber contains the magic that created Nightmare Moon. If I start to succumb to the temptation once again, you have to stop me and drag me from this place as fast as you can. Do you understand?”

Luna stared down in Trixie’s eyes. There was a look of desperation and hope fighting against each other inside the goddess as she pleaded silently for Trixie’s aid. For her part, Trixie felt conflicted. This was what she wanted. The magic that was used to transform Luna into Nightmare Moon was within sight, but the feeling and the energy coming from that room felt...wrong. She wanted to be even more great and powerful than she already was, but she didn’t want to lose herself in the process. She wanted Luna and her sister to be taught a lesson, but she didn’t want become something worse to meet that end. Ultimately, she knew her answer.

“Of course,” Trixie said. “I will be here for you.”

“Thank you.” Luna’s smile became more genuine. “Stay outside. If you see me hesitate or do something questionable, make your move. I trust your judgment.”

Luna turned and took a single step into the diamond chamber. She stopped just inside, waiting to see what effect the room would have. She steeled herself against any possible problems, her thoughts focusing on saving her sister. She moved forward, walking past the table without a second glance, heading for the shelf that contained the scrolls that she suspected her sister had read. The exact same ones that began her journey just over a thousand years ago.

Dust did not settle in the diamond room. The magic that kept these artifacts protected kept out all intruders, including mites and particles of debris. No decay or dissolution occurred. Everything remained pristine--or better. Still, Luna could sense it as she walked up to the shelf. The scrolls had been moved. Celestia had been there.

Trixie watched the goddess move carefully into the room. Her eyes, fully meant to stay on Luna, found themselves wandering to take in the items of the chamber. For a magician such as herself, this was a treasure trove of wonder, even as dark as these items seemed. Her eyes stopped, lingering on one spot, fixating on the beauty.

The shoes of Nightmare Moon were so beautiful. And for a pony as image conscious as herself, Trixie found them totally captivating. She wasn’t even aware that she took a step inside the chamber as she stared at them.

Luna studied the shelves carefully, not daring to touch anything that she saw. At least six of the scrolls were disturbed, and likely eight. Far more than Luna had hoped.

“Celestia....” her voice trailed off, even as the flash of light distracted her.

Wheeling around towards the unexpected light, Luna was greeted with a ring flying onto and attaching itself to her horn. Her body twisted suddenly as she felt flat, soft bindings wrap around her front forelegs, pulling her to the shelf that rested now to her back. More silken ribbon shot out, wrapping around the shelf and her body, securing her tightly to the wooden structure. She stood on her hind legs, splayed against the shelf in a cocoon of blue ribbon.

And before her stood The Great and Powerful Trixie. A simple show pony no longer, this was a mare of stature, standing almost as tall as Luna or Celestia, her body now long and lean, with a long-flowing mane of white that moved with a will of its own. On each of her hooves were shoes that looked very familiar to Luna.

“Trixie! No!” She shouted from her makeshift prison. Instinctively, Luna tried to activate her magic, but the ring that she created worked perfectly, preventing her from creating even a simple spark.

“I do not know why you were so hesitant about this place, Luna.” Trixie’s voice echoed with an empty, hollow sound. “I find these items quite becoming. I’m certain you can see the effect that it has had upon me.”

“Trixie,” Luna lowered her voice, keeping it calm and reassuring, “listen to me. It’s not too late. Take the shoes off. Reject the power. You can save yourself. You have the strength. I believe in you.”

“Strength? I have more strength than I ever imagined! This is all that Trixie has ever wanted. True power!” Her voice echoed off the crystalline walls.

Luna controlled her anger. “Trixie, I know what you are going through. I understand. But you need to understand that it is a lie. The power you are feeling will twist you. It will feed upon your own desires and corrupt them into something horrific. I know this as fact.” She tested the strength of the bindings, pulling against them with all her might to no effect. “It--it did it to me. It took my jealousy of my sister and made it--made me into a creature that wanted only to destroy her. To show that I was better than her. Don’t let that happen to you.”

“Twist me?” She paced back and forth in front of the captive goddess, displaying herself proudly. “But my dear princess, you have no idea what Trixie really wanted. I was here to find power, and I have. And understand this, I have been plotting revenge against you for weeks. I have been working my seduction constantly, hoping to find you in a moment of weakness and then, when you were ready for me, I was going to...deny you. Unlike some princesses in this realm, Trixie does not force herself upon others.”

“THAT is why you were fawning on me? For vengeance?” Luna’s anger peaked slightly.

“Yes, and if I wanted to I could show you exactly what you did to me. You are powerless right now. Totally at my mercy.” She brought her face right up to Luna’s. “But as I said: Trixie doesn’t do that. I am in control. I am The Great and--no, I am The All-Powerful Trixie!”

“Trixie,” Luna’s voice barely disguised her anger, “do not do this. Do not force us to take action against you. Put the shoes back and let us leave this place in peace. Please.”

“Please? The terrifying Goddess of the Night is begging Trixie? That is rich.” She moved away, stepping towards the large door. “But begging won’t help you. You claim that you are immortal? Well then, a stay down here, where nobody will even know to look for you, shouldn’t hurt you, but it will give you plenty of time to think, won’t it?”

“Beatrix! We command thee to release us! This instant!” The anger in Luna’s voice was no longer hidden.

Trixie laughed. “I’m sorry princess, but you don’t command me any more. Enjoy your stay. Perhaps I will come back and visit you some day. Until then, I have some other ponies to call upon.”

“Trixie!” The pony stepped out of the room, her horn lit with powerful magic as the door began to close behind her. “Trixie, come back here!” The door fell shut with a heavy thud, sealing the the night goddess inside.

“TRIXIEEEEE!!” Luna bellowed, but the only response was the echoing sound of laughter.

* * * * *

Spike sat on the doorstep to the library, his head in his clawed hands and a scowl on his face. His foot was shifting in the dirt, scuffing little lines into the dry soil, as he muttered something vaguely to himself.

“Ntgnnaltynwhnhdsmthnkndacllythr.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Spike, I didn’t quite make that out,” Fluttershy politely stated as she walked up. “And of course, good morning, too.”

“If you say so,” Spike answered more clearly.

“You sound very sad. What’s wrong?” The morning light was still bright across Ponyville, but Fluttershy was so worried about her friend that she felt the need to be there right at the beginning of day.

“Twilight locked me outta the house!” He stood up, defiantly stating his case. “And I didn’t do anything wrong, either. She just said I had to stay out here and guard the front door until she came and got me.”

“Oh, that sounds positively horrible. And she shouldn’t be alone right now. Not so soon after being in the hospital.”

“She’s not alone. Zecora’s in there with her,” Spike explained.

“Zecora? What is she doing here?” Fluttershy asked.

“She showed up late last night. Said that she needed to talk to Twilight about the future or something. I think she thought Twilight was sick, and came here to help her.”

“Well, I should go in and make sure that they are both doing okay.” Fluttershy took a couple of steps towards the door before Spike stepped in her way.

“Nuh-uh. Twilight told me that everypony had to stay outside. No visitors.”

“Oh, well I wouldn’t want to be a bother. Maybe I should come back later.” Fluttershy took a step back.

“Come back? Do you have someplace else to be, Fluttershy, darling?” Rarity arrived on the scene, a pleasant smile on her face.

“Oh, hi Rarity,” Fluttershy said. “I didn’t know that you were back from Canterlot.”

“Yes, I got back last night. I was coming by to thank Twilight for taking care of my precious little Opal while I was away.” A package was resting on her back, wrapped up like a present.

“Well, Spike says that she doesn’t want visitors right now, but I’m just so worried about her since her visit to the hospital last night,” Fluttershy explained.

“Hospital?! Goodness, I hope that she is well? Whatever happened?”

“The poor dear hasn’t slept in almost two months! We took her to the hospital to run some tests.”

Rarity’s eyes bugged out. “TWO MONTHS?! Oh, we have to get in there to see her this instant!”

“No way! Nuh-uh!” Spike threw himself against the door, barring the way from his friends. “I would do almost anything for you, Rarity, but Twilight told me specifically not to let anypony inside.”

“But, Spikey-wikey, this is an emergency.” Rarity batted her eyelashes at the young dragon.

“I....” Spike stared up into the blue eyes of his beloved unicorn and almost lost himself. Almost. “No! No, I can’t. Twilight said.”

“Well, pooh,” Rarity snorted in disappointment. “Still, I am worried about Twilight. I don’t like her being alone.”

“Oh, she’s not alone,” Fluttershy said. “Spike told me that Zecora is in there with her.”

“Zecora? Oh, then perhaps she is being treated for her condition. Zecora is amazingly talented with her healing skills.”

“Oh, yes. That’s what Spike was just saying,” Fluttershy said with a smile.

“We should check on them,” Rarity said, moving around the library suddenly.

“Check on them? What do you mean?”

“I mean make sure that things are going well. Twilight can be a little headstrong sometimes, and she might still need our help, after all,” Rarity explained as she walked around looking for an open window.

“But wouldn’t that be rude?” Fluttershy followed behind, nervously.

“Not at all. We’re simply insuring that our dear friend is safe and not in need of our assistance.”

“I guess that’s true.”

“Drat!” Rarity came to a stop after making a full-circle trot around the library. “All of the lower windows are closed. Fluttershy, be a dear and fly up to one of those upper windows and have a teensy peek inside the library, would you?”

“Up there?” Fluttershy looked up at one of the second floor windows.

“Yes, darling. I would do it, but I seem to be lacking the wings needed for flying today.”

“Well, okay.” She slowly and carefully flew up to the second story window that was above them. Hesitating for a moment, Fluttershy eventually moved her head up to the window and looked inside. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust, but when they did she let out a small gasp.

Twilight Sparkle lay on her back, surrounded by a dozen or more pillows and multiple candles that gave the room a warm glow, even with the morning light piercing through the drapes in a few locations. Zecora sat beside her, a brush steady in her hoof as she finished tracing a line into the lavender unicorn’s coat. From head to tail, Twilight was covered in tribal markings. Circles and swirls, lines and curves, every area of her body was now decorated in a deep red ink or paint of some kind.

“Are you sure this is necessary?” Twilight asked, trying hard not to move.

“It is if we don’t want the ritual diminished,

and beside that point, I am now finished.”

Zecora set down the brush as Twilight careened her head up to look around at her body and everything that had been added over the past couple of hours. Her eyes darted about as her friend moved behind her, a vial of liquid in her hooves.

“And you are sure this stuff will come off, right?” Twilight asked, concerned.

“Fear not little pony, I know what I do,

in a few days it will all fade from you.”

“A few days?!” Twilight spun her head around to look at Zecora. “What am I supposed to do until then?”

“I cannot tell you what to do long term,

but for now I say lie back, relax, and learn.”

Zecora poured a small amount from the vial she brought over onto her hooves and rubbed them together, warming the oil. Gently, she brought them down to stroke Twilight’s face.

“Well, I...I...wow, that feels nice,” Twilight tried to protest, but found the sensation too alluring to continue.

From her viewpoint in the window, Fluttershy hovered breathlessly.

“What is going on, darling?” Rarity asked.

“They’re talking. I think.” She answered.

“About what?”

“I am going to have to watch some more to figure that out.” Fluttershy never took her eyes off the scene inside the library.

Her hooves moved down Twilight’s body as Zecora spoke.

“Let your body relax and your mind unfold,

and when we join, your spirit shall be told.”

“Join?” Twilight asked softly, her eyes closed as she enjoyed the experienced hooves caressing her body.

“I have already told you, my friend mare,

for this to work, our bodies we must share.

I have seen what lies on the outside for now,

but the inner spirit will show a committed vow.”

“Uh-huh,” Twilight said softly, “but this isn’t what I was expecting. I was thinking something far less...sensual.”

“Do not discount the power of a caress,

it allows the body and soul to acquiesce.

And, unless I am very mistaken,

it will cause your loins to awaken.”

The zebra moved her hooves down Twilight’s body, touching the inner thighs of her rear legs. Twilight could feel her sex respond, the damp sensation turning into a flood of passion. Zecora smiled and pulled her hooves off of the unicorn, hearing a slightly whimper of disappointment as she did.

“Well, are you hearing anything?” Rarity asked.

“Um, not much. Not yet, anyway,” Fluttershy answered, still keeping her eyes inside the library. “Zecora was just putting something on Twilight, and now she seems to be picking up an object.”

“Ah, good. So she is performing a healing ritual of some sort. That’s good to hear,” Rarity said with a smile.

“Uh-huh.” Fluttershy kept watching.

“What’s that?” Twilight had opened her eyes when she felt Zecora move to position herself between her legs. Holding up a long white phallus decorated with more tribal markings, Zecora explained.

“This device is called a lingam,

and it will connect us and then some.

But I can only do it with your permission,

if I am to discover the truth, magician.”

“Uh, yeah. Yeah, that sounds okay,” she answered, her body deeply desiring more of the zebra’s attention. Zecora grabbed Twilight and shifted her until she was lying directly on one of the larger pillows, elevating her hips slightly.

“Then we must make ready and prepare,

for this lingam is looking for a new lair.”

Zecora’s eyes softened as she looked down into Twilight’s. She brought the lingam up to her mouth and her tongue extended out, slowly lapping up the length of the phallus as she stared at the unicorn. She moved her head over the top of the object, and slowly lowered her mouth down, engulfing it until half of its length disappeared down her throat. Twilight watched, her eyes glazed over, as she pulled it most of the way out of her mouth, only to swallow it down once more. Slowly, she pulled the length of it completely from her mouth, a string of spittle trailing from her tongue to the tip of the lingam.

“Now, little pony, you must repeat my action,

it allows the ritual to gain the most traction.”

She moved the lingam to Twilight’s lips, beckoning her to follow suit. “I--I’ve never done anything like this before.” She said, looking at the item before her.

“The biggest key is to relax,

take it slowly, do not attack.”

Heeding the zebra’s words, Twilight tentatively stuck out her tongue, letting it brush against the surface of the phallus. A strange tingle shot across her mouth and she pulled back.

“There is magic in this item, do not fear,

it must be that way to make things clear.”

It wasn’t fear that caused her to recoil, it was a memory. Twilight looked again and saw the horn of Celestia, her mouth surrounding it as a jolt of tingling magic danced across her tongue and down her throat. The wetness of her sex only multiplied with that image in her head.

She brought her head up and surrounded the object with her mouth, taking just the tip of it inside. Her tongue played across the oddly rough surface, the carved symbols creating a new sensation. Without thinking, she pushed her head forward, taking as much of it into her mouth as she could. For a moment, she felt as though she was going to gag, but her determination powered past it and her mouth traveled far down the shaft of the lingam.

“For somepony who claims this is new,

you certainly know how to follow through.”

Twilight pulled back, letting the phallus slip from her mouth. “Just lucky, I guess.”

Zecora smiled and turned the lingam around, looking deeply into Twilight’s eyes for a moment. Then her eyes changed focus, slipping down the unicorn’s body until they rested on her wet marehood. With delicate care she put the tip of the object on the outside of Twilight’s sex, rubbing it back and forth for a moment. Twilight felt the rough texture of the lingam stroking against her outer lips, and then after a little more pressure was applied, rubbing against her swelling clit.

A moan escaped Twilight as the lingam was pushed inside her. Slowly, Zecora inched the phallus into the unicorn’s wet pussy, feeling the walls clench and relax against it as she moved it along. With agile care, she began to move it in and out, advancing it a little deeper with every thrust. Twilight’s cunt responded to the action, allowing more and more to enter with greater ease, until the full half of the lingam was completely insider her. Twilight looked up when the driving motion stopped, wordlessly pleading for more. Zecora smiled as she shifted her own body, bringing her marehood up to the other end of the phallus.

Twilight could see the slick moisture that had dripped from the zebra’s pussy. Zecora moved herself to the other head of the lingam, rubbing herself over it with a deep roll of content coming from her throat. The dim light wasn’t ideal, but Twilight could make out the folds of the other mare’s sex, and watched as she lowered herself onto the phallus, holding it steady so that it didn’t push completely against the half that was already inside the unicorn. In only a matter of seconds, Zecora had lowered herself down until the two mare’s cunts were in direct contact, an ivory rod of pleasure connecting their innermost passion zones.

“What are they doing n--” Rarity never got a chance to finish her question.

“Shush! I’m watching!” Fluttershy had her hooves on the window sill as she leaned in closer.

Pulling back slightly, Zecora started out very slowly, making sure that Twilight was ready and able to proceed.

“Relax Twilight Sparkle, enjoy the ride,

allow the lingam to be your simple guide.”

“I--I’m trying.” Twilight’s voice was rushed and gasping as the phallus continued to stimulate her pussy with new experiences. Between the engraved ridges and the magical tingle, her vagina was ready to explode.

“Take you time little pony, use tempo for some,

we must time this out so that united we cum.

Let our spirits flow back and forth through the shaft,

the magic only works if we have done this with craft.”

Thrusting her hips forward, Twilight began to find a rhythm with Zecora. Their hips slipping in and out in synchronicity, pushing and pulling the phallus between them in such a way that they both felt penetrated and penetrating at the same time.

Their tempo built slowly, as did the depth of their strokes. Soon their cunts were slapping against each other in unified pleasure, as their hardened clits struck, sending sharp jolts of electric pleasure through their bodies.

“I--I think I’m going...to cum.” Twilight’s voice was straining, fighting to find words against the primal sensation overwhelming her.

“No, you cannot do that just yet,

continue to hold out for a little bit.

Your thrusts and pushes are great

and very soon my pleasure will elate.

But hold on until then I say you must,

or this entire endeavor will be a bust.”

Twilight grunted in agreement, amazed that Zecora had the ability to speak so clearly during sex. She redoubled her effort, convinced that the only way she was going to be able to find release was to make sure that the zebra on the other end of the phallus stuck inside her cunt was driven over the edge.

Rising up to gain leverage, Twilight began to force herself down onto Zecora. In response, the zebra shifted her hips up, allowing herself to be penetrated more deeply and forcefully. Juices began to flow down the lingam, coating Zecora with the fluid dripping out of Twilight’s pussy.

Grunts of animalistic ardor was the only sound Twilight could make at this point, all of her will holding back the orgasm that was ready to explode. She could see Zecora clinching her teeth together, her face twisted into a picture of raw pleasure. Their eyes locked, staring into each other in a trance that drove them to drive their marehoods solidly together, pushing each other towards release. Twilight knew she couldn’t hold out any longer, and thankfully, that was when Zecora spoke.

“Now Twilight Sparkle! Now we are done!

At this very moment I need you to cum!”

Zecora reached up and grabbed Twilight by the legs, pulling her tightly against her, uniting their cunts in a kiss, the phallus connecting them completely. Both mare’s bodies twitched as their juices poured freely, drenching the pillow that supported them. Husky, guttural sounds filled the room as the two ponies rode out their orgasms together.

“That...was amazing,” Twilight panted, her body falling over completely relaxed. “It was the most--” she thought about her night with Luna and Celestia. “One of the most intense things I could imagine.”

“Yes that is the ultimate result for most,

such is the nature of the carved magic post.

It binds your spirit into it as well as mine,

letting your nature and it somewhat combine.

It is not easy task to complete, my friend,

and after three more times our task should end.”

The words rattled around in Twilight’s head for a moment before she responded.

“WHAT?! Three more?” Her head shot up, staring down her body at the zebra still attached to her through a magical sex toy.

“Um, I think they might be a while.” Fluttershy swallowed hard, trying to bring herself back to the moment.

“Well, is Twilight okay?” Rarity asked.

“Oh, she definitely looked like she was just fine,” Fluttershy said, flying down to the ground to land next to her friend. “Zecora seemed to be taking very good care of her. Very good.”

“Well then, I suppose we should let them finish the task they have at hoof. We can occupy ourselves otherwise for a while,” Rarity smiled.

Fluttershy’s eyes were glazed over staring at the beautiful white pony in front of her. Half closed, they peered out at Rarity, seductively trying to draw the pony into them. Her arousal was almost palpable.

“And what do you want to do until then?” She asked softly. “Maybe we can go back to your boutique to spend some...quality time together?”

“I beg your pardon?” Rarity pulled back. “I am flattered, Fluttershy, dear, but you do know that I am spoken for. I am in a very committed relationship right now.”

“Oh, that’s right,” her voice dropped off as she lowered her eyes. “I’m so very sorry. I hope you don’t hate me.”

“Hate you? Don’t be ridiculous, darling. You are one of my absolute dearest friends.”

“Well, what should we do, then?”

“How long do you suppose Twilight is going to be engaged with Zecora?” Rarity asked.

“Oh, from the looks of things, I would guess about another hour or so.”

“Perfect! We can go to the most delightful little restaurant near here for breakfast, and I can tell you all about my latest trip to Canterlot. My treat.” Rarity didn’t wait for an answer, turning to walk off into Ponyville.

Fluttershy followed behind, a somewhat sad and sexually frustrated pony. “Well, at least something is going to get eaten by me this morning...”

* * * * *

Carefully, Luna brought her horn down onto the shelf behind her, sliding it up until she felt the ring that had lodged itself onto the spire click against the wood. Shifting around until it was positioned above the ledge, she slowly tried to pull back. And once again the ring clicked back over the edge, firmly attached to her horn. She had lost count of how many times she had tried this and failed, and the frustration was getting the better of her.

“AAAAAAAUUUGGGHHHH!” Her scream was primal and therapeutic, at least to an extent. It gave her a moment to gather her wits about her and regroup.

“Think, Luna,” she said aloud. “The only other being that could get you out of here is Celestia, and she has been coming down here, you know that. Perhaps she’ll be coming back down here soon, and that will release me.”

But that was exactly what Luna hoped would not happen. She wanted her sister to stay fully clear of the items in this room. She was looking for a way to remove their influence from Celestia and keep her sister clear of this room. But right now, it seemed to be her only hope of escape.

“Oh, poor, poor Luna.” The voice was rich and silky smooth. “Are you feeling alone again?”

“Who is that? Who’s there?” Luna looked about as best she could, trying to locate the voice that seemed to echo from everywhere.

“You shouldn’t feel alone. I’m right here. I’ll always be right here. And I can help you out of this horrible mess. I can help you make everything better.”

“Show yourself!” Luna commanded, her tone strong and clear. “Where are you?”

“Why, I’m right here, Luna. Right where you left me.” Luna heard a scraping sound, and turned to the table in front of her. The gleaming helmet resting there slowly rotated around, coming to a stop, facing the night goddess directly. Two glowing dim lights of teal stared out at her from either eye slot.

“No.” Luna’s voice cracked, tears suddenly welling in her eyes. “Please, no. No. Get away from me. GET AWAY!”

“Now, Luna, is that any way to talk to an old friend?” Nightmare Moon asked gently.

...to be continued.