Razzle Dazzle, Extra Sprinkles

Chapters

Chapter 1 - After the Clocktower Strikes Midnight (Story)
Chapter 2 - When Prince Charming Comes Around (Story)
Chapter 3 - The Meet-the-Mom Moment (Story)
Chapter 4 - Towertop (Story)
Chapter 5 - Midnight Doesn't Scare Me Anymore (Story)
Chapter 6 - Magic After Midnight (Clop)
Epilogue Part 1 - Home (Story)
Epilogue Part 2 - Eternity (Clop)

Chapter 1 - After the Clocktower Strikes Midnight (Story)

‘All this—nonsense is just remnants of that boring little Rara I met back in Manehattan! I made you—! What can you even do without me? Good luck, Countess Coloratura! Good luck’

‘Svengallop's right! This is gonna be a disaster! I'm gonna be terrible! Because Svengallop was in charge of everything! —Without Svengallop, I have nothing!’

"What an ugly mess you are," she told her reflection. “Svengallop was right, you are useless without him.” The wreck of a mare in the bathroom mirror scoffed back at her. Was that a mare? Surely no mare could look this terrible. She looked like that lost, terrified creature that Svengallop had found once upon a time. He had made a mare of her, fashioned her, cultivated her beauty. Without him, what was she?

She gave a soft hiccup. She couldn’t make her mane look right, no matter what she did. It looked like she had let it down in a hurricane. It had been ages since she last gazed at the face beneath the usual mask of make-up. She dabbed her tears before blowing her nose on the same diner napkin. ‘This must be what Cinder Reiner felt like after the clock struck midnight,’ she thought morosely.

It had been a disaster. The media had leapt on her like vultures the moment everypony heard that Svengallop had left. While her concert at Ponyville had been well-received by locals, the lack of Svengallop's usual dazzling veneer in her performance had quickly taken the spotlight throughout the rest of Equestria. She had had to face the sharks at the damage-control press conference in Canterlot without Svengallop, her usual costumes, Svengallop, her make-up crew, Svengallop, even her personality coaching and Svengallop. Needless to say, it was less control, more damage.

She frowned at her pocket watch. It was twenty five minutes past midnight. She had hidden away in that donut shop’s bathroom for over three hours. She was just wondering why the owner hadn't kicked her out when the stallion himself strolled in through the bathroom door, levitating two cans of canned cocoa.

"This is the filly's room!" Coloratura gasped, almost leaping out of her fur.

The cookie-brown unicorn chuckled goodnaturedly, pointing at the sign on the open door as he levitated a can of cocoa over to the counter behind her. Coloratura gave a little squeak as she noticed the stallion sign on the bathroom door. Oh no, had she been busted?!

The stallion didn't seem bothered, smiling all the while as he pulled on a worn denim jacket. “Stepping outside for a smoke. Gonna leave the front door open though," he said, taking a sip out of his own can of cocoa as he left her alone.

Coloratura watched the donut shop proprietor step out. 'Canned cocoa? In a donut shop?' She frowned. It was like finding frozen pizzas at a Neighpolitan restaurant. She nosed it curiously. It was surprisingly warm, suggesting somepony had thoughtfully taken the time to warm it up.

Then she realized why he had given her a sealed can of cocoa instead of a freshly-made cup. Having been guest and host to many, many after-parties, she knew full-well the dangers of spiked drinks. A sealed can was a surprisingly thoughtful gesture of faith. And considering how stricken and vulnerable she was, she would have done the foalish thing and drunk anything she was given.

She took a sip. It was the sweetest, warmest cocoa she had ever had.

Tick...tock….tick...tock…

She stared blankly at the clock as it struck 4 am. It was all that filled the deathly silence of the hotel room. Sleep felt as far away as Ponyville. She sat up with a little sigh, slipping out of her duvet and onto the carpeted floor. The windows didn’t offer much light. The Canterlot sky outside was still entirely Luna’s for a while longer. She would have to rely on the hotel’s oil lamp provided for non-unicorn guests.

Deciding sleep was a lost cause, she slipped her bathrobe over her babydoll and languidly trotted over to the pile of luggage in a corner. It was a complete panic-themed mess, a result of their emergency pack-and-move to Canterlot. She wasn’t even sure what was in the abused baggagery, let alone whether or not she had as much as a manebrush.

There was only one way to find out.

She reluctantly began pulling suitcases and bags out of the mess, opening them up one by one. Coloratura was, at the very least, a neat pony. She pulled the items out one by one, sorting them into two piles: One business, one personal. The business pile grew quickly, filling with costumes, wigs, mane-extensions, glitter, all the things that belonged to Svengallop’s Countess Coloratura.

The sky had begun to turn the telltale hues of Celestia. The first soft rays of dawn crept across the carpet to find the business pile taking over a generous portion of the floor. The sequined dresses, glittering saddles and flashy accessories gleamed dully in the pale light. The personal section, however, remained painfully empty.

Coloratura was moving robotically at this point, sifting everything straight into the business pile. She finally paused as her hoof came to rest on something different. It was an envelope sealed with wax shaped in the likeness of a clocktower. She bit her lip as she unsealed it.

A gold badge emblazoned with the same clocktower insignia dropped out of the letter onto the floor. She had a bad feeling she knew who the letter was from.

My Most Wonderful Student and Friend, Coloratura,

It has been a while since I last had a Mareship report from you or even heard from you, even longer since I last saw you. I believe it was at the Clocktower Society ball over a year ago. That night remains a fond memory for me. I would love to reminisce, but we can save that for when we meet next, preferably over cold strawberry milk in a spa somewhere. I already miss you all too much. I hope you're well. Things remain as hectic as ever in the Crystal Empire. I am only beginning to understand the stresses of constantly being in the public spotlight like yourself.

I had a very pleasant meeting with Caramel and Lily White over tea the other day. They tell me that Clocktower Genderwise is hoping to begin compiling your Mareship reports into a Mareship textbook. Genderwise is very excited about this project and are keen to speak to you soon. I myself would be very happy to see the fruits of your labours made more easily available to our younger pupils at Genderwise.

Speaking of Clocktower Society, I have heard from administration that you and your Master have yet to renew your membership for this year. Rest assured I have smoothed things over with the administrators. I even managed to get you a new Clocktower Society badge (I hope it survived the post). If nothing else, please at least carry the badge with you. I would feel more assured if my dearest friend carried the magical protection of the badge with her at the very least.

I look forwards to your next letter, no matter how short or brief. I am also constantly hopeful of a visit, either you to me or me to you. Let me know and I would clear an entire day or two just for the two of us, my student and friend.

Your friend,
Cadence

PS: I've attached another Clocktower Society membership form. Feel free to fill it in and return it when you have a moment. And remember, if nothing else, please do carry the badge.

Coloratura couldn't read the rest of the postscript. A tear drop had smudged the ink and soaked the parchment. She gave a soft hiccup as she wiped her errant tears. How she missed her teacher and her friends at Clocktower Genderwise. But at the end of the day, Clocktower Society, the only place to ever accept and support her for what she was, was, ironically, a secret underground kink club hidden away from Equestria's judging eyes. And there wasn’t much point in renewing her membership at their kink club when her coltfriend had just walked out on her.

She felt a soft hiccup rise as she realized she couldn’t even call him a coltfriend anymore. It had been a year since they had last been intimate. He had been growing distant even long before that. She had noticed how his eyes had begun to drift to other mares, actual mares. As he spent more and more nights away from her bed, she knew she had lost him. She didn’t even bother confronting him about it. She knew she never had a chance to begin with. There was no way somepony like her, somepony incomplete, could compete with real mares. It had been a slow, cold death. The confrontation at Ponyville was for all intents and purposes all business.

There hadn’t even been any love left to break up.

She was once a lost, confused creature. He helped her find herself as a mare. His love made her a mare.

Now he was gone. And what’s left?

She looked to her personal pile, or, rather, the empty floor where it would be if she had anything personal. She dropped the letter there. She was about to do the same with the badge when she paused. She gave a little sigh as her mentor's voice and sheer force of habit compelled her to pocket the badge in her bathrobe.

She turned away, forcing herself not to dwell on petty melodrama, reaching out to grab something, anything else. Her hoof closed around something cool, metallic.

An empty cocoa can.

She was just about to drop it in the rubbish when her hoof stiffened. She frowned down at the alien object, her mind coming to a silly little realization.

She hadn’t paid for it yet.

Petty melodrama indeed.

She found him behind the donut shop's counter at 7 AM sharp. While the shop's bright white and red interior looked entirely different bathed in the early morning light, the stallion was a touch of reassuring constancy with his denim jacket and baker’s hat.

She hadn't wanted to come out of her hotel, not without half-decent make-up or the tender attentions of a mane stylist. But if there was one thing she was determined not to do, it was to forget things she owed, no matter how small, especially not after what happened at Ponyville.

Even if she had to go out in a very suspicious trench coat and bowler hat.

She peered up meekly over the counter top, waiting for him to notice her with a touch of trepidation. She almost leapt out of her fur again as his boyish emerald gaze fell upon her.

She took a deep breath and threw herself into the deep end. "U-um, f-for the cocoa!" Coloratura squeaked, offering up her piggybank.

The baker unicorn gave the piggybank an appraising look. To her relief, he took the piggybank and rang up her can of cocoa on the till without fuss. He returned to her with a card. She frowned curiously at it until she took it in her forehooves. 'Donut Joe's Customer Loyalty Card. One Free Donut and Drink With Every Visit. Forever.' it said.

It was her first customer loyalty card, ever! It meant she was an actual customer, buying stuff!

"F-for me?" She gasped, looking up at him excitedly.

He removed her bowler hat and placed a plate bearing a donut and a cup of coffee on her head in answer.

She couldn’t help it. She burst out in laughter at the ridiculousness of it all. She realized it was the first laugh she had in days. And it felt great.

He grinned at her mirth, levitating her bowler hat to a stand by the door.

She blushed a little at his smile of approval, quickly busying herself with her donut and coffee to hide her flushed cheeks. Her ears perked up as she listened to him pick up a cheerful tune, humming away as he went about levitating the chairs off the tables. There was something soothing about it, something that Coloratura could feel herself sing to.

He levitated his denim jacket off his broad withers, tying its sleeves about his cutie-mark, revealing the starched baker’s outfit beneath.

Coloratura suddenly became painfully aware of how silly her own trench coat looked on her. ‘He must think I’m really weird!’ she squeaked inwardly, practically ripping the trench coat off. She was awkwardly wondering what to do with the oversized coat when a brainwave struck her. She did the same and draped the trench coat about her cutie-mark, allowing it to drape about her hips like a skirt.

She gave a little squeak, flushing profusely as she realized he was suddenly right next to her, watching her with an amused smile. ‘Oh no! He must really really think I’m weird now!’

His horn lit up as he took magical hold of her coat sleeves, tying them snugly about her hips. He gave her another nod of approval before continuing about his business, leaving her a blushing, albeit smiling, wreck.

‘Simple but Bold! Coloratura’s new no-nonsense direction in showbiz reflected in strikingly casual fashion statement. Criticism of the new Coloratura fall on deaf ears as unprecedented Coloratura-inspired fashion fad takes Canterlot Boutiques by storm. Sassy Saddles of ‘Canterlot Carousel’ reports sales of trench coats has—’ Coloratura peered around the newspaper’s corner at the rest of the donut shop. It was its same old busy self, though a noticeable chunk of its patrons had taken to tying trench coats around their flanks.

Her bright emerald eyes simply sailed past them. She searched the crowds and quickly found him on the other side of the room. He was engaged with a large group of chatting ponies at one booth, smiling and nodding along to their animated conversation. His eyes caught hers from across the room. She was about to dive back behind her newspaper with a squeak when she noticed him beckon her over.

‘Oh no, I-I don’t have my personality coaches,’ she squeaked inwardly in fear. While she’d rather hide beneath her newspaper, her hooves betrayed her, propelling her towards him. ‘What do I do? What do I do?’ She thought in panic as she stepped up to his side.

“Come now, Donut Joe. We need a tie-breaker,” a dapperly dressed stallion at the table waved impatiently at the baker. Coloratura faintly recognized him as Fancy Pants, the pantless wonder whose misleading name has been hailed as a sarcastic slap in the face of society. She couldn’t help but wonder what a noble like him was doing in a donut diner of all places. “Oh, young lady, you’re Donut Joe’s friend, are you not? Be a dear and be his stand-in, would you? Horseshoepin or Octavia Melody?” Fancy Pants asked.

“Horseshoepin’s Etude Des Equines was a masterstroke of piano work that Equestria hasn’t seen in over a century!” Another noble pony sitting opposite Fancy Pants declared.

“He’s old-fashioned. Octavia Melody is a lot more progressive in her work, especially with her latest collaborations with DJ-Pon3.” A young noble mare argued impatiently.

“You see how we’re at an impasse.” Fancy Pants waved at his companions impatiently. “Dear lady, please, put us out of our misery, Horseshoepin or Octavia Melody?” He pleaded Coloratura.

“Um.” She looked to the baker stallion, as if hoping the answer was somehow written on his face. He only smiled his usual slow smile, his silence leaving even more emptiness for her to fill. She gulped as she realized he was relying on her for an answer. “Well, I think Horseshoepin has made great efforts to preserve the original Canterlotian tradition of Behoofen’s work, something that we’re in danger of losing especially after the collapse of the old Manehattan Philharmonic Orchestra. Octavia Melody, meanwhile, appeals more to younger ponies, cultivating fresh interest in classical media in modern music, something the world of classical music desperately needs at the moment.”

“Hear hear! I say we invite them both to the Classical Appreciation Evening.” Fancy Pants rapped the table to nods and smiles of approval of the other nobles. “You seem to know your music, young lady. We simply must have you there as well!” He waved at Coloratura.

Coloratura gave a sheepish little nod before looking about. The baker stallion had somehow managed to sneak off to the other side of the room to listen in on yet another circle of chatting ponies. He caught her eye once more, quickly beckoning her over with a wave of his hoof. She cantered to keep up with him, only to find him dropping her in yet another conversation. Then another. Then another. Before she knew it, she had spoken to every single pony in the diner — except for him.

He did plant a cup of coffee and a donut on top of her head as a reward though.

Sleep was more forgiving that night. Coloratura had dropped straight into her bed, trench coat, smile and all. The gentle warmth in her heart lulled her to sleep. She was quickly whisked away to dreams of a place far, far away from there, a land where the sun sets in the sea, a sanctuary hidden from the eyes of the world, a haven where confused ponies like her are welcome.

She remembered arriving at its secret gates hidden in an old clocktower. She was a broken creature, neither mare nor stallion, a square peg lost in a world of round and triangular holes. There she met fellow square pegs just like her. Together they were all taught that being a square peg is normal, that it might take more effort and hard work but even a square peg can find a place to belong in the world. But most importantly, they were taught that the world stops at the clocktower’s gates, that inside Clocktower Society they need not search for a place to belong. Because everypony always belong at home.

She found herself standing at those hidden gates once more that night, in a far away land where the sun sets in the sea. Her heart leapt with fond longing as she cantered up the familiar path towards home. Home with its customer loyalty card dressed in a denim jacket.

She woke up with a start just as the denim jacket planted a cup of coffee and a donut on her head. She panted hard, her front hooves groping her mane in a panicked search for the phantasmic cup of coffee and donut.

It took a while for her senses to return to her. When they did, she carefully decided that donuts before bed were probably a bad idea.

Chapter 2 - When Prince Charming Comes Around (Story)

Coloratura rubbed her chin thoughtfully as she looked around her new stage at the sunny Canterlot Games Stadium. “I like it.” She decided with a nod of approval.

The stage-hooves, set decorators and dancers all froze in their tracks, eyes wide with shock. One stage-hoof dropped a pile of hoola hoops. One hoop managed to roll off quite a distance before awkwardly bouncing out of the stadium entrance and into the street outside.

“Oh?” Coloratura looked about uncertainly at the wide-eyed stares. “Did I say something wrong?” She asked, shrinking meekly under all the attention.

Her stage coordinator, a tall cream-coloured pegasus mare named ‘Light Up’, cleared her throat uncertainly as she stepped up to her side. “Uh-um, no, ma’am. It’s just—it’s the first time you’ve ever given us an opinion.”

Coloratura tilted her head to one side in puzzlement. “Is it?”

“Well, um, yes.” Light Up looked to her fellow staff members who were quick to nod in agreement. “Usually you’d have Mr. Svengallop speak for you.”

“Oh.” Coloratura frowned inwardly. She had always spoken and acted on cues from Svengallop and her personality coaches that it hadn’t really occurred to her that she had never paused to speak to her own staff members. Come to think of it, when was the last time she spoke normally with anypony?

‘That’s what that baker pony’s been getting me to do with his customers every day,’ She suddenly realized. It dawned on her how natural it had become for her after a week of his subtle coaching.

She allowed herself a little smile as she found her voice once more. “Well, he’s not with us. That just means I’ll get to chat with all of you more. Please tell me if you have any ideas or problems.” She gave them all a confident nod.

This was quickly met with enthusiastic nods and excited murmurs from her staff. Spurred by their response, she lifted her voice once more, “Alright, everypony. We’ve worked hard today. So let’s finish with a quick dry run of the first act and have the rest of the afternoon off.”

Her staff exploded with cheers and eager cries of ‘yes, ma’am’. One colt even threw her a sharp military salute. Their enthusiasm filled her with a feeling she hadn’t felt in a long, long while. Coloratura smiled as she took her place center stage in their midst. She raised her voice and let her feelings flow. She sang of joy and fulfillment, but most of all, she sang of pride.

It was with a spring in her step and a song in her heart that Coloratura trotted over to her favourite evening haunt. She felt a smile play on her lips as the donut diner came into view. She preferred to arrive before the evening rush, allowing her some time to enjoy her free donut and coffee alone with the baker at the till.

The door bell rang as she slipped through the door. “Hello?” She called out timidly as she trotted up the rows of booths towards the till. ‘Strange. Where is he? Is he out back? She thought. She was just about to take her usual spot at the counter when her snout twitched. An offensive tang assaulted her nose. She gasped as familiarity struck. It was smoke!

Common sense would have dictated her run in the other direction. But common sense seemed to have run away without her as she launched herself over the counter, earth pony hooves propelling her straight for the open kitchen door. She landed in the kitchen to find the baker standing by a pan fire. “Just a little hiccup. Everything’s under control.” He smiled his usual confident smile as he levitated over the kitchen’s emergency fire blanket.

“No, wait!” Coloratura gasped. The floating fire blanket knocked a large bag of flour off a shelf straight towards the flaming pan. The baker froze, his eyes widening in horror.

“Watch ou—” He managed to cry before he was silenced by 40kg of earth pony tackling him in the side. The two flew straight out the kitchen’s back door. He barely managed to wrap his hooves about her, curling the fire blanket around them both before they hit the ground in the alleyway outside. A split second later the door and kitchen windows were blown clear off the building by an eruption of fire and burning flour dust. The explosion rocked the very ground beneath them, sending pillars of smoke rising up in the Canterlot sky.

“W-wow!” The baker coughed and wheezed as he peered out from beneath the blanket at the burning flour dust and debris flaking down all around them. “We made it.” His chuckles were almost drowned out by the fire sirens filling the sky. “You saved me!”

“Y-your kitchen—” Coloratura gasped, looking at the burning ruins of his little kitchen. Firefighter pegasi swarmed the air with dark, heavy rainclouds.

“Eh, was planning to renovate it. Wanted to wire in some running magic, get some of the newfangled machines.” The baker shrugged, covering them both with the fire blanket once more. A sudden downpour drenched the donut diner and alleyway behind it as the firefighter pegasi got to work putting out the fire. “How’d y’know the flour would explode over an open flame?”

“M-my parents were millers,” the mare murmured, shivering with fear.

He tensed perceptibly at her use of past tense. “Sorry,” he whispered as he held her closer against him, drawing a soft little squeak from him. “Stupid of me. Shouldn’t have let all this happen to you.”

“Y-your hoof—” She gave a teeny gasp, noticing the scrape across his right front hoof.

“Oh, must have been from the landing. It’s just a—” He was stunned by the feeling of her little tongue on his wound. She held his hoof gently in her own as she licked his fur clean. The pitter patter of the rain on the fire blanket was all that filled the silence as she worked. She was so focused upon her task that she gave a startled gasp when she realized he was staring at her.

“I-I’m so sorry, this is such an earth pony thing! I forgot you’re a unicorn, you must have healing spells and everything! I—” She blurted in panic.

“No, no, it’s not that. It’s just—” The stallion paused awkwardly, “Nopony’s ever done anything this kind for me.”

She blushed brightly. She wasn’t entirely sure if it was his words or his look, probably both. Whatever it was, she quickly looked away. But there was no hiding her glow under that fire blanket.

“Looks like the fireponies got this,” he finally broke the awkward silence. “Let’s get you somewhere dry.”

“But your diner—” her protest was cut off by a squeak as she was abruptly levitated off the ground and onto his back in a burst of magic.

“There are more important things,” he said, peering over his withers at her with a gentle smile. “Could I please help you dry off over some hot cocoa?”

Before she knew it she had given him a timid little nod. She gasped, quickly wrapping her hooves around his withers as powerful muscles coiled and move beneath her, carrying them away.

Chapter 3 - The Meet-the-Mom Moment (Story)

She pulled the warm, fluffy towel closer around her withers. The comfy pony pillows she lay upon were so soft she was in danger of sinking into them and never resurfacing. It had been a while since she last saw pony pillows arranged in a circle around a fireplace. It was a very traditional Canterlotian thing rarely seen in the newer houses, hotels and other Canterlot establishments. But she remembered the Princesses maintained the style in their private chambers. To see it in somepony’s home meant the house itself must date back at least two generations, maybe more.

It was a spacious dwelling, built in that round magically-moulded Unicornian style, complete with its pale cream and cool amethyst hues. The interior was cluttered in that endearing way a home would accumulate curios, knickknacks and heirlooms over generations. But a lot of effort, care and love had evidently gone into looking after everything meticulously.

She had had an inkling he might be taking her back to his own home. But the apprehension of being in a stranger’s home only really struck her as he carried her through the front door and eased her onto his living room pillows. But his gentle if silent thoughtfulness had quickly put her at ease. He had even very kindly left a warm magic lantern in the fireplace in place of a real fire, knowing she was still shaken by the explosion earlier. Only when she stopped trembling did he finally leave her side to go make some hot cocoa.

Her ears perked up as she heard his heavy hoofsteps return to the living room. She frowned as she noticed he was accompanied by a second set of hoofsteps. ‘Who could that be?’ she thought, curiously. She felt her heart sink as his familiar form returned with a beautiful young mare in tow, a unicorn with fur the hue of sweet Crème brûlée. ‘Could that be his wife?’ she thought, feeling a touch of envy.

Coloratura let out a death-squeak as she was suddenly swept up in a bone-crushing hug worthy of an earth pony. “Ooooh, she is ab-so-lute-ly adorable!” the unicorn mare cooed in a titillatingly mesmerizing reverberato. “Can we keep her, please?” She nuzzled Coloratura’s mane as she gave the baker puppy-dog eyes.

“Mom, you’re suffocating her. And kind of molesting her too.” The baker gave a half-hearted attempt at prying his mother off Coloratura in an effort to prevent her from committing murder in the first degree.

“M-mom?!” Coloratura couldn’t help but squeak in disbelief. ‘This beautiful young creature is his MOM?!’ Though now that she wasn’t fighting for her breath she could begin to see how the two shared the exact same fur and mane colour, even the same eyes.

“Oh, yes, you can call me ‘mom’ all day, sweety,” Mom squeed.

“This is Cinnamon Chai, also known as mom,” the baker rolled his eyes. “Tell her if you need anything. Just need to go out for fifteen minutes, check on the diner, answer guard and firepony questions, that sort of thing. Be back shortly,” he said, levitating a cup of cocoa over to her. “Now, Mom, give her some space so she can drink her cocoa. Yes, well done, that’s a good Mom,” he said encouragingly as Mom finally backed away to give Coloratura some much-needed breathing space.

“U-um,” Coloratura didn’t even get a chance to say anything as he stepped out the front door, leaving her at Mom’s tender mercies.

Coloratura gave a faint squeak as Mom suddenly sat down on the pillow next to her. “I’m sorry about my son. He’s a kind colt, but as you’ve noticed he’s not much for words. He takes after his father, Harmony rest his soul,” Mom said, waving over at the photograph of the young handsome stallion hanging over the fireplace. “You know, my son has told me a lot about you over these past few weeks. Good things, obviously. But amazingly the only thing he can’t tell me is your name.” She gave her a questioning smile.

“It’s R-R-R-Rara-rarara-rarara-rarara,” Coloratura struggled to find the brakes on her own name.

“Rara, is it? What a darling name,” Mom gave a soft giggle into a front hoof. “Rest assured, my lovely, I’m not gonna bite. Much.” She gave her a wink.

Her reassurance fell on deaf, panickedly twitching ears. ’O-oh no, th-this is the meet-the-mom moment! Wh-what do I do?! Coloratura’s mind entered its default meltdown state.

Just as she was panicking over what to say, Mom turned surprisingly solemn. “My son told me what just happened. I must thank you for saving my son’s life,” she said, bowing her head low. “He is all I have left. And Cinnamon Chai does not forget debts, especially not life debts.”

‘She’s thanking me for saving her son’s life! I-is this even supposed to happen at a meet-the-mom moment?! Am I already doing this wrong?! Okay, need to make this right. Make this right, Rara!’ Coloratura’s mind floundered in panic. “Ma’am. You. Are. So young.” She finally managed to stutter.

There was a painfully pregnant pause. It gave birth to many more embarassing little pauses.

‘DOOOOOOOOOOH! Why the hay did I say thaaaaaaat?!’ Coloratura mentally face-hoofed repeatedly.

If she could drown herself in her hot cocoa, she would have. Except Mom seemed to have other plans for her. “Awwww, here I was trying to be all serious for a moment and you just had to go and be all adorably honest!” Mom squeed, pulling her into another one of her bone-crushing hugs. “Oh, you’re too precious! I’m not letting you go! Please, marry my son!”

’Mom just proposed to me. Now I know I’ve completely bucked up the meet-the-mom moment.’ The freefalling-to-my-doom part of her brain thought. But another part, the part that had detached itself to rise up towards the stars with joy, was thinking ‘Marriage! Squee! Squee! Double Squee!’ The two thoughts went so far apart that the warm little bubble inside her popped, leaving her suddenly naked in the face of real life. Her ears drooped under the sudden weight of reality.

Cinnamon Chai must have noticed the sudden droop in her. “Hmmm? What’s wrong, darling?” She asked, looking genuinely concerned.

“Nothi—” She was just about to say when harsh realization struck her – Lying to Cinnamon Chai meant lying to her son. And lying to her son would mean shutting him out of her life forever. She reluctantly made up her mind, gathering what little courage she had left. “Ma’am, I’m—I’m not a mare,” she finally admitted, heavily.

“Oh?” To Coloratura’s surprise, Cinnamon Chai only smiled in reply.

Silence.

“Um, I said I’m not a mare,” Coloratura repeated, just in case. “I-I’m kind of a colt, a weird one who, well, wants to be a mare.” She closed her eyes, bracing herself for the inevitable shock, horror and outrage.

“Yes, dear, I heard you the first time.” Mom said in a voice surprisingly lacking in shock, horror or outrage.

Coloratura opened one eye cautiously. “Uh, you’re—,” she gulped,”You’re alright with that?”

“Darling, I wouldn’t give two sparks even if you were a hydra. I can tell you like my son, and if you care for him enough to jump in harm’s way to save his life, you’re better than Princess Celestia in my books.” Coloratura gaped at Mom’s earnest remark. “Besides, I’m in no position to comment, really. I’m a futa.”

“Fu-what?” Coloratura blinked.

“Futa,” Mom repeated, patiently, chuckling a little at Coloratura’s blank look. “Oh, darling, you can’t be femcolt without getting invited to join Clocktower Genderwise by nosy ol’ Princess Mi Busybody Cadenza. All gender-confused ponies receive a personal invitation to Genderwise from her at some point in their lives. I mean, Society ponies are the only ones who care enough to reach out to us here in prudish lil’ Equestria. And judging from how successfully you’ve taken to your identity, you must have graduated from Genderwise 101. Am I right?” Cinnamon Chai raised an eyebrow.

“A—” Coloratura gaped in disbelief. Mom had her down perfectly. “Y-you’re also a member of Clocktower Society, ma’am?”

“I am, dear.” Mom said, levitating over her own Clocktower Society badge to show to her. “I was born a futa,” she explained with a faint smile. “As you know, we’re descendants of those cursed by Discord during his Reign of Chaos. But with everypony in Equestria the way they are, turning up their muzzles at anything that even remotely reminds them of Discord’s rule, Clocktower Society’s really the only place us futas can find acceptance. Kind of like femcolts like you, really,” she sighed, staring off into some distant memory. “Discord decided it’d be all fun and chaotic to make sure we futas needed regular ponies to be able to have foals. If it weren’t for Clocktower Society’s acceptance, we futas would have gone extinct millenia ago, for better or for worse.” She gave a sardonic little chuckle. “Ironic, isn’t it? A kink club, a bucking kink club, is the only reason my kind’s not extinct. But in this prudish world they’re the only ones open enough to accept ponies like you and me.” She shook her head with a sigh. “At least Genderwise was a nice bonus. They did help me decide I wanted to be a mare, with considerable help from my late husband. Nothing makes you feel more like a mare than a good firm rutting from your Master.” She giggled unashamedly. “Come now, dear, no need to be embarrassed around a fellow Clocktower member. Spill. Dom or sub?”

“S-s-s-sub.” Coloratura squeaked. It was certain now, the meet-the-mom moment had long since died a quick if painful death.

“Ooh, a mare after my own heart. I haven’t visited the Society in a while so I haven’t had the opportunity to chat with a fellow subbie in a long time,” Cinnamon giggled. “Do you have a Master, dear?”

Coloratura totally did not miss Cinnamon holding her breath. She somehow suspected she’d continue holding her breath until either she answered or Cinnamon passed out. And Coloratura certainly did not want to have to explain to her son why Mom managed to pass out from asphyxia while he was gone. “I used to. But we’re not together anymore.” She shook her head glumly in answer. “We met a long while ago,” she found herself saying. She wasn’t sure why, there was just something about Mom that was comforting, reassuring even, something that told her it was alright to finally get her story off her chest. Was it the fact that she was a fellow Society member? Or that they were kindred spirits in their pursuit of self-discovery?

“I was still very lost back then, confused about who I am, what I am,” Coloratura smiled bitterly. “Princess Cadence invited me, welcomed me into the Society personally. She and everypony at the Society accepted me for what I was, got me back on my hooves, showed me that I wasn’t alone, that there were many other confused ponies like me at Clocktower Society. I don’t think I would have come to terms with what I am without their help,” she smiled at the fond memories. “Of course, Clocktower Society's a kink club first and foremost, nopony was about to pretend it’s anything else. It certainly helped us get familiar with ourselves, made us feel wanted, loved, for the first time in our lives,” she giggled softly, blushing all the while. “That was when I met Svengallop for the first time.” Her face fell a little at the recollection. “She–he was there for pretty much the same reason, though he had been at the Society much longer. He was kinder back then, so eager to help other confused ponies just as Genderwise had helped him. He was the first to accept me as a mare. We became friends, then much more. By that point we had both really gotten into the kink lifestyle like everypony else at Clocktower Society. I decided I wanted to have him as my Master. I had never seen him as happy as that day I offered my collar to him. He told me he’d make me happy, that he’d make me into a pony that all of Equestria will accept. And I guess he did. But things changed. I saw him start looking at other mares, real mares. He drifted away and I, well, I couldn’t do anything to compete, not with real mares. And before I knew it we–we were over,” she sniffled softly.

To her surprise, Mom wordlessly pulled her into a tight hug. Coloratura was starting to suspect she was the huggy kind of pony. “Then it was his loss, and he lost big time,” Mom said, stiffly. “Darling, I know he might have made you feel like a mare. But he did not make you a mare, not by a longshot. Because ultimately mares like you and I have had to delve deeper and fight harder to find our identity. We weren’t given it on a silver platter, we earned it through years of wandering and heartache. Those trials and struggles to get to where we are is what truly makes us mares. And it’ll always be our treasure to gift to whoever we choose to be our Master. And a Master who deserves your love would cherish that precious gift, embrace it and never let it go. Got it, sweety?” Cinnamon tilted her head to one side to peer up at Coloratura’s face. “Darling? What’s wrong? Was it something I said?” She asked worriedly, noticing the tears trickling down Coloratura’s cheeks.

“N-no—,” Coloratura hiccuped softly. “I-I don’t know, it’s just—I’ve felt so lost since he left. It felt like he took everything away with him, my life, my career, my everything. I wasn’t even sure what was left, if there was anything at all.”

“He cannot take anything that you don’t allow him to take.” Mom pressed her forehead firmly against hers, looking her sternly in the eye. “I see a beautiful, loving, heroic mare, the kind of pony I want as my daughter-in-law. My son has never brought a mare home and introduced me until today. And ultimately, you alone know all the hardships and victories you’ve struggled through to become the mare you are today. Those are facts that he can never take away from you.”

It was an indescribable feeling. Those were the words she didn’t even know she needed to hear so badly. She wasn’t sure why she needed somepony else to say it to her. She had lived her whole life believing she needed other ponies to accept her, to help her be accepted. She had never considered that perhaps she had already somewhere along the way earned the right to be a mare, that perhaps she could stand on her own four hooves, say her own words, plot her own course, be her own mare.

Was that what the baker had been trying to do over the past few weeks? Get her comfortable doing her own thing? Could that possibly be why the silent stallion brought her to see his mother today?

“Th-thank you,” Coloratura sniffled through her tears, “Thank you so much.”

“I did nothing, dear. You’re a strong mare, you know, kind of like me. You got yourself this far. So don’t stop, and don’t let nothing stop you,” Mom said with a smile. “Now, regardless of whether or not you end up with my son – Though I’d prefer it if you did – I would like us to stay friend, Rara.”

“I’d love that.” Coloratura smiled, wiping away the last of her tears. “I’d love that very much.”

“Now you must absolutely stop by my coffee shop,” Mom said, “I serve proper confectionary, not like the rubbish my son–”

“–Who’s just returned home and heard all that.” Her son deadpanned as he trotted through the front door.

“–calls sweets, no matter how much sugar he wastes in those fried lumps of flours.” Mom finished.

“Glad you care so much about the donut shop, Mom,” He said with a bright smile.

“Never appreciated real cooking, just like your father.” Mom harrumphed, nudging her hip against his playfully. “She’s a keeper.” Coloratura totally heard her hiss at her son. Tirek in Tartarus probably heard her hiss at her son. “Let my future daughter-in-law slip out of my hooves and I will disown your butt so fast your cutie-mark will have to hitch a ride on a Wonderbolt to catch up.”

“Mom, you’re scaring the poor filly,” her son rolled his eyes at her. “Now, go on, be a good mommy and do mommy things. Y’know, like peeking at us through the keyhole or something.”

“Don’t start for at least five minutes. I need some popcorn,” Mom said as she disappeared through the door.

“Alright, she’ll be back in three, but that’s enough time. Now’s our chance,” he magically opened the front door, gesturing for them to make their escape. She wasn’t entirely sure why they were running away but she rushed out with him into the cool Canterlot evening outside. “Hear popcorn popping. Faster!” He called to her over the sound of the rushing wind.

She wasn’t sure why but she was laughing as they ran down the block. Her laughter felt free, light, as if a burden had finally been lifted off her back. He chuckled along as he ran alongside her, sharing in her mirth. They ran and ran and ran some more. Coloratura felt so light and free she probably wouldn’t have stopped if it weren’t for the very gates of the palace standing in her way. The guards eyed them idly as they slowed down to a trot, laughing all the while. They finally came to a stop at the fountain in the palace boulevard, chuckling and giggling in between pants.

They eventually lapsed into companionable silence. They sat down on the fountain, watching as the rest of Canterlot slowly lit up in the dark beneath them.

It was a while before he finally broke the silence for them. “So, yes, live with my mom,” he said, blushing a little awkwardly.

“She’s an incredible mare,” Coloratura said, earnestly, “I really like her.”

“You do?” His ears perked up, “Oh, thank Celestia. Thought it was a lost cause!” He seemed awfully thankful for something.

“Hmmm?” Coloratura tilted her head to one side curiously at his remark.

“Oh, nothing.” He grinned. “Uh, thank you for saving me earlier. Could’ve been hurt real bad. Stupid of me.”

“Oh, no, anypony would’ve done the same.” Coloratura was quick to wave a dismissive forehoof.

“But you did it. Owe you my life now,” He said with a grateful smile.

Her blush only deepened. “N-no, really.” She murmured, demurely. “Is your hoof alright? I’m still sorry about kissi–I mean, licking it earlier!” She said awkwardly.

“Good as new. It’s gotta be your magic.” He chuckled, showing her what little remained of the gash.

“Oh, thank goodness.” Coloratura smiled as she breathed a sigh of relief. It was suddenly the stallion’s turn to blush at her smile, seemingly stunned by her fuss over such a minor injury. Thankfully for him, Coloratura didn’t seem to notice. “And how’s the diner?” She asked.

“Damage wasn’t too bad,” he quickly replied, seemingly happy for the change in topic, “It was just the stove. The donut frier and other machines survived. Could still make donuts and coffee, just won’t be able to serve any savouries for breakfast for a while,” he shrugged his withers. “Not complaining. Got off lucky, thanks to you. Oh, look what else survived.” He reached inside his saddlebags, pulling out two cans of cocoa.

“Pffft!” Coloratura burst out laughing, “Oh, how lucky!”

“Yep,” he shared in her laughter, magically opening one before levitating it over to her. “I also saved this.” He brought out a bottle of bright gold liquor. “Neighponese Kokorotora. Been savin’ this for a special occasion. Think living is pretty special.” He offered it to her.

“Well, I can drink to that,” she giggled, holding her cocoa up for him. He poured a generous shot for her before giving his own cocoa a good fill. “To living!”

“To living!” They drank their toast by the fountainside. Coloratura revelled in the taste. The cocoa was just as warm as the day she met him, with a comforting sweetness and a little something extra special, something she knew she’d have fun figuring out.

Just like him.

They lapsed into yet another companionable silence. There was an awful lot of those with this rather silent stallion, but she quickly found she didn’t mind it. He rubbed his neck awkwardly as he seemed to ponder what to say next. This was probably the most he had ever spoken in his entire life. “Uh, what’s your name?” He finally asked.

She gaped. Had she really gone this long without telling him her name? Really? She had dive-tackled him into the ground without giving her name first? She had licked his hoof without even the common decency to introduce herself? Was she really that kind of mare?

“Uh, if you don’t want to tell me, it’s okay.” He shifted anxiously. It was the first time she had ever seen him nervous. “Well, would like to know. But I know you might not want me to know, so it’s okay, y’know.”

“It’s R-R-R-Rara-rarara-rarara-rarara,” she blurted out, struggling to find the brakes on her own name once more.

“Rara.” He found the brakes for her. “Rara.” He smiled as he repeated her name. “Rara.” His smile only widened.

“Yes?” She squeaked. Any brighter and her blush could probably be seen from the moon.

“Nothing. It’s just that it’s such a beautiful name,” he said with a grin, “Can’t stop saying it.”

’I don’t want you to, she thought inwardly, grimacing at how cheesy her own thoughts were. Another thought suddenly occurred to her. “Uh, your name, is it ‘Donut Joe’?” She suddenly asked.

He paused at her question, seemingly coming to the sudden realization that he had yet to tell her his name either. He chuckled, “Hahahahahah!” he guffawed loudly.

“What’s so funny? Did I get it wrong?” Coloratura asked, worriedly wondering if she had made yet another faux pas.

“Well, actually, name’s Mane. Con Mane, agent donut pone shaken. Not stirred,” he said with his usual bright grin, "Wrote 'Donut Joe' over the shop door and on all the napkins to mislead my enemies,” he said, inviting a delightful giggle from her. “Dad wanted to name me ‘Donuts’. Mom wanted ‘Joy’. Donut Joe stuck,” he shrugged, “Certainly helps sell the donuts. But doesn’t really matter. Tell me, how would you describe this can of cocoa?” He asked, tapping her can.

She grinned knowingly. She knew this one. “It’s half-full, off course.”

“Call it half-full, half-empty, whatever name you want, but what really matters is that it’s not gonna let you go thirsty anytime soon—and, the most important bit, there’s always a little bit of room for a dash of booze.” The stallion demonstrated by topping up the cocoa with another shot of Kokorotora before doing teh same with his own. “Cheers.” The unicorn levitated his own can before downing his in one gulp.

Coloratura couldn’t help but suppress a giggle at the liquor’s name. “Kampai.” She toasted him in true Neighponese spirit as she took another sip of the alcoholic cocoa.

Kokorotora cocoa was definitely better than canned cocoa.

“Yeah, that hit the spot.” He sighed, “Kokorotora’s the best.”

Coloratura couldn’t help but blush brightly at that.

How she wished it was her he was referring to.

She snapped out of her reverie as he suddenly spoke up again. “Uh, y’know I’m a simple pony. Don’t know my salad fork from my desert spoon, don’t know how to, y’know, treat a fine lady like yourself. So, uh, what I’m trying to say is…” The usually stoic stallion seemed so adorable as he tried to find the right words for her. Coloratura couldn’t help but feel her heart melt for him. “...could I please walk you home?” He asked.

“Yes!” She cried excitedly before she threw a forehoof over her mouth. She smiled sheepishly up at him as she corrected herself. “I-I mean, Donut Joe, I would love that. Very much.”

He seemed to breathe a sigh of relief as he made to follow her. He walked by her side, staying silent the rest of the way to her hotel. He seemed to have exhausted a lifetime’s supply of words that night. She didn’t mind his silence. His endearingly goofy grin more than spoke for him.

The journey home seemed to be over before it even began. All too soon she was standing in front of her hotel courtyard. The courtyard and the road in front of it seemed deserted, with Canterlot’s night life attracting most ponies to the other side of town around this time of the night.

They stood there for a while, staring at the hotel’s front door. For the first time, the silence wasn’t for lack of something to say. Both knew what to say. Neither wanted to say it.

“Good b–good night,” he finally said, his voice full of forced reluctance.

“Good night, Donut Joe.” She smiled sweetly up at him. “Oh, will your diner be open tomorrow?” She asked.

“Yes. As always.” He nodded, his smile suddenly hopeful.

“I’ll see you tomorrow then,” she promised him.

“Y-yeah! Tomorrow!” He grinned widely, appearing satisfied with her promise. “Tomorrow,” he hummed happily, seemingly suddenly lost in thought as he turned away.

Coloratura smiled fondly as she watched him leave. Perhaps….perhaps prince charming does come around, even after midnight’s past?

“Hello, Coloratura.”

The voice felt like a cube of ice running down her spine. Her heart froze in her throat, threatening to shatter. She had to force herself to turn her suddenly stiff neck to look behind her. She suddenly felt weak and nauseous at the sight before her.

It was Svengallop.

Chapter 4 - Towertop (Story)

Author's Note

Be forewarned, ever so slightly darker themes in this chapter.

Chapter 4 - Towertop (Story)

The normally well-trimmed, pristine white stallion was a lot tattier and ragged than she remembered. His fur was unkempt, his normally carefully-styled mane and tail a tangled mess. He even had a scary bruise around one eye. But it was still very much the stallion that haunted her nightmares. “You look like you’re having fun,” he murred in his usual oily voice. She felt sick and disgusted by it. She couldn’t believe she thought it suave and charming once upon a time.

She took a step back from him.

“Ah, ah, have you forgotten your old Master?” He growled, pulling out a familiar old black collar. It had been hers. She had once looked upon the black band with awe and adoration. Now the very reminder of having once been his only repulsed her.

“Y-you’re not my Master,” she managed to say, her voice trembling, “N-not anymore!”

“Oh, perhaps you need a little reminder?” His amber eyes glinted dangerously in the dark. “I’m the one who made you a mare, a star! What are you without me? Surely you’ve let your career slide enough over the past few months. The only way it could get worse is if somepony were to, say, let your little secret slip." He smirked with satisfaction as the colour drained from Coloratura's face. "You know how Equestria is, how the world is. They won't stop at ruining your career, they will run you out of every town in Equestria. Just like they did before Cadence and Genderwise scooped you out of the gutter."

Coloratura choked, old bitter memories rushing up like black sewer water. She stumbled backwards, her legs swaying. She didn't want to go back there. By Celestia, by Harmony, she didn't want to end up in that place ever again.

"That won't happen." Svengallop licked his lips. "Because I'm here for you. I'm always here for you. You know that. Because you need me. You always have, you always will. Need. Me.”

She bit her lip, her eyes tearing up, her knees threatening to give way beneath her. She felt weak, oh so very weak, like that confused creature he once took and made into a mare. Without him….without him…

She gasped as she felt somepony step up next to her, placing a warm, comforting hoof on her withers. She gasped as she looked up. Her heart leapt in joy at the sight. Donut Joe stood next to her, his jaw set, his gaze firm.

“Y-you–!” Svengallop flinched. “Stay out of this!”

Donut Joe didn’t say anything, resolving to simply stand by her side.

“This is none of your business!” Svengallop barked at him.

Donut Joe remained stoically silent, placing an encouraging hoof on her withers, just as he always did when he got her to speak to other ponies.

“This is between us two!” Svengallop practically shrieked.

“Yes, it is.” Coloratura finally found her voice, feeling her courage gather from his presence alone. “Because I make my own way now.” She declared. “I am my own mare, Svengallop!” She gave him a furiously defiant glare, one that sent him staggering back in sudden terror. “I do not need you. I will never need you.” she finished, her tone cold and final.

“Grrr–” Svengallop growled. “You foalish filly! You don’t understand how many bits I owe–!” He roared as he made a desperate lunge for her.

There was a loud WHAM.

Coloratura winced, watching Svengallop bounce away across the flagstones as if he had ran straight into a stone wall. In fact he had run straight into something far more painful – Donut Joe’s steel-wire abs – as the stallion planted himself in front of her.

“Gah, you!” Svengallop was just about to cry out when he was suddenly pinned to the ground, his hooves locked in a painful disarming royal guard lock. “AAAAAAAARGH!” He screamed.

“Ex-royal guard.” Donut Joe spat down at him, pinning the earth pony with ridiculous ease. “Ex Torch Legionnaire Special Forces to be exact. You know what that means.”

“N-no–” What was left of Svengallop’s colour drained from his face. “Y-you’re–you’re a Clocktower Guard?!”

“Ex-Major. Honourable discharge.” Donut Joe snapped. “Rara, do you have your Clocktower badge?”

Coloratura’s front hoof instinctively flew to her jacket pocket where she always kept her Clocktower Society badge out of habit. “I do.” She replied, pulling it out.

“Can’t let this pony go so I’ll leave it to you.” Donut Joe nodded at her, “Invoke your safeword on the badge.”

“No!” Svengallop pleaded. “Please, Rara!”

Coloratura hadn’t had to use her safeword in a long, long time. But despite that the words were still familiar to her. She remembered being warned to never use it outside Clocktower Society unless she was well and truly in danger.

She decided that this probably qualified.

“Towertop.” She invoked her safeword.

She gasped, shielding her eyes as the badge suddenly lit up a brilliant magenta, firing a bright purple flare into the night sky above. It erupted high above them into a miniature flaming heart, lighting up the courtyard like a torch. The badge shook in her grip, letting out seven crystal clear bell tolls that echoed across the night. Tendrils of purple light flew out of the badge’s glow, coiling and weaving themselves into a protective spherical shield around Coloratura.

‘I probably should have done that sooner,’ she thought sheepishly.

“NO!” Svengallop cried, shielding his face from the light as despair truly set in his face. The collar he had held in his hooves clicked as its emergency release catch responded to the safeword, splitting the band into two useless halves. The two halves proceeded to disintegrate into a mist of sparkles.

“You’re not going to prison, you know that.” Donut Joe growled down at him. “You’re going to Torch Legionnaire HQ. Princess Cadence and Princess Luna themselves will judge you.”

“N-no!” Svengallop’s eyes widened in shock and horror, “No! Please! Don’t! Don’t take me to them! NO! You don’t understand! There are these really big bad ponies! I owe them a lot of bits! I–” The stallion almost bit his tongue on seeing the cold unforgiving fury in the larger stallion's eyes.

“And so you sold her out, is that it?!” Donut Joe barked furiously, twisting his hoof, forcing him to bite down a screech.

Coloratura gasped as the shadows of six royal guards, both Celestial and Lunar pegasi and thestrals, swooped in a wide arc around the flare above in tight formation. Two remained airborne while four dropped down to form a perimeter around the courtyard, their guard armour clanking heavily as they touched down. Another six earth pony and unicorn guards rushed through the courtyard gates, quickly reinforcing the perimeter. Coloratura could just about make out the Torch Legionnaire special forces emblems emblazoned on their pauldrons gleaming in the flare light.

“Major!” Two of the guards, a mare and a stallion, rushed up to Donut Joe. “Lieutenant Hot Fuzz of the Canterlot Torch Legionnaires.” The mare saluted sharply. “We saw the flare from the palace and rushed here as fast as we could. We’re all from different units around Canterlot so I’m acting ranking officer for now. There’s probably more on the way. Speak of the Nightmare!” She looked around as at least another dozen guards arrived with two crystal guards still tying their chestplates on and at least four Wonderbolts, one of whom was still trying to put on his flight-mask.

“Uh, sorry, we’re here on vacation. Just saw the flare,” the crystal guard mare reported, “Sergeant Bright Emerald of the Crystal Torch Legionnaires, reporting.”

“Captain Spitfire, Wonderbolt, Cloudsdale Torch Legionnaires,” one of the Wonderbolts stepped up at head of her group of three. “Rushed over from the Wonderbolt derby stadium when we caught your signal. Haven’t seen a safeword flare in ages. This had better be worth the flockin’ fuss, Joe.” She eyed the stallion Joe had pinned to the ground.

“Got a rogue here. Possibly a sell-out and a fleshmonger too.” Donut Joe grunted, roughly pulling the whimpering stallion up. “Dunno if there are buyers. They might’ve been watching. Might have scared’em with the noise. Could be well on their way out of town if that’s the case.”

“We’ll have him talking in six hours, we’ll have the buyers by dawn.” Spitfire grinned sinisterly. “As ranking officer, I’m assuming command of this adhoc Torch Legionnaire task force,” she announced to the rest of guards, “Our mission is to contain this clusterbuck.” She pointed at Svengallop. “Take him.”

“N-no! Please! I don’t know anything! I swear! Please, Rara, tell them! Tell them I’m innocent! Please!” He pleaded Coloratura as four of the guards took hold of him, locking his hooves in irons.

“Y-You just came b-back to me to settle a debt?” Coloratura trembled in both horror and fury. She felt so betrayed, so violated. “I–I actually trusted you with my life once!” She shrieked, watching as hope died on his face. “I don’t want to see you ever again!”

“You won’t. He’ll be lucky to see the light of day again. Princess Cadence and Princess Luna will make sure of that,” Spitfire growled at Svengallop, nodding for her guards to take the pathetically quivering stallion away. “Joe, I think you two are going to need a few guards, at least until we know what we're up against. By Discord's tits, I thought we already crushed all the big players.”

“Would appreciate that, Captain,” Donut Joe nodded at the Wonderbolt. “Kept in shape, but I’m no guard no more.”

“You’re Special Forces, Major. We Torch Legionnaires are guards for life.” Spitfire gave him a light punch in the withers. “Fuzz, Grey, Light, Gleam, you four are assigned to the Major. I’ll send a relief squad at dawn.”

“Yes, ma’am!” The four appointed guards saluted sharply. They remained as the rest of the soldiers filtered out of the courtyard, all listening raptly as Spitfire barked her orders.

“Uh, Rara?” Donut Joe brought her attention back. “It’s alright, we’re safe now. Though good to see they still make these emergency shields nice and sturdy,” he said, tapping on the magical force field still glowing around her. “You can drop the shield now.”

“Oh, yes, sure.” Coloratura nodded, fumbling with her badge shakily. “Uh? How do I do that?”

“Did you even pay attention at the Society induction?” Lieutenant Hot Fuzz, the palace guard, rolled her eyes.

“Can it, Hot Fuzz.” Donut Joe waved off the liuetenant. “Just re-invoke the safeword, Rara.”

“Oh, sure.” Coloratura nodded. “Towertop.” The badge’s glow blinked out. The shield and flare above them dissolved away in a mist of sparkles. She marvelled at the badge. Even here, far from the Society, Princess Cadence and Clocktower were still looking out for her.

“Where to, Major?” Hot Fuzz asked Donut Joe. “Somewhere easy to watch would be good. This hotel’s probably compromised.” She nodded at the hotel.

“I agree,” Donut Joe nodded, “Rara, sorry about all this. Would you mind staying with my mom tonight?” His voice turned soft as he turned to her.

Coloratura found herself still trembling from mane to tail. Her mind was reeling in denial, unable to parse everything that just happened. If it weren’t for Donut Joe–

If it weren’t for Donut Joe–

“Yes, Joe, I’d like that,” she quickly nodded.

“Then let’s go. Lead on, lieutenant.” Donut Joe nodded at Hot Fuzz. The mare waved her guards forwards into a steady march around them.

Coloratura couldn’t help but notice Donut Joe glueing himself to her side all the way back to his house. While the other guards kept their heads on a swivel, eyeing their surroundings, his eyes were constantly on her. She didn’t mind it. In fact, despite her harrowing ordeal, she had never felt safer her entire life.

“Uh,” She finally gathered the courage to ask, “Is he going to be alright? Svengallop, I mean?”

Donut Joe looked down at her, an expression of stunned surprise on his face. It quickly melted into one of endearment. “Even after all that, you can still worry for his wellbeing. You truly are something else, Rara,” he chuckled softly as she once again turned the colour of an overripe tomato, “Don’t worry. He’ll make it to Princess Cadence and Princess Luna in one piece.”

She gave a teeny nod. She felt a sniffle well up. Tears slowly overwhelmed her as she finally wept and mourned the kind, gentle stallion that used to love her. There was none of him left in that crazed pony the guards dragged away. Her first love was well and truly gone.

She gasped as she felt the warmth of what could only be a denim jacket wrap around her, their sleeves magically knotting themselves about her. “Not gonna let anything else happen to you. Promise.” She heard him growl protectively as he threw a front hoof around her, hugging her close against him.

She smiled softly through her tears as she pulled the jacket closer around her, basking in its warmth. “Thank you,” she whispered softly, earning her a bright brush from the colt.

Chapter 5 - Midnight Doesn't Scare Me Anymore (Story)

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 6 - Magic After Midnight (Clop)

Donut Joe shifted about uncertainly like a lost puppy, looking a little uncomfortable in her hotel suite. It looked as if somepony had decided to build a temple to elegance and placed a massive jet black herd-sized cloud bed in the middle. “A-are you sure we’re in the right room?” He asked, eyeing the chaise lounge in a corner suspiciously as if it might start galloping at them.

“Hmm?” Coloratura giggled softly, luxuriating in the feeling of being carried around on her stallion’s broad, mighty back. In her excitement she had booked out the most expensive hotel suite in Canterlot, thinking she’d spare no expense. She should have been more considerate of her stallion. She had noticed how uncomfortable he had been in a tuxedo and how twitchy he had been throughout dinner at the classy Prench bistro he had decided to take her to, Chez Chantelise. The way he had done his best to be a perfect gentlecolt for her was adorable and endearing to say the least, especially when he managed to spill the wine all over her thighs and legs.

She was thankful she had secretly tipped the maitre’D to get them a private dining room. It allowed her to help glaze over his accident by slowly, sensuously licking the wine off her own thighs and hooftips, showing off her flexibility borne of years of performing. She had certainly enjoyed the look on his face as he watched hungrily, his dinner all but forgotten.

“Um, yes, it is our room, Joe,” Coloratura said, “Would you rather I get us something simpler?” She asked, leaning around his broad neck to look at him.

“Oh, no, no.” He cleared his throat. “It’s just missing something,” he said, a slow playful grin blooming on his face. She gave a loud squeak as his magic surrounded her, lifting her off his back and onto the bed. There was a soft ‘Pomf’ as she landed sprawled on her back on the heaven-like duvet, her dark navy blue dress pooling around her. Her saddlebag bounced along next to her, landing in a little heap. “There, now it feels just like home.” Donut Joe nodded approvingly at the beautiful blushing mare lying on the bed before him. He paused as he noticed something poking out of her saddlebag.

“Oh, this,” Coloratura gave him a meek smile as she pulled out a brand new black collar. “I know we’ve only talked about it, we haven’t decided when, but I was thinking tonight might be the right time?” She suggested, looking sheepishly up at him.

He eyed the collar with a solemn expression. He said nothing as he sat down on the bed next to her, placing his forehoof on her mane in that gentle comforting way she had become surprisingly accustomed to. “Are you still sure about this?” He asked. “With everything that’s happened? Would love to have you. Nothing would make me happier. But I would also be happy doing without this, all this, without Clocktower Society, if you want nothing to do with all that ever again. Wouldn’t blame you. Would support you all the way.”

“No.” Coloratura shook her head with a smile. “I’ve had a lot of time to think about it.” She cradled the new collar in her lap. “This is something I want, something you want. Your mom taught me not to let anypony take anything away from me ever again. So I’m not letting anypony take this away from me, not even my past. This is how I'm going to move forwards and leave it behind.” She gave him a determined smile.

“It’s brave of you. You’re a strong mare,” he said in that blunt, honest way of his. The hoof on her head curled around her withers, pulling her towards him. “It wasn’t easy for you, so I’m not gonna take it lightly either. I’ll treasure this gift, the same way I’ll always treasure you.” He placed a hoof on the collar, his hooftip brushing hers.

“I love you, Joe,” Coloratura whispered, closing her eyes as he leaned in close.

“Love you too, Rara.” Donut Joe pressed his lips against hers, allowing their softness to melt into one another. Their tongues sought one another, curling together in a slow, sensuous dance. She moaned into her kiss as she allowed him to lower her back onto the bed. He crawled over her without breaking the kiss, each tender press of his lips pushing her deep into the bed. She could feel his immense weight on the bed, how his enormous size dwarfed her petite form, how his barrel alone smothered her being, and she loved it.

He lowered himself onto his elbows, his front hooves seeking out the neckline of her dress. She moaned into his mouth as he impatiently tugged her dress off her withers, making his desire and lust for her clear. He did not, would not stop ravaging her mouth, his tongue having its way with her. He wasted no time, using his magic to tug the rest of her dress off, leaving her beautiful silken light aquamarine fur bare to the world. Only then did he relent if only to be able to gaze down at her beauty, letting her lips go, leaving a little trail of drool between their tongues.

His breath caught. She blushed as she gave him a sheepish little squee, her withers hunched demurely in an effort to clench her shyness. His gaze traced her soft, feminine curves from her fuzzy chest down to the frilly garter belt hugging her beautiful hips and bounteous flanks. He didn't stop until he reached the adorable red ribbons adorning her plump, squeezable thighs and rear hooves. At the center of it all was a cute little bow adorning something small bound in a maypole of red ribbons.

“Rara, this–?” He asked, pointing down at the bow.

“I-I wanted to make our first time easier for you,” Coloratura explained nervously. “I mean, I know it’s your first time with–with somepony like me. But if you find it troubling, I brought a changeling fire potion from the society.” She reached out for a potion bottle poking out of her saddlebags, one that contained what looked like liquified green flames. “I can transform into a real mare if you want. I–” Coloratura’s voice trailed off into a soft eep as his magical grip grasped the bottle. She gulped as she watched him uncap the bottle. Wordlessly, he levitated the bottle over to her wash basin before emptying its contents.

She gaped, looking between the bottle and him.

“Don’t need that.” Joe muttered, leaning in towards her. “You’re already the most beautiful mare in my life.” He declared, somehow magically ripping his tuxedo off his well-muscled body. He bit down on the knot on the bow. She moaned, arching her back as he pulled the ribbon loose, revealing her cute little penis, letting it flop adorably against her belly. She closed her eyes tight, waiting for him to gasp in disgust at the sight.

She gasped as she felt what could only be his lips caressing the tip of her tiny cockette. “J-Joe!” She moaned out loud. “D-don’t, i-it’s ugly!”

“It’s cute.” He said simply, kissing her tip again, seemingly enjoying her moan and writhe beneath him. “Going to make it mine,” he growled ferally, grasping the shaft of her soft, plush cock in his hoof’s iron grip, drawing a long mewl of defeat from her. He slowly began to pump the shaft, seemingly at home with the concept–at least until he felt her hoof pat him on the head.

“You don’t have to do that,” she half-giggled, half-hiccupped with happiness.

“What, this?” He asked, giving her another playful stroke, drawing another loud moan from her. “Do this at home all the time. My right hoof was designed for this.” he chuckled as he made her writhe and cry beneath him.

“I-I mean, aaahn! Oooh! I-it’s okay for you to–Mmmhhn–just treat me like you would a mare. You don’t–mmmhhm–need to do that–Kyaaaaaahn!” She cried out as his hoof found the root of her penis and gave it a slow, cruel twist.

“But this is treating you like a mare. You’re certainly sounding like one,” he teased, “Besides, I want to do this. There’s no stopping me.” She gasped as he demonstrated with a tight, merciless squeeze on the base of her soft, squishy, silky flesh. “And this.” His massive maw engulfed both her adorable little milk sacks, suckling and tugging them down as his iron hoof grip pulled her cockette in the other direction, stretching her ruthlessly upon a rack of indescribable pleasure.

If there was torture in heaven, this would probably be it. Coloratura’s passionate feminine sounds quickly filled the room. No pony, mare or stallion, had ever done this for her. As a femcolt sub, she had always done most of the servicing, something she absolutely loved. But she had never considered allowing herself to be loved and spoiled. She had not expected being intimate with a first time stallion to provide her anything new, but Donut Joe had proven her wrong within the first minute. Oh so very wrong. So very, very, veeerrryyyy wrong!

“Joe! Aaaahn! J-Joe! Mmmmhhhhaaaah! JOE!” She wailed helplessly. He laughed around her cream orbs as he pinned her writhing rear hooves down to the bed with his elbows and his weight. He pressed down on her smooth pony, round belly with his free hoof, pinning her trembling body down possessively, making it clear this was his first step in his conquest of her body. And she was helpless to resist. She could only accept her fate as he gave her plush penis one last steel-vice squeeze, drawing it from base to tip. She moaned and panted, her face a teary sweaty mess, gazing at him as he licked the moist precum from his hooves.

“Hmm, delicious. One day I will make a donut, and I’ll have you make all the glaze for it. Every. Single. Drop.” He punctuated his words with another lick, drawing a helpless catatonic moan from her. “Then I will make you eat it. Slowly. Force you to taste every drop of yourself.” He whispered, causing her to shudder in fear and excitement. It was as if a switch had clicked in her normally stoic stallion, as if some feral sadistic beast had been unleashed upon her. And she absolutely adored this new side of him. “Are you ready to cum for me?”

“Y-yes!” She squeaked.

“Just this once, I won’t make you beg.” He grinned as he leaned in once more. She tensed up, clutching the bedsheets in agonizing pleasure as she felt his maw scoop up her cream eggs before engulfing the entirety of his cockette in his muzzle alone, from root to tip. His eyes glinted maliciously at her as she realized the entirety of her milk sacks and penis were contained in his maw. His front hooves held her thighs wide open, pinning her helplessly to the bed. She lay back in surrender, waiting for the inevitable.

“AAAAAAHHHHN!” She cried out as he slowly, torturously bit down on the very root of her cream orbs and shaft, sinking his teeth in enough to indent her silky skin. “MmmmmmMMMH!” She bit her lip as his tongue coiled about her shaft, his surprisingly powerful muscle squeezing her almost as tightly as his hoof grip. Then with an arduous patience he drew back, dragging his teeth and tongue over her soft, tender flesh. “NYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHNNNNHH!” She shrieked, arching her back off the bed, her hips trembling and bouncing uncontrollably against his steel grip. Ripples of her rich, thick milk spurted into his waiting maw. But he did not stop, even as he tasted the fruit of her passion. No, he continued on relentlessly, drawing his teeth and lips across her oversensitized skin, tugging and stretching every inch as if intent on milking her dry of her cream. “MMMMMMMMMMMMMMH!” His teeth clenched on her cream sacks as it scraped over their equators, squeezing them for all they were worth, emptying them fully into her rippling cock. He drew out her masculine ejaculation into a feminine stream of cum, giving her the longest orgasm she had ever had. He did not stop, drawing out her torture longer and longer and longer upon his rack of pure bliss, until she finally flopped limply on the bed, her every essence sucked dry. Only then did he release her tip, sucking off every last bead of cum before swirling it thoughtfully in his mouth.

From the expression on his face, she could tell he didn’t like it. Not one bit.

She giggled tiredly, raising her front hooves up to him invitingly. “Make me drink it.” She opened her panting maw for him. He smiled around his mouthful, leaning down and opening his muzzle, releasing her fresh, hot milk onto her waiting tongue. She felt his large, stallionly rod stiffen and smack against her belly at the sight of her drinking her own cum out of his mouth. As she sucked up the last dribble of cream, she leaned up to press her lips against his, reaching out with her tongue to clean out his muzzle. She took her time, lovingly cleaning every inch, worshipping the first mouth she had ever been allowed to cum into.

She moaned softly as they finally parted. “That was–that was the first time anypony’s ever done that for me,” Coloratura panted.

“My first time too,” He smiled, caressing her cheeks. “How was it?”

“You were amazing,” she breathed, earnestly, “I loved it when you made me drink it.”

“Heheheh, good, because I think it’s an acquired taste,” he chuckled, sheepishly.

“You can always make me drink it,” She murmured, shyly, “I’d love that.” She frowned as a thought occured to her. “That was far too good to be your first time on a cock though,” she said, suspiciously.

“Heh,” he chuckled, “Might have gone and borrowed a few Clocktower training manuals, maybe practiced on a banana or two. Prefer you to the banana. Bananas don’t squeal as loud.”

She burst out giggling at that. “Oh, Joe, I love you so much!” She squeaked, reaching out to hug him tightly.

“Same,” he grinned, giving her a peck on the lips.

“Now, let me drink your–” Coloratura was about to straighten up when she felt his mighty hooves push her back down to the bed. “Joe?”

“Shush, tonight’s all about you, Rara,” he said, “Will feed you daily after I collar you and make you my cute little cum-hungry slave. But tonight you’re meant to enjoy your last buck as a free mare.” His words sent shivers up and down her body.

“Y-yes,” she moaned desirously. “Please, give me something to remember fondly when I’m your slave.” She half-moaned, half-giggled through her half-assed roleplay.

She caught him staring down at her plot, his expression that of a cavepony experiencing steam locomotives for the first time. He looked as if he was hoping the instructions were written on her butt somewhere.

“Know what I’m doing.” He quickly said, “Read the manuals, saw the diagrams.” His deadpan delivery sent her into another burst of tickled giggles.

“Is this your first as well?” She asked, unable to hide her glee.

“No,” he blushed adorably, “Practiced on a mellon as the manual suggested,” he added in a teeny mutter. She burst into uncontrollable gales of laughter. “Hay, do you even know how difficult it is to find a mellon my size?” He demanded, doubling her shrieks of laughter.

She finally came down from her streak of laughter to find him leaning over her, gazing fondly at her tears of mirth. “Y-you made me laugh on purpose!” She giggled accusingly.

“A crime most heinous. Guilty as charged.” He nodded. “Would have pretended not knowing what lube is next, but decided there might be a crazy masochist in there somewhere who’d take advantage of that.” He tickled her, drawing even more laughter.

“N-no, no, don’t worry, I brought some.” She giggled, pulling out a large bottle of CTRL brand anal lube out of her saddlebags.

“You were really carrying that around Canterlot?” He blinked as she uncapped the bottle.

“Yes?” She said, tilting her head to one side, “Why wouldn’t I?”

“Forget I asked,” Donut Joe chuckled. “What are you doing?” He frowned, watching as she poured the bottle’s contents into her own mouth. “Think you missed your tailhole there. It's down here.” He pointed for her, helpfully.

“Mmmph.” Coloratura gestured for him to sit back on his haunches. Thankfully her stallion didn’t protest much, allowing her to press her lube-filled lips against his cock tip. She slowly began to gain an appreciation for her stallion’s cock as she slowly allowed his broad flare to spread her lips apart, letting the lube within trickle over his head. It was massive, its shaft the length of her hoof, its flare as wide, its root twice as wide. It was big enough for her to comfortably hug as she allowed his flare to penetrate her mouth, drawing more and more of the thin slippery lube all over his shaft. She drew his flare into her mouth, letting it slide in with a pop, using her tongue to work the lube all over his skin lovingly.

He groaned, acknowledging her skill. She felt his hoof grasp her mane, petting her appreciatively as she worshipped his rod. She moaned happily around his shaft at his loving touch as she slowly worked her way lower. She released the tip reluctantly, using her lips and tongue to lather the rest of his shaft, pausing to drink more lube twice as she sought to cover and moisten his entire mast.

“Don’t think we’re going that far,” he groaned, watching her lick and kiss the base of his stallionhood.

“I’m taking all of you inside me tonight,” she said determinedly.

“Oh really?” He grinned, suddenly pouncing her. She gave a loud squeak as he pinned her down on her back once more. She giggled loudly, struggling and writhing against him but to no avail. He was simply far stronger than her. “No marehood has yet to tame me.” He gave her another one of his delicious feral growls, making her shiver beneath him.

“I am no mere mare,” she whispered. “Mmmhhhn!” She gasped as she felt his broad head meet her puckered tailhole.

“No, you’re not,” he whispered in her ear, “You are my mare. You’ll take all of my cock.”

“Y-yes, make me yours, please,” she pleaded, “Make me yours as hard and rough as you can!” She gave a teeny gasp as she felt him begin to slowly, tenderly work his flare against her sphincter, gently loosening it and teasing it apart. “Um.”

“What?” He grunted.

“You can skip that if you want.” She coughed, dryly.

“Uh, don’t I have to loosen you up before I go in?” He asked, pausing. "That's what the manual said."

“When I said you can be as hard and rough as you like with me—” She licked her lips hungrily, “—I mean it.”

“Oh, okay.” He nodded, his expression a look of rapt enlightenment. “You’re mine!” He picked up where he left off.

She felt the prickly warmth of his magic grab her firmly by her thighs. She gasped as she felt herself spread open wider than she had ever been in her life. “W-wait, I—KyaaaaAAAAHN!” Coloratura cried as she felt him put his entire weight behind his monstrous impaler. Her tailhole gave away instantly, stretching around his flare as he proceeded to ruin her puckered star. “AAAAHH—mmmpphh!” Her screams were silenced by his lips as he ravaged her on both ends. “Mppph! MMMPH!” She cried into his mouth in sheer ecstasy as his massive girth sank deeper and deeper into her in one firm, deliberate thrust. She felt her tailhole, nay, her entire belly swell to try and accommodate the monster invading her. She writhed and struggled but the best her rear legs could achieve was twitch against his steel grip. The rest of her body was smothered by his mass. She had never felt so covered, so protected, in her entire life.

“Mpph—mphh.” She panted into his mouth as she felt him finally hilt in her, his heavy swollen balls smacking against the dock of her tail. She wasn’t able to move, every inch of her body gripped by his being. She loved it. And she knew she was going to love what followed. He made her wait for it, seemingly enjoying the feeling of being inside his mare, revelling in every twitch and spasm of her tailhole muscles against his meat.

And then he began to move. She cried into him as she felt his enormous girth tug on her tight tailhole, stretching it as he pulled out. She moaned as her muscles clenched down hard on him, as if unwilling to let him go. But withdraw he did, until only the tip remained inside her. She was just beginning to feel her stretched muscles clench on emptiness when he suddenly surged back inside her in a hammer-like thrust. She screeched as she was piledrived deep into the bed. His mass grinded her over-sensitive cockette and milk sacks into her belly mercilessly. She was just deliriously trying to process what happened when he rammed her again. And again. She could only whimper as his next slam milked her precum forcefully, splattering it all over her belly, chest and face. The next slam painted her face with more forcibly pumped precum. It was as if he was trying to empty the contents of her cream bags all over her. She couldn’t wait.

He rocked her body mercilessly. She could only bounce to her rhythm like a ragdoll, a fuckdoll. Deep down she knew that was what was happening. She was being moulded into a cocksock for his cock, transformed into his personal fucktoy, made into his slave mare. And she welcomed it. With every breath, moan and scream she wished for it. With every spurt of her own cum on her face she desired it. “AAAAAAHN!” She cried as she climaxed once more, what little cream she had left being squeezed out forcefully into her screaming mouth. She lapped up every drop. He continued to rut her straight through her orgasm, working her clenching and spasming ass like a Nightmare-possessed demon.

“RARAAAAAAAAAAAAA!” He finally roared in triumph, his muscles tensing as he gripped her against his rocking iron pelvis, using her as a cum dump for his seed. He continued on bucking, using her spasming tailhole to squeeze out every last drop of his cum.

“Ahnnnn—” She whimpered the sound of her surrender as she took in his gift, allowing him to mark her as his. She panted softly, her teary eyes just about making out her collar floating up in his magic. She felt his powerful front hoof curl around the back of her neck, gripping her still in a possessive gesture. She smiled up at him, her own front hooves tremulously reaching up to pull her mane out of the way, baring her neck for him. “P-please.” She whispered, weakly, pleadingly.

“Mine.” He growled victoriously, looping the strap of her collar around her neck. She gasped as she felt it tighten snugly against her fur. Tears of joy filled her eyes as he clasped the band shut. He sealed it with a kiss, pressing his lips deeply against hers as the click of the padlock resounded with a profound finality. “All mine.” She was now well and truly his.

He held her gently as he slowly withdrew his flacid member out of her. She whimpered, shivering at the sudden coldness below. But he was quick to wipe her clean with the hotel’s smooth facial tissues, making sure not to stress her oversensitive skin. He held her tight as he threw off the ruined duvet, allowing them to sink into the pristine clean sheets beneath. His cuddle-grip was firm but gentle, making her feel safe, warm and loved. As he drew the blankets over them, tucking her in gently against his chest, she knew she was finally where she truly belonged. With him.

The End Happily Ever After.

Author's Note

Special thanks to Manifest for writing the collaring scene. There was no way I could've done such a sweet scene justice.

Thank you very much for reading, everyone. That is indeed the end of the main part of the story. It is quite possible to end there if you so wish. If you enjoyed your read and would like tip me, please leave a like and favourite! I'd really appreciate it.

What follows in the next chapter is the Epilogue where we will shift into something somewhat different, something I had a lot of fun writing with Manifest Harmony. Feel free to see more of the happy ending if you so wish. Just be sure to read the author's notes prefacing the epilogue.

Epilogue Part 1 - Home (Story)

Author's Note

Welcome! Thank you for making it this far. This is the start of the two part epilogue. The epilogue is slightly different from the previous six chapters in that we're finally visiting the elusive 'Clocktower Society' that you've heard mentioned all throughout the story. While I've done my best to try and make this story a standalone experience, it is actually set in Manifest Harmony's Clocktower Society.

What is Clocktower Society, you ask? As Coloratura and Cinnamon Chai said, to put it simply, it is a kink club. But it is quite the gross understatement. It is more an elaborate underground organization backed by elements of various governments worldwide, aiming for one simple thing - the maintenance of a secret utopia of consensual kink and sexual acceptance. Clocktower Society was founded when the six founders of Equestria, in their last most desperate moment, devoted themselves to one another in love. Their love saved Equestria by creating the Fire of Friendship (Devotion) Since then the Society has worked to keep the Fire of Devotion burning by promoting 'acts of devotion', essentially hot kinky consensual sex. It has developed far and wide, becoming a center of consensual sexual openness in a world that is becoming increasingly close-minded and unaccepting of sex and kink. It is the only place where colt-cuddlers, filly-foolers, gender confused ponies, interspecies lovers and futas can find acceptance.

I find the sex-positive and open-minded philosophy of Clocktower Society amazing and, in a strange way, a wholesome way to view kink and sexuality, not as guilty pursuits but as celebrations of love, affection and acceptance. I decided it'd be an interesting way to frame gender orientation, something often viewed by those more close-minded in society in the same deviant light.

If you're interested, I certainly recommend Manifest Harmony's story. It is not entirely necessary to enjoy this story. But those of you who have read the original Clocktower would certainly find plenty of 'aha' moments scattered about this chapter.

Epilogue Part 1 - Home (Story)

The iconic Golden Gallop Bridge was always a sight to behold in the sunset where it spanned guarding the San Franciscolt bay. Especially from where she stood on the pier of Alcolttraz island. Not many get to see this view, especially not ponies who are not part of Clocktower Society. The rest of the public are warned away from the old abandoned prison on Alcolttraz island, marked a derelict dangerous ruin. And if that wasn't enough to ward away prying eyes then the magical wards and charms around the site would turn away even the most foolhardy explorer.

The gentle sea breeze whipped at her long, flowing white dress as she trotted away from the teleporter gate from Manehattan that had spirited her away to this place. The seaside promenade housing the teleporter hub to Equestria's many other major cities as well as Clocktower Equestria East wasn't very busy at that time of the day. She always preferred coming early, allowing her to avoid the queue for the security checkpoint and the train. A few idle seagulls took flight, cawing indignantly at her as she walked up to the security booths at the main gates. They were built to be tall and imposing. The effect certainly wasn't lost on most visitors, that feeling of tension and excitement that served as a preamble for what was to come in the Dungeons below. But for Coloratura this was simply returning home, the home of Clocktower Genderwise, the first home she had ever known.

The guards inspected her Clocktower Society badge before waving her through the magical scanners. Satisfied that she was clear of any magical disguises or mind influencing spells, they allowed her through. A simple but well-appointed garden lay beyond with stairs leading up the main prison building where the site's eponymous Clocktower stood, looming above them like a watchful cyclops. Within were the clockwork elevators that visitors can choose to take into the dungeon levels below. However most visitors including Coloratura would more likely turn right into a building fashioned like a San Franciscolt metro station. 'Sea Dragon Express', the sign above the wide doorway declared. A wide marble staircase beyond descended towards an underground grand hall. Here she was greeted by a grand banner that stretched from the floor to the ceiling.

A bulletin board to one side bore many posters and ads she hadn't seen since she last visited.

The rest of the grand marble hall was host to gates to many smaller departure and arrival platforms. She sought out the nearest departure platform for a carriage. Thankfully there was a carriage waiting there, a spherical bubble-like glass vehicle. A royal guard mare standing on the platform gave her a welcoming nod. "I'd take this one. It's leaving soon." The guard gave her a wink.

"Thanks." Coloratura returned her smile as she climbed onboard.

She wasn't a moment too soon. As soon as she settled into one of the many seats set up in a circle inside the sphere, the speakerphones announced their departure. “Welcome onboard the Sea Dragon Express. We shall shortly be commencing our descent towards Clocktower Equestria West. Estimated Travel Time: 10 Minutes. Passengers are reminded that the carriages are strictly not a play area.” A cool mechanical male voice announced over the automated speakers. “Bulkhead doors now closing. Departing in 5...4...3...2...1”

Coloratura peered out of the domed glass of the spherical carriage. Above her the ocean surface sparkled serenely with the last rays of sunset. A large school of fish rushed by overhead, their silver scales glowing bright orange in the sunset light. There was a loud clank and a hum as the spherical carriage was loaded onto a giant spinning corkscrew-like elevator. The corkscrew began to carry the carriage down into the depths of the ocean from its surface station at Alcoltraz island.

She peered down as the train glided downwards. The curtain of fine bubbles cleared up, revealing her destination - an underwater city of towers and gardens built of red steel, glass and golden arcano-plasteel nestled in the basin of the St. Andneighan fault below. Its towers and garden domes gleamed brightly in the fiery light of sunset. Sunlight sparkled in the water currents curling around the city, their course manipulated by the city’s many hydromancers. The sand currents on the seabed shifted in clouds shepherded by the Clocktower geomancers. The outer wall, built to shield the city against the sand currents, was shaped into the outline of a majestic sun. Truly, this was where the sun set in the west, Clocktower Equestria West.

Above her more carriages were being loaded onto the corkscrew from various other stations along the way, creating a seamless chain of transport to the seabed. To their side another corkscrew would convey carriages upwards to the surface, though the lack of carriages there suggested most ponies would be on their way down at this time of the day, not up. She even spotted a few sea ponies swim by, making their own way down on their own steam.

“If you would look out the windows now you will see Clocktower Equestria West, San Franciscolt, home of the Clocktower Colts.” The automated message system announced. “Built almost 800 years ago in the year 255 of the Age of The Sun, it is considered one of the newer Clocktower sites. It has a long, diverse history, originally built by Clocktower Society members who worshipped the ideals of the matriarchal Sol Celestian Church. Fueled by Clocktower Society Research Laboratories’ unbridled advancements in technology, Clocktower Equestria West was the very pinnacle of Equestrian arcanocraft, engineering and architecture. It had to be, for it was built to remain hidden from public eyes in a very politically and culturally challenging time in the post-Nightmare era when the societal withhunt for ‘queers’, ‘Sombra-slavers’ and ‘lunatics’ remained rampant and unpoliced. It was built to be a safe haven for the scientists and mages of Clocktower, colt-cuddlers, futas and the gender-confused who would later found Clocktower Genderwise, as well as Clocktower culture as a whole.”

Coloratura didn’t hear the rest of the recorded documentary as somepony cleared her throat, obviously seeking her attention. “I beg your pardon, is this seat taken?”

Coloratura frowned at the question. She was quite certain the carriage was practically empty when they departed. Seating shouldn’t be an issue. She was just turning to face the newcomer when she almost jumped in surprise. That beautiful pink fur, that magenta and gold-streaked mane, the royal regalia—

“Princess Cadence?” Coloratura scrambled onto her hooves to curtsy.

“Please, Rara, how many times do I have to tell you we’re best friends!” Cadence laughed, waving Coloratura back into her seat. Her bright tinkling giggle was as Coloratura always remembered it. “Did I surprise you?”

“Pleasantly, Cadence. Always.” Coloratura lapsed back into old habits of addressing her teacher by name.

“Your dress looks absolutely gorgeous,” Cadence gave her long, cascading white silk dress a nod of approval.

“And you are looking as beautiful as ever.” Coloratura smiled down at the Princess’ adorable baby bump.

“I don’t feel it most days,” Cadence giggled as she took the seat next to Coloratura’s “But she is a joy to have around.” She smiled fondly, rubbing a hoof over her own belly.

“May I?” Coloratura asked.

“Please do. I’m sure she’d love to meet her aunty Rara,” Cadence said, allowing her student to reach out and touch her belly.

“Oh, Did you feel that? She kicked!” Coloratura gasped.

“She is quite a kicker.” Cadence nodded. “I just hope she’s not quite as much of a hoofful when she’s born.”

“I’m so jealous.” Coloratura cooed.

Cadence only giggled at her student’s earnestness. “You can always use the Changeling fire kiln at the transformation center and keep up the magic with potions for eleven months. A lot of ponies at Clocktower Equestria West do that. It just takes a lot of patience and perseverance.” Cadence said. “What amazes me most is that the public still buys into the whole ‘magic of love’ thing.”

“Certainly, one day. He deserves a foal of his own. I know he wants one.” Coloratura nodded with a fond smile.

She gasped as she was abruptly pulled into tight hug by her teacher. “Oooh, I feel so much adorably mature love there!” Cadence squeed, pressing her soft plush cheeks tightly against Coloratura’s. “You’ve—you’ve certainly surpassed your teacher.”

“Cadence?” Coloratura frowned. “What do you mean?”

Cadence smiled sadly as she finally released her pupil. “I must apologize, Rara. I was misguided, blinded by my own alicorn aspect. When I first began teaching at Genderwise, I thought I could apply my knowledge of love to help everypony. ‘Love conquers all’, after all.” She gave a bitter chuckle. “You were my best pupil. I thought you would be living proof of my theories, showing the world that Love can make a mare a Mare. Your lesson reports would have been the cornerstone of a whole new philosophy at Genderwise.”

“And I blew it.” Coloratura hung her head. “I’m sorry, I—”

“No, Rara, no.” Cadence pressed a comforting hoof into her withers. “I’m sorry. You suffered because of my flawed theory. I made you build your entire identity on love. I did not—did not even consider the possibility that he’d—” She bowed her head low, tears brimming in her eyes. “I’m so sorry. I’ve wanted to say sorry for so long. I’ve failed you as a teacher, I—” She gasped as she felt a soft front hoof gently brush her tears away.

“It’s alright. I don’t blame you at all.” Coloratura said with a faint smile. “I think we all have our own special something that makes us Us. Love can be that thing. Anything can, whether it be tears and struggles, laughter and victories. But we must realize that what makes us Us is all here, inside us, ours, things nopony can ever take away from us.” Her smile turned bright as the sun. “And in the end I got to meet him, the special somepony who helped me find all the good things inside me that makes me me. And that’s all that matters.”

“You are a brave, amazing, incredible mare, Coloratura,” Cadence whispered in awe. “Your last few letters are now the basis for the shift in paradigm at Genderwise. I think our pupils are now stronger, more resilient and independent than any we’ve produced in the past.”

“Genderwise was where everything began for me, so I’m glad. I really am.” Coloratura smiled.

“You’d always be welcome there. You’re quite the heroine there, you know,” Cadence grinned. “No rush. I know you’re here for something else today. In fact, I actually came to congratulate you in person.”

“Oh,” Coloratura gave a sheepish little squee. “You heard?”

“Yes. I don’t know whether to be happy or upset at you now.” Cadence pouted playfully at her. “Having your eternity collaring without telling anypony? Not even your best friend?”

“S-sorry, we just wanted to keep it quiet. And telling one pony means having to tell everypony.” Coloratura said bashfully.

“Why couldn’t you just have a nice big collaring ceremony?” Cadence tilted her head to one side quizzically. “All of Clocktower Society would turn out to celebrate it. I’d love to catch the bouquet too, or the whip as the case may be.”

“You’re already married!” Coloratura chided with a giggle before settling into a solemn look. “I spend most days sharing a lot of myself with the rest of the world. This is one part of me that I want to be his and his alone. I want to make tonight something special just for him. I know we can't legally be wed outside but we will throw a private little reception in a few months. You'll be invited, off course."

Cadence’s smile turned deep and thoughtful. “You have grown ever so much since the day you set out from Genderwise,” the Princess reminisced fondly, “You left aiming to have the whole world accept you as a mare. You achieved all that and more. But now you’ve found something even more precious to you. I can’t help but feel a little jealous,” she said with a giggle, giving her student a playful nudge.

“Hay! I’m only twenty four! I’m not that old! Mommy!” Coloratura protested, nudging her teacher back.

Cadence gave an exaggerated mock-gasp. “Scandalous! You take that back!”

“MILF!” Coloratura teased.

“You—you jailbait!” Cadence called back.

“Broodmare!”

“Foalcon!”

They collapsed into a laughing heap on top of one another. They laughed and laughed and laughed until their tears ran dry. If it weren’t for the speakers announcing their arrival, they probably would have continued on laughing.

“Welcome to Rapture Station. Please ensure you have all your belongings before alighting the carriage. Enjoy your stay at Clocktower Equestria West.” The speakers announced as the carriage slid out of the corkscrew and into a waiting station platform. There was a loud pneumatic hiss as the bulkhead depressed and swung downwards.

“I’ve always been curious about one thing.” Coloratura suddenly said as they stepped off onto the station platform. “I know you find potential Society members with the help of that kinky story writer and her sales records. But what about us Genderwise members? How did you find us, especially when many of us put a lot of effort into not being found out?”

Cadence’s smile turned playful. “Can you promise to keep a secret?”

Coloratura nodded, solemnly.

“The kinky story writer thing is just a rumour, though it is no coincidence that some ponies first begin to develop an interest after they give them a read,” Cadence whispered with undisguised glee, “The truth is, the Fire of Devotion senses budding devotion. It shows me glimpses of those who belong in the Society, their names, their whereabouts. I would then assign ponies to find them and offer them an invitation.”

“So it chose me?” Coloratura murmured, thoughtfully.

“It did. It was quite insistent about you, actually,” Cadence chuckled. “Now I think I can see why. I’m glad it led me to you.” She smiled endearingly at Coloratura’s bashful blush. “I want to walk you if that’s alright? How far can I come?” Cadence asked as they strolled at a leisurely pace up the station platform.

“Are you sure you’re alright walking around at all?” Coloratura asked, looking down at her belly worriedly.

“Oh, don’t worry. She’s not due for another two months.” Cadence gave a dismissive hoof wave.

Coloratura fidgeted anxiously. “Well, I have been feeling nervous about today. I would love the company.”

“Shall I walk you up the aisle then? Give you away to your stallion?” Cadence winked.

“I don’t think you’d fit in a tuxedo, but you’ll do.” Coloratura giggled.

The two walked on along in companionable silence. The platform looked like any regular station’s, complete with wooden benches and bulletin boards, if regular stations sat in a glass tube under the sea. A short trot took them to the main hall joining all the station platforms, a large pompous work of steel and marble under a ceiling of domed glass. Sunset light filtered by ocean water streamed down to light up the rows upon rows of banners all proudly bearing the Clocktower Society insignia. Rapture station was as much a statement of achievement and pride as it was a transport hub for Clocktower Equestria West.

A few Clocktower royal guards stopped to salute Cadence as they passed by on their patrols. Cadence smiled and greeted them by name, one by one. Coloratura couldn’t help but watch in awe at how well she knew each and every one of her own soldiers. She thought she had begun to get to grips with how to be a leader to her stage crew but she couldn’t help but feel herself pall in comparison to this master of her craft. Other than the guards, the station had a few early birds, mares and stallions, stallions and stallions, even the occasional dragon and gryphon, all holding hooves, claws, other limbs. It was otherwise mostly empty. Coloratura knew it would be much more crowded in an hour’s time when the clocktower on Alcoltraz island struck seven.

Cadence accompanied her past the station’s grand gates. They stood at the top of the station’s wide marble staircase, looking down upon an impressive garden surrounding a moon pool built in the shape of the sun. Towering above them, arising from a pedestal in the center of the moon pool, was a grand statue of the Society’s six founders, the very same ones who founded Equestria. High above them, soaring at the very apex of the dome, was a flame burning a brilliant magenta, its fiery edges flaring in the shape of a heart. It was Clocktower Equestria West’s ‘Fire of Friendship’, or, rather, ‘Devotion’.

Coloratura’s eyes, however, were immediately drawn to something, or, rather, somepony else — A certain stallion dressed in an impeccably pressed suit. He was waiting for her by the moon pool, pacing about restlessly. That was she caught his gaze. His eyes widened, his jaw fell open in worshipful awe. She giggled silently to herself. Her stallion never failed to make her feel beautiful. Beside him stood Mom, dressed in her Sunday best, looking beside herself with tears of joy.

“Ooooh, my baby girl’s finally tying the knot!” Cinnamon Chai was the first to cross the distance, gallop-glomping Coloratura around the neck. “I’m so haaa-aaa-aaa-appy!” She wailed, crying into Coloratura’s neck.

“H-hello, Mom.” Coloratura gave her a watery smile, thanking her earth pony physique for not imploding under the unicorn’s tight hug.

Donut Joe cleared his throat as he finally caught up. “Uh, Mom, I’m kind of your son,” he reminded her.

“You!” Mom growled menacingly at him. “If you dare break my baby girl’s heart, I will hunt you down and by Sombra’s balls I will make you eat sprinkles through a straw for the rest of your life!”

“Don't you think I was meant to give the big brother talk?” Cadence whispered aside to Coloratura.

“I don’t think anypony’s meant to have anything to do with straws, sprinkles or Sombra's balls.” Coloratura whispered back.

“Your Majesty.” Mom released one front hoof from Coloratura’s neck to give Cadence a sharp salute.

“Captain Chai.” Cadence bowed her head to her former Clocktower guard captain in return. “My congratulations to the mother-in-law,” she said with a smile. “Your husband would have been proud.”

“Well, no, he’d be gaping in disbelief that our son managed to score such an amazing catch.” Cinnamon Chai chuckled, nudging her son. Donut Joe only rolled his eyes, smiling fondly at Mom all the while. “But I appreciate the sentiment, your Highness. Thank you.”

“And my congratulations to you, Major Joy.” Cadence turned to face her former Torch Legionnaire. “I remember your service record well. I don’t think any other Clocktower guard has ever achieved so much in as short a service as yours. I don’t think I could entrust my best friend to a better soldier.”

“Thank you, Highness. Will take good care of your best friend.” Joe saluted his Princess and former commander-in-chief.

“Now, Captain, I would very much love to have a moment to catch up with you.” Cadence turned to Cinnamon. “What say we...chat over some popcorn?”

“Sly as ever, Princess.” Mom rolled her eyes. “Fine, I get the message, I’ll leave the kids to go buck like rabbits.”

“M-Mom!” Coloratura squeaked, blushing profusely.

“Mom, stop, you’re making the rabbits look bad.” Donut Joe said, making Coloratura blush an even deeper red.

“Rara,” Cadence smiled, reaching out for her friend, “I wish you all the happiness and fortune in the world. You of all mares deserve every bit.”

“Thanks, Cadence, that means a lot to me.” Coloratura returned the hug tightly.

Cadence reached out to gently pull Joe into the same hug. “Harmony bless this union, love bear it, happiness grace it and devotion guide it forth to eternity,” she said, softly but firmly. Coloratura may have just imagined it but she could have sworn she felt a warm tingle well up inside her. “I don’t think I need to say anything else. You’re both going to be amazing. I can feel it.” Cadence smiled tearfully as she finally released them. It felt like more than just words when it came from the Princess of Love herself.

“I’m proud of you.” Mom gave her son one last tight hug. “Dad would be too, Harmony rest him. If only he could be here to see the stallion you’ve become.” She bit her lip, quickly looking away. She not-so-subtly wiped her eyes as she turned to Coloratura. “Rara, I’m your Mom, you’re my heroic baby girl, but you already know that.” She gave her another warm snuggle. “You two are my pride and joy, always.” She sighed as she let her go, quickly turning away with a soft sniffle. “Okay, now you can go rut each other crazy or whatever. I don’t give two breezie bucks what. Let’s go, Princess. I need popcorn. Your baby needs some too. I can hear her rollin’ her eyes in there at all this what-the-buckery.” Mom marched off. Cadence gave them one last smile and a wink before trotting off after her former Captain.

Coloratura watched the two disappear into a tall gate on the other side of the garden leading to the Society’s upper palaces. “Is she going to be alright?” She asked, a little worriedly.

“Oh, she will. Princess Cadence has always been the only one able to rein her in. Benefits of being a commander-in-chief.” Donut Joe smiled at his Mom’s retreating back. “Wanted to say, you look beautiful tonight,” he cleared his throat as he did his best not to stare. Coloratura couldn’t disguise her glee at watching him steal bashful glances out of the corner of his eye.

“You can look all you want,” Coloratura reached up to cup his cheeks, guiding his gaze down towards her, “I’m all yours now, Master.”

“Can’t believe my luck.” He muttered, caressing her blushing cheeks gently in return. “Thinkin’ I might wake up any moment. Would still be the best dream of my life though.”

“Well, let me prove to you how real I am, Master,” she sat back on her haunches, leaning on him to reach his lips.

Epilogue Part 2 - Eternity (Clop)

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