Through the train window, the green hills and forests of Ponyville had long ago given way to snow capped mountains and icy plains. Starlight had expected snow like in her old village, but that was nothing compared to the Frozen North. It was clear why the Crystal Empire required magic to hold back the weather. Thankfully, the train remained warm enough for Twilight to comfortably lay naked across Star’s lap. Not that she would notice the temperature or Star’s fingers caressing over her tummy and mound. She was in the library, her body limp and her eyes hazy, gazing off into space. All of her senses were turned inward as she dutifully transcribed new instructions into the book that made up her cover personality.

The library had been a stroke of genius, the perfect metaphor to allow Star to control the deepest parts of Twilight’s mind. With it, she could dictate behaviors and beliefs and Twilight would reinforce them on her own. Finding the right mental space to act as a fulcrum of control was essential for completely enslaving all her targets.

Star glanced over at Spike, laying down across from her, similarly undressed and off in his own mental space. Spike was in the dragon’s heart, a vast cave full of gold and gems and a glowing red stone that represented his draconic nature. The stone told Spike whatever Star wished it to, of course. Spike’s desire to live up to his dragonic blood had proven the perfect way to condition him. “My heart is prepared.” Spike muttered, indicating that he had finished his silent mantra to cement new suggestions in his mind.

“Very good, Spike.” Star replied. “Feel the depth of your instincts, embracing them deeply. Feeling how they are in your blood, in your nature. You don’t have to think about them, you simply let them guide you. So perfect. At peace with these truths. Now, awaken, noble dragon.”

Spike’s eyes regained focus in response to the trigger. He sat up and looked over at Star, leading to a serene grin. “Hello Mistress,” He cooed before slipping off the seat and down to his knees. “What can your loyal dragon do for you?”

Star enjoyed the eager expression on the boy’s face. He was quite enticing like this. His timidity and self doubt had been removed. He knew he was desired, that he was owned, and was full of confidence in that truth. “Oh I’m quite tempted, my little dragon, but we are going to arrive at the Crystal Empire soon.”

“Whatever you wish, Mistress.” Spike replied, pulling his hands behind his back and arching slightly to show off his toned abs and chest. “I’m yours to use or to ignore as you see fit.”

“Such an eager boy. I suppose I could do with a massage while I finish up on Twilight.” Star extended one of her feet out towards him. Spike beamed and crawled forward. He carefully unlaced Star’s boot and pulled away her sock before kneading carefully. Star let out a deep purr and turned her eyes back to Twilight.

“Twi-slave, how many times have you written your lesson?”

Twilight stirred the slightest bit and shifted her head against Star’s skirt as she worked to reply. “F-fifty six times.”

“Good girl. Feeling so right, so natural. Every time makes the truth deeper, stronger...” Star was going to say more, but instead let out a little gasp. She glanced down and saw Spike had moved from rubbing her foot to giving it warm kisses. “Mmm, what do you think you’re doing, pet?”

The green haired boy stared up with a mischievous grin. “I just wish to give you the most pleasurable massage I can, Mistress. I’m so overwhelmed by the beauty of your feet I couldn’t help but give them a kiss.”

Star felt a pleasurable ripple run up her spine and the urge to indulge grew. “Oooh I’ve really created a monster, haven’t I?” She giggled. “You’re free to kiss higher, pet.”

Spike's eyes sparkled and his lips immediately began to trace up Star’s legs, making sure he covered every inch in soft kisses. Star purred and leaned back into her seat. The weight of Twilight’s head on her lap was starting to become a distraction and Star could feel where her mind was taking her. “Mm, Twi-slave, sit up and keep writing in your book.”

The rush of control and Spike’s well trained hands let Star stop worrying about how soon they would pull into the station. For now it was far nicer to let Spike work. Once Twilight had moved out of her lap, Spike removed Starlight’s other boot and gave equal attention to both legs. His lips drifted higher, along her knees and inner thighs. He paused for only a moment to hike up her skirt, then he leaned in to plant a warm kiss on her mound through the fabric of her cotton panties.

He looked up into Star’s eyes, waiting for permission to take that next step. Star let out a slow ragged breath. “You can go further, pet.” Spike planted another lingering kiss on her mound then gripped her panties with his teeth. He kept his eyes locked on Starlight as he tugged her panties down her thighs. He kept going, kneeling low to pull them all the way to her ankles. He gave the top of her feet each a soft kiss as he guided them free of the soft cotton. He worked his way back up slowly, planing more playful kisses along her legs and thighs before dipping back under her skirt and working in earnest.

Star gasped and arched her back, caught off guard by Spike’s intensity after so much teasing. He had been training with Twilight and had apparently learned a few more tricks. Star grabbed a handful of his short green hair and pulled him closer, shuddering happily.

It wasn’t long before Star was letting out little grunts of pleasure and grinding her hips back into her pet dragon’s eager lips. It was a perfect, uncomplicated pleasure, knowing Spike’s every thought was focused on her. She held on as long as she could, but soon came, letting out a squeal of pleasure. It felt like her climax was making the entire train shudder, but as she recovered, she realized it was the train’s brakes. They were about to enter the station.

Star ordered her two pets to get dressed. She made sure to get a change of clothing for herself as well. She had been reinforcing suggestions in Spike and Twilight for so long to ensure there would be no surprises and it would undermine that goal if she wandered off the train smelling of sex.

Once everything was ready, Star sent Spike out early and sat next to Twilight, sitting still in trance. She leaned in next to Twilight’s ear and whispered, “Time to wake up, love bird.”

Twilight blinked once and then gasped, staring out at the station. “Oh, we’ve made it!” She said excitedly before turning to Star and wrapping her in a deep embrace. “I can’t wait for you to meet my brother and Cadence.”

“Oh, are you going to introduce me?” Star asked suggestively.

“I...n-no not like that.” Twilight blushed and glanced down briefly. “I have to tell my friends first, and I don’t want to pull attention away from the ceremony. But it’s still a great opportunity to meet the family. You haven’t met Princess Celestia or Luna either. I imagine they’ll be interested in talking with you. You’re like Celestia’s grand-student, in a way.”

Star nodded slowly and moved to gather her bags. Meeting the princesses was Star’s biggest concern about the trip. Star kept reminding herself that for all her power, Celestia wasn’t a goddess, she wasn’t omniscient. The princess, no doubt, had magic that could compel Star to confess all her sins, but would need reason for suspicion before she would use such power. And after all, Star had already managed to enslave one alicorn. She’d just need to keep a low profile during the Crystalling and keep to the background.

“And don’t forget, you’ll be busy reuniting with Sunburst as well.” Twilight chimed in.

Star couldn't help but cringe at the thought of such a meeting, though she had no intention of letting it happen. “If there's time what with all the Crystalling work. Honestly, I'm a little worried about meeting Sunburst.”

“Don’t worry. I know what it's like to meet old friends, and I'll be right there along with you. I planned our itinerary ahead of time, and even broke the whole lesson down into a few easy steps.” Twilight reached into one of her bags and brandished a scroll that looked thick enough to roll across the floor. “This reunion is guaranteed to go off without. A. Hitch.” She declared, playfully tapping Star on the nose with the scroll in rhythm with her words.

Star appreciated Twilight’s dedication, at least.

Everyone grouped up in the dining cabin before getting off the train together. Twilight's enthusiasm for the reunion compelled her to unfurl part of the scroll and looking over their plans, but she didn't get past the second step before running head long into her brother. Twilight did a double take then gave him a hug. “I didn’t know you were meeting us.”

“Of course I am. It’s me, right here...here I am. I mean, why wouldn’t I come meet my sister?” He replied with a wavering voice and smile..

As he carried on, Star noticed the huge bags under Shining’s eyes, his five o'clock shadow and disheveled hair. His white suit was wrinkled, had no tie and one of the buttons was undone. Everyone else was noticing how off kilter he was.

Shining Armor seemed to recognize the worried stares and smiled apologetically. “Sorry, I haven’t really slept since Cadence had the baby. Come to think of it, she hasn’t either.” Shining let out a weary sigh. “It sure would be good to get a break.”

“Oh, of course.” Twilight responded. “I don’t know what I was thinking. You two probably need all kinds of help.” She turned to Star with a disappointed look in her eyes. “I’m sorry Starlight, but I guess combining your first lesson with this visit wasn’t such a good idea.”

Star did her absolute best to suppress a smile. “Oh, don’t be ridiculous. You’re an aunt now. That’s way more important than a friendship lesson.” She’d added a great deal of programming for Twilight to find some reason they needed to cancel the lesson. She hadn’t dreamed such a convenient excuse would come up before they’d even left the station. And yet here it was, going off without a hitch.

“I just wish there was a way to do both.” Twilight said with resignation.

Star glanced briefly over at Spike, who remained silent. She had been sure to program him to avoid suggesting anything that might get in the way of whichever excuse popped up. As expected he remained quiet and gave a similar look of disappointment as Twilight.

“Don’t worry Twilight.” Star stated. “Your family comes first, and there’s plenty of time for friendship lessons later on.”

With that settled, everyone followed Shining Armor to a carriage waiting to take them to the castle.

***

“The baby is an alicorn?” Twilight exclaimed.

“It looks that way,” Cadence replied.

Star was just as shocked as everyone else, but while the others began to discuss the logistics of being ascended at birth, she kept her eyes on Princess Celestia. She’d had nightmares about this meeting. She’d walk up to the two princesses, Celestia would stare into her eyes and just *know* and then smite Starlight on the spot. Thankfully, Celestia had not seemed to be suspicious of her at all during their brief introduction. Luna had tilted her head and given Star a momentary stare, but had otherwise spoken with polite courtesy like her sister.

Still, the two were imposing. Twilight and the others were used to being in their presence, but Star felt a weight in her stomach just looking at them. They stood tall with a deep confidence and their hair vaguely shimmered like there was a tiny breeze. All of it radiated power, raw magic, the kind Star could never hope to match.

Celestia suggested that Cadence go address her subjects. Cadence gave her baby a soft kiss and she left along with Celestia and Luna. Once the door closed behind them, Star let out a little sigh. The sense she would be found out instantly had weighed on her more than she realized. Now that the princesses had not destroyed her on sight, she regained more confidence that things would go to plan.

“That’s if you can stay awake long enough to tell us how.”

Star looked over as Rarity spoke. She was getting too preoccupied with the princesses and had only been paying half attention to the conversation of Shining’s duties, but it gave her an idea. “It seems like it’d do Shining Armor good to get a power nap before the ceremony. I could keep guard and make sure nothing disturbs him while you help make the other preparations.”

“That seems like a good idea.” Twilight said, nodding along as internal triggers kicked in, compelling her to agree with any of Star's suggestions. “There are some guest bedrooms down the hall he could rest in.”

“Alright.” Star nodded. “We’ll meet up in twenty minutes, and by then Shining can perform the final choices for the ceremony.

After he gave an explanation for honor guards, crystals and a Crystaller, everyone went out to take care of their tasks and Shining Armor followed Star off to one of the guest rooms. “I appreciate you wanting me to get a break, but is it really necessary for you to be guarding me?”

“I think it certainly helps.” Star replied, closing the doors. “I’ll keep the doors locked and soundproof the room. That way you won’t get distracted and can focus on sleep. I could help with that too, actually.” Star grinned mischievously, facing the door as she worked on the soundproofing spell.

“T-thanks but I don't want to risk ruining the ceremony. Twilight tried to help me with a sleep spell once and I didn’t wake up for two days.” Shining pulled off his boots and crawled on top of the bed.

Star finished her privacy spells and walked over next to Shining. “No, no, it’s nothing like that. It’s just a relaxation technique I know. No magic at all. You’re still stressed about the Crystalling, aren’t you? Sleep won’t be as restful if all of that is still on your mind. I can help you clear your head. It’ll feel like you slept ten times as long. Twilight tells me it really helps her after a long study session.”

A hopeful look spread over Shining’s face with the promise of even a bit more sleep. “I suppose if it’s not a spell it can’t hurt. What do I do?”

“Just focus on my pendant here.” Star unclasped the blue gem and held it out to Shining. “Focus on the gem and slowly breathe in and out. Take a nice, slow deep breath in…..and out.”

Shining started looking more relaxed almost immediately. His exhaustion made a relaxation induction very easy and it seemed he shared his sister’s susceptibility. She could see the haziness forming in his eyes. “You can feel how those worries slide away with your breath. All you need to do is focus on the pendant and my words. So nice. So soft...each breath letting your muscles lose all of their tension.”

Star continued her patter and watched as Shining’s eyes slid shut and his body lost all its tension. “That’s good...feeling so relaxed, so soft, so heavy. You want to remove as much stress as possible, isn’t that right?”

“Yessss,” Shining whispered back.

Star nodded to herself, seeing that Shining was quite deep from just her induction. If anything he was even easier than Twilight. “We’re going to make this special spot in your mind. It’s a place where you can be completely at ease, perfectly open and relaxed. You can just picture a perfect location in your head. Thinking about it now, picture a place where you can be completely relaxed with no concerns or cares. Once you’ve fully pictured that place you can just nod.”

After a couple seconds, Shining’s head bobbed slightly. “Very good. Tell me about this special place. Just describe everything that comes to mind.”

“My old bedroom….Wonderbolts comforter and pillow….a night light on the stand..”

“Very good. Keep that picture clear in your mind. This is a safe place. In this spot you can totally open. You have nothing to hide, not even from yourself. You can focus and hear from the deepest parts of your mind and from your body. Focus and listen and tell me what your body and mind tell you.”

Shining let out a long sigh with stuttering words between. “Sleep…..tired…..frustrated.”

“Oh? What is it that frustrates you.”

“Haven’t…..can’t sleep with Cadence since...the baby.”

“Oohh I see.” Star stifled a giggle. She hadn’t expected to get marital gossip. It made sense though that when they were so busy with the baby that there was no time for sex. “Have you had time to masturbate since then?”

“No…”

“I can see why you’re frustrated. You must be backed up.” Star licked her lips and slid closer to Shining on the bed. “It’s clear you need to relieve that tension, and when you do, it will feel so wonderful and allow you to sink even deeper. It’s so easy to get that release here, in this place of perfect relaxation. Feel as you begin to picture Cadence here with you in this room. She’s beautiful...wanting you...needing you.”

Shining’s breath grew faster and shallow, confirming that he was taking her suggestion well. “Very good. Picturing as she lays you down in bed and starts to loosen your pants.” In time with her words, Star reached down to match Shining’s fantasy.

With a few magic tugs, Star got Shining Armor's pants to his knees, revealing a huge bulge straining desperately at white cotton underwear. Star ran her hand over the bulge. Just fantasizing about Cadence really got his motor running. She pulled his underwear away and let out a satisfied purr seeing Shining at full mast.

“It feels so good, feeling Cadence's warm body pressed against yours. “You can feel how much she wants to make you feel good. She wants to make this as enjoyable as possible for you, she wants to do all the things you love the most.” Star grazed her fingernails along his shaft.

Shining’s cock twitched and he let out a deep groan. “Ohhh Cadenceeee. I love it so much when you offer to top. So good to serve my Queen.”

Star blinked in surprise. Being easy to hypnotize wasn’t the only thing he shared with his sister. He had quite a subby side as well. It was a fine thing to exploit. “That’s right. Just serve your Queen, just the way she likes it. You can feel how Cadence loves as you submit to her.”

“Ohh, my Queen, I’m honored you would give me the honor of serving you.” Shining shivered and tilted his head up, gazing at his vision of Cadence.

“That’s right, that’s good. Describe what you’re doing as you sink deeper into this wonderful fantasy.” Star whispered, leaning into Shining’s shoulder, teasing his shaft with the tips of her fingers.

“Yess. I’m kneeling, gazing up at Cadence, in her beautiful gown. She’s smirking down at me...at the blush on my face, how overwhelmed I am just from her presence. A royal guard shouldn’t have such feelings...but I can’t help it.”

Star smiled in response and began to consider how much she should suggest. It felt like Shining was waiting for some kind of prompting: ready to serve in whatever way his Queen wanted. It reminded Star of Spike on the train earlier that day, which gave her some inspiration. “Very good. You can see how she sees through you, knowing just how captivated you are. Seeing as she sits down and offers you one of her feet.”

Shining let out a soft gasp. “Ohhhhh yess. I have to serve...slowly pull off her shoe. Yessss my Queen, I understand. Ohhh kissing and massaging her perfect foot. So gorgeous. Taking in the scent of her sweat. Oh...it’s intoxicating. I can’t help but just press my nose and breathe in. Mmmmmm.” His cock twitched desperately.

“Mmmm such a perverted mind. I like it.” Star grinned and took a proper grip on his cock, stroking with a bit more pressure. “You can see how much Cadence loves it. You can tell you’re pleasing her.”

“Yesss, oh she can tell I’m hard from just worshiping her foot. Ohhh it’s so humiliatinggggg.” He groaned blissfully.

Star ran her hand along Shining’s tummy in between little strokes, enjoying the little surprises she’d found in Shining’s mind. “That's right. She’s looking right at your hard cock. She can see everything. She’s telling you how shocking it is to be turned on by this. How unbecoming for a royal guard. She tells you how shameful it is to have so little control.”

“Yessss. I can’t help it. She’s so perfect. I can’t control myself.” He gasped, his body growing tenser with arousal.

Star wrapped her fingers completely around his cock and began to stroke up and down, feeling as he was getting closer. “Good boy. You can see in her eyes what she thinks of you. Seeing as she moves her other foot to your shoulder and pushes you down on your back. She knows what you’re good for. Seeing as she slides over your body.”

“Unnnnngggg.” Shining grunted and started to pant as the fantasy played in his mind.

“She straddles you and pulls up her elegant dress. She’s setting up in just the right position…ready to use you. Using you in the only way you're good for.” Star paused, savoring Shining’s gasping desperation. “Feeling as she plunges your cock deep inside of her tight folds.”

Shining let out a deep, guttural moan and his hips bucked up to meet his imaginary lover. Star kept her stroking smooth and steady, working to match the pace of Shining’s desperate little thrusts. His voice became shaky and pleading. “Ohhh my Queen it feels so good. I’m sorry I’m such a pervert that’s only good for fucking!”

“Good boy. You can see how Cadence loves you even though you’re only good to be used like a dildo. You just have to devote yourself to being a perfect sex toy for her, isn’t that right?” Star’s hand had become slick from pre-cum. She picked up her pace even more, pumping rapidly, feeling how close Shining was

“Yessss...yes I’m yours, I’m just a sex toy for my Queeeeeeen.”

“So nice, feeling so close, so ready. She leans down and gives you a deep kiss. Feeling so good, so right, so submissive as you finally cum!”

Shining Armor’s entire body went rigid and he groaned through gritted teeth as he shot a thick stream of cum all over his suit and the backboard of the bed. His cock pulsed again, covering Star’s hand and running down his shaft. Then his body went limp and a soft wide grin spread over his face, looking in total peace.

“Mmm Good boy, feeling how you can sink so deep, feeling more relaxed than you can remember. In this wonderful place, you can rest and recharge. The more you open your mind to this wonderful feeling, the more rested you become.”

Star began to use her magic to clean up the mess as she continued to whisper soft encouragements. “Every breath takes you deeper, every word takes you deeper. Feeling that perfect afterglow washing over your whole body. Feeling how easy it is to sink back to this place when I guide you here. Feeling so perfect letting go….”

***

Shining walked along the line of guards that Rainbow Dash had pre-selected with a thoughtful look on his face. He still looked weary, but no longer seemed panicked or overwhelmed. Star was happy that his hypnotic nap had shown benefits even beyond her own ulterior motives.

“Alright, Bright Hooves, Lemongrass. You’ll be good honor guards.” He nodded and placed the ceremonial helmets on the two men. In a similar manner, he looked over the crystals Rarity had prepared and quickly selected the one Rarity had indicated was the most outrageously pure, though from his expression it was obvious he couldn't see any difference.

“Excellent, darling. That was my personal favorite as well, but I didn’t want to bias you. As long as Twilight and Pinkie have had similar luck, things should go swimmingly.”

As Rarity spoke, Cadence returned from her speech with Celestia and Luna. Shining armor dashed over to Cadence with an expression like a puppy looking for praise. “Alright, I chose the honor guard, picked the Purity Crystal, and I know exactly who I want to be our Crystaller. So, all we need is…”

“The baby?” Cadence asked ruefully.

On cue, Twilight and Pinkie arrived, barely containing the infant with a magic barrier from Twilight. “She’s a really strong flyer!” Pinkie declared, clutching onto her for dear life.

Cadence gave a smile and reached out with her magic, wrapping the baby in a barrier of her own. She seperated her child from Pinkie Pie and pulled her towards her chest with her arms outstretched. Being separated from Pinkie Pie seemed to upset the baby, though and before she made it into Cadence's arms, she let out a deafening cry. Starlight cupped her ears and crouched down in pain from the sound, leaving her head ringing.

There was an awkward silence as the cry ended, which was punctured by a sharp crack. Star and everyone else’s heads turned to the Crystal Heart and watched in horror as it shattered into pieces.

Author's Note

Life comes at you fast and I've had troubled times, but I'm making an effort to come back and continue my projects. It's therapeutic in its own way. Sorry for the long absence and I'll hope not to create a second one.

This is one chapter where it reads a lot like alternate history and I tried to balance proper flow with not just retyping a ton of show dialogue. The next chapter will have a lot of this too, but far more changes with how I've characterized this form of Starlight. I can't promise when it'll be ready, but I'm working on the next chapter: Sunburst.