Ruin

“I missed you,” Shining Armor whispered as he approached her from behind.

Chrysalis grinned sleepily as she felt him press against her. She took in the sight the two made in the darkened mirror of his bathroom. It was amazing how similar their positions had stayed throughout the years. It seemed as if he was always encouraging her to surrender herself to him.

With a smirk, she realized she was glad she did.

It was six o’ clock in the morning and their day had yet to truly start.

Amber had arrived at the train station late yesterday evening allowing the trio a newfound reunion. She could tell by the shyness of her daughter and the added nuances of the two’s emotions that the secret was out.

An incredible weight had been lifted when she realized that this had only strengthened their relationship. Her daughter was over the moon with love and happiness, and Amber could ask for nothing more. Due to the time of day and extensive traveling, by the time the three had made it to Shining Armor’s home, everyone was exhausted.

Even though, there was still so much they had to talk about.

Chrysalis chuckled sensually as Shining Armor placed kisses beneath her ear and down her neck.

He grinned against her body. "Can we do that thing that you did that last time?"

“What thing?” She furrowed her brow in confusion until he whispered lowly in her ear. Chrysalis' eyes widened until a mischievous grin took over her own features. "Right now?" She teased. "Our daughter will be up any minute now."

"I can be quick." He smirked to which she laughed out loud.

Later in the dark of his bedroom, a coal-skinned woman was on her hands and knees panting as a snow-colored man drove into her at a merciless pace. Chrysalis whimpered as she felt his hips slap against her bottom as his cock slid deep into her.

True to his word, her lover had pursued with gusto.

Shining Armor could feel his body tense in anticipation of his orgasm.

“I missed this,” He groaned as his one of his hands sweetly coaxed the bundle of nerves located amidst her slickened lips. “Gods…”

Chrysalis’ voice caught as she found herself victim to deft fingers as her lover was obsessed with giving her the same pleasure her body allowed him. Biting her lip in a vain attempt to stifle her cries, her eyes were tightly screwed shut as she found herself feeling lighter and lighter with every stroke.

How she loved this man and the feelings he inspired in her daily.

His fingers were dripping with her wetness, prompting him to grip her hips as he slammed into her sopping womanhood finding the release he sought. With another strong thrust, he grinded deep into her triggering her orgasm as his cum shot into her.

Chrysalis was overwhelmed by the sensations as she came with her lover. Her body shook as her mouth dropped open barely able to make sounds. The rush she felt was jarringly carnal as the warmth that spread through her burned delectably.

Gasping into the early morning, the couple found themselves hot with sweat as their hearts raced and their sexes convulsed with each other. Hunched over her back as his body rippled in bliss, Shining Armor felt the stronger waves of release melt into a satisfying tingle. “I love you,” he rasped, pressing hot kisses to her back.

Turning her head, Chrysalis managed to catch her lover with a scalding kiss just before her shaky arms refused to support her. Her laugh was throaty as she breathlessly returned his sentiment feeling spent and satisfied. “I love you too.”

Letting his flaccid member fallout of her, Shining Armor collapsed beside her and gathered her up into his arms as he kissed her hair and cheeks eliciting soft giggles from the woman. “Careful.” She teased, “One would say you preferred this form to your actual one.”

He smiled lazily. “Being human has its perks.” He loved the foreign curves of her human body and how they felt so soft and supple against the hard planes of his own. She was an ebony colored goddess and all he wanted to do was worship her in whatever way she allowed.

Chrysalis rolled her eyes as she buried her face in the crook of his neck. “I missed you so much… No one’s ever loved me the way you do.” Her body still ached for his, despite the euphoria he’d granted her only minutes before.

“Good.” He stated arrogantly to which she scoffed. A comfortable silence filled the room as both were beginning to doze content to spend a lazy morning wrapped around the other.

“Gemma will be up soon.” Chrysalis mumbled.

He sighed.

She certainly would be. He’d promised her wild berry pancakes this morning.

Chrysalis slowly untangled herself from his arms reaching for her choker so that she could drop the spell. Groaning, the stallion felt the world fade to black before opening his eyes to his familiar equine body. The former changeling queen was no longer in his bed as she’d disappeared into the bathroom to turn on his shower.

“Mind if I join you?” He called out to her as he recalled another time in the shower not too long ago.

“No thank you!” She called back, voice somewhat muffled through the door. “I’d like to get clean and stay clean.” Shining Armor chuckled to himself as he rested his hooves behind his head as he laid out in bed.

Once Chrysalis was done, she exited the bathroom as Amber. “I’m going to help Gemma.” She said as she moved to get their daughter ready for school. It was time for her to place her enchantment on the child.

Hopping out of bed, Shining Armor removed the dirtied linen and replaced it with fresh sheets and blankets. After a quick shower, he made his way downstairs and started the breakfast he’d promised the girl the day before. He had just placed a skillet on the stove when a knock on his front door sounded.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Twilight stood awkwardly outside her brother’s home.

While she wasn’t nearly as livid as she’d been days ago, she still wholeheartedly disagreed with his decision to leave and be with Amber.

Despite her feelings, she needed her bag back so she could catalogue her findings for Forge. Swallowing her pride and stubbornness, she knocked loudly and waited for a response.

She hated fighting with family, but she couldn’t find it in herself to let go.

Just when she raised her hoof to knock again, her brother answered her door only for his expression to become unreadable once he caught sight of her.

“Twilight,” he greeted somewhat hesitantly. “What’re you doing here?”

“I left my bag…” She answered not wanting to verbally remind him of the last time she was here despite it being obvious neither had forgotten the words spoken.

“Oh. Well come in.”

She smiled gratefully as she crossed the threshold into his home.

“Amber, Jewels! Twilight is here!” He called upstairs. If he caught sight of Twilight’s ears and tail flicking in aggravation, he didn’t mention it. “Would you like to stay for breakfast?” Shining Armor asked out of politeness.

“No thank you.” Was her equally polite response.

“Your bag should be right where you left it.” He said looking at the leather satchel still hanging from a few days ago.

She smiled tightly before turning to grab it. Opening it to see if the necklace was still inside, she was surprised to find it glowing faintly. Her brow furrowed in confusion as she slowly turned to look at her brother.

She opened her mouth to speak only to be interrupted by Jewels who was running downstairs. “Papa are the pancakes ready-“ she stopped when she noticed Twilight.

Blue eyes widened as she felt unsure about this newest predicament. “Princess Twilight…” She gasped, trying to hide her surprise and discomfort.

Twilight gawked at the child as she processed what she’d just heard. “Papa…” She repeated slowly.

Shining Armor tensed as he watch his sister’s face twist with a multitude of emotions.

Jewels looked at him apologetically. “It’s okay Bright Eyes. I said you could call me that around anybody.” He smiled genially at the girl despite his annoyance at the situation.

Jewels smiled shyly before coming to his side to lean into him.

Twilight felt like a fish with the way her mouth was flopping open. Seeing the two of them together like that made for a heartwarming sight. But whenever she added the mother she couldn’t help the bitterness or disapproval that tainted the image. She knew her brother was fond of the girl, but had something happened over the past few days?

“Are you… did you get married?”

She sounded hurt, the stallion noted pointedly.

Even though the ‘bride’ irked her, it still made her a little upset that he would do such a thing and not extend the invitation to her.

“What’s it matter?” Shining Armor asked nonchalantly as he hugged Jewels closer with his foreleg.

“I…” The alicorn was at a loss for words as she shook her head. She wanted to respond, but the crystal on her hoof caused her to blink again. Why was it responding to these two? It was pulsing brighter now.

“What is that?” Jewels asked curiously. “It’s like mama’s necklace.” She leaned forward intrigued by the crystal pendant. With the way it occupied the alicorn it must have been important, she reasoned.

“What’s like my necklace?” Amber asked as she casually descended the stairs.

The crystal was much brighter now. Twilight stared at the three with an odd expression on her face.

“Twiley?” Shining Armor reached out with concern in his eyes. Why was she acting so strange? He was about to call her name again when she seemingly came back to herself.

She blinked only to stare at the three with wide and anxious eyes. “Sorry… I j-just thought of something.” She slowly stepped backwards. “I… I have to go!” And just like that, the mare was gone.

Amber frowned as she watched the front door slam shut. She turned to Shining Armor, “What was all that about?”

*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Twilight tore through her library trying to read up on as many magical creatures that she could. Forge had been very thorough with his explanations about the crystal’s abilities.

“The name comes from the bright green hue that surrounds the crystal when it picks up unnatural magic…“ She remembered him saying.

Granted there were magical phenomena around the world, but not very many creatures could actively or passively use magic without some outer source. Ponies were a unique exception. Their use of magic as well as the magic they produced, was completely natural.

So far, her frantic searching yielded nothing of use.

With a curse, she slammed her hooves on the table feeling frustrated with her lack of knowledge.

Twilight hated not knowing all the answers, especially answers that concerned her family and friends. Shining Armor didn’t seem like he was in any real danger, but his latest announcements made her question his state of mind.

Some of the things he had shared with her made her head spin.

But what if all those declarations had been because of something else? Could it be that he was suffering from some sort of magical phenomena?

And if that were the case- which the crystal that rested upon a heap of scrolls in her personal study certainly hinted at- what could have affected him and two other ponies like that?

She sighed rather violently as she fell back into her chair.

She needed more answers.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*

The next day, the young princess accompanied her friend Forge around town while he ran some errands in preparation of his next trip.

Twilight walked beside the stallion as they left Mr. Hooper’s store for general goods. Mr. Hooper had some of the best medicinal herbs in town for ponies who liked to experiment with their own remedies. Loaded with saddle bags, the two decided to forgo any more shopping until they’d stashed what they currently carried.

“What’s on your mind, Princess?” He asked once he realized she wasn’t nearly as enthused as she normally was when it came to talks of distant lands and academia.

Blushing, Twilight tried to play off his suspicions. “I haven’t a clue what you mean.”

Forge gave her a sideways glance, clearly communicating his lack of belief in her words. “Lying does not become you, my dear. So I ask again, what ails you?”

Twilight pouted, clearly annoyed with the stallion’s ability to read her so well. Forge laughed. “You’re a great friend, Twilight, but not so much a liar.”

She smiled before sheepishly admitting the truth. “I actually do have some questions about the crystal.”

“Oh? Ask away!”

“Where did you find it?”

“The people of Semele use them.”

“So this isn’t the only one?”

Forge shook his head. “While they aren’t uncommon they do allude to a magical user of great prowess, which there aren’t many of in that city anymore.”

“Why would they need them? What do they use them for?”

“The city of Semele has one of the most well-known ports in the world for those outside of Equestria. It’s just southeast of the Irkalla Desert. There is said to be winged creatures of night that live deep in those deserts. Tricksters that can take the form of your greatest desire. Many a pony had foolishly sought out this people only to perish in the sands. They use the crystal to help them recognize things out of the ordinary.”

Twilight stopped as her heart sounded loudly in her ears. She could feel her temperature rise as she dreaded what his answer would be to her next question. “Imposters?” She thought back to one of the last conversations she had with her brother. ‘I’m not talking about Cadance,’ he had groaned. “Do these ‘imposters’ have a name?”

“Yes. We call them changelings.” Forge stopped a feet ahead of her when he realized she was no longer following.

“Changelings?” She repeated somewhat breathlessly. “Are you sure?” She looked to the maroon colored stallion clearly concerned by what he had shared.

“If recent findings ring true, changelings were nothing more than cursed ponies. The details, I’m a bit unsure of, but if what I can recall is correct their very being was magically dependent upon their queen, whose magic was warped by Discord himself. As ponies, our magic is pure. As cursed creatures, theirs would be the opposite.”

Twilight swallowed as she vocalized her worst fears. “And would the crystal respond to those recently affected by such magic?”

“It was the people’s way of determining who had been affected. But that was centuries ago. Now, they’re just for show.” He studied her closely. “Twilight, did something happen?” He asked as he walked back to her in obvious concern.

She shook her head as she swallowed her unease, pasting a smile on her face. “No. Just speculation on my part.” Forge eyed her oddly. “Just one more question?” The two resumed walking. “Would any other creature cause such a reaction?”

He paused as he thought it over. “Now that you mention it…. No. The Semeleans created it specifically with changelings in mind. The story of Semele is wrought with tragedy you see-“

The mare tuned him out as her heart sank lower and lower at her findings.

The Princess of Friendship really hoped she was wrong, but something told her that she was about to find out more than she ever wanted to know.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Amber relaxed lazily against the trunk of one of the trees in her small orchard. After a long day of errands, enjoying the warm rays of the sun were a welcome reprieve. The leaves seemed to sparkle as the sunlight pierced through gaps amongst them. A cool breeze rustled the greenery and tiny blades of grass gently grazed her coat.

Earlier that morning, she’d posted a listing that would allow her to rent out her home and farm to whoever was willing so long as they took care of the place. She’d also visited her patrons, took what would be considered her last orders and picked up some things that she would need for the journey ahead.

She still had a few hours before she had to pick-up Gemma from school.

Closing her eyes, the earth pony allowed her thoughts to wander over her impending future.

On her bureau in her bedroom sat three boarding passes that would take her to the Semele Port.

In just a couple of weeks, she would be back in the place she had grown up with the ponies who she loved the most. Gemma was her reason and Shining Armor was her heart. Never in all her life did she ever think such a thing was possible for herself.

Amber hummed as she thought about the stallion.

He was giving up so much to be with her and it upset her that his sister could be so callous and bull-headed. Honestly, she’d never cared for the other’s approval, but Shining Armor did. Even if he wouldn’t admit it, she knew Twilight’s rejection of their relationship hurt him. He’d confessed to her their conversation the previous day.

She was half asleep when she felt a kiss being placed upon her lips as the weight of another settled gently on top of her. Her brown eyes fluttered open to see the softened features of her lover.

Shining Armor grinned down at the farm pony. “Taking a break?”

She kissed his nose as she wrapped her forelegs around him. “Not anymore.”

He gently nipped at her neck pressing openmouthed kisses to her flesh. She sighed with pleasure as her pulse picked up. “Let me see you…” He mumbled against her skin. “Change.”

She blushed. “No small talk today?”

Shining Armor placed kisses against her jaw before claiming her lips in another kiss. “You can talk, I’ll listen.”

Moments later, the only sounds she made were breathy moans and light panting as she tried to focus on the sunshine peaking between the leaves of a peach tree. Shining Armor’s head was between her legs as he licked and suckled her clit making her dizzy with pleasure as her body heated up in response to his ministrations.

He stopped to look up at her, smirking when he saw how hungry she looked. Brown eyes were dilated, as her breathing had hastened. She was biting her lip as she stared down at him. “Change.” He ordered with a glint in his eyes.

Amber’s eyes narrowed even as she was aching for him to finish what he started.

She allowed the flames of her magic to burn away her false skin. “No one commands me.” She asserted before taking a hoof and forcing his mouth back against her sex. She could feel him smirk against her heat as he focused on making her cum over and over.

“Don’t stop,” she gasped into the afternoon air body alit with pleasure. If she changed, it was because she wanted to. Not because he told her to.

Her body was painfully aware of his every move as he snaked up her smooth black form. “It pays to be obedient,” He teased breathily in her ear before pushing his pulsing member into her now dripping womanhood.

Groaning as he was sheathed deep inside her, Shining Armor found their positions switched as she rolled them over. Messed teal tresses framed her face as the changeling seductress smiled down on him impishly.

“Is that so?” She leaned down and licked the shell of his ear, teasing him. “As your Queen, I demand your absolute devotion.”

“And if I don’t,” he teased bucking his hips up into her.

She shivered at his strength as her smile darkened. “Who said you had a choice?”

He moaned when she straightened slowly bouncing up and down the length of his cock. The heat mixed with her own slickness prompted her to pick up the pace until the stallion was writhing beneath her on the verge of losing control.

“Chrysalis,” He groaned as he felt his body spasm in bliss. Catching his lips in a kiss, Chrysalis whimpered into his mouth as she came moments later.

Lost in waves of euphoria, the couple enjoyed each other’s company until it was time to get cleaned up.

Their daughter would be out of school soon.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Twilight didn’t know what to do right away, but she certainly knew who to tell.

So what if she occasionally eavesdropped? Everyone did every now and then, but what she’d walked up on at Amber’s farm was something she desperately wanted to forget.

“I love you, Shining Armor.” Chrysalis had breathed as she cuddled against him feeling content and vulnerable all in the same moment. “I never want to know what it feels like to not have you ever again.” They’d have to clean themselves up in a bit, she thought absently as he wrapped his forelegs around her.

“You won’t.” He kissed her mane. “You’ve ruined me for anyone else.”

She chuckled. “Good.” He scoffed in faux annoyance. “I can’t wait to take you away.” Chrysalis whispered.

“I can’t wait to go…”

“You can be mine forever.” She closed her eyes.

“I already am.”

Twilight had never reached Canterlot so fast in all of her life. The shock mixed with the forbidden act of which she witnessed was simply too much. A strong blush came over her face as she unwillingly recalled the two in hot the sun underneath a tree.

She managed to stop the images just before she confronted Princess Celestia with her findings.

“Princess Celestia!” After she burst through ornate doors she stopped in her tracks, blinking stupidly. The Sun Princess was nowhere in sight.

“Princess Twilight…. To what do we owe the pleasure?”

“Luna!” The alicorn stood beautifully, reflecting all the radiance of a starry night. “I need to speak with Princess Celestia! It’s urgent!”

“Is there a threat that we are unaware of?” The moon sovereign asked as her expression turned from friendly to fierce as her mane and tail flared behind her.

“Yes!” The relief that coursed through the Princess of Friendship did nothing to quell her anxiousness at what she’d discovered.

“Calm yourself and speak freely, Twilight Sparkle. My sister and I do not keep secrets.”

“It’s Queen Chrysalis...” She said in a rush of words. “She’s alive.”