A Tale of Two Princes

by MrWriterWriter

Rating: mature
Tags: Sex, Twilight Sparkle, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Anthro, Main 6, Romance, Spike, Comedy, Cutie Mark Crusaders
Length: 14753

Celestia unloads a big surprise on Dusk Shine and Spike after they retrieve the Element of Magic.

After stopping Sunset Shimmer and recovering the crown, the duo were ready for a few days of relaxation...

At least, until Princess Celestia calls them to the palace with a surprise she'd been saving for after Dusk's ascension : he and Spike are now deemed Crown Princes of Equestria!

And that's not the last of it; as per an old law, they must now select their consorts.

Doesn't sound too bad, does it?

Now if only they didn't have zero confidence in their dating ability

Ages: Dusk Shine: 23
Spike: 20
CMC: 18

Published 2017-04-29 00:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2019-11-11 06:35:44 UTC

Who makes a rule like that!?

"Celestia, it feels good to be home!" Dusk Shine groaned, propping his feet up on the coffee table, the Element of Magic crown in his lap. The two had just returned home to Golden Oaks after a rather...interesting adventure at the Crystal Palace.

"Tell me about it." Spike replied, slumping into a chair as soon as the door closed, "Three days in an alternate reality and dealing with a transformed Sunset Shimmer to get that crown back. Personally, I'm just glad to be walking on two legs again."

"Aw, come on, Spike. The girls thought you were adorable." Dusk chuckled at the look his unoffical younger brother gave him.

"Flare Warden ring a bell?" came the response. Spike smirked in triumph at how Dusk quickly froze up.

Flare Warden; the girl Dusk had ran into at Canterlot High who seemed to take a swift liking to him. She wasn't all that bad, but...

"I believe you were campaigning to be the Fall Formal 'Prince' to get the crown back?"

"Hey! There's no reason why a guy can't want to wear a tiara...I-I mean, a crown and be treated like royalty for a night!" Dusk tried his hardest not to pout, "Why should girls get all the fun of being pampered a little?"

"And that outfit Flare wore to 'show her support' as she put it?" Spike raised an eye in amusement. The girl looked like she would've been more at home on the beach than a Formal with what she had on.

"Oh, yeah..." He gulped. While she honestly meant well, that cheerleader uniform she had worn was a tad too revealing for that event. He wasn't a prude by any means, but the hug she gave him put him into contact with far more bare female skin than he was really able to handle. "Y-yes...but I still won 'Prince, and by a landslide! Of course, since Sunset was the only one there running for 'Princess', that meant we had to to dance together."

"With you wearing the tiara." Spike added

"The crown! Anyway, given that she was once Princess Celestia's student, I shouldn't have been surprised that she was as smart as she was...well, attractive." Dusk blushed when he said it, "Even though she was evil, we had rather enjoyable discussion on theoretical magic during it. At least, until she swiped the crown and turned into a demon..."

"Then she tried to turn you into her Demon King to 'rule by her side'."

"There...there is that." He conceded the fact. If it hadn't been for the girls coming to help, she might've succeeded. Thankfully, with a bit of teamwork, they managed to stop her and free everyone from the spell she'd put the school under. "At least she's decided to try and make up for all the trouble she'd caused."

"Yeah, all's well that ends--URP!" Spike belched loudly before he could finish, the smoke and flames coalescing into an elaborately sealed scroll.

"A letter from the Princess?" Dusk asked, catching it with his magic before it hit the floor.

"Must be pretty important." Spike smacked his lips, "She used the fancy ink for this."

Dusk quickly broke the seal and unfurled the letter,

'Dusk Shine and Spike,

First off, I'd like to say well done on recovering the Element! When I heard that my former student had taken it, I almost feared the worst. You both performed admirably.

Which brings me to the main reason for this letter. There is a matter of utmost importance I need to discuss with you both. Please come to the castle as soon as you are able.

Signed,

Princess Celestia

The duo looked at each other after reading it.

"Should we go now?" Spike looked at the clock then out the window, "We still got a couple hours of daylight still."

"We better. She wouldn't send for us if it wasn't really important." With that, the two of them stretched and headed out to make the trip.

"Hope it's 'important' important. Ever since Aunt Luna got over the whole Nightmare Moon spiel, those two have acted like a pair of little fillies more often than not; roughhousing, swiping each others desserts, prank wars. It's great that their catching up on a thousand years, but I'd rather stay out of the mayhem those two can think up."

Canterlot Palace

Celestia chuckled, "Well, I must admit I didn't expect you two to be here so soon." She said, hugging Dusk and giving Spike a kiss on the cheek, "It's good to see you again, sweetie."

"Hey, Mom." Spike hugged her, "So, what's the matter? This isn't another incident like the salted donuts, is it?"

"Oh, nothing like that." She waved it off, "We just recently managed to get the dining table out of the ceiling. This actually concerns your recent ascension, Dusk."

"My ascension?" He noticed her looking at his wings, "You mean me turning into an Alicorn?" Worry began creeping into his voice, "What is it? Did something go wrong!?"

"No, no, nothing's wrong!" She said, quickly heading off his panic attack, "I have good news in this case. For your ascension, and getting the Element of Magic back, it is my privilege to declare you as Crown Prince!"

Dusk blinked, his ears flicking a few times, "C-Come again, Princess?"

Everyone inside the throne room could see the mare was thoroughly enjoying the situation, "Like I said, 'Prince' Dusk Shine, with your ascendance, you are now officially recognized as Crown Prince of Equestria." Her smile widened considerably, "And as such, you are required to select your consorts.

"C-Consort!?" He yelped, his wings flapping in shock.

"Plural, actually. It's an old law that Clover the Clever suggested due to male Alicorns being so rare it was thought they didn't even exist. Don't know why she picked three as the minimum." She giggled, "But she was a bit of a perv."

Dusk could feel the color draining from his face, "T-three!?"

She nodded, "At least."

Spike took this moment to speak up, "So...Dusk's gotta hook up with a few girls?"

"Actually, both of you do."

Spike stared at her, "Wattadowhat??"

Celestia giggled at his expression, "Come now, Spike. You din't think my adopting you wouldn't come with a title of SOME sort, did you?" Besides, she added mentally, doing a little happy dance in her head as well, seeing your reactions when I sprung it on both of you was WORTH IT!

Spike just stammered, "B-but I..we..we don't..."

"Nonsense," she simply waved it off, "You two will be fine. Just use your best judgement in selecting them."

They could only stare at her, a mix of disbelief, shock, and a small bit of fear on their faces.

Outside

They had just exited the castle gates when Spike spoke up, "This is all your fault, Dusk."

"Mine!?" Dusk almost tripped when he heard that, "How is any of this MY fault!?"

"You're the one who turned into an alicorn! A MALE one, mind you! And now we gotta find consorts! Either one of us can barely talk to ONE girl when it comes to dating!"

"How was I supposed to know this would happen!?" he sighed and put up a hand, "Look, there's no sense arguing over this; it's all said and done now.

"Yeah, you're right." Spike shoulders slumped, "But, what're we gonna do about this? You saw Mom. She was ITCHING to drop this on us for who knows how long!"

"Maybe there's a loophole somewhere we can use to get out of this situation."

"You think there is one?" Spike asked, a tinge of hope in his voice, "I mean, Clover the Clever thought this thing up."

"Clover the Clever was a smart mare, but there's bound to be an angle she overlooked. It's just a matter of finding it."

"Yeah, but what about the others? What happens if they find out?"

Dusk simply smiled, "We don't say anything about it. Just tell them Celestia gave her congratulations and leave it at that. We don't say anything about being declared princes, and definitely NOT about having to find c-consorts!"

"I hope you're right, Bro. I hope you're right."

With that, the two resumed their trek to the nearest carriage for the trip back home. Neither of them saw the shrouded pony that had been eavesdropping from a nearby alley.

"Interesting." The figure murmured to itself.

Enduring...trying to, at least.

BRRRIIIII-FWAP!

Mumbling to himself, Dusk slowly sat up after uncharacteristically smacking his alarm clock off the table. A brief contemplation of whether or not to just go back to bed, followed by a groan of "Ah, screw it." and he was grabbing his glasses before hoisting himself to his feet.

"Lousy night too, Dusk?" Spike asked when he saw him trudge into the kitchen. The dark circles under their eyes showed neither of them had gotten much sleep.

"Putting it mildly..." He groaned, "I had an awful dream."

"Was it one where you're dressed in a samurai outfit fleeing down a road with hundreds of mares floating above and raining panties down on you?"

Dusk just blinked for a second, opening and closing his mouth a couple of times, before settling on just, "No."

"How come nobody else ever has that dream!?" Spike muttered, pouring himself some coffee.

"Spike, even though I love you like a brother, you scare me sometimes." Dusk responded, getting a box of cereal out, "So, I'm afraid there's no solution to our predicament here. At least, nothing viable."

"Tell me about it." Spike replied as they sat down, "Think we were both up half the night looking; nada. Well, not unless you count that proposal a couple years ago from some nobles who thought Mom and Aunt Luna should be each other's consorts."

Pony and Dragon looked at each other for what seemed like an eternity...before declaring, in unison, "Hell NO!"

Dusk leaned back in his seat, "Which leaves the royal library. And I certainly doubt the princesses will give us much of a chance to look for anything there. Especially if they find out what we'd be looking for."

"So we're screwed?"

"Well, I wouldn't say that, but our options are severely limited for the moment. For the time being, all we can really do is try and not let it get to us."

Once they finished breakfast, and waking up, they went to get dressed. Dusk went with his usual; his favorite sneakers, cargo pants, and a faded indigo sweater with his Cutie Mark emblazoned on the back. However, this time he had to take a pair of scissors to it so his new wings would fit.

Spike, because of the talons he'd gained from puberty having a tendency to shred them, and the legs of almost every pair of pants he'd put on, had forgone shoes and put on some wide leg shorts and a t-shirt.

They had just finished getting ready for the day when there was a knock at the door. "Who'd be coming at this hour?" Dusk asked, "the Library doesn't open for..." He looked at the clock, "Another hour." He headed over and opened it, revealing a certain fashion-conscious mare, "Oh...hey R-Rarity."

He tried not to be obvious with his gulp when he saw her. Even though it was her off day, she was already in her work clothes: a white dress shirt and black dress slacks that seemed to hug her hourglass figure. The shirt was unbuttoned just enough to give a peek at her perky C-cup breasts.

Spike looked up, "Rarity??" he chuckled weakly, "You...you're up early today. Normally you sleep in o-on weekends."

"True, but circumstances are calling for my immediate attention!" She stared pointedly at Dusk's wings as she said this. "Please, Dusk. I simply cannot stand by and let you risk ruining your whole wardrobe to accommodate your new additions." She smiled reassuringly, "After all, it's far more than simply cutting a pair of holes for them, Darling. Regardless of what Rainbow Dash says...is everything alright?" Concern trickled into her voice when she saw them visibly flinch.

Of course, if she had noticed their reaction was because of the d-word, suspicions certainly would have been raised. Luckily for both the males in that room, Spike managed a save, "Uh...heh...you can probably tell from the wings, he's already..."

"Yes, I noticed..." Rarity replied, stepping around him to look at the 'damage', "Oh, Dusk Shine..." she said in mild disappointment, running her fingers around the holes, "These cuts are so uneven!"

"Well...I...I was mostly just trying to make room!" He protested, trying to ignore the fact she was touching his back.

"I know, Darling," She said. Luckily the flinch this time was minor, "At least you were going for clearance. I won't have any trouble evening them out, and widening them a bit to make it a bit more comfortable." Once she was done with him, her attention turned to Spike, looking over what he had on, "And I do wish you'd let me rework yours, Spikey. The 'beach rocker' look simply does not suit you."

"Hey...I'm not that bad..." Spike muttered as Rarity grabbed Dusk's wrist and promptly led him back to the Boutique, with Spike right behind them.

Unfortunately, this also caused them to get the optimal view of Rarity's peach bottom swinging a little with each step. Fighting back the whimper of dismay wasn't easy.

"All right." The fashionista chirped once she had him on the small pedestal she used to measure customers, "Let's get these...magnificent wings first." She finished the sentence with a breathy tone.

"Okay!" Spike clapped his hands together, "I think this is my cue to be somewhere else."

"What are you doing!?" Dusk mouthed when Rarity wasn't looking.

Spike simply gestured to the door, "I think I'll go see what Sweetie and the others are up to. Maybe they've figured out something that'll get their Cutie Marks."

"Oh, I believe they're all meeting at their old clubhouse in the orchard. Something about having found a surefire way to get them." She shrugged lightly, "One can only hope."

"You suck!" Dusk mouthed again as she took out her measuring tape and notepad and started taking notes.

"Ok, then I'll catch you later." With that, he darted out the door.

Rarity sighed after Spike left, "I swear, Sweetie Belle is so lucky. I have to work and diet, and watch just about every single calorie I eat to stay slim. But she binges on sweets and junk food, and only really exercises with the other Crusaders; yet she hasn't put an inch on her waist since her last growth spurt! It's all gone into the other two measurements!" She let out a whine as she got the last of the wing measurements "Between her and Pinkie, I'm starting to wonder if I've been cursed! Shirt off, please. And don't even get me started on Fluttershy! That girl can't seem to manage being anything but beautiful and graceful! Even when she tries not to be..." A sniffle could be heard from her, "Oh, where's my fudge ripple!?"

Dusk sighed. Even with the current situation, he hated seeing one of his friend like this...even if she was overreacting a tad, "Ah, don't be like that, Rarity. Just because some other girls acquired a..bit more..e-endowment.. Y-you're still an a-attractive mare in...in your own way..." He gave her a defeated grin, "If it helps, look at me. I've got nothing on stallions like Soarin and Macintosh." He complied with her request and pulled the shirt off. It was pretty much the first time he'd removed it in front of anypony since puberty, but he figured a look at his scrawny frame would help put things in perspective for her. "See?' He asked, waiting to see her reaction. Several seconds went by in an almost dead silence. Dusk gulped, thinking she might have taken it the wrong way, "Rarity...?" He looked to her.

She was standing stock-still, staring at him wide eyed and mouth hanging open. He was about to run over and make sure she was ok when he saw the bright red slowly spreading on her cheeks. Her eyes began to slowly trace down his body, until...

"Sweet Celestia, you could grind wheat on those...!"

He frowned a little in confusion. '"Grind wheat'? The hay..." He followed her gaze and quickly saw what she was referring to. "What the!? I have muscles??" He ran a hand over the now muscular chest he had, taking note of the matching bicep on his arm. It was no bodybuilder physique by any means, but if he ever wanted to try track and field, this new build would probably be perfect for it. "I have..two..four...I have a six-pack!? When the hell did I get these??" A thoughtful look briefly crossed his face, "Well, at least that explains why my pajamas have felt kinda snug lately." He looked back at her and saw she was looking a little glassy-eyed. "Um..R-rarity...?"

"Yes, Dusk?" She asked in the breathy tone, his gaze sliding back over him.

"You..your're drooling...just a little..."

It took a second before the words sunk in and she yelped in embarrassment, both hands shooting up to wipe her mouth and chin. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry, Dusk! This is so unladylike!"

"It..it's ok." He chuckled, albeit weakly, "I-I'm a little surprised myself.

"'Little' nothing..." She said to herself, although Dusk managed to still hear it before she cleared her throat. "Well," she went back to her normal tone, "Measurements are definitely in order." She deftly ran her measuring tape through her fingers, "Shall we?"

A flicker of dread settled into his gut when she did that.

It wasn't too hard for Spike to find the CMC; all three of them were gathered outside their old clubhouse, staring at a patch of scorched ground.

"Well, it took off at least..." Scootaloo piped up. Dressed in a form-fitting red sports bra that showed off a pair of pleasantly rounded B-cup breasts, and purple, skin-tight volleyball shorts, the younger pegasus had filled out some over the last few years, but still kept a petite, lithe figure. Her mane was still in its short, spiked style, similar to Rainbow's.

"Ya think it'll come down some time?" Apple Bloom asked as she looked upwards. A bit more 'full-figured' than Scoot, she was wearing a flannel shirt that, surprisingly, hugged the younger farmmare's impressive curves and borderline D-cup bust, along with the pair of denim cutoffs that displayed the infamous 'Applebucking Thighs' the Apple clan's female members were known for. Her almost trademark ribbon, slightly faded from wear, rested securely in her mane.

"I hope so." The unmistakable squeak of Sweetie Belle chimed in, "My good pink ribbon's still stuck to it." Out of the three, she was without a doubt the most buxom. And the short-skirted, sleeveless navy blue sundress she had on did nothing to hide her curvaceous figure, the collar low enough to show off the double Ds she was proud of getting naturally. A small heart-shaped hairclip kept her mane in line.

Spike gulped as he looked at the trio of quite pretty fillies, the C-word still plaguing him somewhat. But, he rallied his nerve and stepped closer, "Do I want to ask what happened?"

The trio instantly brightened when they saw who spoke, "Spike!" They yelled in unison, hurrying over to him.

He grinned a little at how they still acted like little fillies when they were in this mood, even if they did cause mild havoc in the process.

However, once they reached him, the grin turned to a look of shock when they, almost as one, turned their hips to him. Two pairs of shorts went down and the hem of a skirt went up, giving him an eye up of three nicely curved hips and thighs; along with, Bloom's apple-patterned cotton panties, and what appeared to be a lacy black thong on Sweetie.

He almost choked on his spit when he saw Scootaloo's naked thigh, and the exposed bit of firm pegasus backside that she'd exposed to him: no panties whatsoever...

"D'ya see anything, Spike!?" Bloom asked excitedly, "Any sign of a Cutie Mark?"

They'd done this to him several times before; showing their legs off to him in the hopes he'd see a Mark. Back then he'd just blush somewhat and focus on something behind them. Now, though...

Faced with being flashed by three attractive girls, Spike almost shrieked, his face turning crimson, "NOTHING! I SEE NOTHING!" looking away as he did, "I..I mean..no. N-no cute..Cutie Mark..." It took him an almost superpony effort to force any semblance of calm in his expression as he said this.

"Rats" Scootaloo grumbled, pulling her shorts back up, "So much for one in rocketeering."

"It might not count until it comes back down." Sweetie added, "Around here, I hope."

"Well, may as well look fer somethin' else." Bloom picked up a book laying nearby. Flicking it open showed Spike it was ...

"The R to T edition of Encyclopedia Bucktanica?" He gave her a skeptic look once he calmed down a little, "Are you really sure you'll find your Cutie Marks in that?"

"Gotta be something in it." Scootaloo looked over Bloom's shoulder, her face brightening up on a certain page, "How about that?"

Sweetie joined them, " Yeah! Spike could help us!" she chirped.

"Help? Whoa whoa!" He said, throwing his hands up, "I still remember what happened the last time you three got me to help. It took me a week to scrub all the paint and glitter off!"

"If it helps, Ah thought ya looked good in yellow." Bloom offered before they advanced on him, "C'mon, Spike, please?" One by one, they unleashed the dreaded Puppy Dog eyes.

"All right! All right, I'll help. J-just stop it with those eyes." He barely finished the sentence before getting caught in a three way hug.

"Wow Spike, maybe you should hit the spa later." Sweetie ran a hand over his arm, "You feel really tense."

A barely audible whine escaped his throat.

A shuddering breath escaped Dusk as he tried to ignore the light tickle of Rarity's hands once again running over his naked torso with another measurement. All her friends knew she was experienced enough to only need a few minutes...

But Celestia's flanks, it felt like hours had past! It's nothing, he kept chanting to himself, she's just helping a friend out. But the seemingly innocent touches, the tickling sensation when she inadvertently breathed on him, not to mention the couple of times she had to get close and reach around to measure his chest! Why did they have to be so damn soft!?

Please, anyone or anything, just let it end!

"Aaand...there!" Her triumphant declare followed swing of the tape measure as she draped it around her neck, "I'll be around later today to get a few of your shirts to alter so you'll have something while I...Dusk! What's wrong!? Y-you're shaking like a leaf!"

"Huh?!" He glanced abruptly at her, "Oh! Uh, heh..s-sorry, just..just a little chilly in-in here." He tried to smile, and unfortunately failing somewhat, "Early m-mornings, you know."

"Hmm.." She started at him, and for a moment he was worried she wasn't going to buy it. "Well...all right. I'll admit it was a tad nippy when I woke up." Rarity looked at her calendar, "Barring any unexpected orders, I'll be able to get some your shirts adjusted over the weekend and new ones some time over the week." She held up his sweater, "Starting with this one. I'll bring it along when I go to get your other shirts this afternoon."

"The-the afternoon??" The feeling of dread grew. "But..but that means..."

Apparently she seemed to catch onto what Dusk meant, "Oh, don't be such a worrywart, Darling, Macintosh does it all the time. And if you're a little shy, you'd be hard pressed to find too many ponies up this early on a Saturday." Again, Dusk caught her saying something to herself. It sounded like, "Though with THAT body I don't know why." but he wasn't sure.

He sighed. Once she made a decision like this, it was easier to get a baked good away from Luna than sway her from it . "A-all right...later, Rarity." With that, he exited Carousel Boutique.

Thankfully she was right about Ponyville's streets being pretty much empty. The only real sign of anyone up and about was the smell of cooking wafting from Sugar Cube Corner. After some thought, and a little fiddling, Dusk managed to get his wings over his shoulders as sort of a makeshift coat. Not a real top by any stretch, but at least it'd give him a measure of modesty. "Well, guess I better head home."

He barely made it fifteen feet when a shadow appeared over him, followed by the yell of a familiar individual.

"DUUUSK!"

His gaze turned up just in time to 'eep' before one Rainbow Dash pounced on him.

WOOMPF!

The two collided, sending them both to the ground in a cloud of dust. The impact knocking his wings open in the process.

"*Kaff kaff* R-Rainbow, what the heck...! Where'd you come from?" As the cloud started clearing, he discovered just what kind of situation he was now in. Both her hands were planted firmly on both sides of his head and she was straddling his stomach, effectively pinning him.

"Hey Dusk!" She gave him an almost blinding smile, sitting "Just the stallion I was..." As she started to sit up, her eyes widened when she spotted his bare chest, "Looking fooooh-oh-ho-homina homina!" Her smile widened the more she looked down his torso, "Where the hay've you been hiding these puppies!?"

"Wha--" Was as he could out as she ran a hand over his chest, causing him to freeze up.

She trailed an appraising finger between his pecs, "Seriously! You're ripped!" The digit went across his collarbone before she binked, "Oh yeah, almost forgot!" She hopped up, pulling him along, "Flight lessons!"

"F-flying??" Dusk stammered, sweating a bit at how close she was standing to him. She was dressed in a black and white sports bra, its neckline low enough to let her own c-cup breasts peek out some. The matching spandex volleyball shorts she had on didn't help matters as they showed off the pegasus mare's long, slender legs and well-rounded backside.

"Duh! There's no way you can just sit there and let these big, awesome new wings of yours go to waste!"

"Well, I...I guess I can't fault that." Dusk scratched the back of his neck, "Come to think about it, it would be kinda cool to fly."

"Ok, first off is giving em a good stretch, just like with your arms. Watch" She extended hers out as far as she could, tensing them a bit before relaxing, "Now you try."

"Here goes...". He took a deep breath and extended his. A grunt escaped his lips as he felt the new muscles stretch and limber up. "Heh, feels pretty good. What nex..." His voice died when he saw Rainbow's reaction.

Half her face was taken up by a giddy smile and both eyes were wide, an unmistakable sparkle to them. "Whoa..." She squeed.

Did she...did Rainbow Dash just SQUEE? This cannot be good. He thought before she got a hold of herself and started looking at his wings.

"Wow, you got some serious bedwing here, Dusk." She commented, suddenly running her fingers through one, straightening out crooked feathers and dislodging loose ones she found. "Gonna have to get used to smoothing your feathers out when you get up. Get some wing conditioner too; a few of these loose ones feel kinda dry."

Dusk however, didn't quite hear her: he was too busy standing ramrod straight and fighting oddly pleasurable noises that kept trying to escape. LUNA'S MOON, that feels good! WHY does it feel good!? Though he'd never experienced it outside over affectionate hugs and glomps, he could easily equate the feeling with being groped in a rather sensual manner. It didn't help that he was now waging war with the bulge threatening to make itself known in his pants, Don't you dare! Go down, damn you! I'll imagine Granny Smith if I have to!

"Heh, ya know, this reminds me of an old mares tale about how wing size equaled to chest size, or something like that. Fluttershy kinda blows that notion outta the water. I mean, my wings are bigger than hers, but her tits are almost twice the size of mine. I'm a little jealous, to be honest." She gave him a coy look, "Then again, they never said if it applies to stallions." She didn't bother to hide what she looked down at, "With these monsters of yours, I wonder..."

It was with a loud, squeaky "HM!?" followed by a crimson blaze erupting on his face that he figured just WHAT she was looking at. It was also the last his resolve could handle. He screamed, "YIIIEEHEEHEE!!" and took off, his panic causing him to teleport mid-run.

Rainbow blink in obvious confusion, "Huh, was it something I said?"

As soon as he vanished, the boutique door slammed open and Rarity came out, "What is heavens is going on out here!?" She demanded, "I just heard the most awful shriek!"

Rainbow shrugged, "I dunno, I was just having some fun with him about his wings and that bod of his when he just freaked out."

"Hm, he was acting rather oddly when I was taking his measurements just a short while ago." Rarity scratched her chin, "Hmm..."

Meanwhile, Dusk reappeared from his impromptu exit: right above Sweet Apple Acres

"Oh shiii...!" He yelled, frantically trying to get his wings to flap in a usable manner, even using a bit of magic to try and keep himself in the air. Unfortunately, he was still in panic mode, and all his efforts got him was a big gust of wind that pushed him over a few feet and took away any chances he had to not go down. "Oh this is gonna sting!"

"Are you three sure this is gonna work?" Spike called up to Scootaloo, Bloom, and Sweetie, who were currently standing on the roof of the Barn. All three were wearing makeshift parachutes made of rope and sheets they had found inside.

"It's easy, we just jump and float down with our parachutes." Sweetie responded, "If something does go wrong, we'll have you to catch us!"

"That's all well and good but..."

"CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS SKY DIVERS! GERONIMO!" They cried out in unison, leaping off the edge with their 'chutes' billowing out behind them. Unfortunately for them, Murphy's Law was quick to say hello. No sooner did they clear the roof, an unexpected gust of wind caught them.

"WHOA! EEK! INCOMING!" They yelled as the gust sent all three crashing into a nearby tree.

"Ohshitohshitohshit!" Spike yelped, bolting into the barn to retrieve the first aid kit they kept inside before rushing over.

As he got near the tree he could grunting and noises of disgust.

"Unf! Yugh! Nasty!" Could be heard up in it, which proved to be a relief when he spotted them. However, the state they were in... The kit slipped from his limp hands, eyes widened, and his jaw hung at the sight.

All three were caught in the branches by their parachutes, struggling to get loose.Thankfully the worst injuries appeared to be a few scrapes and scratches. But thanks to said branches, their clothing was ripped on multiple spots and sticky tree sap covered them. Bloom's shirt was almost torn open and Sweetie's dress was nearly ripped off her, a large patch of sap on her chest the only thing preserving any real modesty.

"Spike! A little help?" Bloom hollered down when she saw him.

"H-Hang on...I think I got it..." WUMF! RIIP! "Whoa!"

Spike barely had time to register before Scootaloo landed on him.

"Ow.."

"You all right, Scoot??"

"Yeah. Be better once I get this sap off."

As the chatter went on, Spike came to from his slightly stunned state...and was greeted with the sight of Scootaloo sitting on his chest...

And currently topless. Apparently her top remained stuck in the ropes, therefore giving him quite the view of her bare breasts, light purple nipples peering out from the fur.

Spike felt his face heat up, and his pants get little snugger. He tried to rectify this by looking down; to find her crotch scant inches from his face. Also, the body-hugging material gave him a perfect outline of her...

"Well, at least get off Spike!" Bloom's voice called out in the distance.

"Whoops! Sorry, Spike!" Scootaloo said, looking down at him. "You ok..." She froze when he saw how red his face was, plus the fact it seemed he was having trouble breathing, "Spike!? Guys, I think he's choking on something!" She cried, "Give him the Heimlich!"

"...sk...usk...Dusk!"

"Mmmm...wuh...?" Dusk winced when his vision cleared, but the headache had yet to vacate. The last thing he remembered was trying to glide a bit on his way down so he could hit the ground with a run. But the tree came up faster than he could turn.

"Dusk, you ok there?" The familiar voice spoke again. He looked over to see AJ kneeling beside him. He also saw the knotted top she had on, showing off the inner third of both her ample D-cups.

Cheeks flaring, he only managed a wheezing yelp before scrambling to his feet as fast as he could. "I'M FINE, hehehe...n-no problem!" He blurted out, staggering some.

"Whoa there!" AJ quickly stood to steady him, "Sure yer ok, Sugarcube?" Her mouth dropped a little when she saw he wasn't wearing a shirt. Sweet Appleoosa! Where's he been hidin' this!? She was almost about to run a hand over the muscles on his back before mentally slapping herself What are you doin'!? Yer friend could be really hurt; this ain't no time to be pawin' at him!

"I'm sure. Head's harder than it looks." Not. YOU! he mentally growled at the twitch in his pants, "Just...just a bad landing. That's all."

"All right...if yer sure." It took a her a moment before she finally relinquished her grip on him, "Anyhoo, Ah'm headin' back to the house fer a bite to eat. Wanna come along?"

"Ok, that bowl of cereal isn't really staying with me."

"Alright then, let's go." She started off, "Ah think Ah know just the thing for you, Dusk. A nice, warm pie with yer name on it!"

Now, had this been any other time, Dusk Shine probably would have know what she meant. Today, though, given all he'd been through, you probably could forgive him for reacting like he did.

"Dusk?" Applejack looked back when she heard an odd noise from him, only to find him standing there, trembling, "Sugarcube?"

"My body is NOT READY!" He suddenly screamed, abject terror in his voice, before he turned and ran like an Ursa Major was after him.

Applejack watched in befuddled surprise at the fleeing stallion, "Now what in sam hill's gotten into that boy??"

"Ok, um, get my arms around him...and squeeze. One, two! One, two!"

"Sweetie Bell, yer supposed to be behind him when ya do it!"

"It might be working, listen!"

They could all hear a low whine come from the dragon. It wasn't from what they thought, however.

"S-she's not...not wearing a b-b-b-bra, either...!" Spike felt his throat go bone dry slightly at the discovery, "S-soft....re-really soft!!"

"Maybe it loosened it! Ok, let me try the other way!" For some reason his shirt was getting tugged on, before it finally slipped off him, "Stupid sap! It's making his shirt stick to me!"

"Pull it off, then! I think he's turning blue!"

"One, two! One, two! It's not working! Anyone know mouth-to-mouth!?"

"A lil! Ah read a pamphlet on it last time Ah was at the doctor's fer a checkup!"

"Mouth -to-m-mouth!?" Things briefly settled; just long enough for his vision to clear and spot Apple Bloom's shirt, torn open and her Apple Valley in full display before him, a perky nipple the color of brown sugar also visible...just before his head head was mercifully lifted up, and Bloom's full and surprisingly soft lips touching his.

It lasted for only a moment before she pulled away, her cheeks pinking for some reason, "Did it work?"

"Are you supposed to blow air into him when you do that?"

"Huh? That pamphlet didn't say nothin' 'bout blowin' anyone!"

At that, the young dragon reacted.

With an inarticulate "YIHIEE!" of terror, he bolted, leaving three confused young mares behind him.

"Well, THAT was weird." Scooaloo said, watching the visibly terrified Spike disappear around a few trees.

"Ah'll say." Bloom agreed, her head titling in thought a little, "Come tah think of it, either of ya notice he seemed kinda panicky when we asks if he saw any Cutie Mark of us earlier?"

"Yeah, now that you mention it..." Sweetie spoke up, "I was too busy thinking about our Marks to really think about it then."

Scootaloo pointed to his shirt, still stuck to Sweetie, "And did you see how ripped he is now? When did that happen!?"

Three sets of eyes narrowed a little, "Hmmm."

"What in Mom's sun is going on around here!? Things weren't THIS insane before she said I was a prince!" Spike screamed to no one as he ran pell-mell through the orchard.

"You and me both, Spike!" Dusk yelled in reply, pulling up beside him from around an old shed.

"Well, so much a nice, normal day!"

"At least you didn't get groped by Rainbow Dash!" Dusk replied between pants, "And what the hell happened to your shirt?!"

"Could ask you the same thing! And she's just one, I got tripleteamed!" They veered through an opening in the fence, "So what do we do now?"

"Fluttershy!" Dusk called out, "If anypony's going to be normal and relaxed, its gotta be her! "

"Yeah, plus she's usually busy feeding all her animals by now! She'll be too focused on them for anything else!"

"Right! We can hang there for a little while and try to figure this mess out!"

"To Fluttershy's! Rally-ho!" They cried out in unision, sprinting across the field to their new destination.

Meanwhile, said mare was happily occupied scooping birdseed in the plethora of feeders around her house. "There you go." She giggled at the eager chirping of a group of sparrows that dove in once she'd finished, brushing off a few seeds from the long-sleeved white cotton shirt and light green pants she had on. "I hope you like this new blend. Zecora suggested it."

The birds started to respond when the rapidly approaching sound of feet got the attention of Fluttershy and every animal there. She turned just in time to spot Dusk Shine and Spike slow to a stop in front of her, gasping for air.

"Oh, Dusk...Spike. I didn't expect you two here today." She said, honestly surprised to see them.

"*Gasp" H...Hey, Flut*pant**cough*Fluttershy." Spike wheezed, propping himself up on his knees while Dusk braced against a nearby rock, "*cough* Give...give a second..*hack*"

"Oh my! Here, let me get you some water!" She quickly scampered into her house, returning a couple minutes later with two full large glasses, "Here you go."

"Thanks..." Dusk managed to get out before they downed the contents, not even worrying about some spilling down their fronts. Luckily for them, this prevented either from seeing Fluttershy's face when she looked. Nor did they hear the squeak she let out.

"Oh...oh-OH MY!" She thought, her eyes widening the longer she watched as the rivulets of water flow down both chests, "Wh-when did they get so...muscular!? I-I mean, I've never seen either of them without a shirt, not even to the beach. None of us have, now that I think about it." Her gaze shifted from Dusk to Spike and the growing pink in her cheeks spread, "Oh Celestia...I could crack walnuts on those...!"

"Oh, that hit the spot!" Dusk gasped in relief when he finished, breaking Fluttershy from her thoughts.

"Same! Thanks, Shy." Spike said, handing the glass back to her.

"Oh, y-you're welcome." She said, setting both of them on a nearby outdoor table, "Um, if you don't mind me asking...why were you so out of breath?"

"Let's just say we've been having a rough day." Dusk answered her, a drained look evident on both their faces, "Say, is it ok if we hang out here for a bit? At least till our nerves settle some."

"Yeah, we can help out with feeding the animals if you want." Spike added.

"Oh, w-well...I-I appreciate that, guys. Th-thank you." She pointed to some bowls full of various nuts, "I was about to get the squirrels and chipmunks next. They can be a little fussy at times, so it may take a few minutes."

Over the next fifteen minutes, both Dusk and Spike felt their frayed nerves begin to settle down and the stress from earlier melt away. Fluttershy had headed over to the nearby lake for an emergency concerning an otter with a cramp.

"Almost like a vacation, huh, Dusk?" Spike asked, rolling his eyes at the mongoose that decided he was a fun new jungle gym.

"You got that right." Dusk stretched and extracted a curious squirrel from his wing, "It's no penthouse suite, but it's a close second." He chuckled.

A few minutes later Fluttershy returned...

Her shirt now soaked. The now translucent material showing off her impressive D-cups, the cyan nipples standing out against her butter yellow coat, "That otter really needs to stop eating so fast when he's out on the water." She said.

"A stomachkkkkk-k-k-k-k-k---" Spike sputtered when he looked at her, the frayed feeling returning with a vengeance. Dusk turned to see why Spike was making such an odd noise and nearly broke the bowl he was holding, sweat instantly beading on his forehead.

"Third time this month." She sighed and shook her head, causing her breasts to bounce slightly, "He just can't resist crayfish." She picked up a basket of vegetables, "Have either of you fed the rabbits yet?"

"N-n-no....not y-y-yet..." Dusk managed to work out.

Spike just whimpered.

"Ok, just let me get them and we can see who's left."

They watched as she made her way to an eager group of rabbits.

"Dusk..." Spike's voice was barely audible, "Why isn't she wearing a bra, Dusk? This isn't fair...!"

"I-I know, Spike....I know..." Dusk patted his shoulder.

They both watched as a couple of birds flew out of the house and begin singing rapidly to her.

"Oh dear!" She set the basket down an rushed into the house, bouncing with each step, "Another emergency!"

"I can't take much more of this...." Spike said, sounding like he was ready to have a break down.

"Me too...m-maybe she'll see her shirt and go change..?" Dusk offered, though it was clear he was just trying to cheer himself up.

"Boys?" Fluttershy called out from the doorway, still in the soaked top, "Could you come inside, please? I need some help with my soaking wet, and very naughty, pussy."

"Both of them froze up."

She gave a scolding look at the drenched feline behind her, "I've told her over and over to stay out of the sink..." She looked back, "Dusk? Spike?"

Dragon and alicorn were already well down the road.

"Oh man...I..I dunno if I can keep this up!" Dusk panted. Apparently neither of them had fully recovered from the run from Sweet Apple. They'd just reached Ponyville when what little they'd gotten back was spent.

"Yeah..." Spiked winced as he tried to take another running step, "My legs feel like lead...!" An unholy growl suddenly rumbled from both their
guts, "And now I'm hungry..."

"Me too...you wanna try and risk Sugar Cube Corner?" Dusk pointed to the bakery, resting just across the street from them.

Spike sighed, "May as well...lucky I can still walk."

They trudged over, mentally going over what to select. Once they got there, the only sound in the place was the small bell that announced the door opening. Inside was empty, with the exception of somepony moving around in the back.

"Mr. Cake? Mrs. Cake? That you?" Spike called out. No answer. "Hello?" They looked at each other.

Dusk gulped, "P-Pink...?"

"HEY GUYS!" Pinkie Pie's chipper voice called out right behind them.

"AUGH!" They shrieked, whirling around to face her.

"Pinkie, I hate it when you...do...tha...." Spike trailed off, slacked jawed.

She just smiled, "Wow, you two are early! Normaly you don't show till---Ooooh!" A wide grin crossed her face, and they could swear, for just a second, that she licked her lips. "Duskcake and Beefspike" She purred, her voice suddenly turning husky, "Momma LIKE!"

"Wha...P-Pinkie..." Dusk tried not to hyperventilate at what he saw, "W-what the heck are-are you wearing??"

As far as they could tell, the party-happy pony was currently clad in nothing but an apron. Namely, one that did little to hide her voluptuous figure, if the way her borderline E-cup breasts were poking out the sides was any proof.

"Oh," She giggled, the action causing interesting things to happen behind her solitary garment, "It's laundry day!"

Spike looked hesitantly for an escape route, trying to ignore the shapely mare before them, "O-ok..b-but...I think he means...w-why are you naked!?"

"Silly hunkies, I'm not naked; still got my apron and favorite panties on!" She spun around to show she had on a pair of side-tie blue and pink striped panties with 'Soft Baked' written on the rear, "Say...while you're here, I could use the help of a yummy duo like you!"

"W-what?" They asked, not sure whether to be flattered or terrified at her calling them that.

In a flash, she was bent over, digging around in a cabinet and giving them an even better view of her panty-clad rear, "Wanna help fill my donuts?"

Four eyes almost bugged out of their sockets.

She stood back up, turning to show she had two pastry bags in her hands, "I've got jelly and...cus...tard?" The only sign anyone had been there was the lingering tinkle of the bell atop the door. "Huh, must be on a diet for those new muscles or something."

The two nearly collapsed on the floor the moment they got back to the library.

"I'm done..." Dusk groaned, falling almost face-first into the recliner while Spike just fell straight onto the couch, "Can't go any farther."

Spike's voice was slight muffled by the cushions, "If..if I didn't love her so much, I'd put Mom's name on a subscription to the most bizarre and warped fetish magazines I could find! The jail time with be WORTH IT!"

Dusk chuckled, wincing a little as he did, "Not sure if sending the Princess weird porn really counts as prison-worthy."

"Didn't say just pony. Heard the Minotaurs practically invented the word 'kinky'!"

"Heh," Dusk relaxed as best he could while trying not to cramp up, "I guess this is it, then. All our female friends are acting...uh...well, I'm not even sure how to describe it...I mean, the groping, the extensive close contact, the 'offers'." He shuddered a little, "You...you don't think she told them after we left the palace?"

"No, it's not Mom's style. She likes to mess with you personally. Besides, we both know Rarity considers that kind of humor 'uncouth' and Fluttershy just isn't the pranking sort."

"Got a point..." Dusk started when the door suddenly opened again.

"Dusk Shine, Spike. We need to talk." Rarity said as she marched in, the other girls right behind her.

They both tried to move for an escape, but were too exhausted to do much more than sit up a bit. Applejack and Bloom simply propped Spike up, sitting on either side of him.

Once they were all situated, Rarity began, "Well, as you can tell, we've recently met up. And after a brief discussion, have made a rather worrying conclusion."

"You've been actin' jumpier than Winona on bath day!" Bloom blurted out, getting everyone' attention, "Well, they are..."

"Yes, not quite the analogy I was looking for, Apple Bloom, but rather accurate. You two have been behaving bizarrely around us all day. Terrified, actually, on a few counts."

"I...uh...we..." Spike started saying, but anything else died in his throat.

"Yes, this really isn't like either of you..." Fluttershy added, looking at them worriedly.

"Well...you-you see..." Dusk tried to explain, but he had no better luck.

"It's almost like you boys are scared we'll pounce on you without warning or consent! Now, I'm all for 'without warning', and the other girls probably wouldn't pass up a chance for pouncing, but either way you butter it, the consent part is still super duper important!"

The others tried to parse out what she had just said when there was a sharp rap on the door. Saved by the knock! Dusk thought, forcing himself to his feet, "I'll get it." It took a minute for him to get there thanks to the growing soreness in both legs. He opened it to find a familiar-looking blue unicorn mare standing there, "Trixie? What are you doing here?"

"Dusk Shine!" She called out bombastically, "The Great and Powerful Trixie has come to inform you that she knows of Princess Celestia's declaration!"

"Y-you what!?"

She continued, "And therefore, she offers herself as your first consort!" With an exaggerated flourish, her cape opened, showing off the alarmingly skimpy bikini she had on underneath, barely covering her B-cup chest. "Though the carnal arts are unknown to her, she is confident that...that..." As she talked, the confident stance quickly faded. Soon she was crossing her arms over herself shyly, a bright blush on her face, "You'll be gentle our first time, won't you sempai?"

The Title's Outta the Bag.

"Consorts?" The combined voices of all eight girls echoed a little in the tree.

"And just what is THAT supposed to mean, Lulamoon!?" Rainbow snapped, cracking her knuckles just in case.

"Uh-ba..I...ah..." Dusk tried to say something, but his exhaustion-and Trixie standing right in front of him wearing pretty much nothing- made it impossible to effectively string any syllables together.

Spike's attempt failed before he could even begin, especially when he kept trying to fight glancing over at Fluttershy's STILL wet shirt. How much water did that thing soak up, anyway?

"Hm!" Trixie scoffed, her usual loud self returning, "Trixie presumes that you lot are here because of Princess Celestia's declaration, are you not? That the two Crown Princes must take a minimum of three consorts each." She pointed defiantly at the girls, causing Dusk to try and back away only to fall over, "Don't bother getting your hopes up, for none of you are a match for the Great and Powerful Trixie!" She fixed the currently downed stallion with a gimlet eye, "She will be Prince Dusk's first consort, and she stakes her claim now!"

"Yaa-haa!" Dusk shrieked as he tried to scramble away from her when she suddenly lunged at him.

"Ah don't THINK so, Missy!" Before she could reach him, a lasso found its way around her and she was snatched out of the air. Applejack was almost a blur as she firmly tied the stage performer up, ensuring she wouldn't be moving any time soon. "There." She set Trixie down in a nearby corner while Rarity and Scootaloo helped Dusk back up.

Trixie squirmed against the ropes a bit, making cute little squeaks and grunts as she did, "Unf! Oh! Are all the extra knots really necessary?" The blush returned, "They're rubbing Trixie in...sensitive locations."

Applejack held up another length of rope, "Just so ya know, Ah got plenty more rope with me that yer gonna be snackin' on if ya don't behave, understand?"

She just gave her a sulking look.

Once the excitement settled down, Dusk and Spike were soon munching on a couple plates of sandwiches courtesy of Pinkie raiding their fridge. Meanwhile, the girls had moved to the side to try and piece things together.

"Ok, so there's something about this 'consort' deal that's causing those two to act like this." Rainbow spoke up, "But what's hanging around with somepony go to do with why their so jumpy?"

"Rainbow, I think you mean the other definition of 'consort'" Fluttershy replied. Suddenly, her eyes widened and her face went scarlet, "Oh.."

"The other defin...ition...oh my..." Rarity gasped, a hand shooting up to cover her mouth.

"Care to fill the rest of us in?" Rainbow asked, getting a little annoyed.

"Consort is like a title, Rainbow." Fluttershy said, glancing over to the boys, "It...it means betrothed..."

Applejack blinked, "Betro...ya mean...like a spouse??"

"Oh no...I...I think I get it now..." Rarity spoke in up, her voice not much louder than a whisper, "You remember how they'd get when it came to dating and such?"

"You mean how skittish...ohhhh." Realization swept of Pinkie's face, "You think they were already nervous about this out, and all the stuff we did just made it worse, even though it was accidental?"

Rarity flushed with embarrassment, "And I...oh Celestia, I had my hands all over Dusk! I admit I was enjoying myself a bit too much measuring him, but I certainly didn't mean to torment the poor boy like that!

"I'm still not sure what I did that scared them so much." Fluttershy commented, her head tilted in confusion.

"Um, Shy? Ah think Ah know. Look down." Applejack pointed to her shirt.

Fluttershy looked, her pupils shrinking to pinpoints when she saw her breasts visible through her top, "EEP!" She squealed, crossing her arms to cover herself, "That means S-Spike...he saw..." She whimpered and covered up with her wings, "And...the cat...oh no...when I said help with my wet pussy..." The shy pegasus looked ready to cry.

"You..you" Rainbow's shoulders started to shake, "You asked them-pff-to-snerk-and they..!?" She bit her lip trying not to laugh, tears welling up in her eyes, "I didn't know you had it in ya, Shy, or should I say want it--mpff!" She was cut off by a hat bopping her in the head.

"That's enough outta you." Applejack said, putting her stetson back on. "And try not to let it get to ya, Shy, now that we're findin' out what's goin' on."

"Oh? and what, pray tell, did YOU say to them, farmgirl?" Trixie asked, looking a little smug.

"Just if Dusk wanted some pie." She glared, hands on her hips, "Ah still don't get what's so wrong with that."

"And did he understand that you were referring to 'pie' as in the baked good, or...?" She glanced dawn at the front of her pants.

Applejack's glare slowly faded, replaced by a reddening face. "Ohhhh." She quietly pulled her hat down in front of her face.

One by one, Pinkie looked at them. Anyone paying attention would have seen her mentally putting things together before, "HAHAHAHA*snort* Heheehee!" She fell over, clutching her sides in laughter, "This*giggle* this is great! Your pie, Flutter's pussy, and my donuts! Hehehehe*snort*! We pranked ourselves and didn't even know it!"

While all this was going on, the CMC were nearby talking, though they could hear the others.

"That explains why he was acting weird." Scootaloo said once Pinkie had calmed down, "I mean, Trixie said that consort stuff applied to Dusk now that he's a prince."

"Yeah, but still, how does it apply to Spike?" Sweetie scratched her head, "He's not..."

"Actually...he is." Dusk said, getting everyone's attention.

"Dusk, what're you doing!?" Spike asked, glancing at the girls uneasily.

"We may as well tell them, Spike. Besides, Trixie already blabbed part of it." He sat back in the chair, "Yesterday, Princess Celestia called us to the palace. Because of my ascension and when me and Spike got the element crown back, she said I'd been declared Crown Prince of Equestria." He sighed, "Then she dropped the bombs. The first one was there was a law that-due to how rare male alicorns are-that a Crown Prince must select a minimum of three consorts."

"I-I'm sorry, did..did you just say you really WERE named 'Crown Prince'!?" Rarity asked, her eye twitching a little, "That wasn't just Trixie mishearing something or exaggerating??"

He nodded, gesturing to Spike, "We both are. That's the second bomb she dropped: seems he's BEEN one since she adopted him after he hatched. Apparently she wanted to wait till she could tell us both."

"A-adopted?" Apple Bloom asked, paling a tad.

"Well, yeah. I was a little foal myself when he hatched; didn't know the first thing about child care back then. Celestia signed the adoption papers and everything. Anyway, she dropped this on us and..."

"And you saw the results." Spike finished.

"I thought he was the closest thing to a prince here...and now he really is one..." Rarity could be heard mumbling to herself, staring at her hands, "I felt up a half-naked prince!" Her eyes slowly rolled back into her head, a rosy blush on her cheeks.

Rainbow just scoffed, "Ah, quit being so melodramatic, Rares! I groped him too, and you don't see me freaking out."

"A lady does NOT 'grope' Rainbow Dash!" Rarity glared at her, snapping out of the fainting spell surprisingly fast.

Apple Bloom, on the other hand, was shaking a little, "You..you mean all the times we asked if he saw a Cutie Mark..." Her face a glowing red, "Ah...Ah been barin' half mah backside to a PRINCE!?"

"W-we all did..." Scootaloo said, blushing almost as intensely.

Sweetie Belle let out a loud 'eep!' before she ran over to Spike and started bowing rapidly in front of him, her panic making her voice even squeakier than normal, "Your highness...! I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to...to m-moon you!"

He tried to wave it off, "No, Sweetie, it's-"

"Oh Sweet Celestia!" Scootaloo almost shrieked, "We flashed him too!"

Apple Bloom looked at her, "Flash? Waddaya..." She trailed off, gulping, "The...the tree..."

"Say what?" Applejack asked.

"Th-the sap on my chest..." Sweetie Belle blushed, "That's why his shirt..." Even though she'd gotten a change of clothes earlier, she squeaked and crossed her arms over her chest.

"Sweetie Belle!" Rarity gasped, looking scandalized, "How could you!?"

Rainbow just smirked and gave Scootaloo a thumbs up, "Nice, squirt!" The smirk turned to a leer as she steeped over to Dusk, "But don't think I'm letting you have all the fun! Yo, Dusk!" As soon as he looked her way, both thumbs hooked under the waistband of her shorts and they came down. She him a wink as she wiggled her now bare ass at him "How d'ya like these cupcakes?"

"Hey!" Pinkie protested, "I'm the one with the cupcakes here!" With a flourish, the shorts they'd made Pinkie put on were in the floor and giving both guys a front row seat of her rear, "Care to fill these donuts, boys?"

"Girls!" Rarity snapped indignantly, "At least keep your underwear on!"

"What underwear?" They asked.

Dusk and Spike stared, slightly blank expressions on their faces.

Well, aside from twin trickles of blood from their nostrils. "Dusk, if you would?" Spike asked.

Dusk responded simply by placing a hand on his shoulder; both of them vanishing in a flash of purple light.

"Well, now we just confirmed it." Applejack said. She glared at the bottomless mares, "And put yer shorts back on!"

"Wait." Sweetie adopted a thinking position, "If-if we were..." She blushed, "You know...then, maybe he..he wasn't choking like we had thought?"

"Well,now that you mention it, he didn't act like that until..." Scootaloo blinked, "You...you think...?"

Apple Bloom bit her lip slightly, "Maybe he might've been seein' us as...?"

Wide, excited grins began forming on their faces, until-

"CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS CONSORTS, YAY!" They squealed in unison.

"Hang on a sec." Applejack cocked her head to the side, "Say wut now?"

"Come on, sis, we're of age!"

"But...

"Now Sweetie-"

Sweetie Belle glowered at her, hands on hips, "Is this where you hypocritically ban me from trying to snag Spike and share him with my friends when you're actively planning to do the same to Dusk?"

Rarity moved as if to respond before sighing. "...touche, Sweetie Belle. Touche."

"Bet I snag mine first, Scoot!"

"You're on, Rainbow!"

"Um...Scoot, Bloom?" Fluttershy piped up.

Scootaloo groaned, "Aw, come ON, Fluttershy! Don't tell me you're gonna tell us not to!"

"Is...is there room for a fourth?" She smiled sheepishly, letting out a cute squeak.

The room went silent. At least until-

"Um, could someone untie me? The Great and Powerful Trixie needs to go to the bathroom!"

Game Plans: The First Play

A couple of days had passed since the girls had learned of their two closest male friends' new princehood. To try and make up for unintentionally putting them through their nerve-wracking experience, they'd decided to leave them be for a few days to let them unwind.

Currently, it was a dreary, cloudy afternoon. The first drops of rain were enough to encourage most of Ponyville's residents to head in for the day. It was also, as far as Rarity was concerned, a good enough time to ask the girls over for a discussion, Trixie included. They were all gathered in the kitchen.

Applejack was the first to speak up, "So, what'd ya call all us here fer, Rarity?" She asked, putting a fresh pot of coffee on, "We all agreed to give the boys some space fer a little while so they could relax."

"Well, mainly so we can figure out where we all stand...in..." She trailed off with a sigh. "Let's face it, what do we do about this whole 'consort' deal?"

"What's there to do?" Rainbow cut in, "We tell the guys we like em, maybe some making out." She grinned and bit her lip. It was impossible not to know what was going through her mind, "If things get hot and-"

Rarity quickly interrupted her, "AND need I remind you, Rainbow, just who this involves?"

"Dusk and Spike. So?"

"Well, The Great and Power..." Trixie started in her usual way before she spied the looks she was getting, "Fine...I don't see anything wrong with her idea." She smirked and ran a hand over her body as she leaned against the counter, "After all, what stallion wouldn't crave a piece of this?" She finished off with cupping one of her breasts,

"Because, when it comes to stuff like courtin' and romancin', they're two of the most timid critters Ah think any of us have ever seen. Or do ya need remindin' of how much you scared Dusk?" Applejack crossed her arms under her chest, staring the unicorn down.

Trixie tried to retort, but relented almost as quickly, "Yes, maybe I was a little...overenthusiastic."

"Indeed." Rarity nodded in agreement, "Although, judging by how they reacted, it's safe to assume they consider us attractive at least." A few smiles and at least one blush told her they thought the same, "The question is how do we introduce the notion without appearing needlessly aggressive?

"Say what?" Confusion was thoroughly etched on Scootaloo's face.

"How do we get them comfortable with dating and stuff without scaring them more?" Sweetie Belle clarified.

The group sat in silence for a few minutes until Fluttershy spoke up, "We...we could..ask them..." She offered.

Apple Bloom coughed on the soda she was drinking when she heard this, "Ask 'em? Shy, ya'all saw how skittish they got thinkin' we were makin' moves when we didn' know nothin' 'bout all this consort hoopla! If we up and asked 'em, they might run away ferever!"

"Oh..." Fluttershy blushed, "N-nevermind."

"No harm in suggestin', Shy." Bloom patted her on the shoulder, "But we gotta make sure we don't go comin' off as too forward."

"We could just try being ourselves!" Pinkie chirped, jumping up from her seat.

"And...how does that get the message across without scaring them off?" Sweetie asked, wondering where she was going with this.

"Our wardrobe!" Her smile got even wider.

"While I adore any idea that involves dressing us all up to the nines, Pinkie..." Rarity briefly giggled at a few outfits that came to mind, "Where are you going with this, exactly?"

"They think we're sexy, that's obvious, right?" She got multiple sounds of agreement, "So...we choose our wardrobe and activities to accentuate that while keeping our behavior to our usual friendly mode! That way they'll be able to get used to the idea of seeing us as sexy without it interfering with seeing us as friends!"

"Pinkie, that's genius!" Rarity squealed, "And I can find just the right accessories to go with what we all have!"

"But that's all Ah was doin'!" Applejack half-protested, "And most of us, actually..."

"Don't worry, Darling." the fashionista reassured her, "We just need to become a little more aware of - and avoid - any possible innuendo."

Pinkie giggled, "In-your-end-do!"

Everyone looked at her. Or, almost everyone; Rainbow and Scootaloo laughed like loons at the joke

Rarity just sighed, "...QED."

Meanwhile, back in Golden Oaks, Dusk Shine and Spike were enjoying the peaceful day by painting a set of miniatures they had recently gotten.

Spike was putting the finishing touches on a phantom when he suddenly glanced around, a perplexed look on his face, "Dusk?"

"Hm?" Dusk glanced around the knight he'd just started on.

"You feel that?"

"That odd tickle that just went up my spine?"

Spike nodded, "You trying to ignore it too?"

"Yep!" The two of them just kept painting.

The next day proved to be a bit more active as the nine of them began their initial plans. Closets and drawers were dug through and several articles of clothing ended up selected or discarded.

One notable example was the clubhouse (or 'hangout' as they now preferred to call it) of the CMC. Currently dressed in just their underwear, or birthday suit in Scootaloo's case, the trio was rummaging through a pile of clothing they had managed to acquire from home.

"Bloom, where'd you get the daisy dukes??" Sweetie asked in surprise, staring at the denim shorts her friend was holding. They were cut high enough to show off a substantial bit of backside.

Apple Bloom just smirked, "Remember mah jeans that got ripped on the barn door?"

"Yeah...ohh." Sweetie giggled, retrieving a halter top and matching miniskirt, "So that's why you borrowed Rarity's heaviest fabric scissors."

"Yep. Just need to find a top to go with it."

"At least we know looking hot won't be a problem." Scootaloo spoke up, trying on a bikini to see if it still fit, "We still gotta figure out how to ease Spike into this, though. And we don't know what the limit is."

"Well, maybe we could go ask Zecora." Apple Bloom offered, slipping the shorts on as well as a snug-fitting tanktop., "She's bound to have dated at least once, so Ah'm sure she'll have some advice for us."

Sweetie and Scootaloo looked at each other for a few seconds before the pegasus shrugged, "Couldn't hurt. Let me get some shorts on."

Everfree; Zecora's house

Zecora was in the middle of looking through some of her herbs and ingredients to see if any had expired when a knock at her door grabbed her attention. Needless to say, she hadn't expected to find the CMC standing there, bouncing anxiously on their heels, along with other bits.

"Girls, your fashion choices beg of sin." She commented upon seeing what they had on, "Tell me, whose attention do you seek so strongly to win?"

What followed was several minutes of the trio explaining how Dusk and Spike were named Princes. followed by the consort law; along with three blushing faces as they gave a recap of what happened the other day. "So, we were hoping you could help us figure out to ease Spike into going out with us without scaring him." Sweetie threw in once they'd finished.

"And maybe a way we can help Fluttershy as well. Ah think she's into him too." Apple Bloom added.

Zecora's expression lit up, much to their surprise, "Hmm...that young dragon's also caught my eye. Come in, come in...I'll help things not go awry." She motioned for them to follow her inside.

Cue three sets of wide eyes blinking.

"Y-you too, Zecora?" Scootaloo asked as they hurried in, getting a simple grin in response.

"Wow..." Sweetie squeaked, But...but Rarity was convinced you were interested in Big Mac. I mean, since we always saw you stop by the farm whenever you were in town."

"Wait a sec..." Apple Bloom mulled over something for a moment, "Weren't all those the times when Spike was helpin' out too?

"Verily you see it, Apple Bloom. 'Twas the young dragon who made me swoon." Zecora answered, "My homeland is a place of people varied, but 'twas dragons who with most pride themselves carried. To mate with one was quite the line, for they were held as lovers divine. Spike has those qualities in him too, in addition to gentleness, kindness, as a friend true. With all of this it is no sin, that I offer him my heart to win."

"But what kind of pace do we take? Too slow and he might not even notice." Sweetie asked.

"Yeah, and if we're too fast, it'll be the other day all over again!" Scootaloo added

Suddenly, Apple Bloom's eyes widened in alarm, "Uh-oh..."

"What's with you, Bloom?" Scootaloo cocked her head to the side seeing her friend's expression, "Look like you forgot your homework again.

"Ah just realized...we all know Dusk an' Spikes are princes now..but what's gonna happen when it's made public??"

It didn't take long for the other two to make the same conclusion, "Aw crud, you're right!" Scootaloo growled, "I wouldn't put it past Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon to try and snatch him up just because of that!"

"Like hell they will!" Sweetie blurted out, before clapping her hands over her mouth in embarrassment, "S-sorry.." She squeaked, realizing she just swore.

Zecora chuckled at the antics, "Worry not, my young friends. I have the means to your desired ends." She took a few steps back so they could all see, "If stress is on Spike's mind, here he will come a remedy to find. I have a look to ease his cares...and for you dear friends, I have spares."

"What is it? Can we see??" They asked in unison.

Zecora just gave them a mysterious smile, then with a shrug, allowed the cloak she had on to fall to the floor. What they saw underneath was a definite eye-opener; aside from the cloak, her only article of clothing was a linen loincloth, showing off her buxom figure with supple thighs, wide hips, and almost E-cup breasts; the perky, licorice-black nipples standing out proudly on top, "His great stress together we'll ease, with a method from my home, the mind to appease."

Scootaloo stared at the older mare's chest for a moment before looking at her own, "I'm not the only one here who's a little jealous, am I?"

"Worry not about your size." Zecora gave her a reassuring smile, "I shall teach you how best to sway our prize."

While all this was going on, however, an unexpected-and most likely unwelcome-newcomer was listening in on the conversation. Its pale blue eyes narrowed when it heard the words 'Prince Dusk Shine', and a low, chittering hiss escaped its fanged maw, "Mussst tell the Queen..."

Let The Games begin!

"Yes! I knew it was somewhere!" Pinkie squealed happily as she pulled on a small blue and pink striped dress with poofy shoulders and an attached apron. It also showed off a lot of leg and cleavage. "Hope it still fits."

While Pinkie tried to squeeze into the old dress, Applejack was giving Trixie a gimlet eye. "Ok, Lulamoon, Ah'm gonna be frank; just why are you so interested in our Dusk?"

Rarity was the next to chime in. "I have to admit, I'm wondering about that as well. I mean, last time we saw you, you were running off after the Alicorn Amulet incident."

Trixie bit her lip, looking oddly sheepish. "It's not exactly something I tell everypony...you know how our first encounter went."

Rainbow winced some. "Yeah...not one of my cooler moments."

"Anyway, after the fact he didn't try upstaging me; something I know he could've done easily after how he dealt with that Ursa Minor, I was interested at first. My pride and ego, on the other hand...needless to say, it didn't take much for an obsession to raise its less than attractive head with that amulet."

"That goes without saying." Rarity commented, considering a pair of panties.

"Yeah. Well, the surprising thing, and I guess what got me interested was...well, you all know what happened after he managed to get it off me."

More than one contemplative look crossed the mares' faces as they remembered that. Dusk Shine had, after verbally reaming her for being foolish enough to use a cursed relic, went through the trouble of helping her recover and get the lingering dark magic out of her system.

"So, I guess you could say all that played a part in why I'm interested. Plus, it doesn't hurt that he was pretty tasty before. Now..." Trixie licked her lips.

"That i can get behind." Rainbow grinned.

Applejack wasn't fully convinced, however. "So, your interest is genuine? It ain't no urge to climb up the social ladder 'cause Dusk's a prince now?"

Trixie looked at her in confusion. "What are you talking about? So Princess Celestia made up a title..."

Raity shook her head. "Um, no, darling. That's not a made up title. You might not have been paying much attention when they talked about it...but 'Crown Prince of Equestria' is a VERY real deal. For both of them."

Trixie blinked, the skirt she was holding slipping through her fingers. "Wait, you mean that's a thing!? I thought the princess just made it up it as an excuse to get him to start dating, so I figured if that gave me a chance..." She turned bright red. "I...I almost molested the Prince?"

"Pretty much!" Pinkie chirped, watching as Trixie promptly passed out. "Ooh, that reminds me. Anyone seen Fluttershy? Thought she'd be here."

"Nah, said she had to look after her animals today." Rainbow replied.

"Hope Zecora's got something." Spike said to himself as he made his way to the path leading to Zecora's hut. He and Dusk had been a bundle of nerves since they admitted they'd been declared princes. Dusk'd already come close to having a panic attack after Cheerilee had come up to him asking something. He wasn't much better, though. A trip to Sugar Cube turned into a race against time while Pinkie was on break.It was safe to say they needed something to help calm themselves down. "Wonder why I always seem to be the one who heads there lately..?"

"Oh, S-Spike..." Fluttershy blushed as the two met up at the path entrance, nearly walking into each other in the process. "Are...are you heading to Zecora's too?"

"Uh, y-yeah. Gonna see if..if she's got something to help me and D-Dusk." He stammered a little, trying not to stare at the body-hugging shorts and t-shirt she had on. 'Celestia, how's this mare manage to be sexy as hell without even TRYING!?'

"Ah,um...i-is it ok if I go with you? I need to get some medicine for Harry...and, uh..." Her blush deepened. "I feel a little safer going with somepony. Namely you." She added mentally.

"Sure. Don't see why not."

She promptly brightened up and the two made their way down the path. The atmosphere, on the other hand, proved to be less than welcoming; the further they went down the path, the gloomier and darker things managed to get. It wasn't long before the Everfree felt that a low mist over the path was called for.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd swear this forest was one big drama--." Spike said, before a guttural rumble echoed from somewhere in the distance, followed by a frightened whimper from Fluttershy, who quickly latched against his side, squishing her breasts against him in the process. "F-Flutter? I-I'm guessing that wasn't one of your manticore buddies." 'Ignore her boobs! Ignore 'Shy's gloriously soft boobies!'

She shook her head. "No...!" The rumble echoed again, causing her to tighten her grip on him. "Even...even though I've been to Zecora's before, and most of the animals here aren't quite that bad-ah!" She yelped, pressing against him tighter. "There are still a few things here that frighten me..!"

The rumble came again. This time, though, it was a lot further away. "Sounds...sounds like it's heading away from us." He said, trying hard to ignore the pillows being pressed against him.

"That's a relief. I--" It was then that she noticed the look on his face; as well as how she was squished up against him. "Oh! I-I'm sorry, Spike!" She squeaked in embarrassment, quickly scooting away some and ducking under her hair in the process, her one uncovered eye looking at him like she was about to tear up. "I didn't...I mean...!"

"It-it's ok, 'Shy." He got out, putting a comforting arm around her, doing his best to keep from touching her chest on accident . "No biggie." 'From sexy to adorable in almost nothing...'

Luckily, the rest of the walk was quiet, and they soon reached the medicine mare's hut. "Zecora?" Spike called out.

They heard rustling and the sound of stuff being moved about before she looked out the window. "Ah, Spike and Fluttershy, I see. Pray tell, what brings you two to me?" If they had been closer, they probably would have noticed the slight grin she had seeing how close they were.

"Well...I was wondering if you might have some medicine for Harry," Fluttershy responded. "A couple of jackalopes got into his den, and he's allergic to them. And Spike's looking for something for him and Dusk Shine"

"Ah, aid for both I can provide. However, things are rather close inside. If action can be taken, this I fear; one of you must wait out here."

"Go ahead, 'Shy." Spike said. "I can wait."

"Well, if...if you're sure." She trotted into the hut.

As soon as the door closed behind her, he slumped to the ground. "Hoo-boy! If they ever figure out how to weaponize adorasexy, that mare'd be more dangerous than an Ursa Major...!

Inside, Zecora glanced at the window. "No better time could this have been." She whispered. "Fluttershy you have a Prince to win."

"You know about-mmf!" She yelped in surprise before Zecora covered her mouth.

"Shh. Yes...and I want in." She began explaining her plan to the rapidly glowing mare.

'Must be a nasty allergy.' Spike thought. For the last half hour, he could hear murmuring and lots of noises of movement inside the hut. He'd tried to kill time by watching some of the bugs and birds flittering through the foliage. Every now and then he'd hear talking inside, even could have sworn he heard someone say 'that tickles', but wasn't sure.

Before long the door opened and Zecora called out, "Spike if you please, enter at your ease?"

"Ok." He headed in and looked around. The place looked oddly empty. "Zecora? Fluttershy?" He jumped when the door suddenly closed, making him whirl around. "What theeeeehhhh....??" His jaw disengaged when he saw the CMC standing there...

Except all three were were wearing nothing but small loincloths that barely concealed them, and body paint that drew his attention to their bare chests.

"Like what ya see...Yer Highness?" Apple Bloom purred the honorfic.

"Who...I...whooda." He blabbed, trying not to stare.

"You like what you see?" Zecora asked, causing him to turn and see her and Fluttershy...and they were both dressed the same, though Fluttershy was blushing up a storm, her hands over her breasts. She licked her lips as the five slowly advanced on him. "It is a tradition for mares from home for me; if a stallion they find pleasing to heart and eyes,
they can show him like this without making tensions rise.""

Before he could re-engage his brain to form a coherent response, Spike found himself in the middle of a five-way marshmallowing. Every which way he could think of, he felt a pair of soft breasts pressing against him. 'T-titty...all around me...!' He thought, the sensation proving to be too much, and everything slowly going black.

Until the pungent scent of smelling salts brought him back. "Sorry, Spikey." Sweetie giggled, levitating a box nearby. "No passing out today."

"Be...be gentle...?" He whimpered as they pressed in.

"That is the point of presenting this sight; to give relaxing enjoyment and spark neither fight nor flight." Zecora replied, giving him a closer view of her nipples.

"You're sure about this?" Chrysalis asked after the drone came back with his report.

"Zzzzz...Every word, My Queen." The drone simpered. "The three femaless were talking to the zebra. Dussk Ssshine and the dragon have been declared 'princessss"

"Well, well, well....'Prince' Dusk Shine, eh?" An evil, fang-filled smile slowly crawled across her face. "And the consort law that goes with it."

"W-what do you have in mind, Y-Your Highnessss?"

She headed to what resembled an organically grown vanity, taking her crown off. "Perhaps it's time to get onto this 'dating scene'" She chuckled darkly while reaching for a small box, her voice changing some..

*Knock Knock!*

"Just a sec." Dusk called out. The door open a moment later. "Hello...?"

"H-Hi, um, I'm Chrysi." The bespectacled Changeling girl said, looking at Dusk Shine shyly.

The Plot Thickens

Spike stared at the five mares, patently dumbfounded at the scenario. He had something of an inkling that the CMC might have liked him some, but Fluttershy and Zecora? "I...you..." He scratched the back of his neck. An attempt to say anything flat out died in his throat. The dragon had almost no idea what to make of the situation.

He was currently being snugged on by Fluttershy who was behind him, his head resting against her breasts. Sweetie and Bloom were on either side of him, hugging an arm each. Scootaloo was in his lap, curled up against him. "You wanna ask 'why', right?" Sweetie spoke up. He gave a brief nod and she continued, blushing brightly. "Well...I've kinda had a crush on you since puberty."

"You...you did?" He blinked.

"Mm-hm." She hugged his arm tighter, wedging it between her breasts. "But, I was still under the impression that you were still interested in Rarity."

"You too, huh?" Scootaloo and Apple Bloom asked in unison.

"I-it was when we first met for me." Fluttershy joined in, holding him closer, nuzzling the nape of his neck. "When you started getting older..."

Zecora, meanwhile, had been puttering around while fixing some tea to help relax his nerves, all the while bending over and turn to give him some good views. "From the cradle I learned to seek strength in a mate, and in dragons that quality does never abate." She slowly sauntered towards him. "To find one who's a friend, gentle and true; tis no wonder I set my heart on you." She punctuated it by a kiss on his nose.

He looked around. "So...you all...?" Various sounds of confirmation came in response.

"...though we aren't the only ones." Fluttershy said to herself, blushing as she remembered the talk during their plans.

"Hey, AJ, think Dusk'll be cool with me staying commando?" Rainbow asked, checking a pair of shorts and ignoring Rarity's protest. "My stuff always looks better without panty lines."

"Can't rightly say, Dash." The farmgirl replied. "Ah ain't worn none since Granny decided Ah was old enough to be out after dark on my lonesome. They always bunched up on me, anyway."

"Really now..." Rarity sighed in exasperation before looking through the clothes. When she did, she spied Pinkie looking, for lack of a better term, indecisive. "Something wrong, Pinkie?"

"I got one dress so far, but I can't decide what else to get that'll get their attention." Pinkie looked at a crop top.

"Well...which one are you hoping to get to notice you?" Fluttershy asked.

"Both."

Applejack paused mid-search. "Uh...pardon?"

"I'm hoping they'll share me." Pinkie's voice was so no-nonsense, it brought everyone to a stop.

Trixie had to take a second to find the proper words. "You want to hook up...with both of them?"

"Yep!" She chirped. "I mean, I'm fond of them both, and it doesn't seem fair to have to pick just Dusky or Spikey. Mom and Dad taught me and my sisters you should always share, after all. Besides..." She licked her lips. "...the thought of getting skewered by both my boys gets me wet like you wouldn't believe."

"Heh...wow...I...I'm not really sure what to say." Spike said, chuckling weakly.

"I think you're saying plenty." Scootaloo smirked, wiggling in his lap and making him inhale sharply.

"W-well..." He fought back the groan that threatened to come out from the young pegasus' grinding on him. "...m-maybe we should consider taking this a little slow. To see how things go...plus you all know I have no experience with dating. Better pacing things than getting in over our heads."

"He speaks true." Zecora said. "And this way you may learn our pleasures as we learn the same of you."

'Not exactly what I had in mind.' He thought, as they snuggled in closer. 'But...could be worse, I guess. Wonder how Dusk is holding up.'

While on the outside, Dusk Shine appeared calm as he looked at the changeling in front of him, inside he was listing off every spell he could quick-draw on her if she so much as blinked in a funny way. "So...you're Chrysalis' daughter?"

"More or less. Mother was grooming me to take over leading things after her...but we don't quite see eye-to-eye on things." She scraped a hoof on the ground. "It kind of came to a head when I didn't agree with her plans for the wedding in Canterlot. I told her she was the queen of changelings, not parasites...and was exiled from the hive."

"Ok, and while wandering around after that, you found out where I live..."

"Yeah..." She had the decency to look sheepish. "I kinda listened in on a few conversations to narrow it down."

"...and you're hoping you can stay here for a bit."

"At least until I can figure out where to go next. I don't have anything connecting me to the hive now, so I'm on my own."

Dusk rubbed his shoulder, sighing a little. He looked at Chrysi, who was giving him a hopeful look. "All right, come on in" 'I hope I don't regret this.'

"Really!?" She squeed and glomped him. "THANK-" She froze when she felt his wings. "I...I thought you were a unicorn." 'He has wings? When in Tartarus' fetid lavatory did he get THOSE!?'

"Huh? Oh." He shrugged "I got turned into an alicorn not long ago. Celestia decided to surprise me with telling me I'm a prince now."

"Uh...wow..." She sputtered a little, staring at the new appendages as he turned to let her in. 'my luck can NOT possibly be the good! I'll be getting my revenge by not only seducing Celestia's prized student, but a male alicorn and prince to--!' She started cackling in her head when a silver and red box on a nearby bookshelf caught her eye. "NO WAY!" She squealed, running over to get a better look. "You have a first edition set of Steamhooves!? I LOVE THIS GAME!"

"Heh, yeah. I DM a game with Spike and the other guys when things are quiet enough around here."

Chrysi's eyes literally sparkled at the thought. 'I'm already here; getting my revenge seduction can wait after a game...or four....'

Author's Note

Yeah...been a while since I've updated this one. Gonna try to get it back in the rotation.