Pumpkin Cake walked slowly home though Ponyville, wearing a numb expression. Her hooves crunched the gravel beneath them as she stared at nothing. This wasn't for a lack of things to stare at, mind you. Ever since Twilight's ascension, the town had rapidly expanded, and was practically too big now to have the word 'ville' in the name, despite having maintained its rustic charm.

She sighed, internally cursing her mind's great tendency to wander as she flicked an errant, yet-to-sprout acorn off the beaten path. Pumpkin had an uncomfortable amount in common with that acorn.

She had just finished another talent exploration session with Sweetie Belle, and the result was the same as ever. All three mares were still stumped as to what her talent was supposed to be, and so was she. Thankfully, none of the other ponies from school were there to accost her about it. And honestly? Pumpkin couldn't blame them. After all, she was practically a mare herself now. Not having a cutie mark was like the cherry on top of the turd pile that was her life now.

Passing through the bustling market was not only the shortest route to her home from pretty much anywhere in town, it was also the most interesting. As she trotted between the lines of shopping ponies, she forced herself to actually pay attention. It was the afternoon rush, and dozens of ponies were weaving to and fro in pursuit of the best deals on fresh produce, hoofcrafted goods, and exciting trinkets.

On her left: carrots. On her right: horseshoes. And on and on. Everypony was exercising their special talent in one way or another, grins on their faces and wind in their manes. The wind performed especially well as it ruffled the mane of one particular stallion: Rooibos, the young tea farmer. Only his forelegs were visible, but they were clearly quite toned from work in the fields. Pumpkin could almost imagine that winning smile was directed at her instead of the mare across from the counter.

A few steps later, she felt it again: that uncomfortable wetness between her legs. Groaning, Pumpkin pressed her tail more tightly against herself as she willed the sensation away. Of course, she'd been well informed about puberty and sex from her parents, but that didn't make her any more ready for either. No matter how many times she'd explored the idea, Pumpkin hated what was happening to her. The thought of rubbing her genitals against somepony else's - stallion or mare - was repugnant. And the fact that her body continued to disagree was getting on her nerves even more than her continued lack of a destiny.

It was like... the older she got, the less control she had over her own actions. And that scared her.

Before she knew it, Pumpkin had arrived at Sugarcube Corner. Shaking her head, she stepped though the back entrance. "Mom, dad, I'm home!"

"Welcome back, sweetie!" called her mom from the storefront.

Her dad trotted out of the kitchen, quickly wiping the flour off his hooves. "Hi, Pumpkin! How was school?"

"Same as usual: sucky."

Carrot frowned at that, placing a hoof on her shoulder. "Things will turn around soon, just be patient. Everypony gets their cutie mark eventually."

Pumpkin rolled her eyes. "Now where have I heard that before?"

"It's true!" insisted Carrot. Then, he asked "Are you sure you don't want to try baking again? It's in our blood."

"I'm sure. And honestly, that's not really the issue."

"Oh?"

She turned away, unable to meet his eyes. "It's... this whole stupid puberty thing. I know you're supposed to get used to it, but I'm not. I just want it to stop."

"Hmm. Well, Pumpkin, I'm not sure what to say to that. Sex is a natural part of our lives as ponies, and you're just going to have to accept it."

Pumpkin pushed his hoof off her. "No I don't! There has to be something I can do!"

Carrot's expression pained at his daughter's distress. "I'm sorry, Pumpkin, but as far as I know there isn't. Maybe you could ask Princess Twilight, and see what she knows?"

Pumpkin blinked. That was actually a great idea. Obviously she couldn't give her a cutie mark, but if there was anypony who could do something to quell these... urges, it would be the Princess of Magic herself. She wanted to go see Twilight right this second!

"Thanks dad!" Beaming, Pumpkin embraced him in a quick hug and immediately galloped off to the door.

"Be home before dinner!"

* * *

Pumpkin reached the tall gates of Twilight's castle just as another group of ponies were leaving, the satisfied gleam in their eyes a clear sign that they'd just had a friendship problem solved.

After adjusting her mane, she entered, her eyes immediately meeting Twilight's. She sat at her Friendship Reception Desk with a quill held in her magic and papers neatly stacked.

"Oh, hello Pumpkin! I haven't seen you in a while. Judging by the fact that you're here during open court, I take it you have something to ask?"

Pumpkin nodded. "Yeah. But it's, uh, kinda private. Can you close the gate for a bit?"

Now somewhat concerned, Twilight channeled a portion of her immense magic and conjured a bubble of silence around them. "There. Nopony else will be able to hear you. Now, what's the matter?"

Pumpkin fidgeted in place. She hadn't thought about how hard admitting this to royalty - even friendly royalty - would be. "Uhh..."

"It's fine," reassured Twilight. "You can tell me anything."

"Can you stop puberty?" Pumpkin finally asked.

"Stop puberty?"

Pumpkin nodded. "I know arousal is supposed to be a good, normal thing, but I just don't like all these weird new feelings! I'm afraid I'll lose myself."

"Well. That's a new one," she said.

"So, can you help?"

Twilight tapped the quill against her forehead. "Unfortunately, short of turning you back into a foal, there's nothing I can do. But luckily for you, I think there are some ponies who would be more than happy to help you."

Pumpkin cocked her head to the side. That wasn't the answer she has been expecting. "Really? Who?"

"First: a quick lesson. Do you know what 'rape' is?"

"That's when a pony forces another pony to have sex when they don't want to, right?"

"Correct," said Twilight. "And of all the various crimes a pony can commit, rape is actually the least common."

"Really?" Pumpkin asked. "That seems wrong. Wouldn't murder be the rarest?"

"So you'd think. But there is, in fact, an ancient order of ponies whose sworn duty is to discreetly temper lust before it gets that far. There are always a few stationed in every settlement at any given time. Otherwise, with most ponies not wearing clothes, we'd be seeing rapists all over the place."

"And these ponies are the ones who can help me?"

"Yes. They are known as the Absta Knights, and they train their bodies and minds intensely within a temple high in the Canterhorn Mountains. From what I understand, they're always looking to recruit ponies like you and pass on their unique magic," Twilight added, smiling.

The Absta Knights, protecting ponies from those with carnal desires, presumably including themselves. Yes, Pumpkin very much liked the sound of that. "How soon can I start?"

Twilight giggled. "As soon as your parents say you can. Then, I'll put you in touch with our local Absta Knights and they can take you to their temple."

Pumpkin was so excited now she could almost start pronking in place. "Awesome!"

"Just bring your parents here if they approve, and then I can send you on your way."

"I can't believe I'd never heard about this! Thanks, Twilight!"

"No problem at all, it was my pleasure, Pumpkin. Here's hoping you have a bright future as an Absta Knight!"

Pumpkin very much hoped so too.

* * *

Pound Cake stood inside a small art studio, bored and annoyed. In front of him was an easel, and in his wing was a paintbrush. He could already tell that the still life he had halfway finished painting was terrible. This was but the latest in a long string of activities designed to help him find his calling, courtesy of Apple Bloom. Of course, nothing was working.

The mare in question stood off to the side, observing. "Well? What are you thinking, Pound? Is this any fun?"

"No, not really," he replied, twisting to face her.

"Aww, shoot. We'll just have to keep trying new things, then."

"I guess so."

Apple Bloom walked over, her tail swishing back and forth slightly as she moved. Pound watched her intently, unable to look away as she effortlessly picked up the easel and placed it in the corner. Then, she came back and stared earnestly into his eyes.

"Is there anything new you can think of that you might want to try?" she asked.

At that, he gulped. If he was being honest with himself, the main reason Pound still bothered showing up to these CMC sessions at all was because he got to spend time with Apple Bloom. Because sweet celestia, was she hot. Even before his hormones kicked in, Pound knew Apple Bloom was beautiful, certainly living up to her name, in that the past few years had been very kind to her. Helping out at Sweet Apple Acres in her spare time had left Apple Bloom with a perfectly toned ass, lean legs, and a coat that practically shined. Her barely-brushed mane gave her a look that just screamed country charm.

His cock certainly knew what he wanted to do, as both it and his wings were beginning to stiffen in anticipation. Her face was only a hoof-length away from his, and they were completely alone. But did he really have the balls to just ask her to take his virginity?

Yes. Yes he did.

"Actually..." Pound began, "now that you mention it, there is something I would very much like to do."

"Oh? What is it?"

Pound smirked, threw the paintbrush away, and then reached over to pull her down into a kiss, his tongue easily pushing past the lips of the surprised mare. After a few tantalizing seconds, he broke away and spoke a single word. "You."

Apple Bloom's eyes widened, a blush forming on her cheeks. "P-Pound Cake! That's..."

"I know, I know, it's sudden. But I'm young, I'm horny, and you're sexy as hell. Plus, it technically would be a new experience for me."

She blinked a few times, still processing what he'd said. "I, uh, don't know what to say."

Pound leaned in closer, his dick continuing to harden. "Say yes. Just think of it like this: sex is supposed to feel amazing, right? Imagine how good you'll feel if it turns out my destiny is sex-related."

Now it was Apple Bloom's turn to gulp. For a moment, she just stood there, her breathing slowly becoming heavier. Then, she spoke. "Alright. Let's do it. Fuck me, right here."

She didn't have to tell him twice. Unable to hold himself back any longer, Pound once again locked lips with Apple Bloom. Now, though, she reciprocated, her tongue showing his the ropes as she pushed inside to explore every nook and cranny of his mouth. Soon, they were groping eachother's bodies madly with their hooves, squeezing and fondling flesh like ponies possessed.

Apple Bloom's hind legs gave out from under her, and she collapsed to the floor, panting in need. This was the final push Pound needed, and his cock emerged fully, engorged and prepared.

When she saw it, Apple Bloom gasped. "Damn, you're thick for your age."

Pound slowly stroked her neck, the delightful scent of a mare's arousal hitting his nose for the first time. "That smell means we can cut to the case now?"

In reply, she lifted her tail and tucked her legs under herself. "I like it the old fashioned way."

In his mind, Pound laughed. This was almost too good to be true! Unable to wait one more second, Pound quickly stepped around to face Apple Bloom's incredible plot and beheld her moist, sweet pie, ripe for the taking. Then he lined himself up and took the plunge.

Immediately, her folds squeezed down on him in the best possible way. If anything, everypony was underselling how good it felt, and he hadn't even started thrusting yet!

Once he did, the pleasure rose even further, and his muscles started clenching on their own as he hilted himself inside Apple Bloom over and over. Her moans of ecstasy egged Pound on, his balls contracting as his dick throbbed with need. Soon, he found himself grabbing her sides for leverage as he went faster and faster.

"H-Holy crap, you feel amazing," he managed.

"Don't stop! I didn't realize how much I - unf - needed this."

Pound obliged, gripping her body tightly with his hooves as he continued to penetrate her. "How good am I?"

"You're the best I've ever had!" she exclaimed between moans. "I think I'm going to cum already!"

Given the electrifying sensations running through his penis, it took him a moment to think of a response. "We've come this far, don't hold out on me. I wanna feel it though you."

That was all it took to get Apple Bloom over the edge. She screamed, her spine and butt locking in place as orgasm rocked her body. Her pussy started to ripple and clench like crazy, which triggered Pound's own climax.

All thoughts save one emptied out of Pound's mind along with the semen from his balls as he shot his load straight into her. He had never imagined that actually ejaculating inside a mare would feel this much better than masturbation, but it definitely did.

After what felt like an eternity of bliss, they both rode out their respective orgasms and relaxed, completely spent. Pound had no reason to move, so he just lay on top of Apple Bloom, his body rising and falling with her breaths.

"Best. Idea. Ever," said Apple Bloom.

"Yeah," Pound eloquently replied.

She glanced over at his flank, which was still bare. "I'd ask you to come back next week to do this again, but that would be selfish of me. You'll probably have to... confirm you skills with some other mares before your cutie mark appears. Then I'll have you fuck my brains out again."

Pound snorted. "I'll gladly take you up on that."

* * *

Pound Cake could not stop thinking about what had just happened. He'd had sex with one of the hottest mares in town, and she loved it. Now, as he walked home with a spring in his step, he couldn't help but stare at every young mare he passed. Each was no longer just eye candy, all of them were now potential sources of delicious ecstasy, his for the taking. Of course, he knew he couldn't just walk up to somepony with a raging boner and mount them in the middle of the street, as much as he wished he could.

Even if it wasn't his talent after all, Pound knew he would most definitely become addicted to sex. There was no way he could ever get married when he might sample every warm delicacy Equestria had to offer instead. If he hadn't just tired himself out, Pound figured he was liable to get hard again just by thinking about all the things he wanted to try next.

However, this line of reasoning was instantly shattered when he caught a whiff of something on the breeze. It was a scent he had first sniffed less than an hour ago: mare in heat. But, somehow, it was way stronger than Apple Bloom had smelled, even though he was literally on top of her at the time.

Enraptured, Pound immediately changed course, taking to the air to follow the smell to its source. Strangely, nopony else walking about seemed to notice, but that just meant more for him! A few other ponies waved hello as he flew past, but he didn't acknowledge them, being too focused on the task at hoof.

The scent trail cut a straight path to the edge of town, and then kept going into Whitetail Woods, which forced him to land. After a few more minutes of trotting under branches and over small shrubs, Pound emerged into a small clearing. Parked in the middle of the clearing was a nondescript wooden wagon.

"Hello? Is anypony in there?" he said, loudly enough for any occupants to hear. "This is kinda awkward, but I actually... smelled you from town."

At first, Pound thought something must have been wrong with his nose, and that he had just wandered into the woods for no reason. But then, the door to the wagon opened, and out stepped a teal pegasus mare with a two-toned pink and purple mane. she was wearing a sheer, black skirt that hugged her curves.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" she said. "I've been waiting a long time for a fine colt like you."

Pound started to sweat. In the looks department, this mare wasn't even close to Apple Bloom, only slightly above average. However, everything else about her just oozed sex. The way she spoke, the way she moved... it pressed all his buttons, some of which he didn't even know he had until now.

All he could manage was an "Uhh..."

The mare giggled, slowly sashaying her way towards him. "Oh, I could just eat you up. But that can wait until after dark. Instead, I'm going to help you fulfill your wildest dreams."

Pound kept staring. "That... sounds great. I'm Pound Cake."

She began circling his body, taking him in from all sides. "A fitting name. I'm Banana Bliss, a Rutyu Savant. I take it you've never heard of the Rutyu?"

Pound shook his head.

"Well, we Rutyu aren't a very large group. But we possess the power to control all living things through their most primal instinct: lust. For a long time, I've been traveling Equestria, seeking somepony to tutor in the ancient gift of the Rutyu. That fact that you're here means that the potential for this power lies within you. Tell me: how would you like the ability to make a mare wet just by looking at her? To make any virgin filly want you with every fiber of her being?"

Pound's jaw dropped. "Fuck yes."

"Then become my apprentice. With practice, I think you will be able to do all that and more."

On one hoof, this struck Pound as being incredibly suspect. On the other, this mare had clearly lured him here with some sort of spell, and was not a unicorn. Therefore, he had ample reason to believe Banana Bliss was telling the truth. From what he knew, not even Twilight could cast targeted mind magic over such a distance. Plus, what she was offering would basically be the best thing ever.

He smiled. "Banana Bliss, you've got yourself a student."

"Excellent. For now, return to your home. Then, once night falls and everypony believes you're asleep, sneak out and meet me back here." She reached over and caressed his cheek with a wing. "I'll be waiting."

Pound just stood there in awe as she made her way back to the wagon. Every part of him was in agreement: he would follow this mare to the end of Equestria and back.

Even if he never got any powers, he knew this was going to be fun.

Author's Note

An amusing factoid: Banana Bliss is an actual, Hasbro-made pony, available in multiple blindbag waves and the Gameloft smartphone game. I have taken... creative liberties with her character.