The Heart of Pleasure
By Haunter Rayne
Chapter 122 - When Dreams Begin to Crumble

Rayne sat there looking panicked while staring at the broken glass he held in his hoof. The peaceful serenity of Maud’s cave had been shattered as she too sat across from him not understanding what had just happened.

There in her boyfriend’s hold was the smoking remains of a glass bottle, or at least the top half of it, while the remnants were now laying blasted across the floor. Little shards lay strewn throughout his mane while the colorful alchemical concoction of his Disdream Elixir was splattered across his hooves. And worse yet, the fiery odor of the magic blast which had just shattered the glass still remained heavy within the air.

The two residents of the underground dwelling slowly looked towards the cave tunnel where another stood, both unannounced and even more unexpected. Four dark hooves and a scowling pair of eyes glared furiously towards the stallion before a once serene voice now growled, sounding infuriated and betrayed. “So that’s how…” Luna whispered in anger.

“Princess Luna…” Maud said in disbelief, as she of all ponies was there standing in the entryway to her home. However, there was no joy in her face and her usual graceful countenance was gone as she glowered towards the stallion sitting across from her in the room.

• Earlier that Day -

“Nope! I’m telling you, things between us have been really great!” An enthusiastic dragon called out while sitting next to Rarity at the map table.

The group sitting together in Twilight’s castle was a small one, but smiles were spread all around. Sitting next to the interracial couple were Rayne and Maud, who were also happily holding hooves with one another. “Well I tell ya, I couldn’t be happier for the two of you. Seeing you two together really just makes my heart soar.” The stallion said as Rarity blushed while waving a hoof at him.

“We both feel the same way,” Maud added, candidly. “It makes me glad to see my friend being made so happy. Treat her well Spike.”

“Oh, you know it!” He replied while gently caressing her off-white hoof.

To this, the fashionista just waved them off saying, “Oh come now. Enough of that please, you have nothing to worry about. Spike has been an absolute dream of a partner since we officially got together. He’s kind, considerate, and he never fails to make sure I feel like a privilege instead of a responsibility. And that’s very important in a relationship like ours where we both still lead such busy lives. My career has never been so engaging as it is now, and of course, Spike has no end to his responsibilities either. But we’re there for one another when it counts and that’s all I really need to be happy.”

“Aww, shucks Rarity.” Spike blushed and she kissed his cheek affectionately.

Rayne just smiled as he leaned back in the chair he had taken rest in. “Well, that’s excellent, really. I don’t know if it’s because I’m a pleasure pony or not, but I think it’s great to see romance being alive.” Then leaning back in his seat while smiling warmly he asked, “So, how romantic are things with you by the way?”

“Rayne, don’t be a perv.” Maud chastised him with a smile as he sat up raising his hooves in surprised innocence.

“Oh really, you two.” Rarity scoffed as she just held her dragon boyfriend tighter in her lap. “Well, I don’t feel any shame in sharing since it’s only the two of you. And I’ll have you know that we’ve discussed that sensitive topic and mutually agreed to take things slow. We’ve agreed to take things very slowly in fact.” She said while holding her cheek against Spike’s.

“Yup.” The little dragon added in. “I understand why everypony might get uncomfortable with the thought. I may be little but I’m not that little. And while I’m not, not interested in doing things that married ponies do with each other… I’m not interested, interested in those kinds of things quite just yet either.” He said while looking up and hugging Rarity back. “Rarity is by no means old and I know I’ve still got a lot of growing to do. So we both agreed that there’s still plenty of time before our relationship has to get too heavy. As long as we can still just openly express our feelings for one another then that’s enough for us right now.” He stated and she nodded to agree.

That was when the tables shifted as Rarity leaned down and smirked before asking, “But what about you, Rayne? How fairs things with your love life? You certainly made quite the proclamation in this very room not too long ago. And Maud, you are still actively dating Rayne, correct? How do you feel about his recent love confession?” Rarity inquired.

Maud just looked to the stallion beside her and happily responded. “I don’t think I could be any happier for him. I’ve been supportive of Rayne finding the true love he is meant for since the very beginning.” She stated before draping her arms around his neck as he smiled.

“Hmm.” Rarity mused. “Since the very beginning, you say? Well, as I think back to it now, I do happen to recall Rayne mentioning something to me back when he first visited my boutique. A little something about already knowing the mares that his cutie mark has destined him to be with.” She said with quite the amused tone in her voice. “It certainly seems clear who the blue half of that flank of yours seems to belong to, Mister Pleasure Pony.” She chuckled with a grin.

The others in the room seemed to snicker at how the stallion’s cheeks went red as he turned away from them unable to deny that claim. “Well, we’ll just have to see.” He told them. “Fate can be fickle and you never know if destinies can be changed. I certainly would want to end up being at Luna’s side. However, there’s no reason for me to stop working hard at making it happen just because some cutie mark seems to indicate that it will be so.” He said while showing a sense of steadfast determination.

‘Alright, well that’s one half of your heart,” Spike said while looking down to the blue-green swirl on his flank. “If you already know the mares, then who is the other half about?”

Maud immediately leaned forward before the stallion could respond and said, “Someone who he is also taking things very slowly with.” Then she gave Rayne a wink and the two smiled at one another.

“Well I think that was a beautiful proclamation that you just made, Rayne.” Another voice suddenly called out from down the hall. Entering into the room, Twilight and Starlight both came walking in together. As the princess took her seat she smiled kindly and added, “I couldn’t imagine a more worthy reason of being someone’s special somepony than having the honest desire of wanting to be worthy of them. Pleasure pony proficiencies and destined fates or not, you’ve certainly convinced me that your love for Luna is genuine, and I want you to know that I’m rooting for you.”

“I know I couldn’t be happier about it.” Starlight said almost smugly while sitting down at the map table and placing her hooves up on the edge.

Rarity then looked over, giving the other mare an inquisitive smirk. “Oh? And what’s got you so fired up about Rayne here moving on to his next relationship?”

Starlight just scoffed and said, “Are you kidding me? This will be the first, new, real relationship he’s had since him and I broke up. And after things didn’t work out with me, he jumps straight for a Princess of Equestria? Talk about having raised the bar.” She snickered until she almost fell over when Twilight levitated her feet off the table.

“Starlight, please try to keep your ego off my map table.” The princess said sarcastically. But then she turned back to the stallion and said, “Really though Rayne, I’m happy for you. And, should things all turn out as you hope, I would appreciate it if you would allow me to interview you as what could possibly be the first pleasure pony success story that Equestria has ever seen.”

“What do you mean, Twilight?” Rayne asked as Maud released her hold on the stallion so he could face her properly now.

“Oh well you know, about you establishing your connection with your true love. And how that is supposed to somehow protect you from your own magic turning in on you someday.” She explained. “You might be a pleasure pony of this age, but we don’t know if you are actually the only one, or how many more might come after you in the future. If I could document even a portion of your adventure to help find out what made it a success where so many before you have failed… then we might be able to do more than help spread love through Equestria. It might even save lives, Rayne.” She told him.

However, the princess seemed very surprised when Maud spoke up saying, “There is in fact at least one other one. There is a young colt who lives in Baltimare. He was part of the Cutie Mark Crusader’s summer camp and Rayne has visited him twice already to check up on how he is doing and offer his positive encouragement.”

“Really?! Oh wow!” Twilight exclaimed. “Well then, there you go. All the more reason to get this thing underway!” She said to Rayne with urgency.

“Heh, easy there Twilight.” Starlight told her. “I’m excited for him too, but don’t you think that’s being a bit pushy?” She asked.

However, the princess just looked right back up to the stallion and said, “Nope! Now when’s your next date with Luna?” Following this, all of the others in the room just laughed and Rayne did his best to console her that it would be soon.

• That Evening, In Canterlot -

“Oh, hello Luna. And my, aren’t we looking as radiant as the moon this evening?” Celestia teased as she smiled lightheartedly to her younger sister beaming as she stepped into the room. “Do you have another date scheduled with Rayne tonight?”

“Nope!” Luna responded as she stepped over to where her sister was having dinner and picked up a serving platter to double-check her makeup once again. “But I plan to see him anyways tonight!” She cheered with excitement.

“Oh?” Celestia asked as she turned her head laughing as Luna seemed to be almost dancing around the room. “And how exactly do you intend for that to happen when he is not expecting you?”

Now stopping in place and finding it hard to contain herself, Luna smiled from ear to ear as she explained, “It’s because I finally discovered where it is that Rayne lives!” She shouted before trotting in place with almost juvenile excitement.

“O-Oh? Is that so?” Celestia asked with a pause, feeling certain that had to mean something more, or else she would be quite confused.

Waiving away at her sister’s expression, Luna continued to say, “I have been seeing Rayne appear in ponies dreams for months now. And of course, that is not surprising seeing as he is a pleasure pony. But I always found it peculiar that I could never locate HIS dreams… as I believe I have told you once before.” She trailed off while attempting to think back.

With a bit of a laugh, Celestia nodded. “Yes, sister. I do remember.” She said candidly, simply happy to see her sister so excited about something.

“Well, yes… In any case,” Luna continued. “It happened late last night, just before the dawn, when suddenly I came across the most specific of dreams about Rayne. I had known that he must live somewhere in Ponyville due to the increased frequency of dreams by other ponies.”

“Oh yes, yes of course.” Celestia agreed, lightly chuckling to herself. “Was perhaps the letters that you sent him also not a clue?”

“Yes, well, what I had never thought to consider was to check nearby but just outside of Ponyville! You see, wait… letters? Tia, sister. I am not talking about letters! This is about DREAMS! The dreams of ponies! Please do try to keep up.” Luna chastised.

“My apologies,” Celestia replied, resisting the urge to roll her eyes as it was clear which sister it was who had not been listening to who. But she just smiled and allowed her sibling to continue.

“You see, some years ago one of our dear sweet Pinkie Pie’s many sisters had moved from southern Equestria to make a home for herself in a gem cave just outside of town. Why it is… Ponyville adjacent, if you will?” Celestia pursed her lips and nodded, just trying to follow her sister’s madness at this point. “Well she, uh Maud it is I believe, had the most interesting dream! She was laying in a rather remarkable, eh, bohemian decorated home, but she seemed to be toiling by her lonesome.”

“Please, go on.” Celestia encouraged and returned to eating her dinner before it got any colder as she assumed this might go on for a while now.

“Yes, you see… While sitting alone she spoke to herself about Rayne. It was kind of difficult to hear her. She really does not speak with much inflection to her voice…” Luna paused for a moment but then shook it off before continuing, “But I believe she said, “I can’t wait for Rayne to come home to me.” And then as if right on cue, Rayne appeared in her dream to say in his deep masculine voice, “I will always come home to you.”

“His deep, masculine voice?” Celestia positively chuckled, unable to hold back her laughter now.

“Oh!” Luna frowned but then ignored her comment. “Tia, don’t you see? If this dream is any indication, then that must mean that Rayne lives with Maud!”

“Mm-mmm mhm! W-ait!” Celestia called out while wiping her mouth with a napkin as she thought about what Luna had just told her. “So what you’re saying is that you went through this entire spiel, all while I was trying to eat dinner, just to tell me you’re leaving to give Rayne a surprise visit from his girlfriend tonight?” Celestia asked while staring at her sister dryly.

“Um, yes?” Luna smirked uneasily.

“Ugh…” Celestia sighed and shook her head. “Just… er, have a fun time sister.” Celestia groaned as Luna laughed and waved before stepping out of the room.

• Later that Evening -

“Luna…. what are you-?” Rayne began as his mouth moved faster than his mind could comprehend the situation. But as soon as she had cut him off, he fell silent with his head lowered, realizing that it was already too late to have anything to say.

“OH NO, don’t you dare speak with such familiarity to me right now!” She bellowed with her traditional Canterlot voice echoing throughout the cave. “Here I was thinking that I might provide you with an enjoyable surprise… only to discover that I am the one to be faced with shock at what you are capable of!” She shouted while marching herself into their dwelling.

Pushing past her surprise to understand that Rayne might really be in trouble this time, Maud quickly stood up to her hooves to approach the princess. “Please, if you’ll only allow a moment then this can be explained. Rayne has-” Maud tried, being quick to come to Rayne’s rescue. She did not want to see all of her boyfriend’s hard-earned work come crashing down. However, despite her efforts, the princess’ temper left her in no mood to listen.

“Nay, sweet Maud for it is I who will be the one to explain! I have allowed for MONTHS of moments already, witnessing this stallion appear through the dreams of ponies all over Equestria, while never once seeming to have dreams of his own!” Luna yelled, stretching an arm to move the earth pony to the side. Then towering over the stallion she shouted, “Do you really think me to be that much of a fool, Rayne? Did you honestly believe that I wouldn’t one day figure it out?!” She asked him as her tone softened which only made it that much more heartbreaking for him to listen to.

Rayne sat there and said nothing. “What would I even say?” He thought hopelessly to himself. “There’s nothing to say. Luna is pissed and there’s no arguing with her when she’s like this. Celestia did a fine job of proving that over a thousand years ago. But in this case… just like then, Luna is absolutely right.” He thought to himself while looking up to her face remorsefully.

“I am the princess of the night, and the overseer of dreams, Rayne!” Luna continued, ranting on without pause just as he had expected she would. “A restful night without dreams is possible by anypony, but not EVERY night. And not a nightmare, not a fantasy, not so much as even a passing thought of your own while you slept. Did it not occur to you that it would be suspicious?! Did you not understand that naturally I would know all manner of spells and concoctions that could affect a pony’s mind as they slumber?!”

“Rayne…” Maud called softly but he just looked at her and shook his head.

“This is Disdream Elixir, Rayne!” Luna continued to shout, even as she was only a foot away from him. “This is not an herbal remedy, or some vitamin booster to assist with one’s health! This type of potion has but one purpose and that is to PREVENT the pony who drinks it from dreaming!” She shouted. “Why?! Why are you purposely hiding your dreams?! Are you masking something? A clever pony can lie to the faces of their friends while awake. Although even a fool knows they cannot control what manifests in their sleep. Is that why you drink this, Rayne? Do you fear what truth about you it is that I would see?”

Despite his indication to hold herself back, Maud could not take just standing there watching as Rayne allowed Luna to berate him like this. “Princess, please. If you only knew how much you really mean to him then you would understand. The reason why he takes that potion is because-”

“Oh, you are right about that.” Luna interrupted her while raising up a hoof for her to be silent. “I don’t understand… But I will.” She said before suddenly vanishing with Rayne, teleporting the both of them away.

“Wait!” Maud gasped even though the two of them were already gone. She bit her lip and looked around to her empty cave. Then she rose a hoof to her lips as she thought in desperation. However, after racing through different ideas in her mind, she whispered out, “I don’t know what to do.” Maud knew that this matter was equally sensitive as it was important. She knew that asking the wrong pony for help would only make matters worse. But as she fumbled through her thoughts before actually tripping over her hooves she could only scream as her anxiety began to rise. “I don’t know what to do!”

• In Canterlot, in the Dungeons -

The wrought iron-barred door swung closed to a prison cell. The room itself was small and comprised of not more than a cement interior with a single torch overhead and a toilet in the corner. Luna stood there looking through the bars as the stallion just cast his gaze to the floor, making no attempts to plead for his case, nor making any attempt to free himself.

“Now we shall just wait and see,” Luna said to him. “For it doth not matter how long you have been drinking it, the effects of the Disdream Elixir are ne'er permanent. After not more than another night its effects shall have worn off and then, as you sleep, we shall discover why thy hath been taking that vile liquid. There have been many a suspicious happenings over the last few months, Rayne. And somehow I have a feeling that thy dreams will be very interesting indeed.” She stated vaguely before storming off.

Once she had gone, two members of the Canterlot guard could be seen posted behind her with a clear view through the bars into Rayne’s cell. However, the stallion still did not move. He didn’t speak and he made no attempts to escape or to call upon any force to aid in his escape. Rayne just sat there staring at the cold stone floor before closing his eyes and scowling at the heartache which was overtaking his emotions.

• Elsewhere in the Castle Grounds -

It was late and the day guard had long since retired to their guardhouse while the ponies of the night shift stood watch. Stallions and mares alike sat around laughing with each other, simply enjoying conversation over a pint of cider or playing a few dice or card games to unwind from their shifts that day.

Overall the rowdy guardhouse common room was still a merry place as smiles and scowls could be shared between all in good fun. Two ponies arm-wrestled with each other until one fell to the ground, bumping into a table causing a sergeant to call out angrily from where she was checking duty rosters for the next day. Lastly, the only other ponies still left with chores to do were some of the newer grunts who had been assigned with polishing the armors of the other guard while sitting next to the steamy doorway that led to the communal shower built into the guardhouse.

“Ahem.” Called a modest voice which most in the common area did not hear until the sergeant looked up in surprise and then whistled out for the attention of all. After each of the soldiers had looked up from what they were doing, they all seemed to fall silent while looking towards the doorway in surprise.

Just then a stallion walked out from the shower area while having been aware of none of this. He was rubbing a towel over his head through his short red mane with water drops still running along through his amber-colored coat. “Hey, what’s everypony staring at?” He asked while looking up to notice the unusual silence in the room.

“Uh, Magnus? We’ve got a visitor. And I’m pretty sure it’s for you.” The sergeant said while gesturing towards the door.

Flash Magnus gave a rather equine snort out of surprise when he looked up to see none other than Princess Luna standing there in the doorway to the guard barracks. “Excuse me. I apologize for interrupting, I know it is late.” She said eloquently, if not even a bit shyly. “But, Sir Magnus, I found myself in ill spirits this evening and I wondered if you might like to keep me company?” She asked while having a hard time looking him in the eyes with all of the castle’s day guard watching.

“Oh! Uh, but of course! Just, ‘em… Give me a moment to prepare myself.” He said while slipping the towel from his wet and tousled mane. She nodded in return to him with a smile as she stepped away to wait for him outside.

Author's Note

So I'm sure we can all agree that was one heck of an introduction to this chapter. Of course it caught right back up where it left off after the flashback was done.

Now as I'm sure most of you will remember, back in chapter ch37 Luna mentions to Celestia about not being able to see Rayne's dreams. Well... that's because this has been a seed for this story arc since I'm pretty sure all the way back to chapter 3. Zecora made Rayne a Disdream Elixir so he wouldn't have dreams and so Luna couldn't see his thoughts. After that Applebloom has been keeping him well supplied but he's also been able to make his own since he gained Zecora's magic in chapter 42 as well.

And now is finally catching up to him all the way later in chapter 122. Talk about playing the long game haha. But this was a story arc I always planned to wrap up eventually. We just had to get that far. And Twilight had just been so excited for Rayne and Luna to get together too. Also, let's not forget about little Moonshadow Trail who lives in Baltimare.

Now here's another long lasting plot seed from my early chapters. Nopony has still ever thought to just ask Rayne where he lives. And if you remember back to when Pinkie Pie threw Rayne his welcome party, Maud stated she knew where he lives to Twilight. But of course it was such an insignificant detail at the time that she's forgotten. But clever Luna has pieced it together... only to walk in at the worst possible moment.

Seriously, walking in on Rayne having sex with Maud wouldn't have been as bad as this. She is PISSED! She's feeling hurt, betrayed, lied to, and definitely confused about her emotions. And it's just unfortunate for Rayne that right now Luna has somepony else to confide in while being mad at him. What do you think is going to happen?

P.S. Rayne knows it will only make things worse trying to argue with Luna while she's angry at him. And right now he's feeling guilty even though he technically shouldn't be. But all he can think about right now is the fact that Luna is hurting and it's his fault. He doesn't know what's going to come of this but he has no choice but to wait and see things through, just like the rest of us haha.

I hope you enjoyed the chapter even despite the heavy drama. And always, thank you for reading!!!