Silence. Like a hefty shroud that blanketed your very soul, muffling the sights and sounds of the world beyond your inner one. Bubbling feelings of doubt, frustration, and countless others that can’t quite have a finger placed upon them, kept rising to the forefront of your mind. But one foreboding inkling in particular kept slinking up to jab you in the back. Much like a hidden snake in the tangled weeds that wrapped tightly around your ankles, waiting for the moment when things looked calm to strike. Just what was that feeling? One might spend many sleepless nights wondering exactly what it was, but you knew because it was impossible to ignore. From the time when you woke up in bed next to her, the way she would smile that sweet smile, and whenever those tender lips brushed against yours in such a loving way. All of that or all of those little kindnesses shoved that dagger of doubt even deeper. A blade of guilt. And that body numbing guilt only pounded one thought home harder and harder each time it came back to the forefront of your thoughts.
You didn’t deserve Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.
Even now, as you both walked silently along the hallway in Canterlot Castle, that feeling only continued to grow like a garden out of control. She had sown the seeds of love, but that creature had also planted her own sprouts of doubt in your mind. Not only that, everything that went down not more than a few weeks prior also didn't sit well with you. First, the trial; which never fully felt legit anyways, then being saved from the beating of a lifetime by Cadence and promptly getting screwed in the closet, (the janitor never went back there again). To end an already screwed up day, Cadence announced her sudden divorce from Shining Armor before slapping his shit silly.
All in all, that was NOT the way you planned for things to go. Although on the bright side, you got to be with a mare that you’d always had an eye on in more ways than one. So honestly, where was the room for complaints in all of that? For once in your life YOU got what you wanted, YOU didn’t put up with bullshit that most would just brush aside. A voice, a stand, and a firm belief that you did the right thing…. But now? That heart full of confidence and mind full of pride, quickly turned into an ugly cloud of doubt and insecurities. Which only served to turn any happy feelings into ones of inadequacy.
Now, here you are, with the most beautiful pink Princess by your side and a brand new set of royal purple armour to boot. Unfortunately, you had ditched the helmet for the time being; as it made you way too tall to fit though most of the doorways in the castle. After all that happened, the guard was still on high alert and you were no exception. Thankfully for you this armour was sleek, slender and barely hindered your movement which was nice as you had to wear it from sunrise to sunset. It mostly consisted of a purple enameled cuirass, with two small swirls of gold coming from either pauldron on both shoulders. They were also nice and sylphlike, covering both upper arms and shoulders from anything that might try and disarm you, while still maintaining a fair level of articulation. Running along your sides and under your arms, those two hardened swirls helped to protect from any surprise side attacks, as well as protecting a pair of pockets that were woven into the fabric behind it.
They also helped to frame the large chest piece smack dab in the middle of it all. The ‘pièce de résistance’ as the blacksmith had said. It was a special request from Cadence, and from what you understand it almost couldn’t be included, but you couldn’t imagine what it would be like without it. Set into the broad heart-shaped plate was a large gem much like the one from your special pony’s cutiemark. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to spot any differences between the two, whoever she had gotten to cut it had remarkable talent. You even recall when you first put it on, the gem was lifeless and dull before Cadence placed her lips upon the surface and cast a small spell. “Anonymous, this gem shall, for as long as my love for you burns stronger than a thousand suns, continue to give you the strength to overcome any obstacle, outsmart any opponent, and protect Equestria from any creature who dares to bring harm to myself or ponykind as a whole. And as long as you return my love genuinely and freely, I will forever feel that in my heart until the day comes when my inner flame burns out and my soul may rest eternally.”
On that note, while looking vastly different from your normal set, this one also came with a few good handfuls of special enchantments. More protection against spells, a weightless charm to make it even lighter than ever before; hell, it even had its own spells built in like a protective barrier and countless others you’ve not had the chance to figure out yet. Although intended to protect yourself or Princess Cadence from anypony dumb enough to attack a dignitary and her guard turned lover, you could also use it to keep rain and other elements off of the both of you, something you abused regularly.
Yet, the words she spoke that day always came back when you really needed them most. The nights when you did little more than stare up at the moon, hoping in some sick way it would solve all your problems, or when the temptation of stepping off the edge from high, seemed like the best choice of actions. Eyes would close and hands would tremble as they clenched tightly, as if tempting to squeeze the pain from deep inside up to the surface. But you kept burying it, just like you always have.
Shaking your head, the world coming back into focus as your mind had easily wandered away with you, much like it was prone to these days.
“Honey, is everything alright?” That sweet and tender voice asked from beside you. Glancing down, head turning slightly to more easily meet the gaze from Cadence as a look of deep concern was adorned on her face. You want to do nothing more than to shrug it off like every other time she asked that same question, but there is a small moment of hesitation as you gaze deep into those eyes. Like two vast oceans of amethyst coloured water, surrounding the blackest of islands that seemed to pierce straight down to your very core, there was no chance in hell you’d be able to dismiss her question this time.
A deep sigh, breaking the locked gaze with a quick turn of your head, eyes staring at the polished marble floor instead. Though your body spoke a thousand words as lips remain shut, voice silenced by the conscience that bubbled deep inside. Ashamed by that guilt that has been slowly wearing everything down, your trust, your own instincts, nothing was left untainted by countless roaming thoughts. Taking your silence as the only answer she needed, Cadence sighed sadly, slowing her pace down considerably before coming to a halt in the middle of the hallway.
“Did I do something to hurt you, Anon?” Those few words were spoken very quietly, yet they sounded so loud in the empty hallway. Now you stopped dead in your tracks, heart aching slightly at the hurt tone that carried the words into your ears.
Turning halfway, you start a retort. “Cadence, you di-” but you can’t finish that sentence as your eyes lay upon her now. Two streams of glistening tears trail down normally perfect cheeks, eyes closed and lips trembling as they struggled to contain the emotions that begged to be let out. Ears pinned back against her head as if you just cursed her out harshly, the tears and the murmuring of words that tried to come together, all of it made that mare look quite pitiful. What hurt most was knowing it was all your fault. “Cadence…” Saying her name softly, almost in a reasoning tone only caused her to break out with a sharp wail that was quickly silenced with words.
“I-I’m sorry! Just please don’t leave me, please! I’ll do better, okay? I can be a better marefriend, I can be a better pony, I promise! Just... Don’t leave me...” Stunned a bit, you honestly expected her to get angry at you, not for her tears to spill forth and cries to ring inside your ears. The Princess of Love, a mare who you figured knew everything about relationships and love as a whole, was sitting here before you like an abused pony who begged for another chance to be better for you.
And then it clicked… Maybe she was?...
How could anyone not feel hurt after hearing any pony cry out like that? Let alone one that was held in such high regard. So with not even a moment's thought, you closed the gap between you both and wrapped your arms tightly over her slender shoulders. “Cadence stop. I’d never hate you, I figured you’d always know that.” The mare clutched to your arms, wrapping her hooves around them to prevent them from ever letting her go. “Though, I’ve done a shit job showing that, haven't I? Spending all this time wallowing in self pity like I’m the only one that has ever gone through a hardship. I’ve not been very open with you lately, probably ever in fact, and for that, I’m the one that should be sorry.” Pulling back only slightly to be able to wipe the tears from her drenched fur, a gauntlet covered hand cupping her cheek softly. “Cadence, I’ve been your guard for many years, and in that time I’ve seen you at your best, and I've been with you at your worst.
“We have both been through hell and back these past few weeks, things changed faster than either of us could have ever predicted. Some ponies got hurt, some more on the inside than the outside and I can't help but feel guilty I managed to escape all of that largely unscathed and with you by my side. Like, honestly, you had everything you've ever wanted; a loving husband, a pair of aunts who are quite literally the rulers of Equestria and all the benefits that came with that. You had me, a man to wait on your every command and would protect you with my life in case something happened, a countless supply of bits whenever you needed them, friends, family, unmatched beauty and grace that only complimented the infinitely sized heart contained within. And yet, you would’ve thrown that all away, for me. Why give it all up for me just because we… Just because we, fucked.” Whispering the last word was like having someone’s grandmother just down the hall who might have had a heart attack from the foul language. Cadence sniffled before pouting, wiping an eye with the back of a hoof.
“Anon, you’ve made me feel like nopony has ever done before. I wasn’t just a prize to be won, I was an impossible goal to reach for you. That maybe, just maybe if the universe fell in place just the right way, and the stars of the endless galaxies aligned, you would have the chance to hold my heart inside your hands. That made me feel loved, truly and wholly loved. But just so you know, I chose to cut ties with Shining not because of you. It was because of how he treated me when he found out.” Blinking once, her eyes darting up into your own pretty much told the whole story then and there. “And not only that, I… Faust I felt so free! Ever since it was suggested I foalsit Twilight, he had always been trying to get with me. Even Aunt Celestia had urged me and him together like it was part of some great big plan of hers. I never fully felt free to make a choice in the matter. Then he fell for Chrysalis’ deception, even to the point where he told his own SISTER not to show up to the wedding! Oh! Did you also know he never even told her we were dating, let alone getting married? Do you know how that made me feel?!” A small spark of anger ignited within her eyes, eyebrows narrowing as she stared at the shining gemstone embedded in your chestplate. “I felt like he only used me in the same way as he would wear one of his medals. Something shiny and beautiful to show off to everypony, yet behind closed doors it’s practically worthless to him. I was nothing more than something pretty to look at, and that only became more true after our wedding when I found out more…”
Before Cadence could continue on any further, the sound of rapid hooves echoed down the hall before a guard turned the corner, panting as if he had just run like his life depended on it. “P-Princess Cadence! Captain Anon! Princess Celestia and Luna require your presence in the main hall immediately!” Panting for breath and looking as though he was quaking in his golden horseshoes, the guard gave a quick salute to top it all off before almost falling over from fright. Suddenly the tense feeling in the air grew even worse, all thoughts and feelings from only moments prior were pushed down and away as both you and Cadence snapped into action. She, a mare who was on edge enough as it was bolted off like a lighting bolt down the hall and around the corner, practically leaving you in the dust as you got to running right behind her.
What could it be now? Honestly, we just fought off a Changeling invasion and I’m sure Canterlot doesn’t need something else going horribly wrong, and neither do I! Grunting in anger and barely managing to catch up to the pink princess; that not only captured your heart in the most wonderful of ways, yet was also like the wildest roller coaster of emotions, watching as the tears from earlier flicked off from the edge of her chin and twinkled in the light. It was as though the universe was enjoying your suffering and just when headway started being made, had decided to keep fucking your life over. But you couldn’t let that affect your judgement, especially when there was something going on inside that required both of your attentions.
You both had a job to do.
Rounding the last corner you both spot a small detachment of guards, along with both Celestia and Luna standing with weapons and magic at the ready, watching the main doors with sharp eyes and tense muscles. As you both got closer, a few guards moved to let Cadence and you past right to the front of this little battle line. “A-Aunty Celestia! What’s going on?!” Panting from the sudden exertion, the pink mare also readied her magic while you drew the blade from your hip, eyes hardening as your hand tightened around the handle. Both Alicorns remained silent but kept their steel gaze, ones that sent a shiver down your spine as you’ve never seen this look on them before. With the main hall blocked off on both sides and the doors to the Throne Room closed behind you, whoever decided to come through the front doors had no where else to go aside from walking straight into the welcoming embrace of a trio of pissed off Alicorns.
Numerous pillars at the sides of the room covered with drapes that had Celestia’s and Luna’s cutie marks embroidered on them, were flanked on either side by guards. Each level of stairs that lead down to the front door had even more guards of various types at the ready as well. Earth ponies, pegasi, unicorns, even a few bat ponies from the night guard mixed in with the day guard. A few of the pegasi above held crossbows, some on the ground held spears, maces, hell, you’re sure that large stallion by the right flank held a battle axe for christ’s sake! If anything was as clear as glass right now, it was that this was not a drill. The red carpet that ran down the middle of the steps was left untouched by all hooves, normally a path for visitors to follow into the main chamber for the daily courts to try and help get their problems sorted out. Though now it acted more like a large arrow, pointing to the doors that suddenly shook violently when a sickly green magic wrapped around the large circle handles.
“She’s back.”
Two words uttered forth from Celestia before the door burst open, a white light piercing the room and pretty much blinding all who dared to look into it. Yet; be it from the magical augmentations embedded in your armor or something else entirely, you could see through as clear as day. The unforgettable figure outlined against the light, that distorted laugh that followed as the figure stepped one dark hoof inside.
“Oh, how cute~ You rolled out the welcome carpet for me this time! Though, to be fair, you never knew I was even here last time, hmm?” Your blood ran cold, skin tingling almost as if a wave of frost had just crept down your arms, feeling like a sudden burst of the harshest winter winds had blown in from the open doors. Yet the sweat drops that ran down your forehead and dripped onto the red velvet rug told a different story of how you felt on the inside.
There was no hesitation this time, you knew exactly what was needed in this moment. Stepping down the stairs quickly and without your eyes leaving hers, she continued her slow walk towards you as well. Those larger than normal pupils slitted as they tracked your movements, almost as if she wanted you to be there at this moment. A sly grin, a forked tongue slithering between a pair of sharp fangs and a crooked smile was what greeted you when the first foot touched the floor in front of the intruder. One hand raised flat and your voice, suddenly much louder and more assertive than it had ever been called out, “HALT!” Any nervous chatter from the guards around you was quickly silenced, even she ceased to move after that. Smooth jet black hooves stopping dead in their tracks upon the red carpet.
She looked so different than last time. Legs were missing their normal holes, they were filled just like a normal ponies, more shiny too as if they were full of life, instead of the flat black colour her chintin normally took. A normally scraggly mane was now quite clean, and also looked quite healthy. It was quite long now, easily reaching below her knees while also running around her neck. That led back to her bug-like wings, which were spread open in surprise from your sudden shout. Not a hole to be spotted in the thin membranes either, just what was going on? There was no denying it WAS her, but… There was something off about everything, something that you couldn't quite put a finger on. Now standing nose to nose with her, those eyes were still quite larger than an ordinary ponies were, but they were also much more shiny and full of life then last time you gazed into the twisted orbs. A deep surge of anger boiled the blood pumping hard inside your veins, peripheral vision dimming into a red tinged tunnel.
Teeth gritting tightly, “Chrysalis…”
A grin responded, “Anon~”
Normally anyone would’ve been scared half to death standing face to face with a Changeling Queen, yet here you were, playing the riskiest game of poker with the closest thing to the devil itself as if she was nothing more than a petty thief. But she did steal something, not only from you but the entirety of Equestria itself. Innocence lost and trust in anything broken, the city felt like a husk of its former self, a perfect simile to how you felt after everything. Looking up for the normally cragged spire of a horn that reached towards the heavens, only seeing that it was replaced with the longest and smoothest horn you’d ever seen. No doubt it would even put Celestia to shame in terms of size when you really thought about it. But that was a distraction, one that was quickly brushed aside and your sights set back on what mattered most right now.
“You are wanted all across Equestria for crimes against Ponykind, as a Royal Guard member I am going to be placing you under arrest for your crimes. We can do this the easy way, or the much preferred hard way.”
Though your threat seemed to have no effect on her, if only urging the darkest giggle you’d ever heard froth from the fang filled maw. “Oh, silly widdle Anon!~ I know almost every guard from Manehattan all the way to Las Pegasis is searching every nook and cranny, leaving no stone unturned and no alley left unchecked in some desperate attempt to find me. So, I figured I could make it easier. I thought, ‘why not come here on a diplomatic visit to put all our troubles to rest?’ Surely you wouldn’t want to damage pony-changeling relations by throwing me in a dark prison, would you?” Another small giggle, a hoof rising to rest upon your chest and giving you a small push backwards before a small snarl ushered forth. “Besides, while I’m sure you’ve got a lot of things you feel you need to say to me, sadly I’m only going to talk to one pony.” Looking over your left shoulder with the most sinister of grins, you knew exactly who Chrysalis was talking about.
Without thinking and in the blink of an eye, your free hand wrapped around her throat and quickly pinned her against the wall with a mighty shove. Your augmented armour provided enhanced strength, enough to leave a small indentation with her body in the stone wall. That elicited a small grunt of pain from the bug pony, but otherwise it didn’t look to hurt her very much, if at all. “You will do no such thing, cretin!” Blood running hot enough to boil water, and anger rising, you could easily just off her right here and now and no one would be able to stop you. No one aside from both Princesses could do little more than blink before it was too late, and between yourself and the walls of the ancient castle; you’re not fully sure if they even would stop you.
But you didn’t get another moment to think about that when a light rose colored band of magic wrapped around your wrist and pulled it away from the bug’s throat. Now pried away from the Queen, you turn in surprise that somepony had strong enough magic to do that. Only to find just who decided to step in when, like a second slap of surprise of the day, you couldn’t help but swear under your breath. Under a black cloak peered a pair of blue eyes, much like the sky just outside. A white horn wrapped in the same magical aura poked out from under the hood as a deep chuckle came from the pony beneath. “You took my ex wife, my job, what's next? My place at the Hearth’s Warming table in my parent’s home? Coaching the little league hoofball team, the Canterlot Cannons? It doesn’t matter, I don’t need any of them anymore or anything else from my old life. Not that I have my Chryssi. One more thing, I would advise you to remove your dirty hands from her before I break them off.” I-It couldn’t be… But, there was no denying that voice was of a stallion, one that you knew almost as well as Cadence’s. As a white leg ending with a blue hoof rose up and pulled the hood down from off his head, numerous gasps echoed around the room at the scarred and slightly dirtied face that was revealed...
“S-SHINING ARMOR?!”
If tensions could be any tighter, the air itself would snap with a sonic boom from the pressure. But it felt like any living thing would suffocate just sitting there from the thickness in the atmosphere. Not a single word was spoken yet, though there weren't too many beings in the large room as Celestia called an emergency royal meeting. It was you, Celestia and Luna, Cadence as well as Twilight Sparkle herself; though she sat as far away from you and Cadence as she could. On the other side of the table sat Shining Armor and Chrysalis, the latter of whom took in all the ornate details of what was known as ‘The Peace Room.’ Not a clever name by any means, but this place was special in its own way. This large room that was nestled underneath the throne room, negated all forms of magic, either physical, magical, or otherwise.
Earth ponies no longer had their super strength, pegasi couldn’t get off the ground and fly through the air anymore, and any unicorn or other horned beings lost all their magic abilities when they entered. The Princesses had done this millennia ago to make sure that every single creature, no matter where they came from, was on a level playing field in negotiations. This had even made the Princesses have to listen and use their words instead of having access to their vast pools of power, but there was nothing to listen to at this moment. Both unicorn and changeling were as quiet as could be, sitting across the wooden table with serious but relaxed gazes as if everything was going according to some sort of plan. A large grandfather clock at the end of the room continued to tick and tock as the seconds passed by, only adding to the growing tension in the room. “Why are you here?” Celestia asked suddenly, the sun goddess speaking softly, clearly holding back her emotions as best as she could. But anypony smart enough could see she was really quite tense, though not at all scared of the two fiends sitting across the table.
Either Chrysalis didn’t see that, or she just didn’t care, because she only responded with a short laugh at first. “Oh, you know full well why I’m here. It’s as I said when I first stepped hoof inside your wonderful castle. I want a peace treaty between you ponies and my changelings.” Finishing her sentence with a matter-of-fact nod, a small smile and her forelegs crossed on the top of the polished table.
“Oh, trust us, we’ve heard ye. We just don’t seem to understand how you are in any position to try and talk about peace, after all that you have done.” Luna butted her way in, eyes narrowing sharply at the large bug. “Because, forgive me if we are mistaken, but we feel like we hold all the cards, so to speak.” Shifting in a chair of dark material, Luna rested her head against the silver backrest, which matched her nightly appearance.
You only nodded along, turning your attention back to the two across from you. Expecting the glare of a lifetime from your ex-boss, it seemed Shining was only smirking like a cocky recruit that could take any sort of punishment one could dish out, or as if he knew something you didn't. Whatever the reason was, it didn't sit well with you at all. “Oh, it's true you might hold the majority of the cards right now,” persisted Chrysalis but this little game of war isn't over quite yet. And I've got a special ace up my sleeve.
“For you see, you all seem to forget I was Cadence for a few weeks. I sat in on the meetings, I dined with you all, through girl-only days and diplomatic meetings, I learned so much from every single one of you. Especially, I’ve learned so much from my sweet stallion, Shiny~” Leaning over to nuzzle the smaller stallion, eliciting a pure smile from said pony.
Suddenly, a pair of forehooves slammed down upon the table, from the pony you least expected it from. “You don't know anything about him, you crazy bug bitch!” Cadence, the mare who you figured hated that stallion’s guts at this point, as well as wanted nothing to do with either of them, snapped at Chrysalis like a rabid animal. “All you’ve ever wanted to do was to try and ruin ponies lives, take over Canterlot and enslave the population for your own sick love feeding, bullshit!” Her outburst startled most everypony at the table, but earned a snort and a sneer from Shining.
“And who are you to judge, you cheating little whorse? Then you proceeded to lie about it afterwards to only do it again! Then adding to my own humiliation, you left me for that… That bastard. Is love just a game for you to play with when you feel like it? Are hearts and feelings fair game for you to toy with and manipulate when it pleases you?!” He spat, those blue eyes shimmering in anger as he too stood up, but a black hoof from the bug beside him coaxed him back down.
Across the table, you heard Celestia sigh before putting a hoof against her forehead. “I told you both to attend therapy… And besides, that is not the topic of discussion right now.” Stifling a second sigh, Celestia eyed the changeling Queen from across the table, studying her features for a few moments before speaking again. “You know, for all intents and purposes, I could have you locked in the darkest dungeon for a long, long time. I hope that you do realize that? Or, I could just strike you down while I’ve got the power of my sister, Cadence and Twilight at my disposal. We would make short work of you, even if Shining decided to try and step in.”
Twilight shied away when her name was mentioned, almost dipping down below the table to hide from any gaze that might’ve glanced her way. Though the only pair that rested upon the purple unicorn was yours, watching the mare looking so unsure and stuck kinda made you feel bad. Looking worse for wear and with dark bags under her normally perky eyes was quite jarring, almost as if she had been getting as little sleep as you have been the past few weeks.
But back to the matter at hand. Turning your attention back to Chrysalis and taking in what Celestia had just said made you realize something. She was right after all. Three alicorns and the Element of Magic against one changeling? Even if she was a Queen and riding high on all the love that existed in Equestria, there was no way Chrysalis could stand much of a chance against all of them, though it appeared she understood that fully. “Oh, Celly. Of course I know that, I would have never come head on into a fight I know I couldn’t win, not at least having a way out of it. As I’ve said, I’ve got an ace up my sleeve. And that is this hot chunk of stallion meat beside me.” That ‘bedroom’ look she gave Shining right after she finished talking almost made you sick to your stomach; and you’re sure the same feeling was felt around the entire room.
Though silent for the entire time she had been here, Twilight was the next one to burst out with fear deeply set in her amethyst coloured eyes. “Surely you don’t mean he has shared Equestrian security secrets with you? Shining! That’s grounds for treason if you did that! Y-You could go to prison, or be locked up in Tartarus, or even worse!” His sister cried out while almost standing up onto the large table, trying to hold back her disgust long enough to try and reach out to him. The stallion barely paid her any mind.
“Of course I haven’t, not yet at least and if none of you force my hoof, I won’t have to. All I want is a fair treaty for the changelings and nothing more. They’ve had it hard for generations, resorting to less than legal ways to secure the love they need to survive. It would be just like ponies fighting for food in times of famine, but they can’t just grow their own love like we can our crops. It needs to be given, or forcibly taken in some cases…” A dark look overcame his features before Shining continued. “I demand they not be held accountable for the attack on Canterlot, and that the Royal guard ceases any and all searches for disguised changelings. No one in this country understands what a cornered changeling will resort to when threatened. Second, we demand safe relocation well within the boundaries of Equestria and be allowed to practice our customs within your borders. In return, we promise to never attack another pony again that doesn’t want to offer their love to us, nor commit any acts of terrorism against the crown. We want to be sustainable on our own, pay taxes just like any other pony in the land, and have the same freedoms that come with that. The changelings just want to be able to wake up and not be hungry, go to sleep with a fully belly and a warm and safe bed. They want rights just like any other pony has, and not be afraid of being murdered or even tortured when discovered, like I know some have been in the past.”
All five jaws on your side of the table fell. While not completely being fair considering all that her and her minions had done to Canterlot as a whole, it wasn’t a bad offer when all things were considered. They were clearly living beings, with some sense of being and feelings. But clearly, the royal sisters felt like it wasn’t enough of a reason to just give into their demands.“You come to us, walking into our castle like thou is in a position to make demands? Surely you jest.” Luna eyed Shining and Chrysalis carefully, prodding for something more, the true intentions she felt was behind their reasons.
Even though she looked more sympathetic than the lady of the night, Celestia still didn’t look sold yet either. “I do have to agree with my sister. You tried to dethrone me, and enslave the pony population for your own gain, whether it be for power or for food is largely irrelevant at this point. Why do you all of a sudden have a change of heart?” The Sun Princess pressed, eyebrow raising in suspicion.
This is when Chrysalis actually looked sombre, almost scared to mutter her next few words, lest she look like less of a being because of it. “Because, my children are dying… My kind is starving to death, and there is nothing I can do to stop it on my own.” A cold and eerie feeling hovered over the entire room, seemingly making everyone forget to breathe in the same moment.
This was puzzling. She looked better than ever in your opinion, though you weren't too sure just what a well-nourished changeling looked like. But with her shiny wings and clean, holeless body, it just seemed strange how Chrysalis could be doing so well, while her drones were on the brink of death. “Question, how come you look so healthy and cared for and yet you’re claiming that your changelings are dying? Why can’t you just give them the love you’ve been stealing from Shining Armor?”
The words barely left your lips when she snapped at you, growling like a rabid dog. “Shut it, you rancid worm! You know nothing about how we work, nor do you understand that he is freely giving me his love! But no matter how much he gives, they all seem to be unable to take any of the love he emits.” She said with a perplexed look on her face, giving almost a halfhearted shrug to accompany it afterwards. “And while I would’ve wanted to use any edge to get what I want, I’ve already got everything I could possibly need in Shiny here. But I can’t sit by idly and watch as my children starve to death. We might be labeled as ‘heartless love sucking demons,’ but I still do care about my children! I’ve laid their eggs, watched them hatch and grow befo--” A small blush spread across the black bugs cheeks before she shut her lips, turning away from you with a scowl. “My point still stands… My kind are slowly withering away.”
Celestia took a moment to think, the room fell into silence once again as you shifted in your armour. Wanting nothing more than to just gut her where she sat, but without authorization or even being provoked into it, there was little more you could do than sit by and wait. “I… Will need some time to think about it, and bring these issues to the board. For this is a matter for the security of Equestria itself, and I alone am not going to take the weight of this decision upon my shoulders. You shall both remain here, under a very watchful eye. Twenty-four-seven monitoring while you are within the walls of my castle, and you will both have spell blockers upon your horns until my decision has been made. Are these terms acceptable?”
Quick nods followed with clear thanks from both unicorn and changeling, (though Chrysalis was a bit reluctant,) before Celestia and Luna rose from their seats and ushered everyone out of the room. Neither you nor Cadence stuck around, the mare quickly grabbing your hand in her mouth, dragging you off towards the mess hall for what you hoped was a hearty meal, all things considered. The stress of the situation had made you incredibly hungry, plus you were sure you missed lunch with how long you had all sat in there for. She said nothing to you the entire time, only glowering in anger at the looks Chrysalis gave you during the full meeting. But sadly, it seemed that your princess of love had other plans, when she turned a turn long before the kitchens and pulled you towards the far back corner of the castle.
To be fair, the pink alicorn was probably pretty peeved at the perplexing position she was placed in. Her ex, and the imp that imprisoned and impersonated her inside the ill-lit caverns beneath the castle was currently constructing a contractual agreement between the shapeshifters and pony kind. But thinking about all of it was starting to swirl around inside your mind, making everything seem cloudy and confusing. Moving back to reality, Cadence took a sharp left, making it feel like your arm was about to come out of its socket.
For a moment, all the weight of the world that had been bearing down upon your shoulders seemed to disappear and was quickly replaced with a childish giddiness. Like two teens skipping class to go makeout in the stairwell, or even a couple running away from their problems to start new with each other, leaving their pasts behind. A laugh almost worked its way up and out of your mouth, but the sharp tug that Cadence gave you each time you fell behind was jarring and quite uncomfortable whenever it happened. Each corner rounded disoriented you, the long hallways starting to look the same as your eyes kept upon the purple, pink and gold swirls that made up Cadence’s mane as it bounced with each and every step she took. Glancing down to the determined and peeved look on her face, there seemed to be no lack of seriousness about the entire situation, which ultimately reassured you this wouldn’t end in a shouting match.
Almost running down an old hallway that really lead to nowhere besides the castle hedge maze, you started to get sick of being tugged around without question and decided to speak up. “Cadence, where the hell are yo-MMPFH?!” Is all you managed to get out before the pink mare stopped dead in her tracks before spinning around and kissing you hard. Soft lips crashed against your own as her petite nose mashed into your cheek harshly, a warm breath tickling the skin below as she kissed again and again, each time more desperate than the last.
“Don’t, kiss, don’t listen to a word that, kiss, poor excuse for a stallion says, ahh~” Now that her tongue has come into the equation, things suddenly turned up to a seven on the hotness scale. That pink appendage slithered it’s way past your own lips and across your bottom teeth, tracing each one while occasionally brushing up against your own tongue whenever it seemed to feel like it. A hoof wrapped around your head, keeping it in place as she continued to explore the mouth that she had slowly become accustomed to in the past few weeks while you slept.
Cadence was skilled, but luckily you knew just how to retort to her brazen display of passion. Your right hand grabbed at her furry chest, spreading and swirling the soft hairs there. Gently, but none too lightly grabbing the toned muscles beneath as your head tilted into the kiss and returned the serve of her little tongue game. Now Cadence was on the run, your smaller but more muscular tongue darted around hers, dragging along its edge and across the middle before wrapping around underneath. A soft moan emanated from between mashed lips and wet chins, one of her shoe covered hooves starting to get very adventurous, snaking its way south down your chest and stomach before landing right upon your crotch.
Eyes shot open and you couldn’t help but pull back in shock, as that teasing little hoof ran circles right where your dick was, and it seemed that Cadence had no plans to stop anytime soon. “Let me suck your dick, Anon. Let me show you just how much I love you. Something I’ve been neglecting to show you for far too long.” Pushing her lips against your neck, the quickly heated mare sucked and nibbled right on your throat. She knew all your weak spots... “Faust I just wanted nothing more than to rip your dick out back there and just gobble it down right in front of him. Show him how a real stallion gets treated~” The small giggle that followed that only seemed to make her blush even brighter. “And maybe I could’ve taught that Chrysalis a thing or two?”
Before you get a chance to even react or retort, the promiscuous pony was already digging around, trying her hardest to gain access to the treasure hidden beneath your waist. “C-Cadence…. This isn’t…” You were cut off as she first pushed you into a tiny alcove hidden from the hallway, then the tip of her horn lits up with what looked like a simple spell; though knowing squat about magic, that didn’t seem to cause any strain on the horny pony. A tiny portal appeared right on your crotch, and if the light breeze upon your bare skin was any indication to what she planned…. Then before you knew what was happening next, Cadence’s head dipped down quickl- “a-ah!” Yep. Your dick was totally out right now and engulfed down to the base inside her muzzle
“Mmm~” The mare moaned softly, her hooves gripping your hips tightly to pull them further to her face, grounding nose and lips into the smooth flesh of your crotch. Your flaccid shaft was pushed around inside her maw by that sly tongue of hers, quickly hardening it from the sucking and tongue work she was skillfully deploying. Looking around in a small panic, peering out into the empty hallway as Candybutt sucked your dick like it was the only one in existence, and she was doing a fantastic job with it. Honestly, as of late your sex drive had plummeted like a stone in a river which made you feel like less of a man for it. But standing there, right now, with the tip of your spire shoved down into the slimy confines of Cadence’s throat felt oddly invigorating and so…. Dirty~
Dropping a hand down to her horn, wrapping it around the smooth spire as you guided her back along your shaft. Her tongue and lips dragging up so slowly, cheeks sucking inwards showed just how hard she actually was trying not to let the mushroom tip slip from her mouth. But then you pulled her back down quickly, filling any free space with man meat in an instant. A short cough from the unexpected filling of dick, Cadence blinked back tears and gazed up into your eyes in a way that made your cheeks flush red. A spark returned to those irises, one that you suddenly realized you’d so much missed lately. A warm feeling spread inside your chest, making your skin tingle and your heart skip a beat. “I fucking love you, Cadence. I love you so goddamn much and I’m sorry for blocking you out so much lately.” If not for being where you were with your shaft embedding itself into her mouth again and again, that might have been quite sweet. But she seemed to accept your apology regardless, with her ears pulling back as a couple of tears welled up in her eyes, Cadence moaned something loudly before really getting serious.
Legs shook a bit as the pleasure rocked your body, having been at least a week or two since you both fooled around, you were quite sensitive and very backed up. But despite that, Cadence didn’t let up in the slightest. Determined to get you to spill your seed as quickly as possible, one of her hooves that wrapped around your waist gently pushed your hips towards her mouth as she moaned, sitting there while servicing you with a slick tongue. You knew exactly what that meant, and quickly got to work. A short thrust, pull out more, thrust back in while your balls gently tapped her chin, pull almost all the way out so only your head is inside that wet seal of lips and then thrust all the way back inside. “Mmm~” Her eyes drooped to half lidded, while her other hoof snaked way down between grinding hindlegs to rub at her needy snatch.
You could smell her easily as well, like cotton candy and rain, her scent filled your nose and made your mouth water as you pushed all the way down her throat and sat there for a moment to savour it. “I’m gonna cum all over your slutty little face, you know that?” Panting, you were beginning to feel pretty warm. Not only because of where you were getting your dick sucked, and not just because she was trying to inhale as much as she could… Though maaaaybe all of those factored in a little bit, it was mostly because the suit of armour you wore wasn’t exactly the most free flowing thing in existence. But that didn’t really matter now as you wiped your brow of sweat, watching as Caddy pulled back with an obscene pop~ and pushed her snout into your dangling balls below.
A warm nose and soaked lips touched your delicate orbs, licking and leaving a trail of little kisses along the right one before working her way over to the left. Nose gently nudged the base of your shaft, while her horn rubbed against it and created a soft rose coloured glow around it that acted like a magical onahole. Warm, and wet from her spit, your pillar throbbed dangerously, testes tensing inside her mouth when Cadence took both inside and sucked firmly on them. “Grr~” She growled lowly, a spurt of precum spreading in her magical grasp before trailing down your shaft and landing upon her nose. Nostrils flared at the scent, the cock starved mare sped up her ministrations, the slippery appendage lashing out ravishingly while she clopped herself right to the peak. She wanted it, and you really needed it, hands gripping the wall behind you as your legs and shaft tensed up, preparing for the euphoric peak that was sure to come.
And it was her that hit that point first, but not by much. Quivering below you, the pink mare ground her hoof into her honeypot quicker and quicker, before releasing a loud groan of pleasure as she gushed. Marecum splattered onto the old marble ground below, a few good squirts of her juice spraying across the floor, clearly audible to your ears as well as being easy to see as the murky liquid trailed away. Smelling her strong scent on top of hearing her muffled cries of pleasure that vibrated the churning orbs locked inside her muzzle, only sent you over the edge as well.
With a deep groan and a sharp grind against her forehead, you started to unload weeks of pent up stress, frustration, and guilt. All of those things as well as a large amount of baby batter across her face and mane. The first spurt actually sailed clear of her head and landed across her back, eliciting a squeal of glee before Cadence pulled back and let the rest coat her face. Taking the lurching shaft between her foreleg, the slutty mare opened her maw and stroked your dick for all it was worth, foreskin sliding up and down your pink crown over and over again. The goo went up to her horn, across her left eye forcing it to close; lest it burn, strands and strings of jizz streaked splattered across the place, making it look like a horse had actually come all over her. It rested across the bridge of her nose, dashed down into her chest fluff, and even pooling inside her mouth when some of the spurts landed there.
It looked kind of like a lewd fountain that kept clogging after every short burst of semen, the gooey mess that pretty much left no fur untouched was pure white, standing proudly from her pink hair. As the gushes diminished, Cadence slowed the stroking before ending with a small kiss to the dribbling tip of your manhood. “Mmm, Anon~ You came so much, this is why it’s not healthy to keep it all in for so long.” She giggled, using her already soaked hoof to try and clean what she could away while occasionally playing with your seed.
Chuckling, you reached down with a shaky hand and tried to tuck your spent member back inside your underwear before the spell wore off. Noticing that it was a bit hard for you to reach down with gloved hands, the mare quickly slipped your dick back inside, giving it a tender nuzzle before shutting down her magic. “What are you, a doctor?” You say breathlessly, still shaking from the earth-shattering orgasm that had just wracked your body to the very core.
“Well, not really. But I can still feel your emotions, though sometimes it requires digging through some of the clouds that surround them.” Standing up with a shaking hindleg, Cadence sighed softly and lapped at the cream that gathered on her lips. “You’ve been dragged down with so many negative feelings lately, my love. And I get it, I really do. Honestly, it must seem so bizarre that I would throw everything me and Shining had built up just for you.” Opening your mouth to affirm that, you’re stopped by a hoof upon your lips that tasted much like her pussy, though a bit saltier. “Please let me finish, alright? There’s a lot I need to tell you before you go getting any more bright ideas that lead to you blaming yourself for everything.
“We didn’t get the time to talk much about it, or even about us when I just seemingly ran off with you like a filly who could not make heads or tails of what her heart wanted. I honestly felt like that, I didn’t know what I wanted. I forced myself to believe that what we did that night was wrong, and I was a terrible pony for doing it. I felt like I should’ve had more control over my body, I-I should’ve just kept away from you. But… You carried me when I couldn’t walk anymore, you never left my side and not once did you turn your back on me or let me lose hope that we would ever make it out of there. I felt like someone actually gave a shit about me for the first time in my life, and that felt really, really good!” Shuffling a bit, being mindful not to step in the puddle of her own juices, Cadence nuzzled your hip. “I was always taught that a mare should try and please her stallion and make them the happiest that she could, yet here you were being the rock to my crashing ocean waves. At first, I thought it was just my heat, but when I learned what happened with Chrysalis and what they did while we were down there...”
A shiver ran down your spine as your blood turned to ice, your heart skipping a beat as you instantly knew what she was referring to. “You mean they?....” A nod followed by silence was all her answer, a fit of sudden anger boiling up inside your chest. “B-But they all gave me hell because we fucked! He called me a backstabbing bastard while he had already turned around and screwed around on you!”
Giving an irritated sigh, Cadence stamped her hoof. “Right!? In his eyes though, he was brainwashed so it wasn’t his fault. I had a choice, I’ve always had a fucking choice… I tried to consummate the love I thought we had all the time with him. But whenever I’ve tried to arouse him, nothing ever seemed to work! I wore sexy lingerie, he just looked at me funny, toys, masturbating in front of him, that didn’t even stir anything down there. I even tried just jumping him in the shower with a little reach around, and he just gave me the most confused look in all of Equestria. I fucking swear, that stallion either had no interest in sex at all, or he’s as gay as they come. Faust, YOU took my virginity that night and you know how long I and Shining have been together for. At first, I thought there was something wrong with him, as he never was in the mood to fool around with me. But then, I started wondering if there was something wrong with me when nothing I tried worked…” It was rare to hear her curse so openly and only served to convey her frustration even more. “So when I learn my so-called husband was tricked into believing that bitch was me, willingly had sex with her multiple times, and then turned around and I was now the one who was in the wrong because I fucked you.” Her angry gaze turned softer when she looked up into your eyes and you swear you could see the start of a tear. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, not in countless lifetimes. You’re ten times the stallion that he could ever be. “You’re kind, caring, family-focused and you’ve always been by my side no matter what over the years. I feel like I know so much about you, but then the more I learn, the more you seem more like a stranger I so desperately want to get to know.”
Then Cadence kissed you. All-be-it softly this time, it only lasted for a few moments before she happily nickered, her tail swishing side to side when she pulled back. “I really should go get cleaned up before somepony spots me like this. I think a nice long soak is in order to make sure everything is out.” Motioning to the slowly drying mess you left across her face and mane. “You go and try to enjoy the rest of the day, alright? Aunty Celestia told me before I left that she wanted to have a talk with you, about everything that happened and get an opinion from all of us. Though, she said she wanted me to pretty much steer clear of this mess, because of the bias I have against the entire situation.” Giving off an agitated sigh, Cadence quickly recovered with a tiny grin that made your tingling member throb.
“But tonight, when you come back to our room, I’ll have a surprise waiting for you. I think you’re going to really enjoy it, Faust knows I’m going to.” Giving you a small bunt with her head, Cadence pushed you back out into the main hallway, giving a quiet but naughty giggle. “Anyways, try and stay out of trouble for me, okay? And keep an eye out for those two. I know they’re under strict watch, but there’s no knowing what their real goal is here. I love you, Anon.” With that said and a flash of light, the mare disappeared, leaving nothing behind except the puddle of marecum on the floor that slowly pooled against the bottom of the wall.
Standing there for a few moments, the tender yet sultry smile she gave you before disappearing was a little jarring coming off of what she had just told you. Cadence wanted you badly, she needed you and you felt that you were going to be pleasing the both of you for days to come. No more one-man couch hockey in the dark for a long time, and before thoughts of her perfect little pony privates could perforate your thoughts and cloud them, you quickly shoved them away.
A smile dawned upon lips that were down for far too long, mind at rest now that at least the both of you were now finally communicating with each other. That’s what makes a relationship work well, right? You were both together… Right? You knew deep down that you cared for her, and would do anything to protect that mare. But that was just your job, your duty as a guard, right?
No, you definitely loved that mare, there was no doubt of that in your mind. If anything was to be taken away from what just happened, along with the look that she gave before disappearing, there could be no doubt in your mind that she felt the same way. Head held high, and heart set aflutter, spinning on booted heels, you started to head back towards the main part of the castle. But there was something on your mind, encapsulating all the attention that was able to be spared right now.
You needed food and lots of it. Nothing else was going to stand between that and filling your stomach to the point where it would be very uncomfortable. A quick look around to remember exactly how to get back there, your bearings returned quickly. With the way to the kitchens clear, wanting to waste no time as the walk to get there was long, you quickly started a fast march along the hall. Cadence, next time you plan to suck my dick in one of the back hallways, at least make sure I’m not hungry before you start. A relaxed smile spread across your lips, one that made you feel really good inside, when just five words begged to be said. “God I love that horse.”
Author's Note
Here it is, after a long time coming. As you can probably see, there is a lot going on, and a lot still more to come. The finale should be posted on June 24th if I have my way, so make sure to add to faves to keep up to date on each chapter.
Sorry it's been a while, but personal stuff got in the way, but I think I'm good now. Anyways, hope you enjoyed!
Things are about to get weird!
