Project C.A.F.R

It had been a week since the Zebra ‘coup’, and things in the Empire were still, somehow, stable. To’Achuu had, in a rather cutthroat maneuver, banned any and all palace staff from reporting on what had happened with Cadance to the outside world as he formulated a way to make it go over better with the ponies he now ruled.

Through the halls of the crystal palace strode Shining Armor. He looked downtrodden and glum, but that was to be expected after what had happened. But, as time went on, he found himself less and less apprehensive about what had happened just a week before. The dawning realization that little had actually changed had become more and more apparent as the days dragged on. He was still the Crystal Empire’s second in command, his daughter was still the Heir, and his people still looked to him with respect and admiration. All that had changed was who he was sleeping with at night.

To’Achuu. Admittedly, Shining Armor had found himself growing more and more attached to the zebra chieftain, even though he seemed to become more and more awkward with every day they were together. After the first night, there had been no more coitus, ruling an Empire was hard work, especially when you had to learn how to do it practically from scratch. As such, To’Achuu had been forced to sequester himself in his office or their bedroom for hours at a time.

Shining had noticed since their first night together that the zebra was becoming more and more withdrawn whenever they talked. Avoiding the unicorn's gaze, or changing the topics of conversation often whenever a question of the zebra’s past came up. Though, unlike when Cadance had done it, this time he knew something was up. Though, it seemingly wasn’t malicious, which put the unicorn at ease.

Shining furrowed his brows together. Something was up with that zebra, and he’d figure out what. And to do that, he’d go to the one zebra who he knew for a fact was close enough to To’Achuu to answer his questions. Hajaa, the second in command.

The unicorn wore a stoic face as he marched through the halls, trying not to make eye contact with any of the other stallions he passed. So much had changed in the past week. Love - or whatever it could be called - permeated the halls of the castle far more than they had before the zebra’s arrival. He saw stallions pushed against the wall with their lips locked in brutal skirmishes with their Jala or Irra, others simply walked the halls with their fingers intertwined. He passed by doors, his ears picking up either conversations or the unmuted sounds of sex that not even five-inch thick doors could completely muffle.

As far as he knew, such open displays of affection went beyond the walls of the castle, although the decency laws prevented them from being too intimate. Whilst he was sure most ponies thought it strange, there wasn’t yet a mob marching down on the castle so the secret of who was really pulling the city’s strings was still in the shadows. Cadance’s disappearance from the limelight was rather easy to hide, all things considered. Ironically, it was his own silence that helped to assuage things. If he wasn’t panicking about the whereabouts of his wife, why should they?

Still, it wasn’t only love that blossomed in the halls, and he had to give some thanks to that as to why secrecy was maintained. Friendship, the echoed result of harmony flowered between much of the city’s populace and the tribe. Lust and love wasn't the only thing that permeated themselves in the air. As it turned out, despite being off-limits bedroom-wise, an amicable bond was slowly but surely being formed between the zebras and castle’s inhabitants, both those in the know of what happened to their princess and those who were left in the dark. The bonds of friendship. They weren’t as loud as the couplings, possessing a tad more subtlety than was expected of open adore. He saw a few on his way to Hajaa’s room.

He saw a female member of staff and a zebra stallion, arms locked as they laughed about something known only to them. After that he passed by a small mixture of stallions, both zebra and pony, proving that the words ‘platonic’ and ‘straight’ still existed within the local vocabulary as they conversed amongst themselves. The thought that every stallion the zebras encountered would immediately alter their preferences was an idea on par with the depraved fantasies of the deposed Princess. Although he would never admit it aloud, the sight of such bonhomous bonds gave him some relief. If he pushed his worry deep down, he allowed himself to adorn a very small and very subdued smile. Maybe things would be better without Cadance. Maybe things would return to some sense of normalcy eventually.

Shining suddenly became aware of the pitter-patter of feet behind him, which tore him from his thoughts. He quickly stepped aside as a pair of purple scaly legs passed by, delicately balancing a rather large pile of objects that hid the one carrying them. Excessive amounts of cloth, the glint of various needles, a whole ball of string, and a large bucket of black paint. He instantly recognized them as Spike, but something pretty odd caught his attention. Spike looked taller. Way taller. Just a week ago the young drake only came up to Shining’s chest, but now he looked almost equal to the stallion in height. It was actually rather disconcerting.

Shining pursed his lips as he let the dragon pass him by. He didn’t want to interrupt whatever the drake had planned or distract him and make him spill what he was carrying all over the floor. The cleaning staff would never forgive him for letting that much paint spill everywhere…

Shining let out a sigh and shook his head as the dragon turned a corner. No doubt Spike was up to something. He’d probably have to have a chat with him later.

When he arrived at Hajaa’s door, he paused to take a breath, his hand balling into a fist. He steeled himself before he knocked. A minute passed. Then another. No response. He knew Hajaa was in there, the light was on and he saw shadows moving under the door handle. He sighed as he grabbed the door handle.

The zebra probably wouldn’t mind if he just entered, right?

That thought was instantly squashed the second he stepped inside the room. Hajaa was standing at the foot of the bed, holding Thorax up by his legs in a full nelson position. They were both completely nude, Hajaa’s rod firmly hilted within the changeling’s boy box. Said changeling was also full mast, sufficiently coated in pre-cum, his arms tied behind his back so that he was completely at his Irra’s mercy. His face was entirely an extremely deep shade of blue, and his mouth sat open, panting.

Then the two of them noticed him. Thorax let out a rather high-pitched squeal as he desperately tried to slam his legs closed to hide his shame, squirming and writhing. Hajaa by contrast just stared at Shining with a look of pure annoyance. He noticeably didn't try to hide anything, let go of his Jala or even pull out.

“Sweet Celestia!” Shining said, covering his eyes and turning his head away from the two.

“Did it not cross your mind at all that we were busy when we didn’t answer your knocks?” Hajaa hissed as he tightened his grip on the writhing changeling, forcing his legs open again. Thorax let out a whimper of embarrassment as his rod was uncovered as his thighs were spread by Hajaa’s powerful arms. Hajaa ground his hips from side to side as he adjusted his stance, causing Thorax to bite his bottom lip and flatten his ears against his head. The ling closed his eyes and looked away from Shining, a stifled moan escaping his gritted teeth. Hajaa couldn’t help but smirk as he watched the display in the mirror in the room’s corner.

“I am so sorry, I’ll leave!” Shining blurted as he made his way towards the door; stopped by Hajaa’s pointed groan.

“You’ve already forced yourself in,” Hajaa hissed as he started to slowly buck his hips in and out of his Jala, who only shivered and shook, his head rolling from side to side as he did. “Might as well stay. Besides, only an insecure Irra is afraid to be seen pleasuring his Jala.”

Thorax’s eyes widened in alarm, and he tried to speak between his pants, looking back over his shoulder. “W-wait. What abou-”

Hajaa stopped him by running his tongue up his blade-like horn causing the ‘ling’s eyes to roll back into his head as his entire body tensed up in rhythm with the movements of the zebra’s tongue.

“Hush,” Hajaa ordered with a whisper shortly after he retracted his tongue into his mouth. “I want to see how you ‘perform’ with an audience.”

His voice only made Thorax shiver and moan, pressing his back into the zebra’s chest. The closeness it afforded was all he needed to bring his heartbeat down and tune Shining out… after all, what kind of Jala was embarrassed to be seen with their Irra?

Shining grit his teeth, inhaled then exhaled, and closed the door to the room, straightening up and lowering his hand. If zebras were apparently so open during sex, he might as well get used to seeing it right? He turned over to look at the two as Hajaa kept up his slow purposeful thrusts. He couldn’t help but bite his lips as he looked the shy and timid changeling he thoughthe knew up and down.

This was honestly the first time he had seen him in a week. The first thing that caught his eyes were the white stripes that covered the ‘ling from head to toe. They almost made him look like a zebra… just one that was black with black stripes instead of the other way around… and had bug eyes, vampire-like fangs, and a sharply curved horn.

Next, he noticed that the changeling had gained some weight since the last time he had seen him. While before the ‘ling had had sunken cheeks, a pale glint to his carapace and visible ribs underneath his somewhat stretchy carapace, now he was completely absent of all signs of his previous fate as an outcast. He hadn’t gained enough weight to look pudgy, but he did indeed look more full, with thicker thighs, for one.

And what thighs they were… Shining found himself inexplicably drawn to the sight of the small ‘ling being so thoroughly dominated. He felt his heart jump with every one of the zebra’s slow, powerful thrusts. Thrusts that made the entire ling’s body quiver and shake every time the two touched ass to hips. His eyes followed the contours of the ling’s stomach up to his flat chest before locking with the Jala’s.

Thorax looked like he was in rapture, his eyes rapidly focusing then unfocusing, barely paying attention to Shining, as if he was only vaguely aware the unicorn was there. Nothing in the world mattered to him right now, only that he was with his Irra and that his Irra loved him. The aroma of it emanated off the zebra like a thick cloud forcing its way into his nostrils, blinding him to everything except for the pleasure he felt being held so closely. And bred so assiduously.

Then finally Shining’s eyes raised slightly higher, locking with Hajaa’s amber gems. The zebra stared back at him, a smug, prideful, smile on his face. Shining could almost hear Irra’s thoughts. It was as if he was saying to him; ‘Yeah, that’s right. He’s mine.’ Shining felt like his pants were about to fly open on their own…

“Clearly you didn’t come here to silently watch,” Hajaa said with a laugh, breaking Shining out of his lust-fueled thoughts. “And you ponies are far too straight-laced to ask to join in. Not that I’d let you. I want to keep my Jala to myself… for now.”

Shining instantly straightened up, clearing his throat. “Oh... urm… yes. Sorry I was just…”

Hajaa chuckled as he suddenly stopped his thrusts mid-way - an act which made Thorax let out a high-pitched whine, shaking his hips from side to side. “Staring, yes I know. You should be thankful I am not from one of the southern tribes. They are very picky about no one looking upon their Jalas. Now then, what is it you want?” His voice was somewhat stern, but Shining could tell otherwise. Hajaa loved every second of what was happening.

“W-well I had a question I thought you could answer,” the unicorn started, nodding his head slightly. “But… well… Let’s just say I have more than one now.”

“Oh? Well then ask away. Not like a couple of questions will harm anyone.” Hajaa curtly responded as he resumed his thrusts, an act which made his Jala moan in appreciation, pressing himself even more against the zebra’s chest.

Shining inhaled. Though it was rather hard to think given his current… predicament, he thought it best to start with the least harmless of his questions and work up from there. He didn’t know much about zebra culture, so he didn’t know what was offensive or not to them. Better to err on the side of caution, probably best not to offend the seven-foot-something slab of muscle that was Hajaa…

“Is this all you two have been doing for the past week?” He asked, looking the two up and down again. With how easily Hajaa was slipping out of the changeling’s quivering hole, it wasn’t hard to guess that was the case…

“Of course not!” Hajaa replied with an almost offended tone, a frown forming on his face. “We are not animals, we have taken frequent breaks to hydrate and bathe. And I have made sure that it doesn’t cut into our sleeping.” Shining let out a silent gasp as Hajaa made a particularly hard thrust that made Thorax throw his head back, letting out a silent scream of ecstasy. The unicorn bit his lip once more as the changeling’s hips squirmed to and fro, his dick bouncing up and down and his chest heaving.

“A-gain Hajaa!” Thorax slurred in a loud and desperate tone, shaking like an addict mid withdrawal. “P-please do that again!”

The changeling suddenly took it upon himself to throw his hips back, impaling himself upon Hajaa’s mast. The zebra suddenly braced himself, tightening his grip around the Jala's legs and putting a forceful stop to his every movement.

“Look what you made me do! I was trying to maintain a consistent rhythm,” he hissed, turning his gaze to Shining, who was merely watching with a red face, his legs pressed together to hide his erection. Hajaa chuckled, rolling his eyes.

“We have admittedly been doing this quite a lot this week,” Hajaa started with a smile. “I have just wanted to explore every single inch of my Jala. Find out how I can best drive him feral. If you think he’s into it now, you should see how he acts when I hogtie him down and stick my tongue in his-”

“Arg! No no no!” Shining suddenly covered his ears. “My picture of Thorax as an innocent and pure changeling has already been shattered by the past few minutes, please let me at least keep a tiny portion of it intact,” he cried. Hajaa looked at him with a smirk before rolling his eyes.

“Your loss,” Hajaa responded dryly. “But if you stick around for too long I am going to show you exactly what I mean.”

Shining Armor shuddered. He decided he should probably change the subject and fast. He quickly straightened up, looking Thorax over once more, his eyes quickly locking on the changeling’s new stripes.

“So, what’s with the stripes?” He asked, rubbing the back of his head.

“I branded Thorax to mark him as mine,” Hajaa explained as ran his gaze along one of the changeling’s white lines. “I believe in time, To’Achuu will do the same to you if the two of you are going to be staying together.”

Shining Armor blushed. He looked Thorax up and down once more, only now noticing that the stripes that covered Thorax weren’t a transformation. They had the consistency and texture of paint. His face became redder as he thought it over, the idea of being striped… sounded nice all things considered…

Just then Thorax let out another squeal as Hajaa firmly embedded himself in the ling’s boybox.

“Just one more question,” Hajaa hissed between gritted teeth. “I’ve put off giving my Thorax my fullest attention for too long. Any longer and I’m afraid I am going to drive the poor bug insane.”

“R-right,” Shining said with a nod, inhaling deeply. “Sorry for taking up so much of your time.”

“It’s not me you should be apologizing too,” Hajaa responded. “You owe my Jala’s near saintly patience that you were allowed to ask these questions. At some point, I am going to have to ask you to pay him back for this.”

Shining did a double-take. “And what would that entail?”

Hajaa merely replied with a smug, mischievous grin.

Shining sighed and shook his head. “Of course…”

Not that he was against the idea of course. Watching the ‘ling get dicked down for minutes on end like he had, had given him a newfound appreciation for the bug’s more feminine features. He couldn’t help but look forward to it.
Still, he had questions that needed answering.

“How did you and To’Achuu meet?” He asked, simply. “And why were you two exiled?”

Hajaa instantly froze his thrusts, causing Thorax to once again whine. This time, Hajaa took no joy in toying with his Jala. He pursed his lips, closing his eyes.

“How did you-”

Shining sighed. “It’s pretty obvious. And I need to know why, so I can help your tribe stay here.” He said simply, shaking his head and putting his hands in his pockets.

Hajaa kept still for a second before he pulled Thorax off of him.

“Nohohohoh!” Thorax whimpered, shivering and shaking. He desperately tried to wrest himself free from Hajaa’s grasp, so he could return to being so close to the Zebra, but it didn’t work. “I was so close!”

“I will be right back.” Hajaa barked, setting the changeling down on the bed, face down, ass up. Shining pursed his lips and shuddered slightly when he saw the changeling’s gape, winking hungrily. Begging to be filled.

He was dragged from his thoughts when Hajaa pulled his pants on and gestured for the unicorn to follow him out of the room.

Shining glanced one last time at the ling, who was desperately trying to pull himself up to follow after his Irra, but with his arms bound behind his back, he could only squirm uselessly. Finally, he shook his head and followed Hajaa.

The zebra closed the door behind them, crossing his arms over his chest, and finally let out a long drawn-out sigh.

“I’m sorry. I just didn’t want my Thorax to hear this…” Hajaa said nervously. This was the first time Shining had ever seen the striped giant without the same confident and stern look. It was honestly rather disconcerting.

Silence reigned for a couple of seconds before he continued to speak.

“What did To’Achuu tell you about our homeland?” He said finally, staring down at Shining.

Shining was quick to respond. “Not much. Only that it was a temperate paradise for the most part. Oh, and that the Stallions and Mares are heavily segregated.”

Hajaa nodded. “Yes, dare I say that there are many stallions who have never even laid eyes on a mare before.” He said. Then he shook his head. “But it is not a paradise.”

Shining paused for a second. “It isn’t? But To’Achuu said…”

"The locale is close, I will admit - in fact, it's quite similar to Equestria in a number of ways, but the zebras are what taint it," Hajaa solemnly noted. "Some tribes, those large and strong enough, tend to settle down to form villages, yet most of my people are nomadic. The benefit of our homeland is that, due to the low population, there's no conflict over land - that said, they war over something else..."

Shining held his breath, waiting for the adonis to continue, and only spoke after a tense moment passed. "What do you mean?"

"People," Hajaa murmured, "they make war over people. If a stallion tribe ever tried to war against or conquer a female tribe, or vice versa, it is said the gods themselves would strike them down for their heresy. Not to mention the fact that every other tribe in existence, male and female, would likely gang up at once to punish them for their blasphemy.” Hajaa stated, turning his head to look away from him. “No, instead the tribes war to absorb the other’s members… by force.”

“Y-you mean slavery?” Shining asked, jaw dropping.

Hajaa was silent. “Many tribes simply absorb the conquered members as full members of the tribe. As family members. Others treat them like indentured servants, who can earn their freedom with work. But yes, some tribes treat the conquered members as chattel slavery. The stronger members become physical labor and the weaker ones…”

Hajaa paused, bringing a hand to his face.

“I was from one such tribe. Though in truth it was more like a kingdom. Qwarhe.” Hajaa said, running the hand down his head. It was obvious to Shining that these memories were still fresh in the zebra’s mind.

“We were the strongest stallion tribe in the west of Zebrica, spread across numerous villages, towns, and even cities, close to a million members in fact. I was young… and stupid. Like all other zebras we measured our status off of our size, and I was one of the largest. In the top one hundred, dare I say.” Hajaa spoke, staring blankly down the hall as he did, ignoring the unicorn in front of him. “As such, I thought I was invincible, a legend among my people who could do no wrong. So when I heard our Inkosi, or king in your language, was putting together a warband to battle a weak tribe near our borders, I signed on immediately, taking up a spear to follow.”

“I wanted glory and status. Power and fame. I thought battle would allow me to take my place at the top. I wasn’t told just who we were going to war with though.” Shining watched as a wave of primal anger started to boil in Hajaa’s eyes. “When battle was joined, I managed to lay my eyes upon our enemies. I was made to believe we were attacking a band of savage raiders who had been pillaging our villages. Instead, I was met with a band of hungry and thin scavengers, who barely looked like they knew which side to hold their spears.”

“The battle was short… and brutal. It was several thousand trained warriors, going against maybe a hundred novices. And then we moved on to the village they were trying to protect.” Hajaa suddenly looked down at his hooves. Shining noticed as he started to shake.

“The Inkosi had us round up every last villager in the center of town and line them up. They were hungry, scared, and terrified. Not a single one looked like a threat, not a single one raised their hands to resist us. They merely stared in terror as we ransacked their homes and dragged them to their fate. The Inkosi then separated them into two groups. The main villagers… and…” Hajaa trailed off as he struggled to inhale. “And every single Jala of the tribe, under the age of 30. He made it clear to the tribe that they were conquered now, and that they must either pay tribute to Qwarhe or die. Do you know what he demanded as a tribute?”

Shining was pale. He knew exactly what was asked. He merely stayed silent.

“The Jala’s were taken to the center of the village. Their hands were tied to the tops of posts, and they were completely stripped of all clothing. Then, the rest of the village was forced to watch as, in groups, the warriors took their turns taming the Jalas.” Hajaa struggled to get that word out. Hajaa’s breathing visibly became labored as he spoke, rage billowing up inside of him. “Zebra tribes are close, close enough as to see each other as one large family. So imagine how they felt seeing their friends and loved ones broken into subservience. Broken into obedient pets for their new conquerors.”

Hajaa suddenly let out a growl. “In truth, it was no different than what Cadance wanted to do to you,” he said, slowly trying to calm himself.

Hajaa shook his head. “I hated it. I hated every second I was forced to watch alongside the people who were supposed to be my enemies. Then my eyes locked on another zebra, a year younger than myself. As he was under 18, he was not yet an adult, and as such he wasn’t taken to be broken like the rest… but I knew he would be when my tribe returned the next year for more tribute… and so I simply blanked out. All I remember next was running away from the village, bringing him with me. We ran together for miles, then I carried him on my back for several more.”

“That night, as he sat around a fireplace together in the wilderness, I asked him who he was. He told me his name was Achuu, and that he was, in fact, next in line to become the chieftain of his tribe. He knew he could not go back… and neither could I. We were now exiles, tribeless. For we had abandoned our place the second we turned to run. Now, all we had were each other. The last thing we did that horrible night -” Hajaa turned and lowered his pants slightly, exposing his cutie mark-less thigh. “ - was remove each other's marks.”

Shining stayed quiet as Hajaa let out yet another sigh, staring up into the sky. “It was just us together in the end. We lived together in the woods as exiles for years, scavenging for food and water. Eventually, we met other exiles. Other zebras scattered to the wind by war, poverty, or worse. Escaped Jala slaves, Irras fleeing with their partners, sick elders, and wounded warriors abandoned by their tribes. As time went on, Achuu became a chief in his own right, a leader of a tribe of exiles. He took on a new title, To’Achuu. Though we often went hungry and thirsty, we had made a new tribe. A new family for those cast out.”

“As time went on, Qwarhe, alongside other tribes, started to see us as a threat. They sent bands of warriors into the wilds to hunt us down. Qwarhe wanted their escaped slaves back, and to kill the rest of us. We were forced to flee. Though we tried as best as we could to make sure no one was left behind, we lost… many. I can’t imagine what happened to those they caught.” Shining almost did a double-take when he saw Hajaa’s eyes start to water slightly. “Finally they caught us, cornering us on the border between Zebrica and the disparate Gryphon Kingdoms. The Gryphons sent armored knights to stop us from fleeing into their land, and the Zebra warriors were closing in on us.”

“It was our darkest hour, and just before they closed in on us, the gods themselves stepped in to save us,” Hajaa spoke simply, his head turning in the direction of the Crystal Empire’s dungeon. “Your wife sent us a letter, containing her official seal, alongside some rather unsavory photos. She wanted us to come to the Crystal Empire. All of us.”

“With her seal in hand, the Gryphons begrudgingly let us past and blocked the warriors instead. It was a long journey north, but eventually, we made it. With a little help from your trains and magic so we didn’t freeze to death up here, because might I say this place is freezing.” Hajaa shook his head wiping his eyes with his thumb and index finger. “You know what happened next.”

Shining sighed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know,” he finally responded, scratching his neck. “You guys have had a hard time, huh?”

“Worry not. It honestly feels good to share this,” Hajaa said, recrossing his arms. “But I have to make this clear. There is nowhere left for us. If you can’t negotiate something to let us stay in Equestria…”

“Yeah, I know… a lot of pressure on me for that huh?” Shining asked, rubbing the back of his head.

“Sorry. If I could help I would,” Hajaa replied, shaking his head. “I doubt your princesses would listen to the word of one of the zebra’s most responsible for all of this.”

Shining shook his head. “What would happen if you were sent back to your homeland?”

Hajaa sighed. “To’Achuu and I would likely be killed immediately. Alongside many others in the tribe. Weaker members of the tribe, and escaped Jalas, like Dansaar and Qaruu, would be… tamed, just like the Jalas of To’Achuu’s previous tribe,” he explained, visibly starting to grind his teeth. “Not to mention the fact that many of your own subjects and friends would likely want to follow us. Qwarhe makes no distinction based on race for their slaves. Your people would likely have the same fate.”

Shining sighed. “I don’t know if Celestia would allow any of them to go with you,” he replied, shaking his head.

“Many would find a way… My Jala for instance.” Hajaa explained looking back into his room.

“Would you let him go with you?”

“No,” Hajaa replied instantly, seemingly not even thinking about it.

“Just the mere thought of seeing my Thorax tied to one of the taming poles, abused until he is broken and then taken as some raider’s trophy...” He growled, bawling his hands into fists. Shining watched as the zebra grit his teeth, a primal rage filling his amber eyes. It almost made the unicorn shudder.

Shining reached an arm up to grasp Hajaa by the shoulder. The unicorn merely gave him a silent nod. “Don’t worry. I won’t let that happen.”

Hajaa nodded down at the unicorn, gaze steeling. “I’ll hold you to that.”

There was a quiet pause before Hajaa straightened up and turned back to his room. “Now then, if that is all finished up, I have a Jala to get back to.”

Shining couldn’t help but blush again. He almost forgot that Thorax was waiting on them. “Ah yes, right. Please don’t let me keep you.”

Hajaa nodded and turned back and re-entered his room, closing the door behind him. Shining waited around for a second, fighting the urge to re-enter the room and watch before he shook his head and turned to walk away. He had more important business to attend to.

Shining groaned as he perched his head up on a table. He was in his office, trying desperately to rack his brain on what to do next. The only one who could possibly convince the people of the Crystal Empire to accept that Cadance had gone crazy and needed to be deposed was one of the other princesses, and there was no way any of them would accept that either.

Celestia was too attached to her niece to accept, for even the slightest second, that she might have gone crazy. She would assume that Shining had betrayed her and gone over to the dark side. Luna on the other hand had a habit of being paranoid and going gung ho into certain situations. She by contrast would probably assume the zebras, as alchemists, had sneaked some kind of mind control potion into the Crystal Empire’s water supply and then come in guns blazing.

He was caught in an unwinnable scenario.

There was one princess left. His sister. She would likely trust him, but at the same time, he had already been mind-controlled by someone trying to take him away from Cadance once before. Would she assume the same thing again? Then again, he had Spike, Sunburst, and Thorax to back up his story, alongside every other pony that had been in the throne room when Cadance had made her rant about zebra supremacy. It wasn’t just going to be his word against hers.

But at the same time, Twilight might assume that they had brainwashed Cadance to make her go on that rant. Shining paused for a second. For the briefest moment, he considered that possibility, but he instantly discarded it. Though he only knew To’Achuu and the other zebras for a couple of weeks now, at most, there was no way he could think for even a second that they were capable of something like that.

Shining Armor cleared his throat and lowered his gaze back to the blank sheet of paper in front of him. He paused for a second before he dipped his quill into its inkwell. He took a deep breath before he started writing. There was only one singular thing he could do to ensure the safety of his zebra friends… and zebra lover.

“Dear Sis,” he spoke aloud as he wrote. “Things in the empire have hit a snag. We have had a bit of a refugee issue involving a tribe of zebras, and I need you to come to Equestria at your earliest possible convenience. There is no rush, but something happened with Cadence. Flurry and I are alright, but I need a princess like yourself to sort things out. Take Care; your BBBFF.”

He paused for a second before he wrote one last addendum at the bottom of the page. He knew Twilight had a tendency to panic over stuff like that.

“P.S. Please don’t freak out when you get here. The issue is urgent, but it isn't the end of Equestria level.”

Shining silently gazed down at the letter, frowning. He couldn’t give out all the details yet, otherwise Twilight would go right to the other princesses, which would have defeated the purpose of the letter in the first place. No, he had to lay everything out to her when she got there in person. Shining took a second to check for any grammatical errors or missing punctuation or anything of that caliber, before he rolled the letter up into a scroll, hammered a wax seal onto it, and then stood up. He turned and started to make his way out of his office, a mix of fear and hope tugging at his chest. He gulped, then he opened his door.

Standing on the other side, with an arm raised to knock, was Flash Sentry, wearing a full suit of guard armor. The pegasus was quiet for a second before he cleared his throat.

“Sir, can I have a word?” he said matter of factly, back straight. Shining Armor was quiet for a second before he nodded.

“Uh, yes, come in soldier,” Shining replied, stepping aside and letting the pegasus in, who took a seat across him where he had previously been sitting. Shining cleared his throat then resumed his place.

“I have a couple of concerns, sir,” the pegasus spoke simply. “Well… not so much concerns... but things have been bothering me.”

Shining clasped his hands, a grimace coming to his face. “Speak freely, soldier, and drop the formality.”

Flash Sentry was silent for a second before he nodded. “I think there is something up with those zebras sir.”

Shining raised an eyebrow. “And what would that be?”

“I don’t know sir, I just think there is something going on,” Flash said, rubbing the back of his head. “Have you seen how many stallions have turned gay recently? I think there is something in the water of the palace…”

Shining’s eyes widened for a second, and then he sniggered. “Flash…” He sighed, rubbing his brow. “For one, not everypony is turning gay. Bisexuality is a thing. Not to mention, have you seen how many of these new relationships are just platonic?”

“It didn’t look that way, sir…” Flash said, nervously tapping his hoof. “I mean, did you see the way Cadance talked about them last week! There is no way she would turn her back on you, they totally did some brainwashing stuff to her!”

Shining’s good mood instantly evaporated and he sighed, looking down. He went quiet for a while, before he looked up towards the ceiling, quietly.

“Cadance and I have been having problems ever since Flurry Heart was born.” He said simply, shaking his head. “Trust me, that wasn’t some sudden change, I just deluded myself into thinking everything was fine until now. That this was normal. The zebras arriving only accelerated what was probably already going to happen. I don’t know what made her go crazy, but To’Achuu and the zebras taking over was a symptom, not a cause.”

He was speaking to himself, just as much as he was to Flash right now.

“To’Achuu had ample opportunities to violate our trust and take over, and he hasn’t so far. Not much has changed, correct?” Shining continued, lowering his gaze to make eye contact with the stallion.

Flash slowly nodded, grimacing.

“If they have some kind of sinister motive, I doubt they would have waited until now to spring it.” Shining stood up, crossing his arms over his chest. “Do you trust me, Flash?”

The pegasus instantly nodded, standing up too.

“Then I want you to trust To’Achuu, ok?” Shining said as he turned to leave, heading towards the room’s door. “In fact, I am giving you a special mission. I want you to find a zebra, any zebra, and try making friends with them. That is the Equestrian way, after all, and I think that will help alleviate your concerns better than anything else, ok?”

Flash gulped, nodding as Shining opened the door. “Yes sir!” he saluted, before he quickly rushed out of the room, his previous look of nervousness and fear gone. He looked determined now.

Shining smiled, nodding slightly. He was ready now.

Shining strode through the halls of the Crystal Palace with a newly regained confidence. He had the letter, and now he was going to the one person he trusted to send it. Spike.

He couldn’t help but smile goofily as he approached the dragon’s room. This was honestly the first time he felt like he was doing something important in months. He was barely paying attention to his surroundings as he did, ignoring the sights and sounds he paid attention to last time he was walking the halls. Namely, the sounds of sex behind closed doors.

Eventually, he arrived at Spike's door, which was emboldened with the words 'Spike the Brave and Glorious’s room'. Shining rolled his eyes with a smile. “I wonder where that dragon gets his ego…” he said to himself before.

Shining took a second to breathe before he opened the door and stepped inside. “Spike, I need you to send a letter,” he said. Then his eyes locked on Spike. More specifically, the position Spike was in with his zebra ‘friend’, Dansaar.

Dansaar was lying on top of Spike’s front, staring up at Shining with a red face, the top half of the dragon's knotted rod still rooted firmly inside the zebra’s mouth. He had stopped all mouth movements, just staring up at Shining with a look of near terror while shaking his hips and trying to pull himself up. Spike, in the meanwhile, kept Dansaar pinned on top of him with his hands, pushing the zebra down as he worked his mouth up and down on the zebra’s own dick, hungrily and greedily suckling and licking.

The zebra squeezed his legs against either side of the dragon’s head as he desperately tried to pull his head off, letting out muffled sounds that were undoubtedly telling Spike to stop for a second. Spike either didn’t hear him or didn’t care.

Eventually, Dansaar’s lack of movements and ministrations prompted Spike to pull his head back and sit up slightly, still keeping the zebra’s stomach and groin pressed firmly against his neck and chest, but giving him the chance to pull his head off and free his mouth.

“Dansaar? What’s wrong, why’d you go still all of a sudden-” Spike started, but the words caught in his mouth with a gasp when he saw Shining staring at them.

Then he let out a squeal of embarrassment, which was mirrored by Dansaar as the two quickly tried to separate. Shining in the meanwhile averted his eyes and sighed. He was equally parts embarrassed and annoyed. Twice in one day…

“Oh come on, you guys too!” Shining cried as he suddenly averted his eyes, letting the two quickly part and cover themselves, before he turned his gaze back to them. Spike was using a pillow to cover his shame, while Dansaar merely used his hands. He stared for a second, a glare on his face.

“Sorry, S-Shining we didn’t expect you to come by,” Spike said, his face red. He leaned over towards Dansaar whispering into his Irra’s ear;

“I thought you locked the door?”

“I told you I don’t know how,” Dansaar whined back, full volume, which only made Shining’s glare deepen.

The unicorn sighed, his frown disappeared as he rubbed his forehead. “Sorry, I probably shouldn’t be so shocked, I did enter your room without knocking,” he said, with a sigh. “Besides, it’s nothing I haven’t seen before.”
“What’s that supposed to mean,” Spike said, a slight frown coming to his face. Shining instantly turned back to them with a deadpan.

“I have only ever once seen you wear clothes in my life,” Shining said, crossing his arms over his chin, prompting Spike’s face to turn even redder. Then Shining turned his gaze over to Dansaar. “And not to be rude or anything, but a loincloth is the last thing you want to wear if you are embarrassed by people staring at you.”

The two of them merely looked down meekly while Shining rolled his eyes. “Sorry if I am being rude, just a little ticked off that this happened again.” He said crossing his arms and covering half his face with a hand.

“It’s fine…” They both answered in unison.

Shining sighed for a second, and turned his gaze over to Spike, looking up and down for a second. He couldn’t help but raise a brow at what he saw. His eyes weren’t lying when he saw him in the hallway. Spike certainly had grown in the past week. Before, the dragon usually only stood at around the level of Shining Armor’s belly button. Now if the dragon were to stand up, he’d be equal in height to the unicorn, maybe even taller. Add onto that the fact that Spike had very visibly shorn away much of his previous baby fat. Now he looked extremely thin and lean. Not bulky or burly, but obviously muscular. If Shining couldn’t tell any better, it almost looked like the dragon had started gaining a six-pack…

Shining blinked twice before he shook his head. “Uh, Spike… I couldn’t help but notice you are gaining… uh… you know… height.” He said, waving a hand to try to accentuate a point.

“Oh uh… that,” Spike said, looking down at himself. “I dunno, that just sorta started after I started hanging out with Dansaar.”

“And by hanging out you mean…” Shining responded, cocking his head to the side and crossing his arms over his chest. Spike and Dansaar’s faces both turned red.

“Yeah…” Spike responded with a gulp.

Shining shook his head with a sigh. “I just need you to send a letter at your earliest convenience, ok? Then you can get back to what you were doing.”

“Sorry, Shining,” Spike responded, reaching out a hand to take the letter. Shining handed it off and turned to leave.

Shining turned to leave but before he reached the door, he heard Spike clear his throat. He turned back to look at them as Spike stared at him.

“Uh, could you do me a favor? Or… two actually. One sparkle to another?” Spike asked, nervously rubbing the back of his head.

Shining sighed and rolled his eyes. “Sure, how can I help you Spike the brave and glorious?”

“Well, could you uh… not mention what you saw to anyone else?” Spike said, his face turning even redder.

Shining frowned. “I wouldn’t worry about anyone else figuring out that you and Dansaar are doing it. At least you two had the decency to stop when I came in.” He said with a slight chuckle.

“No uh… not that,” Spike responded, growing even redder. Dansaar by contrast looked mortified. “Uh, I mean about my size.”

Shining did a double-take for a second. “I mean, I could try, but I think people are going to notice how tall you got.”

“N-not that either I mean…” Spike hesitated for a second before finally, Dansaar finished for him.

“C-could you not tell anyone about the size of m-my… thingie… when compared to his…” The zebra said with a gulp. Shining was confused for a second before he frowned slightly.

“What?” Shining said, his frown returning full force. “First of all, I am not a himbo, so why would I even care about comparing those things.”

He crossed his arms and leaned forwards. “And secondly, why not? I mean, who cares if people know one of you is bigger than the other?”

“We care…” Dansaar responded quietly. “I-I don’t want to be a Jala anymore…”

Shining opened his mouth to speak, then he paused, thinking back to what Hajaa had said. He sighed and nodded slightly. “Ok Dansaar… don’t worry. I won’t say a word or anything. As far as I am concerned, you’re the biggest stallion I ever saw.” Then he opened the room’s door and started to step out into the hall.

“And uh… could you lock the door before you leave,” Spike said quickly afterward. Shining turned back, catching a glimpse of a bulge rapidly forming in the pillow the drake was using to cover himself. “That was my second favor…” he sheepishly finished.

“Yeah sure.” the unicorn said, locking the door with his magic as he closed the door, no doubt relieving a large amount of tension off the two’s shoulders as he did. He paused for a second, waiting outside and pressing his head against the door, listening in.

He heard the sound of Spike breathing fire and the sound of paper burning, which signified that Spike had done his duty, relieving Shining’s own stressful situation. Now he was completely free to talk to To’Achuu, no obligations attached. Just before he walked away, however, he heard something that gave him pause.

“There we go, now that that’s done, we can get back to business.” He heard the muffled, squeaky, voice of Dansaar say in a new primal tone. “Now lay back down, I’m not finished with you yet Jala.”

“Y-yes, sir!” Spike replied, then he heard the bed in the room squeak, no doubt from Spike doing as he was told.

Shining’s eyes were wide for a second, then he rapidly backed off, and walked away.

To’Achuu let out a sigh as he read over several documents. He was honestly having trouble wrapping his head around many of the things he was reading. Property taxes, business permits, a letter from a rich realtor promising him a hundred thousand bits if he was allowed to bulldoze a ‘protected forest’ to make some suburbs, arrest warrants, bills of ownership and other normal, totally legal, ruler things.

He grabbed the sides of his temple and shook his head. Going from a chieftain of a group of a thousand tribal exiles to the leader of one of the largest cities on the planet, which happened to be the capital of one of the richest, most developed, countries on the planet, which was in and of itself only a protectorate of the actual richest and most developed country on the planet was… difficult to say the least.

To say that he was having problems with all of this was an understatement. He was admittedly way out of his depth. Even more so when he considered that he hadn’t even touched the documents that regarded outside diplomacy. As it stood he had no idea how to grasp how the people within the Empire would react to the zebras taking over, never mind how the dragons or gryphons or yaks would react to this new change in leadership. Even if, for some reason, the alicorns and the ponies of the Empire accepted zebra rule, would the other rulers of the world not assume this was some kind of trick?

He balled his hands into fists and instantly turned his gaze back down to his work. He had to focus. No time for worrying about hypotheticals when he had to focus on the here and now. Before he could get back to reading, he heard a knock at the door. He quickly turned towards the door and his eyes widened. The only person who would bother knocking to disturb him while he was working would be Shining. Basically everyone else would just barge in.

He smiled slightly, sitting up. Shining was exactly the stallion he needed to see right now. To’Achuu sat up, adjusted his clothing, and nodded.

“Come in,” he spoke plainly.

The unicorn was quick to open the door and step inside their mutual bedroom, which had had a corner of the room converted into a mini-office for the time being. Shining cleared his throat and closed the door behind them, making sure to lock it.

“We need to talk, To.” Shining said as he crossed his arms over his chest. The stallion towered over him for a second before sighing and shaking his head, quickly moving over to the bed and sitting down.

To’Achuu was silent for a second before he swiveled around in his office chair, looking the unicorn dead in the eye. “What about, Shining?”

Shining sighed. “Well… I sent a letter to one of the princesses. My sister Twilight. She is going to be on her way to the Empire soon.”

To’Achuu’s throat went dry. For the briefest of seconds, Shining saw the zebra’s face go white before he regained his composure. The zebra pulled himself up and clenched the handlebars of his seat.

“I knew it would come to this, no point in putting it off any longer,” the zebra said in a calm tone. “What, may I ask, did you tell her?”

“Nothing yet. Only that there was a problem in the Empire, and that she should come here at her earliest convenience.” Shining explained, rubbing the back of his hand. “The way I see it, we now have a time limit to figure out what we can say when she gets here. I give us two… maybe three days.”

To’Achuu nodded. “Excellent, do you have any ideas?”

“I have one…” Shining said. There was a pause before the unicorn inhaled. “Hajaa told me everything.”

Shining watched To’Achuu’s breath hitch in his throat. The zebra’s eyes were widened for a second with fear before he visibly hunched over. Shining saw, in a single second, all of the confidence and bravado he had seen in the zebra since he arrived evaporate in an instant.

“He did… didn’t he?” To’Achuu was quiet, then he shook his head.

“Why didn’t you tell me yourself?” Shining said, sitting up. The unicorn pursed his lips as To’Achuu sighed, slightly.

“Well… to be frank, I made it no secret that we were exiles to you, from the very beginning,” To’Achuu said, shaking his head. “But… the reason for my exile has been something I have never been proud of. For years the only ones who knew were me and Hajaa. I didn’t want you to know either?”

Shining leaned forwards. “Why? I trusted you, so why didn’t you trust me?”

“I… I thought you would think less of me.” To’Achuu shook his head. “I thought you would think of me as a dishonorable knave, who would abandon you to the wolves, just as your wife tried to abandon you.”

“Why would you ever think that?” Shining said, a frown instantly came to his face.

“Because I betrayed my old tribe. I was next in line to become their chieftain. I was supposed to lead them, and instead, when I saw our conquerors taking what they wanted, I ran.” To’Achuu explained rubbing his brow. Shining could tell he was becoming visibly exhausted. “I suppose I have redeemed myself at least in the eyes of my people, by leading them here. But for the longest time, every time I closed my eyes, I saw the zebras of my old tribe, crying out in pain as they were used by their conquerors, desperately trying to escape their bindings. I failed them, and I was afraid that you would think I would fail you too. That I used you as a stepping stone to escape from those memories.”

Shining frowned. “Well, I don’t.” The unicorn sat up, crossing his arms over his chest. “From what Hajaa has told me, you care about your new tribe just as much. And I am going to make sure you don’t fail them either. I’m here with you, every step of the way until I can make sure neither you nor your tribe, go back to Zebrica. Understand?”

The zebra stared up at him for a second before a smile came to his face. “I understand Shining.” There was a pause before the zebra chuckled slightly. “You do have quite the way with words, my prince.”

Shining was quiet for a second. “Am I still even a prince? Pretty sure that title went out the window when Cadance tried to have me deposed.” He chuckled, shaking his head.

“Well, I suppose I am a king now.” To’Achuu sat up walking towards him. “So I can give you that title back.”

Shining smiled as he stood up to meet the zebra. “I like that.” He said as he wrapped arms around him. “King To’Achuu and Prince Shining Armor… I don’t know, I think it might have a nice ring.”

To’Achuu, though he was an inch or two shorter than the unicorn, quickly attempted to take control, darting his head forwards and locking lips with the other stallion. Shining’s eyes widened as the force of To’Achuu practically tackling him knocked him over. He landed on his back, pressing into the cover, though that didn’t stop To’Achuu from pressing his chest against him, pinning him down. The zebra didn’t stop his kiss as he ran his hooves down his sides, moaning into Shining’s mouth as he did.

The two paused their frantic make-out to pull themselves up onto the bed. Shining paused to remove his shirt, ripping it above his head as To’Achuu did the same with his vest. Then the two instantly resumed their passionate kiss, pressing their bare chests together even harder. After what felt like hours the two parted, panting as they did. There was a pause before To’Achuu smirked.

“You know, we still never figured out who among us is the Jala, and who is the Irra.” the zebra said, with a smirk.

“Oh yeah?” Shining chuckled. “To be honest, I don’t care which of us is which.”

To’Achuu laughed. “Good. Neither do I.”

And then To’Achuu reached down and removed his pants. Instantly Shining gasped. The zebra was already erect, meaning he didn’t even have time to adjust to the sight. It was easily the longest rod he had ever seen, and he had seen many in locker rooms during his time at the academy. It was about as thick as a soda can, and as long as four stacked on top of each other, with two baseball-sized rocks swinging freely underneath them. He hesitated to even call it a dick, it was more like a treasured artifact. A royal’s scepter. A symbol of pure power.

Shining’s jaw dropped. No wonder To’Achuu was a chieftain, to be honest, Shining felt as though he was unworthy to even be looking at it.

To’Achuu could only smirk at the stallion’s reaction. “Well, even if you didn’t care before, I suppose you don’t mind being the Jala, yes?”

Shining could only nod slightly.

To’Achuu rolled his eyes. “To be frank, I think such binary titles are beneath us respectable stallions. Why only be a Jala or an Irra, when we could do both, yes?”

Shining shook his head to clear his mind. “Y-yeah. I agree.”

To’Achuu laughed slightly. “Good. Because between you and me, I don’t think you are prepared to take this.” The zebra said, giving his rod a slight smack. Shining’s eyes followed the rod as it hypnotically swung back and forth. “Not enough stretching. As such…”

The zebra - rather awkwardly - repositioned himself on the bed. Facedown, ass up, with a head propped up on a pillow.

“I am going to have to ask you to be gentle, mind you. I, unfortunately, haven’t been fucked in a long, long while. I am usually the one doing the thrusting.” To’Achuu spoke simply with a smile.

Shining felt the cold grasp of disappointment grab at his heart, but the unicorn sucked it up. Next time.

He would probably have to buy some… toys… in order to train himself to be able to take something so girthy, but he would save those purchases - and the embarrassment that came with them - for future Shining Armor to worry about.

Shining Armor frantically ripped his pants off and quickly, like a fish out of water, dragged himself up the bed to reach To’Achuu. Shining wasted no time in opening a drawer on the nearby nightstand, where he and Cadance used to keep the lube, back in the old days when they were feeling adventurous… not that he could remember the last time that happened.

Shining Armor opened the lube, quickly spreading it over his first three fingers, and applying a rather liberal amount onto To’Achuu’s winking pucker.

“Careful not to add too much Shining,” To’Achuu chuckled. “I still want to feel it after all.”

Shining nodded, quickly set aside the bottle. Careful not to get much on the sheets, Shining reached his lubed up fingers towards To’Achuu’s rear. First, he inserted his index finger, earning a rather sultry moan and a shake of the zebra’s hips.

Shining grit his teeth and shuddered as he felt To’Achuu clench around him, eager to feel the same feeling around his rod, but he knew to wait. Foreplay was always the most important part. The stallion felt around for a second, looking for the zebra’s most sensitive part before he found the walnut-sized bump that signified a prostate.

Shining gave the hole an experimental press that made the zebra below him purr. Once again Shining shuddered. He clenched his free hand around the bedding below him as he slowly inserted his second finger. He made sure to wiggle the two around inside for a second before he went back to pressing and kneading the zebra’s pleasure button. Shining had no idea how To’Achuu managed to keep his composure as he did his work. The zebra was still as a board, save for the occasional slight shake whenever Shining’s ministrations became too intense.

The zebra merely stared up at him with a smirk when Shining inserted his last finger. “Not much of a fan of fisting, so I’d ask you stop with those two.” The zeeb said with a laugh.

Shining nodded. Then the unicorn grit his teeth. It took all of his patience to continue his fingering, the subconscious urge to rip his fingers out and start breeding was growing in intensity every microsecond the two were together like this.

Shining couldn’t take it any longer. He spread all three of his fingers out, making To’Achuu arch his back slightly before he went to work. Pulling his fingers out, the unicorn quickly flopped forwards. He rubbed his lubed-up hand on his rod, applying what remained of it to his dick before he grabbed To’Achuu by the hips.

His fingers sunk into the zebra’s fur and tender flesh before he pulled his own back and thrust forwards. To’Achuu let out a groan as the unicorn’s rock-hard rod sunk in between his cheeks and into his awaiting boy box. The thrust was powerful, knocking the zebra off his knees and pushing the two stallions into a flatiron position.

“Oof,” the zebra moaned. “I’ll remind you that I am a little out of practice. Would you be gentle for a little while I get back into the swing of things?

“Right, sorry.” Shining sheepishly replied. He had actually forgotten he was far bulkier than the zebra.

Shining inhaled slowly, continuing his thrust slowly but surely, feeding himself into the zebra’s hole inch by inch until he was buried inside of him like the sword of Excalibur. Shining was still for a second, then he took a moment to shake his hips from side to side. To’Achuu was silent for a second, a pillow lodged firmly between his teeth.

The zebra let go of his comfort pillow and sighed, looking back to Shining. “Ok, more like way out of practice,” he chuckled. Shining’s eyes widened slightly as he felt To’Achuu clench around him. “But if you go slowly I should be able to take a few thrusts.”

Shining nodded down at him, before he slowly but surely pulled his hips back, unintentionally grinding the bottom of his dick over To’Achuu’s aching prostate. Once again Shining heard him purr which made the unicorn smirk.

As soon as it was only his tip inside of the zebra, he reversed his movements, slowly thrusting back inside. The unicorn held his breath as he did, just as before, his instincts were calling out to him, begging him to drop the idea of being slow and just let loose, but he knew better than to do something that could hurt To’Achuu.

The slow and sensual thrusts continued as Shining reached his hands down, snaking in between the zebra and the bed below him, before he wrapped the zebra up into a hug, pulling him close to his chest as he did. The unicorn let out a deep exhale as he did. Finally, after what felt like an eternity of mental struggle, To’Achuu finally spoke.

“Ok… I think I can take it now.”

Shining needed no further encouragement. Instantly, the gentle pace he had been doing instantly evaporated as Shining began his thrusts in earnest. Pistoning himself in and out like a jackhammer. To’Achuu whimpered as his p-spot was smashed by waves upon waves of pleasure as if it was a beach during a hurricane.

The zebra held his breath in between moans and gasps, clenching the pillows tightly as he did. The unicorn by contrast was panting like a dog. His thrusts rapidly started to become more and more irregular and stuttery.

The unicorn steeled himself and looked up, sweat pouring from his brow as he tried to hold back his explosion. He shook his head, it was an uphill battle, he couldn’t hold it forever.

“To… I’m gonna…” Shining started, but a call from To’Achuu stopped him.

“Don’t hold it back. Let me have you Shining!” The zebra called up to him with a moan.

And with that, the dam walls collapsed. Like a roar of rushing water, pleasure-filled every inch of Shining, washing away his fears, his reservations, and whatever last minuscule specks of regret he had for siding with the zebras over his wife that remained. His sack flexed and then, with a single word, white spunks shot out of him like a cannonball into To’Achuu’s waiting rear.

“Cumming!” He howled.

To’Achuu didn’t last much longer either. His own orgasm was far less extravagant, only painting the bed and his stomach white with only a groan of pleasure to join him. Together, still embraced, the two panted and moaned as they rode their aftermaths to their conclusions. Shining stayed hilted inside of To’Achuu as he smiled down at him.

“T… that was amazing…” he said between pants. “I haven’t had sex like that since before Flurry was born.”

“Get used to it,” To’Achuu said with a smirk. “Because I plan on having something like this as often as possible.”

Shining’s eyes widened for a second. After a pause, his own face mirrored the zebra’s smile.

“Thank you, To. For everything.” He said, pulling the zebra even closer to his chest.

Then it happened. Instantly both of the stallions gasped in horror and their eyes widened in fear as a purple and white flash filled the center of the room. A purple alicorn appeared next to the bed, frantically waving a piece of paper as she did.

“Shining!” Twilight cried as she scanned the room. “I got your letter and-”

Then her eyes fell on Shining Armor, still lying on top of, and hilted within, To… She stared at them wide-eyed and jaw dropped. The same face of shock mirrored on their faces as well.

“I swear to Celestia I can explain.”