A Gentle Temptationby KingdaKaChaptersOne: A WeaknessTwo: An AttractionThree: An AwakeningOne: A WeaknessShe felt the hard, unforgiving terrain press deeply against her scarred skin. The sun-soaked sand, the sharp rocks that protruded through the fine grains to jab at her flesh like a thousand miniature knives. Her fall here had been swift, long-lasting, and brutal. The longer she lay here in the midst of such a defeat, in such a place, her will continued to fade away like the morning mist until all she could feel within her weary bones was the desperate desire to simply remain until at last the heat and sunlight claimed her life. Chrysalis had been struck down. Humiliated. Defeated by the very thing she craved, hungered after more than anything else on earth. When that magnificently terrible blast had cascaded across her flesh and set it afire, it had been the most painful yet most delectable thing she could have felt. She hungered for such ferocity, such delectable nourishment. If she had only been able to hold it back, press it deep down and take it for her own… The horde would have been able to gorge themselves endlessly for over a thousand years. And there it had been, fighting her back and heaving her into this arid hell that she wished would finally kill her. She had failed them all. A sound. Silt flowing down from somewhere beside her, echoed across the wind and over in hundreds of places. Groans of misery, death taking hold of lives that were not her own. The voices of her horde as they suffered in an agony that she could perhaps survive. But without her, they would falter here. Fail and wither away for good. It would be torturous, terrible to endure. But Chrysalis would have to resist the call of the reaper, and find the rage within to rise from her place in the dunes. They had tried to destroy her. She had been beaten back. And now her horde lay dying because of such cruelty. They had only needed to survive, to live- what right had Celestia and the others to deny them the very promise of life? It was not fair, not right! They had been sent here to rot, to die- to be victims of murder! Chrysalis rose from the sunken sands with a fiery roar that spoke to all the fury and pain that dwelled within her form, the great horde fallen in the sands around her, too weak and too weary to try and stand on their feet. Some had huddled together, perhaps to feel some small comfort before their moment came. She would reverse this tide. In her, they would find the strength to live again. “All of you, on your feet!” the great Queen cried, her voice like a crack of thunder as thirst and anger battled for dominance. “Will you accept their death sentence, the boot that lays on your throat? I will not have it of you, not a one! Get up! Get up! Rise and we will make them know our wrath for the rest of their days!” Some heard the words and found their will again, trying to emulate their ruler’s resolve. Others rose slowly, burdened by bruises and drawn blood that left them trembling and weak. Some, so broken and devoid of strength, simply laid where they were. “My Lieutenants! Your Queen has need of you!” Chrysalis boomed, and out of the groaning throng came her inner circle, the mightiest warriors her horde had produced. Even these great fighters now struggled, some of them sporting wounds that could only be described as vicious. “We have work to do. This shall not be our grave, only the place where we rise from the ashes. Can you follow my commands?” “Even to death, O Queen,” they said in unison. After such violence, still their resolve was great. It was time for commands. Chrysalis, ever the quick thinker, knew what was needed. “One of you shall take a team on flight,” she began. “Search for water, and return to me when it has been found. Another of you shall tend to the wounded so they can be moved. As soon as we have water, we shall be on the move. The last of you shall congregate the dead for burial. We shall dig deep where they shall never be found. None shall ever know we fell here, and that lack of knowledge shall make us ghosts of the dark.” “It shall be done, O Queen,” her trio of Lieutenants answered, and off they went. The calls of commands went through the broken horde like a virus, calls for work spurred the instinct of survival back in them again. The dead and dying remained, but their time would come. Defeated souls would become reapers of their own. Chrysalis would make sure of it. She remained on her feet, facing the sunlight. Still as a statue, the single fixed point upon all her horde looked to. Chrysalis knew better than to show weakness now, not when their survival hung on such a thin thread. She would be the indomitable one, the shadowy phoenix that would lead them on. She saw the sun and her thoughts turned to its keeper. I will wait, Celestia. You and I will meet again. The thought would be a mantra, with only the names replaced as she repeated the words over and over endlessly. To Celestia. To Cadance. Twilight and Luna. All of them would know her wrath. The only question was how it would be done. Sunset came when at last her scouts returned with news of water. The order to move was given, and the dead were thrown into the mass grave with what respect could be given in the face of such ignobility. With the wind blowing, what tracks the living made would not last forever. It would as if they had never been here. Moonrise saw them reach the large pool that helped quench their thirst. Hunger would not be sated yet, not in the way they desperately needed. Meat, the things of earth and sea would keep them alive to survive another day- only through love would they find the nourishment to be strong and grow. It would be a long time before such times would come to pass, but Chrysalis vowed to see it done. Even if it meant her death, she would see the horde grow strong. The dark grew deep. Her horde rested and still there she stood, her mind allowing the reflections of the water to be the place where her mind wandered. Time to think, to understand what had gone so disastrously wrong, was critical. She had been so close, one step away from victory. If her cover had not been blown, and Twilight not alerted to her ill will, it would have been so easily done! Why could she not achieve success, even when the odds had been so heavily in her favor? Shining Armor had been in her thrall, until the last moment. So what had she done wrong? Evil. Twilight had call her evil. “Ha!” Chrysalis muttered under her breath. A haughty thing to say when every last Changeling had been sentenced to die. A genocide that would be called just. Not if she had anything to say about it. She would sink her teeth into that little woman’s throat and suck it dry, all her love be damned- “Wait,” Chrysalis whispered, a sudden switch in her brain now firing. Evil. She had looked like Cadance, sounded like her- they could have stood side by side and none would have been able to tell who was who. Yet in her actions, she had failed. The callousness of character had been the giveaway. Twilight, who had known the real Princess of Love, had deduced things were wrong from the very start. Abrasive words, harsh judgement, everything- there might as well have been no disguise at all. Chrysalis had been so desperate to win that she hadn’t realized just how great a fool she had been. Any course that took the means of violence would be defeated. It was inevitable. One more catastrophic failure as the one they had endured and it would be the final judgement of the horde. She needed to try a different approach, one perhaps not so familiar. But now, armed with the knowledge that would assure conquest, Chrysalis found a small smile form upon her cracked lips: honey, not vinegar, would bring in the flies to her parlor. But how would she find her way to them again? It would have to be in due time, when all suspicions about the horde had fallen away. To go back now would be suicidal. She would not be able to take the form of another and simply be a duplicate, a replacement. She would have to be someone new, someone that would be irresistible. Proper dress, proper action, even the simplicity of look and appearance. It would have to be pristine, so succulently tempting that no one could resist. She only needed one, and then the iron chain that kept her people starving would begin to break. It could not be Twilight yet. Nor Cadance. Celestia and her sister were out of the question. Shining Armor? Odds were that she would be permanently dug into his mind like a tick in fat flesh, but even he would be difficult to access. She needed someone of less risk, one that would be far simpler to find- and easier to seduce. “Your Majesty!” One of her Lieutenants called out from the darkened mass of life and approached where she stood beside the crystalline water. “I bear news from the battle.” “And what will you reveal that I do not already know?” she asked. “A weakness, O Queen,” her Lieutenant answered. “One perhaps worthy of exploit.” A cryptic answer. She looked beyond her warrior and saw a group of her drones shuffling behind him, eager to make their report. They sported gruesome scars, every one of them. What story of weakness could they possibly have on their tongues? “What say you, soldiers?” she demanded. “Will your words help defy this death sentence?” “Yes, O Queen.” “Then speak. Breathe life into your brethren.” “We were the ones who faced the young student of Celestia, O Queen,” one of them said. “And yet we were defeated. Your words surely mean more than that,” she replied. This was to be a waste of time, was it? “Her companions fought alongside her, O Queen,” another of them added. “Many of them fiercely. One, however, was unwilling.” Interesting. She had assumed the companions of such a powerful sorceress would be among peers, those of equal courage and merit. Perhaps one had simply quailed under the pressure of surrounding vengeance. “A young woman, O Queen, would not raise a hand against us. She refused to strike, and instead tried to draw away,” was the continued speech. “She was afraid of us, O Queen. There was not an ounce of violence to be found in her.” “Show her to me,” Chrysalis ordered. Just who was this peaceful soul that her drones spoke of? A sudden flash of green fire and where her drone had once stood was now the form of a young woman, the likes of which was attractive even by Chrysalis’ standards. Gentle features of the face; warm, worried eyes that spoke of sweetness; long hair that was soft to the touch, just as her skin was smooth; the figure itself was… pleasant. Not magnificent like the Queen was, but still candy for the eye. This was no warrior, simply a lovely village maiden. And yet, she was a peer to the protégé of the Princess herself. This was not to be ignored. “We must investigate further. She shall be put under surveillance. Every move she makes, every word spoken, even her hours of slumber will be kept under watch,” Chrysalis ordered. “We shall not make plans for anything until we know more of this young woman. Lieutenant, take what Ravens remain- they shall watch her for thirty days, even the minutest detail will be recorded. When the month is passed, they shall report to me alone. Is this understood?” “Perfectly, O Queen,” her Lieutenant answered. “To where shall your Ravens be sent?” Chrysalis remembered the words of Shining Armor, how he had spoken endlessly of the younger sister he cherished- all the information he had been so willing to divulge. “I know just the place,” she said. Their days in the desert were unforgiving. By month’s end, nearly a third of her horde had finally withered into the dust, whether it be by infection or the wrath of the sun that no creature could abide. The dead were either burned or buried immediately, lest a plague spread through the ones that still survived- or worse, they been seen and expelled from their hiding place in a bloodbath. The horde was still weak, and secrecy was their goal more than ever. Chrysalis could do little more than wait; wait for her Ravens to fulfill their task and then let the havoc be wrought. Thirty days passed, and at last the beautiful Queen of the Changelings held the name of her target. “Fluttershy,” she murmured aloud, her face set aglow by the firelight. “Even her name holds promise.” “She is promising, O Queen,” the Head Raven reported, the mouthpiece for the entire squad. “Gentle-hearted, perhaps even to a fault. She is quiet, seemingly willing to see the best in others- even those who are perhaps undeserving.” “What does she do? Who is she among others?” Chrysalis pressed. “She tends the creatures of the region, O Queen,” came the swift reply. “All things harken to her voice. A lover of flowers, also.” “And of others?” “Kind and patient in excess. Overly kind, as it were. Perhaps not a pushover, but pliable. Compliant.” “What of her sexuality?” Chrysalis asked. “Your Majesty?” The Head Raven seemed perplexed by the question. “Does she pine after another? Is she lonely?” “It is difficult to tell, O Queen,” the Head Raven answered. “Such things are rarely spoken of aloud, even by chatty folk. This one hardly speaks at all.” “And that is all you can say for yourself?” “So we infiltrated her cottage instead. Her personal diary spoke volumes.” These are my Ravens, Chrysalis thought. She wouldn’t have expected anything less. “And of what can you tell?” “There is no pining to be noted, nor loneliness to speak of,” was answer, and Chrysalis felt disappointed. “She simply feels without an equal. A creature of the quiet is surrounded by very loud friends. It would take much to make her wish for otherwise.” It was enough. Smaller details were spoken of, mentioned and referenced. Some of it mattered, else did not. Chrysalis had what she needed, with only the need to formulate the plan. This little woman, the gentlest of creatures, would be her way in. Chrysalis looked out on the desert she despised, and knew she could not waste anymore time. Her horde was dying. Act swiftly, and there may yet still be some hope to cling to. The board had been set; it was time for the pieces to move. Author's Note So there's this. One chapter a day. Yes, it's stupid. I know. New chapter tomorrow. Two: An AttractionChrysalis had left the poor woman mewling like a kitten. Nobility! Always so easily lured in by even simple desires, greed and lust simply two sides of the same coin. It never took long. When the husband graced his mistress with more attention, more affections, the duly deprived wife would eventually become susceptible. The longer the time she was left unsatisfied, the more easily taken she would be by a pretty face, a silver tongue that spoke sweet nothings. Chrysalis knew seduction, where to exploit a weakness; this had been all too easy. The Changeling Queen took the bartered clothes and swiftly departed, knowing there was still more to be done. She felt better than she had in ages, the swift bout of lovemaking with the homely duchess enough to rejuvenate her spirits and let her grow strong once more. It was a start, one piece to the puzzle. She would let the role that needed to be played become a part of her, a new shape of identity with which she would strike. Chrysalis would not be a hammer set afire, but a blackened knife in the dark. Her arrival in Ponyville was unnoticed, a change in fortunes none of the oblivious creatures could see. Taking shelter deep in the forest, Chrysalis began slowly memorizing the layout of the small village; every alleyway, every home and its owner took space in her memory. She would not strike until the patterns and pacings of this place were known by instinct. Now, the next phase of her work came into action, even if she considered it a tremendous risk: theft. Loud, noticeable, and her greatest risk of failure- but necessary, if she were to appear as the tantalizing, irresistible figure she would need to be. Chrysalis’ acts of larceny began small, deliberate so as not to be detected; a brush here, some powder there, liner for accentuation. It was not something she did often, but these small improvements were crucial. Not an inch of her could be anything but flawless to the eye. Her first efforts at heightening her beauty were quashed by a foolish oversight: water was not the sort of mirror she needed, too full of movement and shadow and unstable reflection to truly be of any use. She needed a real mirror, one that would allow her to practice the craft properly. Another night of theft would have to be done, and so she did it with trepidation. Chrysalis knew she had come close to awakening the couple who slept above the store. The next effort, if she forgot anything, would not be so fruitful. Her acts of larceny had to come to an end, or else her cover would assuredly be blown. Now, satisfied that she was fully prepared, the sumptuous queen turned her hungering gaze towards the unwitting object of her ravishing affections. The shining eyes of a young woman, hardly more than a girl, did not see her as Chrysalis crept behind in the shadows. She did not know how deeply she was being watched; in due time, she would find she had an admirer- and then perhaps more. Chrysalis knew the game well. Practice had made perfect, and perfection was all that would be put on display. She would not reveal herself at first. She would not even allow her presence to be known yet. It would be as though what transpired had been the actions of a benevolent ghost. The observations of Fluttershy’s habits revealed simply rituals. The girl’s first deeds of the morning were the care of her great flock, particularly her many songbirds. Before they had even awoken to see the sunrise there she would be with seed and morsels in hand for their nourishment. A small shed just to the side of the cottage was where she stored it all, not even a lock upon its flimsy door. Chrysalis smiled as she pulled the door open with nary a groan to reveal her work. She would go to work- and be swift about it, lest the oncoming storm turn her light footfalls into sunken tracks in the mud. A dash of seed. A mealworm waiting to be taken. The knowledge the young woman possessed became the changeling queen’s also, and was put to use for both their benefit. Even with fleetness of foot, Chrysalis completed her first mission with only seconds to spare, the storm releasing a torrent of rain the moment she returned to the cover of the treeline. If her footsteps had been found on her target’s property, all would have been for naught. She did not return to her hideaway in the deep dark of the forest. Taking to the tallest branch she could find, Chrysalis allowed herself to become one with her surroundings, skin turning the color and shape of the nature in which she was surrounded. She would be nearly invisible to the eye, and thus she waited for the sun to rise. The crow of the cockerel came just as the first ray of sunlight beamed over the faraway horizon, and still she waited unmoving. Any minute now… The door to the cottage opened, the lovely figure of Fluttershy still burdened by the slumber from which she had just escaped. Still a smile shone upon her face, and her path made to the feed shed where she would begin her rounds. She passed by some of the birdhouses and did not notice anything amiss, so deeply ingrained was this routine. It was not until she departed the shed with mounds of feed in hand and came to the first house did she realize the task was already done. Fluttershy went to the next, and then the next. At last she put down her handful of items and took to observing them all, finding each family’s meal already prepared. Chrysalis smiled as she watched the girl’s confusion grow. Had she done it herself in the depths of her slumber? Surely it had not been done before she went to bed. Yet here it was, the first act of her day already done and set aside. Fluttershy had an entire dawn to herself now, and no explanation as to why. The confusion would eventually flit away, given time. Chrysalis would strike again. And then in other places, slowly consuming the young girl’s time until she had not even the smallest errand to run. Her larder would remain stocked, her animals be treated like royalty. The patient queen knew this young girl’s habits better than Fluttershy knew them herself. When the time came for a sign of physical action was needed, it would be done. A week passed before Fluttershy came to expect the task done. Though suspicious, her morning routine turned from heading to the shed and instead to observe the nearest birdhouse and see if she had not dreamed the events. Chrysalis, perched just above the bedroom window, watched as the lovely maiden left her front porch and made her way to a house teeming with blue jays- and down she crept, silent as a serpent on stone as she placed a small gift at the door, quickly retreating back to cover and returning to camouflage for further observation. The young girl possessed a smile now. The act of feeding her birds was the intentional benevolence of another, even if she did not know who. Someone cared for her creatures just as much as she did, a trait that would be considered precious in Fluttershy’s eyes. When she returned back to the door, her gaze fell on Chrysalis’ bestowed gift, one that had definitely not been there before she had left. The maiden looked about in her surroundings for any sign of another, and found no presence to be seen. Hesitantly, she took hold of the small bouquet of flowers and regarded them with a strange wonder, beginning to blush as she recognized them- and the meaning behind them: red tulips, a declaration of love, of passion. Chrysalis leaned forward, waiting for Fluttershy to perform the critical action that would make downfall inevitable. One slight alteration to the flowers that had been done to ensure Chrysalis would be in the young woman’s favor- A cheery smile on her lips, Fluttershy allowed herself to breathe in the scent of the flowers, their sweet scent masking the added ingredient to the welcome concoction: pheromones, a small, almost unnoticeable scent that came from Chrysalis’ own form that was used to entice others- suggestive, rather than hypnotic, since Cadance had proved control could be severed. The microscopic pollen would travel through the girl’s olfactory senses, taking root deep in her brain. Whenever Chrysalis’ action came into notice, there the pollen would be yet again- over and over, deepening its root in her mind until it was the singular, definitive scent of the one Fluttershy adored. It would be impossible for her to resist in due time. Even when Chrysalis at last revealed herself in full, the young woman’s mind would override whatever fear and trepidation came at the sight of such a nemesis. She would not even want to resist for long. As Fluttershy strode back into her cottage, Chrysalis peered through the glass and gazed on the young girl, delighted to see a joyous smile on the woman’s face as she beheld the gift of flowers. The first phase had been completed, a brilliant success that had been months in the making. The next would be far faster. The grip would be tightened now. All who called Fluttershy friend knew something had changed in the gentle-hearted woman’s life. Before, where the smile on her lips had been relaxed –almost casual- there was now one of eagerness, anticipation for some unforeseen event or object. Her steps were lighter, livelier with a weightlessness in her slender figure. Her eyes glowed whenever anyone spoke to her, kept brightened by something none were certain of. She remained sweet, quiet and gentle all the same- yet some stark difference had to be accounted for that could not explained by mere contentment in life. Fluttershy didn’t quite know how to explain it to anyone whenever the question was raised. How did one explain feelings that had come upon oneself so suddenly, yet so powerfully? She awoke to each new morning with an excitement, wondering what the dawn would bring with it. She felt a strange lightness in her stomach, almost like nervousness- but better, happier. She enjoyed the sensation rather than considering it a gnawing wound in her belly. Every day she would rise from her bed and remember the intangible something she felt, hoping she might find the source of it. Whoever they were. She could only admit it to herself for now: Fluttershy, gentle maiden of nature, was in love. Horribly, fantastically, deeply in love. This new reality made her feel like floating on clouds, her mind desiring to focus on nothing but the wonderful secret admirer she now possessed. One as gentle and shy as she was! It was a surprise Fluttershy didn’t know she could have. Heaven knows she wasn’t even aware she could have such feelings. She had at first wondered, when she began to wake and find all her feathered friends well-fed and care for, if the whole thing was just a strange benevolence by some unknown specter. But when she had first found those flowers, simply waiting for her to take them… she had begun to wonder if instead there was something much sweeter at play. The amount of free time she had to spend pondering these strangely wonderful new events that had transpired these past several weeks was something she was grateful for. These small acts of kindness were so deliberate, clearly thought over and done with all the care and affection for the creatures of earth that she herself possessed. The most arduous of her tasks were often completed well before she could reach them, and always there would be some small gift awaiting her. Sometimes it was flowers, other days it would be sweets or a love letter- Fluttershy, from her place in the grass as she watched the passing clouds above, could only give a dreamy sigh as the smile can upon her lips unbidden. The love letters! They were beautifully written, gently scented with her favorite perfume, and had such sweet things to say. They did more than just speak of her beauty, of how she made them feel (Fluttershy could hardly believe she made anyone feel such a way!), but also why: praise of her character, of what she did for those around her. It was a bunch of silliness, the sort of thing Rarity loved to read in Twilight’s library, but Fluttershy found herself glad of it nonetheless. Fluttershy’s newfound happiness that made such a quiet, reserved spirit suddenly beam with joy did not go unnoticed. Her friends discussed it amongst themselves, and of whether or not to press the matter. Rarity, perhaps possessing a better sense of what was occurring, advised the others to inquire with more discretion. It was Fluttershy’s secret, after all; this was not the sort of thing you could force out into the open. But in some ways, there was a feeling of concern. The young woman was distracted, unfocused. She seemed to be spending so much time away from the cottage, away from her works. She would be walking with her animal friends and speaking to them in hushed voices as such secrets were seemingly divulged. Had she become so giddy so as to abandon her work? None of Ponyville’s creatures, nor those of the countryside, seemed to suffer. It was a strange thing to witness. “Fluttershy. Hey, Fluttershy!” “Huh?” She had drifted back into her own thoughts, so far away in some pleasant dreamscape that the lovely woman had flown far away from the here and now- and right now she was surrounded by her friends, all of whom seemed to be staring at her with some mixture of exasperation and concern. “Oh my goodness, I’m sorry!” she cried, hoping she didn’t blush too heavily. “What did I miss?” “Jeez, Fluttershy, stop living on Cloud Nine for a minute,” Rainbow Dash remarked drily, though her eyes spoke to concern. “Twilight was asking you if she could borrow your book on… on- what was it again?” “Social behavior between symbiotic species,” Twilight replied. “I’ve been watching how some of your birds seem to intentionally leave seeds out for the nearby squirrels, and I got to thinking I wanted to know more. You have something on the subject, right?” “Oh, yes, I can find it for you,” Fluttershy answered, doing her best to recall where it was amongst her small collection. It was one she had been grateful for when far younger, but not one she required much now for her everyday. “You can come with me after tea to grab it, if you’d like.” The weekly meetup between the six of them had been an idea of Twilight’s, a surefire solution to ensure their friendships remained strong even in the face of busy schedules. Something inflexible that could not be adjusted was helpful, a thing for them all to look forward to. Applejack politely requested coffee instead, and Rainbow Dash would drink nothing but espresso, but the effort was there. Only moments after she had been spoken to, it was obvious Fluttershy was drifting away yet again. Rainbow, oldest of her friends, saw the glaze on her eyes. Rarity, sharpest of social minds, easily guessed why. The poor girl had to speak of it openly, or else it would only worsen. All eyes turned to the fashionista for the solution to this unusual predicament, she giving a small sigh in response to the less than subtle plea for aid. “Tell me, darling,” Rarity said, “what ever has changed you so?” “Huh?” The words were enough to draw her away from the daydream, but not enough to ring in her consciousness. “I’m sorry, I did it again, didn’t I?” Rarity smiled. So it was that bad. “Well, darling, you’ve been in such a wondrous mood these past weeks,” she said airily. “I was hoping you could divulge the secret to your impervious new attitude. I’ve been under such stress, it would be a delightful relief.” “Oh! Umm…” Fluttershy turned deep red as she smiled by reflex, unable to look anywhere but in her lap. “It’s nothing. Really! I’ve just been enjoying the lovely weather, that’s all.” “Yeah, a little too much!” Rainbow teased. “All I ever see you do nowadays is staring at clouds and flowers, or walking with Angel or one of your other animal friends. What gives?” “You’re not sick or anything, are you, Fluttershy?” Twilight asked quietly. The concern there was genuine, fear suggesting she may simply be trying to enjoy her last days in peace rather than pretending the end was not actually coming. “Is everything… OK?” “Yes! Yes, it is!” Fluttershy answered delightedly. “It’s just- Umm… I don’t know how to say this…” Rarity gave a sly grin- one that immediately turned to disdain as Pinkie Pie gave a majestic gasp and shrieked, “Fluttershy’s got a crush!” “Pinkie darling, was that really the way such a thing needed to be said?” the fashionista asked. “Come now-” “Wait a second, Fluttershy? Come on, she- is that for real?” Rainbow asked incredulously, staring at her oldest friend with such intensity that it seemed the demure girl would falter under its pressure. “Well, I-” she blushed a deep shade of crimson, but the smile gave it away. “I’ve got an- admirer. I think.” “Well I’ll be,” Applejack remarked. “I wouldn’t have thought if of ya. Since when?” “A while now,” Fluttershy answered, feeling relief at the expulsion of the secret. “They’ve been helping me take care of my animals- and leaving gifts every… now and then.” “What’s their name? Do we know them? Can I throw them a party to celebrate them dating you? Come on, tell me, tell me!” Pinkie cried, positively alight with the thought of potentially putting her craft to proper use. Oh boy. “I, well… I’ve never met them.” “WHAT?” “I think they’re shy. It’s always when I’m not there,” she explained. “But it’s very kind. And I do like the love letters.” The mention of love letters set Rarity afire. “What sort of things do they say? Is it romantic and wonderful, words that would make even royalty swoon?” Fluttershy blushed again as she revealed another secret, extracting a folded piece of paper from her pocket and handing it to her well-dressed companion. “This one is my favorite… so far.” Rarity examined the paper and read some of it aloud. “‘Your kindness amidst this weary world is an oasis in the desert. Your gentleness is like the fine silk worn upon one’s skin. You brighten my day like the sun brightens the world, and only to you do I bestow my heart, all my desires solely in your hand.’ Fluttershy, these are wonderful!” she declared, if only for a second before returning her gaze back to the note. “She seems to truly adore you, even if she can’t say it in person.” “Hold on a minute, SHE?” Rainbow Dash couldn’t decide how she was supposed to react to all these new revelations. Happy? Stunned? Worried? “Well, yes,” Rarity replied. “This is assuredly a woman’s handwriting. Perhaps there is some fear of judgement and that is why she hasn’t spoken to dear Fluttershy in person yet.” She turned to her lovestruck friend who currently seemed at a loss for words. “Oh, Fluttershy… I didn’t just ruin the excitement for you, did I? The mystery?” All eyes again turned to Fluttershy, who simply didn’t possess the ability to deal with this degree of scrutiny at the moment. “I guess…” she remembered the sweetness of the flowers, of each deed that had been done- all for her. “I don’t mind that. I think she’s being very sweet.” “Well… hopefully she’ll come talk to you soon, then. Face-to-face,” Twilight said, not sure what else she could, or even should, say. I never would have thought Fluttershy would be so casual about something this… this affecting. So much for being shy! Fluttershy giggled delightedly at the thought. “I hope she will. Very much.” Fluttershy was awake. Exhausted, weary, and wishing she had remained in her dreams rather than traveling to the deep dark of a moonless night. The heaviness of sleep that had taken her so deeply not long ago, like a thick blanket, was now tossed aside as her whirlwind of emotions returned in force. A mind made vulnerable my slumber, more susceptible to bouts of extreme feeling, was not eager to endure the intense butterflies that came to life in her stomach. An unhappy huff escaped the young woman’s lips, and she sat upright in her bed, rubbing her eyes so as to fully open them. She had been having a most wonderful dream, really; a peaceful walk through a forest full of wild animals, hand-in-hand with a woman whose face and name she could not recall- but one she knew to be beautiful nonetheless. It had been the happiest she had ever felt in all her life, only for that blissful moment to be torn away from her forever. What had dared to steal her out of such a joyful fantasy? Tap! The sound of stone striking glass made her jump nearly out of her skin, the sudden sharpness of noise in the midst of nighttime silence like the cracks of thunder. Fluttershy gave a squeak of fright and darted beneath the sheets to hide from view- peering out a few moments later to see what nightmarish phantasm now stalked her from within the deep gloom. Tap! Another pebble struck the window, followed by one more. It wasn’t an attack, Fluttershy realized as she quelled her fears. This was one seeking her attentions. Her heart, already pounding madly in her chest, took a different rhythm of quickness as a new thought entered her mind. It couldn’t possibly be, could it..? The window opened, albeit slowly. Excitement was not enough to fully silence the maiden’s fears, and even when Fluttershy allowed the night air to flow into her abode, she only just peeked her head above the sill to peer downwards. She saw the top rung of a ladder just below, and at its base –one foot planted on the bottom rung- was the shadowed figure of a person awaiting the sight of… well, her. A new burst of excitement, one the young woman wasn’t sure she was ready for. “Hi,” she whispered, her normally meek voice somehow more faint than ever. “Fluttershy..?” The voice that came from below was indeed a woman’s, and a melodious one at that. There was a pleasantness to it like words being sung, and a sweetness was in the air that sent shivers up the girl’s spine. It was her! “Yes!” She could hardly believe it, if only she had something worthwhile to say! “Are you the one who’s been writing me all those letters?” “I- I can stop, if you want me to,” said the woman, that lovely voice now sounding deflated. “No! No, it’s alright,” Fluttershy said. “Please, come up, or- do I climb down to you?” “I’ll come to you, my love,” the woman breathed, and Fluttershy felt goosebumps at the words. My love… “I want to see you, if- if you don’t mind,” the maiden whispered. “Let me grab the candle from my nightstand and we can-” “No! Please,” her visitor called, making her way up to the object of her affections so as to find themselves face-to-face. “I- I don’t have much time. I just… wanted…” She was losing her nerve, it seemed. Fluttershy, perhaps on instinct, reached out slowly and took one of her hands in hers, finding this sweet-sounding creature’s skin to be lovely in softness. “It’s alright,” the young girl said, “go on.” “I just wanted to see you, my love,” the woman said next. “I have to be going soon, so it may be a while before I can see you again…” “Oh no.” Fluttershy’s heart ached at the thought. She welcomed the sight of the love letters, their scent and their feel in her fingers. “Will you be able to write me still? I- I want to keep hearing from you.” “I’ll try, my love,” the woman whispered. A hand reached out and stroked the contours of Fluttershy’s cheek, fingers resting as they came to cup her face. “I just needed to hear from you, one more time before I go.” “I’ll miss you everyday. Until I see you again,” Fluttershy said. If only there was no shadow between them, and she could see this woman’s face clearly. It seemed lovely, and something about it was mildly familiar. Trembling from fear and the thought of her own daring, she leaned in ever so slightly… The woman leaned forward, bringing Fluttershy’s lips closed to her own- the two women met for only the slightest of touches, the kiss so small and gentle that the brush of lips could only ignite her senses into wild desires rather than possibly hope to fulfill any of them. It was too short to be sweet, to slight to satisfy. Fluttershy felt their softness and all she knew is that she desired more- much, much more. “Goodbye, my love,” the woman whispered, already climbing down the ladder and turning to the darkness. “Until we meet again.” “Goodbye,” Fluttershy whispered, feeling as though she might fall to tears at the sight of this wonderful woman departing from her. “My… my love.” She heard the whispered farewell even as she hurried off to her hiding place in the depths of the trees, a smile creeping onto her visage as the sensation of success began to take hold. She had done it, the poor girl was hers and hers alone. The absence would only intensify the feelings, turn that romantic desire into a state of maddened lust. When they met again, it would be all too easy. Author's Note Last chapter tomorrow. To my downvote followers, I know you're there. Your favorite ship has been done to death. Three: An AwakeningAs the fair young maiden walked through the lively village and towards her destination, it took all her concentrated effort not to run as fast as she could to reach it. Finally, after all this horrible waiting, the moment was finally here! She’d waited for forever, or at least it had felt like it. That miserable ache that had settled in her stomach from the absence had been almost unbearable- but now, finally, the time for waiting was actually over! Fluttershy had been devastated by the departure of her secretive love. Not one letter had been sent in the entirety of their separation, some of the darkened nights that were spent so deeply alone would leave her close to tears, if not in tears. The old habits of caring for her animals herself had to be resurrected again; routines that had once been done without a thought were now brought back in stumbling leaps and bounds rather than the smooth rhythm they had once possessed. Fluttershy had grown accustomed to the benevolent aid, and she missed the sweetness with which they were done. She missed the flowers and the love that had been given. Part of her wondered if she simply should have leapt down that ladder and run after that wonderful, wonderful woman instead of standing there like a stupefied fool. It may have been an abandonment of her duties and the animals she cherished, but she would have been with the love of her life! Wasn’t that worth something, too? But now… now, she had come back! She had finally reached out to her again, calling for her! Fluttershy could hardly wait for the moment they reunited, how her heart longed for it! They would embrace one another, hold one another tightly as they kissed, and kissed, and… she blushed as her mind went to places she rarely ever thought of. But that small, forbidden daydream was wonderful. Fluttershy held the note tightly in her hand, looking back down so as to read it again: My darling Fluttershy, Forgive me for such an extended silence. My work has been arduous, more difficult than I expected. But now that I am done, my only thought has been to see you again. I wish to feel your touch, your hand in mine- your lips pressed deeply against my own. My love for you cannot be written here, but only expressed through action. It is my hope and desire that you would meet me with Canterlot, this Saturday at sundown. The return address on the envelope will be where I meet you, openly at last. It is my dearest hope that when we do see each other again that all we know is happiness like never before. As I give my love to you, I pray that yours be given to me in return. Please pardon my brashness when I make this request: Your dressmaker friend, lovely Rarity, has been commissioned to make a gift for you. It would make me happy if you would receive it this Friday, for she shall be expecting you. When I see you, I would be glad if you wear her finest craftsmanship upon your fair form. My soul and body ache for you with hunger. ~ Your Love Fluttershy wouldn’t have even thought of arguing against such a request. Of course she would arrive adorned in her lover’s gift- she could have asked for her to arrive naked and she would have done so! My goodness, I actually thought that! I’m being so very silly. When the Carousel Boutique at last came into view, the poor woman gave a sigh of relief. It had taken far too long already, she was eager to see what had been set aside for her. Would it be a ballgown, a lovely hat, something she couldn’t even think of? A small part of her that she didn’t want to recognize hoped it was lingerie. Only a few more steps and she would find out. As the bell above the door rung with her entrance, the pleasant voice of Rarity cried out, “Be with you in a minute!” Patient waiting done impatiently, and the lovely fashionista appeared from the backrooms and smiled at the sight of her awaited friend. “Fluttershy! It’s good to see you, darling! I was wondering when you would show.” “Hi, Rarity. It’s lovely to see you,” Fluttershy said. “I… I guess you know why I’m here.” “Yes, I am,” Rarity replied, a rather strange look taking shape on her face. “I received the order a little over a week ago, and I’ve been hard at work ever since. It’s just- well…” Something wasn’t right within the woman’s mind. “Is everything alright, Rarity?” “Hmm? Well, I’m not quite sure, darling,” Rarity answered. “You see, I’ve completed the order as promised, but- dear, I’m not quite sure it’s- it’s you.” Fluttershy’s mind was singular, eager to see the awaited gift from her beloved. “I don’t understand.” “The dress is done, dear, but it’s- oh, hold on a moment,” Rarity huffed, disappearing back into the rooms of the Boutique for a few moments before returning with a dark-colored object in hand. “It’s a dress, dear, and… it’s a bit different from your- normal tastes.” “Oh…” Fluttershy held the item in hand and marveled at how comfortable it felt- only for a moment as she let it fall saw it was indeed a dress- a very, very small one. A little black dress, with emphasis on little. Strapless, for one thing- and likely body tight. In fact, she wasn’t even sure if she could wear it at all. “Maybe… I should try it on first?” “That would be my suggestion,” Rarity said, eyeing the dress with discomfort. “Let’s see how it looks.” To Fluttershy’s amazement, the dress fit perfectly. Yes, it was taut and accentuated her form in excess, but Rarity’s work was wonderful. When she examined herself in the mirror, she could hardly believe that she looked so spectacularly sexy. Her bust was slightly squished so as to accent the size, with the slim waistline she possessed was given extra precedence because of it. As she turned about, she could see that not all of her figure was guaranteed cover- if she sat down, some of her would be exposed. I didn’t know my… my rear was that nice. Fluttershy wanted to laugh at such silly thoughts that were so strong now inside her mind. She would look wonderful for her beloved! “Fluttershy, I’ve been thinking maybe you shouldn’t- oh my stars!” Rarity cried, whatever she had to say before cast aside as the beautiful woman exited the fitting room and let herself be seen in her gift for the first time. The fashionista, never one to be subtle, let her emotions be put on fullest display at the sight of her friend in such a decadent outfit, her chest heaving with the depth of her feeling. “You look positively irresistible, darling! Magnificent, even!” “You really think so?” Fluttershy wondered if she should be ashamed of how she was acting right now, if there should be embarrassment about her actions. Instead, she was grateful: if Rarity was this enamored with the look, how much more so would her beloved be. “You did a wonderful job, Rarity.” “Oh, only the best for you, darling!” Rarity proclaimed, coming over to give her friend a deep hug that lasted longer than expected. “I can only imagine how they’ll act when they see you. Heaven knows you’re impossible to resist.” “Really?” “Completely impossible, darling,” Rarity whispered, suddenly leaning in to place her lips on Fluttershy’s for a kiss. The gesture was unexpected, Fluttershy at first wanting to reel back and away from the outpouring of affection; it was not the feel of her lover’s lips, but it was nice and soft nonetheless. She let the kiss continue for a little longer, and a little longer still as the two women found happiness in the embrace- Just as Fluttershy was willing to allow the moment to intensify further, Rarity suddenly broke apart, her expression stricken by shame. “I’m sorry, darling, I- it was too- Ihavetogo!” Rarity raced away from her compliant partner and disappeared up the stairs, out of sight as the sound of a door being slammed shut echoed through the building. Fluttershy stood there for a time, perplexed by the sudden turn of events. She knew her beloved’s kiss was not anything like Rarity’s- more gentle, less refined. But it had been pleasant. She would have been willing to allow more. Perhaps, when they had the opportunity, Fluttershy and her lover would need to pay Rarity a visit and talk things over. It would be… nice. She left early Saturday morning, doing what she could to feed her animals before heading to the train station with bags packed. She would not change yet, but instead having reserved a hotel room not far from her final destination. Fluttershy felt the excitement change from the roaring intensity and instead to something else, something deeper and different. This was the moment she had longed for all her life, even if she didn’t know it. She wanted this mysterious woman more than she wanted breath in her lungs. Tonight, at long last, they would be in each other’s arms. The wait in her hotel room for the sun to set was torturous. How long could one day be? How could she resist simply sprinting down there and seeking out the woman of her dreams? The hours ticked by slowly, and Fluttershy wished she could simply sleep the time away. The excitement in her bones would not allow such a thing to pass, not on this momentous day. When the sun did at last fall, she hesitated. Was something about this… not right? Something perhaps unsafe? The woman had yet to reveal her face, or even say her name. Fluttershy was chasing after a ghost, even after all these months. But this wonderful woman had been so sweet, so caring… Fluttershy wanted to at least give her a chance. It was time to adorn herself in her lover’s gift, and set out into the city. Fluttershy felt the stares of others as she walked to her destination, Rarity’s exquisite craftsmanship highlighting desirable sensuality. She was the object of affection for all wherever she walked, though the eyes of one were all she longed for. It would be any moment now… Wait- this can’t be it. Fluttershy came to a grinding halt outside the building that she thought had been her goal- but it couldn’t be, could it? It just wasn’t right, she was too beautiful, too sweet and lovely- so why did Fluttershy’s lover guide her to a strip club? Canterlot Club, the sign displaying the words above in hot-pink neon lights; it wasn’t exactly easily mistaken for anything else. Was that the big secret? Fluttershy’s devoted admirer was a dancer? “Well…” it wasn’t the worst surprise she could have discovered. So what if she was a stripper? She was still so very sweet and thoughtful, and that was what Fluttershy had become infatuated with. It wasn’t the occupation that really mattered, after all. She was here to see the woman she loved, and she would not be satisfied until it was done. With more trepidation than she had expected –and less than she felt when she had first arrived- Fluttershy pushed open the door and walked into her beloved’s world. She hadn’t been to many strip clubs in her young life- truthfully, she hadn’t been to any strip clubs. But whatever she had believed of them didn’t seem to be true with this one at all. The place was comfortably lit, soft light like the flames of candles that illuminated the showroom floor. The visitors in the place were all women, not a single prying or predatory eye among them, so many possessing a drink and a smile. The staff were –shockingly- well-dressed in finery that gave them a lovely appearance rather than a slatternly one. Fluttershy had expected grungy. If anything, she was more scandalously dressed than the staff. This was a nightclub for certain, but it seemed a place of safety. “Excuse me, ma’am,” a well-mannered voice sounded to the side of her and Fluttershy turned to see a young girl approaching, hardly an adult and sporting a captivating smile. “Would you perhaps be Miss Fluttershy?” “I am,” she answered, a mixture of nerves and excitement. “Am I expected?” “Yes, very much, ma’am!” the young girl replied happily. “Our Lady has been hoping to see you for many days now! If you would only follow me, I can take you to where she awaits your arrival.” “Oh! Please, I would be delighted,” Fluttershy answered, now giggling madly. So her lover was not a dancer but the Lady of the house! It was to be very exciting a night indeed. She followed her lovely guide deep into the depths of the club to where regal doors awaited her. She threw them open and walked forward- A shock of recognition at the form, the face that awaited her. She knew it from two places, two different lives. It was her lover, the one she loved in return; it just wasn’t who she expected at all. Chrysalis sighed in satisfaction at the sight of her long effort finally bearing fruit. It was all so, so close now. The trap had been set, the bait had sought after long ago. All that remained now was the arrival. Discretion could only last for so long, she had realized. Subtlety was an art form, but a bit of flaunting never hurt. In her work at Ponyville, she had come to a conclusion that would make the final victory all the more perfect: it had to be done right here in Canterlot, right underneath Celestia’s nose. She would be struck down right in the heart of her prized city before she knew something was wrong. When at last it came that sun-marked Princess’ turn to be defeated, it would be done so before a crowd of people who she had thought were on her side. The Ravens had been the one to scout this place out. An old storage warehouse that had survived a post-war reconstruction campaign, numerous rooms and hideaways for those who would need it. It had once been a place used for the survival of a species- now, so many years later, it would be so yet again. Chrysalis’ plan would set in motion a certainty of survival that would keep the Changelings protected for generations to come. Theft had been rampant across the kingdom, if only for a few days. Lightning strikes, quick and precise as she had ordered. Only hard currency was acceptable, lest they be traced. When the haul had finally been put together, it was more than enough to purchase the warehouse legally. Even the supplies that would be needed to turn the dilapidated building into a true temple of love were paid for before they’d even been bought. Quietly, disguised as mere common workers, her drones had entered into the place and built it to her exact specifications, giving it the appearance of nothing more than a simple women’s nightclub. Only the astute would know the difference. Everything from the ventilation system to the lighting had been done to heighten the wellbeing of the horde that dwelled inside; the warehouse was their new hive. Here, her horde could be hidden in peace, able to drink deep from the unsuspecting. Right now, her Lieutenants guarded the doors to prevent unwelcome entry- which was all but one, for at least a start. When the time came and Chrysalis had truly found ultimate victory, it would be a feast for the ages. She had constructed it perfectly, ensuring that even her conquests would boil over for the sustenance of her swarm and allow them to grow fat with strength. Now, she waited. The night had come. She knew Fluttershy had been so badly affected by her absence that the oversexualized gift she had been given would be taken without hesitation, the act bringing about a new opportunity for further down the road. When she arrived, her horde would be there to welcome her, and bring the unsuspecting girl right into the heart of the spider’s web. From there, even the architecture of this place would be fighting against her instinct to call the resplendent queen an enemy. The door opened behind her and Chrysalis gave a smile. After all that effort, the real fun was about to begin. “Who… who are you?” Fluttershy’s voice was cautious as the recognition of the person before her spoke to two very different memories. “I?” Chrysalis said sweetly, turning about so as to take in her lover in fullness. “I am the one who adores you, my dear Fluttershy.” “Chrysalis!” The soft-spoken girl looked like she wanted to scream, practically clawing at the door in the hopes it would spill open and let her free from this place. “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh-” “My goodness, darling,” Chrysalis remarked, taking position on a nearby stool and letting herself be flaunted. “You needn’t be so afraid. I’ve no desire to harm you.” “I’m a prisoner, aren’t I? You kidnapped me!” Fluttershy cried. “Not at all, my love,” came the reply. “I do not call you my heart’s desire falsely. Come now… I’ve no desire to harm you.” “What do you want of me, then?” She held her back to the door, hands still trying to fumble with the unbreakable lock. “You’re going to do something awful, aren’t you?” “Not in the slightest, my darling Fluttershy,” Chrysalis assured her. “My eyes only search for you. Come forward and let me see you. My gift must be lovely on your fair figure.” Fluttershy hesitated. This was a ruse. It had to be. But the form of Chrysalis was so familiar- not from a nightmare battle in the very city in which she now stood, but in the form of shadows as her heart spoke of a yearning love- of lips that had been haunting her dreams for so long now. “Are you…” she faltered. “Go on, my darling,” Chrysalis said encouragingly. “I do not bite any longer.” Fluttershy found her courage again, a pleasant sweetness in the air. “Are you really my secret admirer? Or is this just a trick?” “Admirer? Your words are too weak, my dear,” Chrysalis crooned, eyes glowing in anticipation of the wonderful moments that were coming ever closer. “You are my delight, my heart’s deepest desire. I wish to ravish you.” The fearful girl relinquished her grip on the door handle, though her expression still suggested some hesitancy remained. It was not to be so easy to lower her defenses as Chrysalis had suspected. A little more effort would have to be given if she were to bring this sweet-faced woman to her side. Chrysalis simply sat there and smiled with all the warmth she possessed, letting her eyes do the talking for her. “Why are you here?” Fluttershy asked. “Are you trying to take over Canterlot again?” “Why, dear Fluttershy- you leave me hurt, truly!” Chrysalis declared, even looking so. “I am here because I am desperately in love with you.” “With… me?” She still appeared skeptical. “Surely you do not think all my gestures and words of affection mean nothing,” Chrysalis replied. “When my drones spoke of you, they told me of a beautiful girl with the softest eyes. I needed to find you again, and find you I did. The moment I laid my eyes on you, I knew you had to be mine.” “Oh…” Did she now believe her? The queen would push a little more, just in case. “When I had to depart from you that night, with little more than the slightest of kisses, I could hardly stand not being in your arms,” she continued, “every day I have thought of you. Of your tongue on mine, our naked bodies pressed together, drinking deeply of one another. Have you not desired the same?” “I…” Fluttershy was starting to blush now. “I just didn’t know it was you.” “I can be whomever you wish, my dear butterfly,” Chrysalis purred. “All I long for is to make love to you.” Fluttershy still was not certain. All of this was very strange; it hadn’t been all that long ago that this beautiful, magnificent woman had been eager to take over the kingdom. Yet here she was now, desiring nothing more than to have sex with her. It was a delightful- unusual turn of events. But- Chrysalis herself looked… wonderful. A little black dress of her own adorned the magnificent physique of the Changeling queen and highlighted every ounce of splendor: beautiful, large breasts that deserved to be sucked and worshipped; a voluptuous figure that was adorned with a butt that needed to be pleasured; lips so plump and inviting, lidded eyes that called for Fluttershy to walk over and sit in this wondrous woman’s lap- Those splendid, silken legs of Chrysalis’ opened wide and revealed a panty-less bottom, her sex there for the claiming. Fluttershy trembled; she lusted for this dark angel. “I can’t resist you for long, my butterfly,” Chrysalis spoke at last, rising from her place atop the comfortable stool to stride close to the shivering maiden. “I must know if you feel the same.” “Oh…” hands so soft, just as she had remembered them, the finger stroking through her hair ever so gently. The tips just barely brushed the nape of her neck and she gave a shiver at the sensation. “I want more than just to kiss you, darling,” Chrysalis whispered, standing so close to her desire, arms wrapping around the struggling girl to hold her tight. “I will make you cry from joy. But only if you let me…” Fluttershy couldn’t speak now, stunned into silence as Chrysalis’ perfect tongue, incredibly long, extended out of her mouth and dangled there like a delectable morsel that was hers for the taking- and hers alone. She wanted this woman, she needed this woman… “May I ravish you, my demure darling?” Chrysalis was so close that Fluttershy could feel her breath on her lips. “May I make you mine?” “Oh my goodness YES!” Fluttershy cried, diving deep into Chrysalis’ awaiting lips as she plunged forth for a magnificent, fiery kiss that took even the seductive queen by surprise. She poured herself into the woman’s mouth, hands clutching that perfect face so tightly so as not to miss an ounce of this flawlessness of love and sexuality that she had craved for months. The two only broke apart by necessity of oxygen, the two women flushed and gasping for breath as a small filament of spittle hung between their open mouths. “I love you, Chrissy- I need you to do more than make love to me- fuck me raw.” Chrysalis felt the rush of delight at the words and knew the work had been fruitful. She was being restored by this sweet-hearted woman’s primal passions, and this was only the beginning. “As you wish, my love,” she whispered, clutching Fluttershy and returning the kiss with equal fervor. The kisses they shared were not gentle. For one so demure, Fluttershy seemed to possess an absolutely voracious lust, holding to her beloved as though she were afraid the spell would break if they did not hold each other tightly. Lips pressed against lips, tongue slithered over tongue, saliva flowed from one mouth to the other and dribbled out alongside gasping breaths as they shared the beginnings of their lovemaking. Fluttershy’s hands could not resist the luscious breasts of the Changeling queen and tore the top of her dress downwards so as to clutch at them with greater force, kneading them in vicious delight. She hadn't known she could feel like this, but now that these wonderful urges were here, she had to see them satisfied- and only by sweet, perfect Chrysalis! They broke apart for only a moment to catch their breath- “Stick out your tongue, please!” Fluttershy requested, and Chrysalis’ eyes smiled as she complied. “Oh...” Fluttershy took to that long, slithering tongue with rapturous glee, gracing it with kisses and strokes from her own pink organ before taking to sucking upon it like it was a sweet candy. No, candy did not taste as sweet as this. Only one thing could possibly be better. Chrysalis sighed with contentment as Fluttershy’s adoration gave no signs of stopping. She relinquished her tongue and left Fluttershy looking scandalized. “Give me your tongue, my darling,” she said sultrily, “One good turn deserves another.” “Oh, Chrissy, mine’s not as- Ah!” Hands reached out and fondled her breasts, a small shot of pleasure working through her body. Fluttershy promptly stuck out her tongue and could have mistaken her existence for a slice of heaven. Chrysalis’s sucklings on her little tongue were the work of a maestro, made all the more perfect by the fingers that stroked her skin- “I love you,” Fluttershy whispered, pulling at her dress in a mad frenzy until it lay somewhere around her ankles. “Please, Chrissy…” “Of course, my little butterfly,” Chrysalis said, “but first-” She took to the straps of her dress and pulled them down, throwing her dress aside and allowing the maiden a full look at the most perfect form any woman could possibly have. Such magnificent skin, such flowing curves! And this woman was going to make love to her! “Now… hold tight.” Fluttershy struggled right from the beginning. She had practically been dribbling right from the moment she had walked in, and the excessive bout of passionate kissing had not made it any easier. Now, that flowing tongue upon which she had offered her love was now deep within her folds, slithering this way and that as it touched and tickled in the most perfect of places. How was she supposed to bear it? She wanted to scream, cry out and release- but if she could hold a little longer, then this impeccable woman would continue to pleasure her some more. She reveled in the sensation, gasping with delight- It hit her so quickly that Fluttershy almost lost her breath as the orgasm came. She burst forth and let her juices flow like a river, pouring out directly into Chrysalis’ busied mouth where not a single drop was left undetected. Still the tongue of the queen worked, bringing about another great shudder, then another for good measure. It was Fluttershy’s first time ever, and she found herself wondering if anything would ever hope to rival it. A glance down and she saw the smeared face of Chrysalis staring up at her from in between her legs, Fluttershy’s fluids easily discernable. Guilt at the warning-less action began to bubble up in her stomach. “Oh- Chrissy, I’m so sorry-” “Don’t even think it, my darling,” Chrysalis crooned, crawling her way up Fluttershy’s naked body with a series of soft, gentle kisses- from her thighs to her navel, to sweet breasts that tingled at the touch and at last to her lips yet again. The sensation was different this time, the slickness of saliva now turned viscous by- well, her own sexual fluids. Fluttershy wondered if only dirty girls did this, but she still enjoyed the feeling. It was more than nice, she decided. Chrysalis felt fuller than she had in months. The girl had given her all of her love without reservation, not a drop of it held within her heart for her own keeping. The outpouring had been wonderful, so staggeringly sweet to the tongue that she could hardly believe her good fortune. This pretty little girl was hers now- and loathe would either of them be to relinquish the other. “I am only sorry that is all we can have…” “What? No, we have plenty of time!” Fluttershy pouted, grabbing hold of Chrysalis’ breasts and plunging in for a kiss upon those succulent lips. “I- I want to make you feel good, too, you know. I’m not- well, experienced or anything, but I want to make you happy. Is- is that OK?” Chrysalis had expected a multitude of various reactions from this young girl. Exhaustion, delirium, overwhelming delight. Chrysalis was used to the objects of her ravishings to be reduced to nothing more than gasping heaps of happiness, incapable of doing more than falling asleep where they lay. She had never, in all her many years on this earth, ever had one who could still stand- much less offer anything in return. She had wanted to feed on this girl’s love; was it to be shared with her willingly? A gift, rather than a sacrifice? “If- if you want to, my little butterfly,” she stammered. Fluttershy smiled. “It’s my first time, so… please don’t be mad,” she said before falling to her knees and placing her head in between Chrysalis’ thighs. A small sigh, then- the plunge. Chrysalis was a master of sex, and it took her no time at all to know that Fluttershy was a rank amateur. The words of inexperience had not been a lie, and her tongue-work was hesitant, uncertain. It felt good, pleasant and giving- but it required direction. AIM. Chrysalis felt the sensations that came from this girl, this sudden act of genuine love that was unlike anything she’d felt in her entire life. The Changeling queen thought she had been satisfied, her hunger abated. Now it was incensed. She felt a place of particular satisfaction and she gave a small moan of delight to let her lover know that the mark had been found. “Deeper, Fluttershy!” The work of the girl intensified, precisely guided by Chrysalis’ expert direction with each stroke that was offered, working the queen into a rapture of pleasure that she could hardly hold back. Finally, with one great gasp came the overflow, so strong that there could only be a cry of ecstasy. Out it flowed from Chrysalis pristine form and through the hive, waves upon waves of pleasure the likes of which no Changeling had ever known. She crashed to her knees before the willing lover, Chrysalis gasping from sheer delight while Fluttershy’s petite figure heaved from her own exertions. The two women simply stared at one another for a time, unable to find the proper choice of words to describe what had just transpired. “So,” Fluttershy breathed, a winded smile on her fluid-soaked lips, “how did I do?” “How did you do..?” Chrysalis echoed. “My darling Fluttershy!” She took hold of the startled girl and kissed her fiercely, over and over as fluids and saliva of both women intermingled in joyous symphony. “You were wonderful, simply wonderful!” Fluttershy giggled, leaning against her lover and gently pressing her lips against the sweat-soaked, bare skin. “Thank you, Chrissy,” she said sweetly. “I love you- so much.” “And I you, my little butterfly,” Chrysalis replied, stunned to find that she meant it. She had always fed on love, never taken part in it. The sensation had been new and wonderful, absolutely unrivaled in any feeding she’d ever done. She hungered for more, craved more, and she would fight -even die- to protect the one who had willingly given her such strength. Yet this love was not her end goal. No, instead it had transformed her goal into something far grander. She would not kill Celestia. This was to be a new beginning for the horde, a new way of life. And through sweet Fluttershy, she would see it through. “Tell me, my darling butterfly,” Chrysalis said lightly, “how have your friends been doing these past months?” Author's Note More will come. Another story, another time. Trust. Is what it is, I guess. Hoped for more views.
One: A WeaknessShe felt the hard, unforgiving terrain press deeply against her scarred skin. The sun-soaked sand, the sharp rocks that protruded through the fine grains to jab at her flesh like a thousand miniature knives. Her fall here had been swift, long-lasting, and brutal. The longer she lay here in the midst of such a defeat, in such a place, her will continued to fade away like the morning mist until all she could feel within her weary bones was the desperate desire to simply remain until at last the heat and sunlight claimed her life. Chrysalis had been struck down. Humiliated. Defeated by the very thing she craved, hungered after more than anything else on earth. When that magnificently terrible blast had cascaded across her flesh and set it afire, it had been the most painful yet most delectable thing she could have felt. She hungered for such ferocity, such delectable nourishment. If she had only been able to hold it back, press it deep down and take it for her own… The horde would have been able to gorge themselves endlessly for over a thousand years. And there it had been, fighting her back and heaving her into this arid hell that she wished would finally kill her. She had failed them all. A sound. Silt flowing down from somewhere beside her, echoed across the wind and over in hundreds of places. Groans of misery, death taking hold of lives that were not her own. The voices of her horde as they suffered in an agony that she could perhaps survive. But without her, they would falter here. Fail and wither away for good. It would be torturous, terrible to endure. But Chrysalis would have to resist the call of the reaper, and find the rage within to rise from her place in the dunes. They had tried to destroy her. She had been beaten back. And now her horde lay dying because of such cruelty. They had only needed to survive, to live- what right had Celestia and the others to deny them the very promise of life? It was not fair, not right! They had been sent here to rot, to die- to be victims of murder! Chrysalis rose from the sunken sands with a fiery roar that spoke to all the fury and pain that dwelled within her form, the great horde fallen in the sands around her, too weak and too weary to try and stand on their feet. Some had huddled together, perhaps to feel some small comfort before their moment came. She would reverse this tide. In her, they would find the strength to live again. “All of you, on your feet!” the great Queen cried, her voice like a crack of thunder as thirst and anger battled for dominance. “Will you accept their death sentence, the boot that lays on your throat? I will not have it of you, not a one! Get up! Get up! Rise and we will make them know our wrath for the rest of their days!” Some heard the words and found their will again, trying to emulate their ruler’s resolve. Others rose slowly, burdened by bruises and drawn blood that left them trembling and weak. Some, so broken and devoid of strength, simply laid where they were. “My Lieutenants! Your Queen has need of you!” Chrysalis boomed, and out of the groaning throng came her inner circle, the mightiest warriors her horde had produced. Even these great fighters now struggled, some of them sporting wounds that could only be described as vicious. “We have work to do. This shall not be our grave, only the place where we rise from the ashes. Can you follow my commands?” “Even to death, O Queen,” they said in unison. After such violence, still their resolve was great. It was time for commands. Chrysalis, ever the quick thinker, knew what was needed. “One of you shall take a team on flight,” she began. “Search for water, and return to me when it has been found. Another of you shall tend to the wounded so they can be moved. As soon as we have water, we shall be on the move. The last of you shall congregate the dead for burial. We shall dig deep where they shall never be found. None shall ever know we fell here, and that lack of knowledge shall make us ghosts of the dark.” “It shall be done, O Queen,” her trio of Lieutenants answered, and off they went. The calls of commands went through the broken horde like a virus, calls for work spurred the instinct of survival back in them again. The dead and dying remained, but their time would come. Defeated souls would become reapers of their own. Chrysalis would make sure of it. She remained on her feet, facing the sunlight. Still as a statue, the single fixed point upon all her horde looked to. Chrysalis knew better than to show weakness now, not when their survival hung on such a thin thread. She would be the indomitable one, the shadowy phoenix that would lead them on. She saw the sun and her thoughts turned to its keeper. I will wait, Celestia. You and I will meet again. The thought would be a mantra, with only the names replaced as she repeated the words over and over endlessly. To Celestia. To Cadance. Twilight and Luna. All of them would know her wrath. The only question was how it would be done. Sunset came when at last her scouts returned with news of water. The order to move was given, and the dead were thrown into the mass grave with what respect could be given in the face of such ignobility. With the wind blowing, what tracks the living made would not last forever. It would as if they had never been here. Moonrise saw them reach the large pool that helped quench their thirst. Hunger would not be sated yet, not in the way they desperately needed. Meat, the things of earth and sea would keep them alive to survive another day- only through love would they find the nourishment to be strong and grow. It would be a long time before such times would come to pass, but Chrysalis vowed to see it done. Even if it meant her death, she would see the horde grow strong. The dark grew deep. Her horde rested and still there she stood, her mind allowing the reflections of the water to be the place where her mind wandered. Time to think, to understand what had gone so disastrously wrong, was critical. She had been so close, one step away from victory. If her cover had not been blown, and Twilight not alerted to her ill will, it would have been so easily done! Why could she not achieve success, even when the odds had been so heavily in her favor? Shining Armor had been in her thrall, until the last moment. So what had she done wrong? Evil. Twilight had call her evil. “Ha!” Chrysalis muttered under her breath. A haughty thing to say when every last Changeling had been sentenced to die. A genocide that would be called just. Not if she had anything to say about it. She would sink her teeth into that little woman’s throat and suck it dry, all her love be damned- “Wait,” Chrysalis whispered, a sudden switch in her brain now firing. Evil. She had looked like Cadance, sounded like her- they could have stood side by side and none would have been able to tell who was who. Yet in her actions, she had failed. The callousness of character had been the giveaway. Twilight, who had known the real Princess of Love, had deduced things were wrong from the very start. Abrasive words, harsh judgement, everything- there might as well have been no disguise at all. Chrysalis had been so desperate to win that she hadn’t realized just how great a fool she had been. Any course that took the means of violence would be defeated. It was inevitable. One more catastrophic failure as the one they had endured and it would be the final judgement of the horde. She needed to try a different approach, one perhaps not so familiar. But now, armed with the knowledge that would assure conquest, Chrysalis found a small smile form upon her cracked lips: honey, not vinegar, would bring in the flies to her parlor. But how would she find her way to them again? It would have to be in due time, when all suspicions about the horde had fallen away. To go back now would be suicidal. She would not be able to take the form of another and simply be a duplicate, a replacement. She would have to be someone new, someone that would be irresistible. Proper dress, proper action, even the simplicity of look and appearance. It would have to be pristine, so succulently tempting that no one could resist. She only needed one, and then the iron chain that kept her people starving would begin to break. It could not be Twilight yet. Nor Cadance. Celestia and her sister were out of the question. Shining Armor? Odds were that she would be permanently dug into his mind like a tick in fat flesh, but even he would be difficult to access. She needed someone of less risk, one that would be far simpler to find- and easier to seduce. “Your Majesty!” One of her Lieutenants called out from the darkened mass of life and approached where she stood beside the crystalline water. “I bear news from the battle.” “And what will you reveal that I do not already know?” she asked. “A weakness, O Queen,” her Lieutenant answered. “One perhaps worthy of exploit.” A cryptic answer. She looked beyond her warrior and saw a group of her drones shuffling behind him, eager to make their report. They sported gruesome scars, every one of them. What story of weakness could they possibly have on their tongues? “What say you, soldiers?” she demanded. “Will your words help defy this death sentence?” “Yes, O Queen.” “Then speak. Breathe life into your brethren.” “We were the ones who faced the young student of Celestia, O Queen,” one of them said. “And yet we were defeated. Your words surely mean more than that,” she replied. This was to be a waste of time, was it? “Her companions fought alongside her, O Queen,” another of them added. “Many of them fiercely. One, however, was unwilling.” Interesting. She had assumed the companions of such a powerful sorceress would be among peers, those of equal courage and merit. Perhaps one had simply quailed under the pressure of surrounding vengeance. “A young woman, O Queen, would not raise a hand against us. She refused to strike, and instead tried to draw away,” was the continued speech. “She was afraid of us, O Queen. There was not an ounce of violence to be found in her.” “Show her to me,” Chrysalis ordered. Just who was this peaceful soul that her drones spoke of? A sudden flash of green fire and where her drone had once stood was now the form of a young woman, the likes of which was attractive even by Chrysalis’ standards. Gentle features of the face; warm, worried eyes that spoke of sweetness; long hair that was soft to the touch, just as her skin was smooth; the figure itself was… pleasant. Not magnificent like the Queen was, but still candy for the eye. This was no warrior, simply a lovely village maiden. And yet, she was a peer to the protégé of the Princess herself. This was not to be ignored. “We must investigate further. She shall be put under surveillance. Every move she makes, every word spoken, even her hours of slumber will be kept under watch,” Chrysalis ordered. “We shall not make plans for anything until we know more of this young woman. Lieutenant, take what Ravens remain- they shall watch her for thirty days, even the minutest detail will be recorded. When the month is passed, they shall report to me alone. Is this understood?” “Perfectly, O Queen,” her Lieutenant answered. “To where shall your Ravens be sent?” Chrysalis remembered the words of Shining Armor, how he had spoken endlessly of the younger sister he cherished- all the information he had been so willing to divulge. “I know just the place,” she said. Their days in the desert were unforgiving. By month’s end, nearly a third of her horde had finally withered into the dust, whether it be by infection or the wrath of the sun that no creature could abide. The dead were either burned or buried immediately, lest a plague spread through the ones that still survived- or worse, they been seen and expelled from their hiding place in a bloodbath. The horde was still weak, and secrecy was their goal more than ever. Chrysalis could do little more than wait; wait for her Ravens to fulfill their task and then let the havoc be wrought. Thirty days passed, and at last the beautiful Queen of the Changelings held the name of her target. “Fluttershy,” she murmured aloud, her face set aglow by the firelight. “Even her name holds promise.” “She is promising, O Queen,” the Head Raven reported, the mouthpiece for the entire squad. “Gentle-hearted, perhaps even to a fault. She is quiet, seemingly willing to see the best in others- even those who are perhaps undeserving.” “What does she do? Who is she among others?” Chrysalis pressed. “She tends the creatures of the region, O Queen,” came the swift reply. “All things harken to her voice. A lover of flowers, also.” “And of others?” “Kind and patient in excess. Overly kind, as it were. Perhaps not a pushover, but pliable. Compliant.” “What of her sexuality?” Chrysalis asked. “Your Majesty?” The Head Raven seemed perplexed by the question. “Does she pine after another? Is she lonely?” “It is difficult to tell, O Queen,” the Head Raven answered. “Such things are rarely spoken of aloud, even by chatty folk. This one hardly speaks at all.” “And that is all you can say for yourself?” “So we infiltrated her cottage instead. Her personal diary spoke volumes.” These are my Ravens, Chrysalis thought. She wouldn’t have expected anything less. “And of what can you tell?” “There is no pining to be noted, nor loneliness to speak of,” was answer, and Chrysalis felt disappointed. “She simply feels without an equal. A creature of the quiet is surrounded by very loud friends. It would take much to make her wish for otherwise.” It was enough. Smaller details were spoken of, mentioned and referenced. Some of it mattered, else did not. Chrysalis had what she needed, with only the need to formulate the plan. This little woman, the gentlest of creatures, would be her way in. Chrysalis looked out on the desert she despised, and knew she could not waste anymore time. Her horde was dying. Act swiftly, and there may yet still be some hope to cling to. The board had been set; it was time for the pieces to move. Author's Note So there's this. One chapter a day. Yes, it's stupid. I know. New chapter tomorrow.
Two: An AttractionChrysalis had left the poor woman mewling like a kitten. Nobility! Always so easily lured in by even simple desires, greed and lust simply two sides of the same coin. It never took long. When the husband graced his mistress with more attention, more affections, the duly deprived wife would eventually become susceptible. The longer the time she was left unsatisfied, the more easily taken she would be by a pretty face, a silver tongue that spoke sweet nothings. Chrysalis knew seduction, where to exploit a weakness; this had been all too easy. The Changeling Queen took the bartered clothes and swiftly departed, knowing there was still more to be done. She felt better than she had in ages, the swift bout of lovemaking with the homely duchess enough to rejuvenate her spirits and let her grow strong once more. It was a start, one piece to the puzzle. She would let the role that needed to be played become a part of her, a new shape of identity with which she would strike. Chrysalis would not be a hammer set afire, but a blackened knife in the dark. Her arrival in Ponyville was unnoticed, a change in fortunes none of the oblivious creatures could see. Taking shelter deep in the forest, Chrysalis began slowly memorizing the layout of the small village; every alleyway, every home and its owner took space in her memory. She would not strike until the patterns and pacings of this place were known by instinct. Now, the next phase of her work came into action, even if she considered it a tremendous risk: theft. Loud, noticeable, and her greatest risk of failure- but necessary, if she were to appear as the tantalizing, irresistible figure she would need to be. Chrysalis’ acts of larceny began small, deliberate so as not to be detected; a brush here, some powder there, liner for accentuation. It was not something she did often, but these small improvements were crucial. Not an inch of her could be anything but flawless to the eye. Her first efforts at heightening her beauty were quashed by a foolish oversight: water was not the sort of mirror she needed, too full of movement and shadow and unstable reflection to truly be of any use. She needed a real mirror, one that would allow her to practice the craft properly. Another night of theft would have to be done, and so she did it with trepidation. Chrysalis knew she had come close to awakening the couple who slept above the store. The next effort, if she forgot anything, would not be so fruitful. Her acts of larceny had to come to an end, or else her cover would assuredly be blown. Now, satisfied that she was fully prepared, the sumptuous queen turned her hungering gaze towards the unwitting object of her ravishing affections. The shining eyes of a young woman, hardly more than a girl, did not see her as Chrysalis crept behind in the shadows. She did not know how deeply she was being watched; in due time, she would find she had an admirer- and then perhaps more. Chrysalis knew the game well. Practice had made perfect, and perfection was all that would be put on display. She would not reveal herself at first. She would not even allow her presence to be known yet. It would be as though what transpired had been the actions of a benevolent ghost. The observations of Fluttershy’s habits revealed simply rituals. The girl’s first deeds of the morning were the care of her great flock, particularly her many songbirds. Before they had even awoken to see the sunrise there she would be with seed and morsels in hand for their nourishment. A small shed just to the side of the cottage was where she stored it all, not even a lock upon its flimsy door. Chrysalis smiled as she pulled the door open with nary a groan to reveal her work. She would go to work- and be swift about it, lest the oncoming storm turn her light footfalls into sunken tracks in the mud. A dash of seed. A mealworm waiting to be taken. The knowledge the young woman possessed became the changeling queen’s also, and was put to use for both their benefit. Even with fleetness of foot, Chrysalis completed her first mission with only seconds to spare, the storm releasing a torrent of rain the moment she returned to the cover of the treeline. If her footsteps had been found on her target’s property, all would have been for naught. She did not return to her hideaway in the deep dark of the forest. Taking to the tallest branch she could find, Chrysalis allowed herself to become one with her surroundings, skin turning the color and shape of the nature in which she was surrounded. She would be nearly invisible to the eye, and thus she waited for the sun to rise. The crow of the cockerel came just as the first ray of sunlight beamed over the faraway horizon, and still she waited unmoving. Any minute now… The door to the cottage opened, the lovely figure of Fluttershy still burdened by the slumber from which she had just escaped. Still a smile shone upon her face, and her path made to the feed shed where she would begin her rounds. She passed by some of the birdhouses and did not notice anything amiss, so deeply ingrained was this routine. It was not until she departed the shed with mounds of feed in hand and came to the first house did she realize the task was already done. Fluttershy went to the next, and then the next. At last she put down her handful of items and took to observing them all, finding each family’s meal already prepared. Chrysalis smiled as she watched the girl’s confusion grow. Had she done it herself in the depths of her slumber? Surely it had not been done before she went to bed. Yet here it was, the first act of her day already done and set aside. Fluttershy had an entire dawn to herself now, and no explanation as to why. The confusion would eventually flit away, given time. Chrysalis would strike again. And then in other places, slowly consuming the young girl’s time until she had not even the smallest errand to run. Her larder would remain stocked, her animals be treated like royalty. The patient queen knew this young girl’s habits better than Fluttershy knew them herself. When the time came for a sign of physical action was needed, it would be done. A week passed before Fluttershy came to expect the task done. Though suspicious, her morning routine turned from heading to the shed and instead to observe the nearest birdhouse and see if she had not dreamed the events. Chrysalis, perched just above the bedroom window, watched as the lovely maiden left her front porch and made her way to a house teeming with blue jays- and down she crept, silent as a serpent on stone as she placed a small gift at the door, quickly retreating back to cover and returning to camouflage for further observation. The young girl possessed a smile now. The act of feeding her birds was the intentional benevolence of another, even if she did not know who. Someone cared for her creatures just as much as she did, a trait that would be considered precious in Fluttershy’s eyes. When she returned back to the door, her gaze fell on Chrysalis’ bestowed gift, one that had definitely not been there before she had left. The maiden looked about in her surroundings for any sign of another, and found no presence to be seen. Hesitantly, she took hold of the small bouquet of flowers and regarded them with a strange wonder, beginning to blush as she recognized them- and the meaning behind them: red tulips, a declaration of love, of passion. Chrysalis leaned forward, waiting for Fluttershy to perform the critical action that would make downfall inevitable. One slight alteration to the flowers that had been done to ensure Chrysalis would be in the young woman’s favor- A cheery smile on her lips, Fluttershy allowed herself to breathe in the scent of the flowers, their sweet scent masking the added ingredient to the welcome concoction: pheromones, a small, almost unnoticeable scent that came from Chrysalis’ own form that was used to entice others- suggestive, rather than hypnotic, since Cadance had proved control could be severed. The microscopic pollen would travel through the girl’s olfactory senses, taking root deep in her brain. Whenever Chrysalis’ action came into notice, there the pollen would be yet again- over and over, deepening its root in her mind until it was the singular, definitive scent of the one Fluttershy adored. It would be impossible for her to resist in due time. Even when Chrysalis at last revealed herself in full, the young woman’s mind would override whatever fear and trepidation came at the sight of such a nemesis. She would not even want to resist for long. As Fluttershy strode back into her cottage, Chrysalis peered through the glass and gazed on the young girl, delighted to see a joyous smile on the woman’s face as she beheld the gift of flowers. The first phase had been completed, a brilliant success that had been months in the making. The next would be far faster. The grip would be tightened now. All who called Fluttershy friend knew something had changed in the gentle-hearted woman’s life. Before, where the smile on her lips had been relaxed –almost casual- there was now one of eagerness, anticipation for some unforeseen event or object. Her steps were lighter, livelier with a weightlessness in her slender figure. Her eyes glowed whenever anyone spoke to her, kept brightened by something none were certain of. She remained sweet, quiet and gentle all the same- yet some stark difference had to be accounted for that could not explained by mere contentment in life. Fluttershy didn’t quite know how to explain it to anyone whenever the question was raised. How did one explain feelings that had come upon oneself so suddenly, yet so powerfully? She awoke to each new morning with an excitement, wondering what the dawn would bring with it. She felt a strange lightness in her stomach, almost like nervousness- but better, happier. She enjoyed the sensation rather than considering it a gnawing wound in her belly. Every day she would rise from her bed and remember the intangible something she felt, hoping she might find the source of it. Whoever they were. She could only admit it to herself for now: Fluttershy, gentle maiden of nature, was in love. Horribly, fantastically, deeply in love. This new reality made her feel like floating on clouds, her mind desiring to focus on nothing but the wonderful secret admirer she now possessed. One as gentle and shy as she was! It was a surprise Fluttershy didn’t know she could have. Heaven knows she wasn’t even aware she could have such feelings. She had at first wondered, when she began to wake and find all her feathered friends well-fed and care for, if the whole thing was just a strange benevolence by some unknown specter. But when she had first found those flowers, simply waiting for her to take them… she had begun to wonder if instead there was something much sweeter at play. The amount of free time she had to spend pondering these strangely wonderful new events that had transpired these past several weeks was something she was grateful for. These small acts of kindness were so deliberate, clearly thought over and done with all the care and affection for the creatures of earth that she herself possessed. The most arduous of her tasks were often completed well before she could reach them, and always there would be some small gift awaiting her. Sometimes it was flowers, other days it would be sweets or a love letter- Fluttershy, from her place in the grass as she watched the passing clouds above, could only give a dreamy sigh as the smile can upon her lips unbidden. The love letters! They were beautifully written, gently scented with her favorite perfume, and had such sweet things to say. They did more than just speak of her beauty, of how she made them feel (Fluttershy could hardly believe she made anyone feel such a way!), but also why: praise of her character, of what she did for those around her. It was a bunch of silliness, the sort of thing Rarity loved to read in Twilight’s library, but Fluttershy found herself glad of it nonetheless. Fluttershy’s newfound happiness that made such a quiet, reserved spirit suddenly beam with joy did not go unnoticed. Her friends discussed it amongst themselves, and of whether or not to press the matter. Rarity, perhaps possessing a better sense of what was occurring, advised the others to inquire with more discretion. It was Fluttershy’s secret, after all; this was not the sort of thing you could force out into the open. But in some ways, there was a feeling of concern. The young woman was distracted, unfocused. She seemed to be spending so much time away from the cottage, away from her works. She would be walking with her animal friends and speaking to them in hushed voices as such secrets were seemingly divulged. Had she become so giddy so as to abandon her work? None of Ponyville’s creatures, nor those of the countryside, seemed to suffer. It was a strange thing to witness. “Fluttershy. Hey, Fluttershy!” “Huh?” She had drifted back into her own thoughts, so far away in some pleasant dreamscape that the lovely woman had flown far away from the here and now- and right now she was surrounded by her friends, all of whom seemed to be staring at her with some mixture of exasperation and concern. “Oh my goodness, I’m sorry!” she cried, hoping she didn’t blush too heavily. “What did I miss?” “Jeez, Fluttershy, stop living on Cloud Nine for a minute,” Rainbow Dash remarked drily, though her eyes spoke to concern. “Twilight was asking you if she could borrow your book on… on- what was it again?” “Social behavior between symbiotic species,” Twilight replied. “I’ve been watching how some of your birds seem to intentionally leave seeds out for the nearby squirrels, and I got to thinking I wanted to know more. You have something on the subject, right?” “Oh, yes, I can find it for you,” Fluttershy answered, doing her best to recall where it was amongst her small collection. It was one she had been grateful for when far younger, but not one she required much now for her everyday. “You can come with me after tea to grab it, if you’d like.” The weekly meetup between the six of them had been an idea of Twilight’s, a surefire solution to ensure their friendships remained strong even in the face of busy schedules. Something inflexible that could not be adjusted was helpful, a thing for them all to look forward to. Applejack politely requested coffee instead, and Rainbow Dash would drink nothing but espresso, but the effort was there. Only moments after she had been spoken to, it was obvious Fluttershy was drifting away yet again. Rainbow, oldest of her friends, saw the glaze on her eyes. Rarity, sharpest of social minds, easily guessed why. The poor girl had to speak of it openly, or else it would only worsen. All eyes turned to the fashionista for the solution to this unusual predicament, she giving a small sigh in response to the less than subtle plea for aid. “Tell me, darling,” Rarity said, “what ever has changed you so?” “Huh?” The words were enough to draw her away from the daydream, but not enough to ring in her consciousness. “I’m sorry, I did it again, didn’t I?” Rarity smiled. So it was that bad. “Well, darling, you’ve been in such a wondrous mood these past weeks,” she said airily. “I was hoping you could divulge the secret to your impervious new attitude. I’ve been under such stress, it would be a delightful relief.” “Oh! Umm…” Fluttershy turned deep red as she smiled by reflex, unable to look anywhere but in her lap. “It’s nothing. Really! I’ve just been enjoying the lovely weather, that’s all.” “Yeah, a little too much!” Rainbow teased. “All I ever see you do nowadays is staring at clouds and flowers, or walking with Angel or one of your other animal friends. What gives?” “You’re not sick or anything, are you, Fluttershy?” Twilight asked quietly. The concern there was genuine, fear suggesting she may simply be trying to enjoy her last days in peace rather than pretending the end was not actually coming. “Is everything… OK?” “Yes! Yes, it is!” Fluttershy answered delightedly. “It’s just- Umm… I don’t know how to say this…” Rarity gave a sly grin- one that immediately turned to disdain as Pinkie Pie gave a majestic gasp and shrieked, “Fluttershy’s got a crush!” “Pinkie darling, was that really the way such a thing needed to be said?” the fashionista asked. “Come now-” “Wait a second, Fluttershy? Come on, she- is that for real?” Rainbow asked incredulously, staring at her oldest friend with such intensity that it seemed the demure girl would falter under its pressure. “Well, I-” she blushed a deep shade of crimson, but the smile gave it away. “I’ve got an- admirer. I think.” “Well I’ll be,” Applejack remarked. “I wouldn’t have thought if of ya. Since when?” “A while now,” Fluttershy answered, feeling relief at the expulsion of the secret. “They’ve been helping me take care of my animals- and leaving gifts every… now and then.” “What’s their name? Do we know them? Can I throw them a party to celebrate them dating you? Come on, tell me, tell me!” Pinkie cried, positively alight with the thought of potentially putting her craft to proper use. Oh boy. “I, well… I’ve never met them.” “WHAT?” “I think they’re shy. It’s always when I’m not there,” she explained. “But it’s very kind. And I do like the love letters.” The mention of love letters set Rarity afire. “What sort of things do they say? Is it romantic and wonderful, words that would make even royalty swoon?” Fluttershy blushed again as she revealed another secret, extracting a folded piece of paper from her pocket and handing it to her well-dressed companion. “This one is my favorite… so far.” Rarity examined the paper and read some of it aloud. “‘Your kindness amidst this weary world is an oasis in the desert. Your gentleness is like the fine silk worn upon one’s skin. You brighten my day like the sun brightens the world, and only to you do I bestow my heart, all my desires solely in your hand.’ Fluttershy, these are wonderful!” she declared, if only for a second before returning her gaze back to the note. “She seems to truly adore you, even if she can’t say it in person.” “Hold on a minute, SHE?” Rainbow Dash couldn’t decide how she was supposed to react to all these new revelations. Happy? Stunned? Worried? “Well, yes,” Rarity replied. “This is assuredly a woman’s handwriting. Perhaps there is some fear of judgement and that is why she hasn’t spoken to dear Fluttershy in person yet.” She turned to her lovestruck friend who currently seemed at a loss for words. “Oh, Fluttershy… I didn’t just ruin the excitement for you, did I? The mystery?” All eyes again turned to Fluttershy, who simply didn’t possess the ability to deal with this degree of scrutiny at the moment. “I guess…” she remembered the sweetness of the flowers, of each deed that had been done- all for her. “I don’t mind that. I think she’s being very sweet.” “Well… hopefully she’ll come talk to you soon, then. Face-to-face,” Twilight said, not sure what else she could, or even should, say. I never would have thought Fluttershy would be so casual about something this… this affecting. So much for being shy! Fluttershy giggled delightedly at the thought. “I hope she will. Very much.” Fluttershy was awake. Exhausted, weary, and wishing she had remained in her dreams rather than traveling to the deep dark of a moonless night. The heaviness of sleep that had taken her so deeply not long ago, like a thick blanket, was now tossed aside as her whirlwind of emotions returned in force. A mind made vulnerable my slumber, more susceptible to bouts of extreme feeling, was not eager to endure the intense butterflies that came to life in her stomach. An unhappy huff escaped the young woman’s lips, and she sat upright in her bed, rubbing her eyes so as to fully open them. She had been having a most wonderful dream, really; a peaceful walk through a forest full of wild animals, hand-in-hand with a woman whose face and name she could not recall- but one she knew to be beautiful nonetheless. It had been the happiest she had ever felt in all her life, only for that blissful moment to be torn away from her forever. What had dared to steal her out of such a joyful fantasy? Tap! The sound of stone striking glass made her jump nearly out of her skin, the sudden sharpness of noise in the midst of nighttime silence like the cracks of thunder. Fluttershy gave a squeak of fright and darted beneath the sheets to hide from view- peering out a few moments later to see what nightmarish phantasm now stalked her from within the deep gloom. Tap! Another pebble struck the window, followed by one more. It wasn’t an attack, Fluttershy realized as she quelled her fears. This was one seeking her attentions. Her heart, already pounding madly in her chest, took a different rhythm of quickness as a new thought entered her mind. It couldn’t possibly be, could it..? The window opened, albeit slowly. Excitement was not enough to fully silence the maiden’s fears, and even when Fluttershy allowed the night air to flow into her abode, she only just peeked her head above the sill to peer downwards. She saw the top rung of a ladder just below, and at its base –one foot planted on the bottom rung- was the shadowed figure of a person awaiting the sight of… well, her. A new burst of excitement, one the young woman wasn’t sure she was ready for. “Hi,” she whispered, her normally meek voice somehow more faint than ever. “Fluttershy..?” The voice that came from below was indeed a woman’s, and a melodious one at that. There was a pleasantness to it like words being sung, and a sweetness was in the air that sent shivers up the girl’s spine. It was her! “Yes!” She could hardly believe it, if only she had something worthwhile to say! “Are you the one who’s been writing me all those letters?” “I- I can stop, if you want me to,” said the woman, that lovely voice now sounding deflated. “No! No, it’s alright,” Fluttershy said. “Please, come up, or- do I climb down to you?” “I’ll come to you, my love,” the woman breathed, and Fluttershy felt goosebumps at the words. My love… “I want to see you, if- if you don’t mind,” the maiden whispered. “Let me grab the candle from my nightstand and we can-” “No! Please,” her visitor called, making her way up to the object of her affections so as to find themselves face-to-face. “I- I don’t have much time. I just… wanted…” She was losing her nerve, it seemed. Fluttershy, perhaps on instinct, reached out slowly and took one of her hands in hers, finding this sweet-sounding creature’s skin to be lovely in softness. “It’s alright,” the young girl said, “go on.” “I just wanted to see you, my love,” the woman said next. “I have to be going soon, so it may be a while before I can see you again…” “Oh no.” Fluttershy’s heart ached at the thought. She welcomed the sight of the love letters, their scent and their feel in her fingers. “Will you be able to write me still? I- I want to keep hearing from you.” “I’ll try, my love,” the woman whispered. A hand reached out and stroked the contours of Fluttershy’s cheek, fingers resting as they came to cup her face. “I just needed to hear from you, one more time before I go.” “I’ll miss you everyday. Until I see you again,” Fluttershy said. If only there was no shadow between them, and she could see this woman’s face clearly. It seemed lovely, and something about it was mildly familiar. Trembling from fear and the thought of her own daring, she leaned in ever so slightly… The woman leaned forward, bringing Fluttershy’s lips closed to her own- the two women met for only the slightest of touches, the kiss so small and gentle that the brush of lips could only ignite her senses into wild desires rather than possibly hope to fulfill any of them. It was too short to be sweet, to slight to satisfy. Fluttershy felt their softness and all she knew is that she desired more- much, much more. “Goodbye, my love,” the woman whispered, already climbing down the ladder and turning to the darkness. “Until we meet again.” “Goodbye,” Fluttershy whispered, feeling as though she might fall to tears at the sight of this wonderful woman departing from her. “My… my love.” She heard the whispered farewell even as she hurried off to her hiding place in the depths of the trees, a smile creeping onto her visage as the sensation of success began to take hold. She had done it, the poor girl was hers and hers alone. The absence would only intensify the feelings, turn that romantic desire into a state of maddened lust. When they met again, it would be all too easy. Author's Note Last chapter tomorrow. To my downvote followers, I know you're there. Your favorite ship has been done to death.
Three: An AwakeningAs the fair young maiden walked through the lively village and towards her destination, it took all her concentrated effort not to run as fast as she could to reach it. Finally, after all this horrible waiting, the moment was finally here! She’d waited for forever, or at least it had felt like it. That miserable ache that had settled in her stomach from the absence had been almost unbearable- but now, finally, the time for waiting was actually over! Fluttershy had been devastated by the departure of her secretive love. Not one letter had been sent in the entirety of their separation, some of the darkened nights that were spent so deeply alone would leave her close to tears, if not in tears. The old habits of caring for her animals herself had to be resurrected again; routines that had once been done without a thought were now brought back in stumbling leaps and bounds rather than the smooth rhythm they had once possessed. Fluttershy had grown accustomed to the benevolent aid, and she missed the sweetness with which they were done. She missed the flowers and the love that had been given. Part of her wondered if she simply should have leapt down that ladder and run after that wonderful, wonderful woman instead of standing there like a stupefied fool. It may have been an abandonment of her duties and the animals she cherished, but she would have been with the love of her life! Wasn’t that worth something, too? But now… now, she had come back! She had finally reached out to her again, calling for her! Fluttershy could hardly wait for the moment they reunited, how her heart longed for it! They would embrace one another, hold one another tightly as they kissed, and kissed, and… she blushed as her mind went to places she rarely ever thought of. But that small, forbidden daydream was wonderful. Fluttershy held the note tightly in her hand, looking back down so as to read it again: My darling Fluttershy, Forgive me for such an extended silence. My work has been arduous, more difficult than I expected. But now that I am done, my only thought has been to see you again. I wish to feel your touch, your hand in mine- your lips pressed deeply against my own. My love for you cannot be written here, but only expressed through action. It is my hope and desire that you would meet me with Canterlot, this Saturday at sundown. The return address on the envelope will be where I meet you, openly at last. It is my dearest hope that when we do see each other again that all we know is happiness like never before. As I give my love to you, I pray that yours be given to me in return. Please pardon my brashness when I make this request: Your dressmaker friend, lovely Rarity, has been commissioned to make a gift for you. It would make me happy if you would receive it this Friday, for she shall be expecting you. When I see you, I would be glad if you wear her finest craftsmanship upon your fair form. My soul and body ache for you with hunger. ~ Your Love Fluttershy wouldn’t have even thought of arguing against such a request. Of course she would arrive adorned in her lover’s gift- she could have asked for her to arrive naked and she would have done so! My goodness, I actually thought that! I’m being so very silly. When the Carousel Boutique at last came into view, the poor woman gave a sigh of relief. It had taken far too long already, she was eager to see what had been set aside for her. Would it be a ballgown, a lovely hat, something she couldn’t even think of? A small part of her that she didn’t want to recognize hoped it was lingerie. Only a few more steps and she would find out. As the bell above the door rung with her entrance, the pleasant voice of Rarity cried out, “Be with you in a minute!” Patient waiting done impatiently, and the lovely fashionista appeared from the backrooms and smiled at the sight of her awaited friend. “Fluttershy! It’s good to see you, darling! I was wondering when you would show.” “Hi, Rarity. It’s lovely to see you,” Fluttershy said. “I… I guess you know why I’m here.” “Yes, I am,” Rarity replied, a rather strange look taking shape on her face. “I received the order a little over a week ago, and I’ve been hard at work ever since. It’s just- well…” Something wasn’t right within the woman’s mind. “Is everything alright, Rarity?” “Hmm? Well, I’m not quite sure, darling,” Rarity answered. “You see, I’ve completed the order as promised, but- dear, I’m not quite sure it’s- it’s you.” Fluttershy’s mind was singular, eager to see the awaited gift from her beloved. “I don’t understand.” “The dress is done, dear, but it’s- oh, hold on a moment,” Rarity huffed, disappearing back into the rooms of the Boutique for a few moments before returning with a dark-colored object in hand. “It’s a dress, dear, and… it’s a bit different from your- normal tastes.” “Oh…” Fluttershy held the item in hand and marveled at how comfortable it felt- only for a moment as she let it fall saw it was indeed a dress- a very, very small one. A little black dress, with emphasis on little. Strapless, for one thing- and likely body tight. In fact, she wasn’t even sure if she could wear it at all. “Maybe… I should try it on first?” “That would be my suggestion,” Rarity said, eyeing the dress with discomfort. “Let’s see how it looks.” To Fluttershy’s amazement, the dress fit perfectly. Yes, it was taut and accentuated her form in excess, but Rarity’s work was wonderful. When she examined herself in the mirror, she could hardly believe that she looked so spectacularly sexy. Her bust was slightly squished so as to accent the size, with the slim waistline she possessed was given extra precedence because of it. As she turned about, she could see that not all of her figure was guaranteed cover- if she sat down, some of her would be exposed. I didn’t know my… my rear was that nice. Fluttershy wanted to laugh at such silly thoughts that were so strong now inside her mind. She would look wonderful for her beloved! “Fluttershy, I’ve been thinking maybe you shouldn’t- oh my stars!” Rarity cried, whatever she had to say before cast aside as the beautiful woman exited the fitting room and let herself be seen in her gift for the first time. The fashionista, never one to be subtle, let her emotions be put on fullest display at the sight of her friend in such a decadent outfit, her chest heaving with the depth of her feeling. “You look positively irresistible, darling! Magnificent, even!” “You really think so?” Fluttershy wondered if she should be ashamed of how she was acting right now, if there should be embarrassment about her actions. Instead, she was grateful: if Rarity was this enamored with the look, how much more so would her beloved be. “You did a wonderful job, Rarity.” “Oh, only the best for you, darling!” Rarity proclaimed, coming over to give her friend a deep hug that lasted longer than expected. “I can only imagine how they’ll act when they see you. Heaven knows you’re impossible to resist.” “Really?” “Completely impossible, darling,” Rarity whispered, suddenly leaning in to place her lips on Fluttershy’s for a kiss. The gesture was unexpected, Fluttershy at first wanting to reel back and away from the outpouring of affection; it was not the feel of her lover’s lips, but it was nice and soft nonetheless. She let the kiss continue for a little longer, and a little longer still as the two women found happiness in the embrace- Just as Fluttershy was willing to allow the moment to intensify further, Rarity suddenly broke apart, her expression stricken by shame. “I’m sorry, darling, I- it was too- Ihavetogo!” Rarity raced away from her compliant partner and disappeared up the stairs, out of sight as the sound of a door being slammed shut echoed through the building. Fluttershy stood there for a time, perplexed by the sudden turn of events. She knew her beloved’s kiss was not anything like Rarity’s- more gentle, less refined. But it had been pleasant. She would have been willing to allow more. Perhaps, when they had the opportunity, Fluttershy and her lover would need to pay Rarity a visit and talk things over. It would be… nice. She left early Saturday morning, doing what she could to feed her animals before heading to the train station with bags packed. She would not change yet, but instead having reserved a hotel room not far from her final destination. Fluttershy felt the excitement change from the roaring intensity and instead to something else, something deeper and different. This was the moment she had longed for all her life, even if she didn’t know it. She wanted this mysterious woman more than she wanted breath in her lungs. Tonight, at long last, they would be in each other’s arms. The wait in her hotel room for the sun to set was torturous. How long could one day be? How could she resist simply sprinting down there and seeking out the woman of her dreams? The hours ticked by slowly, and Fluttershy wished she could simply sleep the time away. The excitement in her bones would not allow such a thing to pass, not on this momentous day. When the sun did at last fall, she hesitated. Was something about this… not right? Something perhaps unsafe? The woman had yet to reveal her face, or even say her name. Fluttershy was chasing after a ghost, even after all these months. But this wonderful woman had been so sweet, so caring… Fluttershy wanted to at least give her a chance. It was time to adorn herself in her lover’s gift, and set out into the city. Fluttershy felt the stares of others as she walked to her destination, Rarity’s exquisite craftsmanship highlighting desirable sensuality. She was the object of affection for all wherever she walked, though the eyes of one were all she longed for. It would be any moment now… Wait- this can’t be it. Fluttershy came to a grinding halt outside the building that she thought had been her goal- but it couldn’t be, could it? It just wasn’t right, she was too beautiful, too sweet and lovely- so why did Fluttershy’s lover guide her to a strip club? Canterlot Club, the sign displaying the words above in hot-pink neon lights; it wasn’t exactly easily mistaken for anything else. Was that the big secret? Fluttershy’s devoted admirer was a dancer? “Well…” it wasn’t the worst surprise she could have discovered. So what if she was a stripper? She was still so very sweet and thoughtful, and that was what Fluttershy had become infatuated with. It wasn’t the occupation that really mattered, after all. She was here to see the woman she loved, and she would not be satisfied until it was done. With more trepidation than she had expected –and less than she felt when she had first arrived- Fluttershy pushed open the door and walked into her beloved’s world. She hadn’t been to many strip clubs in her young life- truthfully, she hadn’t been to any strip clubs. But whatever she had believed of them didn’t seem to be true with this one at all. The place was comfortably lit, soft light like the flames of candles that illuminated the showroom floor. The visitors in the place were all women, not a single prying or predatory eye among them, so many possessing a drink and a smile. The staff were –shockingly- well-dressed in finery that gave them a lovely appearance rather than a slatternly one. Fluttershy had expected grungy. If anything, she was more scandalously dressed than the staff. This was a nightclub for certain, but it seemed a place of safety. “Excuse me, ma’am,” a well-mannered voice sounded to the side of her and Fluttershy turned to see a young girl approaching, hardly an adult and sporting a captivating smile. “Would you perhaps be Miss Fluttershy?” “I am,” she answered, a mixture of nerves and excitement. “Am I expected?” “Yes, very much, ma’am!” the young girl replied happily. “Our Lady has been hoping to see you for many days now! If you would only follow me, I can take you to where she awaits your arrival.” “Oh! Please, I would be delighted,” Fluttershy answered, now giggling madly. So her lover was not a dancer but the Lady of the house! It was to be very exciting a night indeed. She followed her lovely guide deep into the depths of the club to where regal doors awaited her. She threw them open and walked forward- A shock of recognition at the form, the face that awaited her. She knew it from two places, two different lives. It was her lover, the one she loved in return; it just wasn’t who she expected at all. Chrysalis sighed in satisfaction at the sight of her long effort finally bearing fruit. It was all so, so close now. The trap had been set, the bait had sought after long ago. All that remained now was the arrival. Discretion could only last for so long, she had realized. Subtlety was an art form, but a bit of flaunting never hurt. In her work at Ponyville, she had come to a conclusion that would make the final victory all the more perfect: it had to be done right here in Canterlot, right underneath Celestia’s nose. She would be struck down right in the heart of her prized city before she knew something was wrong. When at last it came that sun-marked Princess’ turn to be defeated, it would be done so before a crowd of people who she had thought were on her side. The Ravens had been the one to scout this place out. An old storage warehouse that had survived a post-war reconstruction campaign, numerous rooms and hideaways for those who would need it. It had once been a place used for the survival of a species- now, so many years later, it would be so yet again. Chrysalis’ plan would set in motion a certainty of survival that would keep the Changelings protected for generations to come. Theft had been rampant across the kingdom, if only for a few days. Lightning strikes, quick and precise as she had ordered. Only hard currency was acceptable, lest they be traced. When the haul had finally been put together, it was more than enough to purchase the warehouse legally. Even the supplies that would be needed to turn the dilapidated building into a true temple of love were paid for before they’d even been bought. Quietly, disguised as mere common workers, her drones had entered into the place and built it to her exact specifications, giving it the appearance of nothing more than a simple women’s nightclub. Only the astute would know the difference. Everything from the ventilation system to the lighting had been done to heighten the wellbeing of the horde that dwelled inside; the warehouse was their new hive. Here, her horde could be hidden in peace, able to drink deep from the unsuspecting. Right now, her Lieutenants guarded the doors to prevent unwelcome entry- which was all but one, for at least a start. When the time came and Chrysalis had truly found ultimate victory, it would be a feast for the ages. She had constructed it perfectly, ensuring that even her conquests would boil over for the sustenance of her swarm and allow them to grow fat with strength. Now, she waited. The night had come. She knew Fluttershy had been so badly affected by her absence that the oversexualized gift she had been given would be taken without hesitation, the act bringing about a new opportunity for further down the road. When she arrived, her horde would be there to welcome her, and bring the unsuspecting girl right into the heart of the spider’s web. From there, even the architecture of this place would be fighting against her instinct to call the resplendent queen an enemy. The door opened behind her and Chrysalis gave a smile. After all that effort, the real fun was about to begin. “Who… who are you?” Fluttershy’s voice was cautious as the recognition of the person before her spoke to two very different memories. “I?” Chrysalis said sweetly, turning about so as to take in her lover in fullness. “I am the one who adores you, my dear Fluttershy.” “Chrysalis!” The soft-spoken girl looked like she wanted to scream, practically clawing at the door in the hopes it would spill open and let her free from this place. “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh-” “My goodness, darling,” Chrysalis remarked, taking position on a nearby stool and letting herself be flaunted. “You needn’t be so afraid. I’ve no desire to harm you.” “I’m a prisoner, aren’t I? You kidnapped me!” Fluttershy cried. “Not at all, my love,” came the reply. “I do not call you my heart’s desire falsely. Come now… I’ve no desire to harm you.” “What do you want of me, then?” She held her back to the door, hands still trying to fumble with the unbreakable lock. “You’re going to do something awful, aren’t you?” “Not in the slightest, my darling Fluttershy,” Chrysalis assured her. “My eyes only search for you. Come forward and let me see you. My gift must be lovely on your fair figure.” Fluttershy hesitated. This was a ruse. It had to be. But the form of Chrysalis was so familiar- not from a nightmare battle in the very city in which she now stood, but in the form of shadows as her heart spoke of a yearning love- of lips that had been haunting her dreams for so long now. “Are you…” she faltered. “Go on, my darling,” Chrysalis said encouragingly. “I do not bite any longer.” Fluttershy found her courage again, a pleasant sweetness in the air. “Are you really my secret admirer? Or is this just a trick?” “Admirer? Your words are too weak, my dear,” Chrysalis crooned, eyes glowing in anticipation of the wonderful moments that were coming ever closer. “You are my delight, my heart’s deepest desire. I wish to ravish you.” The fearful girl relinquished her grip on the door handle, though her expression still suggested some hesitancy remained. It was not to be so easy to lower her defenses as Chrysalis had suspected. A little more effort would have to be given if she were to bring this sweet-faced woman to her side. Chrysalis simply sat there and smiled with all the warmth she possessed, letting her eyes do the talking for her. “Why are you here?” Fluttershy asked. “Are you trying to take over Canterlot again?” “Why, dear Fluttershy- you leave me hurt, truly!” Chrysalis declared, even looking so. “I am here because I am desperately in love with you.” “With… me?” She still appeared skeptical. “Surely you do not think all my gestures and words of affection mean nothing,” Chrysalis replied. “When my drones spoke of you, they told me of a beautiful girl with the softest eyes. I needed to find you again, and find you I did. The moment I laid my eyes on you, I knew you had to be mine.” “Oh…” Did she now believe her? The queen would push a little more, just in case. “When I had to depart from you that night, with little more than the slightest of kisses, I could hardly stand not being in your arms,” she continued, “every day I have thought of you. Of your tongue on mine, our naked bodies pressed together, drinking deeply of one another. Have you not desired the same?” “I…” Fluttershy was starting to blush now. “I just didn’t know it was you.” “I can be whomever you wish, my dear butterfly,” Chrysalis purred. “All I long for is to make love to you.” Fluttershy still was not certain. All of this was very strange; it hadn’t been all that long ago that this beautiful, magnificent woman had been eager to take over the kingdom. Yet here she was now, desiring nothing more than to have sex with her. It was a delightful- unusual turn of events. But- Chrysalis herself looked… wonderful. A little black dress of her own adorned the magnificent physique of the Changeling queen and highlighted every ounce of splendor: beautiful, large breasts that deserved to be sucked and worshipped; a voluptuous figure that was adorned with a butt that needed to be pleasured; lips so plump and inviting, lidded eyes that called for Fluttershy to walk over and sit in this wondrous woman’s lap- Those splendid, silken legs of Chrysalis’ opened wide and revealed a panty-less bottom, her sex there for the claiming. Fluttershy trembled; she lusted for this dark angel. “I can’t resist you for long, my butterfly,” Chrysalis spoke at last, rising from her place atop the comfortable stool to stride close to the shivering maiden. “I must know if you feel the same.” “Oh…” hands so soft, just as she had remembered them, the finger stroking through her hair ever so gently. The tips just barely brushed the nape of her neck and she gave a shiver at the sensation. “I want more than just to kiss you, darling,” Chrysalis whispered, standing so close to her desire, arms wrapping around the struggling girl to hold her tight. “I will make you cry from joy. But only if you let me…” Fluttershy couldn’t speak now, stunned into silence as Chrysalis’ perfect tongue, incredibly long, extended out of her mouth and dangled there like a delectable morsel that was hers for the taking- and hers alone. She wanted this woman, she needed this woman… “May I ravish you, my demure darling?” Chrysalis was so close that Fluttershy could feel her breath on her lips. “May I make you mine?” “Oh my goodness YES!” Fluttershy cried, diving deep into Chrysalis’ awaiting lips as she plunged forth for a magnificent, fiery kiss that took even the seductive queen by surprise. She poured herself into the woman’s mouth, hands clutching that perfect face so tightly so as not to miss an ounce of this flawlessness of love and sexuality that she had craved for months. The two only broke apart by necessity of oxygen, the two women flushed and gasping for breath as a small filament of spittle hung between their open mouths. “I love you, Chrissy- I need you to do more than make love to me- fuck me raw.” Chrysalis felt the rush of delight at the words and knew the work had been fruitful. She was being restored by this sweet-hearted woman’s primal passions, and this was only the beginning. “As you wish, my love,” she whispered, clutching Fluttershy and returning the kiss with equal fervor. The kisses they shared were not gentle. For one so demure, Fluttershy seemed to possess an absolutely voracious lust, holding to her beloved as though she were afraid the spell would break if they did not hold each other tightly. Lips pressed against lips, tongue slithered over tongue, saliva flowed from one mouth to the other and dribbled out alongside gasping breaths as they shared the beginnings of their lovemaking. Fluttershy’s hands could not resist the luscious breasts of the Changeling queen and tore the top of her dress downwards so as to clutch at them with greater force, kneading them in vicious delight. She hadn't known she could feel like this, but now that these wonderful urges were here, she had to see them satisfied- and only by sweet, perfect Chrysalis! They broke apart for only a moment to catch their breath- “Stick out your tongue, please!” Fluttershy requested, and Chrysalis’ eyes smiled as she complied. “Oh...” Fluttershy took to that long, slithering tongue with rapturous glee, gracing it with kisses and strokes from her own pink organ before taking to sucking upon it like it was a sweet candy. No, candy did not taste as sweet as this. Only one thing could possibly be better. Chrysalis sighed with contentment as Fluttershy’s adoration gave no signs of stopping. She relinquished her tongue and left Fluttershy looking scandalized. “Give me your tongue, my darling,” she said sultrily, “One good turn deserves another.” “Oh, Chrissy, mine’s not as- Ah!” Hands reached out and fondled her breasts, a small shot of pleasure working through her body. Fluttershy promptly stuck out her tongue and could have mistaken her existence for a slice of heaven. Chrysalis’s sucklings on her little tongue were the work of a maestro, made all the more perfect by the fingers that stroked her skin- “I love you,” Fluttershy whispered, pulling at her dress in a mad frenzy until it lay somewhere around her ankles. “Please, Chrissy…” “Of course, my little butterfly,” Chrysalis said, “but first-” She took to the straps of her dress and pulled them down, throwing her dress aside and allowing the maiden a full look at the most perfect form any woman could possibly have. Such magnificent skin, such flowing curves! And this woman was going to make love to her! “Now… hold tight.” Fluttershy struggled right from the beginning. She had practically been dribbling right from the moment she had walked in, and the excessive bout of passionate kissing had not made it any easier. Now, that flowing tongue upon which she had offered her love was now deep within her folds, slithering this way and that as it touched and tickled in the most perfect of places. How was she supposed to bear it? She wanted to scream, cry out and release- but if she could hold a little longer, then this impeccable woman would continue to pleasure her some more. She reveled in the sensation, gasping with delight- It hit her so quickly that Fluttershy almost lost her breath as the orgasm came. She burst forth and let her juices flow like a river, pouring out directly into Chrysalis’ busied mouth where not a single drop was left undetected. Still the tongue of the queen worked, bringing about another great shudder, then another for good measure. It was Fluttershy’s first time ever, and she found herself wondering if anything would ever hope to rival it. A glance down and she saw the smeared face of Chrysalis staring up at her from in between her legs, Fluttershy’s fluids easily discernable. Guilt at the warning-less action began to bubble up in her stomach. “Oh- Chrissy, I’m so sorry-” “Don’t even think it, my darling,” Chrysalis crooned, crawling her way up Fluttershy’s naked body with a series of soft, gentle kisses- from her thighs to her navel, to sweet breasts that tingled at the touch and at last to her lips yet again. The sensation was different this time, the slickness of saliva now turned viscous by- well, her own sexual fluids. Fluttershy wondered if only dirty girls did this, but she still enjoyed the feeling. It was more than nice, she decided. Chrysalis felt fuller than she had in months. The girl had given her all of her love without reservation, not a drop of it held within her heart for her own keeping. The outpouring had been wonderful, so staggeringly sweet to the tongue that she could hardly believe her good fortune. This pretty little girl was hers now- and loathe would either of them be to relinquish the other. “I am only sorry that is all we can have…” “What? No, we have plenty of time!” Fluttershy pouted, grabbing hold of Chrysalis’ breasts and plunging in for a kiss upon those succulent lips. “I- I want to make you feel good, too, you know. I’m not- well, experienced or anything, but I want to make you happy. Is- is that OK?” Chrysalis had expected a multitude of various reactions from this young girl. Exhaustion, delirium, overwhelming delight. Chrysalis was used to the objects of her ravishings to be reduced to nothing more than gasping heaps of happiness, incapable of doing more than falling asleep where they lay. She had never, in all her many years on this earth, ever had one who could still stand- much less offer anything in return. She had wanted to feed on this girl’s love; was it to be shared with her willingly? A gift, rather than a sacrifice? “If- if you want to, my little butterfly,” she stammered. Fluttershy smiled. “It’s my first time, so… please don’t be mad,” she said before falling to her knees and placing her head in between Chrysalis’ thighs. A small sigh, then- the plunge. Chrysalis was a master of sex, and it took her no time at all to know that Fluttershy was a rank amateur. The words of inexperience had not been a lie, and her tongue-work was hesitant, uncertain. It felt good, pleasant and giving- but it required direction. AIM. Chrysalis felt the sensations that came from this girl, this sudden act of genuine love that was unlike anything she’d felt in her entire life. The Changeling queen thought she had been satisfied, her hunger abated. Now it was incensed. She felt a place of particular satisfaction and she gave a small moan of delight to let her lover know that the mark had been found. “Deeper, Fluttershy!” The work of the girl intensified, precisely guided by Chrysalis’ expert direction with each stroke that was offered, working the queen into a rapture of pleasure that she could hardly hold back. Finally, with one great gasp came the overflow, so strong that there could only be a cry of ecstasy. Out it flowed from Chrysalis pristine form and through the hive, waves upon waves of pleasure the likes of which no Changeling had ever known. She crashed to her knees before the willing lover, Chrysalis gasping from sheer delight while Fluttershy’s petite figure heaved from her own exertions. The two women simply stared at one another for a time, unable to find the proper choice of words to describe what had just transpired. “So,” Fluttershy breathed, a winded smile on her fluid-soaked lips, “how did I do?” “How did you do..?” Chrysalis echoed. “My darling Fluttershy!” She took hold of the startled girl and kissed her fiercely, over and over as fluids and saliva of both women intermingled in joyous symphony. “You were wonderful, simply wonderful!” Fluttershy giggled, leaning against her lover and gently pressing her lips against the sweat-soaked, bare skin. “Thank you, Chrissy,” she said sweetly. “I love you- so much.” “And I you, my little butterfly,” Chrysalis replied, stunned to find that she meant it. She had always fed on love, never taken part in it. The sensation had been new and wonderful, absolutely unrivaled in any feeding she’d ever done. She hungered for more, craved more, and she would fight -even die- to protect the one who had willingly given her such strength. Yet this love was not her end goal. No, instead it had transformed her goal into something far grander. She would not kill Celestia. This was to be a new beginning for the horde, a new way of life. And through sweet Fluttershy, she would see it through. “Tell me, my darling butterfly,” Chrysalis said lightly, “how have your friends been doing these past months?” Author's Note More will come. Another story, another time. Trust. Is what it is, I guess. Hoped for more views.