Benighted

A new terror haunted the moonlit skies of Benighted Equestria. The telltale chromatic contrails that once awed multitudes of equines and inspired countless would-be aces now heralded the insidious will of the Lunar Empress. From the frozen holds of Yakistan to the disparate tribes of Farasi, many learned that the reach of the Empire was long indeed.

“Funny how discontents fall silent once they know how swift justice can be.” Spike, Imperial Champion and often draconic executioner of said justice, mused as he leaned against a windowsill with a crystalline treat in claw. “At least the smart ones do. Some are just stubborn.”

As the imperial grip tightened around the world, it was the remnants of Old Equestria that felt the squeeze. The new Herald’s knowledge of their safehouses, operatives and caches allowed the legions to carry out a series of lightning-fast raids. While the loss of lives and materials was great for the beleaguered resistance, it paled in comparison to the dread knowledge that one of their best had betrayed them. How could the Element of Loyalty fall to darkness? What evil had warped the steadfast and daring Rainbow Dash into the brutal and vainglorious…

“Whatever dear Dashie decides to dub herself.” Vanity scoffed as she carefully put the finishing touches on her latest works. “Nothing too gauche, I hope.”

“Probably something -Dash.” Spike thought as he popped the last of his snack in his maw. “Storm Dash? No, I can do better. Ooh! Rain Storm! Stormshadow? Why are names so hard?”

“Hrm.” The draconic paramour articulated his many thoughts with a simple grunt.

“Well, no matter. I’m sure she will tell us.” The deep indigo Enchantress adjusted her red-rimmed glasses as she stepped back from the mannequins. “Custom fitted, light yet sturdy and breathes like Somnambulian cotton. What do you think, Spikey?”

“Cool.” The tyrian drake rumbled as he looked over the ‘dark-and-stormy-night’ palette spandex flight suits bearing a winged skull emblem and matching jackets. “Custom?”

“Same color scheme and material but otherwise unique.” Vanity explained as she carefully removed the uniforms and packed them away with her magic. “I would have liked to actually have the bodies here to model but alas all I had to work with were the measurements.”

“And a fine collection of measurements at that.” Spike thought with a sly smirk. “Neat and petite, a brick house and perfectly balanced. Very nice.”

“I’ll inevitably have to make- oof! –adjustments after a fitting.” The fashionista slowly straightened up, bracing her back as the weight of her gravid belly shifted. “Mind loading these into a crate while I change, darling?”

“Mmhm.” Spike nodded. “Dress warmly.”

The soon-to-be mother gasped and giggled as her child continued to stir, seemingly excited at the prospect of traveling. Rubbing a soothing hand over her maternal swell and muttering calming lullabies, Vanity disappeared into a boudoir, shedding her plain work clothes as she went.

“Going with red this time.” The Champion blew smoke out his nose as his inner fire flared in approval of the brief glimpse of lingerie. “Of course, she looks good in everything… and nothing.”

Spike considered following after her but suppressed the temptation. While he could be gentle even romantic during foreplay, he would inevitably succumb to the primal instincts that lead to crushed bedframes, shredded sheets, bruised pelvises and a very hot and sticky mess to clean up afterward. With Vanity due any night now, the risk to both her and their child was simply too great.

“There’s always oral.” The tyrian drake licked his scaly chops as he hammed the crate shut with his fist. “But we’ve explored about every technique and position of that; getting a bit stale.”

“What do you think of this, Spike?” The New Unicorn reappeared enveloped in a fur-lined cloak and hood that concealed her salacious curves. “Doubling down on ‘frosty lady of mystery’ for this outing.”

“Nice.” Her lover rumbled warmly. “The load?”

“Simple, darling.” Vanity ignited her horn and lifted the wooden crate with contemptuous ease. “I carry this while you carry me.”

“Hm.” The New Dragon nodded in understanding as he carefully swept his lover off her hooves in a bridal style carry. “Ready?”

“Of course.” The Enchantress smiled and snuggled against him. “Are you sure you don’t want to wear something warmer? Oh, what am I saying, you’re fine.”

“Greaves and jerkin with the necessary underwear is all I need.” The Imperial Champion gave his rather utilitarian clothes a once over. “Moon above, I love being a dragon.”

With their delivery floating a short distance behind them, the two stepped out onto a balcony of the Crystal Wing of Canterlot. Spike stretched his mighty wings and inhaled deeply, the brisk air chilling his extremities. After double checking with his precious passenger, he raised one taloned foot and stepped out into open air. There was a brief moment of weightless freefall before he caught the wind beneath his wings and leveled off into a glide. Vanity let out an undignified yell that morphed into laughter, the thrill of flight overriding her sense of danger.

“Let that be the extent of your stunts!” She shouted above the howling wind. “Now onwards and upwards!”

“Can’t do much in this weather anyway.” Spike mused as he flapped his wings to gain altitude. “Should probably mention to Dash about reforming the weather teams if she hasn’t already.”

Hugging the mountainside to avoid the worst of the howling winds of Long Winter, the Enchantress and Champion flew toward the peak of Mount Canterhorn. There, anchored to the apex, loomed a ring of storms like a profane halo for the Goddess’s seat of power. Much like its new prismatic potentate, the metropolis of Cloudsdale had been reborn in a dark and terrible form. The columns, friezes, and archways that were a staple of pegasi architecture were still present but what was once ephemeral white cumulus and stratus had been replaced with their dark, lightning flecked nimbus variants. As Vanity had fashioned the Crystal Wing of the palace, so too had the Imperial Herald raised her own place to call home.

“Definitely more militant than Cloudsdale.” Spike observed several sets of scaffolding and the shapes of pegasi at work. “Looks about finished. Just in time if what I’m hearing oversees is true.”

With the resistance dormant for now and domestic power consolidated, the Empress had turned her attention abroad. Foreign powers such as the minotaurs of Knossos and whoever lorded over the Dragon Lands at the moment had wisely opted for non-aggression pacts and regular tributes. Then there was Equestria’s longtime rival Gryphondom.

“The royals want to renew old alliances, the warhawks want, well, war and the free cities just want the money to flow.” The draconic Champion rubbed a faint scar on his back with his tail that had taken a shot from a griffon warmachine during a ‘pirate’ incursion. “Of course, Empress Moon rules the world now so they just have to decide if they want her hoof on their necks or not.”

“I must admit, Dash has a better sense of style than I gave her credit for!” Vanity shouted as they neared the snowcapped peak. “Assuming she didn’t just delegate this and is sleeping on a cloud!”

“Both!” The dragon shrugged as they crested the mountain and slowed into a stall in midair. “Landing?”

“Uhh…there!” The New Unicorn pointed to a spot within the circle where two figures were waving at them. “Good, we’re expected.”

Shaking off the ice that was already accumulating, the Champion made for the indicated landing zone. Before he touched down, the Enchantress cast a simple cloud-walking spell on them both to avoid simply falling through. With a mighty beat of his wings, Spike brought them to a smooth stop and dropped onto the skydock with a heavy whump.

“Splendid as always, darling.” Vanity gave him a quick peck on the cheek as he set her down. “Now, let’s ask those two where… huh, familiar faces, Spike?”

The drake looked to see a turquoise pegasus wearing a tattered black and neon-green variation of the Wonderbolt’s stunt uniform, her gold and amber mane swooped back out of her face. Beside her was, to Spike’s surprise, a griffoness bundled up in an old-style bomber jacket and cargos. It took the Champion a moment to rack his memories but he eventually placed a name with at least one of the faces.

“Gilda.” He thought as his predatory teal eyes met her sharp golds with neither of them blinking. “She’s a long way from home.”

“You two must be Empress Moon’s Champion and Enchantress.” The unknown pegasus greeted the two New Equestrians with a salute as they stepped off the skydock and joined her on a causeway. “Welcome to the Stratofortress.”

“Ooh, that’s good.” Spike articulated his approval with a rumble. “Dash probably read it in one of her adventure books but it fits.”

“Charming.” The indigo unicorn was clearly less enthused as her voice took on an icy edge. “Although an ill fit for the likes of you, Lightning Dust.”

“Ah, you’ve heard of me.” The infamous Wonderbolts washout smirked. “Let me guess; I beat a fan favorite?”

“Hardly.” Vanity scoffed. “You nearly killed me with a tornado.”

“I did?” Dust seemed genuinely confused for moment before it dawned on her. “Oh, right; at the academy. You were the white one…Rarity, right?”

“I don’t hear a ‘sorry’ in there.” The mare’s apparent lack of contrition toward his beloved made a growl rise in the back of the dragon’s throat. “Doubt we’ll ever hear one.”

“You shall address me as Vanity.” The Enchantress corrected pointedly. “You may attach ‘Lady’ or ‘Enchantress’ to that.”

“Tch, okay.” The turquoise mare bit back a nasty laugh. “Don’t get your designer panties in a twist.”

“Wait, then that makes you…” Gilda pointed a talon at the dragon and then lowered it to knee level. “Spike? Yea-high little dweeb?”

“Hrm.” The Champion nodded as he rolled his massive shoulders for her benefit. “Name’s same.”

“Shit, forget spike you’re the whole phalanx now.” The griffoness looked him up and down, her gaze lingering for just a moment over his greaves. “Dude, you got to show me your grind set.”

“Push-ups, sit- ups, weights, cardio and plenty of juice.” The drake beamed with pride before he was honest with himself. “And I guess the tantibus helped.”

“First things first, catty-bird.” Dust pointed out. “Those our new uniforms?”

“Mmhm.” Spike wrapped a claw on the floating crate. “Want yours now?”

“Drake of few words, aren’t you.” The cavalier pegasus smirked deviously. “Let’s get somewhere less windy first. Follow us.”

With their guides leading the way, the unicorn and dragon made their way through the streets of the floating fortress. Now that he had a closer look, the Champion observed that ‘fortress’ was an apt description. He saw no trace of the storefronts, plazas or facilities of Cloudsdale. In their place were barracks large enough to hold several companies of pegasi and armories and forges already stamping out arms and armor. What really caught his attention were the platforms along the outer and inner ring where what looked like repurposed weather apparatus were being installed.

“The idea is to get this winter under control.” Dust explained as she noticed Spike’s sightseeing. “Have a strongpoint do the heavy lifting while weather teams do their thing.”

“And, yes, they can also be used to call down lightning.” Gilda added. “Think what happened up north but less ‘nearly-crack-the-planet-in-two’.”

“Carrier, depot, factory and destroyer all in one.” Spike mused to himself. “The Empress must trust Dash’s loyalty if she’s okay with this hanging over the capital.”

“I’m surprised this isn’t purely a military installation.” Vanity commented. “Empress Moon didn’t appear to give the cold much heed before.”

“It’s more for those like us.” Dust explained as she gestured to herself and Gilda. “Since we’re, you know, not like you… yet.”

“Yeah, we know about the fusion dance Moon has you doing with the dream-things.” The griffoness elaborated with a shiver. “Can’t do that if we freeze to death first.”

“Right, that is slow going.” The drake mentally agreed. “I think her Eminence said something about setting up better matches, whatever that means.”

Before long, the group left the sections of the base still under construction behind and entered an area devoid of the Long Winter’s rage. The chill air was still and the omnipresent moon illuminated the centerpiece of the ringed metropolis. Adored with banners bearing a prismatic bolt surrounded by stars was a looming amphitheater; a coliseum akin to the masterworks of antiquity. It came as no surprise to the Champion that this was where the Herald lived.

“Ah, this is more like it.” Gilda sighed as she unzipped her coat and aired herself out, exposing a tuft of downy speckled feathers just above a well-worn black tank top. “Dry and cool, just like home.”

“I much prefer the warmer climes but I do see the appeal.” Vanity drew back her hood to allow her bounteous mane to flow freely and parted her cloak to reveal her latest ensemble of a frost themed gown. “Do you have a preference, Spikey-wikey?”

“Careful, it’s a trap!” Spike realized his peril as both the unicorn and griffoness seemed interested in his answer. “A noncommittal answer will just make them angry so play dumb!”

“Meathead’s a living furnace; you could stick him on the moon and he’ll be fine.” Dust scoffed before abruptly changing subjects. “Also, holy shit! Is that what we have to look forward to, Vanity?”

“Thanks for that, Lightning.” The Champion discreetly sighed in relief. “Maybe you’re the rare type of good bitch.”

“There appears to be common traits among the New Populace.” The Enchantress went into model mode as she presented her preternatural assets. “Granted, I only have a limited number to compare but I see no reason for the trend to break.”

“I think she was talking about the scones in your oven.” Gilda pointed a talon to Vanity’s gravid stomach. “I take it you’re the chef, Spike.”

“And I still got plenty of batter to spare.” The drake nodded with a wolfish grin. “Ugh, that was bad. Leave the cooking puns to Pinkie.”

“It’s just one, thank the Stars.” Vanity sighed as she rubbed her swell. “Her Excellency expects us to go forth and multiply so, yes, you do have this to look forward to.”

“I’d have to burn my itty-bitty titty committee membership.” Dust muttered as she held her free hand a distance over her petite bust. “Wings should balance me out and most suits compress anyway so…”

“So do we all have to ride the dragon?” Gilda asked bluntly, earning a raised eyeridge from Spike and a scrunched nose from the New Unicorn.

“He is the only option for now.” The Enchantress replied smoothly as she latched onto the dragon. “Even then, he’s limited to the Benighted as a matter of… endurance.”

“Death by snu-snu, I get it.” The griffoness sighed in what could have been disappointment.

“Hey, if the studs that come out of the Empress’ little project look half as good as Champ here, we all have something to look forward to.” Dust cut through the sudden tension. “Now let’s get these inside; I want to try mine on.”

The group passed through a tall archway the led into the amphitheater. In the distance they could hear the din, cheers and jeers of a stadium audience. Both Gilda and Dust bristled in discomfort as recent memories became apparent. Before the Champion could inquire, Vanity slowed her pace and dragged Spike back with her. The drake braced himself for what he expected to be an awkward conversation as the Enchantress clearly had something on her mind.

“She approved of expanding my horde harem.” He thought as the New Unicorn draped his arm over her like a scarf. “Maybe putting the idea into practice is giving her second thoughts.”

“I’ll be honest, I thought our harem would be small and exclusive; just you and the six of us.” Vanity whispered in a tone that was more excited than angry. “But if others are willing and able to join~”

“You sure?” Spike’s surprised whisper came out as a low rumble.

“Oh, you don’t need my permission, o’ mighty Champion of the Night.” The Enchantress smirked as she guided his claw past her shoulder onto one of her breasts. “But I love that you care and I know that, ah, none hold a candle to my magnificence.”

“Of course.” The dragon nodded as he gave her a loving squeeze. “Some may try.”

“Hmhmhm. Then I look forward to meeting our child’s brothers, sisters and maybe some cousins.” Vanity tittered deviously. “Our family tree is going to be a whole forest. Just… don’t get lost in it.”

“MEDIOCRE!” A crowd chant suddenly boomed followed by a rhythmic stomp.

Gilda signaled for the party to stand aside as a pair of thestrals in medical uniforms flew past. Between them on a stretcher was a broken and bruised pegasus that more resembled a ragdoll than an equine. Dust watched them pass with utter disdain while the griffoness just shook her head.

“Idiot’s got to know his limits.” She chirped. “That was almost you, Dust.”

“Oh, please!” The turquoise mare scoffed. “She wouldn’t have caught me even with you on her back.”

“Is there a game tonight?” The New Unicorn asked after composing herself.

“Better, open tryouts.” Gilda answered. “Your performance determines your job in the Stratofortress.”

“Weather team, sky troop, grunt work or a hospital in that jerk’s case.” Dust continued. “Then there’s us; the Shadowbolts.”

“Shadowbolts?” Spike repeated, prompting an elaboration.

“Dash’s elite.” The former washout said with malicious glee. “Take everything great about the Wonderbolts and cut out Spitfire and Soarin’s limitations.”

“The challenge was to at least finish with Dash in a combat race.” The lion-eagle said as she looked over her talons. “It was close but Dust and I pulled through.”

“Literally in your case.” The turquoise mare ribbed. “Dash pretty much dragged you across the finish.”

“’Cuz I was grappling with her.” Gilda retorted. “Which slowed her down enough for you to even have a chance.”

“A team effort then.” Vanity defused any further argument. “Which may have been what Dash was looking for.”

“Or she just wanted to prove her superiority.” Spike mused. “Either way, it’s a good method for weeding out the chaff.”

“Well, point is that we made the cut so now we get to enjoy the perks.” Dust said as they neared the arena proper. “Private quarters, custom uniforms, a chance to finally shove my rival’s nose in the mud and reservations at the New Populace table.”

“Beats the hell out of cooking hard bread for vultures.” Gilda growled under her breath.

The group stepped out of the shadows of the corridor into a moonlit stadium. The ground was a smooth field of fine snow in place of sand which made the blood stains stand out all the more. A series of rings, poles, walls and bars floated in midair with some even going above the structure into open space. While hardly at capacity, the stands surrounding the field nevertheless contained a fair-sized crowd who were rancorously cheering. At the center of it all, born aloft by her resplendent wings, was the Imperial Herald basking in the adoration of her minions.

“Why am I not surprised?” Spike smirked as Vanity finally relieved herself of her load and set down the crate with a heavy thud.

“Well, look who finally showed up!” The prismatic New Pegasus looked over her shoulder at the sudden noise. “You get lost on the way here?”

“We met your new friends and had a chat.” Vanity gestured to the pair of Shadowbolts who were already prying open the delivery. “Hope we didn’t keep you waiting.”

“Nah, you just gave us plenty of time to warm-up!” The ex-weathermare stretched her arms behind her head to illustrate. “Step back, we’re coming down!”

Folding her wings, the stuntmare dropped down onto a hanging bar, spun around it twice and used her momentum to flip herself back into the air. Spike felt himself get lightheaded just watching the sapphire speedster bounce around the obstacles in a contrail of star-flecked rainbows. The routine reached its dramatic finished when the New Pegasus kicked off a wall and dove into a charged nimbus. The black cloud exploded in a boom of thunder and crack of lightning which she rode into the floor like a surfer, heedless of the raw power dancing across her body. Dash stuck the landing with a multicolored shockwave, sparks of lightning dissipating across her feathers as faint afterimages caught up with her. The crowd erupted into applause and cheers as she straightened up and spread her arms and wings wide, a prideful smile plain to see.

“Impressive.” The New Dragon admitted as he looked over the amazon mare approvingly. “Most impressive.”

The Herald wore the light raiment of an imperial scout, likely an old surplus judging by the poor condition and ill-fit. She appeared to share his assessment as she headed straight toward the Enchantress and the now open crate. The indigo unicorn met the eye of her friend and raised a hand in greeting. Dash’s gaze was drawn lower, however.

“Moon above, Van!” The prismatic New Pegasus gaped unashamedly at her friend’s impending motherhood. “How many did Spike pump into you?”

“Just one for now.” The Enchantress smiled as she lightly embraced the Herald, gasping as she felt an internal kick. “Ooh, I think it knows Auntie Rainbow is here.”

“Tch, not ‘Rainbow’ anymore. That loser got pasted in Cloudsdale.” The mare once known as Rainbow Dash corrected. “We decided on Nightbolt Dash.”

“She tried ‘Smash’, ‘Flash’ and ‘Crash before giving up.” Dust whispered to Spike.

“Hrm.” The Champion grunted as the two friends trotted past him toward the cargo.

“Alright, let’s see… sandbags for G, cutting board for LD.” Dash needled her wingmates as they snatched the suits from her. “And perfect for us.”

The New Pegasus unbuckled her armor and lifted her shirt to undress only to pause. She grinned cheekily at the dragon shamelessly starting at her exposed fur and swished her tail up into his face. As Spike rubbed away the sudden stinging sensation, Dash jumped a short distance into the air and spun like a chromatic cyclone. The crowd watched intently as if hoping to catch the Herald between outfits only to jeer in disappointment when the mare touched down fully clothed.

“She sure knows how to keep the audience wanting more.” The dragon thought as the sapphire pegasus appeased the crowd by confidently strutting across the snow to show herself off.

As with all of Vanity’s creations, the flightsuit was a perfect fit that accentuated the beauty of the wearer, natural or otherwise. Dash’s was unzipped down to her chest, revealing her ample new cleavage and teasing more if she took a deep enough breath. Intentional or not, it did not escape Spike’s attention that she was not wearing anything underneath; no straps or strings broke the smooth surface.

“No twin peaks or sunken valley either.” He mused as he glanced at her slightly bouncy chest and between her powerful legs. “Vanity must have incorporated some padding to prevent chaffing.”

“Well, I’m glad to see Nightbolt wears my work better than Rainbow.” Vanity looked for any flaws in her craft with a critical eye. “I hope she takes better care of it as well.”

“Mmm, you might not think that for long.” The sapphire speedster shifted her attention to Spike. “Isn’t that right, Champ? We doubt you came up here just to help Pregity here move some boxes.”

“Mmhm.” The drake rumbled. “Rematch.”

“Haha, about fucking time!” Nightbolt laughed. “Well, we have a venue, an audience and plenty of time.”

“You two are going at it?” Dust asked as she compared her uniform to her washout attire. “Is Spike looking to join up with us or did I miss something?”

“No, just a little competition between friends.” Dash said casually as she leaned against the taller dragon. “Though having a flying tank like you on the team would be awesome.”

“Kind of redundant with the ‘Champion’ position.” Spike thought before he noticed Gilda bent over the crate to gather the jackets, her leonine tail swishing above her prominent rear. “Then again, Dust really sold those perks.”

“Rrgh.” The Champion grunted noncommittally. “When do we begin?”

“Right here, right now.” The Herald poked his chest with a finger as she pushed away from him. “Dust? Gilda? Explain the rules. One fall, simple domination.”

“You got it.” The turquoise pegasus snapped a salute that turned into a single finger as Dash shot into the air and flew over to the opposite end of the field. “Alright, only one round so no time-outs or breaks. Winner either knocks out their opponent or gets them to tap out. Natural abilities and skills only so no weapons or armor.”

“And keep it in the venue and no outside interference.” Gilda added as she rejoined them with her uniform draped over a shoulder. “Other than that, anything goes.”

“Is there a referee of some type?” Vanity asked as she checked her work on the griffon’s outfit. “Injuries seem guaranteed. Also, I think I need to hem your legs a bit.”

“Honestly, I think the rules are there just to say we have them.” The lion-eagle shook her head. “While you’re at it, it looked like it would be a little tight across the girls.”

“And who cares anyway.” Dust shrugged as she moved toward a table with what appeared to be microphones set up on the sidelines. “The bout starts when one of you takes a swing. Kick her ass, Spike!”

“I’ll join you two in a moment.” The Enchantress waved them off as she gestured for her lover to lean over. “You’ve beaten her once before, you can do it again. Good luck and... enjoy yourself.”

“I didn’t exactly hold back in the weather factory.” Spike thought as the Enchantress gave him a quick kiss that sent a jolt down his spine. “And I suspect Nightbolt Dash is a different beast than her harmonic self.”

With the three non-participants at a safe distance, the Champion undid the clasps of his greaves and pulled off his jerkin. Whistles and calls from the nearby audience told him they liked what they saw particularly once he began limbering up. Across the arena, he could see his opponent doing much the same even if she was more deliberately playing to the crowd. After cracking his neck and properly stoking his inner fires, the bare-chested drake stomped into the arena.

“Mares, stallions and freaks of the night!” Dust’s amplified voice reverberated throughout the stadium. “We interrupt our regularly scheduled brutality with a once in a lifetime event! A hardcore domination match where two enter but only one may leave! I’m your host and future Shadowbolts captain Lightning Dust. Joining me is the cat-bird your momma warned you about, Gilda!”

“Good to be back, LD.” Gilda said after adjusting the volume on their mics. “Joining us ringside is the sponsor of tonight’s action; Empress Moon’s own Enchantress, Lady Vanity.”

“A pleasure, darlings.” The New Unicorn suppressed a fit of giggles as she joined in. “If I may, if anyone in the audience wants a new look or just needs some touch-ups, my doors is always open~♥.”

“Okay, enough shilling, our contestants have just entered the field!” The former washout said eagerly. “First, rocking the Shadowbolt’s colors and just about every other, the mare whom you’ve been watching beat the stupid out of punks all night. You know her, you hate her, Nightbolt Dash!”

“Dash! Dash! *Stomp**Stomp*” The crowd thundered as the sapphire mare leapt into the air and traced out her emblem with her contrail before dropping to the center of the arena like a prismatic bolt.

“And her challenger, the mad chad dragon in black and scales!” Gilda picked up the introductions with gusto. “He brings fire, fury and doom, our own Champion of the Night, Spike!”

“Spike! *clap* Spike! *clap* Spike!” The drake raised his claws in time with the chanting before firing off a series of small fireballs that burst like fireworks.

“Not as flashy as Dashie’s but don’t want to burn out during the preshow.” The Champion thought as he joined the Herald in the middle of the field.

The New Pegasus had zipped up her suit, compressing her frame into a more aerodynamic shape. She had also pulled up the cowl and threaded her billowing mane through it. Her opponent took one last chance to admire her spandex-clad figure before he raised his claws.

“You ready for this?” Dash asked as she lowered her goggles shaped into an evil glare.

“Hrm.” Spike rumbled.

“No, you’re not.” She smirked.

The drake saw a slight twitch of her wings before something slammed into his chest. The sudden blow knocked him off the platform and into the field. The Champion dug his claws into the compacted clouds and skidded to a stop. He glanced down to see a hoofprint imprinted above his solar plexus along with a slight but still unwelcomed pain. His opponent stood with one leg extended in a high kick, her smirk having morphed into a smug grin.

“Alright then.” Spike returned the smile as he dusted off the opening blow and flared his own wings. “Let’s go.”

“And Dash kicks things off literally!” Dust nearly shouted into her mic. “That alpha strike has crushed more aspirants’ hopes and dream than I can count!”

“But Spike isn’t a one-shot kind of drake.” Gilda added as the dragon rushed the pegasus.

The Champion swung his fist at the Herald skull only to connect with her ethereal contrail. He barely had time to register that she had jumped over him when she shot back down. Both her hooves slammed into his back with enough force to snap a lesser being in two, knocking him prone. Dash capitalized on her advantage by stomping on the back of his head once, twice, three times before she settled into a rapid rhythm that drove his snout into the floor like a nail.

“Nightmare tap-dancing Moon! I’m getting a concussion just watching!” The turquois washout rubbed her temples in false-sympathy. “This could be it for our challenger!”

“Oh, pish-posh.” Vanity waved a dismissive hand. “My love taps have more vim.”

Despite the pain being hammered into his brain, Spike had enough sense to whip his tail up and out. The spade end caught the unaware Dash in the back, knocking her off the dragon and onto the ground. The New Pegasus rolled as she landed and came up in a crouched position facing her foe. She shot toward the Champion as she saw him being to yank his snout free, aiming to score a precise strike on his throat. Too late did she notice the jets of steam escaping around the dragon’s head until he erupted in a steam of fire. Dash juked to the side awkwardly just as the blast roared past her, singing the tips of her wings and mane. Ignoring the smell of burning hair and feathers, the Herald readied to counter only for Spike’s charging hulk to dominate her vision.

“And Spike takes Dash for a ride on the lariat express!” Gilda slammed her talons on the table for emphasis as the Champion repaid his earlier indignity by carrying the prismatic pegasus back first through several cloud walls. “Remind me not to get grappled by him if we ever end up in the ring.”

“Ugh, the only thing worse than a grappler is one with zoning tools.” Dust groaned as she patted out an errant ember of dragon fire. “Seriously, dragons are overpowered as fuck.”

Dash’s impromptu ride came to an abrupt end as Spike slammed her into the more substantial wall supporting the stands. The crowd wisely scattered as the stands nearly cracked in two, cheering and jeering all the while. The combatants ignored them as the dragon held the pegasus in place by her head, effectively pinning her to the new crater in the wall.

“Yield!” The Champion growled as he threatened to drive his free claw into her gut.

“Bah-hahaha! Seriously?!” The Herald laughed as she grasped his arm. “Did you forget who you’re fighting?”

The drake saw the leg swinging up and instinctively flinched away. It was only after a sickening crack filled the air and his arm went numb did he realize she was not aiming for his head. With his arm now bent the wrong way, the pegasus freed herself from his grip and aimed another kick at his knee. The joint endured better than his elbow yet he was forced to take a knee, giving Dash just the right amount of height to plant a hoof on his shoulder.

“Shit, this again.” Spike brace himself for the pain as the former stuntmare brought her other hoof up his chest and square into his jaw in a kick-flip.

“Ooh! That’s gotta hurt!” Dust cringed as a second blood-chilling crack echoed about the arena. “It looks like Spike is going to need some TLC from you later, Vanity.”

“He might need more than that, I’m afraid.” Gilda sounded genuinely worried. “Spike is down and, wait, what’s Dash doing? Is she…?”

The sapphire Herald seized the tyrian Champion by the end of his tail and held it fast. Digging her hooves into the floor, Dash began to turn in place and steadily lift Spike up in a spin. His vision became a nauseating blur of colors as the crowd counted the rapidly increasing number of rotations. Before he could piece together a plan to escape, the New Pegasus became airborne herself as the two blended together in a cyclone of clashing colors.

“So long, Spikey!” Dash said tauntingly as she released her hold.

“And there goes the Champ on the giant swing!” Dust watched the dragon arch through the air before crashing into yet another wall. “It looks cool but it doesn’t do much besides make both combatants dizzy.”

“I’d say it’s the landing you have to worry about.” Gilda added plainly. “We are in a building made of clouds.”

“Glad I didn’t eat heavy before I got here.” Spike felt his gorge rise before his vision finally settled. “I should- OH, SHIT!”

Like a bolt from the night, the New Pegasus slammed into his gut hooves first. The air escaped his lungs in a gout of smoke and cinders before Dash pinned his head to the floor. She stooped down and grinned at him, the joy of imminent victory written plain on her face.

“Had enough?” She taunted with a flap of her wings. “How ‘bout one more?”

“Guhh~” The drake groaned as the sapphire speedster kicked off him and shot high into the sky.

“Oooh, pile meet driver!” Gilda said knowingly. “I don’t know how strong the floor is but Spike is about to find out.”

“Spike! Get up!” Vanity shouted to her stunned lover. “Move your scaly ass!”

The Champion remained where he lay, seemingly stunned. Above him, Dash zeroed in on his head and dropped back down. The crowd and announcers stared with bated breath as the killing blow descended on the hapless dragon.

“Wait for it…” Spike could not help but smirk as the pegasus committed to the attack. “Gotcha!”

With a flex of his wings, the drake rolled up and out of the way. Dash drove a hoof straight through where his head had been a split second ago and into the hardened cloud. Effectively stuck, the Herald had just enough time to comprehend the fact that Spike had both legs primed and ready for an Applejack-esque buck.

“Motherfu-!.” Was all she managed to say before a pair of clawed feet slammed into her like an ornery ram.

“Ha-HA! Spike was playing dead!” Dust cackled madly. “How’s that feel, you bitch!?”

“Don’t think she can hear you right now.” Vanity grimaced as her friend came to a stop in a heap of limbs and feathers. “Spike doesn’t skip leg days for a reason.”

“Stah dout fer ah bit~” The drake slurred past his dislocated jaw as he groggily sat up.

When his opponent did not respond, Spike took the chance to wretch his jaw and arm back into place, earning sickened gasps from the first few rows of spectators. As he rubbed feeling back into his arm, a small hailstone plinked off his head. The dragon looked over to see Dash had come to and pulled herself into a kneeling position. Despite the blood flowing from her nose and corner of her mouth, the prismatic pegasus still wore a confident smirk.

“That all you got, Spikey?” Dash raised her hands in a ‘bring it’ gesture. “I didn’t hear no bell.”

“Why do I get the feeling this is foreplay for her?” The tyrian drake smiled back with a little eyeridge arching for effect. “Well, whatever lights her fire.”

The Champion inhaled and lobbed a fireball at the speedster before using his wings to rush her. It was a simpler version of the zone-and-charge he had done earlier. Dash saw it coming, as he knew she would, and handspringed out of the way. What stopped the dragon mid rush was the fact that she had done it in opposite directions.

“What in the-?!” Dust voiced Spike’s, her stunned co-commentators and the audience’s thoughts as a pair of pegasi landed on their hooves.

“Neat trick, huh?” One of the twins grinned deviously.

“What to see us do it again?” The other winked at her duplicate.

Spike had the presence of mind to focus on one double as she launched into a short acrobatic routine. The faint afterimages that were characteristic of Nightbolt’s movement fell completely out sync to the point of becoming independent. As four Heralds now stood in the arena, it clicked in the dragon’s mind.

“Of course. The tantibus took the form of three equines.” The Champion thought as the four began to circle him like pack hunters. “With Dash, they are now four independent parts of a collective whole… or something like that.”

In the middle of his musings, the pegasi blitzed the drake. Acting on pure reflex, he managed to backhand one away but he was not so lucky with the other three. Two went for his legs while the other aimed for his head. Stars exploded in his vision at the same time he felt his legs buckle, dropping him to one knee. His split-second chance to recover was lost when the fourth dove on him from above and slammed into his back. Now on all fours, the Heralds wasted no time mobbing him; punching, kicking and grabbing at any opening he presented. All Spike could do was use his wings to shield his head as he desperately tried to think.

“She’s not hitting as hard as before. Must be trading strength for numbers.” The Champion winced as one of them wisely pinned his tail. “Still feels like getting hit by cannons though.”

“Girls, I’m not sure what I’m seeing!” Dust stared at the melee in shock. “Is Dash moving so fast she’s in four places at once?”

“No, LD, I think when Dash was using ‘we’ that wasn’t the royal version.” Gilda tried to make sense of it. “Maybe whatever nightmare fuel she’s on…Wait, can you do that, Vanity?”

“No, but I think you’re on to something.” The Enchantress shook her head. “Perhaps each of the Benighted get a unique ability on top of the enhancements.”

“She can make copies… that’s cheating!” The washout’s voice went shrill as her previous encounters with Nightbolt gained context. “That bitch is cheating!”

“It’s technically a natural ability.” Vanity pointed out. “Plus you all seem to be playing fast and loose with the rules anyway.”

“Right you are, but we can pay the Captain back once we get our own fuel.” The griffoness refocused them even as she ground her talons into the table in anger. “Spike is being stomped into a mud hole!”

“I got to admit, Spikey, you put up a hell of a fight.” One of the Dash’s said genuinely.

“This is the first time I had to scramble all fighters.” Another added with a wry glance at the announcer table. “The bird and bitch over there only needed two.”

“No shame in tapping out now.” The one pinning his tail hinted as she ran an appreciative look up its spines to the base. “But this tail belongs to me.”

“Rrgh!” Spike growled in building frustration as any attempt to break free was thwarted.

“Hold him steady, girls.” A Herald instructed as she took to the air. “Let’s do this right this time.”

Above him, the New Pegasus brazenly ignored the rule about keeping the bout within the arena as she shot high into open air. She remained at the top of the world as a prismatic speck among the countess stars for a moment before she dropped like a meteor. A lightning flecked contrail streamed behind the sapphire bolt as the very air distorted around her.

“Stars above! She’s setting up her finisher!” The washout jumped out of her seat. “If she gets off a Sonic Rainbomb, we’ll have to mop up the drake with a sponge!”

The sound and color barriers exploded just above the coliseum, sending a deafening chromatic shockwave across the sky. The trio of pegasi held their victim fast as the last of their number streaked toward them like a falling star. In the blink of an eye before impact and certain defeat, Spike’s frustration reached a boiling point.

“Mmrg… rrgh!” The dragon growled as something dark and primeval within him raged against this turn of events. “RAARGH!!”

An explosion of dragonfire engulfed the field as the sonic rainbomb detonated, shaking the entire Stratofortress and the upper levels of Mount Canterhorn. The spectators and announcers waited with bated breath for the smoke to clear and the aftermath to be revealed. An excited murmur rippled through the crowd as Dashes were revealed scattered from the point of impact. It soon built into raucous noise as a black and white dragon wreathed in eldritch flame rose out of the crater with a listless pegasus held high over his head.

“What in the-?! BAH CAWD!!” Gilda actually squawked like a hen in shock. “He did it! Spike countered it! I can’t believe it!”

“Is that Spike’s special?! Superfreak mode!?” Dust nearly fell out of her chair in awe. “Wait! He’s got Dash in some sort of hold! It’s-!”

“Backbreaker!” The Vanity finished as the primal monster brought Dash down on his knee with a crack of thunder. “What a maneuver!”

“Hurrk!” The duplicate retched as her spine folded like paper, spewing not a crimson stream but the ethereal dream essence of the tantibi. “Nice… one…”

The brute only growled as he lifted the crippled mare back over his head and pulled. The crowd gasped as star-flecked ichor showered the beast from the two halves of the Herald. He slung the remains at the recovering Dashes intending to bowl them over. The body lost detail and definition until it melted into an amorphous blob in midair. The remaining pegasi winced at their fellow’s ‘demise’ as the essence split into three and rejoined her fellows as an afterimage.

“First blood!” Dust cheered along with the apparently bloodthirsty crowd. “Whoo! The gloves are off now!”

“Three more to go, Spikey.” Vanity held up her fingers and waggled them at her lover. “Finish her!”

The Primal Juggernaut let out an enraged roar before he blazed toward the prismatic trio. Rather than be shocked or terrorized by the loss of one of their number, the three seemed amused if not outright impressed as they flew up to meet the challenger. What followed was a melee of flying fists, hooves, claws and fire as the bloodied combatants resumed their bout.

“And I thought the Griffonstone pub crawls were brutal.” Gilda said as she ducked an errant blast of fire.

“Brutal is right.” Dust was white knuckling her mic as she stared at the spectacle above her. “And I love it!”

“It looks like they’re both trying to-!” Vanity kicked away from the table as her paramour landed an overhead smash that spiked a pegasus toward them. “Watch out! Watch out!”

The Dash slammed into the table which bent dramatically but remained whole. The commentators cautiously returned to their seats half expecting the Herald to melt. Instead, she groggily turned her head and smiled dumbly at her friend and rivals.

“Hey, girls.” Dash groaned. “Enjoying the show?”

“We’re enjoying watching Spike break your ass.” Dust said with a vicious sneer. “You owe the cat-bird and me a rematch.”

“Somepony’s salty.” The Herald half wheezed half laughed. “If you’re expecting a fair fight, you’re- heads up!”

The griffon, pegasus and New Unicorn scattered as once again a Dash was sent down to the ground. The first could only grimace as her mirror image crashed into her, bouncing her off the table as they fused. Above them, the final Dash grappled with the drake as her proportioned strength returned. It arrived not a moment too soon as the monster was attempting to gnaw her head off, his mighty jaws and glistening teeth inching dangerously close to her skull.

“Feeling frisky, big guy?” Nightbolt strained as she felt tongues of flame lick her face. “You can show us what that tongue does later!”

The New Pegasus landed a nearly vertical kick that snapped the dark dragon’s jaws shut and broke her out of his hold. What she thought had stunned had merely annoyed as the beast inhaled deeply. He then unleashed a torrent of fire that Dash barely dodged as the monster whipped the stream around. Expected the brute to be winded after such a display, the sapphire speedster was caught off guard when the flames narrowed and intensified into an incandescent beam. The sapphire speedster felt a moment's pain and then nothing as the blinding white-hot laser vaporized her upper torso. The mutilated pegasus dissolved into ethereal ooze and rejoined its host as the now whole Herald slid off the table.

“I think Dash is feeling the effects of being killed three times.” Gilda noted as the prismatic pegasus struggled to her hooves. “Not sure how much steam they- incoming!”

Once again, the commentators were forced to scatter as the juggernaut came roaring down. Dash barely had time to raise her fists in defense before the wrathful drake tackled her through the table. The beast somersaulted onto his feet and used his momentum to fling the Herald into the wall. No sooner had she connected then he drove her home by seizing her by the neck, lifting her up through the wall and overhead before slamming her through the floor.

“Spike just planted him a dumbass tree!” Dust grabbed a mic as the monster uprooted his plant by her legs. “Will the captain counter or-“

*tap-tap-tap*

The steady tapping silenced the crowd and announcers. The flame-wreathed brute stood stock still with an inferno primed in his breast as Dash reached out and tapped against his leg. The ignited drake quenched the no-doubt fatal attack and looked down at the New Pegasus who despite the fresh bruises and bloodied nose was all smiles.

“You got me, Spike.” Dash admitted between heavy breaths. “Good game.”

“SHE TAPPED OUT!” Gilda squawked excitedly. “SPIKE IS OUR WINNER!”

“SPIKE! SPIKE! SPIKE!” The crowd went wild as the dark dragon let his defeated foe collapse in a heap as he threw back his head and roared his victory to the stars.

The Champion’s celebration was brief as with his opponent vanquished, the wrath sustaining him began to waver. The aura of eldritch fire died down to a few sparks as the drake returned to his bare benighted coloration. A wave of fatigue washed over him and his flopped down on his back, his very being protesting against what it had been put through. Still, the New Dragon savored his triumph.

“That’s two and oh, Dashie.” Spike thought as the last ember of primeval rage died out. “But I’m thinking sparring matches from here on out.”

The victorious drake craned his neck to look at Dash who had managed to sit up and rest her arms against her knees. She yanked off the goggles and cowl to wipe sweat and blood from her head. Her deep magenta eyes met his, a mix of begrudging respect, aching pain and something mischievous making them shimmer. The dragon had seen that same look many times on many faces ever since that fateful night many months ago.

“We don’t think we’re ready to hit the showers just yet.” The pegasus suggestively fiddled with the zipper below her chin. “What do you say to a victory lap, Spikey?”

“Hrm.” A leering grin spread across Spike’s features as he beckoned her closer with a claw.

“Are they about to…” Gilda trailed off as she took a moment to comprehend the sudden mood change as her old friend crawled over Spike. “Seriously?”

“Oh, yes~” Vanity said coyly as she bit her bottom lip. "The 'nightmare fuel', as you put it, does wonders for the libido."

Not wanting to ruin the Enchantress’s work while in range of her magic, the drake slowly and gently pulled the zipper down. Little by little, Dash’s neck, collar bone, cleavage and navel were exposed. As he traveled past her abdomen, he felt an enticing warmth radiating from the mare that grew steadily hotter. By the time he reached the end, Spike could feel and smell the New Pegasus’ desire which reinvigorated his body. Dash giggled slightly as she hooked her hands inside her flightsuit and pulled it open, allowing her breasts to bounce free.

“Nice.” Spike thought as his eyes locked on to her cerulean peaks while the crowd made their approval known. “Not as generous as Vanity’s but they’re something new.”

“Yeah, we like them too.” The sapphire speedster read his expression as she kneaded her supple flesh with her fingers. “We defy anyone to call us ‘Rainbow Flat’ now.”

Dash thrust her chest forward and offered her bust to the Champion who gladly accepted. He captured one in his mouth and teased the erect nub with his serpentine tongue. The mare gasped and moaned softly as the dragon played with her flowing mane and wings while his other claw traveled down her back onto her rump. A proud smirk crossed her face as Spike attempted to jiggle her assets only to find the iron hard muscle had little give.

“And I thought AJ had the ass to beat.” The dragon thought as he settled for giving her a firm spank. “Spike really want!”

The fire that had been stirring in his loins intensified as his drakehood emerged from between his bare legs. The glistening and ruddy rod came to rest against between Dash’s cheeks, the scalding heat causing her eyes to widen. She looked over her shoulder to see the tapered head and part of the shaft peek over her dock.

“F-fucking hell!” Dust blushed furiously as she committed every detail of his drakehood to memory. “Ribbed for her pleasure, I see!”

“Barbed and veined as well.” Vanity added keenly.

“Barbed?” Gilda chewed on a talon as her thoughts ran wild. “O-oh, okay then.”

“Where were you keeping that?!” The Herald’s mouth gaped open as she looked at the pillar’s owner who waggled his eyeridges at her. “Okay, you’ve worshipped our tits enough!”

Spike reluctantly let go of her aching mound and moved his claws away. Now nearly panting with want, Dash hurriedly yanked her arms out of the sleeves and peeled her uniform down to her waist. Her soon-to-be lover was about to assist her in removing the rest of it when the New Pegasus planted her hands on his broad shoulders. She then heaved herself up as she was about to do a handstand and bucked her hind legs. The flightsuit flew off her frame and smacked a distracted Dust in the face, leaving Dash bare for all to see.

“Good shot, darling.” The indigo unicorn tittered playfully.

“How did she-?” The Champion was about to question such easy removal of spandex when he noticed the streams of nectar running down her toned legs. “Wow, she was hot and ready before the fight even ended.”

“Bet you finish before we do, Spikey.” The sapphire mare landed on her knees and pressed her muzzle against his snout, the air shimmering from the mutual heat of their loins. “Are you ready?”

“Are you?” Spike grinned evilly as he suddenly bucked his hips upward.

His turgid length parted her dripping nethers and was enveloped by the velvety walls of her canal. Dash let out a high pitched noise that the dragon had only heard Pinkie make as she seized up in shock. A vice-like grip that could easily crush diamonds halted his progress with the majority of his length still outside Nightbolt’s depths. The former stuntmare trembled in place as she gritted her teeth to bite back tears of pain.

“We can take it. We can take it.” Dash whispered between gasps. “Okay, work up- fuck! –work up to it.”

Gradually, the mare relaxed and slowly took up where Spike left off. Despite her growing accommodation and judicial amount of love juices, the Herald was still agonizingly tight for the well-endowed drake. She shuddered and gasped as every ridge, vein and barb of his totem of virility denied her a pattern to follow.

“Ahh! Oh my gosh!” The amazon gasped as a bulge appeared below her navel. “How did Van do- uh! –this?”

“She let me take charge.” Spike thought as she slowly welcomed him insider her. “Not a bad idea, in fact.”

The New Dragon sat up and wrapped his arms around Dash. As she attempted to protest, he closed his mouth around hers as his tongue darted in. He felt a moment of resistance born out of confusion before the Herald let out a muffled moan as she relaxed her guard. The sapphire mare draped her arms around his neck while her long legs locked around his waist, signaling that he had the lead. Spike got one leg underneath him and shifted into a kneel before raising to his full height, hilting himself in his newest lover while their tongues slid over each other all the while.

“*Mwah* Damn, Spike.” Nightbolt gasped as she broke the kiss. “We normally don’t go for the romantic stuff but… wow.”

“Hurt?” The drake asked as he glanced down at their union.

“We’ll be sore in the mor… night in more ways than one.” The prismatic pegasus chuffed as she wiggled her hips. “We're deeper than we thought if we got it all in.”

“There’s a bit more but I’ll let that be a surprise.” Spike thought as he moved his claws to her callipygian rear.

Starting off slowly, he manually bounced the New Pegasus in time with his thrusts. Dash shuddered gasped as she felt him withdraw only to nearly scream when he returned with force. In time, the amazonian mare found the rhythm and allowed Spike to up the tempo. All around them, the crowd watched enraptured with their display. Some banged on the stands to encourage the lovers to go faster while others opted to follow their example with public aplomb.

“I guess that’s one way to get the birth rate up.” Dust looked around at the display of debauchery with a lewd grin. “Speaking of foals, a pegasus plus a dragon equals… what exactly?”

“A longma.” Gilda answered simply.

“Long-!” The turquois pegasus repeated before frowning. “Oh, very funny.”

“No, she’s right.” Vanity interjected. “I’m carrying a kirin while our dear Dash will bear a longma. Not sure what a common earth pony hybrid is called.”

“I think that would be a hippocamp.” The surprisingly knowledgeable hybrid said as she kept her eyes on the two lovers. “Kinda like hippogrifs but trade fins for claws.”

“I should know this.” Spike thought absently as Dash leaned back and gripped his shoulders for more leverage. “But too distracted by bouncy blue boobs.”

The New Dragon slid his claws off her rear and up onto her breasts. The loss of support caused the pegasus to lean back precariously before she recovered by flapping her wings, maintaining her balance and driving him ever deeper. Her magenta eyes rolled in the back of her head as he teased her cerulean nipples with his claw tips. Her inner walls squeezed around his girth in kind, drawing him to the very entrance of her innermost chamber. Spike felt certain primal instincts scratch at the back of his mind as well as a burning pressure build in his core.

“Ahh! Faster Spike!” The sapphire speedster gasped. “We're clo- wah?!”

The Champion sank to his knees with a low growl, inadvertently power bombing Dash into the floor. Shocked out of her rapture for a moment, the amazon was about to give Spike an earful when she met his eyes. As they had during their bout, his predatory teals were glazed over not with bloodlust but the more carnal variety. He grunted roughly as she felt his pride twitch and shift inside her. Her eyes shrank to pinpricks as she saw a thick knot of ruddy flesh emerge from the beast and press against her nethers.

“That thing gets bigger?!” Dust was nearly drooling in her seat.

“Right before he climaxes, darlings.” Vanity cooed knowingly. “He may not be the longest ride but he more than compensates with intensity.”

“We’ll be calling her Momma Dash soon.” Gilda panted as a talon occupied itself below the table.

“S-spike?” The prismatic Herald held up her hands as the behemoth loomed over her, licking its chops. “Are you-!”

“Mine...” The herculean drake seized her forearms in his massive claws and thrust forward. “MINE!”

The New Pegasus’ legs spread out in a perfect split as the knot forced its way past her swollen lips. Stars exploded in her vision as the tapered end of his length rammed past her barrier and into her most fertile of chambers. A sharp gasp escaped her mouth like she had just been punched in the gut, an exquisite pain intermingling with untold pleasure that nearly shorted out her mind. Spike, with some shade of the noble knight he once was fighting through the fog of lust, held still as his amazon lover came back to reality.

“Fuuuuhhh~” The sapphire mare slurred as she tried to wrap her legs around the kneeling dragon but found she could only bend her knees. “Havah… Haven’t cum yet, Spikey.”

That was all the virile drake needed to hear. Keeping an iron grip on Dash’s arms, he began thrusting in and out of her again. His knees dug into the clouds as a shock traveled down both their frames every time their hips meshed. Dash craned her neck to look over her jiggling bosom and smirked.

“Come on, lizard boy.” She gasped out. “We know you can go faster!”

Spike gladly complied as he pulled her off the ground and perpendicular with his torso. The muscles in his core and lower back strained as he ramped up his tempo. The fire in his loins built into an inferno as he focused on pushing Dash over the edge before he did. Back at the announcer’s table, Dust was almost jumping on the table as she cheered Spike on while Gilda seemed close to finishing herself. Only Vanity sat composed with a sly smile on her face and a hand over her belly. The crowd, meanwhile, had worked itself into a new chant.

"Knock her up! Knock her up!" The arena shook with the rhythmic command which Spike intended to obey.

“Yeah! Uh! Fasteeer~” The Herald’s voice shuddered in time with Spike’s rapid thrusts. “Ah! Yeah! Just like that!”

“Mmrh!” The Champion rumbled as desperately attempted to contain the core of heat but it was a losing battle. “Hrg, hur, rrrRRAAAAGH!”

The tyrian dragon gave one last thrust that hilted himself in Dash’s depths as he unleashed another conflagration of emerald fire into the sky. The amazon was about to proclaim her victory in their little contest only for the first pulse of Spike’s release to slam into her. A scorching liquid heat flooded her inmost depths, sending her over the edge right after her draconic lover. The crowd erupted in wild cheers as the entire coliseum felt the heat of their grand finale.

“Oh, FUCK yeesssh~” The sapphire amazon’s vision went white as her toned stomach began to swell; the dragon’s potent essence denied escape by her constricting canal.

The flood steadily slowed to a stream and then finally a few dry throbs, mirroring the dragon’s inferno flickering down to smoke and embers. With an exhausted sigh, the drake went slack and let his newest conquest drop to the floor. Dash could only laugh a giddy giggle as the weight audibly sloshed within her, euphoria numbing her mind. With a loud pop, the knot came free along with a splash of viscous seed that painted their thighs pearl.

“Haaa~” The New Pegasus sighed as Spike withdrew completely, allowing her overfilled womb to drain. “That… was… awesome.”

“Hur hur.” The tyrian drake chuckled with a lazy thumbs-up.

“Could work on your stamina a bit.” Another Dash appeared beside the first, nude but far better composed. “But, yeah, dragon dick is top tier.”

“Seeing as you will be around for a bit…” A third stepped out from behind Spike and patted the first’s belly. “…I think I can put together a workout.”

“Thanks.” Spike nodded as he accepted an offered drink from a fourth pegasus. “Are you all...?”

“Cum-drunk here probably is.” The one lying beside the likely mother-to-be said. “The rest of us scrambled before the big finish.”

“No point in all four of us getting knocked up.” A Dash said candidly. “We don’t have a cushy job like Vanity but we can still herald the Empress with three.”

At the mention of the Enchantress, the Champion looked toward the table. Vanity was on her hooves applauding along with Dust and Gilda in their own ways. One of the duplicates took Spike’s claw in hand and raised it in a simple display of good sportsmanship. The other Dashes worked on bringing their incapacitated cohort back to the waking world.

“Bring her here, Spikey.” The indigo unicorn said over a mic. “I got just the fix for her.”

“Mind carrying her?” A Dash asked as she nudged the now mostly drained mare. “Still feeling the effects of you breaking me in half.”

“Mmhm.” The drake grunted as he reached down and hoisted the still dazed Herald up by her waist and threw her over his shoulder.

“Pfft! Oh my gosh! Ugh, me Spike. Me bring mare to sweep cave.” A prismatic pegasus choked on a laugh as she did her best primal impression. “Fucking barbarian, dude.”

“I’ve embraced it at this point.” Spike mused to himself as his ‘prize’ swatted his face with her tail. “Much more rewarding than being a knight and a lot more fun.”

“And here is our conquering hero!” Dust met the pair, mic still in hand. “Spike, how does victory taste? Dash, will you ever recover from being totally owned in front of all these ponies?”

“Sweet.” The Champion said simply he brushed past the washout.

“No shame in getting your ass kicked in the ring.” A sapphire amazon put an arm around her rival and guided her back to the table. “As for recovery, schooling you in hard knocks will do just fine.”

“Don’t promise me a good time.” The turquoise pegasus smirked expectantly.

“A stunning performance as usual, darling.” Vanity smiled as her lover and friend stopped at the demolished table. “Sorry for the damages, Dashes.”

“It’s just clouds.” A New Pegasus waved off her concerns. “Take about twenty seconds for one of us to fix it.”

“Good, ‘cuz we’re not.” Gilda huffed as she crossed her arms beneath her chest. “So, I guess we’re done here for the night?”

“Pretty much.” A duplicate shrugged as she gestured to the crowd filing out of the arena. “We got spare rooms in the barracks if you two want to get some sleep.”

“Appreciate the offer but Spike and I have to return to the palace.” Vanity shook her head as her horn ignited. “Bring her head over here, darling.”

Spike turned around and presented to the Enchantress. A glow of magic wafted over the limp pegasus, focusing on her forehead and midsection. A few moments later, the spell ended and Dash was roused.

“Ugh, thanks Van.” The prismatic amazon tapped on the dragon’s tail to signal for him to let her down. “Did anyone catch my clothes?”

“Right here, ND.” Gilda tossed a neatly folded suit to her friend. “You might need some adjustments once you start showing.”

“Yeah…” Dash rubbed a hand over where the heat of Spike’s seed had settled. “Heh. Okay, Spike, you can say it just this once with my old name.”

“I came inside Rainbow Dash!” Spike planted his claws on his hips and grinned proudly.

High above the arena, unseen by all, a lone figure finished jotting down her own extensive observations. Seeing that she would not be gleaming anymore from the New Populace, the Imperial Dapifer Nightshade slid off the roof of the coliseum and spread her leathery wings. She enjoyed the sensation of freefall for a few moments before she leveled out and glided down to Canterlot below. The thestral weaved between the crystalline spires of the Enchantress’s wing of the palace before she banked toward the heart of the complex. A cool light broke the otherwise darkened edifice, illuminating a platform that she gracefully alighted on.

“Ah, that was fun.” Nightshade sighed as she trotted toward the glass doors leading inside. “Now let’s see if I’m expected.”

The bat-pony tried the door and smirked when it was unlocked. Inside was what she knew to be private quarters. A desk displayed maps and tomes concerning various theaters of conflict within and without the empire. A case contained medals and honors awarded before and after Eternal Night. A relatively spartan bed sat in a corner beside an armor stand which held the raiment and finned helm of a legion officer. In a side room, with light and steam wafting from under the door, the occupant of these quarters was taking a shower. The intruder smiled slyly as she set aside her notes and quietly undressed.

“I could use a bath.” The now nude Nightshade whispered as she crept into the bathroom. “So long as I have a stallion to towel off on.”

Inside the steamy room was the imposing winged shadow of a thestral stallion cast on the curtain of the shower. Whether by instinct or sharp ears, the silhouette tensed up and looked over straight at the sneaking bat-mare. The occupant’s broad shoulders relaxed as he let out an audible sigh.

“You really shouldn’t sneak into my room, Nightshade.” The thestral grumbled. “Might think you’re an assassin.”

“You shouldn’t leave your bay doors unlocked then, Commander.” The dapifer countered as she straightened up. “You got room for two in there?”

“I’m just about fin…” The Legion Commander trailed off as he realized she was interested in something else. “I guess I could use help with my back.”

“And something else, I’m sure.” Nightshade licked her lips as she pulled back the curtain and joined the larger stallion. “Be honest, you were hoping I would stop by, Knight.”

“I was but after I had a chance to freshen up.” The Night-Captain turned Legion Commander kept his back to her as he passed a bottle of wash over his shoulder. “We had another border skirmish with Gryphondom. Nothing serious but it is a sign of current relations.”

“Do those idiots really think they have a chance?” The bat-mare lathered up her bountiful bosom and began gently rubbing herself up and down his back. “Stars above, you’re tense.”

“Just stress is all.” Knight said simply even as he felt her silky-smooth fur against his. “What about you? Judging from the explosions and roaring I heard, I assume Empress Moon’s New Populace has gained a member.”

“Almost a certainty.” The steward nodded with a coy grin. “I must say, watching those two got at it and then ‘go at it’... mmhmm!”

“Fine line between a scientific observer and debased voyeur, Nightshade.” The Commander deadpanned. “You must be a master at writing one handed by now.”

“I know and I am!” The bat-mare admitted unashamedly as she wrapped an arm around his waist and drummed her fingers against his chiseled abs. “But just because I enjoy my work doesn’t mean I'm bad at it; I’ve made some interesting discoveries.”

“Such as?” Knight prompted her to elaborate.

Nightshade explained that each member of the New Populace has displayed a unique ability such as Vanity’s crystalline magic or Nightbolt’s duplication. This initially led her to believe that tantibi could be categorized based on that; titans, elementals, legions and the like. After the bout between the Champion and Herald, however, her amended theory was that while each tantibus could fall into one of those board archetypes, they were much more unique.

“I think that each tantibus is a common ‘blank slate’ until they enter our dreams.” The steward said as she traced a line up to the Commander’s pectorals. “They cause the fear that they in turn feed on until, after sufficient time, they learn more about what makes us tick.”

“So we shape them as they shape us.” Knight concluded with a mix of awe and disgust. “So, if I’m following you, to be truly benighted you have to be matched with your personal demon.”

“See? You can use your head for more than war.” Nightshade smirked as she brought her other hand up to his rear. “But the Empress is right about the caveats: one has to be of a certain strength and so does the tantibus. Otherwise we run the risk of nothing happening or creating one of… those things.”

“Still, you should report your findings to Empress Moon.” Knight said pointedly. “If you are right, we can expand the pool of candidates for the New Population.

“I plan to after this.” The plum maned dapifer said brightly. “But on the topic of populations, you’re still worried about the old one, right.”

“That being us, yes.” The bat-stallion nodded solemnly. “Attrition is becoming an issue; food is dwindling to famine, we feel every loss in a battle and more and more of us are becoming Umbrals.”

“Is that really such a bad thing?” The thestral mare asked as her hand began to travel south while the other entangled itself in his tail. “You took to it rather well.”

“With time and great, ongoing effort.” Knight almost snarled as he turned to face her, his glowing golden eyes meeting hers. “The rest only fight, feast and fuck. Little better than wild beasts.”

“A fair point, Commander.” Nightshade acquiesced as she pressed her bust against him again and gingerly reached for his stirring stallionhood. “I may have a solution but we will have to discuss it with Her Eminence.”

“Do tell?” The Umbral stallion bared his fangs in a grunt as he felt her fingers guided him between her legs.

“I will…” The sultry bat-mare gasped as she felt him press into her. “…afterwards.”