“Here you are-eep!”

Vapor Trail squeaked, opening the door to Flurry and Zap’s room in the colosseum before rapidly shutting it again. The tired adventurers looked at the slave pegasus with puzzled but weary expressions, Flurry’s arm slung over Zap’s shoulder as they looked at the now blushing face of the light-coated former Wonderbolt.

“Sorry, just… give me a minute.” With that, Vapor slid inside the room before closing the door again. Awkwardly waiting in the hallway, Zap checked their surroundings; not wanting to be caught by surprise in case somepony thought of disobeying her mother’s orders. Thankfully, they were alone. This allowed Zap a moment to check on Flurry. The princess was clearly spent, in more ways than one. Given the past few days, she desperately needed a rest. These thoughts were derailed when the door opened again and Vapor emerged, dropping a large pile of sex toys and other lewd objects on the ground beside the door.

“Sorry,” she apologised again, bowing her head as she opened the door wide. “I just figured sex was the last thing on your minds right now. Unless… it was?”

“Nah, it ain’t.” Zap responded with a small smile. “Thanks fer doin’ that, though.”

Together, the young lovers walked into the room. Like the colosseum, it was constructed out of the pink clouds that enclosed Cloudsdale and blanketed Equestria’s skies. There was a walk-in bathroom area with tiles and a large bathtub and shower but, apart from a small table, some comfortable looking chairs and a queen-sized bed, there wasn’t much else in the room. The only other thing the Apple mare noticed was the large framed picture of Spectrum Blast, as if posing for adoring fans. Rather than inspiring awe and adoration, it was embarrassing for Zap to see the shameless self-promotion on display from her parent.

“W-Well, I’ll let you rest.” Vapor spoke up again, giving another bow. “I’ll come by tomorrow morning to lead you to your meeting with Governess Blast. Good night.”

“W-Wait.” The pegasus slave stopped and turned as she and Zap looked down to Flurry, an arm weakly raised to gain Vapor’s attention. “If… C-Can I ask you something?” Vapor, as unsure about this as Zap was, timidly nodded. “Well… You’ve managed to stay sane this whole time, right?” Again, another nod answered her question. “How? How’ve you stayed strong for so long?” Immediately, Zap understood where Flurry was coming from with this line of questioning. But she remained silent as she too was now curious for the answer as well.

“W-Well…” Vapor began, pushing though the surprise of the request and the painful memories it dredged up. “I think of a… an… old friend of mine.” Her expression grew hurt for a moment, but with the patient eyes of the pair of ponies waiting for her, she continued. “B-Before… all this, we signed up and joined the Wonderbolts together. In fact, it was the Governess that taught us before we became fully fledged members of the team. And after… everything… I, I just keep thinking ‘what would he do? What would he want for me?’ I just… If I lose it, then his memory dies with my sanity, and I... I can’t…” At this, Vapor choked up, tears threatening to overwhelm her, but surprise washed over the flier was Flurry broke away from Zap and thumbed the tears away. More shocking was the alicorn then giving the flier a hug.

“Thank you, for telling me that.” Flurry’s tone was fragile, the sadness within easy to pick up, but she managed to hold on and flash a small smile to the pegasus.

Vapor, shocked, nodded dumbly with reddening cheeks before turning and leaving the room. Taking a deep breath, she turned to walk down the hall, only to freeze at the sight of Lightning Dust leaning against the pink cloud wall of the room. The Washout leader met her gaze for a brief instant, and the message in those cold, amber eyes was clear; buzz off. Not needing another sign, Vapor did just that, and flew down the hall and out of sight. Lightning huffed, pulling herself off the wall and walking back towards her own quarters. She huffed angrily as she walked, annoyed at Spectrum Blasts’ edict barring her retribution on the alicorn.

Oh, Just you wait, Princess. She thought cruelly, her scowl morphing into a smirk. You are SO fucked.

As Flurry opened her eyes, something felt wrong.

Her fatigue soon morphed into fearful adrenaline as she pushed her weary form to a sitting position. She sat on a king-sized bed resting on the back of a cart. Their surroundings weren’t the pink cloud-enclosed city of Cloudsdale, but rather open green fields. Looking out, she saw Canterlot far off in the distance. Specifically, to her south. Despite the groggy nature of her mind disappearing rapidly, the alicorn couldn’t place why this was cause for the uneasy feeling growing in her chest.

“Welcome home, Princess.”

The familiar voice sent a shiver down her spine, and Flurry slowly turned around. Her eyes widened like saucers as flames reflected in them.

The Crystal Empire was ablaze.

Despite being a few kilometres from the city gates, the princess could still hear the screams and cries for help as smoke rose to join the pink canopy of clouds above; smothering any presence of the nation’s well-known auroras. Looking back down to the ground, Flurry saw sitting at the helm of her cart was none other than Lamaria; the former governess of Ponyville, and the snake-pony Starlight and Bonbon rescued her from. It felt like a lifetime ago, yet here she was; smiling a fang-filled grin at her.

Behind her, the beginnings of a scream were building as she saw who was pulling the cart. On all fours, like mindless beasts, were Button Mash and Sugar Silhouette. The pair made only soft moans as the earth pony stallion had an onahole draped around his cock, while Sugar wiggled her rump as the alicorn caught a glimpse of the jewel-encrusted plug in her anus, or the whirring dildo in her cunt.

“Let them GO!” Flurry yelled as she leapt forward; aiming to do what she couldn’t at Ponyville and end Lamaria herself. But, in an instant, her world shifted. She fell to the ground and, upon pushing herself back up, found herself on one of the Crystal Empire’s main promenades. She could feel the heat from the flames, as her ears flattened as they were bombarded with the shrill sounds of mares screaming. The princess pulled herself to her feet, her blue eyes widening at the sight of crystal ponies, the citizens under her protection, were slain and rutted with reckless abandon.

“Stop it… Please, stop it.” Flurry begged. Despite looking down and seeing her near-uncorrupted form, the alicorn felt so powerless to stop this catastrophe. Her vision turned and she saw her old hangout; the Rock Candy Bar. The eatery’s roof had collapsed in on itself as fire roared through the broken windows, but it was what happened in-front of the ruins that truly scared the princess.

A minotaur-like monster holding up Pumpkin Cake as he raped her, while her brother Pound lay unmoving in a growing crimson puddle at the beast’s feet.

“…No…” Flurry whimpered, her head shaking in disbelief. “NO!”

She rushed forward as fast as her legs and wings could carry her, yet the apparently short distance between her and the twins seemed to stretch on and on. Flurry’s heart pulsed in pain at the sight of Pumpkin’s teary, defeated expression. The unicorn reached out her hand towards her royal friend, even while blood trickled from her deflowered honeypot as she was bounced on the bull man’s thick cock. Flurry stretched out her hand, but her momentum ebbed away before she suddenly fell through the street.

“PUMPKIN!” Flurry’s scream echoed into the abyss as she fell, before once again landing with a hard thud. The alicorn shook off the impact, pushing herself onto her hands and knees to see what fresh hell awaited her in this new locale.

She found herself in the throne room. Her throne room. Lining the path to her throne were the four Element Bearers she and her companions had freed so far, though their freedom now seemed a temporary one. All four were suspended off the ground by a fleshy pinkish substance with their legs, or tail in Twilight Sparkle’s case, pushed up to their shoulders as cock-tipped tentacles hammered their pussies. Before the throne, her aunts Trixie and Starlight were also being raped. Trixie’s eyes rolled up and tongue hanging out in lust as her pregnant pussy was pounded, while Starlight’s breasts were in a constant cycle of being milked and having the vaginas below her nipples pumped full of seed.

A peal of malicious giggling sounded from the throne itself, and there sat a shadow. It took the rough shape of a mare, yet it appeared like a living cloud of darkened mists. The only detail Flurry could make out were her glowing red eyes. Eyes that looked upon the Crystal Princess with contemptuous glee.

“S-Stop this.” Flurry begged as she rose to her feet. “Please, stop this!”

“Stop this?” The entity asked with a cocked head before letting out a loud laugh. Flurry’s ears flattened at the sound as it reverberated throughout the chamber. “No, I don’t think I will. This is too much fun.

“Besides,” the shadow pony now stood, the wisps surrounding it beginning to whip like a gale of darkness, “You’re not strong enough to stop me. Physically or emotionally.” That last quip made Flurry step back, as if it was a physical blow. The shadow pony took another step forward, a gleaming set of sharpened fangs emerging below those now hungry eyes.

“So, how about you do the right thing by your subjects, and show them how to behave like a true slut!” The mare then exploded in a wave of darkness that rapidly swallowed everything in the chamber, including Flurry and her echoing scream of terror.

“NO!” Flurry screamed, bolting up to a sitting position as her breathing attempted to math her pulse in its rapid pace. Her eyes and ears scanned the darkened room, thinking the shadow pony sought to torment her further. But no attack came, and her eyes soon acclimatised to the darkness to reveal she was still in the guest bedroom in Cloudsdale. No monsters or servants of corruption waited to pounce, and a quick glance down revealed the alicorn’s body hadn’t changed. A sigh escaped her. Given how such nightmares had periodically tormented her growing up, the princess figured she’d be used to them by now. But this one stung not just because of the horrifying imagery, but it helped hammer home her recent losses and consistent corruptions.

“F-Flurry?” A groggy voice asked, making her jump slightly. Flurry looked down to see Zap waking up in the bed beside her. The flier propped herself up on an elbow, her alicorn colleague seeing the pegasus’ expression grow concerned at her own state. “You okay? What happen’d?”

“…It’s… It’s nothing.” Flurry puffed, her breathing beginning to fall in line. “Just… just a bad dream.”

“A dream?” Zap cocked her head in confusion. “But, but Ah thought we restored Rarity. Shouldn’t that ‘ave stopped th’ nightmares?”

The alicorn shook her head. “No, not the corrupting kind. More just the standard, scary type.” The chromatically-maned mare merely looked on, encouraging Flurry to elaborate. “I just… It reminded me a lot of the nightmares I had before I came down here. I saw…” She gulped trying to summon strength to push through. A strength that emerged as Zap now sat up took the princess’ hand in her own.

“I saw the Crystal Empire… It… It was in flames, Zap. Ponies were either dead or being… And… I-It helped re-enforce how weak a-and helpless I am, and-”

“Hey! None o’ that now, ya hear?” Zap stated, stopping the tearful princess from spiralling any further.

“B-But I-”

“But Nuthin!’” The pegasus took Flurry’s face in her hands, forcing her noble, special somepony to look her in the eye. “You’re exactly what Ah said ya were back n’ Manehatten; the strongest, bravest mare Ah’ve ever known. And Ah’ll always be here for ya if’n ya need somepony t’ pull ya back up.”

…How? The question ran through the alicorn’s mind as she simply sat there, staring at the Apple in silent awe. How can she trust me this much? Believe in me this strongly? The growing feeling in her chest answered that. Because she saw Flurry the same way Flurry saw her. Because Zap loved her. Too tired to summon the strength to control her emotions, Flurry’s dam walls burst and she flung her arms around the pegasus. She wept without reservation into that orange shoulder, feeling the other mare embrace her back with both arms and wings, and guide her back down to the bed.

“I… I-I’m sorry.” The princess stammered, her body shaking with each sob.

“Sugarcube, ya really need to quit apologisin.’” Zap responded softly as she rubbed circles into Flurry’s back between her large wings. “Yer stronger than ya think. Anypony else’d ‘ave broken or given up ages ago.” She released the hug to hold her royal lover’s cheeks and look her in the eye. “Even if you don’t think yer worth anythin’, Ah do. Ah love you, Flurry Heart. So stop yer worryin’, cause that ain’t changing anytime soon.”

Seeing no lie in the Apple’s reiteration, a small measure of relief finally started filtering through Flurry’s body. She pushed forward and rewarded the Apple a tender kiss. Zap returned the favour and two sat there exchanging their emotions via their lips for a time. All too soon for Flurry’s tastes, the kiss came to an end, and the pair rested their foreheads together. She wanted to push further, to show more of her affection and appreciation for everything Zap had and continued to do for her. Yet she held back. Not because she feared corruption or because they were within enemy territory. No, Flurry resisted because she knew how this looked. A desperate, saddened mare made for an easy target for exploitation. She knew Zap would never abuse her trust that way, so she would likely gently refuse such a request.

So instead, Flurry allowed Zap to guide her back down to bed, the pony pair interlocking their fingers and resting within each other’s embrace. Despite where they found themselves and everything that had happened to her within the last forty-eight hours, Flurry finally felt a measure of calm return to her as sleep claimed her once again.

A rush of wind and a disappearance of warmth helped usher Flurry Heart from her slumber. She rose groggily, wiping the sleep from her eyes as they adjusted to the waking world. The first thing she took notice of in the dim light was the one thing that was missing. Zap. Waking up a little faster, Flurry looked around the room until a distressing splashing sound erupted from the ensuite bathroom.

“Zap?” Flurry asked as she rose from the bed, concern tinging her voice. The princess would get her answer and brought a hand to her mouth in shock as she witnessed the orange pegasus hunched over the toilet; her mane a mess as she groaned before retching another torrent of sickness into the porcelain throne.

The alicorn reacted instantly; kneeling beside her and gently rubbing circles across her back, while her golden magic kept her lover’s prismatic hair out of the way. Once Zap was certain nothing more would force its way back up, she pulled away from the toilet and sat down groggily. Despite Flurry knowing otherwise, the flier’s face looked as if she hadn’t gotten a wink of sleep the previous night. There were still flecks of vomit smattered around her muzzle, but Flurry magically lifted them from her marefriend’s face to join the rest of it in the toilet.

“A-Ah’m sorry, sugarcube.” Zap stammered weakly. “Ah dunno what happen’d. Second Ah woke up, it felt like… like… uh, Flurry?” The alicorn, previously listening with empathy filling her blue eyes, now had those beautiful orbs pointing lower on the pegasus’ body. Slowly, Zap followed her gaze, praying doing so wouldn’t trigger another torrent of sickness. At first glance, nothing looked out of place. Just her body still clothed in the Wonderbolts uniform Rarity had modified for her. It wasn’t until Flurry tentatively placed a hand on her stomach and slowly dragged it across her that Zap noticed it.

There, just above her waist, was a noticeable bump.

Once she realised it, everything outside the ensuite faded away for Zap; her vision zeroing in it. She brought her own hand over it, Flurry retracting hers to do so. Slowly she brushed her digits over the slight bump, as her senses around it heightened. She could now feel the small weight within it. Feel a warmth within that wasn’t there yesterday. As her maroon eyes met Flurry’s blue ones, the wideness of both told of their shared, shocked realisation. Zap felt her breath growing short. With her trademark speed, she was back to hunching over the toilet bowl as another bout of bile forced itself out of her. Flurry once again ensured her multi-coloured mane wouldn’t get in the way, but once she pulled back again, the uncertainty remained.

“…Zap?” Flurry asked slowly, only imagining what her love was feeling. “Are you okay?”

“…Ah…” Zap stammered, looking back down at her stomach. The pegasus swore the bump was minutely growing before her eyes, though there was the possibility her stress was making her hallucinate. “Ah don’t… How? A-Ah’ve been careful. Ah mean, the only one who’s creampied me recently is…” Again, those maroon eyes went wide, as Zap slowly looked up at her lover; the realisation hitting her like a blow from a dragon. “…You…”

“M-Me?” Flurry stuttered. “B-But I couldn’t have. I don’t have…” She stopped, as her memories informed her otherwise. Of the last time the two of them were left alone. “…The ruins? But… But that’s impossible! That was yesterday!”

“But didn’t your aunt say somethin’ ‘bout the clouds speeding things like this up?” Those memories also resurfaced upon Zap’s prompt. That night by Rambling Rock Ridge, where Twilight explained the powers of the pink canopy before fixing her nieces’ body. It was true, though Flurry never thought the pregnancies suffered would proceed this swiftly. As the fact that the life beginning to grow with Zap was fathered by her, Flurry sat back in stunned silence.

“…Oh sweet Celestia,” She finally muttered, bringing a hand to her head in concerned thought. “Applejack’s gonna kill me.”

“You?” Zap responded, as worried as her noble marefriend. “What’cha think she’s gonna do t’ me?” Before Flurry could answer that, a swirl and pop of air and a flash stole their attention. On the bed landed a woven basket covered in a pink blanket, with a matching bow tied around the handle. Confusion replaced the worry each pony felt as Flurry slowly got up and moved closer to inspect. Any doubts about whether this delivery was malicious, however, was quelled when she saw the emblem of the Crystal Empire emblazoned on the basket’s side.

“Home…” Flurry whispered to herself before turning back to Zap, the alicorn’s mood beginning to lift. “It’s from home.” The orange flier gave a weak smile as Flurry pulled the pink blanket covering the basket. Inside were multiple rolled-up scrolls, as well as wrapped up boxes looking like out-of-season Hearth’s Warming Eve presents. As her ears swivelled to hear what was likely her lover approaching, Flurry opened the scroll on top of the rest and began reading.

Hiya Flurry!

Figured you and Zap could use a boost, so the Cake twins and I whipped up a little care package for you two. There’re cupcakes, messages from your family and friends, and medicine for Zap’s morning sickness. Way to go, by the way Princess. =) Don’t think twice about asking me for help with the babies when they arrive.

Lastly there’s two special Pinkie gems in the bag. They’re worth like three normal ones, so be super careful with them. They’re the only ones you’ll get. It took me a while digging around to find those crystals.

Anyway, better let you two get to it. Ponies have been waiting long enough for this story to get back on track. Keep thinking of each other and you’ll be fine.

Pinkie Pie.

P.S: Flurry, what happened to Spike and the others ISN’T your fault. Never forget that! And you are FAR from weak, so stop that quitter nonsense talk. You are strong. You matter, and you can do this!

Flurry came out of reading the party pony’s message with Zap reading it over her shoulder. At the mention of Spike, the princess felt the weight of guilt begin to climb onto her once again, but a hand on her shoulder put paid to that. Though not looking so good, Zap’s reassuring gaze maintained a stabilising effect on Flurry. Her alabaster hand came to grip the orange one on her shoulder and she flashed a smile back at the sick pegasus.

“How about we rest a little bit longer?” Flurry suggested, smiling softly as she and Zap sat down upon the bed. “Bet you’d rather face your mom at full strength, huh?” Not trusting herself to speak, lest it result in more sickness being spewed forth, Zap merely nodded and the pair dug into the care package. The flier gave a weary once-over of the medicine before filling the liquid into the clear cup that covered the lid and drank it down. Her head instantly felt better as the cool liquid slid down her throat.

“Whoa, that’s really good.” Zap remarked, looking at the bottle in amazement. For a moment, she looked down thinking her baby bump would disappear as well. But a reformation gem this was not. The clear sign of motherhood remained. While the slimmest chance this was still a dream was finally blown away within the pegasus mother-to-be, in its place was a measure of guilt and shame. Not at the actions that created this new life. That she would never regret. But it was the desire to be rid of it that struck Zap internally. Her thoughts drifted to Cortland. How, despite being the only non-pony sibling, he was still accepted and loved by everyone in the family. How could she face him again if she so hypocritically wished to erase this new life within her?

“Zap?” Flurry’s voice brought the Apple out of her spiralling reverie, and she saw the alicorn holding a scroll out to her. “It’s got your mom’s cutie mark, so I’m assuming it’s for you?” Shaking away any insecurities or negative thoughts, Zap took the parchment and opened it up, immediately recognising her mother’s admittedly scratchy handwriting.

Dear Zap.

Hopin’ wit’ all mah might this finds ya safe n’ sound, Sugarcube. You’ll be happy t’ know we made it t’ the Crystal Empire. All o’ us, an’ we’re all lendin’ a hand as best we can. Yer brothers’ have been helpin’ with the soldiers. Teachin’ ‘em how other monsters fight, aidin’ in patrols, that sorta thing. Ambrosia’s gotten along real well with ya Aunt Applebloom. You n’ her’d be two peas in a pod, with how y’all act. As fer me, Ah’m helpin’ makin’ extra food stocks, includin’ helpin’ Pinkie with this here care package.

We ran into her on the way outta Appleloosa; her an’ all the ponies y’all saved from her farm. Ah’ll admit Ah was scared for ya when Ah heard y’all were headin’ t’ Manehatten, but from what Twilight told me, y’all pulled through jus’ fine. Ah’m still scared for ya, ya know. I know you can protect yerself, but Ah’d be a horrible parent if Ah wasn’t afraid for mah baby girls’ safety. As long as ya stick with Princess Flurry Heart, then Ah know you’ll be fine.

Speakin’ o’ which, from what Twi’ told me, it seems you an’ Flurry’re close. Now, Ah won’t pry ‘til ya get home, but jus’ know yer sister an’ Ah will be expectin’ t’ hear the whole story.

Now, if Ah’m right, yer either in or headin’ to Cloudsdale. Jus’ be careful ‘round yer mom. She can be pretty hotheaded an’ stubborn when she wants t’ be. Also, Ah want ya t’ know, no matter what happens, Ah’m so proud of you Zap Apple. Here’s hopin’ you an’ the princess can follow in our footsteps in savin’ Equestria.

With love, as always,
Ma

Smiling, Zap wiped away the tears and looked up, only to see Flurry in a similar state; reading her own scroll from the Empire, with an expression of love mixed with tears at the words written by her best friend.

Hey Flurry.

It’s me, Pumpkin. I hope you’re reading this somewhere safe. I know you’re the strongest pony I’ve ever met, but even then, I can’t help but worry. Especially after seeing all the ponies you’ve saved. I need to thank you again, by the way. Pound does too. Cause Pinkie Pie finally arrived, and she brought Dad with her. After you sent back our Mom, I knew you’d send Dad back too.

It was Pinkie’s idea to send you a care package. I helped with the treats, but the fact she said you needed this makes me nervous. I don’t think I have the same prophetic dream thing you had growing up, but every now and then, in my dreams, I swear I can hear your voice. And what I’m hearing isn’t good. Again, please stay safe.

Also… Pinkie told me about you… and Applejack’s daughter.

I’ll be honest, Flurry; for the longest time, I always thought it’d be either me or Pound you’d choose as your special somepony. I know that’s selfish of me to want that, but… we’ve grown up together. You’re my best friend. I was the first to volunteer to help you, and I know why you wanted me to stay, but even so… Pound and I argued about this. It was a big one, Flurry. We were yelling ‘til we were both red in the face. He stormed off to the training grounds while I sat with Mom. But she and Dad helped talk me down and understand. It’s your choice, and if I’m going to be any kind of friend to you, I should accept your decision. After all, we’ll still be friends after all this, right? Pound and I made up afterwards. We just want you safe, Flurry.

Sorry, that took longer to write than I thought. And sorry for dumping that on you. I’m sure you’ve got much bigger issues to worry about. Like I said last time, just say the word, and Pound and I will be there in a flash.

Hopefully still your friend,
Pumpkin Cake

Flurry’s heart was in a state of flux at letter’s end. On the one hand, both the population of Appleloosa, meaning all of Zap’s family, and Pinkie Pie’s group of survivors had made it safely back to the Crystal Empire. That knowledge went a great way to restoring her sense of purpose that had taken severe blows these last few days. On the other hand, however, was Pumpkin’s admission. Flurry would’ve been lying to herself if she also hadn’t fantasised of eventually settling down with either of the Cake twins. After all, in that one nightmare inflicted upon her by Nightmare Rarity, they had been used to toy with her emotions. It was true there were deep, strong ties between the three of them.

Even still, Flurry’s feelings towards Zap still surpassed them. Perhaps it was because Zap had fought by her side, earning her trust on the battlefield. Perhaps it was because Flurry saved her first, and felt responsible for her. Or perhaps it was because Zap was there for her in her darkest moments, and had saved her multiple times on this mission. Regardless of the reason, the bonds were now thoroughly entrenched; cemented with the conception of this new life currently growing within the rainbow-maned pegasus. Said pony was gazing at her with tender, loving eyes. The alicorn wiped her eyes, set down her scroll and waved her lover over. The pregnant mare joined her and they embraced one another again.

“You okay?” Zap asked, concern for her emotionally compromised marefriend obvious. Flurry answered with a smile and a gentle kiss on the cheek before resting her forehead upon the fliers.

“Eeyep.” She replied, earning a small chuckle and smile from the Apple. They remained in that pose for a few moments more before Zap pulled away and gestured a hand to the basket.

Within, perfectly undisturbed despite the scrolls having been lain atop them in transit, were a couple of delicious-looking cupcakes. Each had frosting on top that clearly indicated who each treat was for; white, pink, and blue with rainbow sprinkles for Flurry, while Zap’s were coloured in the same hues that adorned her mane and tail. Answering her unspoken suggestion, the princess took one of her cupcakes, as did Zap, and they deftly clinked their baked goods in a mock toast before tearing into them.

As Flurry has long heard from Starlight, Pinkie Pie was a master of knowing exactly which sugary snack would be perfect for each individual pony. More than the enticing flavour, however, it almost felt as though eating the cupcakes lifted a small portion of the dark emotions clouding her soul. The anger and sorrow that had plagued her was still there, but less solid. Like as if each were now a shifting mist rather than an all-obscuring fog. There seemed enough room for hope again. As she licked her lips, Flurry looked over to see Zap also savouring the flavours of her treat. The alicorn couldn’t be certain, but she swore the Apple looked brighter.

“Dang, these’re great!” The flying farmer exclaimed. “Seriously, how’d Pinkie Pie know exactly what kind’o cupcake Ah like?”

“As my aunt always said, “It’s Pinkie Pie. Don’t question it.”” The pair of mares laughed at this before there was a knock at the door, silencing them. A moment later, they whipped their heads around to see Vapour Trail standing before the door timidly. Flanking her sides were muscular Pegasi armed with long swords and wearing the same green-on-black outfits as the other pony servants of Zap’s more athletic parent.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but the Governess is waiting for you in her throne room.”

The walk to the throne room was a quiet, nerve-wracking one. Flurry took strength from Zap’s fingers being intertwined with her own. Given the sights they were seeing, she would need it.

The pair had stowed their second cupcakes with the rest of their rations, assuming whatever Pinkie Pie had done to stop them from squashing would also stop the food from ruining the insides of their bags. All along the cloud-stone halls to one of the higher rooms of the colosseum, there were more guards. Some were armoured monsters. Others were ponies of either gender in those black and green flightsuits. All were armed, however, and fixed the pair with stern glares; no doubt over the destruction the enraged alicorn had caused the previous day. Outside, Flurry spied many monsters and corrupt ponies entering the colosseum, many bringing their captive pony slaves. Whether it was because they were treated as pets, fuck holes or poles, or both, it mattered little as the mares were very soon before the large cloud-steel doors. As they opened, Flurry took a deep breath and squeezed the orange hand in her grasp; a squeeze returned seconds later increasing her slowly-refilling confidence.

Said confidence was tested as they observed the large room they now entered. The back of the chamber was left open, leading out to the personal box they had first seen Zap’s mother in the previous night. Along with the two guards that had accompanied they and Vapor, there were another six they could see; two now behind them at the door, and four guarding the open space looking out into the now filling colosseum. One such guard was the arrogant mare from yesterday; Lightning Dust, if Flurry remembered correctly. Something slightly swaying in her peripheral vision, the alicorn looked up and couldn’t help but gasp, with Zap swiftly following suit. Hanging from the ceiling were dozens of large, plastic teardrops, each lightly coloured like a balloon. Unlike the ones that had kidnapped her beneath the Pie family farm, however, these ones were full of a white liquid, and had drawn upon their surfaces names and cutie marks. Zap, more sexually aware than Flurry, instantly recognised these as gigantic, full condoms. The threat her mother barked at the scowling Lightning Dust suddenly roared back into her mental view, as the procession was brought to a stop before the large throne.

There, lounging upon it with a seemingly eternal erection, was Spectrum Blast. But she was not alone. Kneeling at her avian feet and eagerly worshipping her enormous nuts were two slave mares. Both were pegasi, had a chain connecting collars around their necks to the base of the harpy mare’s schlong, and were more heavily pregnant than the Apple. The disturbingly high number of large eggs surrounding the throne gave the pair one guess where they came from. The mare to Spectrum’s left had an orange coat, not unlike Zap’s, along with a short purple mane and tail, while her cutie mark was a shield of differing purple colours with a lightning bolt in the middle. Strangely, though, her wings were tiny; barely a third the size of what they should be. As for the other mare, she appeared to be decades older than her counterpart, though in more of a milf-like manner as opposed to being elderly. Her coat was blue, along with a short light orange mane and tail, and a cutie mark of a cloud with a gust of wind escaping it. It was this mare that Zap felt a strange connection with; one she couldn’t really explain. Both slaves stopped, however, as Spectrum Blast sat up properly to address her guests.

“’Bout time you two woke up.” The former Element of Loyalty remarked, an unimpressed expression painted over her features as she rested her cheek against a fist. “Well, let’s hear what you have to say and…” Spectrum’s magenta eyes widened and she stood, finally getting the two pregnant Pegasi at her feet to stop slobbering over her testicles. “Who the FUCK did this?!” She pointed one of her arms wings directly at her daughter’s baby bump. The room went silent as a graveyard, the only sounds emanating from the growing murmurs of the crowd out in the colosseum.

“Oh pony feathers.” Zap swore under her breath.

“Um, I-I know this looks bad.” Flurry began, nervousness swiftly seeping into her tone. A nervousness that only climbed higher as Spectrum Blast levelled a contemptuous glare at her. “B-But I promise it was concen-”

“Shut it, princess!” The harpy governess snapped, the alicorn instantly complying. “I was gonna have you try your best to convince me in five minutes. Now you only get one. Go.” Internally, Flurry was floundering again. The dread of a parent angered, combined with the negative thoughts that plagued her the previous day and night, immobilised her. So it filled the princess with shock, relief, and a tiny speck of guilt when Zap stepped up between her and the agitated former Wonderbolt.

“Mom, this,” she began, bringing a hand to her swollen stomach, “was mah choice. Ah wanted this, n’ Flurry asked n’ everythin.’” The flier’s brow furrowed in defiance, matching her parent’s glare. “An’ Ah promise Ah’ll be a better mother to this one than you ever were.”

“Don’t you talk to me like that!” Spectrum spat back, severing the leashes of the diligent duo and stomping forward to tower over her daughter. Not just in stature, but also the large, veiny, and hard phallus certainly added to the intimidation. Zap felt fingers intertwine with hers, and a quick glance back confirmed Flurry was offering what moral support she dared while also standing in Spectrum Blast’s shadow.

“Ah’ll talk however Ah darn well please!” She shot back, drawing an audible gasp from somepony else in the room. Zap wasn’t sure who, but couldn’t worry about that now as Spectrum leaned down for the mother and child to stare at one another nearly nose to nose. The fact the corrupted pegasus had to stand sideways so her massive schlong wasn’t in the way went ignored in the familial stare down.

“If you’re looking for a fight, I’m warning you it’s a lost cause.”

“Oh, Ah ain’t challengin’ ya t’ a fight. Ah’m challengin’ ya to a race!”

The entire room went silent. None dared breathe. All wide eyes turned to the governess to see her response. Zap held her defiant expression and glare despite her heart beating loudly in her bent-back ears. She’d heard so much about her aerial mothers’ stubbornness and ego from Applejack growing up, and her imagination had filled in the rest to create a rather intimidating figure. But she held firm, awaiting a response. Initially, Spectrum’s face mimicked the shocked expression upon everypony else, before quickly breaking into a large outburst of laughter.

“Y-You actually think you can beat me?” Spectrum asked, soon getting over her mirth to stand imposingly at her full height and wingspan. “Did you forget you’re talking to the fastest pony in all Equestria? Even Talvira can’t match me. And even if you weren’t expecting, there’s no chance in Tartarus that you could beat me when it comes to speed.”

“First time fer everythin,’ right?” Zap replied, standing her ground. “If Ah win, you’ll release all the mares that you have trapped here, an’ you’ll agree to reform.” Spectrum stood back, deliberating for a moment before offering her answer.

“Fine. But, when I win, then your royal marefriend gets railed by my guards before being sent to Canterlot.” She pointed a wing at Flurry, who subconsciously shrank back behind the orange pegasus. That feathered limb then shifted to point at it’s owners’ daughter. “And as for you, I get you alone to teach you some respect.” Zap hesitated in her response, looking to the alicorn. Flurry’s reassuring smile and nod was all the encouragement she needed, and she turned back to face her mother.

“Yer on, but nopony’s t’ touch Flurry ‘til after th’ race.”

“Don’t you worry,” Spectrum replied with a confident smirk. “No one’s laying a hand on your collateral in this. Have a seat, Princess.” The harpy stepped back, extending a wing to her throne, which swivelled about to face the now full stands of the colosseum. “Best seat in the house, after all. Zap, meet me at the starting line, and we’ll see what you’re made of.” With that, the former Element bearer took flight and descended into the arena to a chorus of cheers. As the two pregnant mares seductively gestured for Flurry to approach, Zap took hold of her hands and looked the alicorn in the eyes.

“Flurry, you gonna be okay up here?” She didn’t want to sound insensitive, but given the fragility she’d been witness to, the Apple wanted to be sure. To settle her own concerns if nothing else. Thankfully her special somepony nodded with that same loving smile that made Zap’s knees weak and heart full.

“It’ll be fine, Zap. I trust you, and I know you can do this.” To emphasise this trust, the princess leaned in and planted a chaste kiss upon the fliers’ lips. Said lips curled into a warm smile at the response.

“Thanks sugarcube. Wish me luck.”

With that, Zap turned and spread her wings, soaring out of the private box and down to a cloud platform in the middle of the otherwise empty colosseum grounds. A chorus of boos followed her, but the Apple shook the abuse off and landed beside her mother; the harpy clearly enjoying the attention. A quick glance back showed that Flurry had been shown to her mother’s throne was paying close attention, giving a small wave when she was noticed. Zap waved back, though it faltered for a split second when she noticed the ponies flanking her marefriend. On one side was Vapor Trail, so that wasn’t as concerning, but on Flurry’s other side was Lightning Dust. Despite her mother’s assurances, the Apple couldn’t help but have a feeling in her gut about the arrogant pegasus’ presence there.

“Better pay attention, Zap.” Spectrum Blast’s voice snapped her out of her worries and brought her focus back where it belonged; the race. A floating orb monster hovered before them, a circle on its upper surface glowing bright before a holographic map magically appeared above it. Zap studied the route, learning it took them in a winding path through and eventually out of Cloudsdale before looping back towards the colosseum. Just as Zap felt confident in her ability mapping the course to her memory, the image faded and the monster floated away.

“We’re only doing one lap,” Spectrum announced, speaking loud enough for everyone to hear. “Winner takes all. And, to prove I’m playing fair, should anyone interfere in the race on my behalf, I’ll kill you myself!” The intended response rippled throughout the audience; a momentary flinch followed by nervous applause. The governess turned back to her child, her face practically overflowing with excitement. “I want to beat you with my own talent. I bet you’re the same, huh?”

Zap merely nodded, pulling up the goggles that Applejack had gifted her and fastening them securely over her eyes. As she took calming breaths and lowered herself into a three-point stance, she flexed her wings in anticipation. In her periphery, she saw Spectrum Blast merely widen and lower her own stance; all four wings spread wide and ready to go to work. A gryphon male in the black and green uniform of her mother’s minions flapped out, green flag in claw to start the race.

Time seemed to slow as the moment approached, and Zap wasn’t sure if this was some trick by her opponent, or her own instincts heightening her senses and perception. A part of her mind realised that, with the goggles and her outfit, she was the spitting image of the old Wonderbolts. She only hoped she could do them, her family, and the mare that mattered most of all to her proud. One last glance up to the box revealed Flurry was fine, and focussed as intently as she was. Turning back, Zap saw the gryphon raise the flag, and felt instinct tighten all the muscles in her legs and wings. Given the natural and experience advantages her mother held, the Apple knew the start would be crucial to success.

The green flag fell, and the race began.

The cheering of the crowd was momentarily halted when both mother and daughter shot off the line like they were both shot out of a cannon. More of those orb creatures ignited their hologram magic into big screens, showcasing the race beyond the colosseum to the audience. Flurry felt a rush of excitement when the images showed Zap zooming forward to take the lead at the outset. Her enthusiasm wasn’t shared by the large majority of the crowd; shocked murmuring and desperate shouts for Spectrum Blast to take the lead sounding out in the arena.

Pleasure-filled squeals met Flurry’s ears, along with one that was clearly derived from terror. The alicorn stood up to see herself surrounded by the black-and-green clad guards in the box, with two of them sexually attending to the pregnant pegasi. Lightning Dust, meanwhile, hand one arm wrapped tightly around Vapor Trail’s body; pinning her arms to her sides, while the other had a knife against the slave mare’s neck.

“I wouldn’t do anything rash if I were you.” She stated smugly, ignoring the whimpering of the alabaster mare in her grasp. “Wouldn’t want anything to happen to this fine piece of work now, would we?” Flurry resisted the urge to draw her sword, knowing it might cost Vapor her life. Maybe there was a way to de-escalate the situation, or perhaps buy enough time for the race to finish and Zap to return to back her up. Or did she not think she could… Flurry shook those thoughts away, returning her attention to Lightning Dust.

“I thought you’d learned not to go against Spectrum Blast, after she embarrassed you in front of everyone yesterday.” The princes replied, making sure to keep an eye on all the guards surrounding her. “When she finds out you’ve disobeyed her, you’re done for.”

“Like I give a rat’s ass what that overhyped bitch wants.” The blonde-maned mare scoffed. “Besides, ever since her little girl came in to save your ass, Spectrum Blasts’ gone soft. Cloudsdale deserves a mare that takes charge and never shows mercy.” As the leader monologued, a plan formed in Flurry’s mind. First step was teleporting Vapor to her side. The next was to instantly teleporting the two of them outside Cloudsdale. The miasma in the pink clouds encompassing the city would make it painful, but they’d be safe. Plus, there was a chance they could reunite with Zap.

“Bet you’re cooking up a plan to get out of here, right? One involving magic?” Lightning Dust’s question snapped Flurry back to reality, taking a few steps away when she noticed one guard getting too close for her liking. “I mean, I would too, if I had a horn. But, even if you save this one, there’d just be another bitch dying in her place.” The leader nodded to something behind Flurry and, against her better judgement, she turned around. What she saw set her blue eyes wide with shock, erasing any coherent thoughts formulating her escape.

“G-Garnet?”

Before the princess stood Garnet Gauntlet; the maroon crystal pony lieutenant that had set out with her at the beginning of this quest. Apart from a black collar with a cloud-shaped, purple jewel, the mare was completely naked. This allowed her short red and pink-stripped mane, previously hidden beneath her helmet, to be displayed as openly as her no-longer shimmering coat. Her dark blue eyes seemed empty; as if her mind had sunken not into lust as with other mares Flurry had encountered, but more like she was hypnotised. Finally, there was the disturbing brand over her cutie mark. Where once a pair of crossed crystalline gauntlets was visible, burned in over the top of them was another mark; this one of a lightning bolt with three five-pointed stars at its tip.

While the imagery and thought of one of her citizens being marked in such a way horrified Flurry, another realisation brought previously-buried guilt to the surface. Not since the nightmares suffered on the first night of the quest, where Nightmare Rarity had used Garnet against the princess, had the loyal soldier even crossed Flurry’s mind. The mental anguish over all of this must’ve transferred to her face subconsciously, as she was brought back to the present by Lightning Dust’s dark chuckling. The princess spared one last glance at Garnet, seeing the dagger she now held to her chest.

“I doubt you’d be able to fight us off and save them both.” The lead pegasus remarked. “And a big strong hero like you couldn’t live with having these fine pony’s deaths on you conscious now, could you?” Flurry was cornered and Lightning knew it. That smug grin was eating away at the alicorn, but with two lives depending on her next choice, she realised there wasn’t a choice at all.

“What do you want?” She sighed in resignation, raising her hands in surrender.

“Leave all your belongings on the floor. Now.” To emphasise Flurry’s lack of control, Lightning pressed the knife’s edge against Vapor’s neck, drawing the smallest beads of blood. With another sigh, Flurry undid her belt, her sword clattering to the floor along with it. Next was her bag, all gems and rations inside, before finishing with the shirt Rarity had given her back in Manehatten; her lone piece of clothing. Covering her marehood with her tail and her chest with her arms, this left only the dream amulet upon her body.

“The amulet stays on.” Flurry said as a statement rather than an opinion.

“Suit yourself.” Lightning remarked, nodding to Garnet. Flurry turned, hoping to stop what she thought was the final action of her former soldier. Instead, Garnet had stepped forward and, with near mechanical precision, struck the princess in the head with the pommel of her dagger. It struck her clean in the temple; knocking her out instantly.

“No!” Vapor cried out, only for Lightning to knock her out in much the same fashion. She couldn’t help but smirk as the hypnotised crystal pony hefted the unconscious alicorn over her shoulder. Enjoying the sight of the defenceless heroine for another moment, she then turned to the rest of the Washouts gathered.

“Let’s hurry it up. Not a lot of time to waste here.”

“What about that one?” One of them asked, pointing at the unconscious Vapor Trail on the floor.

“She’s not as valuable as these three,” Lightning responded, nodding to Flurry and the pregnant duo. “Have fun with her.”

Zap weaved through the cloud buildings of Cloudsdale, her smaller frame and streamlined flight suit helping her maintain her slim lead. A glance back revealed Spectrum Blast furiously flapping all four wings, working hard to make up the distance. The orange pegasus was proud of how perfectly her start had gone; launching herself at high speed, and following it up by utilising her greater manoeuvrability through the town had given her a healthy advantage over her mother.

But Zap looked forward and flinched for a second as she passed through the cloud dome that encompassed the town. The border of the floating settlement marked the halfway point for the race, with the upper peaks, valleys and pillars of the cloud canopy forming an obstacle course of sorts for this section of the race. Blinking her eyes to acclimatise to the sunlight as swiftly as possible, Zap spared another look behind her to see Spectrum burst through the dome like a vengeful spirit. She tried to pull away, but the effort spent in establishing and maintaining her lead within Cloudsdale had been an exhausting effort. Normally Zap would’ve remembered to preserve some energy for the whole race, but in her excitement of racing and leading her mother, she had forgotten this. Spectrum soon passed her and pulled ahead with each powerful wingbeat.

“See you at the finish line!” Her mother called back, pouring on the speed, and breaking away. Despite the agony of her initial sprint, Zap forced herself to push on, managing to match Spectrum’s speed but unable to catch up as they began encountering obstacles. Zap was forced to avoid the pillars and ledges of clouds, lest they affect her body any more than it already had. For a moment, her thoughts dwelled on the life growing inside her; hoping this race and the jostling it entailed wouldn’t have a negative effect on them.

Focusing back on the race, and seeing her mother pulling even further ahead, Zap started growing desperate. Up ahead was a large pillar of cloud; easily nine feet tall, with one of Cloudsdale’s soldiers manning it. This would serve as the halfway mark, where the racers would then need to circle back towards town. If Spectrum managed to beat her to it, Zap’s chances of victory would decrease exponentially.

So, knowing the risks, Zap accelerated and flew through the cloud obstacles.

While there was no physical hinderance in flying through them, the Apple racer couldn’t help but feel a growing tingling sensation within her womb every time she passed through the clouds. Flurry had told her of her experiences flying in the clouds back in Manehatten, and sure enough Zap’s body was starting to heat up as well. But she channelled that energy into her wings, pouring every ounce of strength into those feathered limbs. Her efforts, though risky, were bearing fruit. She closed the distance, her mother seemingly not realising her rival was closing in on her until Zap swung around her inside and drifted around the halfway pillar. With the momentum she had built up, she then shot back towards Cloudsdale; leaving a shocked expression on Spectrum Blast’s face before she once again chased after her daughter.

Zap’s advantage didn’t last long, however. Barrelling through the clouds both towards the halfway point and back towards Cloudsdale was now starting to severely affect her body. Specifically her womb, where the tingling feeling now felt like something was pushing against her stomach from within. Her speed slowing, Zap looked down to see her baby bulge was now bigger than before. Her suit was stretched taut over her rounded abdomen, and the pains were growing more and more difficult to ignore. The Apple had slowed down so much, she almost missed Spectrum shoot past her and into the dome surrounding the town.

Zap just stared, hovering in place with both hands cradling her swollen belly. She could feel her hopes fading with each second that passed, and all manner of horrible futures flooded her imagination. Her mother would brutally assault her. She’d never see her family again. And worst of all, Flurry would be taken away from her. But it was that last one that snapped Zap out of her downward spiral. The mental image of Flurry, her smile, her laughter, how she made the chromatically-maned mare’s heart swell, it dashed the negativity threatening to destroy her. Getting her head back in the game, Zap reckoned she had lost at least five to ten seconds dithering. Her mother would no doubt be approaching the colosseum very soon, leaving only one chance for victory, however slim.

Zap began diving, as fast as she possibly could. She winced as this took her through the cloud canopy, but she came through the underside gathering speed. A quick glance up revealed the still open underside of the colosseum. Her ticket inside. Focusing back on the task at hand, Zap pushed herself even faster despite the ground beginning to get uncomfortably close. A mach cone had now formed before her, almost creating a bubble from the wind that roared past her ears. Wordlessly yelling in exertion, she pushed even harder. Harder than she’d even flown before. The ground was growing closer at an alarming rate. Only one thing could save Zap from a fatal crash now. The one thing she was desperately attempting, as she had many times before.

Please, she prayed, closing her eyes. Just this once! In her mind, Flurry’s smiling face once again flashed into view, and everything clicked into place.

Mere feet from the ground, an eruption of sound, air pressure and colour erupted out in a shockwave. From said shockwave, a rainbow soared high into the air at tremendous speed. At its head was Zap Apple, rocketing faster than she had ever flown before towards the hole in the underside of the colosseum. Within seconds she punched through said opening and circled at speed over the dumbstruck crowd. A glance down revealed Spectrum Blast had just entered the building a few seconds after her; her face as slack with shock as the rest of Cloudsdale’s population. So shocked was the governess she nearly forgot to flap her wings to remain airboune, as the rainbow trail following her daughters’ path touched a part of her soul Spectrum had thought long since purged.

Finally, the high from the acceleration wearing off, Zap spiralled down to the cloud platform in the middle of the colosseum and landed in a messy roll. She took a few minutes to regain her breath, merely laying there. Subconsciously a hand journeyed to her now very taut stomach, though her instincts told her the life within was fine. Grunting, Zap rolled onto her back, yet hissed the moment her weight hit her tired wings. Though she imagined she could still fly, the Apple wouldn’t be racing through the skies again any time soon.

“Zap? You okay?”

Hearing her name, the orange mare propped herself up on her elbows to see her mother kneeling beside her. It felt strange given the reception they’d received both the previous day and earlier before the race to see a mixed look of shock and concern upon Spectrum Blasts’ features, but sure enough they were there. Exhausted, Zap merely nodded, eliciting a sigh of relief from the harpy pony.

“That was… Awesome!” The excited exclamation took all in the colosseum by surprised. Zap most of all, given she was expecting her mother to be a sore loser. Instead, those magenta eyes bore something more fulfilling; pride. “I can’t believe it! You pulled off a Sonic Rainboom! While pregnant! Even I’ve never done that.” Spectrum offered a feathered arm, which Zap tentatively took. The mother pulled her daughter to her feet, and the crowd reacted as unsurely as Zap felt with a smattering of awkward applause.

“Uh, thanks.” She replied, one hand still supporting her full womb while the other scratched her mane in embarrassment. The moment passed soon, however, as she fixed Spectrum with a determined look. “So, now that Ah’ve won, remember yer promise.”

“Hey, you won fair and square, kid. A deal’s a deal.” Spectrum stepped past her, hovering up to centre stage in the colosseum. Summoning the innate magic her corrupted form provided, she inhaled deeply before bellowing her commands.

“Attention!” As one, everyone in the audience, be they monster or ponies, masters or slaves, stopped and paid attention with near mechanical symmetry. Bound by her words of power, they awaited her orders. “Civilians, dismissed! Soldiers, fly south to the Storm Kingdom! Stop for nothing!” Instantly her words effects took hold. All ponies, even those that were part of her forces, fell unconscious into a deep slumber. Thankfully none were hovering over open sky, with all of them landing upon the clouds or colosseum seats. As from the monsters and demons, they turned in unison and began their journey south.

Zap marvelled at how not even one beast resisted; a clear sign of the power her mother’s commands had over them. With the imminent threat quelled for now, Zap tiredly took flight and headed for the private box. She nearly fell, only for Spectrum to be there to catch her. The orange mare mumbled her thanks before being allowed to wearily fly again, and both mother and child landed in the box.

But, instead of finding relief and happiness waiting for her, only dread filled Zap’s heart. For the only souls in the box were two unconscious ponies in guard uniforms, and the sputtering form of a barely conscious Vapor Trail. Zap’s fears accelerated as fast as if they had performed their own Sonic Rainboom, especially after seeing Vapor spitting cum out of her mouth, as well as a similar white stain plastered over her pussy lips and inner thighs. The orange pegasus’ eyes rapidly scanned the box, yet she fell to her knees over the only signs her love had even been there in the first place; Flurry’s equipment and bag.

Flurry Heart was gone, and with her lost, Zap Apple’s fears ran wild.

Author's Note

Flurry Heart Stats:
Purity: 4/4
Will: +3
Strength: +3
Defence: +3
Speed: +5*
Magic: +4
Items:
Dream Amulet: Automatically pass Will Checks in regards to dreams
Corruptions:
Expanded Breasts (E cup): Disadvantage on Speed Checks
Lactation (1/3)

Zap Apple Stats:
Purity: 4/4
Will: +4*
Strength: +5*
Defence: +2*
Speed: +6*
Magic: +1
Items:
Dream Amulet: Automatically pass Will Checks in regards to dreams
Flying Goggles: Advantage on Speed Checks
Wonderbolt Uniform: +2 to Speed Checks and +1 to Defence Checks
Steel Bat: +1 to Strength Checks
Crystal Short Sword: +1 to Strength Checks
Teleportation Crystals x2
Rations x4
Corruptions:
Inflated Belly: Disadvantage on Speed Checks
Impregnated Womb: Disadvantage on Will Checks, will trigger in two chapters

Permanent Corruption Status:
Flurry Heart: Expanded Breasts (E), Lactation (1/3)

As always, apologies for the long delay guys. The Christmas period last year was pretty busy, while thus far this year I've been trying to be more social and active in other activities. Thankfully, I got into a groove and managed to finally finish this, the first of a three-part chapter. That's right. All this was just part one of three! Zap managed toget the win via Sonic Rainboom (AKA Nat20), but that doesn't mean we're out of the woods yet.

Also, if you're wondering why Flurry and Zap have a max of four Purity Points instead of the usual three, that's thanks to the care package, which raised their current and maximum PP. While this will make it harder for them to fall, this also allows for longer sex scenes and potentially more corruptions to befall them.

Onto the previous votes , and it's pretty clear few wanted to take the risks of leaving or reforming Spectrum by force. As for bringing in replacements for Spike, Button and Sugar, leaving it for now narrowly won the day, leaving the party at just the lovebirds for now.

Action:
Stay the night and meet with Spectrum Blast in the morning: 12
Sneak in and reform her by force: 2
Sneak out and escape Cloudsdale: 4
Character (select up to three):
Yes: 8
- Pumpkin Cake:5
- Pound Cake: 8
- Flash Sentry: 3
- Sparkler: 5
- Cortland Apple: 1
Not Right Now:10

Speaking of our missing trio, their part of the chapter is up next. I'm a good ways through writing the first third of it, but I've quickly realised it's going to be a monster chapter in terms of length (What I currently have is around 5K words and, like I said, I haven't finished the first third of it yet). No timeline for when it'll be finished (not that I'm likely to make any deadline I give), but hopefully me posting this chapter will provide the momentum needed to smash through it.

Finally, as this is part one of three, there's no votes in this chapter, or the next. As always, all I can continue to ask for is your patience for these chapters, and I do appreciate each of you that continues to do so.

As always, thank you for reading, and stay tuned for Part 2: Submission.