Pain was the first thing she felt when reality returned to her as she squeezed the large male next to her. She felt like screaming and passing out from the pain. But she really didn't want to return to that dark place. She didn't want to lose the soft embrace of her lover, the warmth and safety he provided.

As more of her senses returned, she started noticing the relieved rambling of Twilight. And oddly enough, Luna collapsing in relief.

Knowing they were there gave Rainbow the strength to pull away and smile up at her lover who gave her a loving kiss before they both looked over at the other two.

"I am glad to see you passed the test Rainbow." Luna sighed. "It shames me to admit this. But even I fear passing such a trial."

Rainbow nodded and hung her head. "I… I know why… it's because of…"

"Yes." Luna confirmed knowingly. "And I pray this will be the last time it needs to be done for many moons."

Rainbow nodded before pulling from her lover to stand on shaky legs. "How do I look?"

"Your wings changed." Twilight pointed out. "They're… more streamline."

"Your eyes and teeth have altered too. But those can be hidden easily." Luna added. "But the tufts won't be as easily hidden." Rainbow blinked in shock. "And a trim may help with the chest fluff."

Rainbow's mate huffed at the idea. "I think I'll keep it." She laughed, giving him a teasing side eye. "But maybe a trip to… make it less of a mess would be fine."

"Do you want to see if you can communicate with him?" Twilight asked.

"What I want is to know how the search is going." Rainbow countered.

Twilight quickly backed off and looked at Luna. "You did pass the trial. And shared your secret with us." Luna sighed. "The truth is…"

"They got Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy." Twilight admitted. "We… don't know what to do."

Rainbow thought for a moment before turning to her mate. "I know the bad pony is down there. But so are my friends. And they need me."

"Bad pony?" Twilight pondered.

Luna stepped forward and lit her horn for a moment. "You two have bonded deeper than expected…" She noted before looking him in the eyes. "My promise still stands. If you wish to help, or even accompany her at the castle. Then you will be safe." Her eyes narrowed. "And if you let us. Then we shall see that this pony is brought to justice."

He looked between them before scooping Rainbow onto his back and moving to the mouth of the cave.

"Looks like we have our ace." Twilight cheered moving to their side as Luna moved to their other side.

"Perhaps it's best we teleport to the castle this time." She suggested. After receiving a nod, she lit her horn and the group vanished in a flash.

Moments passed before the group reappeared in the castle throne room where Twilight helped Rainbow down as Luna motioned for a guard to come over.

"Inform my sister that Rainbow and her savior have arrived." She instructed, scanning the room. "And inform the guards he is on our side."

"Yes princess." The guard replied. As he was about to turn away, he stopped and moved closer to her whispering. "Is something the matter?"

"Just… I am starting to wonder a few things…" She replied in a soft toan. "Have you seen the detective?"

The guard pulled back and nodded. "He believes he knows how to capture the thing he was after." He paused and looked over at the others that were there. "Oh…. Ummmm…. I'll just… go get your sister now…"

"And do fetch the detective. In chains if necessary." Luna instructed. Nodding, the guard fled the room.

Fluttershy panted for air as she looked around at her friends. She felt relieved to see they were still breathing. But quickly became concerned when she saw that it looked like they were on the verge of breaking. Looking around, she desperately looked for some way she was able to help. However, she hadn't seen anything that would tell her where they were or any animals that she could have send a message.

It was horrible. There wasn't many options for her. Admittedly, she felt like she was close to breaking… even though she had never done anything like she had since she was captured. She felt like her body was quickly adjusting to the different sizes. She doubted her friends were having such luck. And with that in mind. There was one thing she could think of to help her friends.

"Mister shadow pony? I'd like to make a deal with you." She called, causing her friends to look in shock before being covered in shadows.

"Oh?" The stranger's voice called.

"I… I want you to go easier on my friends. I'll take a portion of their work." She replied.

He laughed as his glowing eyes appeared in front of her. "Oh? And what's stopping me from simply upping your cut regardless?"

"Please. I'll do anything."

"Anything?" He hummed as a few ideas passed through his mind. "Well… how about you take a special mark that'll make you a horny slut?"

Fluttershy gasped before biting her lips for a moment before closing her eyes and sighing. "Then… you promise to go easy on them?"

"I'll cut their work load in half. I may even limit their customers… if you can tell me how to get more of your friends." It laughed as Fluttershy sighed.

Feeling the magic taking hold, she nodded slowly. "Yes…. Master…"

Author's Note

Well... Dash is part bat. And it looks like Fluttershy is falling to the darkness. Oh and the detective should watch his step.