Betrothal Island

"We're going down!"

The wind howled over the whirring of the turbines. The small rigid airship bucked and weaved through the storm, desperately riding the upper currents.

Commander Tempest Shadow, pacing back and forth, stopped, "What?"

"I'm calling it. We're going down!" Soarin looked back at the bridge talker. "All hands, abandon ship!"

"All hands, abandon ship! All hands, abandon ship!" The talker's eyes widened, "Captain, we're cut off from the aft section!"

"It must've been that last lightning strike!" His eyes widened, "The princess! The engineers!" He turned, "Commander, I need–"

Tempest rolled her shoulders forward, "I'll find her! You get off the ship!"

He paused, then nodded, "Someone has to keep it steady, anyway. Go! Tell everyone you can find! Ensign, you go with her!"

One of the crew, pulling on a parachute, straightened up, "Ah, aye aye, sir!"

She climbed up out of the gondola to the catwalk. The ship shook. The deck crackled and Tempest jumped over a gap. "Come on, sailor!"

The ensign climbed up out of the gondola, "Commander, we need to watch our step, we–"

Krackoom!

There was a flash. The airship shuddered and groaned. It heeled over and Tempest was thrown against a support beam. The ensign screamed as he slid past her.

"No!" She shouted, reaching to grab his hand and just barely missing it.

He fell back through the fabric of the ship, through a torn open hole. The wind took his voice away.

"Your chute! Pull your chute!" She cried. Tempest panted and leaned her head on the beam she'd fallen on. He had his chute. He'll be okay. He had his chute…

As she straightened up, she barely noticed her uniform catching on a bolt and tearing. The ship straightened out. "One less sailor to save at least," She said aloud. She grabbed the safety lines and continued pulling herself back.

The ship was lightweight, a jungle gym of metal and fabric. There was only a handful of crew. Even so, there was much more to it than the gondola. There were fuel tanks above the gondola, but further along, she passed crew quarters and ballast storage rooms. Tempest checked each one, finding no crew, thankfully. They would all be at their stations. And hopefully, off this ship. The ship was a wreck, it was no surprise the captain wanted to evacuate.

She stopped at an intercom, "Bridge, this is amidships!" There was no answer. "Sweet Luna," She cursed, "it's breaking apart!"

She found Princess Twilight Sparkle, hauling herself down from the engine room. "What's going on?" Twilight demanded, "The voice tubes are cut to the engine room!"

Tempest grimaced, "Where are the engineers?"

Twilight looked crestfallen, "That last lightning strike knocked them off. I think they got their parachutes open, but they're gone!"

Tempest glowered. Seeing the princess's face though, she amended, "Well, at least they're alive. A stallion fell out of my section too. The captain gave the word to abandon ship."

"What?"

"We have to leave!" Tempest growled urgently.

"Who else is left? We have to check!"

Tempest gestured around, "The ship's coming apart! We have to get you out of here!"

"The captain won't leave unless he knows–"

There was another lightning strike and the ship shook. The mares were thrown off their feet.

Tempest seized Twilight with both arms and shielded her from falling debris. They rolled and struck the wall.

When the assault abated, Tempest realized she'd been biting her lip. She looked down and found Twilight on top of her. Twilight lifted her head and unwrapped herself from Tempest's protective embrace. "Are you alright, Princess?"

"I'm fine, what about…?" She trailed off. Tempest followed her gaze. A dull red light came from down the catwalk. A fire extinguisher rolled down toward them, other debris slid along the deck. Twilight gasped, "The ship's off balance! That was the gondola!"

"If they were still in there, they aren't any longer!" Tempest grunted and got to her feet.

Twilight nodded, "The parachutes. And we need a life raft!"

Tempest grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the nearest boarding hatch. Twilight yanked her arm out of the larger mare's grip, "We need those supplies!"

"Can't you fly?" Tempest demanded.

"Not in this weather!" Twilight snapped back.

"Great," Tempest growled. She groped her way down the corridor, finding a door. She pointed across the way, "Check in there! There should be a box–"

"Mark twenty-two inflatable life rafts! I know! Grab those crates from that room and tinned water!"

Tempest cursed, she didn't know how she could have forgotten. "I didn't forget! Just go and do your stupid job!"

"Do yours!" Twilight snapped over the howling wind.

They rushed out, clad in life jackets and carrying supplies, and moved to the nearest hatch. A whirlwind met them, snatching papers from the interior. Tempest put up her hand, "The storm's getting worse! We can't go out in that!"

"The ship is climbing! It should be easier up there!"

"But we will freeze!" Tempest barked, "we have to go down, and we lost the control surfaces!"

Twilight cursed and looked around. "There had to be a way out of this!"

"I don't see one, princess!" Tempest snarled.

"Stop calling me that!" Twilight looked around. Then her eyes lit up. "I have an idea!" Twilight's body lit up with purple energy. She held out her hands, "Hang onto me!"

"What?!"

"Put your arms around me and hang on tight! This is no time to get embarrassed!" Twilight exclaimed.

The ship began to tear itself apart. Magical energy cut a barrier in the deck, ripping away the room they were in and several areas above them.

"I'm…navigating us as a…free balloon…!" Twilight gasped. She gestured at the cells above them, still kept in place by the rigid airship hull.

"Shut up and keep at it!" Tempest coughed, "You have to save your energy I mean! You can do it!"

The makeshift balloon bucked and weaved. Tempest didn't know if she was securing herself or Twilight to the deck. The wind billowed around them.

"What now?" Tempest cried.

"Get me a compass! I saw an island to the north! I gotta stay on track!'

"That way!" Tempest gestured, "I saw it too!" As if on cue, a bolt of lightning illuminated a large chunk of land. It seemed to stand out ominously like an ancient castle.

"Brace yourself!"

They came down with a heavy crash. Water surged across the platform. They found themselves on the edge of a reef. In front of them, the reef gave way to the dark water. Fire from the ship burned on the surface of the water as the debris slowly sank.

Tempest pulled the life raft handle and threw the container into the water. "In the boat!" She shouted. They rushed to transfer their gear to the inflating raft as the rest of the airship crashed into the sea around them. With a mighty heave of her strong arms, she pushed the raft away from the makeshift balloon. The cells above them thankfully gave way behind them instead of on top of them.

Splashing into the raft, she found Twilight gasping for breath as she finally turned off her horn. Tempest looked up and realized it hadn't been luck: Twilight had kept the debris off them. "Thanks," She gasped, "Now it's my turn!"

She pushed the oars into the water and heaved. The raft pushed off the reef into the darkness. The rain continued to pour down. "Which way to land?"

Twilight charged her horn, grimaced, then charged it again. She fired off a star flare. It flew high in the sky and exploded like fireworks. "Behind you."

Tempest twisted around. In the distance, she could just barely make out the tall silhouette of land. In the dim light, it looked green but mountainous. It was almost bowl-shaped with a cone in the center. At this distance, it could have been small or large. Though the soldier would settle for land, period.

As she rowed, there was an enormously strange feeling that sent a tingle up her spine. Twilight gave a start, then sighed in exasperation. "Did you feel that? It's like we passed through a barrier–"

A piece of flaming debris came down behind them. Both mares let out exclamations and Twilight shook her head. She moved across the boat and grabbed an oar. "Let's get out of the line of fire!"

"You don't have to tell me twice!" Tempest growled.

She was surprised at how well Twilight was rowing. Even after seeing her in combat, her title of "princess" still made Tempest underestimate her. She reminded herself of Twilight's reminders: she didn't live in a gilded cage all her life. She was just a city mare.

"The storm is passing. Was that a squall?" Twilight asked.

"Dunno. Not a sailor," Tempest grunted.

Twilight noted how close they were. She was fascinated sometimes with how big and strong a mare Tempest was. She was even bigger than Applejack! Her elbows jammed into Twilight's side every time she drew back for another stroke. Twilight grimaced in annoyance but didn't much care at the moment. She was just glad she didn't have to do this on her own.

But as they moved, and the rowing grew less intense, she felt that shiver again. Tempest cursed and shook her shoulders.

Suddenly they crashed into the beach. Another piece of debris landed, starting another fire.

Twilight was knocked back against the hull and Tempest nearly fell on her. She shot to her feet and rolled out of the raft. "Come on!"

Twilight got out and pulled. Together they hoisted it onto the beach.

Twilight collapsed against the side of the boat again. She looked up and tilted her head. Tempest was sweaty, and glistening in the light of the fire. Her chest moved up and down as she panted. She flexed and stretched briefly to rest herself.

As Tempest reached out a hand to the princess. she noted Twilight's shirt was torn around the top of her chest, almost proactively. She was panting too. Her hair was soaked in water and draped across her shoulders. Her skirt was askew, revealing her slim but muscular thighs.

Both mares flushed and Tempest hauled her up. Twilight stumbled and fell against Tempest. The big mare caught her and for a moment they looked into each other's eyes. Twilight was nearly a head shorter than her friend.

"Sorry, I think one of my shoes was broken or something," Twilight said quickly and leaned down to adjust them.

"It's alright," Tempest said, putting one hand in her pocket and rubbing the back of her head. Both mares avoided eye contact. What's the matter with me? This is no time to get frisky!

"We should find shelter," Twilight said, snapping her out of her thoughts.

"Right," Tempest agreed. She grabbed a flashlight from the raft, while Twilight activated a light spell. "I prefer something that doesn't shut off when I can't concentrate," Tempest sneered slightly.

Twilight rolled her eyes, "Just for that, you take the lead."

"That was going to be my suggestion…princess," Tempest said, stepping ahead.

To her surprise, Twilight found herself flushing. "W-well it makes sense, Commander!"

To Tempest's surprise, she stopped. She turned and looked at her. "...let's just keep going."

"Not going to argue? Thats a first from the Great Tempest Shadow…!" Twilight said, channeling Rainbow Dash.

Tempest tightened her grip on her flashlight. What is wrong with me? Far from reducing her…urges, arguing had only seemed to encourage it.

"What do you think happened to the rest of the crew?" Twilight asked.

"We flew quite a while, so they're probably out at sea," Tempest grunted.

"That's what I thought…" Twilight murmured.

"They're probably alright, just…lost like we are."

They moved along the beach, looking for shelter in the dim evening light.

Ever since she came back from her expedition, Tempest had been living in the castle with Twilight. She wasn't quite ready to go out into Equestria again, even if she had a royal pardon. Tempest was good to have around the house, she was considerate, and neat, and they'd gotten on better than expected, but the last few weeks had been somewhat tense. Twilight stayed up all night until Tempest physically hauled her to bed, while Twilight had to keep Tempest from constantly closing all the windows and keeping light out.

Twilight had been almost hoping for some time apart with the trip, but Tempest had insisted. And now, she was glad Tempest was here. Neither of them would have gotten out without the other. The weather forecast had been wrong, weather off the griffon coast was always so unpredictable. They had been caught in a storm and drifted dramatically off course, before their ship finally gave up.

Now, with few provisions, the remains of a life raft, and the rest of the ship wrecked on a reef, they would have to make do on the island. Both mares looked up at the ominous island. It was a jungle-swamped piece of land with a circle of hills or mountains behind the dense forest.

Twilight looked up at her friend silhouetted in the light. She wore a uniform similar to her old storm king one, but with Equestrian insignia. It was ragged and battered by the struggle to get to shore. She was above average height, nearly a head taller than Twilight. Her mohawk was a little frayed, and still damp with seawater. She had a beautiful face, her scars only accentuating it. Her shoulders were broad and dense, with powerful arms, and the legs of an olympic athlete. Twilight flushed and looked away before she could steal a gaze at Tempest's toned core and modest breasts.

"That looks like a good spot," Tempest said, pointing. Twilight followed her direction to see the interior of the island. Behind the beach and a row of trees there was a small plain of grass."Could be worse," She snorted.

"Could be the stone beach you grabbed me from," Twilight said with a small grin. For a second, she worried she crossed the line.

But Tempest smirked, "Yes, it could be." Twilight breathed a sigh of relief. Something about Tempest's laugh always made Twilight happy. Most people said it was creepy, but something about it delighted her, a sort of positive tingling whenever she made her laugh. She could hear it all day. "So what do you think?"

Twilight stood up and nodded, "I agree, it's a good spot. Shall we?" She picked up a crate of provisions from inside the raft. Tempest picked up the rest, tucking them under her arms. They moved their gear to the small grassy area, and Tempest went back for the raft. She returned to find Twilight grimacing at their food supplies. "Something wrong?"

"Nothing, nothing," Twilight said dismissively, and scratched her head, "I wish I had a--" She turned her head, and recognized a nearby tree, "oh, how convenient!" Twilight walked toward one of the trees and immediately brought down some fruit. "Bananas!"

"Well, we've got the food situation settled then," Tempest commented. "I'm glad I've got you to figure that out."

"And I'm glad I've got you to help me carry things," Twilight said with a snort. "Usually that's Spike who does that."

Tempest snorted as well. Her eyes lingered on Twilight for a long moment, then she broke eye contact. "I'll take inventory. Can you start the fire?"
"Of course." She crouched and created a small stone circle. Tempest surreptitiously glanced at her friend. Twilight wore a practical t-shirt and skirt. She was at the edge of average height. From photos, she had been on the lower end before becoming a princess. Now, she was taller, more svelte, with her curves accentuated in an oddly natural way. Her face hadn't changed since her ascension, so soft and pleasant. Her hair hadn't changed much either. She used to keep it up in a ponytail, but she'd lost the scrunchie in the crash. Her breasts weren't enormous, unlike her alicorn compatriots, but they had certainly grown. Her shoulders were narrow, and her arms seemingly slender, but Tempest knew from experience that she held a power strong enough to challenge bigger opponents in a fight. Not that Tempest paid attention, of course not. Many said her attractiveness had been quadrupled, but Tempest didn't quite see it. She was pretty in her own way before and after being a princess.

Twilight glanced back at her and Tempest looked away. She set up a tarp to keep the rain off them. They'd had a few arguments over the last few weeks, and the trip had been particularly taxing. Yet there was something about the way they fought. They were almost fun. She almost loved having the large mare in her face telling her she was wrong.

Tempest almost loved being able to loom over Twilight. She felt like she loved it just for the excuse to get in her face.

They were opposites but found themselves sticking together. Twilight was surprised Tempest wanted to go with her, and more than that, Tempest was surprised she didn't object more strongly.

Tempest fixed the tent and thought for a moment. It had been the logical thing to do, Twilight got herself into trouble so much and someone had to be there to get her out. It was nothing more than cold logic. Nothing more, she repeated to herself. Besides, aside from their squabbles, they got on well intellectually. She had never met anyone as smart as Twilight.

That evening, as they sat around the campfire, Twilight shivered. Tempest looked down at her suit. It was pretty ragged. "We should let these dry. We don't want to ruin our sleeping bags."

"I don't have any other clothes," Twilight murmured.

"Neither do I, Princess. We're both grown mares. We can sleep naked for one night."

Twilight stood up and stepped just out of the firelight. Tempest stood up as well and stepped out. She pulled off her boots, unzipped her suit, and pushed it down without hesitation, hanging it on some branches.
She turned to see Twilight staring in her general direction. Tempest stepped into the fire light casually and climbed into her sleeping bag. Twilight propped up her clothes on some sticks as well and dodged around the fire light to dive into her sleeping bag. They rolled away from one another.

Tempest couldn’t get her out of her head. The princess was small, but she was so smart and so brave, there were few people she respected as much as she did her.

Twilight couldn’t get her out of her head. The large mare was so jacked, so strong, and so smart.

Twilight shivered, rolled over again, then a third time. Why am I so horny?!

As they slept, the island began its magic.

Tempest woke up. She stretched in her sleeping bag and sat up. The morning was already bright, with a blue sky overhead. Nearby, Twilight still slept soundly. Tempest moved to the branches where they set up their outfits. To her surprise, the rags that had been left of their clothing were gone. Tempest looked around. Perhaps the wind had carried them off. All she could find was a scrap of leather from her suit. But where did their shoes go? She sighed. or a wild animal had carried them off. Perhaps a bird. Tempest grimaced and looked around. She went into the forest a little and grabbed some large leaves, weeds, and vines.

She realized she hadn't gathered enough material for both of them. Considering, she shrugged and took pieces from one to fit the other.
Twilight awoke to find Tempest wearing a makeshift bra and skirt made of leaves and grass. Tempest covered her eyes, "Something took off with our clothes. I have yet to find them. So I uh...made some clothes for us."
Twilight glanced down. "Oh wow." There was a simple but functional tunic laid out in the grass beside her. Twilight flushed, then picked up the tunic. She found it easily slipped on over her head. "So how do I look?"
Tempest realized she may have made the outfit too tight(or just tight enough). She could almost see Twilight's nipples, and the way her hips and waist were accentuated was nauseatingly beautiful. "Fine."

They explored the island. It was a warm and temperate climate. There was grass everywhere, and they seemed to form paths. "Perhaps ponies have been here before," Tempest commented.

"Not for a while," Twilight replied, "This soil is well-packed but..." She frowned and stopped.

"What is it?"

"Don't you feel that? The magic field?"

"What magic field?"

"It was probably to help unicorns find their way in the dark. Can't you feel it?" She gestured in front of her, "It's right here."

Tempest grimaced, and felt her horn, "I thought it was...well, never mind. So...some unicorns lived here?"

"I suppose so," Twilight replied. They walked further and stopped again. "This...there must be magic here."

"What makes you say that? Aside from the obvious," Tempest gestured. The path they were on was overgrown, but the intersection was too well-made to be convenient. There had to have been a signpost at some point.

"I can feel it. This was formed with magical energy. See how it's beaten here?" Twilight patted the smooth ground with one of her bare feet, "That's classic."

Tempest grimaced, "I wonder if we're not alone here."

"Oh, probably. We would've seen it if we weren't!"

"Hm."

They moved through a pass in the initial barrier and found there were several mountains on the island. Between them were valleys and several idyllic rises, with jungle and trees stretching across the island, hiding much of it from view. It was a bigger island than they expected. "Nice place," Tempest commented. She put her hands on her hips. She felt the wind rippling through her mane.

Twilight nodded. "Plenty of resources for us to survive without damaging the natural environment."

"We're a little off the major shipping routes. it might be a while before they find us." Tempest turned to see Twilight twitch her gaze away. "Well, now that we've gotten our bearings, let's find fresh water." She patted Twilight on the shoulder, and both swore they felt a tinge of electricity. Neither commented. It had to be the magic field again.

They found a source of water just nearby, in a sort of grotto. There was a spring on one of the idyllic rises, set against the side of a mountain in a grotto, surrounded by trees. A waterfall split off in several directions that fed into the pools below. It had a main large pool area, with several smaller water reservoirs off to the sides. There was a flat green around it, to the trees and the walls of rock and dirt.

"Fresh water," Tempest breathed.

"It's beautiful!" Twilight exclaimed. She walked forward to examine the pools. The grotto pool area descended like a crater, with the smaller pools at varying heights around it, each segmented from one another and a few meters deep. Some were deep enough to stand in up to Tempest's neck, while others were only deep enough to sit in. The main pool was centered around a round pool that stood up in the center. It was where the steam rose from, near where the main water stream came down. It was like a parabola, with a clear edge that dipped inward gently, before going straight down. Twilight reached her hand into the main pool, where it touched a bit of soil. It was cool, yet not bitterly so. The steam meant that the area in the center was technically heated, while the others would be more gentle. The reservoirs would provide drinking and cooking water.

As she thought about that, her thoughts drifted toward how good it felt on her skin, how sweaty and salty she was. The jungle was so hot and steamy all of a sudden. Without thinking, Twilight lifted her tunic, threw it to the side, and jumped into the water. Tempest bit her lip as she watched her friend's naked purple form swimming through the water. She emerged and turned back toward Tempest. Covering herself with one arm, Twilight gestured, "Come on in! The water's great!"

Without another thought, Tempest stripped down and dove into the water. When she came up Twilight was blushing furiously. Tempest flushed herself and turned away. Both had their backs to one another on either side of the pool. Had she seen it? Tempest cleared her throat. "Here's hoping we won't be here long."

"Yeah. I want to see the girls again."

"I just want to get you out of here alive. That's my mission," Tempest said, sloshing water over herself.

Twilight looked at her guard's back. "And get home."

"Of course."

"Oh come on, you can't tell me you don't miss anyone."

"Capper and Pharynx are out of town, as are your friends."

"Oh-- no, I didn't mean friends period, or right now, I meant..."

Tempest chuckled. "I know exactly what you meant. Apologies, I misspoke."

Twilight inhaled sharply. Tempest's laugh was exciting her more than usual. Something about it sent a shiver up Twilight's spine, and her body tingled. "...Oh."

Tempest glanced back over her shoulder at her. "For the princess of friendship, you are surprisingly awkward."

"I didn't choose to be," Twilight murmured. There was an odd expression in her voice.

Tempest's lips quirked, "Maybe you can be someone else."

Twilight shrugged. "It's not up to me."

"Perhaps it is. Aside from the physical changes, you do still have free will. You do have to remember you are just a pony. After all..." She trailed off, leaving the words dangling in the air.

Twilight nodded numbly. After everything, despite all her victories, they still nearly lost the country. She sloshed over to the waterfall and drank some of the water. As it settled in her stomach, Tempest's words ran over and over in her head. She glanced back at Tempest, immersing her head in the water. She saw

"Uh...Tell me, Tempest, do you have a special somepony?"

"A partner? No. Not much time for that. Besides, who would dare think to ask me out? Much less now..."

"Well, I became your friend," Twilight grinned, "There's hope for you yet."

"Why, Princess, is that an invitation?" Tempest chuckled.

Twilight blushed furiously. "I..." She furrowed her brow as a warm feeling rose in her chest, and lower body. "I didn't mean it like that!"

"I didn't mean..."

Twilight sighed in annoyance, "Sorry, sorry, I just...I don't know, I'm tired I guess." She rubbed her eyes, "It's fine, I'm flattered. I know how attracted people are to the princesses."

Tempest turned to look at her, heedless of her divine nudity. Twilight kept her eyes on her face. "Princess--Twilight, it's not about that. I mean...no, I didn't mean it like that. It's not just because you rescued me either, I find your intellect stimulating." She grinned wryly, "Despite the library incident."

"You're never going to let that go, are you?"

"Any more than you will let go of the windows." Twilight chuckled, and Tempest smiled. It was a warm, kind smile. "You're your own pony under there, pri-- Twilight. Anypony would be lucky to be in a relationship with you."

"Oh...thank you." Twilight blushed and turned away. After a moment to recover, she said, "I think anyone would be lucky to... be with you, as well."

Tempest blushed a little and went back to one of the waterfalls. "Here's hoping I find someone then."

As they emerged from the water, blushing, Twilight noticed that her tunic had torn in half. It was now more of a bikini than anything else but had no lower cord. "Here, let me help you with that," Tempest said. She stepped forward and threaded a cord into the torn lower half. Without thinking, she put her hands around the princess's waist to tie it. Her skin was warm to the touch. Twilight gently moved her hands down to touch Tempest's. They were larger than hers, tough with some calluses.

"Tempest...?"

Tempest flushed furiously as she realized how long her hands were on Twilight's waist. "Sorry," Tempest quickly tied it off. She kept her eyes off Twilight's alluring rear as they walked back to their camp.

That evening, back at the beach, they ate dinner and prepared to bed down for the night. Putting aside one of the books that survived the crash, Tempest cleared her throat. "Twilight, I'm sorry about earlier, I was trying to make a joke," she said.

"I know, thank you," Twilight replied. "I'm sorry, I'm pretty awkward."

"I did mean what I said though. You're your own pony. I know how much this job means to you, but I see how much it pains you, and how much it demands of you."

Twilight nodded, "There's not much else I can do."

"You can quit, I meant that too."

"I'm not sure I can."

"Do you want to quit?" Tempest asked honestly. "Believe me, I know what it's like to keep telling yourself you're doing the right thing."

"I...I don't know." Twilight gazed into the fire.

"What do you want, Twilight?"

Twilight looked up at Tempest. She had started using her name. She liked that. Though she liked when Tempest said her title, too, for some reason. She didn't like anyone else to say it. "I didn't think I'd be getting good advice from you," She said, smiling a little, "After last time."

Tempest snorted sadly. "We all make mistakes."

Twilight scratched the back of her head. Her eyes wandered around, and for some reason kept falling back on her friend. They roamed her body, taking in her form in the shadow of the fire. Tempest felt her gaze and looked up. Neither broke away. Something seemed different this time, ever since they woke up. Now here they were, all alone on a beach. "What do you think happened to our clothes?"

"Wild animal, probably. Maybe it figured our gear was easier to take."

"But they didn't take anything else, not even the food."

Tempest grimaced. She rubbed her chin and looked around. "Have you been feeling funny at all?"

"Funny how?"

"Have you been sensing any more magic? Like by the grotto?"

"No, not exactly."

Tempest quirked her eyebrow, then shrugged. "I was thinking we should move our camp up there. We might not be found as quickly, but I don't like the looks of the waves. Plus we'd be close to fresh water. I'd prefer a longer stay here with us both getting out alive rather than only one of us."

"You're the expert," Twilight said. She squirmed a little under Tempest's gaze. Despite her best efforts, just for a second, her eyes shifted ever so slightly down to Tempest's chest. Immediately she whipped her head away.

Tempest breathed a sigh and leaned back on her palms. "It's okay, Twilight."

"No, I'm sorry, I--" Twilight painfully turned her head back. "Sorry, I...you're very pretty, and that's a horrible excuse sorry no I meant-- I didn't mean--" She huffed in exasperation, "You are very beautiful and smart, and I must be tired or something, I didn't want to use an excuse, I just--!" She sighed, "You are very attractive."

Tempest blinked. Well, someone as awkward as Twilight might also be quite blunt. She could work with that. "So are you." Twilight smiled a little. Tempest smiled out of the corner of her mouth. Seeing the princess smile was always so pleasant to see, it lit up the night. "So you don't have anyone?"

"No, I don't. I..." Twilight grimaced, "No."

"Would you be interested in seeing anyone?" The words were out of Tempest's mouth before she could stop them. She reached up a hand and covered her mouth.

Twilight blinked, "I...uh...I don't know." She paused. There was silence for a long time.

Eventually, Tempest got up, "I gotta change..." She stepped out of the light and bent to take off her outfit.

"Tempest!"

"Yes?"

"I...C-Can I see you?" Twilight mumbled. Tempest blinked. "I...I want to...I want to see you."

She thought over Twilight's words for a moment. "Of course." and stepped back into the firelight without hesitation. "Oh my..." Twilight muttered under her breath, in a Fluttershy-esque tone. She hoped Tempest hadn't heard her. Tempest was big for a mare. She had distinct muscles, washboard abs, and a moderately sized pair of breasts. Her arms looked extremely strong, yet sleek with taut muscles underneath. Her purple skin was fresh, with old battle scars. Her face was soft yet firm, and her wide shoulders gave a distinct impression of size. She had wondrous and sturdy legs and thighs. Her mohawk was still well-kept despite everything.

"Now, may I see you, then, Twilight?"

"Huh? Oh!" Twilight stood up. She undid her bra and let it fall to the ground. She unhooked her bottom. She ran a hand through her sandy hair, then stepped into the light with shaking feet. She was above average size, after her ascension to royalty. Her breasts were larger than Tempest's, something the large mare had to ignore. Her shoulders were narrower, her purple skin was smooth and well taken care of. Her face was gentle with the capacity for a big smile. Her legs betrayed the muscle of a physical scholar, more like a ballet dancer instead of a more dainty being. Something about her beauty was mesmerizing. As if reading Tempest's mind, Twilight covered her breasts, "One of the changes from being an alicorn."

"Yes, of course." They studied one another in the light. "You're very beautiful, Twilight."

"So are you." Twilight stepped closer. She was red in the face as she studied the larger mare. She made no move to cover herself, unlike Twilight.

After some time, they moved their sleeping bags from either side of the fire to beside one another. As they lay there beside one another, looking up at the stars, Twilight looked over. "Have...you ever kissed anyone?"

"Of course. Have you?"

"Certainly," Twilight said, her flush hidden in the dark. She could feel Tempest's eyes on her.

The larger mare propped her head up on her hand. "Are you sure about that?" She whispered playfully.

Twilight flushed and squirmed a little. "Are you?"

"Ooh, princess..." Tempest teased.

Twilight had enough. Screwing up her courage, she leaned forward and kissed Tempest on the lips. "There. Now you'll never know."

Tempest froze, her mouth slightly open in shock. Twilight inhaled sharply, then rolled over, "Let's get some sleep."

"...Right."

As they slept, the island's magic began to work on their bodies.

"I can dig out a shelter here. It's an elaborate technique, it might take a few days, but--"

There was a flash of energy. Instantly a beam of light dug a neat square in the grass around the grotto. Holding out her arms to aid her magic, Twilight carved out a large chunk of ground, lifting the soil up and out, and distributing it around the hollow. In its place was a nice and neatly-carved pit perhaps five meters long, and three meters wide. Stairs led down. There was a rise in the center that formed a table, with two chairs, and on the floor below the wall opposite the one they stood on, was a swimming pool-like area. There were alcoves for storage all around. On the left was a fire pit, with a chimney, or the beginnings of one, for smoke. Tempest turned around to find a separate hole behind them. It formed a sleeping area, with a doorway connecting the two spots. There were chairs and a large bed carved right out of the dirt, "...oh."

"Sorry about that," Twilight gasped. She wiped her head from the exertion, and panted, "But don't worry! There's plenty for you to do! I don't know how to do all the sealants and stuff." She leaned against a nearby tree, "We need to put up a roof, and..."

Seeing her all sweaty like that...Tempest fanned herself. She didn't usually get like this easily. But the mystery would have to wait. Any mare would react the same, seeing their friend in that sort of outfit. Tempest went to work digging out the interior of their little house. She made them two fireplaces, one in the sleeping area, and one in the main lobby. They spent the day assembling a framework that would fit over the pit, to protect it from the rain. They overlaid it with loose dirt to stop any leaks. It hid the structure, but their smoke would give it away immediately.
Twilight gathered a few crystals using skills she learned from Rarity, and imbued them with light, making them much more effective than torches. Tempest found an abandoned anthill deeper in the jungle and crushed the framework to make a material that would work as a sealant, so their locally-made tubs and containers were sealed against leakage like the ones at home.

It was only when making the bed, putting down leaves to support their sleeping bags, that Tempest realized there was only one. She paused, then shrugged. Twilight was forgetful sometimes. It was the size of a master bed, anyway. There was plenty of space for them to be apart. They spent the day finishing up the new camp, setting up everything with the hopes of moving in by the dark.

As they made dinner, something occurred to Twilight. She looked down at her outfit, then over at Tempest. Tempest's hips shifted as she worked some of their food over the fire, and Twilight caught herself looking at her shapely rear.

When Tempest thought she wasn't looking, she caught a glimpse of Twilight's pliable yet firm ass. It was nearly heart-shaped.

At the table, when they were about done, the thought occurred to Twilight again. They finished up their food, then went topside for a last dip. It was sweaty work, and they wanted to cool their little hut down. "Say... why is mine a tunic while yours is a bikini?" She looked down at herself, "Or why was mine a tunic?"

Tempest flushed and pulled off her top. "Let us bathe then, shall we?"

She dropped her bottom and stepped into the water. She wiped away at the dirt and grime, breathing a sigh of pleasure and relief. Twilight splashed in nearby, and Tempest turned away, walking into the waterfall to wash her mohawk. When she cleared her eyes, she realized Twilight was watching her. Both mares flushed and turned away. Tempest swam out of the waterfall to allow her friend a chance.

She fidgeted a bit then turned around. Twilight tossed her head back under the water, rubbing the dirt out of her mane. Somehow she seemed more shapely. The alicorn magic was strong in her, Tempest couldn't help but stare. After some time, Twilight turned around. She had her hand in her hair, running it through her long mane. There, dripping with water, she looked so pretty.

They looked at each other across the pool. They had been watching each other both while bathing. Twilight looked down at herself, then up at Tempest. Somehow, in the light, the amazonian mare seemed different. Almost taller.

They stepped forward, sloshing in the water, putting their arms around one another. Tempest looked down at her friend. Then, on an impulse, dipped her head down and kissed her. Twilight's eyes went as wide as dinner plates. "Tem..." Tempest took the opportunity to push her tongue into Twilight's open mouth, exploring the inside. Twilight melted into the embrace, putting her arms around the larger mare and closing her eyes, pushing her tongue back. They finally broke their kiss at each other, panting.

"I...uh..." Tempest smiled a little nervously, for the first time her confidence was challenged. "I can stop if you..."

Twilight grabbed her broken horn and yanked her back into another kiss. They stumbled their way back to the muddy edge of the pool. It felt like it had been made to lean against comfortably. Tempest twisted them around, putting her back against the edge of the pool. She pulled Twilight onto her with a yelp, then shushed her with another kiss.

Twilight reached down to stroke Tempest's clit. The larger mare groaned and grabbed Twilight's breasts. Twilight pushed a finger into Tempest, who growled and used one hand to pull Twilight closer. She moved down and with one hand still tweaking Twilight's nipples, pushed her fingers into her pussy. Twilight gasped but didn't stop. Each mare thrust their hands into the other, moaning aloud. They pushed against one another as they reached their peaks. Both gasped. Twilight felt Tempest spray fluid across her hand, then yelled aloud. Tempest brought her hands up, "You were pent up, weren't you?"

"That was...I don't even know what that was!"

Tempest sat up on one elbow, "You were great, Twi."

"No, I mean...I'm not...I..."

Tempest raised an eyebrow, "First time?"

"I--! Y-...yeah."

"Then there's nothing to be worried about. It happens. Tartarus, you were great for a first-timer!"

Twilight flushed. "Thank you."

Tempest leaned forward and kissed her. Twilight flushed further and touched her lips. Then moved forward for another. Tempest was pleasantly surprised by the force, knocking her back to the ground. She pulled her close, and Twilight stuck her tongue into Tempest's mouth. They made out for a surprising amount of time, they were so filled with lust and pleasure for one another. They broke, and Tempest rubbed her hands over her lover's majestic shoulders. She reached up and stroked Tempest's mohawk. Tempest gently moved her hand onto Twilight's chest. "You're beautiful..."

"You're stunning," Twilight said, "This is alicorn luck, but you...you're so strong and powerful, and..."

"Twilight, you're drooling."

"What?!"

"I'm kidding," Tempest giggled. Twilight flushed like a tomato and giggled too. She'd never heard her laugh like that.

A strange feeling went over them. They looked up at their pile of makeshift clothing. Twilight looked down at her new marefriend. Tempest grimaced up at her. Both looked down at themselves. They gathered themselves up, then moved down to the exit of the clearing, pointedly leaving their clothes behind. They brought their bedding and supplies up, unrolling only one bedroll in the bedroom. Then, they threw their makeshift clothing into the fire.

Naked as the day they were born, they cuddled watching the fire. Soon, Tempest crawled into her sleeping bag, and unzipped it, holding it open. Twilight, shivering with anticipation, crawled inside. Tempest embraced her tightly, spooning her. She reached down and inserted her fingers into Twilight's snatch. Twilight did the same to her.

As they slept, the island continued its work, altering their minds and bodies.

Twilight awoke in a warm embrace. Her eyes widened a little. She woke up in Tempest's thick arms. Tempest had a small smile and cuddled Twilight closer. The mare blinked, and a shudder ran through her as she ground her body against the larger Tempest. She looked down. They were both completely naked. She was naked in Tempest's sleeping bag. They had sex. She had just lost her virginity to Tempest Shadow and was now lying naked in her sleeping bag. Twilight flushed heavily. She thought the world of Tempest, but she didn't think of her that way...did she?
Flushing more, Twilight edged up onto all fours slowly, careful to keep her lover's grip on her body. Twilight felt the muscles on her arms, feeling her majestic form. Then she noted something. Tempest's head was higher than it should have been. Tempest's eyes opened. She smirked at her lover, "What is it?"

"Did you get taller?"

Tempest looked down, "Perhaps," She ran her hands along Twilight's sides, "But you have not lost any of your beauty."

"Oh, Tempest-- OH!" Tempest reached down to Twilight's snatch and immediately began to finger her. Within seconds she had jammed several fingers into her pussy.

"My, my, princess, you are eager..." Tempest murmured. She rubbed and stroked her until she could get a finger into Twilight. The princess gasped and shuddered. Tempest turned them on their side and lifted Twilight's leg, allowing her to get her leg in. They rubbed their clits together. Almost too soon, both exploded.

"New rule, no sex in the sleeping bag."

"And lose the morning routine?"

"Do you masturbate every morning?" Twilight demanded.

"Joking, sorry." Tempest furrowed her brow, "Hey, you okay?"

Twilight laid down on her lover, resting her head between her breasts.

"I'm just...confused. I...I've never been with anyone before."

"Oh."

"I'm sorry, it's embarrassing--"

"No, it's not. Everyone's ready at different times." Tempest stroked her head, then halted, "Do you mind if I do this?"

Twilight's ears flicked, "It's okay."

"If I pushed any boundaries--" Tempest shifted to try and get out from under her, worried she had done something wrong.

"No! It's okay," Twilight forced her back down with surprising force. She looked up at her and smiled a little, "I'm just surprised." She sighed, "And I'm upset I can't get us off this island."

Tempest hugged her close, hauling her up to eye level and embracing Twilight in a warm grasp. "Hey, it's okay. You're okay. Oh, uh...do you mind if I hug you?"

Twilight sniffed. She returned the embrace, "Thank you."

Tempest furrowed her brow. "Hey, uh...are your breasts bigger?"

Twilight looked down. "They have been feeling rather sore..."

Tempest shrugged, "Probably from me. A trick of the light." She unzipped the sleeping bag and picked Twilight up in a bridal lift, "Come on, let's get up. We gotta figure out what's causing this magic. Morning bath?"

Twilight responded by flushing, then grabbing the back of Tempest's head with one hand and kissing her. Tempest carried them both out of the room and up the stairs. It was awkward getting through the trap door, but she got them out and got them to the crater pool. Bathing gave way to sex, then another shower to clean that off.

Later, as they lay there drying in the sun, Twilight ran her hands over Tempest's majestic frame. It seemed tougher than usual. She frowned, "Are YOUR breasts bigger?"

Tempest looked down. "Well I mean, it makes sense, we did just..." She smirked, "See something you like?"

"Only my...marefriend," Twilight spoke hesitantly, looking at Tempest with longing eyes.

Tempest smiled gently, "If you're willing."

Twilight smiled back, "Only if you are."

"Then...yes." They stood there in each other's arms.

"Where did we put our...? Oh." Twilight blinked at the smoke rising from the chimney. "We can make more."

Tempest made their outfits, again shortchanging the materials. This time, both mares wore bikinis. Twilight noted hers seemed tighter despite using the same measurements, especially around the chest. She blamed Tempest's eyes.

Both mares wondered what they saw in the other, and what the other saw in them. They kept these observations to themselves, but there were many confusing emotions in their heads.

They explored the island that day, finding more hills and gullies, valleys, and trees. It was breathtaking. There seemed to be little animal life aside from some small creatures and birds. Once they gathered some supplies from the day, Tempest approached Twilight. The other mare looked up from her inventory work. Tempest's eyes flicked down, then back up. "I thought we'd try for that mountain," She pointed at the tallest one that was visible from their grotto. "It's close to the pass into the island, we might be able to see the biggest one from there."

"Certainly!" Twilight stood up, walked up to the large muscular mare, and planted a kiss on her cheek, "I'd love to."

They walked down to the beach to get a better path.

As they climbed, Twilight tried to keep her eyes off Tempest's firm ass. Tempest turned to help her up and flushed to see Twilight's breast slide out of her top. Twilight looked down and adjusted it. A mischievous look crossed her face. "You can ask if you want to see," Twilight said. Her earlier hesitation seemed to vanish.

"What is this, some cheap porno?" Tempest almost stammered. She glared at Twilight when she grinned.

They reached the top. They could see the mountain was one of the lower ones. There were no ships either. "It's getting late, we should get back to the beach."

As she tried to walk past, Tempest grabbed her and spun in place, dipping her, "And just where are you off to?"

"Tempest!" Twilight giggled.

"I think we deserve some reward for our work, don't you think?" Tempest ripped off Twilight's bra. She blinked, and her eyes widened, "They ARE bigger!"

Twilight looked down and felt them herself. Her breasts were bigger since ascending to alicornhood, but now they were almost handfuls.

"I...uh...guess it must be the food."

Tempest shrugged. They were both too horny to care. Twilight yanked her hand through Tempest's waistband and hurriedly reached up to rip off her bra. They settled in for another afternoon of passionate lovemaking.
As Twilight tweaked her lover's clit, she noted it seemed to be bigger than usual. She shrugged, and they kept going at it. They came quickly, several times in a row each, and collapsed against one another. Both felt some aches, but neither noticed their bodies subtly changing, and getting bigger.

The wind felt glorious on Twilight's bare skin. She hugged herself and moaned as she and Tempest scissored and came explosively. Eventually, the sun began to go down.

They walked back utterly naked. The rain was cool, but only a drizzle. Twilight's breasts bounced. Tempest's muscular front flexed. They both found themselves hypnotized by the other's body.

They returned to their grotto and got ready to make another set of outfits, somehow even more revealing than the bikinis. But they took the process leisurely and stayed naked, remaining so all through making dinner. Afterward, Twilight went over to their little pool, lit by the glow of her crystals, to assemble her outfit. What was it about Tempest that was so...?

As she finished up, she heard the pitter-patter of bare feet behind her. "Tempest did you...?" She Tempest came out wearing nothing but a loincloth. She smirked predatorily as she approached Twilight. Twilight shot to her feet, her mouth hanging open, and she felt herself getting so wet. She smirked up at Tempest, "Ooo...!" She said mischievously.

Tempest backed Twilight up against the wall, and put a hand against it above the smaller unicorn, looking down at her. "I couldn't make a top."

"Tempest..." Twilight giggled, flushing. Tempest's breasts were hanging down in front of her. Twilight looked up at her to see her face. She was taller, she had to look a little higher up. Then she grinned with a blush.

Tempest grinned back, "Here's an idea...all alone on this island, temperate weather, shelter..." She smirked that predatory grin again.

Twilight felt like she was dripping wet. She reached up to grasp her lover's breasts, "We can't keep our hands off each other..."

"Right, so...I don't think clothes are necessary any longer, do you?"

"Tempest!"

"What? We'll see any visitors coming from a long way off, and after a few laps around the island...not to mention your voice, since no one came running, I'm guessing there's no one here." She grinned, a little nervously, "If you don't want to..."

Twilight flushed and shook her head, "Are you kidding?" She made to pull off her top, struggling for a moment in her haste.

Tempest grabbed it and pulled it off with a snap. She reached down and pulled apart her bottom with both hands and pushed Twilight down. They examined one another's naked bodies. "Princess..." Tempest breathed, hovering over her. She lowered herself over Twilight's face, breathing deeply.

Twilight grinned and moaned into her marefriend's lips. She reached up to grab her shoulders and squeaked. Tempest was stronger. She was sure of it. Her muscles were bigger and denser.

The next morning, Twilight's breasts were even bigger, noticeably so. She felt them in her hands as they showered. They were full-on handfuls now. "Tempest, we are getting bigger."

Tempest grimaced. She checked a few lines she'd made in a tree with a machete from their survival kits. "Yeah, sure looks like it." She felt her arms, "I'm pretty strong, but this is different." She frowned, then dragged Twilight over to the tree. "You're taller too!"

Twilight looked down at herself, then looked Tempest up and down, "This is fascinating! Utterly fascinating! We're...transforming!"

"Could it be the food?"

"No, I don't think so. It has to be some spell."

Tempest looked at herself, "Well, I'm not complaining so far." Her eyes lingered on Twilight. Twilight did the same. she bit her lip and turned aside.

"We still need to find answers. I want to find out who cast this spell!"

That day they decided to scout out the island in greater detail, to try and find the magic they sensed. This was the first time Twilight had gone outside like this in the nude, in broad daylight. She felt so vulnerable.
"Hey, you okay?" Tempest put a muscular arm around Twilight as they walked.

"Just...just a little embarrassed, I suppose," Twilight chuckled nervously. She was very conscious of her nudity and extremely conscious of her marefriend's strong body, her burly muscular frame.

They held hands as they walked through the valley. Twilight idly noted that her breasts didn't seem to need as much support as they used to, even before they started swelling. But she also noted that Tempest was getting bigger. Much bigger. She had gained several inches on Twilight, and her musculature was getting thicker all the time. "I don't know what this magic is doing to us, but for the moment, I'm not complaining."
Tempest looked at her, confused and amused, "Neither am I?"
Twilight's eyes went wide, "I said that out loud?"

They found another spring. They decided to take advantage of it. Tempest turned and palmed Twilight's breasts. "Eep!" Twilight returned the gesture and could swear Tempest's breasts were bigger. Then Tempest leaned down and kissed her. The scholarly princess returned the gesture and they made out hungrily, ravenously. she pushed her larger lover down and rubbed at her pussy. Tempest returned the favor. Soon, after several orgasms, they found themselves scissoring again. Both of them soon came very quickly and almost unexpectedly.
They cried out in pleasure, and as they did so, Tempest squished Twilight's breasts. "Ah!" Both looked down to find a spray of white fluid across Tempest's chest. "M-milk?" Twilight moaned, "Why am I lactating? I'm not pregnant!"

Tempest licked her lips, too horny to care. She lifted Twilight slightly and sipped some of the milk. "Ah! Tempest!"

Tempest leered at her playfully, "What? It tastes good!"

"Tempest...!" She whined.

"Ssh..." Tempest soothed, "I'll take care of you," She laid her down in the grass and began to suckle at one of her nipples.

"Temmy, I...oh..." Twilight's words trailed off as the feeling of the warm milk leaving her body fed deep into her lower body. She reached down and fingered Tempest, who nearly yelped, then switched breasts.
"Temmy?" Tempest repeated, wiping her mouth. Twilight groaned and orgasmed explosively. That helped bring Tempest to climax.

As they came down, panting, Twilight felt her larger breasts. She winced as a dribble of white goo came from one of her nipples. "I...should we be worried about this?"

Tempest's smile faded. She looked down. "Hm."

Twilight looked more frightened, "I...what's happening to us? Getting bigger is one thing..."

Tempest kissed her. "Whatever it is, we'll figure it out. We're together. So long as we're together, we'll be alright."

Twilight kissed her back. "It's fascinating if nothing else. It's a powerful spell, I've barely managed such things. I'm just worried."

They returned to their base, somewhat shaken up by the experience. They cradled one another as they watched the fire. They drew strength from one another; not merely from the loneliness of the island, but the other's presence. That was more confusing than anything else this island had to offer.

The island continued its work on their new bodies, recreating the mares and altering their forms. And unaware, the mares continued trying to puzzle out these strange emotions they were feeling.

The next morning, Twilight's breasts were even bigger. And so was Tempest. Twilight looked up at her lover and whimpered. Tempest sat her up and kissed her, "It's okay...we'll be okay...We're together."

Twilight nodded. Tempest lifted her and began to suckle. To her shock, a blast like a wide straw came out. "There's more?" Twilight moaned.
Tempest knew it was insane, but she wondered if perhaps draining it would help. She switched her breast and drank from the other one. Twilight moaned and held Tempest's head. The shared experience was enough to make both of them cum.

They went to the pool again, and Twilight held her breasts in the waterfall. "Nothing's changed, why hasn't it changed?" she mumbled. They hadn't changed at all, even after she ran dry. They were still the same size.

Tempest came up behind her and embraced her, both drenched by the waterfall. "We're okay, Twilight. We're still alive."

Twilight embraced the larger mare. Their breasts rubbed together. "Tempest, I think you grew again."

Tempest looked at her, then held her hand up and measured the distance, "Did I...?"

"Yes, you're taller than that spot on the waterfall," She gestured at the rock for emphasis. "And your muscles…" She reached up and ran a hand across her marefriend's shoulder, then blushed.

Tempest nodded idly, "No, I see that..." She put her hands on her marefriend's shoulders, "I think you're growing too."

Twilight looked down at herself, "Oh, Celestia..." indeed, she was taller.
Tempest furrowed her brow, then her eyes widened. For some reason, this was so intensely adorable to Twilight. Her big strong marefriend with the big round eyes. "I think when each of us...could our fluids be changing us?"

Twilight idly reached up to touch her horn, "Possibly." She flushed, "Did...did you start growing when you started...ehm...drinking my milk?"

Tempest flushed, "Maybe...a little. I'm not sure." She rubbed her chin thoughtfully, "I think...I think that just intensifies it."

"I wonder if this place is making us different...or it's my alicorn magic."
Tempest looked down at herself. "That might explain a few things." She flexed her arms, "I'm big, and we've been eating a lot of calories, but this is...different."

Twilight looked down at her body. Her hair clung to her shoulders and her chest. She looked Tempest up and down, taking in her firmer musculature. "can you be in a relationship with a mare like that?"

Tempest looked down at her. She ran her hands up and down her bare arms lovingly, "The mare who saved my life? What else can I say?"

Twilight flushed, "But I'm mutating you, turning you into--"

Tempest pulled her close. "No, you're not. You wouldn't do anything to harm me. We'll fix this, sweetheart, I promise. We'll find whatever is causing this." Twilight relaxed into her marefriend's embrace, feeling her strong body against hers. The feeling of a mare who could just pick her up and carry her off made her so...excited. Tempest embraced the smaller mare. A smaller mare who could kick her ass and with the brains to boot was a Celestia-sent miracle. "So what else can we expect?"

"Our deepest kinks, I guess." Tempest tilted her head at her. "I'm kidding!"