Changing Things

by NintendoGal55

Rating: mature
Tags: Alternate Universe, Romance, Original Character, Sex, Comedy, Shining Armor, Slice of Life, Human, Twilight Sparkle, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Princess Cadance
Length: 136049

Twilight Sparkle discovers sharing kissing and so, so much more with her companion

It was an ordinary evening when Twilight Sparkle was spending it with her otherworldly companion, Ascentia. As they further discuss discovering and reporting further elements of relationships... It takes a strange turn when Twilight finds herself all too willing to experiment on certain things two ponies, or, a humanoid and a pony, would do together. Whether or not it truly changes everything between them is a strange mystery, even to her.

Soon she is faced with a difficult choice as she takes on the relationship of "Friends with Benefits", unsure about what she truly wants in her future.

The first chapter was written by request. Now it's a collaboration with the original author of Doomsday Ascending, Bhaalspawn.

~Alternate Spinoff to Doomsday Ascending~

Published 2013-02-07 02:50:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-09-15 08:27:17 UTC

Uncertainty

Celestia's sun had risen into the sky as the morning came. Its rays drifted into Twilight's window, bathing the room in a warm, bright light. The said unicorn remained asleep for some time, curled up under the blankets, sleeping on her side. Her legs twitched ever slightly and little squeaks flew from her mouth in soft whispers.

The unicorn stirred a bit, before her purple eyes slowly fluttered open. Twilight yawned, rubbing her eyes with her hoof and then rolling onto her back. Stretching her limbs, she then sat up and blinked the sleep away from her eyes. Trying to adjust to the waking world, it was then that Twilight discovered two things.

Her sheets smelled and needed to be changed and washed. Then she felt a strange tenderness around her hips, most especially between her legs. Nothing painful, just a mild tender tinge of discomfort.

Looking around her bed, it was empty, but clear that there once had been a second occupant.

Twilight's cheeks heated up.

“Last night actually happened?!”

No response.

Getting out of bed, slowly, Twilight stretched her limbs once again. She tried not to dwell too much on the events of the night before as she went about her morning routine, and yet, it refused to escape her mind. It certainly was a whole new experience she never expected, and hard to believe actually happened.

Using her magic, she levitated her hair brush over, proceeding to smooth out her matted, messy mane. As she looked into the mirror, Twilight sighed at the sight of how messy she looked. Last night's events combined with her sweat surely had taken their toll on her mane and tail, and her cheeks were rosy.

'So, last night actually happened... Ascentia and I not only shared a kiss...more than one kiss...but she became...sexual with me. I offered to do so as well, but she refused, since she was uncomfortable with it... Wow...' Twilight thought, staring with wide eyes at her reflection. 'I can't believe it happened! I practically had sex, made love, rolled in the hay, bucked, all that stuff! And with...Ascentia...a different species! Isn't that kind of frowned upon? A pony and a Val'Kyr? Has that ever happened before? No, probably not...'

The unicorn exhaled, finishing up in brushing her mane, then moved on to her tail.

'Okay...so last night, she pleasured me... And it was amazing. I never felt anything like that in my life! It felt so good! Wow... I guess now I'm wondering what's next, aren't I? Didn't we talk about that? Kind of, but she said we could talk more about it later... Well, I guess that's what I'll do. I should think about it first, really give it some thought, and then we can talk more about it. For now, we'll just see what happens. At least now I have something to think about when it comes to my report...'

Finishing up, Twilight left her room, coming to see Spike just heading toward her. When he caught sight of her, he grinned.

“Hey, Twilight! I was just coming to wake you up! We have some pancakes ready if you're hungry.”

“We?” Twilight tilted her head.

“Yeah, Ascentia's still here! She was helping me out.” Spike gestured to the kitchen area. “So come and eat!”

Nodding, she followed him to the kitchen. Sure enough, Ascentia was kneeling next to the table, setting down three plates and utensils alongside some syrup and a jug of orange juice. Upon their arrival, she looked up and gave Twilight a small smile.

“Good morning, Twilight,” she said, nodding toward her.

“Good morning!” Twilight greeted, sniffing the air. “Mm, sure smells good in here!”

Chuckling, Ascentia gestured to the baby dragon as she finished setting the table. “You can thank Spike for that.”

Spike grinned at them, winking. “You're too kind, ladies! So let's sit down and eat these pancakes! A good breakfast is the foundation of a good day!”

“And a bad breakfast?” Twilight quipped, snickering as she sat at the table.

“...Indigestion.” Ascentia deadpanned.

This made Twilight laugh, along with Spike. Before long, Ascentia broke her straight face as well, beginning to smile and laugh a bit along with them. In doing so, she retrieved a plate of pancakes and placed it on the centre of the table. They served themselves, proceeding to eat mostly in silence, aside from the occasional request of passing something.

Twilight occasionally glanced over at her Val'Kyr companion, for no real reason she could think of. There was nothing out of the ordinary, no more than usual. Ascentia merely sat there, taking occasional bites of her food or chewing, sometimes glancing out the window. After a moment or two, she glanced over at her with a mildly curious stare. Shrugging, Twilight went back to eating her food.

“So, what's on the agenda for today, Twilight?” Spike asked with his mouth partly full.

The question caught the unicorn off guard for a moment. She hadn't even checked her daily planner, let alone had an idea of what needed to be done today. In fact, she hadn't even double-checked it the night before, considering how...busy she had been.

“I...well, haven't even checked my daily planner! I'll take a look after breakfast.” Twilight responded.

Ascentia gave an amused chuckle. “That would be a first, wouldn't it?”

Twilight stuck her tongue out at her in response. Ascentia poked her on the snout with a finger.

“Eat your food, you silly filly.” Ascentia told her.

Rolling her eyes, Twilight nodded. “Yes, mommy.”

They went back to finishing up their breakfast, while Twilight was lost in her thoughts yet again. She had a lot to think about, but wasn't sure what to do next. Thinking it over was going to take time, but what was she to do about it in the meantime?

'I can't exactly ask Princess Celestia or Princess Luna, they might flip if they knew... What about Cadance? She has experience in-wait. No way! I don't want think about my brother doing all that! Ew!' Twilight made a face. That was about the equivalent of hearing her parents sharing their love life tales. 'Okay, scratch that idea. Who can I talk to about this?' The more she thought about it, the more other aspects of last night came back to her mind. It began to dawn on her. 'Of course! Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, they must have been sleeping together for a while now, right? Maybe I can ask them! Well, maybe Rainbow might be willing to share advice. Fluttershy is usually reserved about this kind of thing, I guess. No wonder they didn't tell any of us about their relationship. Perfect! I'll just ask Rainbow!'

“Hey Twilight,” Spike suddenly said, interrupting her train of thought. “I told Pinkie about Cadance's pregnancy! She wants to know when the baby shower's going to be, and that she'll throw it for her.”

Twilight wiped her chin with a napkin, “It's been less than a month, Spike. Isn't it usually customary to throw a baby shower when the mare is at least, I don't know, between five and nine months pregnant? Usually that's because it's around then that they know the baby's sex and are able to pick out the right kinds of clothes and nursery decorations.”

“Well...I guess you're right...” Spike said thoughtfully, tapping his chin. “But I guess we can just let Cadance know that the offer's on the table ahead of time!”

“Good idea,” she said, finishing her pancakes. “I'll run that by Pinkie later on when I go buy some donuts. I still have to write back to Cadance, anyway.”

Twilight got up, taking her dishes to the sink and running the water.

“Spike, can you get my saddlebags and my daily planner, please? I'm going to head out for a little while. Do you guys need anything while I'm gone?”

Spike shook his head, as did Ascentia while she was beginning to help Spike clear the table. Afterwards, the baby dragon left the room and then came back with the requested items. Twilight placed her saddlebags on her back, and quickly flipped through her daily planner. Sure enough, she didn't have much planned today aside from brushing up on her studies and writing a letter back to Cadance. The only thing she really had to do was make a quick delivery to Fluttershy's cottage, then stop at Sugarcube Corner on the way back.

As the unicorn headed to the door, gathering up any materials she needed on the way, she felt a presence following her. She then turned around to face Ascentia. Neither spoke a word, but the woman approached and gently ruffled her mane. Twilight gave a smile and giggled a bit, especially when her ears were being scratched.

“You know, um...thanks again for last night, Ascentia.” Twilight murmured, looking away a bit.

Smiling a bit in return, Ascentia nodded. “You don't need to thank me, Twilight. But regardless, you're very welcome.”

Twilight smiled more and nuzzled her before she opened the door, heading outside.

As planned, Twilight headed out to Fluttershy's cottage first. A few animals were frolicking about in the area, some of which stopping to look at her curiously, while a few others scampered off. She caught sight of Fluttershy coming out of her garden shed, which was built some ways off from the cottage. To her surprise, Rainbow Dash was coming out behind her, wearing a tool belt around her torso and a pair of protective construction goggles on her forehead. They were talking about something Twilight couldn't hear, given the distance.

Fluttershy nuzzled Rainbow before she flew over to the cottage and went inside. Rainbow Dash meanwhile, turned to face the shed and placed the tool belt down onto the ground. Twilight saw this as a great opportunity, where she could make her delivery and talk to her friend at the same time. With that in mind, she trotted over toward the shed, coming at an angle so that she wouldn't surprise Rainbow with her sudden presence.

“Hi, Rainbow! What's going on?” Twilight queried.

The cyan Pegasus looked at her and grinned. “Hey, Twilight! Fluttershy asked me to tear down her shed, since she wants to build a new one. NOT because I'm having issues with her and am tearing down her property because of it!”

Rolling her eyes, the unicorn decided to ignore that. “Right.”

“Anyway,” Rainbow brought her goggles down, “what's up?”

All at once, Twilight realized she hadn't planned how to approach this. She didn't even expect to see Rainbow this soon, on top of that. But how was she going to get around the very fact that she wasn't exactly ready to share the fact that she'd gotten sexually involved with someone? Much less a different species? As supportive as her friends were, she knew they had limits, and would need a lot more time to let this sink in.

Maybe laying it all out wasn't the best of idea. Twilight bit her lip, thinking of a way around it. Eventually, it then hit her. She sighed in relief, knowing just the thing to do.

“Well, Rainbow... You know how Princess Celestia has given me a new assignment, right?”

“You mean about the other stuff about relationships? Yeah. What about it?” Rainbow looked at her quizzically.

Twilight cleared her throat, thinking of how to approach this tactfully. “Actually, it's something I have to confess. Just hear me out, okay?”

Already, Rainbow's smile faded. Clearly, she didn't like where this was going. Maybe beating around the bush wasn't the best idea, either.

“One time, I....well, I caught you and Fluttershy...” Twilight's cheeks pinkened considerably. “You and Fluttershy were in bed together...h-having sex... I'm sorry! I didn't mean to, I swear! It was an accident!”

“You saw us?! Aw man, you have got to be kidding me!” Rainbow yelled, looking embarrassed and a bit upset. “Why didn't you say anything?!”

“I didn't want to disturb you guys or put you in an awkward position-okay, that came out wrong...you know what I mean!” Twilight cleared her throat again. “But look, what you two do behind closed doors is your own business. That's not what I'm trying to get at here, okay?”

Rainbow tensed a bit more, then exhaled once. “Still, now you know! Just...don't tell anypony, okay? It's not exactly something we talk about.”

“Rainbow, you don't have to be ashamed. If you two are together, that's okay! You know you can tell us that-”

“Wait, together?” Rainbow cut her off, wide-eyed. “Uh, Twilight? We're not together. N-Not in the way you think! We're just...we...well...ya know...”

Now Twilight was a bit confused. “What do you mean you're not together? I saw it clear, you guys were-”

“Just because Fluttershy and I are having sex doesn't mean we're together!” The cyan pony responded with indignation, looking away.

In a way, Twilight realized that she had a point.

“Well...” The lavender unicorn began again, looking around them for a moment. “What does that mean, then? Are you two what they call 'friends with benefits'?”

Rainbow Dash nodded, “Yeah! I mean, Fluttershy's my best friend, but I'm not in love with her! We're not in love, we're not together...we just like sleeping together, that's all! Look, just, don't tell anypony about it. It's kinda our secret.”

“Rainbow, don't worry. I won't tell anypony. It isn't even my place to do that, anyway!” Twilight shook her head. “But just for the sake of curiosity, how long? When did this happen?”

“Er...” The prismatic-maned mare looked around nervously before adjusting her protective goggles to her forehead again. “You remember that one night in Applejack's barn, we were all having one of Pinkie's parties, and AJ brought in alcoholic apple cider?”

“Yeah...you and Fluttershy were drunk and all over each other.” Twilight giggled at the memory. “You two were flirting, calling each other cutesy names and dancing. It was hilarious!”

Rainbow blushed immensely, looking away with a scowl. “Yeah yeah, you get the point. When we left, I took Fluttershy home, and she invited me to stay with her for the night. You know, she didn't want me flying home while drunk. I was all protesting and saying I could do it, but boy she didn't let me go. And so we went upstairs to her room, then we...kinda sorta might'vestarted making out. Then she was saying all these sex puns...didn't think she knew those, and was looking at me funny. Before I knew it, Fluttershy pushed me down onto her bed, we got real wild and we started doing it. She topped me...”

Unable to help it, Twilight laughed a bit at the image. The very idea of Fluttershy of all ponies actually going on top against Rainbow Dash was a pretty hilarious notion, to be sure.

“Yeah yeah, laugh it up!” Rainbow stuck her tongue out childishly. “So we got up the next morning, had hangovers, all that jazz. But we remembered pretty much everything that happened the night before. Fluttershy kept acting like she committed a crime and was blaming herself for it.”

Twilight let it sink in, despite how surprising this all was. “Okay, so then what?”

The speedster didn't respond for a few moments as she seemed to gather her words. She then looked toward Fluttershy's cottage, then back at Twilight. “It's hard to say. We just knew what happened, and we liked it. Since then, we just...kind of do it sometimes if we want to. So yeah, friends with benefits!”

'Wow. It's almost the same, isn't it? Except with different circumstances. Is that what we'll be? Friends with benefits?' Twilight thought, not facing her friend. “Okay, well what made you guys decide to keep going with it?”

“...Why do you want to know?” Rainbow asked, frowning with confusion.

“Well, I'm curious. Not to mention, you guys are my friends and I honestly never met anypony who's been in this kind of situation before. At least, not to my knowledge, anyway.” Twilight inwardly thanked herself for coming up with a quick save.

“Twilight, did you have sex with anypony?” Rainbow asked bluntly.

“NO!”

“Are you sure?”

“I promise you, Rainbow Dash,” Twilight replied, “I didn't have sex with anypony.”

That was technically true.

Whether she was suspicious or not, Rainbow Dash didn't show it, “Fair enough, I guess. It just kind of happened after that. Once we were over it and didn't feel like louses because of it, Fluttershy said she really liked it and said she wouldn't mind doing it again. Well, I kinda felt that way too! Fluttershy's my best friend, we'd gone through a lot together, you know? I guess it just kinda felt pretty awesome to sleep together on top of that! So one night, I had her over, and we just hung out, then we decided to try it again. It was kinda weird at first, since we were sober, but it was fun! Once we got the hang out of it, we just do it whenever we feel like it!”

“...Wow...” Twilight murmured, taking this all in. Two of her own friends were doing the very same thing, deciding to just have sex together whenever they wanted. It was no wonder, they weren't in relationships, so there wasn't any cheating involved. They trusted one another, were very close, and were now comfortable with that kind of physical intimacy. “You sure you're okay with it?”

“I wouldn't be doing it if I wasn't. Same with Fluttershy. If she told me that we shouldn't do it, you know I'd back off.” Rainbow replied, not looking at her.

That was a good point. The unicorn paced a bit as she mulled this over. The facts at hoof were that it could work, but what if it really didn't? As far as she knew, sexual intimacy could make or break any relationship, most especially if it wasn't of a romantic sort. Would it be risking too much? So many questions buzzed in her mind, not letting up until she hand answers.

“What would happen if you two fell in love?” Twilight wanted to know.

Once more, Rainbow's cheeks tinted bright pink. “Twi, come on. Don't say things like that. I don't feel that way about Fluttershy, and I'm pretty sure she doesn't feel that way either. It's just...it can't happen!”

“Why not?”

“Fluttershy is my best friend! Don't you see? There's some kind of unwritten rule about falling in love with your best friend! It just can't happen! It would screw everything up! And I don't want to lose her, Twilight!”

Unable to help it, Twilight smiled a bit. “Really, and having sex together doesn't mess things up?”

“You know what I mean!” The daredevil shouted with indignation. “It's fine, really! There's nothing to worry about!”

“Right...” Twilight rolled her eyes a bit, shaking her head. “Well, regardless, this does make for some good information to use in my report!” At Rainbow's look, she said, “Don't worry, I'm not going to reveal it's the two of you. I'm just reporting on the findings. I wouldn't do that.”

Relieved, Rainbow nodded. “Fine. And still, don't tell anypony, and don't try to get Fluttershy to talk about it. Not unless she's ready to.”

Twilight nodded, “Don't worry, I won't,” she said, and turned away. “Well, I'll let you get back to work. I have to drop off a couple of books for Fluttershy, anyway.”

“Sure. See you later!” Rainbow waved her hoof, and then darted into the shed to get on demolishing it.

Heading toward the cottage, Twilight yet again mulled over what Rainbow as talking about, trying to make sense of it. Now exposed to friendship with benefits first and second hoof, she just wondered how to even go about it all.

Later on, Twilight arrived at Sugarcube corner to get some treats. The walk around had done her some good in getting her thoughts straight, as well as relaxing from the comfortable morning air. Upon arrival into the bakery, she was greeted with the fresh smells of baked goods. She would be lying if she said her mouth wasn't beginning to water!

Sure enough, Pinkie Pie jumped up from behind the counter, a washcloth in hoof. Upon seeing Twilight, she grinned widely and bounced over to her.

“Good morning, Twilight! I had a feeling you'd be here! Lo and behold, here you are!” She giggled, ruffling the unicorn's mane. “So! What can I get you? I'm sure you're in the mood for some super duper yummy treats!”

Twilight giggled a bit, nodding. “Actually yes, I am. I came to get some donuts, but I guess I might as well stock up on some other treats. It'll sure make Spike happy!” She levitated a list from her saddlebags, giving it to Pinkie. “I'd like an order of everything on that list, please.”

Pinkie nodded, taking the note into her mane. “Okey-dokey-lokie! I'll be right back!” She bounced off into the kitchen.

The studious unicorn waited patiently as she sat on her haunches, occasionally tapping her hoof along the floor. Eventually, she began to whistle a tune. A strange tune she sometimes heard Ascentia humming, sounding much like a strange marching tune.

At the corner of her eye, she saw another pony walking in, so she looked toward them. It turned out to be a gray Pegasus with a pale blonde mane, a mailbag strapped to her torso, and the ever prominent crossed golden eyes. She looked over at Twilight and gave her a warm smile.

“Hi, Twilight Sparkle. How are you this morning?”

Twilight smiled in return “I'm pretty good, thanks. How are you, Derpy? What brings you here?”

“I'm buying some muffins for the post office.” Derpy replied, shrugging a little bit. “It was my turn to do it, so I'm getting that going before I make my rounds.”

“Good, good.” Twilight nodded, facing the counter again.

Derpy looked her over for a moment, blinking. “Um, Twilight Sparkle, if you don't mind my saying, you look different today!”

Confused, the lavender mare faced the Pegasus. “What do you mean? I haven't really done anything different to myself.”

“I don't know, I could just be seeing things. But you look, well, really healthy. Like you're glowing.” Derpy inspected her more, and smiled. “I don't know, you just look really nice.”

“Well, I don't know what it is, but thank you anyway!” Twilight smiled, flattered.

Pinkie returned then, giving a box and a paper bag to Twilight. “Here you go, Twi-Twi! Super yummy treats all for you!”

“Thanks, Pinkie!” Twilight took them onto her back. “I'd better get going now.”

“Sure thing! Bye bye!” Pinkie said, and turned her attention to her next customer. “I know what you want, Derpykins!”

Derpy giggled, then waved to Twilight's retreating form. “See you later, Twilight Sparkle!”

Twilight giggled and waved back. “You too, Derpy.”

“Oh! Twilight! I just remembered!” Pinkie suddenly said from the counter. “I'm going to be looking after the twins tonight! You know Pumpkin loves to see you, so why don't you come by?”

“Sure, I'll come see you guys for a while!” Twilight nodded. “See you then!”

She exited the bakery, making toward her destination of the library.

“I'm back!” Twilight announced as she came inside, shutting the door behind her with her magic.

She came to see Spike dusting the bookshelves, looking over at her as she entered the library. In doing so, he paused, then burped loudly. Sure enough, a small spark of flames escaped his mouth, and a scroll fell into his hand. But it wasn't the same kind of scroll that consisted of letters from the Princesses. It was a different kind of parchment, one Twilight couldn't quite discern at the moment.

“What's that, Spike?” Twilight asked.

“I don't know!” Spike unrolled the parchment, looking it over. “Oh! It's from Ascentia! She's sending you coordinates to some location...” He read them, and his eyes went wide. “Whoa. This place sounds really heard to get to! Not to mention really high up!”

Curious, Twilight levitated the note over to her and read it through. Sure enough, it was a little note from Ascentia, as well as consisting of coordinates.

Dear Twilight,

I've returned to my alcove some time ago. I have had this message sent to you through Spike. The following coordinates shall lead you to my abode. Where I live is impossible to get to, even if you are a Pegasus or an alicorn. It is specifically designed for teleportation. You are welcome anytime you wish.

Ascentia

“I didn't know she had a place around here in Equestria...” Twilight remarked, amazed. “I always thought she just went back to the capital.”

Spike gave a shrug, then looked at her questioningly, “Beats me! When are you going to check it out?”

Twilight thought for a moment, and then tucked the note away into her saddlebags. “Well, I guess I'll go after I do my studying and writing back to Cadance.”

Seeing the box and bag, Spike eagerly took both to carry to the kitchen, “Okay, Twilight! Let me know when you leave, okay? I'm going to head over to Fluttershy's later on to help her and Rainbow Dash with her new shed!”

“Okay, Spike! Sounds good, you'll be keeping yourself busy!” The unicorn giggled, nuzzling her assistant before she headed off to her bedroom.

That was of course when she remembered that she had some laundry to do.

She only hoped Spike didn't spot the problem while she'd been out.

COLD.

Twilight knew that the coordinates led to a mountain range within Equestria's outskirts. Not to mention higher up than she'd ever expected it to be. But the unicorn knew that she had no time to enjoy the view. The very moment she reappeared in the given location, she found herself falling.

Trying to scream, she was all the more terrified to realize that she could barely even breathe. But even that was overshadowed by the fact that she was falling. Twilight couldn't move, couldn't breathe, couldn't see, couldn't hear. She felt. She felt a drop, she felt the updrafts of wind rushing past her body, the ice-cold feeling of the frozen, snow-peaked atmosphere.

Falling.

Much like when she would dream that she was falling, and would feel as if her body was plummeting. Her stomach rising and churning, butterflies cramping the walls, filling her with the feeling of vertigo.

Vertigo.

She couldn't breathe. She couldn't see. She couldn't hear. All she could feel was the cold, and the vertigo.

Then something changed. She felt lighter. Warm. Her body wasn't falling anymore. Or did she think she wasn't? Twilight tried to open her eyes, but couldn't. She could barely move, she was restrained somehow. Yet, despite that, she didn't feel scared. All Twilight felt then was relaxed.

She was moving. She felt her body being moved. Slowly and gently, guiding her. What was going on? All she could manage to think was that somepony had caught her in their magic. But what unicorn could make it up here? The only alicorns she knew of were the Princesses and Cadance, and they couldn't have known she was coming up here.

Unless Spike told them? But why would he? Had she been gone too long, somehow? He had already left before she did.

No longer cold, no longer falling, she felt confused.

Her body was placed upon a surface. Twilight gained footing, opening her eyes and looking around her. Where was she now? Clearly she wasn't outside, it didn't feel cold, nor did she have any difficulty breathing. Ahead of her was a doorway, which she managed to slowly walk toward.

The room she came into made her jaw drop.

Most of the walls in the room were made of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, all of which were fully stocked. There were so many books in the room that it made her head spin. She wondered if it was bigger than her own library! Well, somewhat. She knew of one library that was the biggest she'd ever seen, possibly bigger than the Canterlot library, but that was just featured in a work of fiction. But still her biggest dream to have, ever since she was a filly.

Twilight gaped as she took it all in, feeling a surge of excitement. A mountainous range of books to choose from! There were likely some she'd never read yet! She could spend hours here, just looking through them! Her stomach leaped, her heart soared, and her lips stretched into a huge smile.

“Oh my gosh!! I've never seen so many books in all my life!” Twilight exclaimed excitedly, bouncing on the spot. “This is wonderful! Woohoo!! Look at all this!” She clapped her hooves like a school filly.

A chuckle was heard somewhere to her right. “I thought you'd like it, Twilight.”

“This is amazing! Look at all these books! You're the best! You know that, right? Well, I'm telling you again! You're the best!” Twilight squealed with glee, much like a child on Hearth's Warming. “What a library! This is wonderful!”

Almost immediately, the excited unicorn hopped over to one of the nearest rows of shelves, already scanning the titles of spines at eye level. Given that her smile never once left her face, it was obvious that she found a literary goldmine.

“WOW! You have Memoirs of a Geisha?! Get out of town! I love that book!” Twilight squealed, clapping her hooves as she replaced the book where it was. She used her magic to pull out another one. “Wow! A limited edition of Twelfth Night! Amazing! And wow! You have all these volumes of the Equestria Encyclopedia! I don't even have some of those! I'll have to read them sometime! Awesome! Oooh! No way! You have Ponies of War?! I can never find that book! A historical look on the times of pony wars, that should be very interesting to read! Oh, going to put that on my Read Later list! Eee! Wow! Look at that! Oh, and this one! Wow!”

Ascentia chuckled as she came over to the eager pony, “All right, you silly filly. You can calm down, now.”

But Twilight ignored her. “Wow! Look at this! You have those medieval classics you talked about! I want to read those, they must be fascinating! Oooh! Classic mystery novels! Yes! I want to read those, too! Detective Sparkle is on the case! The Pony Sutra? Get out of town! I'd carry that book if I could find it, but I don't know, I feel hesitant about owning a book like that for others to borrow. Would that be a good idea? Maybe not... I don't know! Ooh! What's that? Pet Sematery? Why is there a misspelling on the word cemetery? And for pets?”

“It's a horror novel, Twilight. Not quite what you think it is.”

“Right... Moving on! Ooh! Daring Do books?! Yay! I haven't read some of the newer ones! Oh, Rainbow Dash will flip! Woohoo! This is a goldmine! Ooh! What's that? Wow! A Little Princess! What a lovely story! I have to read it again! What's that? Oooh! ...Twilight? Hey, that's me! Let's see it!” Twilight pulled that particular book out. “...A story about vampires?”

“Oh, you won't like that. It's terrible.” Ascentia shook her head. “There are so many things wrong with those stories.”

“Why do you have it, then?”

“Guilty pleasure.”

“Oh...” Twilight replaced it. “Yeah, the summary didn't even sound that promising. Who talks like that?! 'I'm so irrevocably and unconditionally in love!', come on! It sounds like the writer was playing with the Thesaurus!”

“Trust me, the purple prose and dialogue is only scratching the surface for how bad it is.”

Twilight shuddered, and went back to scanning the titles some more. “Let's see what else there is! I haven't even finished these rows yet!”

Ascentia chuckled, sitting down on a chair. “You're going to be a while, aren't you?”

“Maybe,” the unicorn gave a squeeing grin.

Afterwards, when Twilight settled down (and picked out some books to place aside to read later) in her excitement, they sat down for some tea. Upon seeing a deck of cards, Twilight challenged Ascentia to a game of poker. Considering that they'd played card games before, it felt like a good ice breaker, so to speak. Now that Twilight had her mind off the books, she now had the very subject she was uncertain about at the forefront of her thoughts.

So they sat at the table, across from one another, a deck of cards between them. Twilight held her cards to her face with her magic, studying them carefully as she made an exchange.

“Well, Twilight, how was your morning?” Ascentia asked, looking at her the cards in her hand.

Twilight swallowed a bit, taking a breath. “Um, good! Pretty good. I uh...went to see Fluttershy... She's having her garden shed renovated! And Rainbow Dash was over there, helping out! Kind of like that one time she was helping Applejack demolish the barn! So it was, interesting... I'm sure the new shed will be great!”

“I see.” Ascentia looked at her hand once more, then back at the unicorn.

“Oh! It looks like we were wrong! They're not actually dating! They're friends with benefits!” Twilight blurted. “Yeah, I kinda confronted Rainbow about it...just because I was curious! No real reason, I just wanted to know! Not because of anything, just because I wanted to know!”

The woman glanced at her again, her brow rising a bit. “Twilight, is something troubling you?”

“Yep! Fine! So uh, that's uh...good, right? I mean, sure, I know friends with benefits is all about having casual se-intercourse! With uh, no emotional attachment! Heh heh...right?” Twilight smiled nervously.

“Well, if it works for them, I don't see the problem.” Ascentia shrugged. “There may be consequences if they're not prepared, but that will be up to them to face.”

Twilight shook her head, trying to clear her mind. “Yeah, I guess so. Rainbow kept denying that she liked Fluttershy that way, and I don't know about Fluttershy, I didn't ask.”

This made the Val'Kyr chuckle. “I see...”

“So, yeah! Then I went to Sugarcube Corner, to get some treats! Pinkie was being Pinkie, as usual!” Twilight decided to leave out the part of how she was told she looked. “And then I went back home, did some studying, wrote back to Cadance... And then I came here! And nearly fell to my death!”

This was good, at least now she had a subject change.

Ascentia looked at her again, shaking her head. “You missed the mark.”

“I know I did! But how did I get in here?”

“I sensed your presence, and I realized you were still out there. So I teleported you onto the platform outside.”

“I was falling for quite a while,” Twilight replied.

“You wouldn't have struck anything solid for about a minute in a half,” Ascentia replied, “I was in no rush.”

“Oh...” Twilight blinked, whistling a bit, idly wondering just how confident of her own abilities Ascentia was that she could be so casual about rescuing someone like that. “Well, thank you for that. I might have been done for. Um, how high are we? The coordinates stated that much, and I know we're in the mountains, but how high?”

“I can't stay exactly, the terminology of your atmosphere and measurements is not something I am familiar with, but we're high enough that there is little oxygen in the air. I have to adjust the oxygen levels here because of it. As you can see, this was specially made in which you can only come in here through teleporting.”

“What about flying? Is the air too thin for it?”

“It is, yes. Technically a Pegasus could reach here, but the air is too thin at this altitude. They would suffocate before locating my home. It does not exactly stand out.”

“How do you manage to create an atmosphere in here?” Twilight asked, pondering the nature of such a trick.

“Using telekinesis, it is easy to gather the loose oxygen molecules from the surrounding area and gather them into this hut,” Ascentia explained, “Add psychic barriers, and a few plants to partake in air exchange, and a breathable atmosphere is easily maintained. The only giveaway that a Val'Kyr or similar creature is here is that the surrounding spherical mile is comprised only of nitrogen.”

“Isn't it a challenge to maintain those kind of barriers?” Twilight asked, having researched magical terraforming during her studies.

“Twilight, you have seen me in combat,” Ascentia replied, “Any indication of difficulty should no longer be in question.”

“Oh...” Twilight murmured, and then lay down her hand. “Straight, in diamonds!”

Breaking her poker face, which she pretty much held all the time, Ascentia lay down her cards as well. “Royal Flush.”

“Darn it, you got me again!” Twilight stuck her tongue out at her.

The Val'Kyr chuckled, taking the cards and shuffling them, “I'm just lucky, I guess.”

A comfortable silence fell over the two. Or so it seemed. Twilight's mind was jumbled with flashbacks and memory-sensations of the night before, not to mention the inevitable factor of what they were going to do next. How would they proceed? What would happen then? How were they going to talk about it?

She felt nervous and uncertain all over again, as if pressured. Her stomach churned, her heart seemed to be trying to get her chest's attention, and her mind was about to burst. What what she going to do?

“Twilight, about last night-” Ascentia began.

Twilight cut her off, “More tea?”

Jumping up, Twilight reached for the teapot, her mind racing a mile a minute. Before she had a chance to pour it, though, Ascentia took the teapot from her. Placing two fingers over her horn, Twilight felt a cool sensation rush down her horn, through her mind, and down her spinal column. Her mind slowed, and she found herself in a more relaxed state.

“So... more tea?” she asked again.

This was going to be a very long afternoon.

Author's Note

Hey y'all, I bet you're wondering what the heck is going on here, right? Well, THIS happened. You know I said I would write a follow-up if I could think of anything, right? Well, more or less, I had ideas floating around in my head, but I had still intended to keep this as a one-shot. But then some time ago, Bhaalspawn and I were talking about it, and he offered some ideas on what could work in following it up. And they were good ideas, which really planted some good seeds, and so I started to write it.

Now we're going to keep on going with it! It's a bit of a collaboration in some way, a little different than how I usually do it with someone. But it all works out and we get a lot of good things going with it. So we're still working on it together, of course.

Overall, we'll see where it all goes and we hope you guys enjoy it!

Playtime

“Hello?” Twilight entered the bakery, closing the door behind her. “Pinkie?”

Mrs. Cake came out from the kitchen, a few boxes balanced on her back. Given the cart that was loaded outside, and all the catering supplies, they seemed to have a big order going on. “Hi there, Twilight! Pinkie's upstairs with the twins. Thank you for coming by! Pumpkin's really missed you and has looked forward to seeing you!”

Twilight smiled at the earth pony before she used her magic to levitate the boxes into a much bigger one. “No problem, I'm always glad to come and spend some time with Pinkie and the twins. Pumpkin's really been learning a lot with her magic, I noticed.”

“She has a great teacher, no wonder!” Mr. Cake remarked as he came up beside his wife to load the box. “I don't think we could have asked for a better mentor, eh, Cup?”

Mrs. Cake giggled and shook her head. “Not at all, dear. You do a great job at it, Twilight! Thank you.”

“Oh, you're welcome! But I have to thank you all as well for giving me a chance to help teach her!” The unicorn beamed, heading toward the stairs.

“Have a good evening, Twilight! And thank you again!”

“No problem! Have a good evening!”

Twilight waved to the Cakes before she headed upstairs. Sure enough, as she expected, they were in the twins' bedroom. The door was slightly ajar, so she pushed it open with her hoof and peered in. Pinkie was setting up a few board games to play, while Pound Cake was doing some practice flying over his bed and pillows, and Pumpkin Cake was practising levitation. When she made her presence known, the twins and Pinkie looked up, all of them smiling.

“Hiii, Twi-Twi! There you are! Right on time!” Pinkie waved at her.

“Master! Master!” Pumpkin eagerly trotted over to her. “You're here! I'm so happy to-” The filly paused then, taking a sniff as she came closer to Twilight. That was when her light blue eyes widened to the size of dinner plates as she raised her head to look up at her. “-you've had sex!”

“Wha?!” Pound was so surprised by this that he fell down onto his bed in mid flight.

The room went quiet then. It was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop. Twilight's jaw had dropped practically to the floor, as did Pinkie's, as neither of them could speak a single word. Pumpkin, meanwhile, was staring up at her mentor with shock and curiosity, before a funny look came to her eyes. Twilight had no clue what to make of any of this. How did Pumpkin know? How did Pumpkin even know what sexual intimacy was? Many questions buzzed in her mind, but the shock of Pumpkin's outburst now being known to the other members present in the room was slowly overtaking her.

Sure enough, it wasn't long before a grinning Pinkie bounded over to her.

“Ooooohhh!! You've had sex, Twilight?! I knew it! I knew something was up! My Pinkie Sense made it clear that something big had happened, and it especially felt strong when you came in this morning!” The pink earth pony exclaimed excitedly, making dramatic gestures. “Twi-Twi, this is wonderful! You've become a mare!”

Managing to calm down, Twilight stared at her friend with confusion, “Um, Pinkie... I am a mare.”

“I know that, silly! Physiologically, yes! But now that you've popped your cherry, you really became a mare!” Pinkie giggled, nudging her. “So, tell me! Who's the lucky pony you made sweet love with?”

“Uh...” Twilight bit her lip, unsure. “It's not...something I want to talk about, Pinkie. And please, no parties, either. I don't want this to get around.”

As much as Pinkie looked a bit sad, she nodded and smiled. “I understand. I won't, then. If you don't want to tell me, I won't force you. And I of course Pinkie Promise not to tell anyone! Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!” She made the familiar gestures for it.

Relieved, the lavender unicorn managed to relax herself a bit more, “Thanks, Pinkie. That means a lot. I just...I need time to think about it, to really take it all in, you know?”

“Okey-dokey-lokie!” Pinkie said amiably, hugging her warmly, and then pulled back. “Now you sit tight, I'll go downstairs and get some treats!”

“Oh, sure,” Twilight managed, watching her friend leave the room.

Pumpkin poked her gently, looking up at her, “Master... It was... with Ascentia... wasn't it?”

It was a wonder Twilight didn't faint right then. Pumpkin not only knew she'd performed coitus acts, but moreover who she shared them with. How was she going to explain this to her now? What was she going to say? Lying wasn't exactly the best idea, nor was it in good taste. But she also wasn't even sure how to confirm the filly's suspicion.

Exhaling, the lavender mare managed to gather her thoughts before she faced her charge.

“Pumpkin...how did you know about all of that?”

“About sex, or about you and Ascentia?”

Twilight bit her lip, then just gave in. “Everything.”

“Well,” Pumpkin dug her hoof into the floor a little bit. “Mommy showed me and Pound-”

“Pound and I,” Twilight corrected.

“Sorry. She showed us a book about foal birth, which also talked about how they're made. Because she wanted us to know the truth and not have us think it was magic or the stork or something,” the filly explained.

That made sense. Twilight could see now that Mrs. Cake wanted her children to be educated about how sex and pregnancy worked so that they would know it better ahead of time. Considering that they were going to be heading to school in the fall, it was likely going to be brought up among their peers. Most especially when they were older. Having “the talk” with your children wasn't easy, but it was a good thing to learn, if for nothing else than being aware of the consequences.

“You're lucky. My parents decided to tell Shining Armor and I that we were born from the stork,” Twilight giggled, shaking her head, “It wasn't until I started studying to get into Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns that I discovered biology. I was not thrilled that they lied to me.”

Pumpkin giggled, “I guess Mommy wanted to avoid that with Pound and me.”

“Looks like it,” She said, “Now, how did you know who I'd had sex with?”

“Master... everyone would probably know,” Pumpkin replied.

“What?!” Twilight asked, bewildered.

“The way you and Ascentia interact, and the way she values you above most other ponies,” Pumpkin explained, shrinking down at Twilight's outburst, “The others make jokes about how you two are probably sleeping together. Princess Cadance and Prince Armor suspect you two are actually together.”

Twilight's brain froze for a moment. Not only was she the subject of jokes about her sex life, but they were actually right about her. Was she that obvious?

“I won't lie to you, sweetheart. Yes, Ascentia and I... had gotten intimate, so to speak. For the most part, it was just to experiment, and even...well, it was about sharing it with someone I trusted. That's all.”

“Ohhh...” The orange-yellow filly nodded, looking satisfied. But then she looked up at Twilight with confusion. “Wait. How do two mares do it? ...How did you and Ascentia do it? Don't you need a stallion?”

“Er...” Twilight's face turned bright pink. She hadn't expected that to come up, but given how curious Pumpkin could be, it was no wonder. Now she really had no idea how to explain this, not without going into graphic detail she was sure even Pumpkin would be uncomfortable with. “Pumpkin, it's really not something you'd be comfortable hearing. I understand you're curious, that's perfectly normal. Even I had similar questions when I was first learning more about...well, two ponies of the same gender making love. But it's not something I can get into. However, I will say that you don't need a stallion and a mare in order to make love. If you want to conceive a foal, then yes, you do have to be male and female. But in an overall sense, it doesn't matter what gender you are.”

As expected, Pumpkin pouted childishly, “Oh come on, Twilight! You can't just say something like that and expect me to sit on it with no information! That's like telling me half of a math problem's answer. Just tell me! I can handle it!”

“Pumpkin, I am not giving you instructions on how to have sex with mares,” Twilight said in a final manner, “And I'm certainly not telling you how I had sex with a Goddess. Some things you just figure out on your own.”

This was when Pinkie came back, balancing some bowls on her back, head, and holding a tray in her mouth. Relieved from the subject, Twilight patted the filly's head over her bow and went to help Pinkie out. Yes, she wasn't in the clear just yet, all things considered. But hopefully a better setting and atmosphere would make for an easier discussion about certain topics at hoof.

She just hoped that she would be ready to discuss them.

“Time for scary stories!” Pinkie announced some time later, clapping her hooves. “Let's gather 'round!”

“Oh boy!” Pound said excitedly, placing his pillow on the floor and sitting on it. “I like scary stories!”

“They're lame!” Pumpkin dragged her pillow along the floor, sitting herself in a circle next to her brother.

Twilight chuckled, sitting down next to Pumpkin and Pinkie. “They might not be realistic, sweetheart. That's true. But they're a lot of fun and can really get you going.”

The filly gave a shrug, “I guess so.”

Pinkie took a flashlight, testing it a couple of times to make sure it worked before she turned to the circle. “Okay, now let's begin! Twi-Twi, because you're our guest of honour for the evening, you should go first!”

“Me? Well, okay!” Twilight took the flashlight with her magic, holding it in her hooves. “Lights, please!”

The lights were turned off, Twilight turned on the flashlight, and held it under her face. Pinkie, Pound and Pumpkin all stared at her with wide eyes, anticipating the tale she would tell.

“All right...the story I'm about to tell you guys...is the legend of a creepy pony... A pony so fearful, it's said that not many survived being stalked by him. This pony is known as the Slender Mane.”

“S-Slender Mane?” Pumpkin spoke up. “That sounds like a pony with thin hair!”

“It may sound simple, but there's more to it... Slender Mane is a very ominous mystery,” Twilight said in a low voice just above a whisper, “All that we know is that he wears a suit, appearing to be a pony... But is completely inpony. He's not only monstrously tall, taller than the Princesses, with very long limbs... He's even said to have multiple limbs, kind of like tentacles.”

“Oooohh, that's so scary!” Pinkie said with wide eyes, munching on popcorn.

“Slender Mane also has one distinct element of him. He has no face. No visible facial features. Nothing. No one knows why he has no face. But they say it makes him scarier, more mysterious this way. That you can't attach a face to this creature would only add to how disturbing it is.”

“W-What does he do?” Pound's voice was beginning to tremble.

Twilight smirked, “Nopony knows. Some say he stalks his victims, to the point that they feel anxiety, paranoia, fear, and personality change. Some say he kills them. Others say he eats them. But nopony knows for sure... Some have said he makes them go crazy, and they instead take their own lives to escape it... There are some that say the Slender Mane chooses his victims... Most especially in a psychological link...so he always knows where you are. Some say that he can only be seen by who he chooses. It's all a big mystery...”

“Is...that supposed to be scary?” Pumpkin was clearly trying to mask how scared she was getting.

“Where does he usually lurk?” Pound wanted to know.

“Nopony knows. They say he's been sighted in the Everfree Forest...others say he'd been seen in many areas across the country...even beyond Equestria's borders!” Twilight declared dramatically, raising a hoof up. “Night or day, he comes out! There's no escaping...he's probably everywhere...wherever you go, he'll follow... He could appear at any time, at any-”

A dark shadow fell over them, causing them all to look up. Only to see a tall, shadowed figure standing over them, completely faceless. Pumpkin was the first to scream while Pound wailed and hid under his pillow.

Pinkie screeched before jumping into Twilight's forelegs. “IT'S SLENDER MANE!! EVERYPONY RUN!!!”

Twilight, however shocked, aimed her flashlight at the figure directly. Sure enough, she was right.

“Hello, Ascentia.”

“Hey guys.” Ascentia said, coming more into the light and sitting down with them.

“Hellooooooo!” Pinkie said excitedly, jumping off of Twilight. “Nice to see you, 'centia! That was a good one! Almost as scary as Princess Luna playing Nightmare Moon!”

Pumpkin, having also recovered from being afraid, smiled widely and scampered over to the Val'Kyr. “Hi, Master Ascentia!” She then climbed into her lap, curling up and snuggling against her.

Twilight giggled at the sight, as did Pinkie, who smiled brightly. Ascentia in turn smiled down at the filly before gently stroking her mane.

“Hello there, Pumpkin. It's nice to see you again.”

“You're just in time! We were telling stories!” Pound said excitedly.

“So I heard...” Ascentia cast her gaze to Twilight.

“Lights!” Pinkie said, taking the flashlight and turning it off. “Since it's almost bedtime for you two, we're going to tell one last story!”

“And what story is that?” Twilight asked.

“I had to ask.” Twilight muttered.

Said unicorn was surrounded by a pile of toy building blocks, a plastic tiara on her head, along with a pink, frilly cape around her shoulders. Pinkie, along with Pound and Pumpkin, were now setting up blocks and other such toys for a makeshift town setting.

“All right, so here's the story! You're Princess Twilight Sparkle, and you were kidnapped by an evil Queen!” Pinkie declared. “And you, Ascentia, are the brave and fearless knight set to rescue her!”

Ascentia looked at the plastic toy sword she was given and shrugged. “All right.”

“And I'm the evil Queen!” Pinkie donned a dark purple cape, a plastic crown, and a toy fantasy staff. “What do you think, audience?”

“This is girl stuff!” Pound said, sticking out his tongue.

“It's for babies!” Pumpkin shook her head. “But I definitely have to see this!”

“Then make it so!” Pinkie said, waving her cape dramatically. “Action! Muahahaha! I'm the eeeeevil Queen bent on dominating all of Equestria! And then...THE WORLD!!”

“Um, what am I supposed to do?” Twilight asked.

Breaking character, Pinkie turned to the unicorn. “Beg for help, plead for mercy, and try to convince me not to go through with my evil plans, silly!”

Twilight rolled her eyes, but played along anyway. “Um...oh no, I'm trapped here...someone help me...I'm so scared. Oh please, Evil Queen, don't do this,” she said in complete deadpan. It just wasn't quite the same as when she was a filly and used to play these fairy tale games with her brother and Cadance.

At least Pumpkin and Pound were amused. Even Ascentia was cracking a smile at her delivery.

“Now you, Knight Ascentia, is where you come in to vanquish the evil!” Pinkie said, getting back into character. “Muahahaha! Nothing can save you now, Princess! You're my prisoner forever more!”

“Unhand her, vile beast.” Ascentia spoke in a deadly tone, pointing the plastic sword at Pinkie. “I will give you one warning. Release the Princess, leave this land and never return, and you shall be spared of my knightly wrath. But should you decline, then you will regret it. Immensely.”

Pinkie looked stunned, as did Twilight. Shivers ran up her spine, amazed at how much Ascentia was playing this straight. Pound and Pumpkin looked equally amazed, now watching intently with wide eyes. If there's one thing this creature was good at, it was sounding cool. Twilight made a mental note to ask her to tell the story of Nightmare Moon next Nightmare Night.

Of course, it wasn't long before Pinkie recovered and came back into character. “You speak foolishly, Knight Ascentia! But you shall not overtake me, for I am the Evil Generic Queen of this land! Nothing will stop me in my domination of Equestria! Then, THE WORLD!! Muahahahaha!”

“You said that already.” Twilight deadpanned.

“Silence, prisoner!” Pinkie yelled.

Eyes narrowed, Ascentia growled, “Fine then,” and without another word, thrust the plastic sword against Pinkie, as if stabbing her.

The earth pony stood on two legs, clutching her chest, her toy staff falling to the floor. “You have vanquished me! How dare you!”

Ascentia smirked, “If you had spent more time formulating your plans into action rather than monologuing about them, you could have prevented this.”

Giggling, despite it going against character, Pinkie then dramatically twirled, and fell to the floor. Playing dead. Ascentia pantomimed wiping off the blood from the toy sword, and sheathed it. She then went to the “Princess' Tower”, knocking over a few blocks.

“Princess Twilight, I am the brave Knight Ascentia. I have come to save you from your imprisonment. You need not worry of the Evil Queen any longer,” she said, and bowed.

Amused as she was, Twilight rolled her eyes. “Um, yay. Thank you for saving me, brave knight.”

It didn't stop there, as Ascentia then reached over and picked up Twilight, as if she were a bride. Pinkie, cracking an eye open, began to laugh at the sight. Pumpkin and Pound were holding their hooves over their mouths, trying to stifle their laughter.

Twilight felt weird, yet, oddly comforted. Even if she was being held in a strange kind of manner she'd never had before, outside of her family.

“What are you doing?” She asked, both in and out of character.

“Rescuing you, of course.”

“I can walk myself. Put me down!”

In a strange moment, Ascentia just smiled, stuck out her tongue, and said, “Make me.”

Pinkie burst into hysterics, as did Pumpkin and Pound, to which they were now rolling on the floor. Twilight was just baffled, staring at the woman with a wide-eyed, weirded out look. Despite that it was hilarious to not only see Ascentia playing along with childish games, but also acting childish, it was still kind of weird.

“Oh, all right...take me away from the tower and...to...wherever we have to go.”

“To Canterlot, of course!” Pinkie said between giggles. “Where Princess Twilight belongs!”

Twilight rolled her eyes again, “All right...off to Canterlot, O Brave Knight.”

Stepping away from the blocks, Ascentia took a few steps forward, right over to the makeshift city of Canterlot. There, she placed Twilight down on the chair that was serving as a throne.

“You have been returned to your rightful home, Princess Twilight,” Ascentia said in-character, bowing. “Should there be anything more I can do?”

“Uh...I don't think so...you can, well, go now, if you want...thank you for saving me? I'll give you gold?” Twilight gave a sheepish smile.

“No no no!” Pinkie stepped up, shaking her head. “You're doing it wrong! The Princess takes the Knight and they get married!”

“But, Pinkie, shouldn't they go out to dinner first?”

“Twi-Twi! Stay in-character!”

“Oh, fine.” Twilight rolled her eyes, clearing her throat, “Uh...brave knight, as I am grateful for your heroic deeds across the land, I wish to bestow my hoof upon you in marriage and make you my Princess.”

Pinkie, Pound and Pumpkin all giggled. Ascentia merely nodded and patted Twilight's tiara.

“All right, Princess Twilight. As you wish.”

“Good! Now it's time for the big wedding of the century!” Pinkie announced, doning herself in fancy robes and a pair of plastic lens glasses. “Gather 'round, everypony!”

Pumpkin looked over to her twin, then then back at their aunt/big sister figure. “Um...we're the only ones here.”

“Sillies, you just pretend! Now, 'centia, you kneel over there! You're the groom! Twi-Twi, since you're the bride, you stand over there!” Pinkie said, pointing to these directions.

Ascentia did so, kneeling down on the floor. Twilight walked over to the nearby wall, as if ready to walk down the aisle. Pinkie set up, holding a book in her hooves, right along a makeshift altar.

“Dum dum de dum, dum dum de dum...” Pinkie hummed the traditional wedding march. “No, that's too boring! Um...let's try another theme! Hmm.... Dum dum dum dum de dum dum de dum...”

“That sounds sinister.” Twilight remarked.

“You're right, Twi-Twi! Let's just stick to tradition!” She began to hum the traditional tune as an eye-rolling Twilight walked toward them. “Twi-Twi! Smile! It's your wedding day! Brides aren't supposed to look bored!”

Twilight gave a big, toothy grin. “This better?”

“Yes! Proceed!”

The unicorn came up next to her “groom”, and sat on her haunches as Pinkie went to work with the proceedings.

“Fillies and gentlecolts, we are gathered here today in matrimonial union of Princess Twilight Sparkle, and the brave Knight Ascentia! With a tough journey ahead, may they forever keep their love from going astray! Now then, Princess Twilight, do you-”

“Pinkie, you're forgetting a lot of things, including the vows.” Twilight pointed out.

“Shush!” Pinkie booped her nose.

“But-”

“Shush!”

Rolling her eyes, Twilight remained silent. Ascentia chuckled as she hid a smile behind her hand.

“Now then, before I was interrupted... Princess Twilight, do you take this woman to be your wife? Forever and ever and ever and ever?” Pinkie grinned.

Sighing, Twilight nodded. “I do.”

“Do you, brave Knight Ascentia, take the Princess to be your wife? Forever and ever and ever and ever?”

“I do.” Ascentia shrugged lightly, nodding.

“Great! Then I pronounce you two wife and wife! Mrs. And Mrs. Sparkle! ...Or Mrs. And Mrs. Kortai??? I don't know! Mrs. And Mrs. Whatever! Kiss the bride!” Pinkie closed her book, grinning.

“All right.” Ascentia kissed Twilight's cheek.

“What was that? What is she, your grandmother? No! This is how you kiss!” Pinkie trotted over to the unicorn, took her face in her hooves, and kissed her tenderly.

“Mm?!” Twilight's eyes went wide, her cheeks turning bright pink. Her entire form was frozen, even her legs refused to work. A shiver coursed up her spine as she felt the soft, tender lips of her friend along her own. They tasted like candy and some kind of baked good she couldn't place.

“Whoa!” The twins both said in unison, wide-eyed.

Pinkie pulled away after a few moments, giggling. “There we go! But nonetheless, you guys are married now! Hooray! It's party time! And by party time, I mean bedtime!”

“Aw, come on!” Pound complained, pouting. “We're not tired!”

“Yeah, this is too fun!” Pumpkin crossed her forelegs.

“No.” Pinkie said firmly. “It's late and past your bedtime, you two. We let you stay up so we could have silly fun like this, but now, it's time to go to sleep.”

The twins continued to grumble, but were now getting up and heading over to their respective beds. Pinkie tucked in Pound, while Twilight tended to Pumpkin.

“Thanks for coming again, Master Twilight, Master Ascentia...” Pumpkin yawned a bit, smiling. “Tonight was so fun.”

Twilight smiled and kissed her on the forehead. “I'm glad you had fun, sweetheart. I'll see you soon.”

“Goodnight, Pumpkin. It was lovely to see you, too. Be a good girl.” Ascentia gently stroked the filly's mane.

“G'night...” Pumpkin yawned, smiling sleepily as she settled into her bed.

“Hey! What about me?” Pound pouted.

Laughing, Twilight went over and kissed his cheek. “Goodnight to you too, Pound. Don't think I forgot you.”

“Nor did I.” Ascentia conquered, gently tapping his nose and then ruffling his hair. “Goodnight, Pound.”

“Night, Twilight, Ascentia, Aunt Pinkie...” Pound yawned, rolling over.

“Goodnight, you sillies! C'mon ladies, we'd best let them sleep!” Pinkie whispered, turning out the light.

Twilight followed Pinkie out the door, as did Ascentia, then the door to the twins' room was closed for the night. They went back downstairs, where Pinkie bid them farewell as she went to do some last minute cleaning in the kitchen before the Cakes would come home. The two left, heading out into night.

Most of the walk back to the library was fairly quiet, what with neither of them having much to say. Or at least, that's what Twilight was assuming. She wasn't even sure what to say at this moment. The elephant in the room was poking her, but she tried to ignore it.

“That was quite fun,” Ascentia remarked, interrupting her train of thought, “I had not done such a thing in a long time.”

Twilight smiled a bit, glad for this being a good topic to go on, “Me neither. I used to play those kinds of fantasy roleplaying games with my brother and foalsitter when I was a filly. I used to always play the damsel Princess, Shining Armor would be the brave knight, and Cadance would be the evildoer... Sometimes we switch places, it was a lot of fun.”

“I'm sure it was,” the woman said, glancing down at her, “You sure seemed reluctant to play.”

“Oh...well, I guess I felt kind of silly. Especially since you were there to see it.”

Ascentia shook her head, “You don't have to be embarrassed, Twilight. It was silly fun, and there's nothing wrong with that. Not even at your age.”

“I guess there isn't. But where I come from, if you're not ladylike at a certain age and partake in childish activies, you're pretty much shunned,” Twilight sighed. “I kind of got used to that attitude at first.”

“What a shame. Embracing childish enjoyment is a good thing.”

“Yeah, I've realized that ever since I first came here to Ponyville.”

The two fell silent once again, but this time it didn't feel as awkward as before. Twilight exhaled, looking up to the star-studded sky for a few moments. The questions from earlier that day still remained. What was going to happen now? She knew she couldn't avoid the subject forever, but she just didn't know what more she could say about it.

“You've been uneasy today, Twilight. It's because of last night, isn't it?” Ascentia spoke up, breaking the silence once more. Given her tone, it was more of a statement than a question.

Sighing, the unicorn gave a little nod. “I'm just...not sure what to do about it.”

“You don't have to do anything, Twilight. Nothing you don't want to do.”

Twilight looked up at her companion for a brief second, then up ahead again. “I know. I guess, well, since I never really did this before, I don't know how to proceed or how it all works. But, well, you know, for what it's worth... I don't regret it.”

The Val'Kyr smiled. “I know. I don't, either.”

A sense of ease overcame the lavender pony, most especially since they had now just come up to the library. Twilight opened the door and went inside, to which Ascentia followed.

“Do you...want to stay here, tonight?”

“If you wish for me to.”

“I'm asking if you yourself want to.”

“I do want to. But it's up to you.”

Twiligh rolled her eyes, “Give me a straight answer!”

Ascentia chuckled, “All right. Yes, I would. I'll keep watch for the night.”

“Okay.” Twilight placed her forelegs on the woman's shoulders and nuzzled her face. “...Ascentia?”

“Yes, Twilight?”

“...Can I kiss you again?”

Ruffling her mane, the woman nodded. “You don't need to ask.”

The unicorn stuck her tongue out, and then pulled it back in as she leaned in to touch their lips in a kiss. Twilight trembled lightly at the feeling, relaxing more into it. Her hooves ran along the long, dark red tresses, feeling its softness, while at the same time, coarse and rough. It was an odd sensation to feel in someone's hair, and once Twilight felt Rarity would find absolutely nightmarish. She made a mental note to bring Ascentia there tomorrow.

A warm feeling overcame the studious mare, a feeling of comfort and safety. It felt so nice to be close together like this. As if it were perfectly natural.

'Maybe...maybe we can work this out... Maybe we can...be friends with benefits...' Twilight thought, as she further melted into the kiss, moaning softly when Ascentia brushed her lips with her tongue. Pulling back, she smiled at her, “Come upstairs.”

A loud squeak, muffled by the library walls, caught the attention of Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy as they drifted overhead.

“Did you hear that?” Rainbow asked, looking down at the tree that her friend lived in.

“What?” Fluttershy asked, following her gaze.

“It sounded like... OH!” Rainbow laughed, elbowing Fluttershy in the side playfully, “I think Twilight has someone over.”

“I don't get it,” Fluttershy asked, “Why is that funny?”

Rainbow zipped a circle around her, “I mean she has someone OVER over.”

“Oh... my...” Fluttershy whispered, realization catching her in an instant.

“I wonder who she's got in there,” Rainbow pondered out loud, before flying down to the second story balcony.

“Rainbow, wait!” Fluttershy called out, flying down toward her, “We shouldn't peek on her!”

“Why not? I gotta see this!” Rainbow whispered to her. There was also the matter that Twilight had peeked in on her, but she didn't tell Fluttershy that.

Fluttershy surrendered, but returned to the sky. Even if Rainbow wouldn't respect Twilight's privacy, she still would. However, Rainbow returned five minutes later, wide eyed but otherwise expressionless.

“What happened?” she asked.

“You were right,” Rainbow whispered, “I shouldn't have peeked. Let's never speak of this again.”

Author's Note

This chapter was definitely fun to do. :D Most especially the story parts, they were just so silly. The ending bit, I didn't actually add that. Bhaal did, and it was just too hilarious. Poor Dashie... See you all next time!

And yeah, I know the twins are older in this, but it kind of worked out better that way. Plus, this story was in development hell since before the season three finale, so do forgive me. XP

Time Away

Twilight scrambled off of Ascentia as quickly as she could, hopelessly trying to pretend that the Princess hadn't seen anything. It was pointless, however. There wasn't much someone could say to deflect the fact that she had just told a Val'Kyr to shut up and buck her.

Ascentia was slowly getting to her feet, staring down Luna. She was far more calm than Twilight, though Twilight had to admit this was most likely due to Ascentia being taller, older and stronger than Luna and Celestia combined. Still, that did not stop Luna from pulling an air of intimidation upon her.

“Princess, I-”

“Silence, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna snapped, before pointing to Ascentia, “Outlander. Come with me.”

Ascentia obliged, and followed Luna out of the library and outside into town. They walked a few miles to the edge of the Everfree Forest, where it was unlikely they would be heard. It was only then that Luna rounded on her.

“Explain yourself.”

“I do not see what needs explaining,” Ascentia replied.

“Do not play coy with me,” Luna snapped, “It was clear from what I saw that you and Twilight Sparkle are sexually involved with one another!”

“So I must ask, what needs to be explained to you?”

“So what is this?” Luna asked, snarling every word, “Are the two of you merely toying with one another, or is she your mate?”

“She is not toying with me at all,” Ascentia replied, “I am the one servicing her.”

“Answer the question, Outlander!”

Ascentia turned away from Luna and watched as the sun hung high over Ponyville. She breathed a deep sigh.

“As far as Twilight is concerned, we are merely enjoying eachother's company,” Ascentia explained, “That is how she sees it.”

“And what about you?” Luna asked.

“...The Val'Kyr do not have such relationships,” Ascentia replied, “When we mate with another, it is not simply for physical stimuli. We treat the act of mating with respect, not as a casual interaction on par with a handshake.”

Luna was about to respond before Ascentia took the turn to round on her.

“If that is too technical for you, allow me to put it in terms your self-important mind would understand,” Ascentia snarled, “I play along with Twilight's childish 'casual mating' concept. But if she would have it, I would take her as my mate. However I will not approach her with such an idea. She holds me in too high an esteem. I captivate her simply by being an otherworldly creature, and she is fascinated by my kind. She would feel pressured or even obligated to accept, and I am not so selfish as to take advantage of that power.”

Ascentia grabbed Luna by the neck and pushed her against a tree.

“So if you are here to accuse me of something or if you dare threaten me,” she snarled, “Then Equestria will quickly be short one third of it's population of Alicorns. As I told you before, rulers are a dime a dozen.”

Ascentia dropped Luna and turned to leave.

And that was when Luna made it worse.

“So, too scarred and disfigured to find one of your own kind? Have nothing of merit to woo a Val'Kyr so you have to fuck a unicorn?”

Ascentia whipped around and slammed her fist into the side of Luna's skull, knocking her clean off her hooves, bleeding from the side of her head. Bending down, she grabbed the Princess by her horn.

“Well, there was the time I slaughtered your entire race,” she sneered, “That was fun.”

She dropped Luna back to the ground and stood up to leave. She let a wide smile crack across her face. Knocking Luna out cold had felt so good.

In her room, Twilight was furiously packing her things. Spike, having been in hiding, was watching her with stunned curiosity. On her bedside table was a letter, scrawled in intricate writing.

“Twilight, where are you going?” Spike asked, feeling worried. “Is something going on? I found Princess Luna outside, she looked like she was knocked out.”

“...It's complicated, Spike. But we're going to Canterlot for a while. The letter was from Cadance, and she wanted to know if we'd go visit. She and Shining Armor came in from the Crystal Empire.” Twilight responded stonily. “I think we need to get away for a while. Want to come?”

The baby dragon nodded, going off to pack his own bag. Twilight finished packing her own, along with retrieving her bag of bits. A shadow fell over her, which made her tense for a brief moment.

“...I'm going to Canterlot for a while. I hope that's okay with you.” The unicorn murmured, not even turning around.

A hand squeezed over her shoulder. “You don't need my permission, Twilight. You know you do have your own life.”

“...I need some time to get away. And to explain why Princess Luna was injured.”

“She had it coming, and had provoked it.”

Twilight felt her anger rising, then snapped in half like a potato chip. Something in her just boiled, unable to hold her back.

“Doing WHAT?! Saying something you didn't like hearing?! Okay, even if it was hurtful, that doesn't give you the right to harm somepony! I know fighting and self-defense can help and is necessary, but you don't just go and inflict pain or death on someone when they say something you don't like!” Twilight yelled, tears in her eyes.

Wide-eyed, the Val'Kyr said nothing.

“I don't know what Princess Luna said to you, and if it was something that was insensitive and hurtful to you, then okay, you have the right to be upset and put her in her place. But you don't go around hurting others! That's not how we do things! You may be your own woman and you follow different sets of guidelines than I or anyopony else does, but you're in Equestria now! You don't just get a free pass to inflict violence on somepony just because they say or do things you don't like! No, not even you! That's like if I went to a random Val'Kyr and kicked him just because he ate meat!”

“Now, Twilight, please understand that I-”

“No! If you're going to justify it, don't!”

Ascentia closed her mouth, saying nothing more.

“...You know I love you.” Twilight said softly, not looking at her. “...But don't do that. Please, I don't want anypony or you getting hurt. It's not worth it. I just...don't want anything bad to happen. I just want us to live our lives together. Is that too much to ask? ...Don't answer that, of course it is. Peace and harmony is so unrealistic, isn't it? Well, excuse me for hoping for the best.”

The woman sighed, her expression unreadable. “...Twilight, I understand you're angry. And I will not try to justify my actions, there is no excuse. All I can say is that I am very sorry to have hurt you.”

Twilight said nothing and brought her saddlebags onto her back. “Spike and I will be gone for at least a week, maybe two. I'd like to be alone for a while. ...I'll write you a letter when I'm coming back, or if there's an emergency.”

“Of course.” Ascentia nodded, stepping aside, despite that she wasn't blocking the doorway. “Take all the time you need, and have fun.”

Nodding, the unicorn mumbled a thank-you before heading to the door. Spike soon followed, giving Ascentia a confused look.

Finishing the letter, Twilight nodded to Spike, who immediately blew fire onto it. The deed now done, the unicorn stared out the window of the train as the landscape rolled by.

All she could feel was conflicting emotions. On one hoof, she was angry, and wanted to stay angry. But then on the other hoof, she just couldn't stay angry, and knew that there was still good in all of this. It wasn't as if they were never going to speak again. Twilight just wanted to get away for a little while and have some space. Even if the terms they'd left on weren't exactly the best, either.

'I can't believe she did that! Knocking her skull like that! It's a good thing she didn't die from it! Ugh... Princess Celestia won't be too happy with this... Okay, so maybe what Princess Luna said may have been out of line. Maybe it was, and maybe Ascentia DID have a right to be angry. But to do THAT? I can't just let that slide, no matter how much I care about her. As powerful as she is, she better learn the consequences of her actions! ...Jeez, I sound like a parent scolding their child for breaking a vase.'

“...Twilight? Are you and Ascentia having a fight?” Spike asked in a small, worried voice.

Looking down at her friend and assistant, she brought her foreleg around him in a hug. “No. She just...did something wrong, and I wasn't about to let her off the hook that easily. We just need some time apart. I know I do, I have a lot to think about.”

“Okay.” Spike nodded, hugging her back. “At least you'll have a chance to work it all out, right?”

“Of course we will. We're both adults, and we're going to sit down and talk about everything when we get back.” The unicorn promised, smiling slightly. “These things happen, Spike. Even the best of friends fight sometimes, or get into tough spots.”

“You're telling me,” he agreed, shaking his head, “and it sucks. But at least we all work it out in the end.”

“...Yeah...we do.” Twilight murmured, looking out the window again. 'I guess I just hope it won't be changing things for the worse between us.'

Soon, they arrived in Canterlot, and were picked up by members of the Royal Guard, who escorted them to the palace. Twilight felt a wave of relief overtake her as she walked along their hometown, seeing all the familiar landmarks and buildings all around. Spike rode on her back, fairly quiet, but occasionally making small talk. Twilight understood, she too didn't have much else to say.

Despite that, she was looking forward to spending some time around the city, and with her family, so that was definitely a plus.

Upon arriving at the palace, they were situated with their luggage placed in Twilight's old room. Spike headed off to get some donuts at their favourite donut shop, while the unicorn decided to go and visit with her teacher.

As Twilight closed in on the throne room, she could hear a loud, deep voice speaking sternly through the door.

"...Do with your own people what you must, Celestia. But do not take up my limited time over what is nothing more than a random argument. Unarmed assault is hardly the worst thing in the world, and even less so when it is provoked. Should Ascentia had destroyed a city or slaughtered anyone, that would be cause to alert the Capital. But this is nothing more than petty squabbling, and these two are not children. They do not need Mommy and Daddy called in to set things right!"

The door opened and a tall man clad in black robes and armor strode into the hall. Lord Ryder stopped to bow politely to Twilight, before striding out the door and vanishing on the spot.

“....What just happened?” Twilight blinked, looking around her.

Looking up from some paperwork, Celestia smiled a little bit at her student. “I'm sure you know.”

“...Yeah...” The unicorn slowly approached her mentor, sitting down in front of the throne. “...I'm sorry. I didn't mean for THAT to happen.”

“Don't be.” Celestia assured her. “You did the right thing in informing me of a problem going on. And I'm sure you worried that your own healing capabilities wouldn't have been enough to help.”

Twilight nodded, “That was part of it, too. I did what I could, but I knew you were a lot more capable of it. Will she be all right?”

“Absolutely. She's in her room, her condition is stable, and will wake up very soon. I admit, I was hasty, and I had reacted out of anger, for the harm upon my sister and my...bias toward your friend.” The alicorn looked to Twilight with remorse. “Looking upon what Lord Ryder had said, he is right. This was no cause for alarm whatsoever.”

“Yeah, that was a bit much. But I guess I can't blame you for being cautious. Even I really snapped at her...” Twilight sighed, nuzzling against's Celestia's leg. “I think I shouldn't have.”

“Do you know further about what happened?”

“No. She didn't say. I don't even know what Princess Luna said, either. And I'm sure she had a good reason to be angry, since I know she wouldn't attack someone for no good reason. But I guess I overreacted about it.” Twilight murmured, shaking her head.

“Considering her ability and skill, I'm sure even you would feel cautious about it.”

“I am, I usually try to keep on guard about it. But I know that she'd never hurt me.”

Celestia gave a slow nod, nuzzling her student. “Even though I do not completely trust her, I do feel that as well. I trust your judgement, Twilight.”

Twilight nodded, letting out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. “I'll talk to her all about it when I get back. We're going to work this out.”

“I believe you, my faithful student. Now, I have some work to do, but I will be free later this evening. Why don't you go and see Shining Armor and Cadance? They're in the garden, and they've been eager to see you.”

Smiling a bit, Twilight nuzzled her teacher before heading out.

“I guess even Princesses make mistakes, don't they?” Despite that it was said as a quip, Twilight knew that was very humbling.

Undeterred, the royal alicorn giggled. “You're absolutely right, my dear Twilight. Mistakes that of which I do regret, but will never stop learning from. One does not achieve wisdom from remaining alive, after all.”

Relieved, the unicorn left the throne room and headed out into the courtyard.

As Twilight wandered around, she came upon the sight of her brother and sister-in-law strolling along the garden. Eager, she smiled and crossed over to them, pretty much putting aside all her troubles for now.

“Shiny! Cadance!” Twilight called out, giggling at the use of the childish nickname she'd used on her brother when they were young.

Turning, the alicorn and stallion saw her coming, both of them breaking out into smiles.

“Twiley!” Shining Armor exclaimed, meeting his sister halfway and hugging her. “It's great to see you!”

Happily hugging her bother, Twilight grinned all the more as the wave of familial comfort washed over her. This definitely was just what she needed, a little time away from it all and to spend time with her family.

“Great to see you too, Shining!” Twilight beamed, nuzzling her brother, and then turning to her sister-in-law/former foalsitter.

The two smiled in their own little language, and that was the cue. Getting into position, Twilight faced Cadance as the two grinned. Without missing a beat, they got into their cute little secret dance.

“Sunshine, sunshine
Ladybugs awake
Clap your hooves
And do a little shake!”

Laughing, they shared a hug. A warming feeling coursed over the unicorn all over again, easing her troubles and mind. Everything was going to be all right. There was nothing she couldn't do.

“I am so glad you came, Twilight!” Cadance said, pulling back and smiling at her former charge. “It's been a while, we missed you!”

“Aww, and I missed you guys, too!” Twilight then turned her attention to the young alicorn's still flat stomach. “Hi there, fetus! I know you're not developed and still can't hear me, but you sure are lucky to have Cadance being your mommy!”

“And I myself being her daddy?” Shining Armor teased, nudging Twilight.

Sticking out her tongue playfully, Twilight grinned. “That's debatable! ...Wait, she? You already know the baby's sex?”

Laughing, Cadance shook her head. “No, not at all. It's just a guess. We won't know for another few months. But I am going in tomorrow morning to get a checkup from the doctor, since I also have a file with the Canterlot Health division. I'm going to the University for it while I'm here in town. Would you like to come with me?”

“Of course!” Twilight nodded, eager at the thought of studying this closer. “I'll defnitely come along. Oh, by the way, how long will you guys be in town?”

Shining Armor thought for a moment before responding. “Probably about two weeks or so, since I still have my duties as part of the Royal Guard here. Cadance will probably have to go back and forth for a while.”

“Yeah, but aside from that, I'll be here for a while, too.” Cadance nodded. “And if it means I can spend some time with you, that'll make it even better!”

Smiling brightly, Twilight couldn't help but clap her hooves like an excited filly. “That's great! I'll be here for a while, and I can't wait to spend some time with you two! We have so much to catch up on!”

The Crystal Empire Princess nodded eagerly, both she and Twilight letting out girlish squeals. Shining Armor rolled his eyes good-naturedly, smiling fondly at the two important mares in his life.

“Well ladies, I have to get back to my position for now.” Shining Armor said, placing his helmet on and giving his wife a quick kiss. “I'll see you both at dinner time!”

“All right, honey.” Cadance nuzzled him sweetly. “You take care and have a good day.”

“See you later, Shiny!” Twilight hugged her brother again.

Chuckling, the white unicorn hugged her back. “And I'll see you later too, Twiley.”

Waving him off as the Captain of the Royal Guard retreated, Cadance and Twilight headed on back to the palace.

In Twilight's room, the two were laying over her bed together, with magazines and books strewn about as they chatted about whatever was on their minds. Lucky for the unicorn, there weren't any questions regarding what was going on with her life at the moment, which was a relief. However, she knew all too well that there would eventually be the “catch up” talk.

“So Twilight, tell me! How are things back in Ponyville?” Cadance queried curiosuly.

'Well, let's see. Two of my best friends are having a friends with benefits affair. One of which is in love with the other in a possible unrequited crush, I might add. I feel worried about them and what they'll end up doing. I'm confused as all Tartarus about what I feel for one of my friends, or even how I feel about relationships at all. Oh, and that friend I'm thinking of injured Princess Luna, and I overreacted and got angry at her. Now we're not even talking and I feel like everything is going to explode!'

But Twilight didn't say that. Instead, she looked to her sister-in-law, giving a little sigh. “Everything is pretty much okay, overall. Not much I can say, everything's fine.”

Cadance, however, wasn't buying it. “Are you okay? You look a little upset. In fact, you didn't even answer me for nearly a minute. Is everything all right, Twilight?”

“No. No, everything isn't all right.” Twilight blurted before her brain and mouth could catch up to each other.

This alarmed the pink alicorn as she scooted closer, placing a hoof over her back. “Oh...what's going on? Please, you can tell me anything.”

Looking up into the concerned, loving eyes of her former foalsitter, all Twilight could feel was her heart crumbling. She felt like crying, but couldn't bring herself to do so. Instead, she rose herself up a little and held open her forelegs.

“Cadance...” She said in a small voice, feeling like a filly again. “Hold me, please...”

With a warm, understanding smile, Cadance nodded and pulled her into a gentle hug. Twilight snuggled into her, reliving many memories of when she was little and used to turn to Cadance when she needed somepony to talk to or a shoulder to cry on. Right now was one of those times. A moment she let herself be vulnerable, to somepony who understood and would be there. Cadance's familiar sweet, floral scent of lilacs and lavender filled her nose, comforting her all the more. This combined with her tangy perfume only further added to the comfor the unicorn desired.

After some time, Twilight spilled the beans on everything she could, not holding anything back. Despite the looks of mild shock, Cadance didn't interrupt her or say anything aside from a brief comment when Twilight paused, and listened. When Twilight finished, she had tears in her eyes, her body trembling.

“I can see why you got upset, Twilight. You don't have to be ashamed about it.”

“But...I didn't even let her talk or get her side of things. I didn't even ask what set her off, what Princess Luna said!” Twilight shook her head, looking down at the bedcovers. “I've been a terrible friend to her.”

“Twilight...you were angry, you were worried, and in some ways, you had the right to be.” Cadance assured. “I guess you should've listened to what she had to say, but it's understandable that you weren't ready to hear it. Don't even worry. You two just need to talk to each other about it.”

“I-I know...and I will. I just... I feel bad. I left pretty much letting her know I was angry and didn't want to see her.”

“You need your space. Who doesn't? We all need our space from everypony and time to think things through on our own. I think she understands that.”

Twilight sighed, snuggling into her sister-in-law. “Sometimes... I'm scared about what she can do. Sometimes I'm living in uncertainty... But then she makes me remember that I don't have to be scared. Then this happens. I just... I don't want anyone to get hurt. ...What kind of friend am I?”

Cadance stroked her mane gently in comfort. “You're just being cautious. There's nothing wrong with that. It's good to be on guard when someone is very capable of...well, certain things. But you don't let it control your life, do you?”

“No...”

“You've let her get this close to you, as close as two ponies-beings, can ever get. That doesn't spell scared of her. That means you trust her.”

“I do trust her. I just wish I trusted her completely.” Twilight mumbled.

“It's like I said, you're just being cautious, because you don't want to let your guard down in case something happens. But you have done nothing but stand up for her when my aunts don't exactly....think highly of her. They trust you on this, and I trust you on this, too. Shining and I both trust you. You trust in her, and we trust in you.” Cadance told her, smiling warmly.

Smiling a bid sadly, the unicorn nodded a little. “I-I guess you're right.”

“Well, now it's your turn to trust me. Believe me, I've been through situations in where I was fighting with my friends over stupid or big things. We all said and did things we regret.” The alicorn said, shaking her head at memories. “But in the end, we all cared about each other and worked it out. You two will do the same if your friendship, or whatever relationship you have, is worth fighting for. Besides, everyone fights sometimes. Even Shining and I have our arguments and disagreements. But we love each other, and our love is worth fighting for. We become stronger for it as we overcome these hard times. I know you can, too.”

Wiping her eyes, Twilight smiled a little more. “You're right, Cadance. I have arguments with my friends sometimes, too. And we just...give each other space and try to work it out. It's not always easy, sometimes I don't know what to do, but...I try.”

“And that's all you can do here, too. To try your best. Talk to each other. Do what you can.” Cadance nuzzled her encouragingly.

Grateful for her former foalsitter's help, Twilight felt herself giggle as she hugged Cadance once more.

“Thanks, Cadance. You're the best. I really needed that.”

“Awww, you're welcome, Twilight. You know I'm always glad to help you out.”

The two embraced warmly as Twilight felt a lot better. Not only in confiding with somepony she trusted so much, but in managing to feel a lot better about the situation. At least now, she could enjoy her time in Canterlot a lot better, with her family, and be able to head back home to Ponyville with a clear head.

She just had one more thing to take care of.

Around the nightime, when she knew Luna was up to raise the moon (it was reported she felt better), she went to join the Night Princess out on the balcony adjoining her room. Sure enough, the dark alicorn was raising the moon just as she came outside.

“...Princess Luna?”

Not answering for a moment, Luna barely glanced at her as she then finished her task. “Twilight Sparkle. I know why you're here. Please, sit. I will tell you what happened.”

“...Princess, I...I don't...want to pick sides here. I just...I want to know your side of it, too.”

Luna nodded, turning to her then. “And I will tell you exactly what you would like to know, Twilight Sparkle.”

“Okay.” Twilight took a deep breath, calming herself. “What did you say to Ascentia to make her angry?”

Lowering her head slightly, the midgight blue mare didn't respond for a few moments. Her gaze was unreadable, but it was clear that she didn't look proud of what she had said.

“I had hit a nerve. I had not only insulted her, but had insulted her...abilities in seeking out a mate. I had used...the very situation you were in with her as a weapon. I do not pretend that I was proud of that, Twilight Sparkle.”

Shocked, Twilight couldn't believe what she had heard. Something she herself knew was that you did not use a Val'Kyr's mate as a weapon for insult. That mistake had been done by their enemies since the beginning, and not something you wanted to attempt. Now she could see why Ascentia had gotten mad, to the point that she inflicted pain upon the perpetrator.

“Princess...why?! Why did you say that?!” Twilight near-yelled. “And thanks to that, I got angry and made her feel like garbage! Just when she was... Why! Do you realize what you'd done?!”

Not at all flinching, Luna faced her with a calm, yet sad look. “I do now. While I do not care for how the Outlander feels, it was wrong of me to say such a thing. I was callous, out of line, all due to my poor judgement, overprotectiveness, and anger. I let it cloud my reasoning, something I, as a Princess, should know better than to do. For all of that, Twilight Sparkle, I sincerely apologize for my actions. In a way, I deserved that. I...know how it feels to defend the honour of somepony I care deeply for, namely my mate.” She sighed, looking off to the starry sky. “And I had done the very thing I penalized low scum for.”

“....Yeah...” Twilight sighed, unable to feel angry then. “Princess, I'm really not the one you should apologize to. But, we all make mistakes.... I just wish you wouldn't do that. I'm fine. I'm a grown mare, and I can take care of myself. What happened between Ascentia and I was completely mutual. In fact, it was all my idea. She didn't have to do anything. It had nothing to do with you, Princess Celestia, my friends, or anypony else.”

“As I heard, Twilight Sparkle.” Luna murmured, facing her once more. “It does not change what I had done, and I shall atone for my actions.”

Softening a bit more, Twilight placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Princess...I'm sorry for what she'd done to you. It was for that reason that I was angry. While I understand that she is justified in feeling angry for what you said...I think she went a little too far.”

A humourless laugh escaped the midnight blue alicorn. “I deserved it, whether or not you believe it.”

“You just made a bad judgement call because you were worried, Princess. I can't exactly blame you for that. I've been through bad judgement calls myself. But...like any other mistake, I learned from them. And I know you can, too.”

“...You are far too kind, Twilight Sparkle.” Luna smiled ever slightly. “Thank you. Though I do not deserve your kind words.”

“Of course you do, Princess. You both do. What you both did...well, neither of you are blameless, that's for sure. But I also know that neither of you deserve to be demonized for your actions. ...Yeah, maybe I was a little harsher on her, more than I should have been, but now that I know the truth on both sides, I have a much better understanding on how to make things work.”

Quiet for a few moments, the Princess of the night leaned down and nuzzled the unicorn affectionately. “I may never truly see eye to eye with the Outlander, Twilight Sparkle, but I shall concede and apologize for my actions. Be it as it may, even she did not deserve such a callous remark.”

“I think that would be a good idea.” Twilight agreed, nuzzling her back. “I'm not asking you all to be friends, I know and Princess Celestia won't do that. And that's fine. I just want you all to be civil, that's all. Is it...really too much to ask?”

Luna smiled. “Not for your sake.”

Relieved, Twilight hugged her. A surprised Luna stiffened a bit, but then returned it all the same.

“Princess...why were you in town, anyway?”

“I had merely come to see you and then I saw...what I had seen.” Luna murmured, shaking her head. “It had been a while since I'd seen you, Twilight Sparkle. I knew Cadance had sent you a summons of her own, and I had wanted to 'drop by' as many say.”

“Oh,” Twilight realized, and smiled a bit.

“In that sense, I am also sorry for interrupting something private. Be it as it may, of course.”

“It's okay. I've had experience in walking in on something I shouldn't have seen.”

The two shared a look, then smiled as they looked back up at the star-studded sky.

The next morning, having slept a lot better than expected, Twilight was already enjoying herself a lot more. She felt less tense, less uneasy, and a lot more relaxed since she'd arrived the day before. By the looks of things, the return to Ponyville was hopefully going to be proven fruitful. She had a clearer understanding of the situation, an idea to confront it, and hopefully, make things up with Ascentia, too.

That part was easier said than done.

'To be fair...' Twilight thought, looking from her book up to the sunny sky from her spot on the balcony adjacent to her old bedroom. 'We've had our arguments and disagreements before. Sometimes, they were my fault, and Ascentia needed space from me. ...But she always came back. It never lasted long. ...I guess this won't, either. At least, I hope so. But she did feel bad for hurting me, so I guess that's it, too.'

She sighed, looking back down at her book. At least now, she could relax during the rest of her stay in Canterlot. That was what mattered for now.

All of a sudden, appendages covered her eyes, obscuring her vision with darkness. Twilight tensed for a moment, trying to make sense of what had happened. At least, until she heard an all-too familiar chuckle.

“Guess whooooo!” The voice drawled.

Twilight rolled her eyes, relaxing then. “Hi, Discord.”

“The one and only!” Discord pulled his paws away and chuckled, coming around to her front. “Did you miss me, Twilight Sparkle? I sure missed you.”

“About as much as I'd miss having a cold,” Twilight responded, trying not to smile.

Undeterred, the draconnequs laughed with glee, clapping. “Oh, you sure get me every time!”

“Right. So, what are you doing, anyway? Going to Ponyville to see Fluttershy?”

“Oh, right on the nose, aren't you? Guiltyyyy!” Discord drawled, snickering. “As a matter of fact, my good friend Fluttershy invited me for tea! Isn't she the sweetest? So of course I couldn't turn down such an invitation! And who's to say a little bit of oh, you know, chaos wouldn't help her day along?”

The unicorn shrugged a bit, looking down at her book. “Whatever you say, Discord. Just don't go too far. You know how Fluttershy is.”

Rolling his eyes, Discord floated in midair beside her, reclining. “Tut tut now, there isn't a thing I would do to upset or hurt my good friend! Do you take me for a heartless whelp?”

Before she could answer, her lips were formed into a zipper, closing up. Rolling her eyes, she deactivated the spell, casting a look to the laughing chaos master.

“Real funny.” Twilight rolled her eyes. “When are you heading out?”

“Eager to get rid of me already?” Discord said in mock-hurt. “Well, aren't you a cold fish.”

“I'm just asking.”

“Fine fine then, I'm heading off in T-minus...” A pocket watch appeared in his eagle claw. “Ten minutes and twelve seconds!”

Twilight blinked at this, but then shrugged, taking it. She closed her book, biting her lip for a moment. Coming to a thought, she faced him.

“Discord...just out of curiosity...does Fluttershy ever talk to you about certain things? You know...such as personal matters?” Twilight queried.

Snapping his claws, he disappeared and reappearred beside her, grinning widely. “Oh, you mean like how she's madly in love with Rainbow Dash?”

“...You knew?”

Laughing, Discord picked her up into his lion paw, holding her like a toy. “You sure can be daft, Twilight! Anypony could see that Fluttershy has it bad for her precious 'Dashie'! You remember when you all first had me reformed, and we had that dinner party? Ah, such fun that was!”

“Well, yeah. What about it?” Despite how annoyed she was at being man-handled, Twilight decided not to make a fuss about it.

“Well, my dear, I could tell instantly that there was something between them!” Discord exclaimed, holding Twilight with his lion paw, and spreading his other arm out for emphasis along the horizon. “But I think that the 'Dashie' sold it for me, you see. After that, I checked the signs! The way Fluttershy speaks about her, all the photos she has in her house, and need I say that her diary is so full of saucy-”

“You read her diary?!”

“Oops! I possibly shouldn't have said that!”

“Come on, that's just invasion of privacy!” Twilight scolded.

Giggling, Discord set her down onto a magically drawn up fainting couch. “Regardless of that, it's true that I knew for some time! She's even let it slip, and oh, did I let her know it! The look on her face! You should've seen it! Priceless!”

“Right....” Twilight coughed into her hoof. “Well, what about Rainbow Dash? Do you think she loves her back?”

Thinking for a moment, the Spirit of Chaos gave a shrug. “Beats me! That Rainbow Dash is harder to read than boring books! Unlike a few of you... Why, even you're one of the easiest ponies to read! Ho ho!”

“So I've been told,” the unicorn muttered sourly. “Anyway... Just, can you make sure she's okay? Fluttershy admitted to Rarity and I that she loves Rainbow, and the thing is, I'm just... I don't want her to be sad. You see, they've been-”

“Friends with benefits?” Discord snickered. “Diary, remember?”

“Oh, so you DIDN'T spy on them?”

“Me? Spy? Please! Though I am the expert of chaos and have some delicious fun, even I have standards, Twilight Sparkle.” He said, turning away and crossing his arms.

“Right...” Twilight sighed with relief. “Well, Rainbow...kind of admitted that she doesn't feel that way about her. And I don't know if she-”

“-is lying, in denial, or just not realizing her own feelings?” Discord finished for her, grinning.

Groaning, she nodded. “Yes. That's what I mean. Like you said, she is hard to read. Even I couldn't tell. I mean, I know she cares about Fluttershy a lot, and they've been best friends since fillyhood. But beyond that, I have no idea.”

“Hmmm...a bit like your own dilemma, I take it?”

Oh no.

“How did you know about that?” Twilight demanded, her gaze snapping to the draconnequus.

“I heard it from Celestia, of course!” Discord chuckled, winking at her. “And let's just say I have my ear to the ground when it comes to my favourite ponies!”

Groaning, the unicorn facehoofed. “You're impossible!”

“Won't you answer my question, my dear Twilight?” He said, now coming up close and batting his eyes, with fake long lashes produced.

Rolling her own eyes, Twilight fell back onto the fainting couch. “Fine, maybe it is! I just don't know what to do!”

“Go on.” Discord was now sitting near, on a chair, wearing a suit and glasses, and holding a notepad and pen.

“I don't even know if Ascentia will talk to me again. I kind of left letting her know I wasn't pleased. I know she said that I could take all the time I needed, but what if she just said that under a false pretense? So that I wouldn't suspect that she's leaving? What if she never comes back? What if she really doesn't want to see me again, and thinks that her presence really does cause trouble?”

“Aha! I have a diagnosis!” Discord declared, grinning at her. “You're thinking too hard, worrying too hard. A common condition known as over-thinking it.”

“Ugh!” The unicorn threw a foreleg over her eyes. “I am always over-thinking things! To the point that I can't sleep at night and feel the worry inside eating at me.”

“Hmmm... You could try just relaxing and letting things happen?” Discord suggested. “You know, not acting like a worrywart?”

“...To cross that bridge when I get there.” Twilight concluded.

“Finally she gets it!” Giggled the draconnequus, clapping delightedly. He then produced a much bigger pocket watch. “You still have four minutes!”

“To be honest, I don't know how I even feel about her. I mean, I know I love her a lot, and she's a very good friend to me. But beyond that, I don't know if what I feel is platonic or romantic.” Twilight removed her foreleg, placing them along her stomach as she stared up at the cloudy sky. “I've never really been in love before, so I don't even really know how it feels. I mean, I guess it's like friendship, only different. We're friends with benefits... That's all I know.”

“Ooh ooh! And if she felt that way about you?”

“...I don't know how I'd feel. Flattered, yeah, and I'd accept them with no problem. But returning them... I don't know. I wouldn't want to lead her on or lie to her, but I wouldn't want to hurt her.”

“Ah yes, the typical dilemma!” Discord chortled. “You'll have to figure it for yourself, my dear! Even I can't tell you for you!”

Sighing, Twilight knew he had a point. “Yeah, I guess you're right. I really should try to figure it out myself. ...And then, well, go from there.”

“How splendid!” Discord snapped his claw, making the therapeutic objects around them disappear. “Splendid session today, Twilight Sparkle! Do come back next week at our regularly scheduled sessions!”

“Very funny.” Twilight rolled her eyes. “But I guess I have to thank you for listening. It did help a bit.”

“What can I say? I'm just a genius!” Discord grinned, floating above her. “Now if you'll excuse me, I have tea time with Fluttershy in less than three minutes. Can't be late! Or, can I?”

“Fine, fine. But look, like I said, just make sure she's okay. That's all I'm asking.”

“I give my word as the Spirit of Chaos!”

Discord winked, and then snapped his claw, disappearing from sight. Shaking her head, Twilight took her book and continued to read. She had a lot to think about, but at least some instances were resolved. Whether or not things would go uphill or downhill still remained a mystery to her.

But then again, that was just the way time worked, wasn't it?

Author's Note

Well, out of all the stories I have, this one contains the first time I have ever published a story with Cadance, Shining Armor and Discord involved. So, quite a few firsts in this story, isn't there? XD That was all pretty fun to write. Especially Discord, who is awesomeness of awesome. And I really like the friendship he has with Fluttershy, I'll definitely be writing that a lot more. :P

So, what came about here was a rift. But, not in the typical romantic comedy kind of way, and I am SO glad for that. It's not the typical third-act breakup or anything, which I'm glad to have avoided. :D Yay!

The day I fall in love...?

Two weeks went by as Twilight, along with Spike, spent in their hometown. While the impending future was uncertain, at least their little visit was able to go by with relative ease.

According to Discord's “report” on the matter, he'd said that Fluttershy was doing just fine. No signs of heartbreak of any sort, but also no real progress on where she stood with Rainbow Dash in terms of their relationship. Stagnation, as it were. Twilight wasn't sure whether or not this was relieving, but at least she didn't have to worry any further.

He had also seen Ascentia coming out of the Carousel Boutique one afternoon. Naturally, Twilight was confused and wondered why she'd gone there. Discord gave her a grin and told her, “Why not ask her yourself?”

As much as she didn't want to admit it, he had a good point yet again.

Tonight was the night before they would be heading back to Ponyville, and she was staying with her parents, while Cadance and Shining Armor were spending time there as well. As she sat in her first bedroom ever, before living at the palace, Twilight looked around it. While it was converted into a guest room since then, it did still contain the old purple paint she remembered picking as a filly.

She exhaled, the slew of nostalgic memories had been flooding her mind since coming here, and were only the more stronger now.

“Twiley?”

Turning around, she came to see Shining Armor in the doorway.

“Hey, Shining.” Twilight smiled a bit. “I was just...well, lost in memories, I guess.”

“I don't blame you.” Shining Armor said, coming and sitting beside her. “Mom and Dad really have a way of making us feel like kids again, don't they? Sometimes I feel like I never left.”

“Me neither.” Twilight admitted, nuzzling against him, taking in his familiar musky, aqua scent. “It's like my entire life is a big fantasy whenever I'm here. Like everything that happened never quite did, and that I'm still just a young filly, playing in her bedroom.”

Chuckling, the white stallion ruffled her mane. “Heh, that's pretty true, isn't it? I feel that way, too. At the end of the day, I'm still married to Cadance, ruling the Crystal Empire alongside her, and Captain of the Royal Guard. But when I'm here, with you, Mom and Dad, I feel like I'm just that same young colt who had big dreams.”

Twilight stuck her tongue out playfully. “I remember. You always said 'I'm gonna be a big and strong pony! I'm gonna be a guard and protect my little sister and the city!' over and over.”

“And you always said you wanted to be a Princess. Like Princess Celestia!” Shining Armor grinned, laughing behind his hoof. “I remember when you were a little filly, you dressed up like a Princess, and tried to use your magic, but it never quite worked at first.”

“Are you never going to let me live that down?”

“Nope! I'm your brother. That's my job.”

“You're terrible.”

“I love you too.”

Smiling more, the lavender unicorn took in the room some more, seeing as she once remembered it. With all of her books, toys, clothes, and especially Smarty Pants. Both here and her old room at the palace were spent with many fun adventures, something Twilight couldn't help but miss. As a filly, everything seemed amazing, and so simple. Yet, a lot more complex than even she realized at the time.

Now that she'd grown, she realized just how much life can really make you feel unprepared. So many things happen left and right, big or small, and you can never truly feel ready for them. Try as you may, life was full of learning experiences and surprises. From a child's standpoint, it was an adventure, something amazing. As an adult, it was tough to face, but with no other choice but to endure it.

Yet, in the long run, the rewards were always worth it.

Now here, at home with her family, felt as if her life was one big dream. Something distant, yet so close.

Twilight exhaled, looking to her older brother. “Some things never change, do they?”

“I guess not.” Shining murmured, smiling at her. “Makes me miss those days, even if I'm happy with my life now.”

“...So am I.” She admitted softly. “There are a lot of great things in my life now, that I wouldn't trade for anything. Yet, I guess I can't help but miss the old days. All these memories just make it hard to realize that they'll never happen again. That those days are over, nothing but memories. All that's left is the present, then the future.”

“You got it, Twiley.” Shining Armor hugged her gently, then released her. “Come on, let's go back downstairs. Cadance is making her famous red velvet cake, and you know I'm not going to miss that!”

Giggling, Twilight nodded with agreement. “You said it, BBBFF. Let's go get cake!”

“Right back at you, LSBFF!”

The two siblings headed on downstairs, joining their parents, Spike and Cadance in the kitchen. At least tonight would be special in its own right, and be a perfect sendoff for when they would be heading home the next day.

Dear Princess Celestia,

A lot has happened since I came here, and I have to say that I've learned a lot. Sometimes it's better to let someone get their story out before you snap at them. It's better to hear both sides of a situation and assess the problem from there.

Emotions have a strange way of clouding your logical thinking, and that can be detrimental. Yet, there isn't much we can do about that. It's all part of what makes us ponies. We just have to do our best. And if worse comes to worse, make up for our mistakes and learn from them.

I also learned that it's not the best idea to let yourself worry about the future. It's always good to be cautious and approach things with a plan in mind, but it's also a good idea not to over-think it. You can drive yourself crazy with that, and I know that feeling all too well. Sometimes, you just have to wait until you're facing the problem head on before you can make a clear decision of what to do next. Sometimes you can't plan for things, you have to let them happen first.

We all make mistakes, even those we look up to will make mistakes. It's very humbling, it makes you realize that they're not so different from you. We all have our flaws, we all make mistakes within them, and we all end up in tough spots.

But there's always a way out. You just have to work hard to find it. Then to remember how far you've come.

As many wise ones have said: One does not achieve wisdom by simply staying alive. But to learn from failures and grow from them.

I couldn't agree with that more.

And I think I have a lot to do in the time to come.

Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle

The next morning, Twilight and Spike were at Canterlot Station, waiting on the train platform. Along with them were Shining Armor and Cadance, having come to see them off. It wasn't long before the train arrived, pulling up to the platform for passengers to disembark and board.

“Well, this is it, Twiley!” Shining Armor chuckled, hugging Twilight. “You two have a safe trip home. Be sure to write!”

“You know it, Shiny!” Twilight giggled, hugging her brother back. “I'm glad we could see each other, I had a great time.”

“We did too, little sis.” Chuckled the Royal Guard captain, letting her go. “Glad you could come!”

“I'll miss you, Twilight!” Cadance hugged her again. “I promise we'll come visit you soon, and you'd better be coming by the Crystal Empire when you can!”

Laughing with glee, Twilight hugged her sister-in-law back. “I promise, Cadance! I'll write to you about it! And you take care of baby snooks, okay? Keep me posted!”

The pink alicorn nodded. “Don't you worry, I'll keep you posted on that.”

“Thanks for everything!” Spike said, now coming back with their tickets. “I think Twilight's had all the recuperation she needs!”

“I'll say.” Shining Armor winked at him before nudging his wife.

Twilight rolled her eyes, but smiled anyway. “Very funny, guys. All right, Spike, let's go! Our train awaits!”

“After you, my lady!” Spike gave a bow, allowing Twilight to enter the train car first. He winked to Shining Armor and Cadance before he boarded as well.

As the train pulled out of the station, Shining glanced over at Cadance with a secretive smile. “So, it's true, isn't it?”

“You bet it is.” Cadance smirked playfully, giggling. “Now pay up.”

The train soon pulled up to Ponyville Station, where Twilight caught a full view of the platform. Sure enough, all of their friends were waiting for them. For a brief moment, she looked around, trying to spot a familiar figure.

Nothing.

She shrugged, deciding not to let it get to her. There would be plenty of time to take things along later.

“You ready?” Spike asked, taking their luggage.

Twilight nodded. “Yep, let's go, Spike.”

Disembarking off the train, Twilight smiled brightly as their friends came trotting over to greet them.

“Welcome back, Twilight and Spikey!” Pinkie squealed, hugging her. “We've got a welcome back party waiting for you at Sugarcube Corner first thing tonight at seven!”

“Awesome!” Spike grinned widely at the idea. “I can't wait!”

“Darling, you must have had a lovely time!” Rarity hugged Twilight as well. “You look very refreshed!”

“I feel a lot better, and pretty refreshed.” Twilight admitted, giggling a bit.

“Boy howdy, Ah'm sure glad yer feelin' better now, Twi!” Applejack cajoled, tipping her hat. “Welcome back!”

Fluttershy smiled and hugged Twilight as well. “Welcome back, I'm glad you had a good time, Twilight.”

“Heeeey!” Rainbow Dash swooped in, hugging them both. “Glad you're back!”

Greetings were made, hugs were exchanged, and soon they all headed back into town from the station. All seemed to be going well, as Twilight could see, which was a relief to her unease. However, there were still a couple of questions looming in her mind. What happened, where was Ascentia, and what was going to happen now?

But most prominently, Twilight wanted to know one other little thing.

“Rarity,” Twilight addressed the fashionista unicorn. “I heard that Ascentia went to your shop sometime last week. Why was that?”

“Why, she wanted help fixing her robes!” Rarity responded. “She came in that one day, and...well, due to my callous behaviour before, I had not wanted to impose upon her. So I asked what she needed, and she told me that she had some tears in her robes. I took them in, mended them as good as new, and then gave them back to her. It was a simple task, really, it took me less than half an hour to complete!”

Now Twilight understood, figuring it was something along those lines. It wasn't the first time Ascentia had requested Rarity's assistance in fixing her robes or any other kind of article of clothing she had, so it made sense.

“Why do you ask, darling?” Rarity queried.

“Oh, no reason. I just heard about it and wanted to know what was up.” Twilight shrugged. “Aside from that, have you guys seen her around?”

Applejack answered then, “She came by tha farm quite a few times ta help out. Ah don't reckon ta know why, but it was real nice o' her!”

“Really?” This surprised Twilight a bit. “She didn't say why?”

“Nnnope!” Applejack drawled in a similar manner to her brother. “All she said was that she felt like helpin' out, hangin' around a bit.”

“She came to watch me practice a couple times!” Rainbow Dash chimed in. “I don't get why, that's usually Fluttershy's job! But she came in and gave me some pointers on working on my coordination. I gotta say, for a creature who can't fly, she had good advice!”

“And she helped me clean up the kitchen at Sugarcube Corner! Then she even tried to bake cookies!” Pinkie said, and then lowered her voice. “She kept burning them!”

“Oh dear...” Twilight tried not to laugh at the hilarious thought.

“It was fun, though!” Pinkie grinned. “We even started talking about crazy things, like stories about baking meat and the bodies of ponies into cupcakes! Ha! What a silly thought! How would you bake meat of any kind into a cupcake? Even the texture wouldn't work well in the batter! That's just silly! You'd be able to taste it, even if you tried to hide it! But yeah, she asked me if that possible, and I told her in a very eloquent way that it wasn't. Then she looked at me with this confused face and said, 'Huh...those stories lied to me, then.'”

Twilight blinked, unsure about what to think of that. But she shrugged it off, deciding it didn't matter. “Well, at least you had fun, then.”

“She came to see me, too.” Fluttershy said softly. “She even helped me out with caring for some animals. I...well, I didn't really say much, but she was very helpful.”

“It's all kinda weird!” Said Rainbow, flying alongside them now. “I thought she didn't care about us.”

“That's not true.” Twilight said, shaking her head.

“Well...she does care about you the most, darling,” Rarity threw in.

“I-I know she does.” The unicorn looked away with a mild blush. “But she likes you guys just fine, you know that.”

“Ah jus' find it weird that she did all that she did without you tellin' her to. ...Did ya?” Applejack asked, curious.

“No, not really. I mean, I've always said I liked when she interacted with you guys, but I never actually told her to do anything. I guess she just took initiative.” Twilight shrugged a little.

Fluttershy smiled a little. “It was thoughtful of her, though.”

This made Twilight smile too. “Yeah, it was.”

After having settled in and unpacked, Twilight decided to just get certain matters over with. At least before the party taking place that evening. Thankfully, it was only after eleven by the time she was heading out, so she had plenty of time.

With the coordinates set, Twilight this time got it right. She was in Ascentia's abode, to which she realized might've been a bad idea. But as it seemed, the oxygen levels were artificially set right, since she found herself able to breathe just as well as she normally could. Relieved, she took a look around the room. No sign of her anywhere. Even when peering into the bedroom and bathroom, Ascentia was nowhere to be seen.

“Oh...she must be off doing something else, I guess.” Twilight shrugged, lifting herself onto the couch, taking a book from the shelf. “Looks like I'll just have to wait.”

Luckily, with so many books at her arsenal, Twilight didn't mind at all. If anything, it gave her more time to try to gather herself and prepare for when they would finally confront one another. After two weeks, with her mind much more at ease about it all, for the most part, she was ready. Ready to finally face the music and work things out.

Twilight read, glancing at the clock every now and then, and waited.

And waited.

And waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Before she knew it, she eventually fell asleep.

When had she fallen asleep? Twilight didn't even remember that happening. But there was no denying the fact that a period of darkness had come about when she was opening her eyes. It felt as if she had just been blinking, coming to realize where she was and what was happening. But what was this warm, heavier feeling?

The answer came in that she saw a warm, gray soft wool blanket draped over her body. Beneath her head was a foam pillow encased with a green pillow case. Yawning, the unicorn sat up on the couch, stretching her body a bit.

“Oh...when did I fall asleep...what time is it...” She mumbled to herself.

“It's two-thirty.” Ascentia's prompt response sounded.

Twilight yawned again, nodding. “Okay, thanks, Ascentia... Guess I'll get up and-”

Wait.

Her gaze snapped right over to the woman in question, who was standing near the couch with a feather duster in her hand. More suprisingly, she even had her long hair tied back into a ponytail, and a white hairband around her head. Twilight felt her heart drop and then freeze up, as if she were caught stealing.

“Wha-! Where?! What?! Ascentia, you...! When did you get back?” Twilight squeaked, wide-eyed.

“An hour ago, actually. I saw you curled up on the couch.” Ascentia shrugged, indicating to her with the feather duster. “You seemed a bit cold, so I gave you a blanket and pillow.”

“Oh...thank you...it's really warm.”

“You're welcome.”

“Right...” Twilight twiddled her hooves, looking away from her companion and biting her lip. This was a lot more awkward than it had to be. “So, um...what are you doing?”

“Cleaning up,” she said, going over to one of the end tables and dusting it off. “It was also getting a bit dusty in here, so I was tackling that, as well.”

“Oh...do you need help?”

Ascentia shook her head. “No, I can manage for now. Although, would you hold on to my sword? I'm going to dust the bookshelves.” She indicated to her weapon leaning against the nearby wall.

Nodding, Twilight got off the couch and picked up the weapon with her magic. She strapped it around her back to keep it secure.

“...Ascentia, look, about when I left...”

The Val'Kyr silenced her. “We'll talk about it later, Twilight. I promise.”

“So...you're not...mad? Upset?”

“No. Of course not. You needed time to get away, and sort your thoughts, just as anyone would. I've done so, myself.”

“...Well, okay... I'm going to go outside for a bit.” Twilight murmured, heading to the entrance.

“All right, just be careful out there. It's dangerous.”

Rolling her eyes, the unicorn kept walking, not looking back. “Yes, mommy.”

As Twilight stepped out onto the ledge of Ascentia's home, she took sight of the landscape before her. Ascentia's alvoce overlooked much of Equestria, and she could see for miles, the landscape of Ponyville clear in the distance.

She inhaled the artificially maintained air, taking a deep breath and plonking down onto her flank.

"You tread a dangerous road, Twilight Sparkle," came a soft voice behind her.

Startled, she whipped around and found herself eye to eye with Lord Ryder. His dark red irises piercing holes through her.

"Oh, you startled me," she said, backing away from his imposing stature.

"I have a tendency to do that," he replied, crouching down to her level.

"What did you mean, I was treading a dangerous road?" she asked.

"Ascentia," Ryder replied, "She trusted you with her blade."

"Yeah?"

"Our swords are not just a weapon. They are our hearts and spirits," he explained, "We forge them ourselves, and they are imbued with our power. Our weapons are what makes us unique among a sea of black and brown robes."

"Ascentia's robes are green," Twilight pointed out.

"Yes," Ryder laughed, "She spent countless days brewing the dye for her attire. You could say that the standard robes never meshed with her odd hair color."

Twilight giggled at the idea of someone like Ascentia fretting like Rarity over colors clashing.

"However," Ryder continued, "Ascentia, like any Val'Kyr, would not trust anyone but her mate with her sword."

"She just asked me to hold it while she cleaned her bookshelf," Twilight replied, shrinking down a little.

"Why would she do that when it simply appears and vanishes from her hand at her command?"

Twilight had no answer for him. Ascentia often summoned her sword out of thin air.

"A Val'Kyr would only trust their blade to their mate," Ryder continued, "And we mate for life."

Twilight looked up, "What are you saying?"

"I am saying that Ascentia has chosen you as her mate," Ryder explained, "A great gift."

"You mean... she expects me to..."

"She expects nothing of you," Ryder said, cutting across him, "Though she loves you deeply. She will guard your life with her own, and she will follow you on the most perilous of journeys."

Twilight sat back down. This information was a lot to take in, "Does she... should I..."

"I do not know what mating customs your race has," Ryder replied, "But should you choose to pursue such a relationship with Ascentia, you shall have my blessing. As both her Master and her Father."

"You're her-"

"I have raised and trained her since she was but a small girl," Ryder explained, "She has no other parents to speak of."

"Well, we've actually already been..."

"I am not referring to mere coitus," Ryder replied, again interrupting her.

"You mean... she would... consider..."

"She would not have given you her sword if she did not have such feelings toward you," he explained, "However, the choice belongs to you. Even if you decide not to progress in such a manner with her, she will still forever be your friend."

Her mind was reeling with all this information, she wasn't even sure what to make of it all. She knew the truth, the extensive truth of Ascentia's feelings for her. While she knew all too well that the woman cared deeply about her, but to that extent, while possible, was not what she thought was on the forefront.

“But...I don't get it. Why didn't she tell me? I mean, I'm sure that even she would feel apprehensive about admitting her feelings, anyone would be. But, why tell me like this?” Twilight wanted to know.

Ryder gave a sigh, looking toward the abode, then back at her. “I cannot speak for her directly, but I can say this. I think that it's because she doesn't want to put that kind of pressure on you. Not necessarily in returning the feelings, that can't be helped no matter how you feel. But rather, she knows well of your fascination with our kind. You admire her power greatly, don't you?”

Twilight nodded. “Of course I do. I think it's amazing.”

“And understandably so, many who are not at our own levels of power and abilities, whatever they may be, will indeed admire it. Much like anyone would admire power. You look up to your mentor, Princess Celestia, in that same kind of regard. She is wise, powerful, and a benevolent ruler, so it is no wonder.”

“But, what does that have to do with this?”

“As I'd said, Ascentia does not wish to take advantage of that and pressure you in such a way. Having someone who would immediately commit to you can be a very shocking, jarring prospect,” he explained.

Twilight bit her lip, catching on to what he was trying to say. “Ascentia can't help how she feels, and it's understandable that she follows these customs.”

“Absolutely. Though, I suppose she hasn't told you of cetain things in her past?” Ryder looked to her pointedly.

“No.” Twilight shook her head. “I mean, she's told me some things here and there and a lot of other kinds of stories. But nothing much involving...mate-related stuff. I know she's had experience in intimacy, but even that was vague.”

“I see. Well, it isn't my place to say them, but perhaps someday, she will further explain things to you. At the moment, though,” he stood up, “she has found that worth in you. I don't doubt that you care deeply about her, Twilight Sparkle. But don't feel that you must return these feelings. As I said, she will always be your friend. No matter what.”

He disappeared, leaving the unicorn alone with her thoughts. Now that she knew the truth, knew about where she stood in the eyes of Ascentia, she had so much more to think about.

'Do I love her back? I mean, I know there's something there... She is one of my closest friends, I trust her very much, and I enjoy her company. But...love? Do I love her? I don't know...'

Later on, Twilight returned inside, all while taking the sword from her body and holding it up with her magic. Ascentia, seeing this, took it in her hand and then made it disappear. She was now sitting at the table, drinking some tea, with another cup and saucer already set up across from her. Wordlessly, Twilight joined her, pouring some tea for herself.

“Don't be coy. I know why you let me hold on to your sword.” Twilight stated.

This made Ascentia smile slightly, but she didn't say anything.

“...You really did do it on purpose, didn't you?”

Ascentia sipped her tea, still smiling at her. Not in a mocking or teasing way, but more in an amused sense.

“I know why now, and I know what it means. Lord Ryder explained it to me. You only trust your weapon, which is more than just a sword, to someone you trust. Namely, your mate. Because you take being with someone seriously, it's no wonder you'd entrust them with your weapon. And you gave it to me right now. When you had no reason to. You keep it in freaking hammerspace and can summon it at will, there's no chance that it gets in the way and you need someone, namely me, to hold on to it for you while you work on chores.” Twilight took a sip of her own cup to soothe her nerves. “And with everything I learned... You're in love with me.”

“Yes.” Ascentia set her cup down onto the saucer, then wrung her fingers as she set her hands onto the table. “But before we get to that, I think we have other matters to discuss.”

This caught the unicorn off guard for a moment, but she knew that she was right. “Oh! Well, yes. You're right. Listen, I really wanted to apologize for snapping at you like I did, and I-”

The woman held her hand up to silence her. “Twilight, don't be. I understand that you were angry. You had every right to be.”

“I spoke to Princess Luna while I was in Canterlot, she told me what happened.” Twilight interjected. “She sincerely regretted what she had done, and knew that it was wrong. I understood why you got angry, and reacted like you did. I don't blame you for it.”

Shaking her head, the Val'Kyr sipped her tea before answering. “I will say that I do understand why you were angry, and you had every right to be. But it does not change what happened, and it does not change that I enjoyed every second of it. For that, I will not apologize, nor will I explain myself further of it. I don't expect you to sympathize with my reasoning, or even my courses of action, nor do I ask you to.”

“But I'm still sorry. I didn't give you a chance to explain yourself, even if you wanted to.”

“I understand, but you didn't have to. What happened has happened, there is nothing I can say or do that will change it. Regardless of it all, I do regret having hurt you. But there is nothing I can do to help change it.” Despite her words, an unreadable look overcame her features.

“...I guess sometimes... I forget that you're not like me...or a lot of ponies... I forget that you follow a different agenda, guidelines, and everything.” Twilight looked down at the table. “I forget that everything here is unlike you. And sometimes... I feel like I'm trying to change you, to 'tame' you, to make you...understand.”

Reaching over, the woman touched her hoof gently. “You don't. Your ways, even the ways in this land, are just different from my own, from those of my kind. To be honest, being here is much like placing a children's fictional character into an R-Rated horror movie. Or even placing Anakin Skywalker in my place, in a sense.”

This remark amused Twilight a bit as she smiled.

“This world is like that, a place of right and wrong, where evil exists and where good is there to combat against it. Where I come from, that's unrealistic and comes from fictional stories and fairy tales. There is no good and evil, not in the same way it seems to be right here. Our worlds are two very different places, with different kinds of outlooks on life, those we oppose against, and how we live.” Ascentia shook her head lightly, finishing her tea.

Giving a nod, the unicorn sipped her tea as well. “You're right about that. Sometimes the things you talk about can really knock me off my hooves. Yet, at the same time, you do all have good points.”

“Well, that's just it. Neither of our ways are right or wrong. It's how we are. There are good points and bad points, neither is worse or better than the other. That's just how it is. You disagree with many of mine, yet agree with others and vice-versa. There may be objective points in between, but it also isn't defined by a black and white scale. Your ways work for you, mine work for me. You know the term 'People do what works', don't you?”

Twilight nodded. “Of course.”

“Let me guess, it's just ponified. 'Ponies do what what works', right?” This time, Ascentia smiled.

“How did you ever guess?” Twilight couldn't fight off her smile. “Well, you know what? I don't want you to change who you are, just for my sake. Why would you? I mean, learning from mistakes and growing up from them is one thing, but to drastically alter yourself is...well, that's lying to everyone and yourself, isn't it?”

“Exactly. I would never ask you to change your ways, or who you are. I wouldn't love you if I expected that of you.” The woman leaned over a little. “Don't think you must change, Twilight.”

“And I won't ask you to change, either. I'm sorry if it seemed that way.” Twilight touched her hand with her hoof.

Chuckling, Ascentia reached over and tousled her mane. “Don't you pull a Fluttershy on me, you silly.”

“Hey, I'm trying to bear my soul here! Give me a break.” Twilight pouted.

“You amuse me so much.”

“Shut up.”

Poking her snout, Ascentia just smiled. “You don't have to worry about that. I have never felt pressured to change my ways. So don't worry.”

“....Okay, I won't.” Twilight got off her chair, and then came around to hug her. “Thanks a lot. I'm glad we had this talk.”

“So am I.” She returned the hug, stroking her mane gently. “Twilight, I want you to know that you can be honest about how you feel of things with me. If I do something that upsets you, tell me. I won't apologize, I won't explain further than I need to, but I will listen to you and try to understand how you feel. I will take it into account, if nothing else.”

“I think I can live with that. And you do the same for me, too. If I say or do something that offends you, I'm going to apologize whether you like it or not. I know you don't apologize, but I do.” Twilight said firmly.

Ascentia briefly nodded. “I understand, Twilight. Fair enough.”

“But overall, let's be honest with each other, okay?”

“Absolutely.” Nodded the Val'Kyr, kissing her forehead. “Now, I do believe we still have time before the party. Is there anything you'd like to do in the meantime?”

“Well, we do have two weeks of stuff to catch up on, some books to read, and some blankets!” Twilight clapped her hooves eagerly. “I think our afternoon is booked solid.”

Ascentia smiled, ruffling her mane again. “You're so adorable. Let's get to it, then.”

Much later on, the sweet fun party at Sugarcube Corner was in full swing. While Pinkie did of course go all out to make a fun welcome back party, it was still just an inatimate setting. It was just the six of them, along with Spike, and also Ascentia coming along for the ride.

Although welcome-back parties weren't necessary, Twilight still found it to be a fun idea to spend time with her friends again. Most especially after having been gone for two weeks, it was nice to get back into the swing of things and just have fun. Tensions were gone, bouts were resolved, and she had a whole set of things to mull over. Yes, they would indeed be tough to sort out, but at least she wasn't worried anymore. At least not in the same manner as before.

It wasn't the first time Ascentia joined them for a party or some kind of group event, either. While she may not have been a “party animal”, considering she mostly did the observing, it was clear she seemed perfectly fine with being there. She was even chatting with whoever happened to be near her, a lot more than Twilight expected.

'I guess she took some chances to reach out to them more.' Twilight thought, observing all over friends, smiling. 'That's nice of her. I wouldn't go as far as to say BFF's, but at least she seems to like spending time with them.'

Hearing loud laughter, the unicorn turned to see Applejack and Rainbow Dash in the middle of what looked to be a stare off. Curious, she went closer to see what they were talking about.

“If ya can handle it, then Ah'll dare ya. Fer one of 'em free Darin' Challenge T-Shirts they give out.” Applejack said, smirking.

“Then bring it, AJ!” Grinned the cyan pegasus. “Name the challenge!”

Looking toward a makeshift stage, the farm pony winked at Rarity, before turning back to the daredevil. “Ah dear ya ta go fer that there 'Sing A Love Song With A Mare' t-shirt!”

This of course made Rainbow's eager smirk fade ever slightly.

“With Fluttershy, I might add!” Rarity threw in.

“...Fine! Challenge accepted!” Rainbow declared, as if she weren't even hesitating. “C'mon, Flutters! Let's go! We can take this!”

What a hilarious dare this was going to be! Twilight was sure glad she wasn't going to miss this. She knew all too well that Rainbow Dash would never turn down a dare, much less the chance to get a free t-shirt. It was amazing how Fluttershy ended up agreeing to playing along, considering her own insecurities and fears of performing in front of others. Luckily, it was only the six of them, plus Spike and also Ascentia, so there wasn't much problem.

Sitting back, the unicorn watched as her two pegasus friends went up to the small platform serving as the stage. Applejack and Rarity went over to the karaoke machine, making a selection. Twilight couldn't hear what they were saying, but it was clear by the smiles on their faces that they had a diabolical plan in mind. She wasn't sure what was so diabolical about it, the idea of the t-shirt was to get up there with another mare and sing a love song. Maybe it was exactly what love song they were choosing?

Sure enough, Rainbow Dash looked at the screen on her side and made a face before turning to their friends with a glare. Flutteshy meanwhile looked a mixture of uncertain, yet pretty happy.

Now Twilight was curious, wondering just how it was going to go. Most especially in the fact that the two pegasi had certain matters going on. The big “would they or wouldn't they?” question was looming in on her mind, and she wondered if the rest of their friends thought the same.

The music started, and Twilight perked a bit, “Oh, this should be good... ” She giggled.

Ascentia glanced over at her, clearly amused. “Indeed. This is going to be something. I suppose the sight of Rainbow Dash singing a romance song would be considered a huge feat.”

Twilight snickered. “You have no idea.”

On stage, Rainbow Dash took the lead and started singing the first verse.

“Just an ordinary day
Started out the same old way
Then I looked into your eyes and knew
Today would be a first for me
The day I fall in love” She sang, sounding awkward and unsure, but still trying her best. Her eyes drifted toward Fluttershy for a brief moment, then snapped away when the said pony looked at her.

Not missing her cue, Fluttershy sang the next verse, softly and with nervous uncertainty. But still with giving her best, as well.

“On the day I fall in love
Sky will be a perfect blue
And I'll give my heart forever more
To somepony who is just like you
The day I fall in love.”

Twilight's eyes trained on her friends as she listened further, amazed. Most especially when Rainbow and Fluttershy were singing the next verses together. Surprisingly, the awkwardness and discomfort they'd had in their singing were slowly beginning to fade. There was more passion, more effort, and it felt less like they were reading lyrics off of a screen and more like reciting it from their hearts.

All around, it seemed like something out of a typical romance film. Cheesy, super sweet, adorable, and meant to be taken as such. To see it actually happening felt a combination of surreal, and yet so downplayed, despite it being a near-perfect rendition of a typical scene.

Her eyes drifted to Ascentia, who was still watching the performance attentively. It was hard to tell what she was thinking about.

Catching her gaze, the woman looked over at her, then ruffled her mane. Twilight giggled, her lips stretching into a smile.

Looking back to the platform, Rainbow and Fluttershy were then singing the next verse together. But not only that, they weren't even looking at the screens anymore at the moment. Instead, they were looking at each other.

“Ponies all say love is wonderful
That the bells will ring and birds will sing
The skies will open
I wonder where's that great big symphony?”

Rainbow Dash came closer to Fluttershy, a little smile coming to her face now as she sang in a little ad-lib. “I'll be your Beethoven”

Smiling, Fluttershy didn't miss a beat as she continued, “Roll over Beethoven-”

“Come and play with me”

Twilight giggled at this. It was nice to see the levity coming back between them as they were really getting into the song together. If there had been any doubt that they would make it through and get the t-shirts, it was all gone now.

A song of how ordinary it really was to fall in love. How normal it actually was, not in the same others made it out to be. Nothing grand nor spectacular occurred, it just happened. Like on any other ordinary day. That it was a feeling you just knew. Twilight felt that this concept made so much sense. It was all about feeling. Not a thing happened overall, yet it felt that way.

'It's exactly how it feels. Nothing big happens, there's no angels singing or anything like movies make it out to be. You just feel it, you know it. That's all.'

“Just an ordinary day
Started out the same old way
Then I looked into your eyes and knew
“Today would be-” Rainbow and Fluttershy sang together, still coming closer to one another. Their eyes were locked and their smiles grew, looking more relaxed than ever.

Fluttershy reached over and gently touched Rainbow's cheek with her hoof, drawing back a bit of her mane. The tender gesture was making the daredevil blush, but made no attempt to stop her.

“-a first for me” Fluttershy sang.

Rainbow sang then, “A first for me”

“The day I fall in love
The day I fall in love” They finished together.

Eyes going wider, Twilight tensed as she could swear they would kiss on stage. They were so close together, most especially their faces. Rainbow's smile faded as she looked to Fluttershy with an unreadable gaze. Fluttershy on the other hoof had despondency in her eyes, almost pleading.

But instead, they nuzzled one another before they replaced the microphones. With a big grin, Rainbow Dash waved erratically while Fluttershy blushed immensely, but stood tall and proud nonetheless, smiling at their friends. Hopping off the stage, they parted ways to do their own thing.

Biting her lip, Twilight wasn't sure what to think. The display was absolutely adorable and there had been a clear genuine passion and chemistry between them. But what if it really was that one-sided? She wasn't sure, and knew that going forth to them about it wouldn't help.

She felt Ascentia's hand run through her mane gently, whether in comfort or in mere play, she didn't know. Either way, it was what she needed to relax.

“Twi-Twi!” Pinkie dashed over, a blindfold in her hoof. “Time to play some pin-the-tail-on-the-pony! And since you and Spikester are who we're welcoming back, you first!”

“Go ahead, Twilight.” Ascentia gently nudged her toward the pink earth pony. With the amusement in her tone, it was clear that she was not going to miss this.

Rolling her eyes, Twilight accepted. “All right, Pinkie. Bring it on.”

After the party, Twilight carried a sleeping Spike on her back, walking alongside Ascentia. The pair was silent, without much to say as they traversed back to the library. Though calm by now, a surge of rushing excitement and happiness overtook the unicorn as she felt herself smiling. The warmth within her heart and body only grew, filling her with a sense of joy. Even with the nitpicks of issues poking at the back of her mind, she didn't let them deter her.

Eventually, they made it back, heading inside and closing the door behind them. Once the room was illuminated, Twilight headed upstairs and placed Spike into his bed. Making sure her baby dragon friend was tucked in safe and sound, she nuzzled him before heading back downstairs.

Sure enough, Ascentia was sitting on the floor, her gaze staring out the window. The only other presence in the room was Owlyoiscious, who was wide awake and keeping watch.

Twilight yawned a bit, taking a seat next to her companion.

“Feeling tired?” Ascentia said.

“A little. It's been a pretty long day.” Twilight murmured. “But I guess I feel better now, so that's good.”

A smile overcame the Val'Kyr's scarred features. “I'm glad you feel better. I suppose we did indeed have tension between us. I hope you know it was not my intention.”

“No...it wasn't, and it wasn't my intention, either,” said the unicorn, leaning against her a little. “But like I said, I'm glad we managed to talk and get it all out.”

“As am I,” Ascentia murmured, not quite looking at her, but brought an arm around her, “it helped to get it all out on the table.”

“Mm-hmm...” Twilight nestled against her a bit, managing to relax.

For a while, the two remained silent as the quiet, soothing sounds of the night filled the room. As much as that air of tension was cleared, Twilight knew all too well of the other elephant in the room. All day, she'd had snippets of thinking about the fact, but never quite extensively. Now here she was, alone with her, and it felt very familiar. Like the very first night they'd been together like this. To think it was barely three weeks ago, when it felt like so long ago, yet like only yesterday.

She sighed, looking up toward the ceiling, feeling a cool breeze from the open window flowing in.

“So...okay, let me get this straight. You love me.”

“Yes, we've established that.”

“And...?”

Ascentia looked down at her, then shrugged. “And what?”

“What do you mean, 'and what'?” Twilight parotted, baffled, “That's all you have to say?”

“I think you know the extent of everything, don't you? Well, what else is there to say of it?”

“Um, a lot!” Twilight exclaimed.

“All right, then tell me,” the Val'Kyr said, eyeing her.

Biting her lip, the unicorn tried to gather her throughts. All the while, she came around the woman, and rose up, placing her forehooves onto her shoulders. She had to get this out, to be able to talk more about it, since her body was going nuts right now.

“I don't know how I really feel, okay? To be honest, I'm really confused. I-I know there's something there, and I know I care about you a lot!” Twilight managed, looking around her nervously. “Oh, man...this is harder than I thought!”

“Calm down, Twilight,” Ascentia told her in a firm, but soothing tone. “Just take your time.”

“But I just... I really don't want to say anything like it until I know for sure. And I know you're not...trying to force me or anything, and I don't feel pressured. I just... I want to be able to really think about it. I'm not about to brush it off like it's nothing and just ignore it. I want to give you am honest answer. I just...can't give it right now.”

Twilight bit her lip, and then nuzzled her head under her friend's chin. Ascentia embraced her, a lot closer than usual. She melted into the embrace, closing her eyes.

“I understand. Whatever my Master told you is true. However you feel will not change how I feel. I don't want you to feel pressured, nor to make any promises you cannot keep.”

“I-I know...but what if I really don't? I know you take these things seriously, and I know I'd take any relationship I have seriously... But would it be worth it if your love for me was one-sided?”

Ascentia smiled. “It wouldn't be one-sided. Only in terms of romance. But beyond that, the platonic love we share will always be mutual.”

“...True....” Twilight murmured, seeing what she meant. “But, what about being friends with benefits? Isn't that...are you sure?”

“I told you a million times now, it's fine. I'm happy to service you.”

“Stop saying it like that. It sounds like you're my slave or an employee.”

Ascentia chuckled. “Maybe I am your slave, Master Twilight.”

“Very funny.” Twilight stuck out her tongue. “...Okay, fine. Look, we'll just...keep things going and see what happens. We won't rush anything and won't make promises we can't keep. We'll let it evolve naturally. I just... I need to think.”

“Take all the time you need. I'm not rushing you. I'm only being honest about how I feel,” the woman ran a hand through her mane.

Smiling, the unicorn nuzzled her. “Now saying you love me will have a whole different meaning. But I don't mind at all.”

They shared a little laugh, embracing once more.

“By the way, I heard from my friends that you'd been spending time with them lately.” Twilight pilled back a little, curious.

Ascentia shrugged mildly. “I see you heard. Well, I don't really have a reason beyond the fact that I had wanted to merely reach out more to them.”

“That's really nice of you.”

“It isn't about that, I just wanted to. They're good company in their own ways.”

“Even Pinkie?”

“Let's just say that she grew on me.”

Twilight giggled, smiling in understanding. “I know what you mean. When I first met her, I thought she was annoying and crazy. But as I got to know her and spend more time with her, I realized just how much of a delight and a good friend she really is. She's just...Pinkie being Pinkie. Besides, she makes me laugh. And I wouldn't change her for the world.”

“I know you wouldn't, Twilight.”

Feeling her body relax, Twilight turned herself so that she was sitting up between the woman's legs, laying her back against her stomach. Robed arms came around her, as did Ascentia's cheek laying against the top of her head. Smiling, the unicorn felt comforted in the embrace, closing her eyes.

'The day I fall in love...?'

Author's Note

You know one movie I love? Beethoven's 2nd. It was a film I grew up with since childhood, and actually the first of the franchise I ever saw. I saw it before I saw the first film. Which I also really like. :D Even upon re-watching the film today, I still love it. One thing I remember, is the song included. "The Day I Fall I Love" by James Ingram and Dolly Parton. It's a sweet song, playing over an especially adorable scene with Beethoven and Missy at the drive-in. Oh Beethoven, you're awesome. I will name a St-Bernard after you one day!

And ever since, now that I'm older and understand the lyrics and its content, I think I just felt entranced with feels. Then of course, I got the idea to incorporate it somehow. Then the karaoke scene was created. <3

Well, this is now the longest chapter, and took some time for me to perfect. But luckily, the end result turned out just as well. So yay for that!

Love Affair

But I found what we lost
Time was all, all it cost
Love was always there
Knowing someday I would share
In a life-long love affair with you
~Love Affair - K.D. Lang (Twister Soundtrack)

A week or so following Twilight and Spike's return to Ponyville, they'd gotten back into the swing of things. On a normal basis, so to speak, since no such big events had occurred in the past while. Everything seemed to be as normal as could be, with everypony just going about their days as normal.

On this particular day, Twilight was heading over to Fluttershy's to bring over some tea. Cadance had sent her some in the mail, which turned out to be delicious. Since she sent quite a bit, she decided to share it with her friends, and knew that Fluttershy, who was into drinking tea herself, would appreciate it.

However, upon arrival, she came upon a surprising sight. At least, as it transcended. Twilight could see, from where she stood, that Discord was with Fluttershy at the moment. But not only that, Fluttershy was crying. Although she couldn't hear what they were saying, it was clear that she was sobbing.

For a moment, the unicorn was just about ready to charge in, much like Applejack, and defend her friend. Discord making her cry was not something she was going to let go, but the moment she just about hunched over, the surprise came about.

Fluttershy looked up at him with teary eyes before she then threw her forelegs around his form and began to cry into his torso. Much like a child would in seeking comfort from an understanding friend or family member. Not only that, but Discord looked at her with genuine concern and sadness before gently patting her in comfort.

Twilight was shocked. It dawned on her that Discord didn't make her cry. Whatever made her upset had nothing to do with him. Relief flooded through her, glad to see that she was wrong about him yet again. She even felt heartwarmed to see that the very Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony was actually displaying compassion and trying to comfort Fluttershy. Nothing about it was deceitful or ironic.

However, that did still raise the question as to what Fluttershy was crying about. As much as the shy mare was very sensitive and wore her heart on her sleeve, there still had to be something wrong ahoof. Twilight bit her lip, trying to consider the possibilities, but had nothing conclusive. It could've been anything. Either way, she felt awful for her friend and wanted to do what she could to help her.

Slowly, she approached them, getting close enough to hear that Fluttershy was indeed crying with pain. There was no laughter nor any joy in her sobs, nothing that suggested she was crying happily. This was sorrow.

“Fluttershy? Fluttershy...are you okay?”

The creamy yellow pegasus was startled, but looked over at Twilight with wide, teary, puffy, bloodshot eyes.

“T-Twilight... No, I'm not...”

Stricken, Twilight looked up at Discord questioningly. He didn't respond, he just merely nudged his head toward Fluttershy. Understanding, the unicorn looked back at her friend, slowly approaching her again.

“What happened? Is everything okay? Did one of your animal friends get hurt? Did Angel eat another sock?”

Fluttershy shook her head, trembling a bit under Discord's embrace. She managed to look at her slightly, her lips quivering.

“I-I...Rainbow Dash...she...she...she doesn't...”

“Doesn't what?” Twilight prompted.

“She doesn't love me!” Fluttershy near-wailed, and then buried her face into the draconnequus' chest, sobbing brokenheartedly.

The words struck Twilight like a hit to the head with a baseball bat. Even though it affected Fluttershy far more, it didn't bring any sort of comfort. She'd been right all along? Rainbow Dash really didn't feel the same way?

“Is it true?” Twilight asked Discord, hoping against all hope that Fluttershy may have misunderstood something.

Discord nodded slowly. “She told her earlier this morning, and Rainbow Dash gently turned her down before flying off.”

“...Oh....” Twilight gulped, unable to conceive the notion that he might've been lying. But she had never seen him this solemn or this serious, which was pretty much all she needed to know. “Oh...Fluttershy, I'm so sorry.”

“D-D-Don't be...it's not your fault...” Fluttershy sniffled. “I-I just...I....I'll be fine...I'm just... I need time... Just...just give me time, Twilight.”

Feeling tears of her own come to her eyes, all the unicorn could do was nod. She looked to Discord with a tiny smile of gratitude, which he returned. Deciding to leave them alone for a while, she placed the packet of tea onto the ground, then turned to go. She looked back, seeing that Fluttershy was still crying and seeking her chaotic friend for comfort, which he was providing without hesitation.

Heart having since sunk, all Twilight could feel was the sorrow and loss of her friend's happiness in finding love. At the same time, she felt anger, but knew she had no reason to. Nonetheless, she felt as if she would either burst into rage or tears. As well as that, uncertainty. What was she to do now? She'd never had the chance to deal with somepony who had a broken heart like this.

Back at the library, Twilight stared dully at her plate, which consisted of a daisy sandwich. Spike had prepared it for her as a quick lunch, but she found herself at a loss of appetite. Nothing seemed good to her now, anything food-like were big red flags, warning her that she wouldn't feel good if she ate something. Her stomach seemed to churn and sit still, emitting neither pain nor hunger, but just there, feeling aware of its movements.

“Twilight? Are okay? You haven't even touched your sandwich.” Spike said, looking concerned.

Pushing her plate away, the unicorn sighed and lay her head on the table. “I'm not hungry.”

“You didn't even eat breakfast, all you had was some tea,” he pointed out, coming up beside her. “Did something happen?”

Sighing, Twilight managed to lift herself up to nuzzle him gently. “I just feel bad for Fluttershy.”

“And why is that?” Came Ascentia's voice.

When the unicorn looked up, she saw the woman in question standing in the doorway, drying a plate with a dish towel. Twilight didn't even have the strength to ask how and when she got there.

“What do you care,” she muttered, looking away, “it doesn't concern you.”

“Perhaps not, but it seems to be troubling you, and I want to know why.”

Twilight didn't answer. Instead, she got up, headed to her room, and closed the door. Plopping onto her bed, the lavender pony sighed heavily, staring listlessly at nothing.

For a long while, she didn't know how long, the unicorn lay there limply, trying to wrack her mind around everything. The visibly despondent Fluttershy was a heart-shattering image she knew she wouldn't forget. All because of rejection.

'It's not fair... Fluttershy loves Rainbow Dash...but she doesn't feel the same way. She even rejected her. How could she! How could she do that?! What, is Fluttershy not good enough for her?! Why I oughta-wait. Why am I getting upset? Okay, I need to settle down. I haven't heard Rainbow's side of the story, and I don't know what either of them said. Discord did say that Rainbow gently turned her down. ...Okay, fine. Fair enough. But now Fluttershy is heart broken... I feel so bad for her. She doesn't deserve this. How could Rainbow do that?! No no, don't get angry at her. She didn't do anything wrong. But what do we do now? What if it really affects their friendship? What if it affects all of us? What then?'

There was a knock at her bedroom door.

“Not now! I'm trying to think, here!”

“Twilight, it's me!” Said a new voice.

Ears perked, Twilight sat up straight upon hearing that voice. She knew it anywhere.

“...Cadance?”

A light blue aura of magic surrounded the door, then opened partway to reveal Cadance. She came in, closing the door behind her, and looking to her with concern.

“Cadance...? Why are you here?” Twilight asked, sitting up and rubbing her eyes.

“Shining and I came to visit, we just got here and wanted to surprise you.” The pink alicorn said, coming over sitting beside her, draping a wing over her body. “Spike and Ascentia told us that you were feeling upset, and that it had to do with one of your friends. They wanted to help, but they told me that it was probably best that I come talk to you.”

“...My friend Fluttershy....she was rejected, when she confessed her feelings for our friend Rainbow Dash...” Twilight mumbled, leaning into her sister-in-law, taking in her comforting scent. “I didn't see it happen, but I saw her crying earlier.”

“Oh...so that's the problem. Well, gosh, what a shame. I mean, rejection isn't fun, is it?” Cadance frowned, shaking her head.

“No... But it wasn't because of some random pony she barely knew. It's Rainbow, her best friend since fillyhood. They have a history together, something the rest of us never really had with one another.” Twilight sniffled a bit. “She really loved her.”

The alicorn snuggled her closer. “I know exactly how she feels. Back when I first told Shining Amor that I had a crush on him...he also turned me down.”

Snapping her gaze up to her sister-in-law, Twilight's jaw dropped. “What?! He did?!”

“He did,” Cadance giggled. “and I was really heartbroken. Sure, I was a little younger than Fluttershy is at the time, but it didn't hurt any less. By then, I'd known him for years, he was one of my best friends. I knew for sure that I had romantic feelings for him, and wanted to date him. I'd been with a couple of colts in the past, but I didn't love them like I loved him. So, we hung out one evening, just doing what we usually do. That was when I told him how I felt, and he...well, he was flattered and understanding, but he didn't love me back.”

“Wow...that's really sad...” Twilight's ears drooped at the thought of her own brother and foalsitter having gone through something like that. Most especially how sad Cadance must have been at the time.

“Yep, it was a tough time. I cried for days, locked myself in my room, ate tub after tub of ice cream, watched sad movies, the works. The typical thing a girl does after a breakup or rejection!” Cadance rolled her eyes at those memories. “And then, I felt better. I started doing things to keep my mind off everything, I looked back at old photos of you and me, I spent time with my friends, and did more studying in being a Princess. I eventually moved on. But I still loved him, and it was kind of sad I couldn't be with him, but I wasn't bawling about it like I did at first.”

“Wait...you said you moved on, didn't you?”

“I did! But getting over somepony and moving on aren't the same thing, Twilight.”

“Ohh...” The unicorn murmured, nodding. “So what happened after that?”

Cadance smiled, nuzzling her. “Well, we were still friends after that, even if I felt a bit awkward. I didn't want to burden him with my feelings, or make him feel weird, you know? As an Alicorn and a Princess, I didn't want him to feel pressured. Well, he accepted my feelings and was still my friend after that. He even said he was worried about me feeling too depressed and embarrassed to stay friends. But frankly, I knew losing him was a much bigger fear I had.

“Anyway, so it was sometime later, I'm not sure how long, but Shining took me out one night. We did what we always did, go wherever we liked to eat lunch or dinner, maybe see a movie, all that good stuff. Then he gave me a flower, my favourite kind of flower. A purple cosmos! That was when he said he was in love with me. As it turned out, he was in denial about his feelings for me, and didn't even really know how to act on them. So he finally came to terms with everything, and wanted to try giving me a chance, if I still wanted him... He asked me out. I said yes, big surprise!”

Letting the story sink in, Twilight could barely believe that her own former foalsitter, and her brother, had gone through this kind of thing. She knew from having seen them again (the real Cadance) that they were very much in love. Nopony would've been able to guess that they'd gone through a rough patch before finally getting together. While Cadance was certainly younger than the Princesses, she did still have an air of a life experience, at least from a standpoint of growing from a filly into a mare, which was relatable to the average pony. She really was truly a big sister to her, just as a sister would be.

“We were together after that for quite a few years,” Cadance went on, smiling at the memories, “and no relationship is perfect. We had tough times, I even had moments where I was afraid we'd eventually beak up. Sure, spreading love is my special talent, but I didn't dare use it on ourselves. But beyond that, I knew that our love was worth fighting for. And now, here we are! We've been married for a couple of years now, and we're having a foal. I have to say, even though he rejected me, I'm still glad I did it. Let's just say it was the kick start our relationship growing needed.”

“Wow.” Twilight was amazed, smiling and making a mental note to talk to Shining Armor about this. “That's great, Cadance! I always thought you guys would be cute together, and I always wanted you to be my sister! Of course, I was a filly and I had a good feeling it would never happen.”

The Crystal princess giggled with glee, nuzzling her sweetly. “Oh Twilight, I know how you feel! If there is one little bonus I'm always thankful for, it's because we're sisters.”

They embraced, full of giggles, most especially Twilight, as she began to feel a bit better.

“Thanks, Cadance. I guess overcoming a broken heart really isn't as hard as others say it is, is it?”

“Well, I can't say that in the strictest way. We all have different coping mechanisms, as well as recovering at different rates. But, if you do try, give yourself time to grieve and let out how you feel, it helps. Then all you have to do is get back in the game and move on with your life. That's the greatest thing you can do for yourself.” Cadance nodded. “Fluttershy will be okay. She has great friends for support, and she'll survive. She just needs the time to do that. That's part of it too. We need time to be alone with our thoughts, to be away from the person who broke our heart. We'll seek comfort when we want it, but sometimes, we just want to be alone.”

“So...you didn't hate my brother for it? I mean, I can understand if you'd be angry...” Twilight hesitated in asking this, but wanted to learn further.

Cadance shook her head. “Absolutely not. I can't say I was a bit...miffed, even to where I wanted to yell at him for hurting me...but, as I took time to myself and calmed down, I put it into perspective. Shining did the right thing by being honest with me. If he had lied to me, just for the sake of my happiness, and led me on, gave me false hope, and I'd find out about it... You can imagine that it's a lot worse than rejection.”

That was true enough. Twilight knew she was right, since lies and deception about that kind of thing would be far more hurtful on the receiving party.

“Lying to you and himself.” Twilight concluded.

“Exactly. One of the worst things you could do.”

Considering it further, Twilight knew now all the more what a disaster it would've been if Rainbow did in fact lie to Fluttershy like that. There was no possible way it would end very well. She did have to admittedly give her credit for being honest and not leading Fluttershy on into lies and deceit.

“Well... I just wish I knew what I could do to help,” the unicorn murmured, looking out toward the window now. “They're my friends, and I want them to be happy.”

“Aww, I know you do.” Cadance brought her closer with a foreleg. “But there isn't much you can do, except to just be there for them when they need it. Just as you and your friends always do, right?”

“I guess so.” Twilight nodded, rubbing the tears from her eyes. “But seeing Fluttershy that upset was so heartbreaking. She was crying so hard, looking like she may never smile again.”

“Hey...I know it's not easy to see the ones you care about like that. I've seen my friends and family cry over heartbreak or otherwise. No fun, is it?” Cadance pouted sympathetically.

“No way, I'd never wish that on anyone.” 'I just hope Ascentia won't cry if I reject her... No, no...she won't do that.'

Smiling, the light pink mare hugged Twilight gently. “Neither would I. Now, you're not going to ask me to use my spreading love spell, are you?”

Twilight shook her head. “No, I won't make you do that. I know it doesn't restrict at romantic love, but I don't want to have to do that unless necessary.”

“Good. Hey, who knows! Rainbow Dash might just be in denial, after all.” Cadance winked.

“...I wish it were that easy to believe. But I have a feeling it's not like that.” Twilight mumbled, shaking her head.

Later on, Twilight was sitting on the upper floor balcony of the library, now reading a book. Her talk with Cadance had helped a bit, at least with easing her worries. She did promise to join them in a little while, but just wanted to be outside, by herself, to think a bit. The guilt in not spending time with her family now that they'd come by was eating on her, but Shining Armor and Cadance both assured her that she could take all the time she needed. To keep busy, Spike gladly offered to take them on a formal tour around Ponyville.

Ascentia, having been present, stayed behind to keep an eye on her. Twilight was all too aware of that, but didn't mind. The Val'Kyr was good about giving her some space, and was close by if needed.

Twilight sighed, looking up at the sky for a moment. It was cloudy, she could even see some of the weather pegasi pulling in the clouds together. Clearly, calling for rain later on. Turning back to her book, she barely caught sight of light blue landing near her.

“Hey, Twilight.”

“Hey Rainb-” Twilight turned her head, and her eyes went wide, “-oh....”

In brutal honesty, Rainbow Dash looked awful. Her normally unruly rainbow mane was limp and just a mess, as if she hadn't brushed it in days. As well as that, her tail drooped, looking like a limp shred of fabric than the lively hairs of a champion. Ears were lowered, mouth downturned, eyes bloodshot and puffy, all the signs of a troubled mare. Even her wings looked as if they'd never flap again as they hung limply, feathers flared, at her sides.

“Here, I brought that uh...Daring Do book back,” the cyan mare said listlessly, placing a book on the balcony floor that she'd been holding in her hoof.

“Oh, well... thanks, Rainbow.” Twilight looked down at it for a brief moment, then back at her friend, “Are you okay? Pardon me for saying but...you look terrible.”

A humourless laugh escaped Rainbow as she plopped down onto her flank, staring at the hardwood. “Like I care.”

It wasn't even in the same manner about the fact that she didn't exactly care that she didn't take care of her appearance like Rarity would. There was something else ahoof, and Twilight had a good idea about what it was pertaining to.

Deciding not to beat around the bush, the lavender unicorn faced her friend seriously. “It's about Fluttershy, isn't it?”

Finally looking at her, Rainbow's cerise eyes went wide, then her gaze drooped once more. “She told you, didn't she?” It was more of a statement than a question.

Twilight nodded, closing her book and placing it aside. “I went by this morning, to give her some tea from Cadance. I found her, with Discord, and she was crying. So when I asked what happened, she told me.”

“...Yeah...yeah, I did reject her, okay? What next, I committed a horrible crime for even DARING to make Fluttershy cry?! Yeah, whatever! Go ahead! Like I don't hate that I made her cry enough!” Yelled the speedster, squeezing her eyes shut, likely trying to fight back tears.

“Hey, I'm not exactly pleased you made her cry, but it's not some crime sentence, Rainbow.” Twilight said sternly, shaking her head. “She can't help how she feels, you know that. It's not your fault.”

Rainbow didn't respond, then. She merely stared downward at the floor, trembling a bit.

“...Rainbow?”

“...Seeing Fluttershy cry like that... Because of me...because of how she feels... I just... I felt like somepony ripped off my wings. I still do! Every time I close my eyes, all I see is that big, sad look on her face. I....I don't even deserve this.”

Puzzled, Twilight wondered what she meant by that. But when the pegasus opened her wings, albeit slowly, she saw a creamy yellow feather nestled under one wing. It was a longer, much more shiny and groomed feather.

Rainbow sniffled, staring at the feather with despondency. “She gave me her primary feather, Twi. We pegasi give our primary feathers to the one we love, because it's the feather closest to our hearts, and is the most beautiful, healthy feather we have. It's not really like getting married, but it's a sign of our commitment to that pony. Stronger than any marriage license ever could be. ...Even when I turned her down...she gave it to me... I...I can't take it, Twilight...but I can't give it back to her, either.”

“...Well...maybe it's just her way to let you know she'll always love you.” Twilight murmured, speaking from experience, now. “...And even if you don't, she'll always be your friend.”

This didn't seem to help the distraught pony at all. “But I don't deserve it... She should give it to somepony who's going to love her back. Not me. Not an idiot like me... I don't deserve her, Twilight. I never did. I'm not good enough for her.”

“Why do you say that?” The unicorn wanted to know.

“Because! I'm too fast, too callous, too stupid, and too mean for-”

“STOP!”

Rainbow did, looking at her with wide eyes.

“You stop that nonsense right here and now!” Twilight scolded, standing up now. “I know you're upset about making Fluttershy upset with rejecting her. I get that, it's normal. But don't you dare start self-deprecating yourself like this! It's not going to solve anything, and frankly, it's not true! I think Fluttershy can decide for herself who she deems worthy of her love, and she chose that in you! She's not an idiot, and she can't help how she feels. But she still wants you to know that, to be honest with you, and share it with you! Fluttershy loves you, Rainbow Dash! Just because you don't love her back doesn't make it the end of the world, nor does it mean you're a terrible friend! But if you lied to her about how you felt and made her believe you loved her, when you didn't, then you'd be a louse.

“Don't do this to yourself, Rainbow. You can't help how you feel, and neither can she. But you two are the best of friends, you can still get past this. I know Fluttershy would never try to burden you like this, and I know you'd never resent her like that. Just give her some time alone. She needs that right now. But she'll be just fine, I promise. But she is heartbroken and really upset, there's no denying that. Just give her time. She'll be fine, and she'll be back to her normal register before you know it.”

A loud sniffle sounded from Rainbow Dash as she looked at the feather once more. Turning to Twilight, tears streamed down her face. It was astounding at how emotionally vulnerable she was, something the unicorn hadn't seen in her.

“You're not going to lose her. She's not going to hate you. She's just sad that she lost her chance at being with you. But it'll hurt her even more if you stop being her friend. You don't want to lose her, do you?”

Gasping, a look of sheer panic overcame the cyan mare's features.

It was all Twilight needed to know.

“So it's okay. You just need time to feel better, too.”

Sniffling again, Rainbow's wings drooped all the more, along with her ears. “T-Twilight... I...I...I don't know...”

“Don't know what?” Twilight repeated.

“I...just don't know...”

Unable to say anything more, Twilight embraced her friend. Soon enough, the cyan pegasus burst into sobs, holding to her tightly. Her mind was reeling with questions and possibilities about Rainbow's words, wondering if there could have been some kind of underlying confusion at hoof. It would've made sense, all things considered.

'When somepony...someone close to you admits that they love you in a different kind of way than just platonically... It can sometimes confuse you. You never thought of them that way, and they see you in a way you never expected. You're curious, you wonder if you could possibly feel the same way, you wonder if it could work. You wonder...if it's worth giving them a chance. Because they told you they're in love with you.'

Twilight couldn't help but find it interesting how similar their situations seemed to be, in a sense.

Pulling back a little bit, the prismatic-maned pegasus sniffled and wiped her eyes. “When... Fluttershy told me how she felt... I remember....feeling really good inside. Like it was an awesome flying session. Except...stronger, I guess... And she looked at me with such a sweet smile, looking really hopeful, and so full of life. It really made her so happy...”

Nodding, Twilight gently urged her friend to go on. She could see where this was going, but knew better than to interrupt her.

“...For a second... I just...wanted to say yes. I wanted to tell her I loved her, too. I knew it'd make her so happy...” Rainbow looked off the balcony, but seemed to be staring at nothing. “But I couldn't do that. I-I just...knew I couldn't say that.”

“So....you really don't love her?”

“I don't even know if I like mares.”

Twilight gave her a look. “You two slept together,” she deadpanned.

“I know, I know! But I'm serious! Before I started...doing all of that with Fluttershy, I never even really thought about dating. I was kinda unaware of the whole thing and how it all worked. You know I'm no good with sappy stuff! On top of that, you know I didn't want to ruin my friendship with her by dating!”

“Rainbow... I don't know how to break it to you, but you guys acted like a couple all the time.”

“...What?”

“And I don't just mean the night that we were all drunk. Even though that was pretty much were, since you were all over each other and kissing a lot. But never mind that. I mean to say that you two have a really special bond together. You really do things that you wouldn't do with the rest of us, and I don't just mean the way you two like to snuggle. In a way, you two kind of were dating. You just didn't think of it that way. And now you two were friends with benefits for a while. I remember when I saw you two that one time, you looked at Fluttershy with possibly the sweetest and most loving smile I'd ever seen,” Twilight smiled a bit at that memory. “You must've really enjoyed doing all that with her, didn't you?”

Rainbow Dash blushed, giving a nod.

“And you can't imagine sharing that with anypony else, can you?”

“No. I don't even really want to.”

“So, as friends with benefits, do you do anything else?”

“...Well, we kinda make out a lot...”

“And?”

“And what? We just do what we always do. We just happen to buck each other.”

“Crude terminology aside...” Twilight rolled her eyes. “Maybe you just need some time to yourself and to think about it all. What did you tell her when you turned her down?”

Rainbow wiped her eyes again, sniffling. “I said that I didn't feel that way. She was upset, saying she wasn't good enough for me. But that's not true. She's way too good for me, Twi. So I told her that I couldn't be that pony for her.”

“Do you want to?”

“Of course I do!”

“And why is that?”

“Because! I know we'd be awesome together! I don't even really understand why that is, but I just know it! Besides, she's the best. I just really like everything about her, everything she does, just all of it! Fluttershy's awesome. She's my best friend, she's always been there, she's been my strongest support system, and she really has a lot of patience with me. I could go on for hours, but jeez, this is not helping!” Rainbow slumped over, sighing heavily. “I don't even know what to do anymore.”

“And she gave you her primary feather. This was after you turned her down?” Twilight reached over, touching her friend's shoulder.

“Yes,” said the cyan mare, “I don't think she should've. She was so ready and hopeful to hear me return her feelings...she took it off before she came to meet me. When I turned her down, she still gave it to me. Then I left.”

“Oh...” The lavender unicorn nodded as she processed this. “Well, it's like I said, she still just wanted to give you the symbolism of her love for you. That it doesn't matter if you don't have room in your heart for her. She still will devote to you, always.” A thought came to her, then. “...Would you give her yours?”

Rainbow looked surprised at the question. “Well, I... I don't know. I never really thought of it. Besides, it's not necessary to do that, it's just an extra symbolic thing. A tradition that existed ever since the dawning of ponies. Nowadays, it's just an option. It's not necessary. Kinda like the way unicorns wear rings on their horns if they're married but don't have to.”

“I figured that much, yeah.” Twilight agreed. “But aside from that, would you give it to her?”

“...I can't think of anypony else I would give it to, Twi.”

“Did you...suspect she liked you?”

“Kinda.” Rainbow admitted, looking away a little. “She gave hints and signs. There was always that voice in the back of my mind telling me that it was because she had feelings for me. My stubborn end kept insisting that she was just being affectionate and friendly since we were best friends. I didn't know which side was right. Until now.”

The lavender mare smiled. “I think you need to go off somewhere and think about everything. Take a walk, go flying, go do whatever you need in order to think. Take time away from everything. Trust me, it helps. You have a lot to think about and what you want. So do that. Then maybe, eventually, you'll have a much clearer answer for her.”

“And then what?” Rainbow wanted to know, wiping her eyes again.

“Just go from there, with whatever comes along.” Twilight encouraged.

A few moments passed as the daredevil pegasus looked at Fluttershy's primary feather, then toward the sky. She seemed to be working things out, or so Twilight was assuming. It was hard to read Rainbow Dash most of the time, and right now was coming to be one of those times. The look of concentration and yet mixed sorrows on her face was making it hard to wonder what she was thinking.

“I'll go out of town for a while.” Rainbow finally said. “I've got a few relatives in Port Pegasus. Maybe I'll go stay with them for a while. It's been a while since I'd seen them.”

Twilight smiled and patted her shoulder, “Good idea, Rainbow. I think it'll do you some good to get out of town, see some family, and try to work things out. And in turn, it'll give Fluttershy some space.”

A small, sad smile came to Rainbow's face. “Thanks Twilight. I guess I needed that.”

“Hey, no problem. What are friends for?”

“Thanks for that. Say...would you mind telling Fluttershy for me? I think I'm the last pony she wants to see right now.”

“Don't be silly. But yes, I'll tell her for you.” Twilight promised.

Smiling, Rainbow hugged her lightly, and then proceeded to fly off. Twilight watched her go for a little bit. She then gathered her books, deciding to head back inside. No longer feeling anxious, the unicorn was ready to continue facing the day. Most especially when Shining Armor and Cadance would return from Spike's tour. The thought made her giggle at how appropriate the setup was.

Inside the library, as she came in to put the books away, she came across the sight of Ascentia dusting off her bookshelves. Twilight giggled, watching for a few moments before the woman turned and saw her.

“Well, there you are. Did you and Rainbow Dash have a good talk?”

“How did you know she was here?”

Ascentia smiled. “I have my ways. But I also heard your voices as I was collecting some dropped items around the library. She sounded upset.”

“Yeah, go figure.” Twilight said, placing the books into their correct spots on the shelves. “We talked a bit about what was going on, and I gave her a suggestion of what she could do to help the situation.”

“Do tell.”

“I told her to get away for a while, to take time to herself and try to figure things out. From what she's said, she really doesn't know how she feels.”

“Ah,” Ascentia nodded, turning back to the shelves as she continued to dust, “so it's likely that confusion is playing a part in this.”

Twilight nodded, taking a feather duster off the table and proceeding to help out as well. “Mm-hmm, I was beginning to see that now, too. After that, well, I don't know.”

They exchanged glances, shrugged, and then went back to dusting.

Later on, Twilight regrouped with Shining Armor and Cadance when they returned from the lively tour. They'd had dinner together, prepared by Spike and Twilight, letting the two rest from a long day. Afterward, Cadance announced that she was feeling tired and retired to bed early. Spike even went to bed as well, having fallen asleep soon after dinner, and so Twilight helped him to bed.

Outside on the balcony, Twilight sat watching the night sky. Behind her, she heard Shining Armor coming outside.

“Hey there, Twiley. Why are you out here?”

Twilight shrugged, looking to her brother. “Just getting some air and watching the stars, I guess. You know, thinking about all this.”

“Heh, I know what you mean,” he said, taking a seat beside her, “Cadance was telling me what happened earlier, about why you were upset.”

Ears drooped, a sheepish smile overcame the smaller unicorn's face. “Yeah, sorry... I was a little bit frazzled about something going on with my friends. I didn't really know what to do or to think, especially since it was kind of sad, you know?”

Shining Armor nodded in understanding, bringing a hoof up to pat her back. “I know what you mean, yeah. Sometimes issues with your friends can bring you down, too.”

“No kidding...” Twilight murmured, shaking her head. “She even told me about the fact that you rejected her at first!”

All at once, the white stallion's eyes widened as his cheeks flushed. A sheepish smile came to his face as he laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck with his hoof. “Aw, jeez....she told you about that?”

“Well, yeah... It seemed like an appropriate story, didn't it?” Twilight shrugged.

“Aw man... That's story is embarrassing.”

“Come on, I couldn't possibly hold you accountable for something that happened years ago.”

Chuckling, Shining nodded in agreement. “I guess you're right, sis. But I did feel pretty bad at the time, since I knew Cadance really liked me. I can't really say why, I guess I just wasn't ready. I was in complete denial of my feelings, convinced that everything between us was just because we were good friends. It didn't help that I was at that kind of age, you know?”

Cringing slightly, Twilight only nodded, needing him not to elaborate further.

“Nonetheless, I was a moron. But I guess as I thought more about it, I realized that it happens. Sometimes we all get into unrequited crushes. Heck, even I've had a couple. I've liked mares who didn't like me back, one of them was even a friend of mine. It's not fun being rejected,” he said.

“I...never really was rejected, I never had a crush on anypony.” Twilight admitted.

“And now you've got a powerful biped from another world crushing on you!” Shining Armor joked.

Twilight blushed heavily, looking away. “Stop it!”

Ruffling her mane, the Royal Guard captain grinned, “Aww Twiley, you're too much. I've still got it.”

“Unfortunately,” she muttered. “But anyway, how did you realize you loved Cadance?”

“Well...” Shining looked up to the sky as he contemplated for a moment or two. “I thought a lot about our friendship, everything we'd done over the years, all that stuff. Good times and bad, Cadance and I went through a lot, even before we were dating and married. But as I had the time to think about it, to realize the true extent of her feelings, I was ready to give it a shot. I knew by then that I felt something strong for her. I was sure I loved her too, and wanted to give her a chance. That's if she even still felt that way. There isn't much to it, I just realized I was attracted to her, that we could probably be great together, and so I took a chance. And boy, I'm glad I did.”

“You guys wouldn't be here now if you didn't.” Twilight smiled. “I'm real glad it all came together. Even if the wedding was crazy!”

Shining Armor laughed, ruffling her mane again. “You said it, sis! So, how about your friends? You think they'll be okay?”

“...Well, I don't know for sure right now, but I know Rainbow has a lot to think about. Who knows?”

'And what about me? Am I willing to take a chance? Will I realize how deep my own feelings run?'

Twilight wasn't sure what to think, and just sat there with her brother, staring up at the stars. She too, had a lot to think about.

Author's Note

The primary feather idea comes from a couple of fanfics, while some varied in how they worked, it was still the same concept. And honestly, I find it cute. So I tried it out here as a bit of a test run kind of thing, and I might bring it into play in future works if I can work it in. Otherwise, it's more of a nifty little bonus I'll play with.

Other than that, not much else to say about this one. XP

And Then They Screwed, The End

Six months had passed since the ordeals had occurred, and since moved along. It was now winter, with the snow blanketing the landscape. On a particular day, Twilight Sparkle had taken to just going out for a walk along the outskirts of Ponyville. It was snowing, the sky a gray overcast, with not a sound to be heard.

She smiled, liking the peaceful, quiet atmosphere. The cool air refreshed her body, little snowflakes landed on her nose and eyelashes, to which she didn't care.

Looking up toward the gray sky, it was then that the peaceful, winter atmosphere was broken. A rainbow streak was soaring through the air at lightning speed, which then dove to the ground, landing in a snowbank.

Twilight didn't even need a closer look to know who it was. She trotted over to the bank, seeing nothing but cyan hind legs and a rainbow tail poking out from it.

“Nice landing, Rainbow,” she said dryly.

“Mmph!” Rainbow Dash pulled herself out from the snow, shaking her head furiously as she did so. “Hey, I saw you walking there and wanted to make a big entrance!”

Twilight snickered, smiling then. “I can't say I'm surprised. I didn't think you'd be gone that long.”

Shaking the snow off her body and saddlebags, Rainbow grinned widely. “It was just what I needed! I didn't just go to see my relatives in Port Pegasus, I went traveling around!” She leaped into the air, hovering, and spread her forelegs for emphasis. “But I'll tell you guys all about it when Pinks throws that inevitable party. So! What'd I miss? Anything you need to update me on?”

Twilight used her magic to draw out a quill and a notepad from her saddlebags. “Well, I got a shipment of the new Daring Do books and comics last week. I'm sure you're going to be eager to read those. You missed cider season, but Applejack saved you a couple of bottles from the leftover cider they had. Cadance has been showing a lot more for the past couple of months. She's seven months along at the moment, and it looks like they're going to be having a filly!”

“Hey, that's pretty cool. Any idea if the foal's going to have wings?”

“Yes! It was confirmed during her last checkup that the baby was going to be born an alicorn!” Twilight said excitedly, bouncing on the spot.

“Sweet! That's going to be awesome!” Rainbow swooped about above the ground a few times before landing again.

“Yeah, you said it, Rainbow.” Twilight shook her head with an amused smile at her friend's enthusiasm.

Rainbow Dash shrugged then, flexing her wings. “So, uh...how's Fluttershy been? She's uh...not angry at me, is she?”

“Of course she isn't,” Twilight assured her, “she's perfectly fine. Yeah, she was still really sad at first, even more so when you were going to be gone for a while. But, after about a week since you left, we managed to help her out. Discord especially managed to get her back on her hooves! Since then, she's missed you, but she's been fine.”

“Right! Um...well, that's cool! Glad to hear she's okay! I've been sending her letters, she sent me a few back, you know...” Rainbow said, looking around her, as if nervous.

The lavender unicorn gave her a look, trying not to smile. “I see. Well, I also have other news. Fluttershy's been seeing somepony for a couple of months.”

Carefully, Twilight gauged her friend's reaction. She expected Rainbow to be able to hide it perfectly, with only traces of emotion to her reaction. However, that didn't happen. The daredevil looked distraught as her ears and wings drooped. Even more so, her cerise eyes seemed to be pooling with moisture.

“S-She...moved on?”

This was too good. Twilight would've kept it going, but could only see how much of a cruel joke this was. She shook her head and smiled.

“No, I'm kidding! She isn't seeing anypony.”

Naturally, the once sad look on the cyan pony's face formed into a frown. Realizing her mistake, Twilight shrunk back a bit.

“You lied?! Lied?! You told a stupid joke like that-even Pinkie and I don't make pranks like that! Why the hay did you-”

“Rainbow, I'm sorry!” Twilight cut her off. “I guess I was trying to gauge your reaction the wrong way,” she said sheepishly. “I'm sorry, Rainbow-I'm just bad with jokes.”

“Yeah, no kidding.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. She exhaled, then looked at her with curiosity. “So, any idea if Fluttershy's still...you know...?”

Twilight snorted, giving her a look. “Why are you asking me? You can ask her yourself. If you're going to make a move, then do it. You don't need my permission.”

“I was just checking, okay?!” Said the speedster, blushing furiously.

A silence overcame them, as Twilight was beginning to realize the motivations within her friend's question. “So, you're really giving her a chance?”

Rainbow blushed, looking away from her. “Of course I am!”

“Ooooh, so you do love her, huh?”

“I didn't say that!”

“You were thinking it,” Twilight teased, giggling.

“Was not!” Rainbow's cheeks puffed. “I don't know, okay?! But I'm pretty sure that I do. I want to give her a chance. She's my best friend and fact she loves me is really awesome. I can't imagine sharing it with anypony else... I want to give her a chance. I mean, we've already rolled in the hay together...” She blushed at this, pacing the ground a bit.

“Right...” Twilight's eyes darted. “I didn't think you'd want to talk abotut it like this.”

“Hey, I need a bit of help from my friends sometimes! Give me a break here!”

Rolling her eyes playfully, the unicorn nudged her friend lightly as she came up beside her.

“All right, no more teasing. But I'm glad you're giving her a chance, I'm sure she'll be thrilled.”

Rainbow smiled a bit more. “Yeah, I hope so. I guess I just want to give her a chance before I really say yes or no about my own feelings, really. But I think I love her, so, may as well go with it.”

“Well, good luck, Rainbow.” Twilight hugged her, “I'm glad you're back, we all missed you.”

“Thanks, Twilight! It's great to be back!” Rainbow returned the embrace, patting her. “So hey, how about Ascentia? What's she up to?”

“Oh, she went to the Val'Kyr Capital about a week ago.” Twilight recalled, shrugging lightly. “She wasn't sure why, though-all I know is that she had to report there. I haven't seen her since.”

The cyan pegasus gave a nonchalant shrug, then bid her farewell before she flew off to go home. Seeing it as a good idea, Twilight turned and decided to head back to the library. An idea was forming in her mind, despite her own doubts trying to pull it apart. It remained strong, however, refusing to just be let go.

The next day, while Twilight was doing some reading, Spike had come running into her room. Sure enough, it was a letter that he held in his claw, but with a different kind of parchment. All things considered, she could only guess that Ascentia was writing to her.

Sure enough, she was right. Despite that there was no signature, there was no mistaking the handwriting.

Twilight,

I will be returning to Equestria by tomorrow morning.

Considering the circumstances of my sudden departure, I had wanted to let you know. If you wish to stop in sometime by then, you're welcome to.

It was, yet again, more of a professional note than a personal letter, but Twilight could see why. She was probably in a rush and didn't have much time to compose a full letter. Not that it mattered, at least now she had a good idea of when she would return.

“Spike, could you do me a favour?” Twilight said, placing the letter down.

Spike nodded, approaching her bed. “Sure Twilight, tell me!”

“I need you to find the Relationship Help book. I, uh...forgot where I put it...” The unicorn gave a sheepish smile.

The baby dragon stared at her as if she'd grown a second head. “You forgot?! How did you forget something like that?!”

“Ugh...” Twilight facehoofed, groaning. “Look, I don't know how I forgot. I guess it's just because I never really had the chance to read it.”

“Well, okay... If you say so,” Spike continued to give her a weird, yet sympathetic look. “I'll go find it, then.”

He left the room, then came back a few minutes later with a book in hand. It was a book on self-help with relationships, which Twilight admittedly hadn't peeked at. But now, with everything on her mind, she figured that now was as good a time as any to try reading it.

Part of starting a relationship is to be honest from the beginning with your partner. A good start is to be clear with your intentions from the beginning.

Twilight rolled her eyes at that passage. “Well, that's easier said than done, isn't it?”

She flipped over to the Table of Contents, checking for a chapter about how to approach certain matters. It definitely wasn't specific, considering that most of the advice and tips were more generalized than anything. Understandable, a lot of newcomers to dating needed a little help.

“Jeez...this is tough...”

Keeping secrets from your partner can only hurt the relationship. It's always the best idea to be honest with one another.

Long-distance relationships can work in theory, but isn't always easy in practice. It takes a different level of work and commitment from both parties involved.

Negotiation and compromises work to help building the strength of your relationship with your partner. It can't all be romantic candlelit evenings unless all the key factors are in place.

The future can hold a lot of new things for a couple, most especially if the commitment is indeed for the long-term.

Twilight's mind reeled from all the information, running about in her head like wild dogs. She let her head fall onto the open page with a groan of frustration. After a moment or two, she gently moved the book aside, sitting back up again. She'd been at this for a while now, without looking at the clock, and still had no idea how to even approach the matter.

“Darn...what am I going to do?”

Exhaling, the unicorn got off her bed, heading out of her room. A dark storm cloud loomed over her thoughts, buzzing and storming with the same questions all over. She couldn't think straight, nor figure out a solution to the matter. But what more could she do? Being new to friendship was one thing, but to romance? That definitely was a different kind of subject altogether.

Not only that, but it was especially with who she was planning to attempt at courting with. It wasn't just some other pony, at least that would've been easier. But a bipedal, powerful creature from another world? That was a severe mind screw if she ever saw one. Not that it mattered on a personal level, but beyond that, what if it was going to be a problem?

Twilight sighed, going into the kitchen to nibble on something. Or, so that was her plan before she heard the front door burst open. Before she could even head downstairs to assess the situation, the answer came in the form of Rainbow Dash. It didn't take a studying scholar like herself to realize that the speedster had not only been flying in the winter air, but was flying fast. There was also something different about her, which Twilight admittedly couldn't put her hoof on.

“H-Hey, Twilight...!” Rainbow panted a bit, catching her breath.

“Rainbow, hey...” Twilight blinked, leading her friend toward the kitchen. “Where's the fire?”

Rolling her eyes, the cyan pegasus followed her. “Very funny, egghead. So what if I couldn't control my speed? I am the fastest flyer out of Cloudsdale, you know!”

“You're definitely the loudest,” Twilight quipped, retrieving some packets of hot chocolate with her magic. “Want some?”

“Yeah, sure,” Rainbow said, seating herself at the table.

Nodding, the unicorn went to work on preparing some hot chocolate. In doing so, she glanced toward her prismatic friend every now and then, still trying to deduce what was up with her. Moreover, the very question she was certain that Rainbow knew she'd ask was knocking at her brain.

Once the hot chocolate was done, she levitated the mugs to the table and sat across from the pegasus.

“All right, Rainbow, I may as well get it out of the way: Did you do it-asking out Fluttershy?” Twilight asked, sliding a jar of mini marshmallows to her.

A big, cheery grin stretched Rainbow Dash's face. “You bet I did!” She said, taking a few marshmallows and adding them to the mug.

“Oh, wow!” Twilight gaped for a moment, unable to believe she was actually hearing it. “Really? So it worked?”

“It definitely worked, Twilight! I'm uh...not gonna go into too much detail, besides, it's a long story.” Rainbow waved it off, taking a careful sip of her hot chocolate. After she had a chance to swallow it down, she continued, “But I'm giving Fluttershy a chance.”

Smiling, Twilight felt a warming sensation in herself, which wasn't just from the hot chocolate. “Awww, that's great, Rainbow! I guess she really was thrilled about it, wasn't she?”

“You can say that again! She was so happy, she was crying!” The cyan mare chuckled a bit, shaking her head. “Seriously though, it felt pretty awesome to just get that all out. We spent the day together, before and after the party, making up for the past-what, six months?”

“Ohhhh...” Twilight hid a smile behind her hoof, giggling. “Well, six months is a long time! Especially away from your friends and family. I guess you two really did have a lot of catching up to do, didn't you?”

Rainbow Dash smirked, winking at her and drinking some more hot chocolate. “Tons. If you know what I mean...”

Despite having already suspected that, it did still make Twilight blush. She could only imagine what six months worth of pent-up sexual tension could do to two ponies. Now she understood, Rainbow was in fact, glowing from such activities.

“I-think I get the idea,” she said, awkwardly. She took another sip of her hot chocolate to stall conversation. Clearing her throat, Twilight veered the topic, “So, do you still have her primary feather?”

Rainbow nodded with a smile, “I had it with me the entire trip. Kinda like a good luck charm. It's back at my place now, in a special spot. And when I know for sure, I'm giving Fluttershy mine.”

“You really are, huh?” Twilight smiled warmly. “That's, well, really sweet of you, Rainbow.”

Contended silence fell among the two ponies as they drank their hot chocolate. Twilight felt glad for her friends, any and all worry of the uncertainty with them just about having faded. All that was left was for them to see where it all went. But she had a good feeling about them, though.

Admittedly, she felt envious of Rainbow's guts to take that plunge. If she could do it, why couldn't she herself do the same? What could she even do about it? Take the chance, or play it safe?

“Twi? Hey, Twilight! Equestria to Twilight! Did you hear me?” Rainbow was now waving a hoof in her face, trying to get her attention.

“Huh?” Blinking, Twilight shook her head and tried to readjust herself. “I, huh? What happened?”

Giving her a look, Rainbow finished down her hot chocolate, then set the mug aside. “You were staring into space for the past five minutes, that's what. I was trying to ask what was going on, but you didn't answer.”

“I...oh, sorry. I guess I was just lost in thought...” Twilight mumbled sheepish. She looked to her friend, biting her lip. “...Rainbow, can I ask you something?”

“Nopony's stopping you,” the cyan mare shrugged. “What's up?”

“How did you do it?”

“...How did I do what?”

Sighing, Twilight should've figured she wouldn't get the hint. Then again, it was likely because Rainbow wanted her to be specific. “How did you realize you wanted to give Fluttershy a chance? How did you tell her?”

“Oh!” Rainbow fidgeted slightly, looking uncertain. “Well, I...can't really say how. But uh, you know... It was just something I wanted to do all along, but I wasn't really sure if I really did. Heck, I wasn't even sure how to do it. My aunt and uncle told me that the best thing I could do with that is to just take a chance! When I got to Fluttershy's yesterday, I was nervous as heck, and I wasn't sure how to say it. You know me, I'm no good with this romantic, sappy stuff.”

Twilight nearly made an agreeing statement, but decided against it for now.

“Anyway,” she went on, looking off at nowhere in particular, “so I was trying to say it, but I couldn't. But Fluttershy always had this way of bringing out that more sappy side of me, you know? Before I knew it, before I was even ready to, I was laying it all out for her. I asked her out right on the spot!”

“In other words, your mind had to catch up with your mouth, which was unfiltered.” Twilight surmised.

Rainbow nodded, looking back at her again. “Yeah, I guess... I uh, didn't even really know what to say or do after that. She just looked at me, all surprised and stuff. Next thing I knew, she was hugging me, crying, and she said yes. Yeah, big surprise!” She leaned back in her chair, cool as a cucumber. “So yeah, that's what happened!”

“Wow...” Twilight murmured, finishing her own mug of hot chocolate. “Well...how does it feel?”

“Awesome.” Rainbow smiled, and not in a cocky manner, but a true, genuine look of happiness. “Call me sappy for saying this, but I think it's gonna be the start of an awesome lovefest! I feel great calling her my marefriend, and my best friend all at once. I'm glad I took the chance, and I guess I wouldn't be here right now if I didn't! Kinda like when I did eventually take a chance during the Best Young Flyer's Competition.”

“Who could forget that?” The unicorn said dryly.

Rolling her eyes, Rainbow continued, “I was nearly ready to back out completely. But I'm glad I didn't, because I wouldn't be where I am today. Just one step closer to becoming a Wonderbolt!”

“That's...not really the same thing, Rainbow.”

“Hey, give me a break here! I don't exactly have anything else to compare it to!”

Twilight just smiled, giggling a bit. “I know. But I see what you're saying, Rainbow. I'm really happy for you two, of course.”

“Thanks!” The cyan pegasus grinned widely. “So, what about you?”

“...What about me?” Twilight raised a brow with confusion.

“Uh, hello? You and Ascentia, of course! You guys are still rolling in the hay?”

“Well, yes...but...” Twilight's cheeks pinkened. “I thought a lot about it for the past few months. Especially when you left, actually. I thought maybe-I don't know, I'd try the same thing. She loves me, and I...well, I guess I want to give her a chance, too.”

Rainbow looked a bit surprised, but then began to laugh a bit. Twilight stared, wondering why she was laughing now. Either way, she began to feel a tinge of discomfort. Here she was, trying to open up to a trusted friend, and all she received was laughter.

“Come on, stop laughing! It's not funny! I'm being serious here!”

“It kinda is, if you think about it!” Rainbow snickered, holding her sides. “But I gotta say, it's about time you-”

“Let met guess. Ooh, it was so obvious, clear as day? Everypony talks about my love life and sex life? Oh my gosh, and with a strange weird alien? Yeah, I know, laugh it up! Go ahead, get it out of your system!” The lavender pony crossed her forelegs with irritation.

“Hey, hey, chill out!” Rainbow raised her hooves in defense. “I wasn't laughing at you about it! It was just kinda funny in the big picture, that's all. Sheesh, settle down.”

Taking a deep breath, Twilight's irritation melted as she relaxed a bit. The tension within herself lifted. “Okay...I'm sorry about that. I guess I just wasn't in the mood for jokes about it.”

“I wasn't gonna, but okay,” the daredevil pegasus shrugged. “So, what's the problem?”

“What do you mean, what's the problem?” Twilight parroted, looking at her with disbelief. “You of all ponies should know how this feels!”

“Well, yeah.”

“Then you know it's not that easy, is it?”

Rainbow sighed, shaking her head a bit. “Well, duh. Of course I know that! It's not easy, you're fighting with yourself about how you feel, and whether or not it's a good idea. But you know what? Just do it.”

“Rainbow, I-” Twilight began.

“Buck up, grow a pair, and just do it!” Rainbow Dash cut her off. “Get it over with and just see what happens!”

Frozen with surprise, Twilight knew all too well that she was right. Taking chances and just going for it was the best way to go. Stalling and trying to hold back was just delaying the inevitable, which was a terrible feeling. The uncertainty of what the future held was often scary, but you would never know unless you tried. Unless you took a chance.

She could imagine what would happen if she never did.

All of her fearful resolve melted away, the tension subsiding, and the anxiety lifting. Twilight felt more prepared than she expected to. If it worked for Rainbow Dash, who had long since said she wasn't the mushy type... Who was to say that it couldn't work for a geeky bookworm like herself?

“Okay, Rainbow. You're right. I'll do it!”

Grinning, the prismatic pegasus winked at her. “That's the spirit, Twilight! I know you can do it!”

“I can do it!” Twilight rose up from her chair. “If I can read twelve books in one sitting, foalsit, make scientific experiments, calculate math problems, use my magic, study friendship, and everything else in between.... Then I can give romance a chance! Rainbow, I think you have a report to make. All things considered, it makes a perfect report for my assignment. Spike, take a letter!”

“You got it!” Spike said from nearby, coming forth with a quill and some parchment.

“Oh, all right...” Rainbow rolled her eyes, but stood up and cleared her throat, beginning to dictate. “Dear Princess Celestia.

“Sometimes, when somepony you know admits that they're in love you, you have no idea what to think, or even what to do about it. You think it'd be easy to turn them down, and sometimes that's the best thing to do. But there are definitely exceptions to that rule.

“I realized that I couldn't turn down Fluttershy when I wasn't even sure about how I felt. She is my best friend, she deserved that much, I guess. I decided to give her a chance. I'm glad that I did, because I knew I'd regret it if I didn't.

“It's all about taking chances and just going for it, even if you have no idea what the result is gonna be. Sometimes you need to try something new before you realize you're not into it.

“Your awesome and loyal subject, Rainbow Dash!”

Twilight gave a hearty laugh, while Spike finished it up, then blew the magical fire to send it off.

“But, why did you make me do it? Weren't you going to?” Rainbow wanted to know.

A warm smile overcame the unicorn's features. “Maybe it was a little more of the push I needed. Besides, you had the courage to do the same thing I'm doing first, I think you deserved that chance.”

“Oh, come on, Twilight! You've got an even bigger story to tell!”

“Maybe, but that doesn't make your own any less significant. Besides, you really helped me with this.” Twilight patted her friend's shoulder appreciatively. “You know how it feels to be friends with benefits. You know how it feels to have someone close to you admit that they're in love with you. And, well...you know how it feels to take that kind of chance.”

This made the cyan mare chuckle a bit. “I guess you're right. Kinda like a 'been there, done that' sort of thing!”

Twilight nodded, nudging her lightly. “Exactly! So, I really have to thank you, Rainbow. You've been pretty helpful with all of this!”

“What are friends for?” Rainbow nudged her back, winking. “Besides, you gave me the idea to go on that big adventure, so you did me a favour, too!”

Both of them shared a hug, laughing together. While the elements of their circumstances differed greatly, they did understand what it meant to be in each other's position. It felt great to be able to help one another out and open up about the issues of it all. Twilight felt an air of confidence, ready to face exactly what she was shooting for. Whether or not it would work in the end was still a mystery, but she wasn't about to let the unknown push her away this time.

The next morning, at the fairly reasonable hour of eleven, Twilight showed up at Ascentia's alcove. Sure enough, upon her entrance, the Val'Kyr was already there, sitting on the couch and reading a book.

“Hey!” Twilight greeted happily, trotting over to her.

Ascentia smiled at her, placing the book aside. “Hello there, Twilight.”

Twilight went over to the couch, bringing her forelegs around the woman in a hug. “Welcome back! How did it go? I mean, is everything going okay there?”

“At the Capital?” Ascentia returned the hug, while an unreadable tone came to her voice, “Yes...everything's fine. As fine as can be, considering my line of work.”

“Well...it had to have been important, right? I doubt they'd call you there for a pizza party.” Twilight said dryly.

A small smile quirked at the woman's lips. “Twilight...where do you get such silly ideas?”

“I was trying to be funny,” the unicorn mumbled, looking away. “No, really. Why did you have to go there?”

“Nothing that you need to know of. We merely had to discuss matters, and we had a few worlds to take care of.”

“Oh, come on! You have awesome adventure stories and all these theories from the other worlds! You can tell me, you know I like those stories you have.”

Chuckling, Ascentia gently pried her off. “Perhaps another time, Twilight.”

Twilight pouted, crossing her forelegs. “Fine. But I'm not letting you off the hook that easily.”

“Silly,” the woman poked her in the snout. “Now, what about you? Have I missed anything?”

“Well, kind of! Rainbow Dash came back two days ago, actually. I was pretty surprised-but you know her, she always manages to make quite an entrance,” Twilight said, rolling her eyes good-naturedly. “Pinkie of course threw this big party, and Rainbow filled us in on all kinds of stories of her adventure!”

“I see. It's too bad I missed that. I'm sure she had quite some tales to tell.”

“You have no idea,” the unicorn giggled. “But anyway, here's the kicker. She actually decided to give Fluttershy a chance!”

“Is that so? Well, then it's about time, don't you think?”

“I know! She said she was going to try for it! Yesterday, she came over for a chat, and she told me it all worked out! I mean, I suspected it might've worked, since they were practically glued to each other's sides during the party. So she told me about it, and I'm glad she did it!” Twilight clapped her hooves happily.

Ascentia ruffled her mane, shaking her head a bit. “Good for them, then. I'm sure you have a good feeling about them, don't you?”

Twilight nodded, playfully batting her hand away. “Yeah, I do! And I bet you that Pinkie is already planning their wedding reception, if I know her!”

“Hmm, that seems like her, doesn't it?” The woman said, leaning back a bit.

“No kidding!” Twilight fell over her lap, giggling. “It's been, what, a week? I guess that's about all you really missed.”

Tousling her mane, the woman smiled. “Oh, surely you have other stories to tell, don't you?”

“Well, nothing exciting, really.”

As Twilight lay there, head in Ascentia's lap, she wondered just what would make for a good lead-in. But how would she? It wasn't the kind of topic you could bring up out of nowhere, but she knew that delaying the inevitable wouldn't work, either. All at once, the very fact that she was new to this whole thing was overcoming her.

'Rainbow said she just said it, before realizing it...because Fluttershy brings out that side of her...because with her, she feels that she can really be herself. That she can really express how she feels... Maybe, I just need to let that happen. But how do I do that?'

“Actually, I do have something to share,” Twilight suddenly said. Her eyes went wide as she sat up, staring at nothing. 'What just happened?'

“What is it?” She could barely hear Ascentia's voice speaking to her.

'It happened... I just...it came out...before I realized it would. It's what I want to say, I'm thinking it, but I didn't even filter it...'

“I-...well I... you see, I... I...”

“Twilight?”

Opening her mouth again, all the unicorn could manage were incoherent babbles. Trying to let her mind wander free was not working, her brain was far too quick to let her mouth speak unfiltered. Nothing was coming out. She was suddenly realizing that it was too soon, she wasn't ready, she didn't even know how to word any of it.

“I just...well I... I don't...you see... It's hard... I just-HAUGH!”

Twilight attempted to gasp for air when she felt an unseen force suddenly close around her throat. Not enough to strangle her instantly, but enough to make it difficult to breathe. She clutched at her throat, as if trying to pry apart whatever was grasping it, despite nothing being there.

Ascentia stood before her, looking down at her with a calm, even gaze. Her hand was outstretched, pantomiming the gesture of holding something, namely thin air. In technicality, she was using telekinetic force for strangulation.

“Twilight, you are getting nowhere, and are beating around the bush.” Ascentia's voice was calm, soothing even. She released her hold. “Now, calm down. There's no need to panic or to rush yourself. Take a few deep breaths, and just tell me.”

Gasping and coughing, Twilight hunched over, eyes wide, holding her throat.

“Breathe, Twilight.”

Obeying, she did so. Inhale through the nose. Exhale through the mouth. Despite the pain of being strangled for a few brief moments, she knew she had to get her thoughts straight.

“Okay, okay, okay! Just...give me a minute, okay?! I-I never did this before!” Twilight gasped, taking a few more deep breaths.

Ascentia nodded. “Take your time. Keep breathing.”

This definitely was easier said than done. All the more she tried to speak, nothing came out. She fidgeted, squeaked, twiddled her hooves, feeling as if her confidence was sinking like a ship.

'Come ON, Twilight! Get it out! Let it all out! Be honest! Do what Rainbow did, and look where that got her! DO IT!!! Come on! Shake her 'till she sings! Shake her 'till she sings-wait, how does that even work? You shake a woman until she starts singing? But wouldn't that eventually get uncomfortable? Wouldn't the woman struggle? Wouldn't she say or do anything but that? Shake her 'till she sings? Is that a metaphor? What would it even represent? I mean, I know quite a few metaphors that sometimes don't make sense out of context, but this one really does just take the cake. So how would it-focus! Focus, Twilight!'

“Twilight?”

Groaning, Twilight facehoofed. “I can't do it! I just... I want to do this right, I have to do it right! But if I don't, then it'll be ruined! I only have once chance at this! And if I screw it up, then it'll all be for naught! I can't just sit on a mess-up!”

Ascentia approached her, kneeling down at her level. “Twilight, I might know a way that can help you.”

Rubbing her eyes, thankful that she wasn't crying, the lavender mare looked up at her companion. “What is it?”

“We Val'Kyr have a technique known as mind probing. It gives us the ability to read the minds of whomever we choose on a whim. Rest assured, I never used it on you, I wouldn't do that without your consent. That being said, if you want, I can use it in order to figure out what it is you're trying to tell me.”

“...Well...I uh...I guess...if it could help... Are you sure you want to find out that way?”

“I don't mind. You seem to be having trouble saying it. So perhaps it will be better explained in your head,” Ascentia smiled a bit then. “I'm sure you're familiar with ideas sounding better in your head, but when you actually formulate them into spoken word, they seem to change?”

A small smile crossed Twilight's face. “Yeah, I do. ... Well, okay... You can try that, then.”

Nodding, the woman placed a hand on her head, near her horn, as if checking her for a fever. Twilight wasn't sure if it was necessary or merely symbolic, but she sat still as Ascentia went to work.

'Oh no, don't think of anything embarrassing! Oh no! What if she can read my mind right now? Don't think about the party when we were all drunk! I wasn't dancing on the table and trying to sing! No no no! No! Don't think about that! Quick! Diversion! Think of the way Applejack loosened up! Or how Pinkie seemed so mellow and calm! Hee, or even the way Rainbow and Fluttershy were all over each other and flirting like crazy-so cute! Just don't think about me dancing on the-darn it!!'

After an undetermined amount of time, Ascentia pulled away and stood up. Given the shocked look on her face, which Twilight had to admit was fairly comical, it was clear that she knew everything now.

“...Twilight...you...” She managed, her voice just barely above a whisper.

Yep. She knew.

Twilight took a deep breath, managing to look up at her. It was now or never. The cat was out of the bag, with no turning back. “That's what I've been trying to say. I know that I can't exactly...say those words back for sure, but I do know one thing. I want to give you a chance. I want to be with you, Ascentia... I really do.”

Ascentia looked at her with a bewildered eye, "What did you just say?"

"You heard me," Twilight replied adamantly, "You told me to find someone I care about. Somepony I feel I deserve. You said I was free to do as I please. That you want me to be happy. With whatever I choose."

"Yes, I did," Ascentia said weakly, "But I didn't mean-"

Twilight silenced her by pressing her hoof to Ascentia's lips, "Well I did just that. I looked for someone that I trusted. That I can be happy with. Someone that I wanted to be with. And I know what I want."

Ascentia made no effort to speak through Twilight's hoof. Twilight continued anyway.

"I want you."

The two of them locked eyes as Twilight removed her hoof from Ascentia's mouth, expecting a response. Ascentia remained silent for a moment, her featureless eyes staring through her, before finally...

"I cannot."

"You're kidding me, right?" Twilight asked, raising an eyebrow, a surge of anger coursing through her, "You have got to be kidding me! Isn't this what you wanted?"

"Twilight, I have told you why I cannot do this for you," she said flatly.

"That's a load of bull, Ascentia!" Twilight snapped, "Why did you return to warn me about Xebre?"

"Because I..." Ascentia was about to say because she cared about the innocent lives that would have been harmed, but stopped. She couldn't.

"Why did you throw yourself into Athena's line of fire to distract her?"

"So you could escape, you know that," Ascentia replied.

"Exactly," Twilight replied, "So I could escape."

Ascentia stopped dead in her tracks. Twilight was correct... and she hadn't realized it until now.

"You said to Princess Luna yourself that rulers were a dime a dozen," Twilight continued, "You dared her to try and fight Athena, but you nearly lost it when I wanted to stay!"

Ascentia took a seat, listening to Twilight recount her own actions to her.

"And why would you agree to give me release if you couldn't be emotionally involved with me? You and Lord Ryder said that you took me on as your mate. Am I the one who needs to remind you of your customs? You know, mating for life?!" Twilight continued, "If you didn't care about me, you wouldn't have put your mouth between my haunches!"

"Twilight, I do care about you," Ascentia finally replied.

"Then what's the bucking problem?!”

"It's.... I'm..." Ascentia tried to respond, but found herself lost for words, "I do not know."

Twilight strode right up to her, her face inches from the Val'Kyr's, "Then shut the buck up and kiss me."

Before Ascentia could respond, Twilight pushed forward, capturing her lips in her own and pushing her onto her back. Ascentia's arms found themselves wrapping around Twilight's body as their tongues began to intertwine.

Ascentia's fingers dug into Twilight's coat while Twilight began to fiddle with the latches, ties, and strings on Ascentia's clothing with her magic, mentally smiling when pieces of her armour popped off her body. She bit down onto Ascentia's bottom lip, drawing a little blood. She found herself growing wet between the haunches very quickly upon taking the dominant role, sliding down to kiss the Val'Kyr's neck as her magic undid her uppper tunic.

Ascentia started to protest, "Twilight, I-"

"Shut up!" Twilight snapped, looking her in the eye again before briskly kissing her again. When she pulled away, her eyes were determined. She pressed her back hoof between Ascentia's thighs, meeting something solid and metal underneath her robes. Likely more armour.

"But I have told you-"

"You told me to figure out what I want," Twilight interrupted, "Well I want to please you."

"But I do not-"

"And if that's not good enough, then take it this way," Twilight continued, leaning in and whispering in her ear, "What I want is to get down there and finally taste you."

Ascentia offered no more words of protest.

Twilight continued to undo Ascentia's tunic, pulling the layers of metal, cloth, leather, linen and more metal away. After several minutes of fiddling with the intricate and complicated layers of her attire, until she finally had bared the Val'Kyr's torso.

And then Twilight stopped.

The last time she had seen Ascentia's bare skin, she had been freaked out, and it had been at a distance. Now that she could get a close look at her, she found her fascinating.

Twilight took careful time to run her hooves along every laceration, every gouge, burn, dead patch of flesh, and partially healed wound. It suddenly dawned on her that while Ascentia was very old, she had not aged like a mortal had. There were places, like the underside of her right forearm and a few small patches on her stomach and chest where she could see undamaged flesh, smooth and youthful. Having studied humans before, Twilight concluded that without these horrid wounds, Ascentia would look like a woman in her late 30's, or early 40's.

She lowered her head, and placed a soft kiss along a particularly deep scar on her abdomen, before moving down to part the folds of her lower tunic, her hooves caressing the soft material, realizing that Rarity would likely cream herself at a chance to examine the fabric of Ascentia's robes.

It took some time, especially since Twilight wasn't used to this kind of thing. Most especially with all the layers she had to remove. Nonetheless, she took her time, savouring this. Every now and then, she glanced up at the woman. Despite the uncertain look on her face, coupled with the fact that she was biting her lip, she made no attempt to stop her. Twilight gave a smile, then leaned down to nuzzle along the same scar of her abdomen, then kissed a smooth, undamaged part of her skin. It felt smooth and even soft under her touch.

“It's amazing,” Twilight said softly, managing to undo the tunic completely, parting away the fabric. “They say that every scar tells a story. That the body is a dense jungle, just waiting to be explored. You have a fascinating novel just begging to be read.”

A tinge of pink tainted Ascentia's cheeks. Twilight could barely believe it, and yet again wished she had her camera.

Using her magic, hooves, and even her teeth to go along; Twilight now had one last thing to remove before reaching her goal. A metallic plate settled between her legs, obscuring the very area she sought after. Using her teeth once more, she removed it, slowly, then cast it aside with her magic. Beneath that was a pair of basic cotton underpants, much to her own surprise.

However, the unicorn smirked upon seeing a dab of moisture upon. Giggling, she placed her hoof over the covered mound.

“You're turned on by all of this, aren't you?”

Ascentia's breath hitched, her body stiffening a bit.

“I can feel it, you're getting wet...” Twilight purred, leaning up over the Val'Kyr again.

She ran her tongue along Ascentia's jawline, going down along her neck. Her hooves ran along the length of her torso, earning sighs from the woman below her. Going lower, she kissed and caressed any nook and cranny she could find. Despite that her chest was pretty much destroyed by the injuries and scars, it still fascinated Twilight to know that a human's mammary glands were located on their chests. Whereas those of an Equine were located just barely above their vaginal mounds.

Reaching her legs, Twilight yet again pried them apart, giving some attention to her inner thighs. Ascentia's responses were quiet, aside from soft sighs and the occasional stifled grunt. Given at her fingers were clutching the couch cushions tightly, it was clear that she was at least feeling something.

Kissing, licking, and even sucking along the skin of her inner thighs, Twilight went lower, lower, just barely reaching her goal. She could already smell the tangy, musky scent, and was eager to taste it. Using her magic, she pulled down the underpants, down and up over Ascentia's legs, and then placing them aside as well.

At long last, Twilight leaned in to get a good look at her womanhood. Much to her surprise, it was completely intact. Smooth, youthful skin, along with a thin but noticeable patch of red hair. Reaching in, she placed her hooves on either side, parting the folds. A light gasp sounded from Ascentia, while her hips nudged slightly. Pulling the out lips further apart, Twilight caught sight of a hooded nub, the little target.

“I've never done this before... But I'll try...” Twilight murmured, leaning in, and kissing between the folds, along her labia.

In response, Ascentia's breath hitched before she then brought her hands down to Twilight's mane, as if bracing herself. Encouraged, Twilight leaned in, slowly, breathing upon the genitalia. She gave a tentative lick along the slit, tasting the texture of skin and the crisp feeling of the curled hairs. It felt odd, but nothing that made her detract from it. She licked again, teasing her entrance to further stimulate the woman beneath her.

It seemed to be working, as Ascentia's breathing had become more laboured, even a bit louder. Pleased with her so-far success, Twilight yet again pried apart the outer lips of her vaginal walls, and started to poke around her entrance. Her tongue slicked out, exploring her. The taste was slimy and even better, but she was getting something of a flavour as some nectar-like moisture was slowly seeping along the walls. Eager for more, she dove her tongue inside, lapping about. The inner walls clenched around the appendage in response, which only intrigued her further.

Despite how quiet it was, Twilight's ears didn't fail to pick up a quiet moan that escaped Ascentia. She smiled to herself, humming within her to emit vibrations, continuing to explore her tasty mound. Whatever this taste was, she couldn't help but enjoy it. A musky tang, with a hint of something she couldn't quite make out, but found to be sweet.

Eventually, she withdrew her tongue and moved upward a bit. Spotting her nub yet again, she went for it. Closing her lips around the hooded button, she suckled on it, ran her tongue along it, and even gently nibbled. The pants from the Val'Kyr were only arousing her further, as well as the feeling of her finger fisting into her mane.

This was what it felt like to give pleasure, to see your partner's responses to it. Twilight enjoyed it just as much as receiving it, finding it to be a joy in itself. Her own marehood was clenching, begging for attention, but she ignored it. Now was not the time for that. It was her turn to give, and she was all too happy to do so.

Within a few more moments, or minutes, Twilight wasn't sure, she heard a louder grunt from the woman. Before she knew it, the warm, sticky substance came seeping out like a rushing stream. Some of it ended up on her muzzle, surprising her, with a bit more getting into her mouth. Twilight savoured the taste, which was all the more stronger and intriguing, with a strong, tangy, but sweet taste she wouldn't soon forget.

Lifting herself up, hooves on Ascentia's hips for leverage, the unicorn smiled as she licked the excess of her lips. “Wow... You really have a great taste...” She giggled.

An uncharacteristic blush tinted the woman's cheeks before she averted her gaze.

“...Well? How did it feel?”

Ascentia didn't answer for a few moments. She then faced Twilight, catching her breath. “I...had not felt that way in a long time, Twilight. But I have to say that you did very well. It was...”

“Pleasurable?” Twilight grinned hopefully. “Reeeaally good?”

“...Yes,” Ascentia smiled ever slightly.

“Hooray!” The lavender mare clapped her hooves with glee.

She couldn't help but feel a certain kind of thrill at finally having the chance to pleasure the very companion who had done the same to her over the past six months or so. There had always been that pang of guilt at the back of her mind, feeling bad that she couldn't return the favour. Most especially considering the factor of Ascentia harbouring feelings for her all this time. She wondered if it had been difficult at all, to actually do something like this. Servicing, so to speak, someone you loved, when they possibly didn't feel that way back.

'It must've been what Fluttershy maybe felt, before Rainbow left... She gets to enjoy this wonderful experience with the pony she loves, who is all too keen to share it with her...yet might never love her back.' Twilight thought, a little tinge of heartbreak entering her gut. 'It's not easy being in love with someone for a long time, is it?'

“Twilight?” Ascentia's voice reached her ears, derailing her thoughts.

“Huh? Oh-what?” Twilight blinked, facing her again.

Sitting up on her hands, the Val'Kyr regarded her somewhat curiously. “You've been very quiet just now. Is everything all right?”

“...Ascentia...how long, you know...have you felt this way about me?”

Ascentia looked surprised at the question, then bit her lip. With a thoughtful frown, she glanced about the room for a moment, then looked back at the unicorn. “When I first met you, you fascinated me. It was your thirst to learn and understand even what a mortal mind could not possibly dream to. First I saw you like a Master would see their apprentice. But before long, I wished to remain alongside you. As your Guardian, and as your friend.”

“But what about when you fell in love with me?” Twilight asked.

“One could say the two are mutually exclusive,” Ascentia replied, “A Val'Kyr selecting their mate does not always mean being bonded partners. More often than not, it simply refers to a lifetime devotion. Like a Guardian Angel.”

“But... Lord Ryder told me it meant being actual mates.”

“That is odd. Lord Ryder was the first Val'Kyr to create the bond pact. I cannot see why he would...” Ascentia stopped for a moment, “...oh, that crafty bastard.”

“What?”

“Do you know what the term 'playing matchmaker' means?”
Twilight was silent for a moment, before her pupils narrowed to pinpricks and she planted her face into the bedsheets.

“Please tell me this wasn't some innane prank,” Twilight begged, her voice muffled through the sheets.

Ascentia lifted Twilight up and hugged her closely, “No, it was not. I do love you, Twilight.”

“So...for quite a long time, huh?” Twilight murmured.

“You can say that,” she said, nodding a bit.

Twilight smiled a bit. “I understand. I guess I would've felt the same way...if it were me. I mean, well, I guess the fact that we're a different species is already enough.”

“I can't say it's something I ignored, but it was irrelevant to me.”

“Now that I really think about it, it really isn't relevant to me, either.”

They sat there for some time in silence, basking the quiet moment of their close union. Nothing much else needed to be said about what they now had, all they could do was move forward. There would be a lot of obstacles to overcome, and a relationship would take a lot of work to keep it going.

But Twilight was ready for it. As nervous as she was for the future, at least now, they could take it together. In time, she might be able to truly say she loved her, too.

Twilight smiled over to Ascentia to see her re-fastening her robes and armor. She laid a hoof on her wrist to stop her.

“You might not want to do that just yet.”

“Excuse me?”

Twilight jumped forward, pinning Ascentia back to her bed, giving one of her trademark grins, “If you think I'm done with you, you have another thing coming.”

Once again, Twilight wished that she had her camera.

Author's Note

This was pretty fun to do, and it ties up all the loose ends.

A good portion of this story was in thanks to Bhaalspawn's contributions in writing certain passages. Really, without those, this chapter may not have been what it is now. Emotional, but still funny. :D Then again, without him and without the original requester, this story would not exist. And I'm so glad it does.

So, after this, there is one more chapter, and then an epilogue. Then it's over! Whoo!

Going Forward

Three weeks had gone by since Twilight made her decision, three weeks since their relationship was “official”, so to speak.

On this particular day, Twilight was now at Ponyville Station, heading out to Canterlot for the weekend. Going along with her was Spike and Fluttershy, the latter of which had promised Discord that she'd go visit. The only downside was that it was winter and most of the animals had either left or were hibernating, which made a visit to the Canterlot Gardens pointless. Fluttershy didn't mind though, she was planning to scope out the city's newly built arboretum, which had a pen for butterflies.

The rest of their friends had come to see them off, along with Ascentia, who had decided to do the same. This surprised Twilight, as they usually tended to share their own partings separately. But today, Ascentia had walked with all of them to the station, and was now with them on the platform. Surprising as it was, she felt pretty happy.

Twilight happily said her farewells to her friends, as did Spike, with a lot of hugs and ad-libbed “Have a good trip!” well wishes. Fluttershy did the same, with a very excited Rarity persuading her to take some time at the Canterlot Spa.

At the corner of her eye, Twilight smiled at the adorable sight of a nervous Rainbow Dash looking around the platform. She was even rubbing her legs together in an anxious manner in doing so. When she deemed the coast clear, Rainbow leaned in to Fluttershy and happily nuzzled noses with her. Three weeks since they'd been officially marefriends, and Rainbow was still a little tentative of being affectionate in public.

Twilight inwardly smirked as she knew very well that things were different behind closed doors. Or if she had a few drinks. If she thought Fluttershy was an affectionate drunk, Rainbow Dash took the cake.

“Are you going to say your goodbye, or are you going lose yourself in your thoughts, therefore missing your train?” Ascentia's question broke Twilight out of her reverie.

“Sorry, I was just thinking,” Twilight shook her head, facing the Val'Kyr then. “So, I guess I'll see you when we get back?”

Ascentia nodded, petting her mane and then kissing her on the forehead. “Have a good weekend, Twilight. I assume you're going to inform Celestia of us, aren't you?”

The unicorn smiled. “Yeah, I'm not going to keep secrets from her, especially not about this. I know it won't change anything, but I'm not expecting it to. It's just the honest truth about what's going on, nothing more.” Twilight shook her head, looking to the train then. “I guess I'd better go. Fluttershy and Spike just got on... Oh, what's another second?” She nuzzled the woman's cheek with her own, and then turned to go.

Looking back over her shoulder, she could see Ascentia wave once. Smiling, she waved back, also once, then boarded the train.

'It's kind of nice... Girlfriend, lover... It's pretty surreal!'

In her old room, Twilight unpacked her luggage, while Spike did the same. Fluttershy was next door in her own suite, getting settled in, and likely going to get a surprise entrance by her chaotic friend.

“Um, Twilight?” Spike suddenly said, coming at her side.

“Yes?” Twilight glanced over at him.

Spike paused for a moment, twiddling his fingers. “Are you really sure about all this? What if Princess Celestia get upset about it?”

“Well... I can't control how she's going to react, Spike. How she feels is up to her, and there's nothing I can do about that.” Twilight said, sitting down in front of him. “But what I am going to do is be honest with her about what's going on. I've made my reports, you know that, but I haven't said much else about it. I wanted to tell her in person, which is what I'm going to do. I can take responsibility for my own actions and my decisions, Spike. I just hope she'll understand that.”

“What if she doesn't?” Spike guessed.

The unicorn shrugged, giving a light sigh. “I really don't know. I guess I'll just have to cross that bridge when I get there.” She then smiled, giving him a little hug. “But it'll be okay, because at least I still have all of you, and I know she won't hold it against me.”

Smiling a bit more, Spike hugged her back. “Yeah! We've still got your back, Twilight, and I definitely do, too!”

“Thanks, Spike. I'm always glad to know I have you guys to count on.” Twilight smiled warmly at her assistant. “And you know, I don't say this often enough, but I really love you, Spike. I do.”

“I love you too, Twilight.” The baby dragon nuzzled into her chest affectionately. “Whatever you do, you know I'm right there behind you!”

“Heh, I'd rather you be right by my side, my number one dragon!” Twilight nuzzled his head. A warming feeling entered her heart, feeling so much more confident and ready for all of this. “So, before we get down to this, why don't we go get Fluttershy, and we'll go get some donuts?”

This made Spike grin widely at the suggestion, before he hurried off to the door. Laughing, Twilight followed after him.

'I don't know how Princess Celestia is going to feel about this...but that doesn't mean I'm going to back out or let the unknown scare me off. I'm going to be a mare and just come out with it! But for now, let's just go get some donuts!'

At Donut Joe's place, Twilight munched on some donuts and drank hot chocolate alongside Spike and Fluttershy. Canterlot's weather, though filled with a lot of snow, was fairly mild and made it a great day for outdoor winter fun. Or at least as much fun that could've been had in a town of high society. But when all they needed was a scarf, maybe hoof mittens, they were good to go.

“Do either of you want to come with me to the arboretum?” Fluttershy asked, finishing another donut. “I thought I'd go after we're done here.”

Spike nodded, his mouth full of food. “Yeah, sure, I'll come along!”

“I can't, but maybe some other time. I have to go see Princess Celestia after we leave, and then I have to meet Shining Armor and Cadance when they get here.” Twilight said, shaking her head. “Then we're going to go to my parents' place for dinner.”

“Oh... Well all right, I'll drop Spike off at your parents' place when we're done, then.” Fluttershy looked disappointed, but she smiled with understanding. “That's right, you do have a lot to tell them by now, don't you?”

“Yeah, no kidding.” Twilight nodded. “But how about we go to the spa together tomorrow? I know you've only been there once with Rarity, but they had it renovated last year.”

Fluttershy smiled at the thought, nodding before she took another sip of her hot chocolate. “All right, awesome!” She cheered loudly. Realizing what she'd done, she blushed and hunched in her seat. “I-I mean...that sounds good.”

Spike and Twilight glanced at each other before stifling laughter. It was hard not to find the display of loud excitement from Fluttershy of all ponies quite hilarious.

Fluttershy then smiled, sitting back up. “Oh, what am I saying? I've done louder. That was nothing.”

“You're finally learning, Fluttershy.” Twilight giggled, patting her shoulder. “So, what are you and Discord going to do while we're here?”

“Well, he said in his letter that he has some surprises in store for me, actually. I'm not sure what they are, he didn't say, but I do have a feeling that they'll be...well, chaotic.” Fluttershy giggled. “I also brought some things for him, so it was good timing that we came here this weekend.”

“Are you going to be okay for dinner?”

“Absolutely, Discord and I usually have dinner on occasions like this, anyway.”

Spike spoke up then. “Is it true that Discord has a thing for Princess Celestia?”

Fluttershy gave a laugh at that, nodding. “Yes, he does! And he doesn't care who knows it.”

“I knew it!” Twilight slapped her hoof on the table, snickering. “I owe Ascentia ten bits now.”

“Speaking of her, um... are you going to tell Princess Celestia about your...well, relationship with her?” The creamy yellow pegasus asked curiously.

Nodding, Twilight finished her hot chocolate. “Yes, I'm going to tell her. That's part of why I wanted to come here, so I could tell her about it. I'm not sure how she'll react-but it's a chance I have to take.”

“I see...” Fluttershy said with understanding. “Well, Twilight, I do hope it'll go well for you.”

Smiling, the lavender mare touched her friend's shoulder affectionately in thanks. “I hope so, Fluttershy. But don't worry about me, I'll handle it however I need to. On the interm, have you told Discord yet, about you and Rainbow being a couple?”

Shaking her head, Fluttershy blushed and giggled. “Oh, not yet. I will be, though. But I don't think he'll be surprised by it, either.”

“All things considered, probably not.” Twilight agreed, hiding a smile behind her hoof.

“He tried to give me a selection of lingerie when he found out that Rainbow and I were-” Fluttershy cut herself off, realizing what she was saying and that Spike was still there.

Looking up from his mug, the small dragon gave her a look. “Oh come on, this again? You know, I wish you guys would stop doing that. It's not like I don't know about these kinds of things! And besides, I already knew about you and Rainbow Dash.”

Eyes wide, Fluttershy squeaked and shrank back in her seat. Twilight tried not to laugh, while she too was curious about how Spike knew about that particular factor.

“H-H-How did you-” Fluttershy began.

Spike rolled his eyes, placing his mug down. “I saw you two making out in White Tail woods. I knew something was going on! I just didn't say anything because I didn't want to embarrass you.”

“Yeah...I kind of knew about it, too...” Twilight admitted sheepishly, waving her hoof lightly. “I caught you two in bed by accident one time. But I left before either of you noticed me.”

An embarrassed squeak escaped the shy pony as she hid her face behind her mane, looking away from both of them.

“W-W-Who else knew?!” Fluttershy managed.

Spike and Twilight yet again exchanged glances before shrugging a little.

“I don't know if Applejack, Pinkie or Rarity knew all along. You'd have to ask them.” Spike said truthfully.

Twilight nodded, patting Fluttershy's shoulder. “We're sorry, we didn't meant to embarrass you, Fluttershy.”

The blushy pegasus took a few breaths, sitting herself up straight in her seat. She mumbled something dismissive, distracting herself by eating a donut.

“Hey, what about Rainbow joining the Wonderbolts?” Spike suddenly said, curious.

Fluttershy looked as if she were about to choke on her bite. Twilight was even taken off guard by the question. She had nearly forgotten the key factor in Rainbow's goals, joining the Wonderbolts. While she had passed at the Wonderbolt Academy with flying colours, she had quit the dream for a while. Just on the backburner. But for the past year or so, Rainbow had barely even mentioned the Wonderbolts.

“I-I...I didn't think of that...” Fluttershy squeaked, looking alarmed. “That's right...she'll still want to join them someday.”

“...Are you worried about that?” Twilight asked, concerned.

“...No...” Fluttershy resolved, shaking her head. “No, I'm not. I think...I think it's going to be okay. She won't abandon us forever...she'll just be traveling with them when they need to perform across Equestria and even beyond. They don't perform during winter, they have vacation time, and also time between performances. And I wouldn't want to hold her back from her dream. But just because we're together dosen't mean she has to give it up. I wouldn't want her to do that. I support her completely, and I'll wait while she's gone. Part of a good relationship is trust. And I trust her... It'll just um...take some adjusting on our parts. But I love her, and I want her to be happy. I'm willing to take the chance.”

The lavender unicorn smiled, giggling a bit. “Awwwww... You're sweet to say that, Fluttershy. I think she'll be thrilled to know you're supporting her in this! I guess...well, who's to say she can't be a Wonderbolt and be in a relationship with you, too?”

“Yeah! You guys can work that out!” Spike chimed in. “And Twilight has Ascentia, who has to travel to different worlds for her job! At least Rainbow's still going to be here in Equestria!”

Considering that, Fluttershy smiled, nodding in agreement. “You're right. If you two can work that out... I think Rainbow and I can work it out, too.”

“I think we both can. To working it out!” Twilight smiled, raising her empty mug with her magic.

“To working it out!” Spike raised his mug.

“Yes! Hear hear!” Fluttershy raised her mug as well.

They clacked mugs, sealing the toast.

Later that afternoon, Twilight returned to the palace and headed to find her teacher. Considering the timing, she was certain that Princess Celestia had just finished with her Day Court sessions for this portion of the day. It was likely that she had retired to her study by now. Sure enough, according to the guards, that was where she had gone the last time they'd seen her.

Twilight headed to Celestia's private study, knocking on the door.

“Yes, who is it?” Celestia's voice sounded from the other side.

“It's Twilight, Princess. Can I come in? I wanted to talk to you.”

An aura of magic surrounded one of the doors before opening. The Royal Alicorn sat at her desk, a bunch of papers piled neatly into two piles on either side of one that lay between them. She smiled warmly at Twilight as she entered, the door closing behind her.

“Hello, Twilight. I had heard of your arrival with Spike and Fluttershy. How are you?” Celestia smiled, inviting her to come and sit.

Beaming, Twilight trotted over to her mentor and nuzzled her leg. “I'm all right, how are you doing?”

“Oh...you know, attending to my duties, as usual,” she said, indicating to the papers on her desk. “But that's just what I have to do. However, I see you must be here for more than that, aren't you?”

“Yeah...” Twilight murmured, leaning against her. “I just... I have to tell you something, but I really don't know how to say it.”

“Hmm? Well, what's troubling you?” Celestia set down her quill, looking at her with concern.

Hesitating, Twilight felt as if her resolve was slowly depleting. But she couldn't turn back now, and she wasn't going to. Avoiding the inevitable would only lead to a much bigger problem than it would have to be. She shivered at the thought of that, and knew that it was better to just get it all out. This was her teacher, her surrogate mother. She needed her.

“Princess.... I just... I wanted you to know about something important. And I...I know how you might feel about it, but I hope you'll hear me out. If it upsets you, I'm sorry if it-”

Celestia smiled, placing a hoof on her lips. “Twilight, my faithful student, there's nothing that you can tell me that I will not listen to you about. Now, take a deep breath, and tell me what's on your mind.”

Doing as she was told, Twilight inhaled, then exhaled. It was now or never, and time to just take the plunge. “Princess... I'm in a relationship, a more...romantic relationship, with Ascentia. I... well, you see, I found out a few months ago that she had feelings for me. The Val'Kyr, you see, they have this bonding custom about selecting a mate. I was told under the impression that it was a romantic thing, that they mate for life and are truly serious about that. It's only half true, since it doesn't require love, but it's more of a lifelong devotion. Like a guardian angel... Or so I heard, anyway. But Ascentia trusted me with her sword...as a symbol of having chosen me as her mate. I-I...well, I really...feel something for her, and I wanted to give her a chance. I know you pretty much...loathe her and everything, but I just...I wanted you to know.”

Closing her eyes, the unicorn flinched as she waited for the onslaught to come. She wasn't sure what, but she expected the worst. Nothing came. No sound, no sign of movement, nothing of any sort. Celestia didn't even say anything. What was happening? What was going to happen? Did she have a reason to be afraid? Or was she just going to end up overreacting again?

“Twilight?” Celestia's gentle voice sounded in her ears. “Twilight, is something wrong?”

Looking up, Twilight met the gentle smile of her teacher, something she wasn't quite expecting. “I...Princess, you're...you're not mad?”

The alicorn shook her head. “Of course I'm not mad, Twilight. Why would I be? How I feel toward Ascentia and her kind are completely irrelevant in this case. I would never let my personal feelings get in the way of my subjects, or my faithful student. You know very well what I have taught you when it comes to most occupations, don't you?”

“Yes,” Twilight nodded. “It's that you always have to put your personal feelings aside and act with logical judgement, for the sake of the job and not yourself. It's why surgeons don't operate on family members or why psychologists don't see patients who are their family or friends.”

“That is exactly true. You are my student, Twilight, and the daughter I never had.” Celestia nuzzled her sweetly. “I want you to be happy, and if she is who makes you happy, then I see nothing wrong with that. While I cannot lie and say that I'm not worried about you going into this, I will not let it blind my judgement. You're a grown mare, Twilight. You have come a long way over the years, and you have learned so much. You can make your own decisions, and I trust you. How I feel is irrelevant and should not affect your decisions. I wouldn't let my personal feelings get in the way of your life.”

“...I...I see what you're saying...” Twilight hugged her warmly, feeling immensely relieved and grateful. “But I value your opinion a lot, Princess... I guess...I guess I just wanted you to understand.”

Hugging her in return, Celestia nuzzled her sweetly. “I see exactly what you're trying to say.” She pulled back, giving a bit of a playful look. “Now...will you indulge me for a moment?”

Puzzled, Twilight looked at her teacher weirdly, but nodded.

With her magic, the Sun Princess brought forth a quill and a roll of parchment, which she then began to write on. Even more surprising, was when she began to dictate what she was writing.

“To my dearest Twilight, my faithful student. I have learned a very important lesson for myself, as well. Sometimes, somepony you care about may get themselves into a situation that you feel concerned about. But when you trust them and their decisions, the best that you can do is to support them. Even if you don't agree with their decision. In turn, let them know that they can trust you, and to trust that you will be there for them if they do need it.

Don't try to sway their decision, but you can still let your concerns be known, so that they may at least understand where you're coming from. In the long run, it is best to trust that they know what they're doing and will make it through just fine. If worse comes to worse, that is when you can help, so long as they are willing to accept it.

Twilight Sparkle, you are free to make your own decisions, and I will support you in any way that I can. As long as you're happy.

Your mentor and friend, Princess Celestia.”

Finished with the letter, Celestia smiled, rolled it up, and levitated it to her. With a bright smile, Twilight felt tears come to her eyes as she hugged the alicorn. All of her anxiety of how her teacher would feel about this just dissipated. It was everything she could ever have hoped for and just the greatest feeling.

Further adding to the moment was that Princess Celestia even wrote a letter to her. While not necessary, Twilight could understand the gesture. And it meant so much.

“Thank you, Princess... Thank you so much,” she murmured, feeling tears falling down her face.

“You're very welcome, my dear Twilight,” Celestia smiled, returning the embrace.

'She's right...she really is right. I am a grown mare. I can make my own choices, and I can decide for myself who's worthy of my love. No matter what.'

The moment the train pulled up to Canterlot Station, Twilight already felt the tingles of excitement. Her eyes were trained on the windows, trying to spot the familiar heads of her brother and sister-in-law. Tapping her hooves impatiently along the ground, she tried to sit still, despite how excited she was to see them.

Moments later, Shining Armor emerged, making sure Cadance came out safely as well. Her stomach was now quite enlarged, what with being nearly seven months pregnant at this point. Grinning widely, Twilight trotted over to greet them.

“Shining, Cadance! There you are!” Twilight called out.

Shining Armor noticed her, as did Cadance, and they both grinned. “Twiley!” He exclaimed, flagging her over. “Glad you made it, sis!”

“Me too!” Twilight hugged her brother tightly, savouring the contact. She turned to Cadance then, nuzzling her. “Hey, Mom-to-be!”

“Oh, Twilight!” Cadance smiled, a tired but still very happy smile, before she drew the unicorn into a hug.

She then pulled back a bit, carefully doing the little dance before Twilight could assure her that she didn't have to. But there was no stopping Cadance, she could see. If being stuck in the caves beneath Canterlot didn't stop her, there was no way her pregnant belly was going to. Twilight just smiled and joined in with her.

“Sunshine, sunshine
Ladybugs awake
Clap your hooves
And do a little shake!”

Laughing, the three of them gathered the luggage before they headed out of the station. Making small talk along the way, Twilight remembered something she'd seen earlier that day.

“By the way, Cadance, you'll never believe what the Canterlot Theatre is performing this week!”

Cadance's purple eyes lit up almost immediately. “No way! It wouldn't happen to be-”

“South Ponycific!” Twilight finished for her, beaming. “The first play you and Princess Celestia took us to!”

“Who could forget that?” Shining Armor chuckled, shaking his head. “You two wouldn't stop talking about it for days!”

Cadanace giggled, shaking her head. “Hey, it's a good show! I don't know about you, but we're going to see it.”

“Yes!” Twilight bounced on the spot, then caught up to them. “Next week they're going to perform The Sound of Music, but I won't be in town by then.”

“Aww...” Cadance pouted, then laughed tiredly. “That's too bad. But there's always next time, right?”

“Yeah, next time,” Twilight agreed. 'You'll be a mother by then and won't have as much time...but there'll always be a next time. Even if that next time won't come so soon. But that happens, doesn't it? I guess when things change, you realize just how much you miss what you had before. When you didn't have to worry about not seeing your loved ones very often.'

After getting settled in, Twilight went with Cadance to the Canterlot Theatre for the play. It really was just the thing to get her mind off things and really just enjoy the weekend with her family. She no longer felt worried and anxious for things to come, not in the same way that she did in the past. The fear of the unknown would always remain, but it took overcoming that fear to truly face the future.

Living in the present wasn't always easy when worrying for the future, that much Twilight knew. But it was true that it helped to sometimes just let things happen and cross the bridges when upon arriving to them.

Now, she just simply enjoyed a classic musical with her beloved sister-in-law, feeling completely relaxed and content. Better than she had felt in quite some time.

After the play, they returned to visit with her parents. Shining Armor and Spike were already there, partaking in visiting with her mother and mother. According to Spike, Fluttershy had dropped him off as she'd promised, and had left to find Discord, saying that she would be back at the palace that evening.

During dinner, Twilight made small talk with her parents, while it was mostly Cadance who kept up conversation with them. Considering that they were soon going to be grandparents, Twilight couldn't blame them for being excited about the upcoming birth of the foal. Spike excitedly relayed some stories to Shining Armor, who in turn listened and make some comments about them, to which they would sometimes erupt into laughter.

Twilight looked among her parents, to Cadance, to Spike, to Shining Armor, all around the table. A lot of things in her life had changed dramatically since she first moved to Ponyville. So much had happened to her and around her, things she still to this day couldn't ever have imagined living without. Within that, something even grander had come to be.

A blessing, yet a curse. Something she still wasn't sure of.

But, there was still factor in making the best of it. Twilight knew that much, and she felt all the better for it and more prepared.

For a moment, she envisioned that future. Thanksgiving would definitely be an interesting occasion. Seeing Ascentia sitting with them like this was a bit of a funny image.

'Yet... I doubt that'll ever happen.' Twilight thought, quietly eating her food. 'I mean, she has sat with my friends and I during our little get-together events if she was around for them... But for a family gathering? Would she even be like family to the rest of us? I don't even know... I'd hate to spend family occasions without her with us, but I also can't force a situation to happen. ...Maybe it won't, and maybe it shouldn't. But I guess it's a nice thought, anyway.'

After dinner, Twilight helped Spike and Shining Armor with the dishes. Cadance sat by, supervising (and playfully giving them orders), while her parents had gone out to buy a cake and some pie for dessert.

“So, is it really true, Twiley?” Shining Armor spoke up, curious.

Twilight looked at him with confusion. “What do you mean? Is what true?”

“That you're now in a relationship with Ascentia?” Shining Armor grinned.

“What?!” Twilight felt a shiver of surprise, before turning to a guilty-looking Spike. “You told him?! I was going to do that!”

“Heh heh...sorry, Twilight! I didn't mean to! It slipped out!” Spike grinned sheepishly.

Cadance looked surprised for a brief moment, then giggled. “Well, looks like we were right, after all! That's fantastic, Twilight!”

Turning pink, the lavender unicorn busied herself by washing some more dishes. “Y-Yeah...sure.”

“Aw come on, sis, don't be embarrassed. You know we'll support you all the way!” Shining Armor assured her, patting her back.

“Exactly,” Cadance agreed kindly, smiling. “If that's what makes you happy, then that's great. You know I said before that we trust you, right? So, I think we can all agree that you're making the right choice for yourself.”

“Twilight knows what she's doing.” Spike agreed, placing a couple other dishes into the sink.

“...Well, I hope so. But I have a good feeling I am.” Twilight smiled a little to herself, passing the newly washed dishes to her brother so that he could dry them. “I wanted to give her a chance and I knew I wanted to. So, I went for it.”

Chuckling, Shining Armor nudged her slightly. “Looks like you know how it feels to be in my situation, huh, sis?”

Twilight playfully stuck her tongue out at him. “Very funny!”

Spike began to laugh, Cadance laughed, and then Shining Armor laughed too. Pretty soon, Twilight felt herself beginning to laugh, too. Their levity lasted on, even when her parents came back in, wondering what was going on. It didn't even bother Twilight any further, as she felt a lot better than ever. Things really were going to be okay.

Looking all around her, Twilight saw nothing. The horizon far ahead was nothing but an endless oceanscape. No land in sight. All she could see at the moment was that the light was fading, as the hour of twilight was upon the environment. A glowing, bright yellow sun surrounded by a reddened sky descended. It dipped, slowly, toward the water, as if sinking into it. The sky was purple, a deep orange, with darkened orange clouds, slowly moving on their own.

Below her hooves was rough wood, which she now saw was a boat. A small boat, moving on its own accord somehow. There was a sail, despite that she felt no wind.

“Where am I? What is this place?” Twilight looked all around her, trying to find some answers.

Her eyes caught sight of a palm tree, which was sitting alone on a small, tiny island in the middle of the water. Further ahead, beyond the island, was a raft. On the raft were pony forms, which at first, she couldn't make out. But as the boat neared the island, she could see the shapes of her friends. They were stranded on the raft, from what she could tell, and were calling to her.

“There she is! Twilight!”

“Twilight, over here!”

“Come on, Twilight!”

“Come here! Quick!”

Before Twilight could gather her bearings as the boat docked on the island, she paused. Humming. Someone or somepony was humming. But there was something about the voice she vaguely recognized. But how?

She stepped onto the island, slowly, looking out toward her friends. By now, she could hear them calling for help, urging her to come out there, urging her to help them. But the other voice, the humming, didn't cease. In fact, it only grew louder, stronger. Whatever it was, it was close.

“Twilight! Twilight, help us out here, will ya?!”

“Darling, do help us!”

“TWILIGHT! Come on! Hurry!”

Twilight blinked, unsure of what to do, or what to say. She felt as if she had no control over her actions. Her mind was reeling, telling her to go out there and help her friends. But the strange voice, the singing, was captivating her. Whatever it was, she had to find it. The voice was humming a very familiar tune, even.

Turning around, to her shock, a form appeared right out of nowhere, right against the palm tree. It was a woman, a human woman, and the source of the tuned humming. The woman stood tall, wearing flowing, pure white robes, which danced in the wind. Along with the robes was a long, silk, sheer white scarf that wove like a ribbon in the breeze. Her hair was long, deep red, dancing along with the bell-like fabric of her robes. She was no longer simply humming, then. She was singing.

“Bali Ha'i may call you,
Any night, any day”

Twilight could hear the voices of her friends yelling, telling her to stop, not to give in. But she couldn't tear her gaze away from the captivating woman. There was something about her voice, which sounded completely unlike one she knew...and yet, almost vaguely similar. It was angelic, deep, soft, but strong. No, it wasn't her voice... It couldn't have been.

“Twilight! Twilight, come on!”

“Please! Come on! Don't do this!”

“Twilight! Twilight I demand you stop this!”

“Don't let this happen! Stop it!”

“Twilight!”

“Stop it, Twilight! Stop, please!”

The unicorn looked from the captivating Goddess of a woman to her friends, unsure of what to do. She yet again felt as if she had no control over her body, like some kind of unseen force was keeping her there. Her eyes drifted back to the white-robed siren, who now held her hand out to her.

“In your heart, you'll hear it call you:
"Come away...Come away”

“Oh no, this isn't good!”

“Twilight, don't listen to her!”

“Fight it, Twilight! Fight it! Come on!”

“Please stop this!”

“Twilight! Twilight!”

Twilight now could see her face, shocked to see that it was...no. The scars were completely missing, and even the once atrophied eyes were now lively, though she couldn't tell what colour they were.

But there was no mistaking it, either. The woman in white, the singing Goddess, was Ascentia. Without her scars, with a new wardrobe, and a strangely in-tune singing voice.

“Ascentia...” Twilight uttered, taking a step toward her.

“TWILIGHT!!! TWILIGHT, HELP US!!”

“STOP IT! TWILIGHT!!”

“HELP US!”

“TWILIGHT!”

“TWILIGHT STOP!”

A smile stretched on Ascentia's red lips, captivating Twilight further. Swallowing hard, Twilight stepped forward, taking one last glance over her shoulder at her friends. She kept telling herself to move, to get away from there and help her friends. But there was no response. Nothing was stopping her. Nothing was breaking this spell.

“Bali Ha'i will whisper
On the wind of the sea:
“'Here am I, your special island!
Come to me, come to me!'”

“Don't do it, Twilight!”

“Twilight! Twilight! No!”

The lavender unicorn stepped closer to her, placing her hoof into her outstretched hand. Still singing to her, Ascentia knelt down before her at her level, coming closer. Her other hand came up, stroking her cheek gently. Now captivated, unable to break free from the spell this siren Goddess had upon her, Twilight felt weakened. Yet, rejuvenated as the warmth and sweet feelings of love coursed over her.

“Bali Ha'i,
Bali Ha'i,
Bali Ha'i!”

Ascentia leaned closer to her, which Twilight found herself responding to as she leaned in close as well. Their lips were just barely inches away, the bellowing white silk scarf danced around before it wrapped around them in a cocoon. She could hear the cries of her friends, deep inside she wanted to help them, go to them. But nothing could tear her away from this. No matter how much she felt otherwise.

Yelping in fright, Twilight jerked awake and sat up in bed, breathing heavily. She jerked her gaze about, taking in her surroundings just to make sure. Sure enough, she was in her old bedroom, in Canterlot palace. It had just been a dream. A crazy dream.

'What....what WAS that? I-I don't get it...! Ascentia doesn't look like that...she doesn't sing-at least I don't think she does, I never heard her...but why?! Why did I envision her like that?!' Twilight thought, holding her head in her hooves. 'Okay... I can argue that because I'd seen South Ponycific that the song was incorporated into my head, and mixing her voice with the original singer's voice... But why did it show that I was conflicted and trapped? Having to choose between rescuing my friends and her? ...That doesn't make any sense! Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy can fly, they'd have been able to at least go look for help or get them to safety! Rarity may no be adept with magic like I am, but she's more than capable of making her own magic useful!'

Her mind reeled as she fell back on her bed, staring up at the canopy covering.

“So what was it?” She asked out loud to herself. “Why did I dream that? Would I really have to choose? ...No, how could I? She's not making me choose, she never has. She's not like that! I know I'd never abandon my friends if they needed my help... And why would I let myself be captivated like that? I'm not easily willed by a siren's charms! So what was that? Why did I dream it? What does it mean?! What does it mean?!”

The more Twilight thought about it, the more she managed to relax, she had a thought come to mind.

“...Maybe it means nothing. Dreams aren't supposed to make sense. They draw instances from our subconscious, surface thinking, memories, and creates all these visions... Maybe it was just all of that. I'm overreacting...again.” Twilight sighed, sitting up.

“Wouldn't be the first time!”

Twilight squealed in fright, turning around and seeing Discord sitting on the sill of her open window, grinning widely.

“Discord?! What the hay are you doing here?!” Twilight yelped, gathering her bearings.

“What am I not doing here?” Discord snickered, snapping his eagle claw and appearing next to her bed. “You can't honestly think I was able to resist the very hilarious sound of Twilight Sparkle yelling out like an animal?”

“What do you want, anyway?” The unicorn pouted, looking away from him.

“Oh, I simply couldn't help but overhear the very juicy detail of you having a dream about Ascentia! Oh my!” Discord laughed, floating in midair next to her bed.

Twilight gave him a deadpan looked. “I've had dreams about her before. It's not like I can control what I dream about, you know. It doesn't mean anything!”

“So you realized that before or after you pretty much had a mini panic attack about it?” He said, grinning devilishly.

“Whatever. The point is that it just caught me off guard a little bit, okay? I'm fine now, I just needed to wake up and get over it. It was nothing.”

Discord snickered, poking her side with his lion paw. “Really? And dreaming about your own girlfriend is nothing?”

“That's not what I meant!” She protested, crossing her forelegs. “She didn't even look like herself in my dream! My dream just...fabricated her into something she's not! What do you think that says about me?!”

“That your dream just has a way of messing with reality?” He offered, winking.

Twilight blinked, knowing he was right. She had no idea how he did it, but he just had a strange way of driving points home. All while trying to mess with ponies about it. “...Yeah, that's true.”

Chuckling with glee, the draconnequus appeared at the foot of her bed, swishing his tail about like a cat. “Much as the same way that I myself can bend reality!” Snapping his claw, the entire room turned into a floating aquarium, surrounded by undersea creatures.

Not at all fazed, the unicorn rolled her eyes. “Believe me, Discord, I know.”

“And you're no fun.” Discord pouted, snapping his claw and bringing the room back to normal.

Sighing, Twilight looked about her room once again, and faced the ever persistent spirit of Chaos and Disharmony. “Discord...do you really think that my dream didn't mean a thing? That I'm overthinking it?”

“As I'm sure you know, everypony tends to try to look deep into how dreams work and why we have them. But when you get down to it, it's just as you said, my dear! It's all just our thoughts, our subconscious and memories surfacing and spiralling out of control, since our brains still work even while we sleep,” he said, slithering around her bed, and appearing next to her again.

“And they do make symbolic visions...which I guess just translates to how you're feeling, if nothing else.” Twilight said thoughtfully. “But what if something like that happens? What if I do have to choose between her and my friends? What if I make the wrong choice? What if that-”

“Why are you worried about something that didn't happen yet? Live in the moment, my dear!” Discord picked her up like a toy, bouncing her in his paw. “I mean really, you worry too much about what consequences will bring when they're not even set to begin with.”

“Put me down!” Twilight ordered, annoyed.

He didn't let up, ignoring her. “Honestly, you need to relax. Don't be such a stick-in-the-mud now, Twilight Sparkle! Seriously, has she ever done that to you?”

“No...”

“Do you think she would?”

“No...”

“So what's the problem?”

“I don't know!”

Discord just smiled. “You see?”

“....Yeah, I think so.” Twilight settled then, sighing. “I do love her and all, but I don't know if I'd be able to choose her over my friends.”

Rolling his reddened eyes, Discord sighed and placed her down on her bed. “Until she expects you to do that, settle down already.”

Seeing he was right, Twilight settled on her bed and lay down on her stomach. She knew this all too well, and yet again needed someone else to tell her so? This was not going well.

“How can I be a good girlfriend to her if I don't stop worrying?”

“Hmm....” Discord tapped his chin, and then grinned widely. “You can always find ways to relax!”

Twilight considered it. But before she could ask anything further, the draconnequus waved and then left her room through the window. Left alone in the dark of the night, she sighed, falling back onto her bed.

'I need to stop overthinking all of this and just go with it. Well...fine. Then that's what I'll try to do!'

The weekend had gone by fairly quickly, as well as pleasantly. Twilight thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her family, and even just getting some time away from home. But what made it even better was the resolutions she had. Her relationship was revealed to the ponies she loved and trusted most, to which they expressed their support. It was a great feeling, knowing that they at least tried to understand that she was happy with her decision.

Fluttershy had a good time too, from what Twilight could tell, as did Spike. They made the most of their little weekend away to Canterlot, and had their fun. She was thrilled, seeing now that their little trip was worth it all.

So fairly late in the morning on Monday, they arrived back in Ponyville by train. As they pulled up to the platform, the unicorn caught sight of Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash, along with Ascentia. Where Rarity and Applejack were, she wasn't sure, but assumed they might have just been too busy. That didn't matter though, she certainly didn't expect all of them to be there every time she left or came back from a train trip.

Once the train came to a stop, with the passengers disembarking, Twilight took Spike onto her back, carrying their luggage with her magic. Fluttershy followed behind her, taking her own saddlebags.

Coming out onto the platform, Twilight was greeted by an ever-enthusiastic Pinkie, who hugged her and Spike tightly.

“Helloooooo Twilight, Spikester and Fluttershy!” She squealed happily. “Now that you're home, it'll be time for your welcome-back party!”

“Maybe later, Pinkie...” Twilight chuckled, patting the earth pony affectionately.

“I know I could go for a party!” Spike grinned, licking his lips.

Twilight giggled, then looked over to her right side as Fluttershy was then brought into a hug by a very happy Rainbow Dash.

“Fluttershy!” The cyan pegasus exclaimed, smiling excitedly. “You're back! I missed you!” Realizing that other ponies were around, she blushed and then pulled back. “Uh... I mean, it's great to have you back, pal. Welcome home.”

Fluttershy on the other hoof didn't look the least bit fooled. She just giggled, blushing a bit. “Oh, Rainbow...”

Chuckling to herself, Twilight all but nearly pounced at the Val'Kyr as she greeted her, standing on her hind legs and wrapping her forelegs around her waist.

“Missed me more than life itself?” Twilight teased, batting her eyelashes playfully.

Ascentia smirked slightly as she returned the embrace. “I thought I would suffer at your absence.”

Twilight giggled, sticking her tongue out. “Cute.”

“Hey, uh...” Rainbow spoke up then, clearing her throat. “Hope you don't mind, but I'm gonna take Fluttershy home. She uh, has a lot to do at her place, making sure Angel's okay, and stuff. You know-bye!”

“Bye, see you-oh!” Fluttershy didn't get to finish her sentence as Rainbow picked her up, like a bride, and flew off.

They all stared off after the retreating pegasi for a moment or two. The silence was then broken by a confused Pinkie Pie, who had since taken Spike onto her back.

“Uh...wasn't Dashie house-sitting for Flutters during the weekend?” She wondered out loud, wide-eyed.

Ascentia just smirked knowingly. “Why don't we follow their example, Pinkie Pie?”

Seeming to catch on, the pink earth pony nodded with a wink. “You got it, 'scentia! Bye!”

“See ya, Twilight!” Spike called as Pinkie left the station as well.

Twilight smiled, waving after them, and then turning to her lover. “Well, I guess we should be going, too.”

“Indeed,” Ascentia took one of Twilight's bags in her hand. “Let's go.”

Arriving back at the Golden Oaks Library, Twilight fell back onto her bed as she relaxed. It felt like ages since she'd been sleeping in her own bed, and felt so refreshing, despite that it only had been for a weekend. She smiled, closing her eyes and letting her body just melt against the comfy mattress and covers.

The weight shifted and sunk as she felt Ascentia sitting beside her, poking her stomach.

“Eee!” Twilight barricaded her stomach with her legs, pouting. “No pokey!”

“...No pokey? What are you, five?” Ascentia's lips stretched into an amused smile.

“Stop it...” The unicorn's pout became more pronounced.

The woman chuckled, patting her mane. “So, did you have fun?”

Relieved at the change in topic, Twilight nodded as she sat up. “Yeah! It was pretty nice to see everypony again, and I even got to see an old play from when I was a filly! Cadance is getting bigger, and even then she still keeps going! I felt the baby kick! That was amazing!” She giggled, hugging herself. “Discord's off his rocker, as usual...but I guess he wouldn't be him if he wasn't.”

“I'm sure,” Ascentia agreed, shaking her head.

“Mm-hmm...” Twilight murmured, leaning against her now. “And I told Princess Celestia about us.”

“I see, and how did she take it?”

“Well, she was actually really understanding about it! As much as she didn't exactly...agree with my choice in a girlfriend, she still supported me. She even wrote me her own letter, see?” Twilight levitated the letter out of her saddlebags, bringing it over for the woman to see.

Ascentia took hold of it, reading over the parchment. “And here I thought she would attempt to hunt me down and try to kill me.”

Ignoring that, Twilight put the letter onto her dresser, so that she would remember to store it in a special place. “So, what about you? How was your weekend?”

“It was alright. I had gone by the Val'Kyr Capital yesterday, for the usual protocols. Aside from that, I found the entertaining spectacle of Rainbow Dash against Fluttershy's rabbit,” Ascentia said.

“Ohhh, yeah. Angel never really forgave Rainbow for rejecting Fluttershy...” Twilight laughed a bit, shaking her head. “Then again, he also can't stand anypony trying to date Fluttershy, either.”

“Ah, that explains it,” Ascentia said, running her hand along her back.

Giggling, Twilight relaxed more against her, closing her eyes a bit. Images of the dream had now come back to her, as if reminding her of something she should say. She hesitated, feeling uncertain about that.

'It was just a dream. Why do I need to tell her about that? It's not a big deal. ...Well, then telling her won't be a big deal, either. So what's the problem? ...Yeah, once again, I don't know. Oh well, I'll tell her anyway. She'll probably just think it's a silly little story.'

“I had a weird dream about you the other night,” Twilight said offhandedly.

Ascentia ceased her stroking, looking down at her. “You did?”

“Yeah...it made no sense, either.”

Twilight explained the dream, or at least, as much as she could remember of it. She knew some of the vivid details, while other elements were lost on her. But the gist of it remained, stranded on a little island in the middle of the ocean, ignoring the cries of her friends, with Ascentia looking like some Goddess. The more she spoke about it, the more thoughtful Ascentia looked, yet amused.

“You must have imagined me before I had my injuries,” she pointed out.

“...I guess...” Twilight shrugged a little. “I mean, even your eyes were...well, they weren't atrophied. ...Can you even sing at all?”

Ascentia smiled, shaking her head. “No. Certainly not in a way that would be considered siren-like, as you described.”

“Oh. Then I guess my mind was combining different voices into one, mixed with your own...” The unicorn surmized. “Kind of like the way the brain can't make up faces when you dream. ....But I don't get it. I never have seen you without your scars, let alone any other female Val'Kyr...”

“No, I don't believe you have, have you?” Ascentia said thoughtfully. She paused, considering something. Then she held out her hands, in which a fairly book appeared. Across the page was silver writing that Twilight couldn't read, and given that the pages appeared to be plasticized, it wasn't any reading material.

“What's that?” She asked.

“A photo album,” the woman replied, opening it up on her lap. At the weird look Twilight gave her, she shrugged. “What? We preserve memories, too.”

“Can't argue with that.” Twilight conceded.

Turning a few pages, Twilight observed the array of photos. Some of Val'Kyr she didn't recognize, a few of a young little girl she presumed to be a younger Ascentia, and a few of Lord Ryder. Among them was another woman Twilight didn't recognize, but given her robes, guessed that she had to be important.

Ascentia finally stopped on a page, displaying a few photos of herself. They were simple shots, a few of them macro, while a couple more were taken a few feet away. Twilight gaped. All of them featured Ascentia without her scars and atrophied eyes. Neither of them were meant to be remotely sexy or seductive, and yet were still managing to affect her. One in particular showed a clear look of her face, completely unmarred.

“....Wow.” Was all Twilight could muster.

Chuckling, the woman ruffled her mane. “You like what you see, don't you?”

Twilight couldn't tear her gaze away from the photos. She was practically in shock at this point, unable to believe what she was seeing! Had her mouth hung any further, she could swear she would be drooling. Either way, she was amazed at how amazingly pretty Ascentia looked without the scars. Given her more youthful looks, Twilight surmised that she had to be a lot younger in her earlier years, while right now she certainly had aged, even without the scars.

“Sweet Celestia.... You're-!” Twilight uttered, her voice cracking. “You....you were gorgeous! Wow! You...wow!”

“Oh, Twilight.” Ascentia smiled, pinching her cheeks. “You're adorable.”

“I-I can't...well you....I mean, wow! You're so pretty!” Twilight squeaked, blushing immensely. “...How old were you, then?”

Looking at the photo, Ascentia shrugged mildly. “I couldn't say for sure. Possibly around twenty-two or twenty-three.”

“Oh...” The unicorn murmured, daring another glance at the photos. She stared, captivated, for at least a minute or two. Looking back up, she looked into the scarred, injured face of her lover. A smile overcame her own lips as she reached up, touching her cheek with a forehoof. “You know, you're still beautiful in there. Just differently than before.”

“You don't have to flatter me. I know I look aged and oldered with these scars.”

“I'm not. I'm being honest. Besides, what kind of shallow pony would I be if I was that bothered with how you looked? If you ask me, they're like the scars on the rest of you. Fascinating, and telling me a story.” Twilight kissed a few scars on her cheek. “I don't care about that. I care about you... I love you.” She placed a hoof over the Val'Kyr's heart.

Taking hold of her hoof, lowering it from her face, but squeezing it, Ascentia smiled. “And I love you, Twilight.”

Using her magic to place the album aside, Twilight wasted no time in pouncing. She threw her forelegs around Ascentia's neck, kissing her deeply. The woman returned it immediately, bringing her arms around her smaller form. It lasted for some time, leaving them breathless as their tongues dueled, tensions rising.

Falling back onto her bed, Twilight used her magic to hastily remove Ascentia's robes, along with her armour. The woman made no protest, despite her light stiffening, but overall allowed it. Twilight could tell it would still be some time before she would be completely used to it, but that was understandable, she wasn't about to rush it any further than she had to.

“Mon amour...” Twilight purred, licking her tongue along Ascentia's collarbone.

“...French? Really?” Ascentia's deadpan tone sounded.

Giggling, Twilight nuzzled her chest. “You learn a thing or two when you grow up in Canterlot, ma cheri...”

“...Why are you so cute?”

“Hee...”

The two fell into an embrace as Twilight flipped them over, ready to work her magic. A sense of peace rolled over her, with nothing to fear in the future, but to just move forward and live in the present. She didn't feel worried, or even scared, but more intrigued as to what the future would hold.

Pleasure washed over her as Twilight relaxed, descending into the ecstasy. Her mind was slowly shutting down, but she could make one last coherent thought.

'Everything's going to be all right.'

THE END

Author's Note

For any of you who watched 3rd Rock from the Sun, then you'll know that Twilight's dream sequence is in fact lifted from a portion of Tommy's dream sequence in the season two finale "A Nightmare On Dick Street Part 2". I'm not sure why I implemented it here, but it just felt like an interesting tactic to go into.

Also, the song lyrics you hear in the dream sequences actually comes from Rogers and Hammerstein's musical classic, South Pacific, which is why it was included as a mention right here in the story.

Yet it still showcases that dreams are not meant to be taken seriously. They can reflect our subconscious and they can symbolize what we're thinking and feeling, but at the same time, they're dreams. Like daydreams are.

So! This is the final chapter. All that's left is the epilogue! I hope y'all enjoyed this and I thank you for reading. :)

Epilogue

Three years later...

Princess Twilight Sparkle sat waiting in the library, pouring through a book to pass the time. Beneath her lavender cape, her wings twitched and threatened to unfurl, but she kept them down for now. Her eyes fell to her Element of Magic tiara, now the symbol of her coronation.

Princess. Even now, it still felt quite odd to have that title. She was no longer just plain old unicorn Twilight Sparkle. She was Princess Twilight Sparkle, a risen alicorn. What a crazy day that had been, two weeks ago now.

Encased with the Elements of Harmony was Starswirl the Bearded's notebook. Within it was the spell she had finished. Finishing his life's work. With upon the very thing he could have learned.

'That could've been me. I could've been just like him. He was powerful, he was smart, he was groundbreaking in his spells, and has even mentored Clover the Clever herself. But he didn't know the true meaning of friendship, how it too could make for powerful magic. It's why he couldn't finish that spell... And that could've been me. I could've been just like him...if I had never met my friends. But even if I was, somepony else further down the line would've been able to figure out how to finish that spell.'

Twilight sighed, looking back to her book, but finding the words blurred. She just couldn't focus, at least not on this.

'What's Ascentia going to think? Now I'm an Alicorn, a Princess... Will she still love me? Will she still want to be with me? Would she even still want to be my friend? ...What if she never wants to see me again?'

The thought terrified her, there was no doubt. She felt her stomach churning and her body going numb, the fear of the unknown was overtaking her once more. These questions had been buzzing in her mind for the past two weeks, since Ascentia had been busy. Now, with a letter, she said she was returning and would be coming to see her. Today was that day.

Twilight trembled, taking a few deep breaths. “Okay, I can do this. I can't hide it from her forever, and I won't. I'm just going to be honest. I'll just-”

“Twilight?” A voice called from the door, followed by a knock.

“Yipe!” Twilight nearly flung her book aside, wide-eyed. “Uh...I'll be right there!”

Gathering herself, making sure that her cape continued to hide her wings, Twilight took another deep breath, making sure her dress was on right, brushing off invisible dust. She then approached the door, opening it with her magic. Ascentia crawled in moments later, holding a box in one hand, and stood up on her knees.

“H-Hey! Welcome back!” Twilight grinned sheepishly.

“Thank you. I brought you back some chocolates. I know you liked them the last time I-” Ascentia paused, studying her. Her brow furrowed slightly, looking confused. “...Why are you wearing that, Twilight? It's not cold.”

“Er...well...actually...” Twilight looked around herself nervously. That had escalated quickly, to be sure. Now she just had to come out with it. “I... have something to confess. ...Please don't be mad, okay? Hear me out.”

Placing the box aside, the woman faced her with a serious gaze. “I can't promise anything of that sort, Twilight. But I will hear you out, regardless.”

Nodding, the new alicorn hesitated for a moment or two. But she had to just go out with it and not let the future frighten her so much. And after three years of being together, was this really going to be that much of a deal breaker?

'My friends, Princess Celestia, Cadance, Shining Armor...all said the same thing. Just be honest about it, tell her what's going on, and let things go from there. If she really did love me, she'd at least accept it, right? I just hope she'll understand.'

“Okay. Well...here it is.” With her mouth, Twilight removed her cape, throwing it aside. Her wings, though perfectly in view, flared anyway. She flinched, closing her eyes and ducking her head.

There was silence. Not even the sounds of movement. Whatever was going on, Ascentia didn't seem to be doing anything. There wasn't even the sound of her drawing her sword. Twilight swallowed, keeping her eyes closed and trying not to shake so much.

“...Twilight, why are you standing like that? Do you think I'm going to strike you?” Ascentia's voice eventually spoke up.

Opening her eyes, she could see that the Val'Kyr had not moved from her spot. She was only gazing at her with an unreadable look. But nothing about it was anger nor hatred, which was relieving to her.

“So, what's the problem?” She went on.

“...What do you mean, 'what's the problem'?! I'm an alicorn!” Twilight burst, her anxiety getting the better of her. “Hello? Alicorn? I'm not just Twilight Sparkle anymore! I'm... I'm a Princess! I have been for the past two weeks, since you've been gone! Look at me!”

Ascentia didn't say anything, she just let her rant. She looked along Twilight's body, then spoke up.

“Honestly, Twilight, I can't say that I didn't see this coming. Perhaps not exactly, but I had a feeling you would rise up as the prodigy you truly are. Even to be Celestia's successor, if you will. So, I would say that you becoming an alicorn makes sense,” Ascentia stated. “From the stories you've told, from everything I've seen since upon meeting you, the clues were right in front of me.”

“...Oh...” Twilight sat on her haunches, looking sheepish. “Okay...so...that's it?”

“What's it?”

“You really have nothing more to say about it?”

“If you're expecting me to start squealing like a child and exclaiming that we throw a party, then you're in for a disappointment. I am not Pinkie.” Despite her tone, there was an amused smile on her face.

Twilight rolled her eyes, sighing. “That's not what I meant! I just...it was a huge change for me, you know?”

“I can see that. But that doesn't change who you are, Twilight. You just have wings, and I assume a whole new set of responsibilities, don't you?” Ascentia reached over to gently stroke her mane.

“Yeah, I do... Princess Celestia isn't even really my teacher, anymore. What she does now is show me my duties as a Princess... And now...she, Princess Luna, Cadance...they're like...my equals, now,” the alicorn murmured, nuzzling her head into Ascentia's hand. “But I am still me. Ponies all around started calling me Princess Twilight a lot, though.”

“It's understandable. They just want to be respectful.”

“I know, but I try to tell them that they can still just call me Twilight. I don't need to be addressed as Princess. It's kind of like when you address someone as Mr or Mrs So-and-So and they say you can call them by their names.”

Ascentia stroked her back and pulled her into a gentle hug. Feeling a sense of comfort, Twilight smiled and snuggled into her lover. At least she didn't have to worry about what she felt of the situation, all things considered. She could even see that she was right. All the seeds were planted, and she knew she was going to be doing something important in the future. She just hadn't known what.

“You're still the adorkable and knowledgeable Twilight Sparkle I know. A pair of wings and the Princess status are not going to change that.”

A beaming smile overcame the new alicorn's face. “...I love you, you know that?”

Ascentia smiled, kissing her forehead. “And I love you, too.”

Twilight giggled, nuzzling her sweetly, before releasing the woman. She then indicated to the glass casing, where the notebook and the Elements of Harmony sat. “You see that book right there?”

Ascentia nodded, regarding the item in question. “Yes, I do. I believe that is Starswirl the Bearded's notebook, correct?”

“It was,” Twilight said, going over to the glass casing and sitting in front of it. “Princess Celestia entrusted it to me some time ago. She knew if anypony could finish Starswirl the Beaded's last spell, it'd be me. I didn't know how, or what to expect, but when I did... everything just went crazy.”

“How so?”

Recalling the events, Twilight explained the situation as best she could. From when her friends had their cutie marks switched around, and even their memories wiped of who they really are. All the way to truly seeing what friendship was all about, and how it was the key to finishing the spell. It had all been what lead her to become who she was now, an alicorn. A Princess.

“And that's what happened. I got wings, I had a coronation, and...here I am.” Twilight gestured to her tiara. “I guess having the Element of Magic in the form of a tiara was the dead giveaway.”

Before either of them could say anything further, there was a knock at the door. Twilight went to answer it, greeted by the sight of Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Rarity, all of them smiling.

“Hey, Twilight!” Rainbow greeted as they came inside. “We've got some news!”

“Wonderfully glorious news!” Rarity threw in.

“Well, okay! What's up, girls?” Twilight asked, smiling curiously.

Both pegasi exchanged looks, with Rainbow gently nuzzling Fluttershy and nudging her side. The shy pony giggled, blushing a bit and looking nervous, but still very happy.

“Um...well...Rainbow and I...we're going.... we're going to get married.” Fluttershy said softly, her bright, loving smile betraying her shy and nervous tone.

The news surprised Twilight, more so actually hearing it than the news itself. Considering that the two have now been together for the past three years, as well. After a few months since they started to date, being more than just friends with benefits, the special moment had happened on their four-month anniversary, to which Rainbow had also declared with no uncertainty that she loved her. Rainbow Dash had also given Fluttershy her own primary feather back then, making the exchange complete.

It was really sweet, to which Twilight felt so glad for her friends to have made it this far.

“Aww, that's great, you guys!” Twilight grinned, giving them both a hug. “So, you finally proposed, huh?” She smirked playfully at her cyan friend.

“Yeah, I did....” Rainbow chuckled, rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly. “Yesterday was the same date that we first met and all... So uh... I'd been planning to ask her for a while, you know! And uh, so it worked out... I asked her to marry me.”

“And I said yes...” Fluttershy giggled.

“Big surprise!” Rarity cajoled. “Isn't it simply lovely? I of course have been appointed to design the dresses! How exciting this will be!”

Twilight laughed a bit, shaking her head. “Congratulations! I'm really happy for you two! When's the wedding?”

“Oh, we were thinking of having it next spring...” Fluttershy said dreamily, giggling. “We haven't set a date just yet, but that's what we're planning for.”

“That's great! So, let me guess, you want my help to organize it?”

“Actually, Twi,” Rainbow looked sheepish, eyeing Fluttershy. “We want you to marry us! I mean, you're a Princess now, right? You can do that?”

Surprised at that, Twilight considered for a moment. “Well, yeah...technically, I can do that.”

“We'd love for you to help us organize it, and to be the one marry us off...if that's all right...” Fluttershy said, hiding behind her mane a bit.

“What do you say to that, Twilight?” Said Rarity.

Seeing the hopeful looks on her friends' faces, the lavender alicorn just couldn't refuse. She'd never thought she would ever preside over a wedding, much less the wedding of two of her friends, but it was definitely going to be a very interesting opportunity. Smiling, Twilight gave a nod.

“Sure! I'll help organize and preside your wedding, girls.”

Rainbow Dash let out a cheer, slapping wings with Twilight, and of course happily hugging her fiancée with glee. Fluttershy cheered in her own sweet, quiet way, before clapping. Rarity was of course delighted, already running through some ideas of their dresses.

“Oh! Um, Ascentia....I was also wondering, since you're here...” Fluttershy spoke up then. “Would you like to come? I mean... I know we haven't made invitations yet-so it's a little early and all! But we-”

“Don't hurt yourself, Fluttershy,” Ascentia cut her off, firmly, but kindly. “I get what you're asking. And yes, I will.”

“...Really?”

“Yes.”

“Looks like the invites are a given!” Twilight remarked, drawing a piece of parchment from the nearby table, along with a quill. “We'll have to go over the details, see what kind of flowers we need, where it'll be held...”

“Goodness, dear! Slow down!” Rarity placed a hoof on her shoulder, smiling. “We still have plenty of time to do all of that!”

“Just as you have plenty of time to make the dresses?” Twilight teased, winking at the now sole unicorn of the gang.

The white unicorn looked taken aback before she smiled, laughing a little bit. “Touché, darling.”

“Um...so we'll go over the details as soon as we can...” Fluttershy said, clearing her throat. “Thank you so much, Twilight. I can't tell you how much this means to us.”

Giggling, the alicorn hugged her shy friend. “Hey, you're welcome, Fluttershy. I'm glad to do this for some of my best friends! So, I should really be the one thanking you both, for giving me this opportunity. I really-” Twilight realized something, then. “...Did you guys tell Pinkie yet?”

“Nope!” Rainbow shook her head. “We were just on our way to do that, but since we were passing by here, we decided to tell you, first!”

Ascentia interjected by that point, making no effort to hide her amused smile. “Oh, then I think it would be best if you took care of that now. I think we all know what happens when Pinkie doesn't hear big news, especially since she might know that you haven't told her yet.”

Twilight laughed at this while Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy looked sheepish, but then laughing as well.

“You know, if you two wanted to be alone, all you had to do was say so,” Rarity said in a mock-haughty tone, unable to hide her smile. “Well, dears, we should be heading to Sugarcube Corner, then.”

“Sounds good to me!” Rainbow said, then nudged Twilight. “Hey, Twi...you know, ever think of you guys tyin' the knot?”

Blushing, the alicorn looked away a little. “We can talk about that later. Now go on!”

The cyan pegasus laughed heartily, before then leading Fluttershy out of the library, with Rarity following them. Twilight closed the door behind them, letting out a breath.

“You know, if somepony had told me, back before I first moved to Ponyville; that two of my future best friends were going to get married... I'd have thought they were crazy,” Twilight remarked.

“If someone had told me that I would have found a land of magical talking ponies, protected it, and then fell in love with one of them... I suppose I would have thought that they were insane,” Ascentia threw in, chuckling.

“Can't argue with that...” Twilight smiled a little bit. “I guess I can say the same thing, too. And here we are! If we do get married, I really will be making you my Princess!” She laughed at this, recalling the silly little game Pinkie had made them play back three years ago.

The Val'Kyr looked at her, a little smile on her face. “So long as you don't start making me wear those kinds of dresses, then we'll talk.”

“Hey, you know I'd get custom-made robes for you! Nothing's too good for a future consort.”

“Oh? Thinking ahead, already?”

Twilight blushed and looked away, heading toward her room. “Never mind. I think we all get the picture. Besides...I have something for you.”

“What is it?” Ascentia asked, following her.

Coming into her bedroom, Twilight levitated something off of her dresser, which turned out to be a long, fine-looking feather, the same colour as her coat and wings. She levitated it to Ascentia, placing it in her hand.

“That's my primary feather. You remember the old tradition among pegasi?”

“Yes...they give their primary feathers to their mates, as a symbol of their love and devotion to them,” Ascentia responded, looking down at the feather.

“Well...alicorns have them, too. So, I'm giving you mine,” Twilight smiled lovingly. “You entrusted me with your sword, as a symbol of choosing me as your mate. Well...I'm giving you my primary feather, as my own symbol of love and devotion to you. I'd have given it to you back then, but you know... I was only a unicorn at the time. I know you don't exactly need it to know that I'm serious of our relationship...but I felt it was a nice little bonus.”

The woman was silent for a few moments, before she then knelt down, taking Twilight into her arms and hugging her tightly. Returning the hug, Twilight nuzzled into her lover, taking in her warmth and familiar scent.

“I love you so much, Twilight,” Ascentia murmured.

“I love you too, Ascentia.” Twilight said, closing her eyes, “More than you know.”

Keeping the embrace for some time, the two then parted, exchanging smiles. The feather then disappeared, being stored away for safe keeping.

“By the way, I got a letter from Cadance and Shining Armor. They wanted to know if we'd go up to the Crystal Empire for the weekend. Star Shine's been practically begging them to see us lately!” Twilight giggled, showcasing the letter she'd received earlier that morning.

Chuckling, Ascentia nodded. “That would be nice. But in the meantime, I see a problem here.”

Twilight looked confused. “What do you mean?”

“You're still wearing your dress, and I don't see you on your bed.”

“Ohh...so that's it...” Twilight smirked.

She proceeded to remove her dress, carefully placing it on its hanger in her closet. Once undressed, or at least in her normal state, Twilight climbed onto her bed; laying on her back with her wings and legs spread.

“Aren't you un-Princess-like,” Ascentia teased, climbing onto her bed and towering over her.

“Shut up and buck me.”

Author's Note

And it's over, folks! My oh my, what a journey this was. It started out as a one-shot request, and even testing the waters a bit. Then, lo and behold, ten chapters (including this) later, it's quite a full story. I have to say it turned out pretty good! I'm glad it managed to go beyond just a "Twiscentia Clopfic" and still manage to be a solid story. It managed to do just that, so yay!

It was fun to do, I hit some roadblocks at times and even felt so lost as to where it was going to go. But I'm happy with how it all turned out. Plus, it was a real bonus to write out Shining Armor and Cadance in a published story, and also Discord. Now that was just pure fun. :D

So, that's it! Thank you guys for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Also give a huge thanks to good ol' Bhaalspawn for being very helpful and a great editor. :D

Bonus: (NSFW) Penetration

Seeing the landscape far below from a bird’s-eye-view definitely took a lot of getting used to. Of course, this was something that Twilight Sparkle had never expected to get used to. Aside from the occasional aerial flight with the hot air balloon; it was something else to actually be flying above the landscape. Even now, months after becoming an alicorn and learning to fly, she still had much to learn and see.

‘Well yes, it’s obvious! I’ve only ever been walking. Pegasi who flew their whole lives have nothing to compare it to.’ Twilight thought, surveying the open landscape below her for a brief moment. ‘I wonder, if Ascentia was smaller... Maybe I could carry her on my back while we fly! ...That’d be kind of cute. Weird, yeah, but kind of interesting. Then again, she’d have to be at least Spike’s size for that. Wouldn’t that be a baby, considering humanoid anatomy? Well I wouldn’t want her to be a baby and not remember any of it, but at just the right size so-why am I even thinking about this?’

The lavender mare berated herself for letting her mind wander, deciding to focus on her task. Flying toward Ascentia’s alcove. Usually, she tended to just teleport there to save time. But every now and then, she dared take the route of flying toward it. Most of the way, at least. Even experienced flyers would have their share of trouble reaching it if attempted.

Twilight’s gaze then fixated straight ahead, toward the mountain range a ways off. Blinking through the fog of the increasing altitude, she began to feel the heavy pull of fatigue as the air thinned further and further. Ascentia had previously warned her that the closer she would get to her home and the telekinetic atmosphere contained within, eventually she would reach a several dozen yard thick layer where she would have no oxygen to breathe.

’Okay, perhaps flying so high wasn’t the most rational of ideas,’ Twilight thought as she blinked around, her vision growing vivid as she quickly glanced around, looking for the dimly lit platform she had been searching for for over an hour.

Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced something glint in the distance, a sharp blast of gold light hit her retina. Taking a chance, she steered herself downward toward it as she felt her wings give out and she plummeted.

Trying to control her fall, she caught a faint glimpse of Ascentia’s form standing on the platform of her home. Even with her back turned to her, she lifted her hand and Twilight felt her fall gradually slow until she landed sharply onto the stone, coughing as the wind was knocked out of her.

“I have warned you about that before,” Ascentia said sharply before ducking into the doorway, “Come in when you catch your breath.”
Doing just that, Twilight panted a bit as she sucked in her breath, her body trembling. Coughing a little, she lifted herself up on all fours, managing to take in her breathing. She shook her head, balanced herself on her legs, and flexed her wings lightly before receding them.

“I was trying to work on my flying. I didn’t want to take shortcuts this time,” Twilight responded in defense.

Nonetheless, she followed the woman inside. A little stretch of her legs and wings, and she felt right at home. This of course led the alicorn to climb up onto the sofa and make herself comfortable. Situating herself, legs curled beneath her body, Twilight lay her head against a throw cushion; utmost comfort washing over her.

At least until Ascentia took a seat beside her, taking the opportunity to stretch her own limbs a bit. All before her hand came over, stroking along her head, fingers digging into a spot behind her ears. Involuntary giggles escaped Twilight at the feeling, to which she angled and nuzzled her head into Ascentia’s hand. While not a cat or dog, she could understand why they seemed to like having the backs of their ears scratched.

“Hey... stop that...” Twilight protested, her tone completely betraying her words.

Ascentia chuckled softly as she continued to scratch behind the alicorn’s ear, “So what brought you here today, Twilight?”

“No reason... Do I need a reason to see you?” Little purrs of pleasure sounded as Twilight tried to respond to her question.

“Of course not, but you did nearly kill yourself attempting to fly here,” Ascentia replied with a snicker as she began to rub Twilight’s neck.

Pouting ever slightly, Twilight leaned closer to accommodate her touch, “Just trying to practice getting better at it, that’s all.”

Ascentia chuckled, while continuing to pet Twilight’s mane, “So how have you been?”

The question brought Twilight out of her reverie, if slightly, as she tried to think of an answer. Generic small talk, easy as pie. Any kind of brief answer would do. But Twilight preferred a more eloquent kind of response to them, getting past just basic two-sentence answers and really engaging who she was speaking with.

“Well,” she began, mentally listing possibilities to share, “I’ve been all right. I was just in Canterlot last week, learning a lot more about my duties, and all these new spells! It’s funny, I learned a thing or two about Princess Celestia’s duties as a Princess ever since I was her student, but actually seeing it all first-hoof? It’s still pretty surreal. I’m just surprised it’s not like in those books, where you have to learn to sit a certain way and tilt your soup bowl away from you! But what do I know?” She rolled her eyes at this, playfully, “But it’s definitely an interesting experience, anyway.”

Ascentia nodded in agreement, “The concept of poise is not an art that is taught. The ability to hold oneself in a dignified manner is only one suiting of appeasing others in equal positions. Make no mistake, Twilight, that even if you are not taught it directly, you will need to know proper etiquette when dealing in matters of politics, as politicians and monarchs are people with immense egos of their own. And to cross them can mean anything from a scandal to a full out war.”

“You’re telling me...” Twilight made a bit of a face, “I was at this big dinner the other day, with all of these politicians and other important figures. All that time I was trying to be polite and really nice, but sometimes they kept giving me the evil eye for some reason! It didn’t help that I kept spilling my drink and then actually mistook a bowl of hoof-cleaning solution for soup. Cadance was saying that I get too nervous and overthink matters like that. I think that’s why I was messing up, especially since it was my first time at one of those.”

“It is to be expected, politicians can be ruthless,” Ascentia explained, “On Earth they were particularly egregious. I find the best manner for dealing with those in power is an air of stiff disinterest. As if you find the whole spectacle a bore, and have other activities you would rather pursue.”

Laying a hand on the nape of Twilight’s neck, Ascentia let out a stiff sigh, “Do not fret over it, though. In time you will pick up the way to appease them and get their faces out of yours as quickly as possible. Trust me when I say this, there is no pleasure in bureaucracy.”

“I’m learning that the hard way,” mumbled the alicorn, shaking her head a bit, “You’re right. There was one guy, he was such an insufferable bore and so snobby! Talked on for over an hour in some elaborate speech that had nothing to do with anything. Cadance had to kick me in the shins to make me resist placing his salad bowl over his head!”

Ascentia had to put the back of her hand over her mouth to keep from openly laughing, “I remember my first experience with an annoying politician. Tharalek System, 34,566 AD. I had been sent to calm rising tensions among the empire of one of their planets when the Emperor began berating me about my armor. Said it was insulting to his culture.”

Twilight whistled a little, seeing where this might’ve been going. An amused smile overcame her lips as she turned to face her, “Wow, insulted over some armor? I mean, I know we all sometimes see articles of clothing we don’t like seeing, but that sure sounds like he needed to set his priorities straight. So what happened?”

“I was lauded a hero by the entire planetary rebellion and won an eternal treaty for the Val’Kyr when I tossed his head into the crowd that had gathered outside his palace,” Ascentia said with a chuckle.

“You tossed his-eeeghhh!” Twilight recoiled, as if it were a bug crawling on her leg. At the same time, once she managed to shake off the visual, it didn’t take much to put it into perspective, “...Well, sounds like you did them a favour, at least!”

“They pleaded for Val’Kyr intervention, I granted it and they paid the price for it,” Ascentia replied, “All in a day’s work, frankly. I am happy to be retired. But as I told you before, monarch are a dime a dozen. Kill an Emperor, a Queen, a President, and another will replace them with the same fallacies. I hold no sympathy for the plight of the Royal. Present company excluded of course.”

“Because I’m so cute?” Twilight playfully batted her eyelashes, grinning widely.

“Of course, also you’re very conversational and I could throw you into the stratosphere if you became an irritant,” Ascentia smirked, placing a soft kiss onto Twilight’s forehead.

A girlish giggle sounded from Twilight as she playfully rolled her eyes, “Right, of course.”

Ascentia chuckled as well, a warm smile widening her lips as she pulled Twilight in for a hug, wrapping her arms around the alicorn’s small frame as Twilight felt herself pressed against the cool metal of her armor. The coolness of the armor was in a fairly sharp contrast to the warmth of the room, which admittedly had the hairs of Twilight’s coat stand on end. Used to this kind of contact, however, Twilight returned the embrace as best she could.

An aroma came to her nostrils, stirring the mare a little bit. She couldn’t quite place the scent, it was a bit of a strong tang with a neutralizing sweetness. An odd combination, yet interesting. “You smell nice. Are you wearing perfume?”

Ascentia tilted her head to take a whiff of her cloak, “No, it would seem your friend Rarity felt the need to scent my cloak when I had it repaired.”

Nodding in understanding, having been there herself, Twilight took another sniff, “Hmm. I can’t place it. It’s pretty nice, though.”

“I am not sure either, I hadn’t noticed it until now,” she replied in turn, letting go of Twilight and getting to her feet to shift a few tomes on her shelves, “So, what other news is there from the Equestria Hierarchy?”

Despite the little pout from the loss of contact, Twilight thought for a few moments of what she could share. All while keeping her eyes right on the Val’Kyr attentively, even if she was performing mere everyday tasks. Something about the way she seemed to move and go about things just held her attention like a magnet. All at once, her thoughts were slowly becoming a bit fuzzy, as if unable to remember what she was trying to think of in the first place.

Until Ascentia glanced over her shoulder at her in an expectant sort of way. Remembering the question, Twilight shook her head to clear it.

“Well, uh, the Princesses have me sit in a lot for their respective courts. Night court especially,” she said, trying as best she could, “And sometimes they really meet with unforgettable ponies here and there! I know we aren’t supposed to laugh or anything like it, but there were these two ponies that came in during night court one time; they were hilarious! As it turned out, it was one big prank just to see how Princess Luna would react, so they were acting hammy and over the top, a lot like children’s book villains. Nothing about them was threatening in the least, and even the guards were trying not to laugh at them as they escorted them out.

“Um, there’s also...also... er....” Twilight found herself distracted yet again as Ascentia was now bending over to pick something up from the floor. It was just the angle from where she sat, it immediately caught her attention, drawing her eyes right in. “Something-something...”

“Something wrong, Twilight?” Ascentia asked, not looking up at her, but very aware of Twilight’s penetrative gaze.

‘Crap!’ Was all Twilight could think, realizing that this was going to get ugly. “No, nothing’s wrong! I just have a lot on my mind, that’s all!”

“It could be the stress,” Ascentia replied with a hidden snicker, “Although maybe if you focused less of your gaze on my ass, you might find yourself no longer lost for words.”

Blushing, the alicorn looked away, “Don’t flatter yourself... I can’t even make anything out!”

Calling Twilight’s challenge, Ascentia stood up, and shook her cloak off her shoulders, tossing it onto the couch’s back before continuing to clean up her books.

“Very funny!” Twilight called out, then turned away completely. “There, see? I’m not even looking! Nope! Because I don’t care! Not a bit! Nope!”

Easier said than done. When it came to moments like this, her resolve melted faster than a snowflake in a fiery grip. A few seconds passed, to which Twilight felt a little twitch of her urges. She trembled slightly, peering over her shoulder to peek at the woman. Much as she expected, once Ascentia accepted her challenges, there was no stopping her. A jolt coursed through her, causing Twilight to look away yet again.

For about three seconds. It wasn’t long before she dared peek again.

‘Very nice, Twilight! Very nice. Act like she does it on purpose. It’s not her fault she turns you on even when she isn’t trying. But isn’t it the fact that she isn’t trying makes it more effective? Darn, I’m overthinking it again! Come on, do something!

This time, Twilight turned herself around completely. Ascentia was over at a row of shelves just across from the couch, at a slight angle in which her back was to her, yet still offered something of a profile view. Deliberately making her movements as slow and even suggestive.

“Yeah, not doing it! No!” Twilight closed her eyes, trying to look away again.

“Not doing what, Twiley?” Ascentia asked in a tone that was both inquisitive and mocking.

“...Twiley?” The lavender pony parroted, pouting a little, “I’m not...well, you know! You weren’t even trying before, so why should I? I’m perfectly fine! Never better! Happy happy!”

“Alright, then tell me what happened with your night court,” Ascentia said, lifting a bookshelf off the floor to sweep an old tome from underneath it.

Keeping her eyes closed, Twilight decided to do just that, “Fine, then I will! So there was this other pony, who was trying to actually get advice from Princess Luna about pleasing his partner. I swear the moderators just want to mess with them sometimes! Princess Luna just gave him this look, wrote down something on a card and gave it to him. Then she said that she wasn’t a psychological counselor nor a doctor. Then I-”

That was when she made the mistake of opening her eyes, coming to see Ascentia now leaning back against the bookshelves, watching her. Twilight gulped, a stirring heat pooling within her stomach. It would be too easy, so easy to just practically pounce at her at this point. Already her body was demanding the chance to just go for it! Her hooves itched to move, her wings had long since flared stiff, and even her heart was hammering.

“...Um... said or did something...weird.”

“I must say, Twilight, for someone who claims to not be bothered by anything, you seem to be rather ill. Your wings have stiffened, your heart rate is through the roof, and you appear to be short of breath. Should I get you a doctor?”

“I-I’m not sick! I’m fine! If I was sick, I think I’d know!” Twilight protested, now getting down onto the floor.

Ascentia pulled up a chair, and sat down, crossing her legs over one-another, “I was only asking because I was worried, Twiley,” she said in a half-mocking tone.

“Hey, only my BBBFF can call me that! And stop doing that!” Twilight’s cheeks puffed up like a chipmunk’s. “I shall not give in to your wiles!”

“My wiles? Why Twilight, whatever do you mean?” Ascentia asked with a smirk.

The lavender alicorn then looked away, cheeks about as pink as the streak in her mane. “Now you’re playing coy? You may as well be saying ‘Ooh, I know exactly what you mean and I’m going to keep doing it because I’m evil’! Well, I’m not taking the bait! The fisherman has lost his catch!”

“Twilight...” Ascentia simply replied, cutting across her rant.

“What?” She turned back to face her, wings flaring yet again.

“Stop babbling and get over here,” she said flatly.

Huffing a bit, but not one to turn down a challenge such as this, Twilight stretched her body and did so. She went over, at a brisk but even pace, then sat on her haunches just an inch or two from where she was at.

Ascentia chuckled a bit before leaning down and planting a kiss onto Twilight’s forehead, “You’re so cute when you’re flustered.”

As expected, Twilight blushed, then placed her forehooves onto her knees, “...I know... I guess I can’t help it.”

Ascentia replied by tilting her head back and entrapping the alicorn’s lips in hers, softly caressing the side of her face.

Returning the gesture in kind, Twilight let her body relax against the form of her lover. Her hooves traveled up as high as they could, resting along for balance and support. Her body trembled, shivers coursing up her spine while her insides pretty much were turning to goo.

Taking her in her arms, Ascentia lifted Twilight into her lap, leaning back while softly biting down onto her lip, trailing her tongue against her all the while smirking at her reaction. It was so easy to make Twilight melt that doing so had become something of a pastime for her. She snuggled her closely to her as their kiss deepened, listening to Twilight’s breathing quicken.

Now closer, Twilight brought her hooves up to her neck to run through her hair. All the while her tongue dueled against Ascentia’s in a heated battle for dominance; feeling and tasting the warmth and flavours of her mouth. Little moans sounded from the back of her throat, escaping and vibrating within her mouth.

Pulling away from Twilight’s mouth, Ascentia leaned her forehead against hers, smiling at her and softly stroking her mane, “I love you, Twilight.”

Giggling softly, Twilight nuzzled their foreheads in response as she smiled brightly, “And I love you too, Ascentia.”

The Val’Kyr smiled and hugged her lover close to her chest, sighing happily as she stroked her mane, softly nibbling her horn.

Giggles coursed through Twilight as the pleasurable numbing sensation overwhelmed her, to which she nearly all but collapsed. “H-Hee hee... Ooh... I-I’ve got an idea...”

Ascentia gave her a raised eyebrow, “Oh? And what idea is this?”

“It’s out of left field, but I figured we’d try it...” Twilight concentrated for a moment, igniting her horn with magic.

Moments later, an object appeared within a veil of her magic, and gently levitated down toward them. Twilight brought it down to Ascentia’s line of vision, holding it within reach with her magic. It turned out to be a stallion genitalia dildo, attached to a wrap-around strap.

“Here it is! A vibrating strap-on!” She said, turning it to and fro.

Ascentia gave her a quizzical look, “And what exactly do you want to do with that?”

“Well...” Twilight looked a bit embarrassed at this, “Go figure, I walked in on Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy again. And they were using a strap-on... Which was kind of odd, since I figured that if you were into mares, you didn’t want to be penetrated at all, but whatever. So I bought one of my own to try! It seems kinda weird, but I figured it’d be interesting for us to try it! Plus it vibrates, which was recommended for enhancing the experience.”

“You still haven’t exactly answered my question,” Ascentia replied.

“To take it to the movies. What do you think I want to do with it?” Twilight said flatly. “I want us to try it. I want to use it on you.”

Ascentia took a longer look at the toy in Twilight’s magic, then looked up at Twilight, before standing up from her seat and moving over to the sofa and bending over the length of it, looking back toward Twilight and shifting her lower robes aside with one hand, “I’m waiting.”

“...Really?” Twilight looked to her incredulously, but applied the strap-on around her waist. “That was easy.”

She would probably gloat about it later, if she even had the energy. For now, Twilight made sure the toy was secured, testing it to make sure it was still working. With the all clear, she approached Ascentia, carefully mounting her.

“All right, I’ll just put it in, very slowly. Just uh...let me know if it’s too uncomfortable!”

Ascentia chuckled, “Twilight, at the risk of sounding rude, why don’t you try to be a little less nervous. You wanted to fuck me, then fuck me.”

Twilight looked at her, surprised, “Is that a challenge?”

“You bet it is.”

“Fine then. I will!”

Without further ado, Twilight situated herself to enter her from behind. Due to her inexperience for the most part, it took a little careful maneuvering. As it turned out, Ascentia’s entrance was already just slick enough, to which Twilight had a fairly easy time getting the toy inside. She went slowly, just gauging it inside, before stopping.

It’s in now, so go for it! No, go slowly, so that you won’t-screw it! Just do it! Work as you go along!

Throwing caution to the wind, Twilight began to slowly withdraw then re-insert the dildo, holding tight to Ascentia’s back. While she couldn’t physically feel anything, there was definitely a certain kind of thrill to being able to actually perform this kind of act on her.

Ascentia let out a soft moan as Twilight slid into her, her back arching ever so slightly as she reached back to stroke Twilight’s haunches, “Ooh, it’s been a while...”

“At least it’s working...” Twilight’s voice was shaky as she kept reversing her hips back and then going back in. She trembled at her touch, then used her magic to turn the switch of the toy on its lowest setting.

Ascentia jerked back, a sharp gasp escaping her lips as her breathing began to quicken, “Oh, it’s been quite a while.” She whispered, stroking Twilight’s haunches a little more quickly.

Sighing in pleasure, Twilight continued to thrust in and out of Ascentia, her mind reeling with everything going on. Though hazed with the ever growing lust, it occurred to her that she was actually, in some way, dominating Ascentia. All things considered, it really added to the thrill. Grinning more, she adjusted the dildo to its medium setting, and began thrusting in and out faster.

“Must have been... Ooh, this is neat... Feeling it yet?” She asked, her voice breaking a bit.

Ascentia whimpered underneath her, only managing a nod and a shaky “Uh-huh” as she arched back further, biting down onto the sofa’s arm.

Giggling a bit, Twilight kept going, realizing that her own marehood was begging for attention. Glaring down toward as if it were a troublemaker, she refocused her attention on her movements. She held on to Ascentia tighter, going a bit faster, hearing the wet smacks of the dildo’s sliding. It was enough to know, aside from Ascentia’s responses, that this definitely was getting her off.

“Yes... That’s it...cum for me...” Twilight cooed, enticing her.

“Oh, I’m a ways off from tha-ah! From that, Twilight,” Ascentia shakily grinned underneath her, flicking her marehood with her telekinesis, “But you’re off to an impressive start.”

“Ah! H-Hey...” Twilight giggled, still going. The pleasure coursed through her as well, nearly distracting her focus. But it wasn’t much to get her back into the rhythm of her thrusting.

Ascentia was panting underneath her, squirming a little and happily enjoying herself, “Twilight?”

“Mm-hmm?” The alicorn managed in response.

“Harder!”

Obliging, Twilight thrusted in and out of her faster, her breathing ragged. All the while, she used her magic to turn the dildo onto its highest setting. The loud buzzing of it sounded, but didn’t deter her. Ascentia’s shrill groan underneath her egged her on further as her pace quickened almost to the point of directly pounding into her.

“Oh... fuck... AH!” Ascentia let out a stifled groan as she tightened around the toy, releasing onto it as Twilight rode her through her orgasm, grinning when Ascentia fell limp underneath her.

Amazed, Twilight then pulled out of her, removing the toy from her person, and then examined it. Now coated with her lovejuices, Twilight eagerly licked it off, savouring the taste. She looked to her spent lover, giggling and then coming around to face her.

“Wow, that was...definitely a lot better than I thought it would be,” Twilight admitted, nuzzling noses with her.

Ascentia smiled at her, “Really? How so?”

“I thought it’d be major awkward, I wouldn’t be able to do it right, and I even thought I’d break it...” Twilight admitted sheepishly. “So, it doesn’t matter, it worked out.”

“Say, it’s warm in here,” Ascentia replied, “Do you mind if I shed my armor?”

A little jolt ran through Twilight at this idea, to which she shook her head, “No, I don’t mind...”

In a series of quick and co-ordinated movements, Ascentia began popping plates off her body, each one seeming to jettison from her and clank onto the floor when it was removed. She sighed a little when she removed her robes, tunic, and skin-plating, allowing the air to meet her flesh.

“Ooh...” Twilight murmured, eyes watching her every move. Even now, three years later, there was still something ever enticing about the full views of Ascentia’s bare body. Maybe it was the human-shape factor, maybe it was the different kind of skin, but it never ceased to appeal to her.

The alicorn trembled a bit, her eyes roaming all over Ascentia’s form, as if uncertain where to look.

Ascentia stood up and stretched, as she shuffled her bookcases some more, relishing in the cool air blowing in from outside playing across her flesh, the scars and wounds that left her in constant excruciating pain seeming to calm at the gentle breeze.

Oh, this was too much! Twilight’s inner mind battled with her options, to either just take it on or to back away. However, she knew far too well how the latter would end up going. Especially since Ascentia didn’t just shed her attire and armour for nothing. This had clear ulterior motives written all over it, and Twilight knew that Ascentia knew it.

’Oh sweet Celestia, that body! I don’t know how Ascentia does it... But she practically spreads honey over herself and asks me to lick it! How can I not?! Come on, Twilight, make your decision and just do it! There’s no time for games!’

Nonetheless, her body was practically screaming at her to just take action. Twilight felt the twitch down below, to which it was pretty much cementing her decision. It wasn’t often that their games came to be this way, and she was not about to waste the chance.

As quietly as she could, the lavender pony carefully replaced the strap-on around her waist. It was likely futile, but Twilight didn’t care. She was just going for it.

Right when Ascentia was bending over to reach for something on a lower shelf, Twilight seized the chance. Resisting the urge to yell “Gotcha!” like a child, Twilight pounced. She mounted Ascentia once more, bending her a little further, and proceeded to enter her again.

Ascentia whipped her head around, bewildered, “Seriously?”

Twilight grinned, “I uh...always wanted to do that.”

Ascentia gave her a flat look for a moment, before saying “Well, get on with it then,” she smirked.

“Yeehaw!” Twilight yelled uncharacteristically as she proceeded to do just that.

Ascentia strode up the steps of Canterlot Castle sometime in the mid morning the next day, taking a side glance to Princess Celestia.

“Good morning, your Highness,” she said.

“Good morning, Ascentia,” Celestia replied, “Or should I say... Yeehaw?”

“I have a sword and world destroying powers.”

“Duly noted.”

Author's Note

Okay, this was not exactly planned here. XD But due to some ideas and requests (from the original requester, no less!), we decided to make some bonus one-shots to the story. They take place after the epilogue, may follow one another, but are otherwise just bonus follow-ups...and contain some clop. Now, keep in mind, Bhaal and I are not cloppers, but we have nothing against people who are. Nonetheless, we have fun with this kind of thing and decided to try it out just for giggles.

I'm not sure how many of these we'll make, however. We have two chapters done, this one included, and we have a third one in progress. You don't have to read them, of course. They're not essential to the story, just merely fun bonus material.

Bonus: (NSFW) Public Indecency

Groaning sleepily, Twilight felt herself being roused from her slumber. Although thankful for Celestia’s sun being absent in shining into her face, there was still an odd feeling in the air. As she opened her eyes, yawning, it dawned her then. She was waking in a place that wasn’t her room or her own bed, despite that just moments ago, she’d thought she was.

Stretching her limbs, the alicorn sat up, feeling her wings spread in response. Twilight snickered lightly, recalling the days when she’d had trouble sleeping due to her wings. Getting used to them was not easy, especially with them practically throwing the covers off herself.

Feeling a weight beside her, she rolled over to face her sleeping lover. Only to meet right with Ascentia’s face, eyes open, looking right at her.

“Oh...you’re awake,” Twilight remarked, cheeks pinkening.

“Yes, I have been for the past half hour,” Ascentia chuckled, hugging Twilight closer to her, “You talk in your sleep. It’s rather adorable.”

The blush of course deepened on Twilight’s cheeks. She snuggled in, nuzzling her neck, “Do I really? Oh, I must’ve said really silly things...”

Ascentia chuckled again, “Not really, just mumbling incoherently. I did catch something about being tardy, though.”

“Oh...” Twilight shook her head a bit, “I dreamt I was late for school, and chasing rogue tornadoes.”

“As we all do from time to time,” Ascentia replied, kissing Twilight’s forehead and snuggling her close to her, “So I take it you had some fun last night?”

“Yes...” The lavender mare giggled girlishly.

“I would hope so,” Ascentia smirked, looking at Twilight with an accusing expression, “Otherwise squealing ‘Yee-haw’ would have been rather pointless.”

“Sure, because I shout ‘Yee-haw’ for no reason. All the time, even if the tea is ready!”

“Or when you’re riding me like a bull.”

Ascentia softly kissed Twilight’s forehead again, as she uncurled herself from the mare and slid out of bed, taking a moment to stretch herself, right in Twilight’s full view.

Twilight felt a fascinating tingle within herself, but brushed it off. Now was not the time, especially since she did have some waking up to do. She too got out of bed, stretching herself on all fours. Heading over to the mirror, she took a spare hair brush and proceeded to brush out her fairly disheveled mane.

“So, what is on your royal agenda for today?” Ascentia asked as she began kneading a particularly irksome knot out of her upper arm.

“Mmm....” Twilight pondered for a few moments, watching her reflection in the mirror. “I do have studying to do tonight, but I don’t have any other plans. What about you?”

“I am only called to action when there is a diplomatic conflict that needs resolving, or a planet that needs exterminating,” Ascentia replied, rolling her shoulder back into it’s socket, which had become dislocated when Twilight ambushed her the night before, “And currently most civilizations are content and harmless at the moment. So I have nothing pressing to attend to for the next few weeks.”

Shrugging, the alicorn fixed her mane and gave it a little shake for good measure, “I don’t know, you could’ve wanted to traverse to the Land of Mists for all I know,” she quipped, “Okay, so since we pretty much have nothing to do... What should we do?”

“Well actually the Land of Mists is very nice this time of year,” Ascentia noted, snapping another dislocated joint back into place, “My, you really did a number on me, didn’t you? However, the atmosphere is entirely sulphuric acid, so you would die of internal bleeding the instant we set foot on the planet. Not that attractive of a hangout.”

Twilight turned to look at her with an incredulous expression painted across her face, “What?”

“Never mind,” Ascentia waved her off, kneading a stiff muscle in her thigh, “Why don’t we take a walk through your hometown?”

“That’d be Canterlot,” Twilight said, giving a smile, “But if you meant Ponyville, sure, we can do that.”

“Certainly, give me a few moments,” Ascentia replied with a smile, though her back remained turned to her, “When you get to be my age, it’s important to stretch in the morning.”

Blinking, Twilight looked at herself in the mirror for a moment. Everypony’s aging showed at different rates, while she herself hadn’t changed much in the past years. She pulled her eyelids downward, pressed into her cheeks, then overlooked her limbs.

“Yeah...” She murmured in thought, peering over her face at different angles, her wings flaring. “You know, since I became an alicorn, I never exactly understood how the aging process was going to work. Especially if I-” Twilight shook her head, cutting herself off. “Never mind. I guess it’ll be something I’ll have to take on as it comes. It’s funny though, I always thought I’d be an old unicorn, still at the Canterlot library, wearing glasses, still reading...”

“It isn’t so much aging as it is experience,” Ascentia commented, “In my case, spending too many centuries not exercising properly led to quite a many mishaps when on the job. The last thing you would ever want is to pull a muscle in your sword arm when you’re trying to parry the onslaught of fifty thousand angry mortals with machine guns. My kind only ages to a certain point, and then stops. To compare, had I not been injured to greviously, I would look like a human in her early 40’s.”

Ascentia whipped her neck back, and to the side, filling the room with the eerie sound of bones cracking.

Twilight cringed ever slightly, but did the same as she cracked her neck. “I guess so, although I never quite understood it myself. Immortality, I mean. To just stop aging, remaining the same as you are for however long?” She looked at her wings as she turned from the mirror.

“It is not overly hard to understand. For example, a child ceases to grow taller after a certain point in their life. The idea is merely extended to the deterioration of the body,” Ascentia was now seated, her legs bowed into each other as she bent her forehead to the floor, “Aging is only the result of the body’s systems beginning to fail. A longer lifespan implies the body’s internal systems being capable of lasting longer than they normally would.”

“....Yeah, that’s true,” Twilight agreed, looking to the mirror for a moment, and then sitting on her haunches.

“I take it this is a conversation you would rather not have while I’m stretching naked in front of you?” Ascentia asked, “I know that immortals who live among the mortal people have a certain fear of the concept.”

A little smile overcame the lavender pony’s face as she shook her head, “No, it’s not that. It’s just a bit to take in, that’s all.”

Ascentia leaned her head up to smile at her, “Come here, give me a hug.”

A little warming flare came to Twilight’s heart as she trotted over, bringing her forelegs around Ascentia’s torso. She felt herself smile and came closer, nuzzling her chest.

“You know, your kind is very warm,” Ascentia remarked.

Twilight giggled, raising her head to look up at her, “So you told me.”

Ascentia smirked before pulled Twilight back so they were both lying on the floor, pulling her in and entrapping the mare’s lips in her’s.

Almost immediately, Twilight kissed back with equal ardor, reaching her hooves up to course through her hair. It was hard to resist moments like this, but they were usually just what she needed. She purred slightly when Ascentia dragged her fingernails over her back.

Ascentia chuckled as she broke the kiss, “What are you, a kitten?”

“Meow,” Twilight replied, smiling widely.

Ascentia pushed her off of her with a grin as the two of them stood up.

“Give me a minute, I need to find my Libram,” Ascentia replied, stepping over her.

Looking up, seeing a little certain treat-to her, anyway-come into sight, Twilight grinned. She leaned up and gave a very generous lick to the desired area. Ascentia stumbled momentarily as she wheeled around to face her.

“What was that?” she asked.

“What was what?” The alicorn smiled coyly.

Ascentia waved her off, “I swear you’ve become chronically horny over the last few days. If I’m not careful I’ll be chained up in my own home.”

Snorting, Twilight shook her head, “That’d be silly.”

“You know, most mortals would find me too horrifying to consider licking me as I passed them.”

Heading toward the door, Twilight shot a saucy wink over her shoulder, “What can I say, maybe I’m not like other mortals.”

Ascentia grabbed a thick book off a shelf and it vanished into the air, “I suppose so,” she said, striding toward the alcove entrance, “Come, let us take a walk.”

Twilight noticed something about her that was probably not to be left unsaid, “Um... Ascentia, you’re still-”

She was cut off when Ascentia flicked her wrist and her body erupted in a sharp flash. When it cleared, she was fully clad in her robes and armor as she stepped onto the platform.

Twilight hurriedly followed her, “That was cool! Teach me how to do that!”

“Please?”

“No.”

“Please?”

“You need hands to do it.”

“Let’s go to the Crystal Empire, I can get hands!”

“You don’t even wear clothes to begin with!”

“I don’t care, that was cool!”

“For the last time, I will not teach you how to flash your clothing onto your body,” Ascentia sighed, “It takes far too long and requires far too much focus.”

“Aw...fine,” Twilight mumbled, kicking the dirt as they walked through a park on the outskirts of Ponyville. ‘One day, I’ll figure it out...’ “So, where should we start?”

“Start? Don’t tell me you schedule a leisurely walk as well, Twilight,” Ascentia chuckled.

The alicorn blew a raspberry, “Hey, at least I’m not scheduling when to go to the bathroom.”

“I think if you started with that, we’d have to intervene before you started compulsively knocking on doors in an organized fashion,” Ascentia retorted.

Twilight chuckled, flipping her hair back, “Then I’d have to find a way to organize escaping said intervention!”

Ascentia responded by lifting Twilight into the air with her telekinesis, “Are you certain about that?”

“Didn’t say it’d be easy!” Twilight wiggled her legs and flapped her wings. “Just saying I’d try doing that.”

“Mmm-Hmm,” Ascentia replied with a smirk as she dropped Twilight to the ground.

Regaining her footing, Twilight continued her walk, “Well, I shall have you know, my dear, that I’m improvising,” she said in a very posh tone.

“I’m sure,” Ascentia replied, leaning down to scratch Twilight’s ear.

Little giggles sounded from the lavender mare, nearly stopping in her walking. They were now heading along toward a park area in the outskirts some ways off from the borders to the Everfree Forest, passing by some ponies as they went. Twilight opened her eyes, catching a couple of curious stares from some ponies they were passing by. Most especially a pegasus and a unicorn they’d just passed, to which Twilight gave a simple smile. Clearly they were from out of town.

All the while, her mind wandered a bit, thinking to the day before. While not the first time they’d shared their intimacies completely bare, it never did fail to leave a lasting impression on her. Even in the past couple of years, the very questions regarding the entire matter remained.

‘Those injuries... Just how did they come about? Why? How?’

As they reached the park, not many around within earshot, Twilight looked up toward Ascentia and asked in a hushed tone, “Ascentia... I wanted to know something. Your injuries... How did they happen?”

Ascentia looked surprised for a moment, “My goodness, it has been so long,” she spotted a bench not far from them, “Come, let us sit and I will tell you.”

The two made their way over to the bench and made themselves comfortable. Ascentia ran her hand up to Twilight’s horn, pressing it lightly as if testing for soft spots.

“What are you doing?” Twilight asked.

“I am going to channel my memory of what happened into your mind. You and I will see what happened as if we were merely bystanders,” Ascentia explained, before gripping Twilight’s horn tightly as both their eyes started to glow sharply.

Twilight blinked around as she found herself on a strange patch of land. It was nothing but solid rock all around, no foliage, no hills or valleys, just craters and rock.

What sounded like a strangled cry struck her ears and she whipped around to see a much younger and uninjured Ascentia standing over the fallen form of Lord Ryder, her sword in her hand as a tall woman clad in black armor advanced upon her.

“Brave of you, girl,” she drawled, gathering a swirl of dark energy in her hands, “But I would have thought you’d have learned your lesson by now.”

“I am a slow learner,” Ascentia spat as she kept her weapon at the ready.

The woman laughed as she did something Twilight thought unthinkable. She shot a continuous stream of the dark energy in her hands toward Ascentia, looking something like a cross between smoke and fire.

Ascentia caught the blast against the blade of her sword, but the force of the attack was clearly affecting her. Her boots ground into the rock as she was pushed back a few inches, her cloak billowing out behind her. Twilight watched in awe as Ascentia held back the spell for over ten minutes, before her arm gave out and her sword fell. She caught the spell full into the torso, writhing in agony as her face and hands, the only parts of her flesh visible through the armor, seemed to almost burn away before her very eyes.

Twilight watched as another squad of Val’Kyr arrived in time to chase the woman off and bring Ascentia back to the Val’Kyr capital. She must have passed out, as the world faded to black, and then she was back on the bench.

Twilight gasped and panted as the shock of being pulled into someone else’s memory began to fade from her.

“Linaria Thir,” Ascentia explained, “One of Athena’s apprentices who fought tooth and nail to resurrect her after she fell. Her curse was intended to burn away each layer of flesh slowly and painfully until naught but a bleeding mess remained. The medics got me to the infirmary in time to slow the affliction to almost a crawl. A layer of my flesh takes over a hundred thousand years to burn away as opposed to the 4 minutes it would have taken otherwise. The tradeoff is that my body is constantly under searing pain, which is only aggravated when something touches me.”
Stricken, Twilight had no honest idea how to react. One would be anger toward Ascentia’s assailant, but it was pointless. It happened in the past, it was something that was barely even relevant anymore. One would be sympathetic sadness, but even that wasn’t working. She wasn’t sure how to feel about it. It all seemed to overcome her mind so fast, she could barely register what she saw, heard and felt.

Trembling, the alicorn scooted further away from the Val’Kyr, now feeling as if touching her would only make it worse.

“I-I’m sorry...! If I’d known being touched hurt you like that, I’d have... Well I-I’m not about to blame you for any of it, but I wish you’d told me at least about the pain! Then I might not have been so rough sometimes! I wouldn’t have even touched you where it hurts!”

Ascentia openly laughed at her, “Oh Twilight, I have long since gotten used to it. While it is surely painful, it is nothing overly troublesome anymore. The first few million years were certainly a nightmare, but these days it is less of a bother than your typical headache. I apologize if I had alarmed you in any way, but I have grown to live with the spell.”

“I just...” Twilight exhaled, shaking her head, “I can’t imagine how it must feel. And the last thing I’d want to do is somehow make it worse for you.”

“Twilight, if I can easily handle going toe-to-toe with your Princesses in open combat, do you not think I have no trouble taking it from behind from you?”

The remark caused the alicorn to blush, “...I guess so...”

“Good, now there shall be no more worrying for my safety, unless you want me to prove it by sparring,” Ascentia snickered, kissing Twilight’s forehead.

Twilight smiled, “All right, fair enough.”

Reassured of her concerns, her body managed to relax itself. Her wings, however, were not quite as compliant. Looking over her shoulder at them, as if they were naughty children, she receded them to her sides. Only for them to flare out once again, at full attention.

‘You’d think I would be used to them by now...’ She thought crossly. ‘Where’s some rope when I need it...’

Ascentia smirked down at her, brushing a hand over her wings, “Having some trouble, are we?” she asked in a half-curious, half- taunting manner.

“No!” Twilight responded with indignation, reaching around to attempt at folding the feathers down with her hooves. “I’ve had my wings for a few months now and they’re still causing trouble for me! Just when I thought I finally had control, they tell me otherwise. I’m not even aroused!”

“Well, considering what you did to me when I was reaching for my Libram, I would hazard a guess otherwise,” Ascentia replied, reaching around and gently gripping a point just underneath the joint where her wings met her shoulderblades, and the fell limp to her back, “Better?”

“Aaahhh....” A relaxing sensation washed over Twilight as she leaned back against the bench, “A lot better, actually! I was always off the mark.”

“It helps to have a second pair of eyes, and more dextrous limbs,” Ascentia said, wiggling her fingers.

Looking down at her hooves, the alicorn sighed, “I never thought I’d miss having fingers...”

Ascentia chuckled, “Yes, from what you told me that portal led to quite the adventure.” She pulled Twilight close to her, cuddling her on the bench.

“Who could forget?” Twilight snuggled in, shaking her head.

Ascentia’s grip around her tightened as a few ponies walked by, taking an odd glance at the sight of a tall creature snuggling up with a Pony a quarter her height.

“Isn’t that Princess Twilight Sparkle?”

“Yeah, it is... Who’s that she’s with?”

“I don’t know...”

Twilight shrunk back a little, beginning to really understand why Fluttershy hated being the centre of attention. ‘Just keep your cool, Twilight... They won’t do anything... It’s fine... Pretend like they’re not there. Well that’s nice, ignoring them? Come on. What should I do? Smile and wave? Come on, you’ve been through this for three years now. I think you know what to do,’ she thought, and managed to simply just smile as they walked by. ‘They must be from out of town, anyway.’’

“You seem tense,” Ascentia spoke up, “Did they worry you at all?”

Twilight blushed, “I get a little nervous sometimes, still.”

“Well then, I supposed it wouldn’t be a good idea to suggest having sex right here on this bench then,” Ascentia joked, rising a chuckle out of herself.

“What?!!?”

Twilight scooched back, wide-eyed and just overall shocked. Despite the flaring of her wings yet again, conflicting emotions of that idea ran wild in her mind. On one hoof, that sounded exciting and overall thrilling, especially since they’d never done that before. But on the other hoof, this was their private bedroom life! Why in the world would she want others to witness it?

“H-Hey, I know you joke around sometimes, b-but that’s not funny!” Twilight squeaked, her body tensing.

Ascentia laid a hand on her shoulder, “Twilight, I was only kidding. It’s pushing your nervousness to an extreme situation for cruel humor. I wasn’t being serious. Why, did the idea appeal to you somehow?”

“Well, a little, but that doesn’t mean anything! Fantasies are one thing, but reality is completely different!” Twilight blushed hard. “Besides, ponies will see us! I know you don't’ care what anyone else thinks and that’s all well and good, but I think there are limits to that! It’s indecent! We could get arrested for it! There’s a little law called indecent exposure!”

Ascentia responded by lifting a tree out of the ground by it’s roots with her telekinesis, clenching her fist and watching it crumble into splinters and chips into a pile on the ground, “I’m pretty sure there won’t be any trouble with the law. But either way, I was only kidding. There’s no need to be so serious all the time. And yes, I’m aware of the irony of that coming from me.”

As she reassured her, Ascentia began to ponder it some more, and found the idea of taking Twilight in the middle of a park to be highly intriguing, and felt the heat rise in her chest at the thought.

“Don’t do that! That’s more paperwork for me! We have to re-plant every tree cut down!” Twilight huffed. She curled up on the bench, looking away. “Okay, so you were joking... Not to say it isn’t an interesting fantasy. But there are some things just meant to be kept in our heads.”

Regardless of her words, her wings once again flared up as her arousal began to peak. The planted seed of that idea was beginning to grow, however she tried to fight the thought off.

Ascentia waved her hand, and the pile of tinder sprang up and reassembled itself into the tree she had horribly murdered and replanted itself, “Looks like that paperwork has settled itself.”

Twilight couldn’t keep the smile off her face as she giggled into her hoof, “Now all you need is a pair of overalls, a tool belt and a hard hat,” she quipped, as that image was now coinciding with the joking remark of sex in public. ‘Oh, darn it... Not again! Why am I thinking of that?! She’s just pushing my buttons... She didn’t mean it! Jeez... Okay, think of something else. Anything else! Magic! Canterlot! Starswirl the Bearded! Elements of Harmony! There we go...that’s better.’’

Twilight’s wings were beginning to settle down a little as she snuggled against Ascentia’s warm frame, ‘Alright, that’s good, just keep on that track. The Crystal Empire. Princess Cadance’s foal on the way. Shining Armor trying to teach his foal how to use magic and failing at it horribly. Heh heh. Mustard. Peanut Butter. Spike chasing after Rarity. Other things around Ponyville. This park! This park is really nice. And quiet. We’re really alone here... maybe alone enough to-NO! BAD TWILEY!’

She took a few deep breaths, calming herself and trying to will her wings to stop rising like this. Closing her eyes, she concentrated harder. ‘All right, think! Um... The garden! Really nice gardens! Magic Kindergarten! Those were fun times... Uh, games! Like chess! Yes! I’m playing chess, strategizing against my opponent! Crystal Empire...when we were up against King Sombra! Going sliding up the stairs! Wheeeee!! That was so fun! I’ll have to do that again sometime! Um... Ooh! The Apple Family, working on the farm and raising their barn! Applejack bucking apple trees, letting them all fall from the branches. Mmm.... Apple pie! Best apple pie in town! ...I think I’ll ask Applejack for some later! Ooh, Apple Cider! Delicious apple cider! Rainbow sure loves that cider...she’s so funny when she’s drunk. Oh no, not that drunk party again! Okay okay, bad thoughts! Especially not me dancing on the-darn it! Water! Jelly beans! Oats! Books! Lots and lots of books! Having a picnic with my friends, there we go! That’s a nice thought! Sitting on a blanket, eating a sandwich, the sun is shining, Rarity is talking about her new fashion line... Applejack is bringing out some apples... Pinkie is being Pinkie... Spike is giving Rarity a flower... Rainbow Dash is bragging about her new trick, Fluttershy is nuzzling her... Awww... Cute. ...Rainbow and Fluttershy going at it-DARN IT!!! Bad Twiley! No!’’

Twilight wasn’t aware of it, but Ascentia could see her face getting redder and redder as she desperately tried to turn her mind to something else, ‘Okay, come on. King Sombra.... oh wait, yes that’s working! King Sombra enslaving the Crystal Ponies. King Sombra ruling the Crystal Empire with an iron fist. King Sombra almost eating Spike. Boy I hope I’m not going to ned therapy after this. King Sombra hiding the Crystal Heart in the hopes of lording over the Crystal Ponies for all eternity once more. Dominating over them like the cruel, harsh master that he is. I wonder what it would be like if Ascentia-NO! MOTHER OF CELESTIA! FAUST-BUCKING-DAMMIT! Alright! Fine, brain! You and the haunches win! I want Ascentia right here, right now! I want her to take me out here! I don’t care who see’s, alright? I want to buck her so hard it makes headline news, are you happy?!’

Suddenly it dawned upon her that Ascentia had the ability to sense her thoughts.

“Oh... Bu-UUUUK!” her expression of frustration turned into a moan mid-word as she felt two fingers push themselves quickly into her, having been unaware of them snaking toward her thigh during her mental breakdown. “Nnnnnnhhhhh! A-A-Ascentia...! W-What-!”

Curling her fingers, stroking them against her upper wall, Ascentia dragged her hand back, before sliding it back into her, bringing her teeth down softly against Twilight’s ear, “You know exactly what. I can sense the arousal off you like a lava flow in winter.”

“C-Can’t help it...! My mind was going crazy!” Twilight uttered, her breathing becoming laboured. “D-Don’t...”

“Don’t what?” Ascentia asked softly, taking another nip at her ear, “If you want me to stop, I will stop.”

As much as Twilight wanted to tell her to stop, her arousal combined with the immense pleasure was beginning to be too much. Even the thrill of doing this in public was becoming more and more appealing to her; which she would never have expected. After all, it was completely ludicrous on any level! Why would any good respectable pony do this?

Nonetheless, she exhaled, raising her flank ever slightly, “...Don’t stop.”

“You naughty filly,” Ascentia smirked, drilling her fingers into her lover at a more brisk pace, taking quicker and sharper bites on her ear as her thumb fiddled with her clitoris.

“Nnnnhhhhh-!” Twilight squealed, trembling a bit from the feeling. ‘I’m going to regret this later, aren’t I...’

The thought didn’t deter her badly, her mind was beginning to melt further into the immense ecstasy and thrill. It only got worse when she felt Ascentia’s fingernails drag against her as she withdrew from her completely, and smirked at her, “Beg for it.”

“Oh, that is just cruel!” Twilight gasped, a small groan escaping her as Ascentia’s fingers traced around her thighs, “You are an evil woman!”

“The point still stands,” Ascentia replied, “Beg for it.”

“And if I don’t?” Twilight pouted her lips.

“I’ll let you sit here, hot and horny,” Ascentia replied with a look that suggested the woman may in fact be constructed of pure, unrefined evil, using her telekinesis to gently prod the pituitary gland in her brain, egging her arousal, “And you’ll find it hard to resist.”

“I have hooves, I can hoof myself,” Twilight countered, trembling a little. “Or are you going to tie those back, too?”

“Twilight, if I can stimulate the pleasure centers of your brain, I can certainly numb your pussy when you try to masturbate,” Ascentia smirked, “In fact, I could make you do backflips over the trees if I wanted to.”

Twilight twitched at the mention of that, “I thought we said we’d never talk about that again! Even thinking about it makes me nauseous!”

Ascentia quickly flicked her fingertips over Twilight’s lips, “Suit yourself, I suppose I have work to do anyway.”

She stood up from the bench and began to stride away, her telekinesis never leaving Twilight’s brain for a moment.

“Hey! Come back here!” Twilight turned around. “Fine! I’ll beg!”

Ascentia stopped in her tracks, “I’m listening.”

‘If anypony we know sees this, I will go into seclusion for a MONTH!’

“Please! Please finish me off, Ascentia! I can’t take it!” Twilight begged, whimpering and adding her best puppy dog eyes for good measure, “I need you so much.... If I don’t share this with you now... I won’t know what to do with myself! Please... Pretty please? I need you...”

Ascentia turned around, strode back to the back, kneeling down on the grass in front of it as she push Twilight onto her back and pried her legs open, diving her head down and burying her tongue in the squirming pony’s snatch, raking her teeth over her clit as her juices flooded into her mouth.

“A-Aaaaahhhh! Wheeeeee!” Twilight squealed in pleasure, trembling hard. The eruption of ecstasy boiled within her stomach and traveled south.

Ascentia lurched her head forward, driving her tongue further into Twilight, nibbling at her lips and running her palms over her flanks, peering her eyes up to look at that adorable, boiling red face. Grinding her clit underneath her tongue, she slowly dragged her fingers inward toward her flanks, her gaze seeming to ask if it was okay...

Meeting the woman’s gaze, Twilight managed a nod amidst her pleasured moans. Her hind legs spread further, one of them kicking lightly.

Digging her tongue against her with more ferocity, Ascentia’s fingers moved between Twilight’s flanks, prodding at the very end of her tailhole, again looking up to be sure.

“Nnngh... Yeah...” Was pretty much all Twilight could manage in the form of words.

Her eyes squeezed shut as she fell back further along the bench, her spine digging into it. Moments like this had her longing for one of their beds, or just a bed in general. But she decided not to complain, as the pleasure was overriding her.

Ascentia pulled her hand back, sliding her middle finger deep into Twilight’s pussy, before dragging it out and pressing it against her tailhole. Rubbing her belly with her free hand, she pushed forward and slid her finger knuckle deep into her flank.

“Gyaaah!” Twilight cried out, the discomfort of the intrusion made her shake a bit, her eyes popping open. “O-Oh whoa... O-Okay...okay... that’s-whoa... I’ll be fine, just keep going...”

Ascentia obliged and slowly dragged her finger back, sinking it back in with a slow pace to allow her to get adjusted to it. It was not long before Twilight’s grunts and flinches faded into quiet moans and arching spines.

The discomfort of the new feeling had faded, allowing for the pleasured sensation to overtake her. Twilight’s mind wracked for a way to describe it, but no words came to mind as she felt hazed. She decided to think of one later, despite the likelihood of no such word being able to describe it.

“Mmmmph! That’s...aaaaahhh! Yeah.... Mmm! K-Keep going!”

Ascentia smirked as she drew Twilight’s clitoris into her mouth, pressing it from all sides with her charred lips as her finger thrusted into Twilight’s tailhole faster and with less friction. After a few moments of no resistance, Ascentia added her index finger; widening Twilight’s flank even more.

“Ngghh! Nghh! Oh sweet Celestia I’m going to-!”

Before Twilight could finish her warning, the pleasure within her erupted like an active volcano. She squealed loudly as she came, her muscles spasming as she shook almost violently. Feeling her lovejuices spew, her hips all but collapsed, as did all four legs. Panting heavily, her eyes drifted shut as she relaxed herself.

“-cum,” she finished, despite it being pointless to do so.

Wiping her eye, Ascentia smirked at the almost too hilarious display in front of her. Princess Twilight Sparkle, starry-eyed and dizzy with two fingers buried in her ass. A wider smirk crossed her face at her newest evil scheme as she twitched her wrist, curling her fingers inside of her.

“Mm! H-Hey... What are you doing?” Twilight half whimpered, her voice an octave or two higher than usual.

“Toying with your new sweet spot,” Ascentia chuckled as she twitched her fingers a few more times.

“I... I’m not a stallion, though... It feels...kind of surreal, actually...” Twilight trembled a little more from the feeling. “I suppose the stimulation is the point...”

“Perhaps, I never considered it. Let’s investigate, shall we?” Ascentia suggested right before thrusting into her tailhole at a rapid pace without warning.

Twilight twitched, trying to focus her mind a little bit. She knew stallions would be pleasured as they had prostates, but this? Despite the different feeling of the insertion in her posterior, there wasn’t much but that. For a moment or two, that was about all she could feel.

“Well, it doesn’t feel bad... It feels, different, and interesting... But I don’t feel much else...” Twilight bit her lip. She focused on the feeling, the mild tinges of pleasure from the stimulation. As if trying to will her body to feel more pleasure from it.

Ascentia simply rolled her eyes, humor seemingly being lost on the alicorn, and drew her other hand between her legs and rolled her clit between her fingers, “How’s that?”

“Ooh!” Twilight felt a little jolt, giggling, “Very nice...”

Her mirth was cut short, however, by a hushed voice in the distance, “Is that Princess Twilight? What in Equestria is she doing?!”

“AH!” Twilight squealed, hearing the voice. She immediately scrambled, feeling a lot like Fluttershy being caught in an embarrassing situation. “Oh no no no no no no!”

Two unicorns she did not recognize were ten feet away from their bench, staring in shock at what they had just seen their Princess doing, but also in fear at who she was doing it with. Twilight began to panic, her rapidly churning mind thinking her reputation had been ruined, and that she would be forced to surrender her crown and-

“You two have no recollection of what you have seen here,” Ascentia said slowly and calmly, giving her free hand a curt wave.

“We have no recollection of what we have seen here,” the two unicorns droned in unison.

“Move along.”

They left without hesitation or even a goodbye.

Body tensed, eyes wide, Twilight didn’t even blink. Eventually, she released the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

“I don’t blame them, I’d want to forget seeing some things,” she remarked, easing her muscles.

Ascentia was in the position of being able to feel Twilight’s heartbeat through her connection to her body, which was equally worrysome and cute, “Twilight, do you want to stop and go home?”

“Well...” Twilight bit her lip, hesitating.

Despite the encounter just now, it didn’t exactly quell the pleasure nor the thrill. Not by much. If anything, Twilight was honestly surprised that they’d managed to keep it somewhat hidden until now. As far as she knew, anyway, there could’ve been the occasional passerby who didn’t even want to cause a fuss. She looked around the park, seeing that the coast was clear. Of course, anypony could come around at any time, so there may not have been a guarantee.

‘Then again, Ascentia can always go with that...um, strange power of suggestion she has... Shoot, I’ll have to ask her what that technique was again.’

“Maybe in a bit... I think we’re fine here for now,” Twilight said in a hushed voice.

Ascentia smiled warmly and leaned in to kiss her as she rolled her clit in her fingers again, trusting into her tailhole again as she nibbled her lips, “You horny little minx.” She hissed as she slipped her tongue past Twilight’s lips to caress her own.

“Well excuuuuuse me-oh, wait, sorry, other way around...” Twilight laughed a bit, returning the gesture.

“I met that guy once. Not pleasant,” Ascentia remarked before dipping her head down and sliding her tongue past Twilight’s far more moist lips, swirling around inside of her, locking their eyes together.

Mild confusion poked at Twilight’s mind, but she decided to follow up on it later. Especially with the override of pleasure traversing through her then.

“Ooh, yes....! So good...!”

Ascentia alternated between suckling Twilight’s clit and probling her lips with her tongue as her fingers curled inside of her, the taste of Twilight’s juices being something she had grown accustomed to over the last few years. She had a sweet, yet tangy flavor, almost like vanilla extract. She had never told Twilight, but eating her out was one of her favorite pastimes.

Mind shutting down yet again, Twilight giggled, moaned and writhed with pleasure. Her hind legs spread, kicking every now and then. The intense heat returned, pooling in her belly and traveling southward. She closed her eyes, falling back further against the bench as she bucked her hips in time to Ascentia’s ministrations.

“Woohoo...! Ooh, faster...!”

Obliging, Ascentia’s pace picked up as she nibbled Twilight’s clitoris, lapping up her juices wherever she could and rotating her fingers against her tailhole as she thrusted them, pinching Twilight’s teats with her free hand.

The ticklish sensation from the combined efforts of her ministrations, Twilight was well within an ecstatic frenzy. She cooed and squealed amidst her louder moans, her entire body writhing.

“Aaah, I’m close...so close...! So...so close...!”

Ascentia’s speed just kept increasing, her formidable powers finding more exotic uses as her telekinesis relinquished its hold on her brain, and the pleasure Ascentia had been keeping her from noticing came rushing to her full force.

All at once, Twilight’s eyes shot open as she felt the pleasure grow. It didn’t just grow, it overtook her entire being completely. She squealed a strangled version of her lover’s name, feeling the ecstasy of her orgasm just rip through her. It filled her, practically sending light sparks flying from her horn, her wings flaring almost painfully. Even as it died down, the intensity of her climax nearly felt painful, but still so good.

“Oh my gosh...” Twilight uttered, her tongue lolling out of her mouth as she all but collapsed. “Yes... I’d like syrup on my waffles...”

Ascentia withdrew both her hands from Twilight’s body, “I’m sorry?” she asked, not quite understanding the phrase’s context.

“Hey look...giant birdies... They’re flying over there...” Twilight giggled, pointing her hoof up toward a couple of pegasi. “One’s blue, the other’s yellow... I think they’d be green if they hugged...hee hee...”

“My my, I think I broke her,” Ascentia remarked as she tried to sit Twilight upright, “Well, the good news, Celestia, is that Twilight has a healthy sex life. The bad news? I fried her brain correcting that mistake.”

“Hey look, the birdies are coming here... Hi, birdies... I don’t have any birdseed, but you’re pretty birdies...” Twilight giggled childishly. She blinked then, rubbing her eyes and shaking her head. “Hey...what just happened? Are we still-AH!”

Squeaking, she fell back against the bench upon seeing the two “birdies” up in the sky some ways off from them. It was Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, having been flying by. Whether or not they’d seen them was the question, and one Twilight wasn’t sure she wanted to know.

She got her answer, however, when Rainbow shouted “Oh for Celestia’s sake! Can’t those two get a room?!” at the top of her lungs.

“Oh dear...” Fluttershy was heard saying, her eyes trained on the two, widened with shock. “W-We should...should go... We have to...go iron our...books...chicken feed.”

Sheepish, Twilight managed a little wave, “Hi girls...nice weather...” She said through gritted teeth.

“Rainbow,” Ascentia nodded curtly, “Fluttershy. How are the two of you this afternoon?”

“Um... Ascentia, you have a little...” Fluttershy muttered under her breath.

Ascentia wiped her mouth on the sleeve of her cloak, seemingly uninterested in being caught in the act, “Thank you.”

“Um, anyway...just...just fine...” Fluttershy smiled sheepishly. “We, um...s-saw you both here, and wondered what you were doing... M-Mind you, you were far enough away that we couldn’t see you... W-We’re sorry to intrude... W-We’ll just go... We-We have to...um...h-housesit, anyway...”

Ascentia reached out and snagged them before they could take off, “Relax, you two. There’s no need to be embarrassed. Neither of us have spoken to you in the past few weeks. Stay for a moment, and chat.”

“But, you guys are busy,” Rainbow pointed out, puzzled, “You don’t have to just ‘cause we caught ya. We’ll just go, leave you guys to it.”

“No, it’s okay... we don’t mind, right?” Twilight giggled, looking equally sheepish. “Besides, we go on double dates together sometimes...maybe now’s one of those times, right?”

Fluttershy trembled nervously, nodding, “Y-Yes...that’s very true...”

Ascentia chuckled, something she had grown a habit for these days, “So, I will repeat, how have the two of you been?”

“Great! Awesometacular! Mm-mm, just totally awesome! Couldn’t be better!” Rainbow grinned widely, despite the apprehension. “Don’t you think, Flutters? Awesome day?”

“Um, yes! A very awesome day! I couldn’t ask for more!” Fluttershy grinned toothily as well, looking as if she were hiding something.

Ascentia reached up and stroked Fluttershy’s ear, “That is certainly good to hear. I’m told you have anxiety issues.” Fluttershy cooed as Ascentia’s fingers dug into her ear.

“I-I-I’ve been...seeing somepony for that, for an outlet, you know...” Fluttershy murmured, giggling at the sensation of her ear being scratched. “Oooh...a little lower, please...”

Ascentia couldn’t resist, “Sorry Fluttershy, only one mare at a time for me.”

As expected, the creamy yellow mare’s cheeks turned bright pink, just about matching her mane. “I-I um, never mind...”

“Gosh Fluttershy, you think you’d know she was just kidding around,” Rainbow snickered, nudging her gently.

Stretching her body, Twilight sat up a bit and made herself comfortable along the bench, “So...where were you two off to?”

“Um, oh! Like I said, we had to go house sitting later this afternoon,” Fluttershy said. “We’re not in any hurry, we were just looking for something to do to kill time.”

Ascentia shifted on the bench so the two pegasi could sit with them, “You cannot kill time. Time is immortal, infinite, eternal. Never ending despite the worries of the mort-”

“Don’t get all philosophical right after breaking my brain, please,” Twilight groaned, “I’m still not all back yet.”

“Fine. Time is really big. Happy?”

“Thank you.”

“Wait, huh? Breaking your brain?” Rainbow repeated, confused, “What the hay do you mean by that?”

The lavender alicorn smiled sheepishly, “Never mind. I’m just not quite myself right now.”

“Okay, we were looking for something to pass the time,” Fluttershy corrected herself, and then cleared her throat. “Um...how are you both doing? I mean, aside from the obvious, of course. Are you...having a good day?”

“Sure, yeah! Woke up a little later than usual, but what can you do?” Twilight said with a mild shrug. “We didn’t have any plans, so we just took a walk.”

“...And opted to break 4 of Celestia’s laws in the process,” Rainbow mumbled, elbowing Fluttershy with a giggle.

“You know I can hear a pin drop from the opposite end of the planet, right?” Ascentia asked.

Rainbow’s face instantly switched to complete horror, “I didn’t mean...”

“Relax, I’m just playing.”

Fluttershy blushed immensely, shaking her head, “Um, so! At least you’re off to a good start... in some ways, right? Are you...planning to do anything else?”

Twilight shook her head, “Not that we know of. I do have studying later on tonight, but we don’t have anything else going on until then.”

Fluttershy looked around for a moment, “So, you two are free for the next few hours?”

“Yeah, pretty much,” Twilight said happily, “Why, did you want to do something?”

Fluttershy pulled Rainbow away, “Can we talk for a minute?”

“Huh? Well, yeah, but why?” Rainbow said with confusion as she let Fluttershy pull her aside.

“Um... well, I was... thinking of...” Fluttershy began, her eyes shifting about nervously. “Rainbow... You know that I-I love you, right?”

“Yeah, you’re not breaking up with me, are you?” Rainbow asked, with a chuckle.

“No! No no no no no!” Came the timid mare’s hurried response, her eyes going wide. “No, I just... I-I didn’t want you to take this the wrong way... You see, I really do...find Ascentia fascinating, you know? Um.... I know that this does sound...v-very out there... And you’re free to say no, I’ll understand. But um...well, it’s not that... not that our sex life is terrible, no, far from it. It’s amazing! But I wondered, if maybe...the four of us...we could... have a foursome together. J-Just to try... I mean, Twilight is our friend, we trust her, and Ascentia is quite fascinating... M-Maybe we could...? If you want, of course...”

Rainbow’s jaw was a foot into the dirt at this point. Never in her life would she ever have expected to hear Fluttershy tell her she wanted to have an orgy. Especially not with their best friend and her world-destroying girlfriend. She tilted her head to get a good look at the Val’Kyr. Nobody would blame her, but for some reason Rainbow never found fourth-degree burns to be attractive. She suspiciously remembered Applejack clonking her in the head a few months ago for making a corpse joke about her.

Then the part of her brain that controlled impulsive things like her marehood just screamed “Fluttershy wants to have a foursome! Why are you not jumping on this you idiot!”

“If Twilight’s alright with the idea, and Ascentia too, I guess,” Rainbow replied, before smiling, “Sure... let’s do it.”

“Really? Yay!” Fluttershy squealed, hugging her tightly, “Oh, I’m glad you understand! Thank you! Um...so! Let’s go...go see what they have to say! Um, you first! No, I’ll go first.. No, you can go first, I’ll follow-no! Oh...let’s just go together, shall we?”

“Of course I understand, Shy. Sometimes you just wanna screw someone you think is hot, but you’re asking,” Rainbow smiled, “This was your idea, after all.”

Fluttershy blushed, realizing how much harder it was going to be. She trembled a little as they headed back to the bench, with the inevitable soon approaching her. Already her mouth was going dry, as well as her gut stinging. Everything was telling her that this was a silly, impulsive idea. But at the same time, the daring side of her that was awakened in the past few years refused to let it go.

“Is everything all right?” Twilight asked as they returned.

“Um, yes... everything’s just fine...” Fluttershy said nervously, smiling a little. “We just...um, had a little discussion about something, that’s all. We, well...I had something to ask you both. And um, feel free to say no... I’ll understand if you’d rather not. It’s only a suggestion, of course. Um...well...I-I...just...wanted to... to know if maybe...you two... um.... wanted to pass the time... together...w-with us?”

Silence befell the quartet, all eyes on Fluttershy, which of course did not help. She felt nervous all over again, even far too anxious than it was healthy. She took a step back, trembling a little. Rainbow came beside her, nuzzling her cheek in encouragement.

“Fluttershy?” Twilight spoke up, concerned. “What’s wrong? What did you want? You’re going to have to be specific.”

“I wanted to know... if you two would be...interestedinhavingafoursomewithus!”

“Okay, that was too fast, I had no idea what you said,” Twilight replied, rubbing her head, “I think I still have a headache.”

“She said she wanted to have a foursome with us,” Ascentia replied, almost casually, “She said to Rainbow that she finds me fascinating and wanted to experiment a little.”

Normally, Fluttershy would have been embarrassed that she had been overheard, but this time she was just irritated that Ascentia knew the whole time but let her go through with asking anyway.

Twilight’s jaw hit the bench, a pain that she would remember for eons, “Are you serious, Shy?”

A little pout on her lips, Fluttershy nodded, “Yes. I am serious. We’re willing to go through with that.”

“What?! Fluttershy, you two are getting married this fall! Why are you doing this?!” Twilight cried, now holding her head and her jaw, rubbing it.

“I-It’s as Ascentia said...experimenting...” The timid pony squeaked, her ears lowering, “But if you’d rather not...you can just say so... Please just be straight with us...”

“Considering the four of us are female, it’s impossible to be straight with you,” Ascentia chuckled.

“Okay, you really need to cool it on the snark pills,” Twilight replied, “I don’t know, Fluttershy. This seems awfully big to be suggesting...”
Twilight, I can hear her thoughts. She’s desperately screaming “please say yes” at the top of her lungs.

“Why did you tell me that?” Twilight muttered.

It amuses me to watch you agonize. I don’t care either way. If you wish to indulge them, so will I.

Will you get out of my head?! This is embarrassing enough as it is!

Twilight exhaled, rubbing her head with her hooves as she tried to concentrate her thoughts. She faced her two friends, with Fluttershy looking at her with a nervous but hopeful expression. Rainbow meanwhile looked as if she couldn’t care less, yet was looking from her to Ascentia, apprehensive.

“Ugh... Look, once I get over this headache, we can try, okay? I guess there’s no reason we can’t...experiment a little bit...” She finally said.

A relieved smile broke out on Fluttershy’s face, “O-Okay...! Well, wonderful...! Thank you, Twilight... It’ll be very...interesting, of course! Um, t-take your time, there’s no rush, um.... Do you need something for your headache?”

“I’m fine... Just need to get over this... Look, let’s go somewhere private for this, okay?” Twilight closed her eyes, trying to will away the pain in her head, “Now’s a good time for that.”

“My alcove is certainly private,” Ascentia suggested, “Anyone trying to approach will choke and die.”

“Th-That’s fine.... I prefer doing this in private, anyway...” Fluttershy murmured, shifting on her hooves. “Shall we... shall we go? Um, when you’re all ready, of course...”

With a snap of her fingers, a field surrounded the four of them and they vanished from the park as if they were never there. In their absence, two unicorns muttering “Move along” were being rounded up by mental hospital workers.

Author's Note

And here's chapter two! Doing it in public! ...This was actually my first time ever writing sex in public. XP Oh yes, and Twilight's non-sequitur moments were actually unintentionally connected to what Ascentia was doing to her brain. But it came out that way and made for some silly. :P

As for the ending...yeah, try and guess who's idea that was. XD We decided to just comply, again, for giggles. But it doesn't change anything, folks!

Bonus: (NSFW) Foursome

All three ponies opened their eyes, now seeing that they were within said alcove, resting on the bed in the bedroom. The trip had been instantaneous, if a bit jarring, but nothing dramatic. Twilight, being used to this, felt comfortable and right at home all over again. Fluttershy and Rainbow, however, took in the place with amazement.

“Wow...so this is your place...” Fluttershy murmured, looking around the room, then out the open door, “It’s very quaint...”

“Carving out a mountainside doesn’t leave much chance for opulence,” Ascentia explained, kicking off her boots, “The shoulder pain is bad enough from just making this one.”

“H-How high are we?” Fluttershy asked with nervousness, trembling a bit.

“High enough that attempting to fly here would cause you to suffocate,” Ascentia replied, “Also anything metal caught outside will be coated with ice in minutes.”

She sat down in front of them in a big, comfortable looking armchair, “Now, let’s get the awkward part out of the way first. Fluttershy, why do you want to have a foursome with us? Be completely honest with me, if you would be so kind.”

“I... I just....it’s as I said, I was fascinated by you... And it just...came to me as an impulsive experiment...” Fluttershy murmured, not looking at any of them. “Everyone is always telling me to take chances, to try new things and stuff like that. I just... well, it felt like an interesting idea... We trust Twilight, as our friend, and it would’ve been...interesting. It’s not to say that we have...a tough time in the bedroom, no no... I just...I just want to try. That’s all...”

“Alright,” Ascentia nodded, leaning back, “You’re fascinated by me, so what would you like to know... or see?”

“Well... More of what I don’t already know...” The creamy yellow pegasus said, twirling her hoof into the mattress. “Plus I... I am... curious of how you two make it work... The idea that you two are sexually involved is fascinating in itself. I mean, a pony and one of a different species... Especially one like yourself... It just... really had my attention and sounded appealing. Oh... you must all think I have some kind of fetish, that I would do that with anything, even my animals-no! Never! This just particularly caught my interest. That’s what I mean...”

“Relax, Fluttershy. You are like a nervous hamster on coffee. How we make it work? if you’re referring to anyone ostracizing us...” Ascentia lifted a block of solid iron from a chest with her telekinesis, and crushed it into the size of a bit with a telekinetic grip, “That takes care of that problem. If you’re referring to how we make love...”

She leaned back and parted her tunic, exposing her pussy underneath, “That is how.”

“I-I-I know! I just mean... Um....it’s....” Fluttershy began, looking away. “L-Look, forget it... I can’t do this now.... I need to go home...”

“Fluttershy, calm down,” Twilight soothed. “It’s okay. We’re not about to bite your head off for it.”

“Yeah, it’s gonna be okay!” Rainbow assured her, nuzzling Fluttershy. “Come on, don’t back out now. You wanted this, right?”

Whimpering, the timit pony looked up, presented with the view. She blushed, trembling. “I-I see that...”

Ascentia chuckled, “It’s alright, Fluttershy. There is no need to be nervous around me. Just tell me what you would like to know.”

Fluttershy peeked from behind her wing, managing to relax herself. “I-oh...you don’t have your...where do you keep your...um...your teats? They’re not down there... Where are they?”

“Humanoid’s and their kin have them on the upper chest,” Ascentia explained, indicating the area a few inches below her neck, “However, mine are no longer present. I lost the tissue when I sustained these flesh wounds.”

Both Rainbow and Fluttershy visibly cringed, holding their hooves over their privates.

“Oh my...” Fluttershy murmured, shaking her head, “Um, well... You seem to have...um, the same kind of vaginal region as we...” Her mind reeled with what she could ask, what she didn’t already know. “Um... May I see you? ...Closer?”

Ascentia nodded as she undid her lower tunic and slipped it off her body, baring her upper thighs and all they contained to the three in the room, gesturing for her to come closer.

“Go ahead, Fluttershy,” Twilight further encouraged.

Nodding, Fluttershy did so as she slowly approached the Val’Kyr. She placed her hooves onto her legs, gently, and peered in closer. Curious, she reached a hoof toward her nethers, but stopped, retracting it nervously. Ascentia said nothing, opting to let Fluttershy explore for herself.

No one spoke a word, even the normally loud and expressive Rainbow Dash was silent as a mouse. Twilight observed Fluttershy’s curious exploration, feeling pretty amazed herself, and could understand where she was coming from. She too had been curious of Ascentia’s bidepal form and everything else that came with it; having to explore first-hoof. Now, seeing Fluttershy do the same, it was definitely interesting. If not a bit arousing, considering where and what Fluttershy was doing.

She glanced over toward Rainbow, who had an unreadable look on her face. Her body was trembling slightly, and her wings were standing at full attention. Twilight hid a smile behind her hoof; catching on the at the prismatic pegasus was getting aroused at the sight of her fiancee’s exploration.

Turning her attention back to Fluttershy, she could see that she was leaning in a bit closer.

“Oooh,” Fluttershy murmured, reaching her hooves in. She knew that the woman was a bipedal creature, something she’d seen in many animals and other sorts of creatures. She knew she had what they referred to as “hands” and “fingers”, a bit like Spike. “It’s very interesting... I suppose it was a no brainer, you and Twilight make love in a similar fashion.”

“Pretty much...” Twilight said, blushing a little, “We’re both still females, after all. We just have different... biological structures due to our species.”

“Also, if I wanted to, I could take the form of one of your kind,” Ascentia remarked, “But it is merely an illusionary ability. I wouldn’t possess the ability to fly or use your forms of magic.”

“Have you done it before?” Fluttershy asked curiously, looking up at Ascentia then. “With Twilight, I mean.”

“Not for erotic purposes, but I have shapeshifted so as not to frighten the more conservative areas of Equestria,” Ascentia explained.

“I’ve seen it too,” Twilight put in, “It’s kind of funny if you think about it, really.”

Fluttershy giggled, then withdrew her hooves, “Um...so, how should we...do this, then?”

“This was your idea, Fluttershy. Go with whatever you feel comfortable with,” Ascentia replied calmly, stroking her mane, ‘Trust me when I say you do not want me or Twilight taking charge.”

Even Rainbow blushed at that, “Yeah, uh... You might want to it along, Flutters. Don’t want you to get into more than you can handle.”

“Y-You’re right... Um, but I’ve never done this before, so you’ll have to forgive me...” Fluttershy murmured, rubbing her legs nervously.

Twilight smiled in understanding, “Hey, I’m not an expert on multiple partners, either. So, it’ll be a learning experience for me, too.”

Ascentia chuckled softly, “I am nothing if not patient, you two. Not sure about Rainbow, but feel free to take your time to get comfortable,” she scratched Fluttershy behind the ear, knowing it somehow calmed her.

Fluttershy giggled at the feeling, smiling, “Thank you.”

“Hey, trust me, I know that going too fast in sexy awesomeness doesn’t make it enjoyable!” Rainbow pointed out, rolling onto her back and looking at all of them upside-down. “You can say I’ve learned to appreciate slowing down in that regard.”

“I bet...” Twilight mumbled. “So, you can go ahead whenever you’re ready, Fluttershy.”

Nodding, the creamy yellow pegasus took a couple of deep breaths. The question was of course where to start and how to start.

“Well...why don’t we all...get onto the bed together?” Fluttershy said finally, pointing to it. “A-At least we’ll all be comfortable...”

Twilight and Rainbow shifted to opposite sides of Ascentia’s bed, Fluttershy lying down against Rainbow, while Ascentia settled next to Twilight, casually stroking her thigh and taking a nip at her ear.

“Um...okay, I don’t know... I’ll have to think of how to do this...” Fluttershy mumbled.

“Can I make a suggestion?” Twilight spoke up, giggling from the sensation. “You’re more comfortable with Rainbow, so why don’t you two start...getting stimulated, and then once you’re feeling more aroused; you can make your way around us.”

Pondering for a moment or two, Fluttershy nodded, “I-I think that’s a good idea. All right, so we’ll do that.”

Ascentia leaned down to whisper in Twilight’s ear, “You just want to watch them again, don’t you?”

“Shh!” Twilight whispered with a giggle, “Not so loud... and kinda... Besides, I’m trying to make it easier for her. You can’t force her out of her comfort zone, you have let her do it gradually.”

“Um... Can you two do that also? It might help,” Fluttershy said.

Instead of responding, Ascentia pulled Twilight’s head around to press their lips together, running her fingers along her spine and pinching down on the base of her wings. Twilight gasped in surprise, before sinking into her lover, running her hooves along her neck and over her scars. The sharp feeling of Ascentia’s teeth biting down onto her bottom lips both painful and ticklish.

Fluttershy trembled, feeling tingles of arousal. She then all but pounced onto her own lover and captured her lips into a searing kiss. Taken aback, Rainbow Dash stared up at her with wide eyes for a few seconds. She too then fell into it and returned the gesture, running her hooves along her sides. Fluttershy moaned, bringing her own hooves down along the base of her wings. Her senses ran wild, her mind reeled with anticipated excitement, and she felt ready to go through.

Opening one eye, Twilight peeked at the two, giggling between kisses. So far so good.

After some time, Fluttershy pulled back, whispering into her ear, “I have an idea. Stay where you are, I’m going to sit...o-on your face...if you don’t mind.”

Snickering, Rainbow shook her head and smiled, “C’mon Flutters, you know me better than that. Go ahead!”

“Thank you,” Fluttershy smiled, kissing her nose, and then getting up. She hovered up, then carefully set herself down onto her lover’s face, her marehood right in access of Rainbow’s mouth. Turning to the other pair, she cleared her throat, “O-Okay, um... When you’re-you’re ready...may I... kiss you two, also?”

Twilight blushed at the thought of kissing one of her best friends, but swallowed her embarrassment and leaned over to capture Fluttershy’s lips with her own while Rainbow began doing the same just south of them.

It definitely felt strange, kissing a friend they cared about in a platonic sense. Far from unpleasant, however. Fluttershy applied gentle pressure to Twilight’s lips, even bringing her hooves up to gently stroke her mane. Feeling a little less awkward, Twilight returned it, touching Fluttershy’s hair with a forehoof.

Ascentia was smiling at the display in front of her, stroking Twilight’s mane with the same air of affectionate care as the psychotic human she was spawned by. As she watched, the idea that Fluttershy was a timid, terrified pony was starting to fall apart before her eyes. To Ascentia, it seemed more like Fluttershy was just afraid of consequences, and needed a push to do anything. But once she was moving, she wouldn’t stop. She reached over and ran a finger over Fluttershy’s cheek, smiling at the inevitable squeak to elicited.

The two ponies parted, managing embarrassed but overall pleased smiles.

“You all right?” Twilight asked.

Fluttershy nodded, “Yes... I feel pretty good.”

Twilight giggled, looking down to the blue and prismatic head down below Fluttershy, “You all right down there, Rainbow?”

In response, Rainbow lifted her hoof and waved it in a manner of saying all was well.

“Great... Well, what do you suggest we do next, Fluttershy?”

Blushing a bit, the timid mare looked from one to the other, considering. “Um, well...may I kiss you too, Ascentia?”

“Certainly,” Ascentia replied, leaning over Twilight, her imposing height making it a non issue, and softly running her lips over Fluttershy’s.

“Mmm!” Fluttershy was taken aback by the different feeling of her mouth. It certainly was different from kissing another pony, since a humanoid mouth was considerably smaller. But no less interesting or enjoyable.

Bringing her hooves to her shoulders for leverage, Fluttershy returned the kiss, trembling in pleasure. Both of her lips being given treatment was by far one of the most thrilling feelings she’d ever experienced. The combined pleasurable tingles melded into one, making for an erotic and pleasant feeling.

“Dear sweet Celestia, be careful Ascentia,” Twilight snickered, “I think she’s going to erupt into flames if she get’s any hotter.”

“Hey,” Rainbow replied, pulling away from Fluttershy’s marehood for a moment, “I just noticed that if you add an ‘L’ to her name, Ascentia is almost an anagram of Celestia.”

“Really?” Twilight asked, “You had to point that out now?”

Rainbow blushed and returned to eating out her fiance above her.

Between kisses, Fluttershy giggled and shook her head a bit. ‘Same old Dashie...’

Ascentia pulled back from Fluttershy for a moment to remark “If the three of you only knew...” before leaning back in to the pegasus and nibbling her bottom lip while Twilight licked at her neck.

Twilight felt a nagging question at the back of her mind, but decided that she’d assess that situation later. She just kept her focus on her ministrations, applying licks, suckles, and even gentle nibbles to Ascentia’s neck.

“How are you feeling, Flutters?” Twilight asked as she nipped at Ascentia’s collarbone.

Moaning a little, Fluttershy opened her eyes partway, “I feel very good... How do you all feel?”

Rainbow pulled her head out again, “I’m good, having the time of my life down here.”

“Same here,” Twilight replied.

Ascentia simply smiled and nipped Fluttershy’s ear.

“Yay....” Fluttershy giggled, her wings fluttering with pleasure.

Ascentia drifted her hand down to Fluttershy’s thigh, stroking her fingernails along her fur as their lips danced with each other, her fingers occasionally bopping Rainbow in the chin. Fluttershy trembled in pleasure, moaning between their mouths as she felt her body weaken. It was coming to be too much for her, the intensity of all the stimulation building higher and higher. She almost wanted to just stop, but the addicting feeling had a vice grip on her.

“Twilight, perhaps you ought to actively participate, rather than sit there licking my neck?” Ascentia suggested with a sly smile, “It does feel like me and Rainbow are doing all the work, after all.”

“What should I do?” Twilight asked, looking at them all, “I mean, I want to help, but I don’t know where to start.”

“Well fortunately for you, Fluttershy has a lovely little nub that has been surprisingly left untouched by Rainbow this entire time,” Ascentia hissed, nipping Twilight’s ear and returning her mouth to Fluttershy.

Twilight bit her lip, looking down toward the direction indicated. Rainbow then lifted her head a bit to give her a nod. Smiling back, Twilight nodded in return and brought her hoof down to the neglected little nub. All at once, Fluttershy squeaked and writhed with pleasure, having to use her hooves to hold herself up as best she could.

Ascentia reached her free hand to scratch Twilight behind the ear, now out of limbs to utilize. To the onlooker, the display in front of them would have been almost incomphrehensible. Fluttershy’s moaning took control of her as she rocked her hips along Rainbow’s mouth, taking the plunge by slipping her tongue into Ascentia’s mouth while Twilight ground her clit with her hoof.

“Mm-mmm....mm...” It was all too much, Fluttershy felt the pleasure reach its high levels, overtaking her completely. She shook hard and climaxed moments later, squealing into Ascentia’s mouth. As her muscles relaxed from contraction, she felt herself all but nearly collapse against them both a bit, panting hard.

The other three untangled themselves from Fluttershy’s body, laying her down on the bed as she panted and blushed like crazy. They curled up around her, snuggling against her.

“How was it?” Rainbow asked, deathly curious.

Fluttershy looked over at her, smiling brightly, “It was amazing... Um... I hope you’ll all allow me to return the favour, of course...”

“Absolutely,” Rainbow grinned.

“Of course,” Twilight said, blushing at the idea.

“Don’t hurt yourself,” Ascentia said, to a chuckle from the other two.

“Well, okay.... How about we...daisy-chain?” Fluttershy suggested.

Twilight shuddered in excitement at the idea, “Okay... which way?”

They all looked at one another, thinking of a clear way to do it.

“Um... Well, I can start, over with you, Ascentia...if that’s all right. Then up, you two can join in as we go?” Fluttershy suggested.

Twilight blushed at the idea, “Alright, that sounds good for me.”

“Hell yeah!” Rainbow shouted, “This is just too hot, why didn’t we ever do this before?”

Ascentia leaned back against the headboard, brushing her tunic aside, “Whenever you’re ready, Fluttershy.”

Nodding, Fluttershy got up and crawled over to her slowly. She came upon the sight of Ascentia’s nethers again, ready and waiting for her. Gulping slightly, she looked over at Twilight nervously.

“A-Are you sure I can, Twilight?”

Nodding, Twilight waved her hoof forward, “You don’t need my permission, Fluttershy. Of course you can. That’s why we’re here.”

“Okay...” Fluttershy murmured, turning back to face the Val’Kyr before her. She gulped, then moved in slowly, reaching her goal. Tentatively, she touched the mound yet again with her hoof, parting the folds.

Taking the plunge, she leaned in and licked gently along the slit.

Ascentia twitched momentarily, a small gasp escaping her lips the moment Fluttershy’s tongue made contact with her. The fact that she had spent the last two hours eating out Twilight in public and them making out with her friend probably did not help matters, but she was otherwise very sensitive and very wet. Her hand drifted down to stroke Fluttershy’s mane, cooing soft assurances into her ear.

Waves of excitement and anticipation coursed through Fluttershy, feeling all the more encouraged. She parted the folds once more, then leaned in to gently lap at the pink flesh of her labia. It felt so odd, but so astounding, as different as it was. Humming a little to emit vibrations within, she buried her muzzle into her vaginal walls to explore with her mouth.

Ascentia leaned back further, her eyes pointing toward the ceiling as she caressed Fluttershy’s mane, the praise leaking from her mouth in time with her heavy breathing. As they watched them, Rainbow’s hoof drifted down Twilight’s body to brush her nethers, Twilight’s hoof unconsciously doing the same.

“That is so hot...” Rainbow admitted, her eyes glued to the two.

Twilight trembled a little, nodding in agreement, “Mm-hmm...”

Fluttershy, meanwhile, had dived right in at this point, voraciously trying to cover as much of Ascentia’s pussy as she could, earning her more praise and more panting and gasps from her.

“We have to do this more often,” Rainbow said, rubbing Twilight’s nethers more quickly, leaning over to nibble her neck.

More often? The idea surprised Twilight a little bit, especially given her expectation of this being a one-time experiment. She trembled a little, quickening her ministrations on Rainbow’s marehood as well, angling her head. The idea was appealing, if not intriguing.

“W-We can work it out...” Twilight managed breathlessly.

Rainbow didn’t bother to wait for Fluttershy or Ascentia to invite them over, and just pushed Twilight into her back, diving down to her marehood and lapping up her juices, keeping one eye on her fiance. While certainly expecting to join them eventually, she wanted something now.

“Whoa!” Was all Twilight could get out in a verbal sense, having not expected that. However, the intrigue and pleasure of the action was enough to overtake her completely, surrendering.

“Yeah, Flutters isn’t the only one with a wingboner for a mystical creature,” Rainbow smiled, nibbling at Twilight’s clit, reaching a hoof down to rub her own marehood with a soft moan.

The declaration made Twilight blush, but she went along with it anyway. She eyed the other two, observing Fluttershy still eating out Ascentia’s womanhood; with the woman in question nibbling and whispering into Fluttershy’s ears. The sight was arousing in it of itself, lending to further tingles rushing down south. Moans of pleasure escaped her lips, her eyes trained on her lover and friend.

Getting an idea, Twilight angled herself a bit, reaching Fluttershy’s nethers and clamping her lips around it. Sure enough, a quiet but audible squeak sounded from the timid mare as she briefly paused and stiffened. But she then relaxed and returned to her ministrations, allowing the added pleasure. Encouraged, Twilight focused as best she could to eat out Fluttershy’s intriguingly-flavoured mound.

Peering down at them, Ascentia gently lifted everyone with her telekinesis, rotating Twilight, Fluttershy and Rainbow while keeping their mouths and genitals connected, so they could loop around toward her, allowing her to grab Rainbow by the flanks and dive her mouth into her soaking marehood. The shriek telling her that Rainbow had been itching for something to touch her already.

Twilight, though amazed at this sudden turn, all too happily worked into it. She worked hard into nibbling, suckling and licking along Fluttershy’s tasty marehood. It was almost hard to do so, what with Rainbow’s ministrations on her own, having to pause every now and then to release a moan; but the challenge in itself was fun.

Amazed all the more, Fluttershy worked harder and reached her hoof to the visible nub in her vision. All while her tongue dove into Ascentia’s entrance, exploring the inner walls and tasting the nectary substance within.

Ascentia herself was having trouble keeping up, the circular train of cunnilingus meaning that everyone’s movements were erratic and subject to twitching and shuddering. Ascentia made do with wrapping her lips around Rainbow’s clit and plunging two fingers into her, taking full advantage of being more dextrous than anyone else currently in the room.

Loud squeals sounded around Rainbow’s lips as she continued to eat out Twilight’s snatch, her body trembling almost violently. She went harder at it, moaning vibrations into the inner walls she worked in.

Reaching her other hand down, Ascentia pressed Fluttershy’s head into her pussy with a little more force. Then, she got an idea. Using the same tactic she had used on Twilight earlier, Ascentia manipulated their brains to dull their nerves, making them unable to feel some of the pleasure they were receiving. They did not notice it, but once she let go, they would.

Twilight recognized the sensation almost instantly, and glanced out of the corner of her eye to Ascentia, giving her a look that spelled “Oh, you evil woman. Don’t ever change.”

A strange sensation overtook Fluttershy, but she barely even noticed it, as her mind was focused on her ministrations. She hummed, licked and suckled within Ascentia’s nethers, working harder and faster.

Twilight buried her muzzle deeper into Fluttershy’s snatch, desperately trying to lick up as much of her juices as possible, driven on with the induced lust from her best friend eating her out with the speed she would expect from someone like Dash. She risked a few careful flicks of her tongue against Fluttershy’s clit, and shuddered against her when Dash’s tongue somehow managed to reach up to brush against her cervix.

Reaching in further, something Dash used on Fluttershy all the time, she managed a grin as best she could. Bingo, she found it. Uttering verbal vibrations, she went faster, eager to draw out her friend’s climax.

Twilight shrieked into Fluttershy’s nethers as the most bizzare and pleasurable sensation of being vibrated from the inside out rocketed out from her midsection and down her hind legs. Shaking and forced to pull her mouth away from Fluttershy, she let out a sound that was something between a gasp and a “yargh” and the familiar rush of warmth when she released a wave of juices onto Rainbow’s face.

And then Ascentia let go of her brain.

And then her vision popped with bright colors and her body convulsed like it had just been electrified.

And then Rainbow got an even bigger faceful.

A yelp of surprise sounded from Rainbow as the faceful of Twilight’s lovejuices spewed out, getting all over her mouth and some parts of her muzzle. Once she recovered from the onslaught mess, she licked up around the excess and pulled back a bit. From when she started, she liked Twilight’s flavour, and now had a stronger, fuller taste of it. Satisfied, she licked around her mouth to get rid of the excess.

Twilight was still reeling from her telekinesis-enhanced orgasm, and had laid her head against Fluttershy’s flank while Rainbow lapped at her pussy like a kitten eagerly drinking it’s milk. Meanwhile, Ascentia was openly moaning as Fluttershy toyed with her clit and hoofed her off at the same time, moans which translated into vibrations to Rainbow.

“Ah yeah...” Dash uttered, licking up leftovers along Twilight’s mound.

Ascentia’s fingers dragged against her inner walls, thrusting faster into her while her teeth bit down onto Rainbow’s clit.

“Ngh!” The cyan pegasus groaned loudly, all but nearly collapsing against Twilight’s pelvic region, catching Twilight’s amused look.

Oh dear... I hope I’m not doing badly... Fluttershy thought, hoping she was getting closer to making Ascentia release. She brought her mouth up to her clit, encircling her lips around it and giving it her all.

Ascentia’s breathing became more and more ragged, and it was only a matter of time before she clamped her legs around Fluttershy’s head (taking care not to crush her skull between her thighs) and seized up, releasing onto Fluttershy’s muzzle, scratching her ear and mane the whole way through, before leaning back and relaxing.

“Oooh!” Fluttershy squeaked, pulling back a bit as the onslaught of the nectary substance splashed into her mouth and around her muzzle. She giggled, tasting the stronger helping. Taking in as much as she could, while licking the leftover excess, Fluttershy fell limp and exhaled. “Woohoo...”

Everyone lifted their heads, looking to her with a smile on their face, “So, was it everything you imagined it would be?” Rainbow asked.

“No...” Fluttershy responded, shaking her head. She smiled then, looking over her shoulder, “It was better than what I imagined.”

“Glad to be of service,” Twilight winked, taking another lick of Fluttershy’s nethers.

Fluttershy giggled, wiggling a bit, “Of course... Thank you all so much. I know it was kind of silly and out of nowhere, but it was a very interesting experience.”

Twilight blushed, “Anytime, Flutters. Really, anytime.”

Ascentia simply stroked Fluttershy behind the ear while Rainbow still tried to recover.

“Rainbow... I couldn’t help but overhear you say that we should do this again...” Fluttershy teased, crawling over to her.

“MmmHmm,” Rainbow smiled, “What about it?”

Fluttershy giggled, nuzzling her, “I don’t see why not. Every once and while would be interesting.”

Twilight shrugged a little, rolling onto her stomach as she stretched, “Well, I don’t mind the idea. If anything, I really did learn something from all of this.”

“And that would be?” Ascentia asked.

Looking to all three of them for a moment, Twilight smiled as she voiced out her thoughts, “I learned that sexual experimentation with others can be a very good thing. Especially if you all trust each other and are open about it, leaving no room for secrets and deception. It can be very enjoyable and even a neat way to spice things up in the bedroom. I mean, we’re all friends here, we trust one another, and it just worked. It doesn’t change anything, but it does make for a new dimension in our relationships.”

Ascentia raised her eyebrow at her, “Am I the only one who feels that had a vibe of an After School Special about it?”

Twilight leaned over to Rainbow, “I haven’t the heart to tell her.”

Rainbow snickered, “Riiiight.”

“Well, despite that,” Fluttershy said, sitting up, “I think we can all agree to what it means.”

The other three nodded in agreement as Ascentia fixed her clothes, “Speaking of which, when is your wedding?”

“How is that a ‘speaking of which’ moment?” Rainbow asked.

“Just answer the question.”

“Fall, early October,” Fluttershy said. “Why do you ask?”

“I think after just having an all-woman orgy with a couple about to be married, it’s polite to ask when their wedding is,” Ascentia smirked to a fit of laughter from Twilight.

Rainbow shrugged, snickering herself, “I don’t think I can argue with that!”

“Me neither...” Fluttershy giggled, shaking her head. “We did just set the date after all, so it works on that level, too.”

“Hey, that reminds me,” Rainbow said, bolting upright, “Twilight, are you and Asy ever going to get hitched?”

Twilight’s answer was cut off by Ascentia firmly tapping Rainbow on the shoulder, “Do not ever call me that again.”

“....Understood, gotcha.”

“Well, Twilight?” Fluttershy asked.

“Uh....” Twilight looked at her blank wrist, “Oh, look at the time! I’m going to go make some tea! Be right back!” She flounced out before either of them could respond.

The other two shrugged and redirected their question, “Ascentia?”

“It is actually illegal for a pony to marry a non-pony,” Ascentia explained, “So no, we are not going to be getting married.”

“What?!” Fluttershy shouted, “How can that be illegal?”

“How many sentient species did you know of that weren’t part of the Pony family had you made contact with before I came along?”

“...Oh,” Fluttershy whispered, “Sorry...”

“It is a common law among species that have yet to make First Contact,” Ascentia explained, “In fact, for many centuries Humanity didn’t even let humans marry other humans of a different race, or of the same gender.”

“That’s just weird!”

“Nobody said Humanity was a smart society.”

“Well...” Fluttershy said thoughtfully, “Even though you two can’t legally marry, it doesn’t mean you can’t be together. There are plenty of ponies out there who don’t get married to their significant other.”

“That is true, but that wasn’t your question, now was it?”

Fluttershy shook her head, “We were just wondering, that’s all.”

Ascentia ruffled her mane, “No harm in asking. What about the two of you? Any plans for a honeymoon?”

“Nope! It’s been tough trying to think of something!” Dash said, rolling onto her back. “Gotta make it count, y’know? At this point, we’re practically ready to just jump on the train and see where it goes! Winging it! An epic adventure to anywhere!”

Fluttershy laughed a bit, smiling, “Yes, we’ve decided that if we truly can’t decide what we want to do... We’ll play it by ear and see what happens.”

Ascentia’s eyes suddenly widened, and she spread her hands out. Almost instantly, a cluster of tiny lights gathered into a spiral pattern.

“Whoa!” Dash gasped, “What is that?”

“It is the galaxy we inhabit,” Ascentia explained, “And this...” she touched a tiny speck of light and it glowed a brilliant red, “Is the Pulthera Star. You know it as The Sun.”

Their eyes widened in amazement. They knew what the galaxy was, but being confronted with it’s sheer size was still daunting on it’s own right.

“And over here,” Ascentia drew a line with her finger connecting Pulthera to another star well on the other side of the galaxy, “Is a star with 4 planets orbiting it. One is lush and fertile, inhabited only by docile herbivores. Open lands and dense forests, it is an otherwise natural paradise to some. No race has discovered it, so it remains uninhabited by sentient races. Considering it’s lively animal population and open skies, I think it would make a fine destination.”

“Ooohhh!” Fluttershy gaped, excited at the prospect. “That sounds amazing! Just the kind of place I’d love to see! Oh, Rainbow! Can we go?! Please? Can we go? This is amazing! We have to see this place! Please? Can we go?”

“Yeesh, Flutters,” Rainbow said, “Calm down. What does this planet look like? Can we see?”

Ascentia dragged the star outward, expanding it, then doing the same to the appearing planet. Dash and Shy were greeted with a large, overhead view of a lush, forested planet. A few desert areas and some tundra, but otherwise very green and very hilly. Rainbow had to admit that Ascentia was right. The planet did look like a natural paradise, and plenty of mountains as well. She was taken aback a little, and then an obvious question came into her mind.

“How would we get there?” she asked.

“I would take you there,” Ascentia explained, “I have taken Twilight to distant places in the galaxy, and my home is even farther from this planet. I can take you there, and then bring you home when you are ready. You may need to construct someplace to sleep, I am not sure if any of the outposts are still standing...”

She spun the planet, and found a large cabin seemingly made out of logs.

“I stand corrected,” she replied, “An abandoned Val’Kyr outpost is right here. It would be an ideal shelter, and there should be plenty of food as well.”

“Yay!” Fluttershy clapped her hooves like an excited filly, “Oh, this will be wonderful!”

“What’s going to be wonderful?” Twilight asked as she came back in the room, holding a tray with her magic. “...Did I miss something?”

“I offered to take them to another planet on the other side of the galaxy for their honeymoon,” Ascentia explained, “A planet that caters precisely to their favorite activities.”

“Yeah! It’s gonna be sooooooo awesome!” Rainbow Dash squealed, pressing her hooves into her cheeks.

“Thank you!” Fluttershy said, throwing her hooves around Ascentia’s torso, “I can’t thank you enough for your help!”

Ascentia hugged Fluttershy to her, smiling at making her so happy, “It’s no trouble. Ask and ye shall receive.”

“That was a nice idea!” Twilight remarked, levitating the cups of tea to everyone. “Sounds right up your alley, Fluttershy.”

“It certainly does!” Fluttershy gushed.

“Yeah! I can’t wait to get my wings around the place!” Rainbow agreed, wiggling and flapping her wings for good measure. “It’s gonna be awesometacular!”

“...That’s not a word,” Twilight deadpanned.

In response, Rainbow blew a raspberry.

“Twilight... I think she refuses to let go,” Ascentia said, drawing their attention. Fluttershy was still latched onto Ascentia’s torso like a lamprey eel, a big grin on her face and her eyes shut tight.

“Fluttershy,” Twilight used her magic to gently pry the timid pegasus away, “I know you like to get huggy, but there is a limit.”

“Sorry... I was just so excited...” Fluttershy giggled, blushing with embarrassment. She took her mug in her hooves and proceeded to sip it.

“That’s certainly alright, Fluttershy,” Ascentia replied with a smile, “Just be careful. I’m a little claustrophobic. It’s why my alcove doesn’t have a door.”

“Oh! Oh dear... I’m sorry... I had no idea it was that serious,” Fluttershy said, shaking her head and looking to her with sympathy. “But um, I’ll keep that in mind, of course.”

Ascentia laughed again, “Don’t be so nervous. I’m not about to have a panic attack, I’d be a pretty poor Val’Kyr if I did.”

“I suppose that makes sense,” Fluttershy sipped her tea. “Well, fears are irrational... But we all have them.”

“Not me!” Dash said, smirking. “I have no fears!”

“Yes you do. You have arachnophobia,” Fluttershy deadpanned.

Immediately, Rainbow trembled and glanced around nervously, “No I don’t! Come on, that spider was huge! Anyone would be freaked by it!”

“I thought it was a very interesting spider!” Twilight said, giggling. “It wasn’t scary at all. It was harmless!”

“It was huge! No thanks!”

“Should I bother asking?” Ascentia asked.

Twilight snickered, “Probably not. But it was pretty funny.”

Rainbow glanced around again, before asking “So... what now?”

Silence befell the room as they all looked at one another, drinking tea, uncertain of the answer.

“Um.... what time is it?” Fluttershy finally said.

Ascentia looked up at the setting sun, “6:14 PM.”

“Oh! Oh dear... We have to get going! Oh... Harry was leaving this evening, we have to get there before seven! Come on!” Fluttershy said in a panic, getting up. “I’m so sorry, we have to go, but thank you for everything, of course!”

Ascentia jumped up before they could take flight out the doorway, “STOP! If you fly out of here, you’ll suffocate.”

She waved her wrist and conjured a blue, swirling vapor.

“Step through this. It will take you to Ponyville.”

“Hey, cool! Thanks for that!” Rainbow said, now tugging on Fluttershy’s tail with her teeth. “C’mon Flutters, let’s go.”

“I-Is it safe?” Fluttershy looked toward it nervously.

“Of course it is,” Twilight assured, “Just go through it and you’ll be back in Ponyville before you realize it.”

Rainbow didn’t bother waiting for Fluttershy to relent, and just pushed her through, before jumping in herself, shouting a quick goodbye before it faded away.

“Wow...” Twilight murmured, letting out a slow whistle. “So...that late? My gosh, where does the time go?”

“If I could make my best guess, it was probably swallowed by all of us earlier,” Ascentia chuckled, pulling Twilight into a cuddle, “So how did you like your first orgy?”

“Are you kidding? That was better than I ever thought an orgy could be!” Twilight giggled, snuggling against her. ‘I mean, I never really thought about it, but here I was sure it’d be completely awkward and even one-sided or two-sided. But that was really interesting!”

“I’m glad to hear that you had fun,” Ascentia replied, kissing Twilight’s horn, “It seems both you and Fluttershy are xenophiles.”

“Xeno-oh! Oh yeah,” Twilight recalled the meaning, “Maybe not quite to an extreme level, but you can say that we do take an interest in other creatures. Except maybe dragons in Fluttershy’s case, but I digress.”

Ascentia kissed her horn again, reaching a hand down to flick her nethers, “Good to know, lovely.”

The lavender alicorn giggled, nuzzling her, “Well, I’ve still got time before I need to head back to the library. What should we do?”

“Well, I did get you off twice in the park, and you never returned the favor,” she smirked, raking her teeth over Twilight’s horn.

A dramatic gasp escaped Twilight, to which she pouted, “How unfair of me! Well, that’s not going to do! I’ll have to make sure you get off twice as much!”

“That sounds delightful,” Ascentia purred, kissing her nose.

“Good!” Twilight flared her wings, standing to full attention, “Now, on your back! Get comfortable! Because you won’t be able to walk once I’m done with you!”

Ascentia leaned back on her bed, looking at her lover with a quizzical eye.

“Ahem. As the fourth Equestrian Princess.... It’s my duty to make sure I can please. And I can see that I failed in this simple little duty at this moment,” Twilight said, pacing back and forth, “Well, now I must atone for my mistake, my dear. Perhaps you will be kind to accept my retribution?”

“Of course, your Highness,” Ascentia replied, playing along with her little performance.

“Excellent!” Twilight cajoled.

Laying over her, Twilight licked and nibbled her neck; applying gentle pressure with her hooves down her sides. Ascentia hissed at the pressure she was applying, her skin on fire with the sensation of her hooves and tongue dancing over her body.

Going lower, lower, trailing kisses and licks along the way, Twilight reached her goal. Or so she did, for a moment. She kissed the mound, before running her tongue around it, then along her inner thigh. With a bit of a tease, she then wasted not a moment longer before closing her lips around Ascentia’s entrance. Ascentia arched her back as a sharp moan escaped her lips, pressing a hand onto the back of Twilight’s head as one of her legs curled around her body.

Humming against her vaginal walls, Twilight pressured further as she plunged her tongue within her entrance. The slimy pink walls clamped down on her appendage, adding further to the thrilling feel she could never get enough of. Already the flavour of her juices began to fill her tastebuds, which Twilight quickly sought more of.

“Oh my goodness,” Ascentia gasped, “You were not kidding when you... Ugh...”

She could not finish her sentence. Something had jumpstarted Twilight and she was completely at her mercy.

“Mm-hmm~” Twilight hummed against her inner walls. She went harder, faster, now bringing her mouth up to her visible nub. With no mercy she attacked it; nibbling and sucking on it.

Ascentia let out a quick shriek, gripping Twilight’s horn with one hand, and her bed sheets with the other, “Oh good lord... faster Twilight!”

Obliging, the lavender mare went faster, even bringing her hoof around to play with her entrance. Her mouth continued attacking her helpless clitoris, just bringing in the full artillery upon it.

At this point, Ascentia could only make a series of high-pitched yelps, writhing underneath her like a neophyte undergoing electro-training. Her hips bucked against Twilight’s mouth of their own accord, and Ascentia was getting close. This quickly took her by surprise.

“Mmmm!” Twilight hummed and giggled to emit vibrations, her hoof inserting into her entrance. At least much as it could go in, considering the proportions. Getting an idea, magic ignited along her horn and lowered downward, adding more vibrations to the sensitive area.

Ascentia arched back, gripping Twilight’s head tightly against her, “Twilight... I’m...” She could not get the sentence out before she seized up and released over Twilight’s face, falling limp against the bed, taking slow, deep breaths.

With a giggle, Twilight lapped up all that she could, and then wiped her face with her hoof. She kissed her sex tenderly, then crawled up Ascentia’s form to lay over her.

“Feel better?” The alicorn queried.

Ascentia simply smiled and hugged her, kissing the underside of her muzzle, “Absolutely.”

“Awesome,” Twilight said, nuzzling her lover in contentment, “So this was... an interesting way to spend an afternoon, wasn’t it?”

“Most definitely,” Ascentia replied, stroking her mane, “I look forward to what else your twisted mind can conjure.”

“I’ve really turned you into a horndog, haven’t I?” Twilight asked with a coy smile.

“I frighten your kin into heart attacks,” Ascentia replied with a smirk, “Stay home and fuck is really all we can do.”

Twilight laughed, smiling all the more with amusement, “Not like I wasn’t a shut-in before, anyway.”

“Twilight, didn’t you mention you had something to do in Canterlot, earlier?”

“Did I? Ohhh, right! Guess I’d better get on that,” Twilight said sheepishly, her ears drooping with embarrassment.

Ascentia chuckled again, something she was doing with alarming frequency these days, “Go, perform your royal duties. I’ll be here if you need me.”

“All right, I will,” Twilight responded, feeling more like a filly going off to school for the day than anything. She hopped off the bed, stretched her body, and cracked her bones a bit. “I’m not sure how long I’ll be, but I should be back either tonight or in the morning.”

“If I am asleep, try not to wake me,” Ascentia said, “Millions of years of combat have made me startle easily when woken.”

Twilight trembled, recalling some past accidents, as well as moments in similar veins, “Don’t worry, I won’t. I’ll just curl up on the couch and sleep there until you get up; the whole nine yards.”

Ascentia smiled warmly, bidding her goodbye as she got up to manage her bookcases again.

Twilight took a look at her, admiring her backside with a smirk, before teleporting out of the alcove.

Author's Note

Just so you guys know, this was not my idea, nor Bhaal's. XP We did this simply for boredom and to satisfy our director.

Nonetheless, this entire story, and these bonus chapters are all dedicated to her. She was in a car accident a couple of weeks back and she's recovering in the hospital due to injuries. Not only are we doing this by her request, but also as a get-well sentiment. :)

Overcoming Things: Part 1

PART ONE

‘Okay, at least I’m a little more used to these… these legs now,’ Twilight thought, taking a few more careful steps along the emptying corridor, her gaze darting about.

A few of the students cast weirded out glances at her as they passed, a couple of them whispering to one another. Twilight nervously waved, but kept herself going.

“Spike… What do I do?” Twilight hissed under her breath toward her backpack, “I’m already weird enough to these other beings!”

“Maybe we should have paid more attention to all those lectures on humanity we got after the Crystal Battle, eh?” Spike asked, shrugging in confusion.

“I know…” Twilight mumbled, looking around again, biting her lip. “You’d think after I’ve known Ascentia, that’d I’d be able to ace through this! But it’s like I don’t know a thing! I feel more lost than if I was all by myself in the Everfree Forest up against a cockatrice...”

“Maybe Fluttershy can glare at everyone and hope they go away?” Spike suggested sarcastically.

Twilight grumbled to herself, unable to properly answer that. However, she heard something coming from around one corner. Which sounded like shouting, or some kind of commotion going on. Instincts kicking in, she immediately walked a bit faster toward the supposed source of whatever the commotion was.

“Do you have any idea what you have done?! You could have just told that dimwitted girl I was entrusted with it, and everything would have been just fine?!” Sunset Shimmer’s voice was a growling rumble.

“But you weren’t,” came another voice, calm and with a hint of a foreign accent behind it, “And frankly, Sunset, I don’t care what you wanted it for anyway. Fluttershy had something she shouldn’t have had, and I told her to bring it back to Vice Principal Luna.”

“Why does that dimwit girl even listen to you in the first place?!” Sunset shouted.

“It helps that I’m not an asshole,” the other girl replied, “I have things to do, now get out of the way of my locker.”

“I’m not going anywh-”

Sunset didn’t get a chance to finish as the girl grabbed her by the front of her shirt and yanked back, pulling Sunset away from the lockers and right onto her face on the floor.

In shock, Twilight stared with wide eyes at the scene as she came around, “Oh my gosh, that’s Sunset Shimmer! And that was-”

It clicked. The girl standing at the locker, already rotating the clock, was a tall, skinny red-haired girl. As Twilight took in her features, the combinations of colours, she froze in place. The girl was wearing a green jacket, along with a golden-brown shirt beneath it, a fairly short skirt that matched the jacket, and brown shin-high boots. Her hair was long, a deep red, while she was carrying a bronze-coloured backpack in one hand.

“That’s Ascentia!” Twilight whispered toward Spike, amazed, “I had no idea she even knew about the portal! I guess she came down here to help!”

“Uh, Twilight. We did just see a Fluttershy that didn’t recognize us,” Spike remarked, “Are you sure this is the same Ascentia?”

“Of course it is! She’d have the power to change herself to look like this!” Twilight whispered, “Just watch!”

She walked over to where Ascentia was standing, “Wow, that was amazing the way you went up against Sunset Shimmer like that! But thank Celestia you’re here, at least you have a better idea of what’s going on!”

Ascentia turned to her new visitor, a bewildered eye, “Sunset Shimmer’s always starting some shit every other day. Are you new here, or has she just left you alone most of the time?”

Twilight’s smile faded. They were alone, so there was no reason to keep up a cover, so why was she talking like they’d never met before? “Well, it’s a long story, but-Ascentia, it’s me! Don’t you recognize me? It’s me, Twilight! I know I look a little different, but it’s me!”

Ascentia leaned back against the lockers, “Nice to meet you, Twilight. Do you mind explaining how exactly you know my name? And why I’m supposed to recognize you?” A bit of a confused, yet amused, look crossed her face.

She could hear Spike snickering from her backpack. He’d been right. This wasn’t the same Ascentia she knew. Much like Fluttershy, she was of this world. But Twilight didn’t quite understand it, why were there two versions of her? If she’d also been a pony, she’d understand, but this didn’t make sense.

‘Then again, when did anything with her ever make sense?’

“So… you’re not Lord Ascentia Kortai of the Val’Kyr?” Twilight asked, sheepish.

“Val’Kyr? Those weird angels from that online game the moody kid in the computer lab won’t stop playing?” Ascentia asked, “What does that have to do with me?”

“Uh….” Twilight’s eyes shifted about nervously. She gave a sheepish smile, bringing her arms behind her back, “Nothing! I guess I must’ve mistaken you for someone else… my bad!”

Ascentia’s look became even more bewildered, “That’s quite a weird mistake to… fuck it, I’ve seen weirder shit this week alone,” she held out a hand, “I’m Ascentia Kortai, nice to meet you.”

“I’m Twilight Sparkle, nice to meet you too…” Twilight stared at her hand as if it were a weird object. ‘Oh, right… Humans shake hands!’ She smiled sheepishly, taking her hand in an awkward shake.

“You must be one of those program kids, you seem to have trouble with how to interact with people,” Ascentia smirked as she let go of her hand, “Or maybe it’s just me.”

“Uh.. I’m just… new here! Yeah, I’m new here… So I don’t really know what’s going on around here… Uh, hey, you said that you.. told Fluttershy to give back that...thing she found?” Twilight pointed in all directions, trying to emphasize her point, albeit awkwardly.

“Actually she just gave it to me,” Ascentia replied, “She was a little worried someone would accuse her of stealing it. Fluttershy’s a little hypersensitive around other people.”

‘I noticed...’ Twilight thought, “I can understand that. See, um… This might sound crazy, but… I kind of need that thing.”

Ascentia gave her a more piercing look, the kind that reminded Twilight of the Val’Kyr herself, “Oh really? Sunset Shimmer was saying the same thing. I look forward to hearing your excuse.”

“I-It’s not for the reason you think it is! It’s because… Because…”

‘Because what? It’s a magical relic from another world? She won’t believe that! This is Ascentia, she lives in this world grounded in their own perception of reality… I can’t tell her that!’

“Because… I know how much of a jerk Sunset Shimmer can be! Trust me, she and I go way back…” Twilight went on, managing to get more into her lie, “And I think it’s time that this school had a bit of change. Maybe someone else needs to run against her! And I’d like to do that.”

“The Fall Formal crown isn’t some magical weapon, Twilight. It’s just a piece of costume jewelry. Having it isn’t going to make you any more influential than Sunset Shimmer. Shimmer doesn’t even have any real power, she just extorts what she wants out of everyone and the administration isn’t legally allowed to put a stop to it,” Ascentia explained, “If you wanted to challenge her, you’d have to network.”

“Network? Well, okay then! I’ll challenge her the way… it works around here,” Twilight stated, standing as tall as she could on her legs. ‘Oh yes, the crown isn’t a magical weapon… Keep telling yourself that… Oh boy, you have no idea...’

“I have no idea about what?” Ascentia asked.

“What?!” Twilight squeaked, taking a step back. ‘Oh no! She can read minds?! I thought there wasn’t any magic in this world!’

“You mumbled something, said ‘you have no idea’ and then stopped,” Ascentia replied.

Eyes shifting, Twilight cleared her throat to stall, “Uh…. I meant to say that you have no idea how much I’ll work to prove Sunset Shimmer wrong!”

Ascentia chuckled. This new girl certainly was odd, but cute at the same time. More than once Ascentia caught herself looking the girl up and down, checking her out.

“So…” Twilight blushed ever slightly. It didn’t help that this world’s Ascentia looked very much like her younger self, except with much skinnier proportions than normal. She still managed to look quite attractive; whether it was that or simply a combination of the two, she wasn’t sure. “I’m a… little new to this kind of thing, at least in this wo-school! I mean, I was always a bit more of a studious type. And I still have a lot to learn!”

“About what? Getting to know people? Did your old school do it’s lessons online, or were you just privately taught?” Ascentia asked, glancing down at Twilight’s legs, intrigued by the shade.

“Uh… Well, back in my old...school… I transferred there and I had to learn to make friends since I was...homeschooled! Yeah, up until a-few years ago, I was!” Twilight smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck. “And I know a lot of-schools… have different systems sometimes! I don’t exactly have an easy time making friends.”

“Welcome to the worlds of half the other kids here,” Ascentia chuckled, turning and bending over to dig through her bag, “I know I left it in here somewhere… where was it…”

“Um… Do you need help finding whatever it is you’re looking for?” Twilight asked, curious.

“Nah, my bag’s just a mess. Feel free to enjoy the view, though,” she said with a laugh, as she dug deeper into her bag.

“The-oh!” Twilight turned around, her cheeks pink, “Sorry!”

‘What are you doing?! This isn’t the same Ascentia! I mean, they have the same personality, but they’re from different worlds! I’m sure we could be friends, but come on… this isn’t the same thing!’ Twilight thought, all but mentally slapping herself.

Ascentia sprang back up, handing Twilight a small folded piece of paper, “Here it is,” she said, handing it to her.

“What is it?” Twilight asked, unfolding it.

Oh the paper was a scrawled note saying, I don’t know why you want the crown, and frankly I really don’t care. At the same time, I really don’t care what happens to a crappy piece of metal the school likes to pretend is of any value. Maybe you and I can make a deal. If you want it, be back here after school hours. Classroom behind me.

Puzzled, Twilight looked up from the note, “I don’t get it, did someone write this to you?”

“No, I wrote it, just now,” Ascentia replied, slinging her bag over her back and walking away, “Ignore it if you’re not interested.”

As an additional incentive, she flipped her bag so Twilight could glimpse the purple star of her crown inside an external pouch.

‘She still has it! She probably just took it from her right now, was on her way to bring it back to...wherever she had to bring it to….’

“I-I… it’s not that, I just… Okay, yes, let’s go talk about this somewhere more private,” Twilight conceded.

“Read the note, you know what to do,” Ascentia called back, continuing to walk away, “It’s not going anywhere in the meantime, don’t worry.”

Once she was out of earshot, Twilight looked to her backpack, “Spike! What do I do?! She has the Element of Magic! It’s right in her bag! I don’t know what to tell her!”

“What does her note say?” Spike asked, trying to peer over her shoulder.

Twilight handed it to him to read, “She wants to make a deal with me. I don’t really get it… But, if that’s how we can get it back, I’ll have to see what she has to say.”

The dark corridors of Canterlot High felt a lot more eerie to Twilight when there wasn’t the echoing commotion of active students all around it. It took her a good hour just to find the right hallway. By the time she was at the right classroom door, she had hoped Ascentia hadn’t assumed she’d changed her mind and left. Pushing open the door, finding it to be unlocked, she saw Ascentia sitting cross-legged on a desk, absently doodling in her notebook propped against her lap.

“Hi, Ascentia,” she said with a whisper.

Ascentia looked up, “You don’t need to whisper, there’s nobody here,” she said, setting her notebook down and motioning for Twilight to sit down.

“Um, okay!” Twilight scooted over to a nearby desk and sat down, wringing her fingers on the desk. “So, um… you wanted to see me about this thing so we can work out a deal?”

“Yeah,” Ascentia said, looking Twilight up and down again, biting her lip a little, “I’ll just cut to the chase. I’m into girls, you’re really hot, and maybe if you scratch my back I’ll scratch yours, you understand me so far?”

Twilight furrowed her brow, confused. “...You want me to scratch your back? Well, okay… I’ll scratch it for you, but I don’t really know how to. But mine isn’t itchy, though. So, wait, I don’t get it. You want me to scratch your back and you’ll give me the crown?”

Ascentia cocked an eyebrow, “Your parents are deeply religious, aren’t they? Let me make it a little clearer.”

She opened her legs, revealing that she wasn’t wearing any panties underneath her skirt, “Understand me now?”

Letting out a loud squeal, Twilight shot up from her chair, knocking it to the floor and taking a few steps back. “You want to sleep with me?! I… Ascentia, it’s not that I don’t think you’re attractive but I-... I already have a lover back home! I can’t just do that to her! Look… M-Maybe I can just get the crown some other way… I-I can’t put you or her or myself in a tough position like this…”

“Alright,” Ascentia replied, closing her legs and standing up, “It’s kinda cute that you want to be faithful to your girlfriend.”

She slung her back back over her shoulder, dropping the crown in Twilight’s lap as she headed for the door.

“Wait!” Twilight cried, holding the element in her hand and staring after her, “Where are you going? You can’t possibly be giving it to me! I was going to say we could work something else out!” All the while a mental voice saying SHUT UP YOU IDIOT! SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP! rang in her head

“I said in my note I didn’t care what happened to a bit of costume jewelry,” Ascentia replied, “Besides, I made you uncomfortable enough with my offer. Take it. I would have given it to you earlier, but I was wondering if I had some leverage to get laid.”

“....Why would you have trouble with that?” Twilight asked, approaching her. “I mean, you’re a smart, unique, interesting and lovely woman. Who wouldn’t want to make love with you?”

“I’m gay,” Ascentia replied, leaning against the door, “I don’t know how it went wherever you came from, but that doesn’t exactly fly around here. Hell, I was taking a gambit on coming on to you.”

“...Ascentia, I…. it’s really complicated… But I like ma-girls, too. And I… well, I definitely…” Twilight blushed immensely, not quite looking at her, “I know this crown doesn’t mean a thing to you. But it does to me. It’s not something I can explain. But I don’t feel right about making you give it to me and not getting something in return.”

“It’s alright Twilight. Take it,” Ascentia replied with a shrug, turning back to the door, “It was nice meeting you.”

“...Wait!” Twilight went to her, tugging her arm, “I’ll do it.”

“What about your lover back home?” Ascentia asked.

Twilight bit her lip, exhaling, “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

Ascentia shrugged and pulled Twilight further toward her, capturing her lips in hers as a hand snaked down to pull around her waist.

The conflicting emotions resonated within Twilight’s mind as she realized what was going on. This Ascentia, while the same in appearance and personality, for the most part, was not the same she remembered. Just as she would have been in another world. But the sparks were there, the attraction, everything else she’d ever felt remained. In response, Twilight fisted her fingers into her hair and kissed back.

It was surreal, to be able to have this kind of contact with her, even if it wasn’t her. A moan ripped through her throat, bringing herself closer to the teenager.

Ascentia pulled her lips to chuckle softly at Twilight gripping her hair, “You’re a fiery one,” she said before biting down onto her lips again, cupping her ass in one hand and wrapping the other around the back of her neck.

“I’ve had a lot of experience…” Twilight managed, shuddering, “It’s a long story…”

“Well maybe you can put that experience to use,” Ascentia whispered, leaning down to suck on Twilight’s neck, lifting one of her legs to rest on her waist so she could run her hand over her thigh.

“Aaah…” Twilight moaned, trembling, holding to her for support, “H-How do you want it? Just tell me, and I can do it for you…”

Ascentia pushed her away, taking a quick slap of her ass in the process, “Strip down and bend over that desk,” she said, reaching under her own skirt and giving herself a few quick rubs.

“Ow!” Twilight squeaked, jumping back a bit, “Okay… Just uh… give me a second…”

‘Oh no, it’s bad enough that I don’t know how to use my hands, but how do I take off these clothes?! Think of a diversion...’

“Actually, why don’t you take them off?”

Ascentia’s gaze grew surprisingly predatory, “Alright” she said silkily, gripping Twilight by the shoulders and kissing her fiercely again, unbuttoning a few buttons on her blouse and tearing the rest open, roughly pulling it off her shoulders before throwing it aside, kissing down her collarbone.

“Th-Thanks…” Twilight squeaked and moaned, finding her legs buckling. As if it wasn’t awkward enough standing on her hind legs, now she couldn’t stand at all. “A-Ah… Could you get… this thing...off me?” She indicated to her purple bra.

Taking the straps in her hands, Ascentia flicked her finger and the catch around her back came apart, and a few tugs later Twilight’s breasts were free and exposed to Ascentia’s gaze.

‘So… these are actual humanoid mammary glands?’ Twilight thought, looking down at them with amazement. She resisted the urge to cup them and feel them, knowing it would look suspicious if she did so. “Uh… okay! Here you go! I’ll uh… take care of the skirt!” She pulled down her pleated skirt, which pooled around her boots.

Ascentia pushed Twilight down onto the teacher’s desk, hungrily looking over her body, bare save for her boots and lavender panties as she ran her hands over her legs, peppering kisses along her belly and smiling up at her as she kicked Twilight’s boots off her feet with a well placed flick of her own legs.

Twilight trembled, feeling so odd and out of place, especially in being completely bare with a body she wasn’t familiar with, in a classroom. “W-Wow… You sure know what you’re doing…”

Ascentia chuckled again, “What, you’ve never taken your clothes off before?” she absently thumbed the waistband of Twilight’s panties as she spoke.

“Well, no… I mean… I’m just amazed at how much you seem to know about all this…” Twilight mumbled, “I-I only learned it first-hoo-hand three years ago, myself…”

“You must get laid as little as I do these days,” Ascentia smiled, tugging at her panties a little harder, “So… shall we? Or are you having second thoughts?”

“No… I’m fine, go ahead…” Twilight mumbled, not exactly having the heart to tell her that she “got laid” a little more than infrequently.

Ascentia smiled as she hooked her fingers into Twilight’s panties and slowly slid the soft material down her legs, and off her feet, throwing them aside. Wasting no time, she pried open Twilight’s legs and leaned in, taking a long, eager lick of her moistening snatch.

“AH!” The lavender girl squealed, nearly falling back, “Ooooh…. Ascentia, that feels so… Keep going!”

Ascentia had no trouble obliging, taking more and longer licks of Twilight’s pussy, as if savoring the taste more than aiming to pleasure someone. It crossed Twilight’s mind that perhaps this world’s Ascentia enjoyed eating other girls out and had gone too long without the opportunity. Either way, Ascentia’s licking was certainly getting the job done as her tongue constantly brushed against her clit.

“Nnnghh! Ascentia…” Twilight moaned, squeezing her eyes shut and clutching either side of the desk. It was definitely odd that she was sharing this with who was practically the same woman. Did it count as cheating? She wasn’t sure. But now was not the time to wonder. “A-Almost...there…!”

Ascentia was confused how she could be there already, but didn’t question it as she continued her hungry licking. The tangy, yet sweet taste of Twilight’s pussy driving her to lick harder, her mouth watering at the taste of her juices dribbling out ever so slightly.

Panting, moaning, Twilight managed to look down at the woman between her thighs. Their eyes met, which admittedly astounded her. The eyes looking back at her weren’t the familiar atrophied orbs she was used to. They were instead a pale blue, almost icy, but were vibrant. It almost felt odd, and yet, so thrilling at the same time.

Bucking her hips upward, Twilight squealed out a strangled version of Ascentia’s name as she climaxed. The intensity rocked through her body, rendering her helpless as she collapsed, trembling.

Ascentia eagerly licked up Twilight’s cum, making a satisfied moan as the taste filled her mouth, nibbling at her lips and trailing her tongue around her pussy to gather every ounce of the tasty liquid she possibly could, before leaning up over her body, “You have a bit of a hair trigger, but damn you taste good. Like vanilla and lavender perfume.”

Blushing a bit, Twilight smiled, “Thank you… I-I’m glad that was nice for you… Um, so… do you want me to return the favour?”

“Absolutely,” Ascentia grinned, standing up and pulling her jacket off, lifting her shirt over her head and throwing it aside. Kicking her boots off and against the wall before unhooking her shirt and pulling it off like a long belt, standing before Twilight in her bra and panties before jumping onto her again, slamming her lips into hers again, hungrily nibbling at them.

Hungrily returning the kiss, Twilight brought her arms around the other girl, running her fingers along her back. Once more it struck her at how surreal this was. To be at Ascentia’s level, the same size as her, was remarkable. To think she was able to share this without being more than half her height. She moaned into their mouths, their lips and tongues intensely dueling for a battle of dominance.

As her tongue wrestled with Twilight’s, Ascentia reached behind her back and undid her bra, throwing it aside before kneeling over Twilight, her knees on either side of her torso, “Are you ready?” she asked.

“Yes…” Twilight managed, nodding a bit as her cheeks now matched the pink streak in her hair.

Shifting her weight, Ascentia slipped her panties off her legs, throwing them onto the desk next to Twilight’s head before kneeling over her face, her aroused sex dripping a little onto her cheek. She knelt there, waiting.

Her eyes shifting up, Twilight took in the sight of her womanhood. It was mostly, if not completely identical. Same amount of hair along it, same shape, same kind of slit, and the engorged clitoris practically beckoned her.

Bringing her hands to her hips, Twilight pulled them to her level and began to hungrily attack at her sopping sex. Ascentia loudly moaned in a combination of pleasure and relief, placing both her hands behind Twilight’s head, leaning over her to keep her balance as the girl’s tongue mercilessly explored her.

‘She even tastes the same!’ Twilight thought, despite that it wasn’t as much of a surprise as she thought. Her mouth engulfed her labia, while her tongue licked and flicked along the swollen bundle of nerves. She hummed into the tender flesh, emitting vibrations. Ascentia’s grip on Twilight’s head tightened as she swirled her hips over Twilight’s tongue.

“Of fuck, Twilight,” she groaned, “Oh, that’s a good girl…”

“Mmmmm…” Twilight hummed, all but practically devouring the tasty sex placed before her. Granted, it hadn’t been long since the last time they’d had sex; but it seemed to be long enough that she hadn’t realized how much she was actually craving it. The juices were just beginning to leak, further enticing her tastebuds.

“Oh god,” Ascentia purred, “Oh, I’m close, Twilight. I’m cl-”

“I DON’T THINK YOU UNDERSTAND, YOU HIPPIE BITCH! I WASN’T ASKING!”

Twilight all but nearly jumped at the loud yelling, wide-eyed. “That’s Sunset Shimmer!”

Ascentia whipped around, “And there’s only one person she ever calls ‘hippie bitch’.”

“We’d better go see what’s going on,” Twilight said, concern creeping into her tone as she bit her lip. “I hope she’s not hurting anyone…”

Swinging her leg around, Ascentia disconnected her soaked pussy from Twilight’s lips and reached for the door, flinging it open as she wrestled her clothes back on and tearing down the hall toward the noise.

Managing, as best as she could, to get her clothes back on, Twilight hurried after her. Whatever Sunset Shimmer was doing didn’t sound good; especially since she had a feeling that it was regarding the crown. Which by now was shoved into her own backpack, hidden from view.

As the two of them turned a corner, they saw Sunset Shimmer at the end of the hallway, along with Snips and Snails who were restraining a sobbing Fluttershy as Sunset wrestled her skirt off her kicking legs.

Wasting no time, Ascentia tore into a run, the clacking of her boots alerting the three. Before they could respond, however, Ascentia hopped up, grabbing the overhead light. Hauling her feet back, she slammed her heels into Sunset Shimmer’s jaw and let go of the light, her weight dropping on Snails and kicking Snips feet out from under him. As she got to her feet, Twilight was only just catching up.

“Oh my gosh…!”

The moment Twilight caught sight of Fluttershy, she ran to her side to tend to her friend. The pinkette was sobbing and even struggling a bit as Twilight attempted to help her to her feet.

“Fluttershy-it’s okay! It’s me, Twilight, don’t worry,” Twilight assured her, giving her a squeeze.

Sniffling, Fluttershy met her gaze, an unreadable look in her eyes, which were bloodshot and puffy. Nodding, she allowed Twilight to help her stand, while still trembling with fear, but said nothing.

Snips and Snails weren’t the tough kind, and were curled on the floor clutching their injuries. Sunset Shimmer, on the other hand, wasn’t so lucky. Ascentia had her held to the lockers by her throat, repeatedly slamming her fist square into Sunset’s stomach. The clang of her back striking the lockers with each hit was painful to listen to.

“What happened, Fluttershy?” Twilight dared ask, tearing her eyes away from the painful sight of Ascentia’s beating on Sunset Shimmer.

Voice quivering, Fluttershy managed to answer, “I-I-I was…. on my way to…. m-meet…. my friend in gym class… f-for her practice… A-And then… Sunset Shimmer… along with the boys… they were trying to get me back for… giving Ascentia th-the crown… I-I-I tried to scream for help but they forced themselves on me… Sunset Shimmer was even-!” She couldn’t go on anymore and began to cry.

Understanding the rest, Twilight nodded and brought an arm around Fluttershy’s shoulders to comfort her as best she could. “Don’t worry, Fluttershy. You’re safe now. She isn’t going to touch you again, not if we have anything to say about it. Do you still want to go to the gym? Or to...the uh….nursing infirmary?”

A loud sniffle sounded from Fluttershy as she tried to calm herself down, looking at the floor, “I-I-I can’t let Rainbow Dash see me like this… I need… please take me to the nurse, Twilight…”

“All right,” Twilight nodded, looking back toward Ascentia once more as she led Fluttershy away.

“Don’t worry,” Ascentia called back, slamming the back of her fist against Sunset’s nose, “I got this.”

Twilight caught a final glimpse of Sunset being thrown to the floor, snivelling and sobbing, and bleeding from several cuts and bruises. Part of her felt sorry for the girl’s pain. Another, far louder and more convincing part, was satisfied.

Inside the infirmary, with the lights turned on, but a lack of nursing staff; Twilight had to tend to Fluttershy herself. Thankfully, aside from a couple of cuts and bruises, she was mostly unharmed. At least physically. Twilight could tell that she was going to need some time to recover from the incident.

“I’m… I’m sorry to have inconvenienced you, Twilight… I probably should never have given-”

“Fluttershy,” Twilight interrupted as she dabbed some antiseptic onto a cut, “don’t you dare blame yourself for this. What Sunset Shimmer tried to do to you was not your fault. Just because you gave Ascentia the crown to give back didn’t mean you did a terrible thing. You didn’t deserve this and Sunset Shimmer had no right to do this to you. Don’t worry, I’m just glad we managed to get there when we did.”

Sniffling, Fluttershy nodded, looking a bit more relieved. “I came here because… my friend Rainbow Dash is doing some late night practicing with some of her teammates in the gym. They sometimes come here to do that, for some extra practice… But then they caught me and-I-I was stuck…”

“It’s okay,” Twilight wrapped a bandage on her arm, concealing a cut, “I mean, Sunset didn’t get too far, did she?”

The timid girl shook her head, “No… She only got as far as trying to take off my skirt. I was-... Twilight? Your… your breath smells funny. Could you, could you please not breathe so close to me?”

“Sorry,” Twilight stood up, taking the first aid kit with her, “You should be fine, by now.”

“Thank you… Thank you both for helping me,” Fluttershy murmured, managing to stand up, “I’m really grateful for you both.”

“Hey, you’re welcome,” Twilight replaced the first aid kit where she’d found it, “But you don’t have to thank us. We saw you were in trouble and of course we wanted to help. You don’t have to worry about Sunset Shimmer anymore. She’s not going to get near you.”

“That’s… I hope so, anyway,” Fluttershy murmured, sighing sadly, “Twilight, could you go with me to the gym, please? I-I really… don’t think I want to go there alone, now.”

“They won’t be a problem,” Ascentia replied bitterly as she stood in the doorway, “The police are arresting them right now.”

Eyes wide, Fluttershy gasped a bit, “O-Oh my… They’re already here?”

“They were on their way anyway,” Ascentia replied, “Someone heard some… gasping and called the police as a precaution.” She looked away at her last words.

Twilight’s cheeks pinkened, wondering if that meant-she shook her head at the thought, deciding not to dwell on it, “Well, that’s good. At least she won’t be causing any trouble here, now.”

As Ascentia nodded, Fluttershy was looking between the two, “Um… why were you guys here in the first place? If you don’t mind me asking…”

“Uh, studying!” Twilight said quickly, grinning sheepishly. “We, uh… were studying together, but I-forgot one one of my books here, and since we knew the school was at least open due to late practices with the...sports teams, we decided to come here to get the book I forgot.”

Twilight’s lie would have been bought had their haste to dress themselves not left their clothes misaligned and their hair matted. Fluttershy noticed this, along with the funny odor on Twilight’s breath, and instantly clapped her hands to her mouth, blushing furiously. Any sane pony would have kept quiet, but the ever apologetic Fluttershy could not.

“I’m so sorry! I’m so so sorry! I didn’t mean to interrupt you and ruin everything for you, I’m so sorry!” she said rapidly, hiding her face.

“Fluttershy!” Despite that they were caught in the lie, Twilight placed a hand on her shoulder in assurance, “Fluttershy, don’t apologize about that! There’s other chances we could-well, you know, but there was no way that we were going to carry on after we had a feeling that Sunset Shimmer was causing trouble. We heard her yelling and that’s what tipped us off. You didn’t interrupt anything, especially not intentionally. Please, don’t worry about it, okay?”

Whimpering, Fluttershy sniffled and barely looked at her, “...Okay… Still, I’m sorry…”

“You’re cute, we forgive you,” Ascentia said, waving her hand at her, causing Fluttershy to blush harder. Twilight thought this odd even for Fluttershy.

“....Okay… Well, um… we should go…” Fluttershy said, fixing her hair a bit, “I-I-I’m already late enough as it is.”

Twilight nodded, blushing a bit herself, “Right! Yeah, we’ll take you to the gym. Even though Sunset Shimmer’s gone, no reason we can’t still give you a suitable escort.”

Soon enough, they reached the gym, dropping off Fluttershy. She thanked them and apologized once more, before she darted off inside. Twilight observed, as she saw Fluttershy approaching a sporty girl with cyan blue skin and rainbow hair. She could only guess that it was Rainbow Dash, definitely living up to her love of athletics and games.

Satisfied that Fluttershy was safe now, Twilight turned from the gym doors, “Well… so now what do we do?”

Ascentia waved her hand, “You can go home if you like, I think the mood has been pretty much ruined.”

“...Um, yeah… home…” Twilight said nervously, rubbing her arm. It was just then that she realized she had nowhere to go. Going back to Equestria was out of the question, and she didn’t know anyone enough to stay with them. “Right! Well, I’ll see you… see you tomorrow… I guess, if you want.”

“Twilight… do you have anywhere to go?” Ascentia asked.

Twilight hesitated. She thought to lie again, but also wasn’t sure how to tell the truth. How was she going to explain that she had nowhere to go without looking crazy? “I’m fine, of course I do! I just, well I guess I’m a bit more tired than I thought.”

“Twilight, if there’s something you’d like to tell me, then go ahead,” Ascentia replied, concern rising in her voice.

Realizing she was cornered, Twilight went with a different tactic. Half-truth lying. “My… My house is way on the other side of town. And my parents are out of town for a while, I forgot my key, too. So I can’t exactly go home, now.”

Ascentia got a bit of a grin on her face, “Well, I suppose you could stay at my place tonight… for a price.”

Blushing hard, Twilight felt she had a good notion of what it was. At the same time, she was also very curious as to how Ascential lived in this world. “Um… what’s the price?”

In response, Ascentia snaked a hand up Twilight’s skirt and grabbed her ass, “You won’t get any sleep.”

“Ah!” Twilight squeaked, jumping a bit. “...O-Okay… I didn’t want to leave you hanging, anyway…”

“Leave me hanging? What are you, 12?” Ascentia half laughed, taking Twilight by the shoulders, “Come, let’s get you into bed.”

Blushing more, Twilight smiled a bit, “Lead uh, lead the way.”

Twilight was led into a small apartment in a high-rise not far from the school. A single-room apartment that looked like it had been very well taken care of.

“You live here?” Twilight asked.

“Yes,” Ascentia said, throwing her bag aside, “I moved out of my parent’s house when I was 15.”

“How do you afford this place?” Twilight asked.

“A few odd jobs, most of them unsavory,” Ascentia replied.

“Oh…” Twilight rocked back and forth on her feet a bit, unable to help but realize that this was a bit similar to Ascentia’s alcove back in Equestria. Not by much, just in apartment form. “It’s really cozy.”

As she praised Ascentia’s lodgings, she took notice of a stack of papers on the coffee table. With words in large prints like “Past Due” and “Final Notice” amidst a sea of budget spreadsheets. It suddenly dawned on her that this Ascentia led a very stressful life, different from the high-rank and infinite powers of her Equestrian self. From the looks of the condition of the apartment seemed to tell as much as well. While Ascentia kept it clean and tidy, her furniture and bedding had certainly seen better days with wears in the fabric. If she didn’t know any better, she would almost assume Ascentia was living far below the poverty line.

She did the math in her head and realized that she probably spent all day at school, all evening working, and all night sleeping. She’d probably not had a moment to herself in quite a while.

...Until tonight.

Looking to the taller girl, Twilight felt a rip in her heart. She went to her, bringing her arms around her waist. There wasn’t much she could say or do to help, but at least hoped to let her know she was there for her.

Ascentia hugged her in return, taking the opportunity to squeeze her slim frame, before throwing her back onto her bed.

“Whoa!” Twilight squeaked, but smiled anyway. It reminded her all too much of back home. “Still eager, are you?”

“Oh sweetheart you have no idea how badly I need this,” Ascentia smirked coyly, “By morning, you won’t be able to walk straight.”

‘Not like I already couldn’t! I have to say though, this is all sounding so familiar… Kind of like back when I first wanted to try this...’ Twilight thought, “Then, I’m happy to be of service.”

Leaning over her and pushing her back against the pillows, Ascentia captured Twilight’s lips in hers as her hand began groping around her chest, taking a hold of Twilight’s soft breasts through her blouse.

Moaning into her lips, Twilight ran her hand up to course through her hair. Her legs were spread apart, while she worked to kick off her boots again. “I should…. finish you off first,” she managed between kisses.

“There’ll be… plenty of… time for that,” Ascentia replied, sliding her hand down and reaching up Twilight’s skirt to pinch her moistening lips.

“A-Ah!” Twilight squeaked, trembling, “W-What are you going to do?”

Ascentia chuckled and reached for an object from her bag. Twilight instantly recognized it as a strapon. Similar to the one she’d used on the other Ascentia, “You top or bottom?” she asked.

“I-I can go either way…” Twilight mumbled. Depending on the position, she was on top due to her much smaller size, but for now, the sky was the limit. “Whatever works for you.”

“Oh Twilight, I hope you’re not planning to say ‘Whatever works for you’ to every question I ask tonight, otherwise you might find yourself naked and tied to the flagpole outside,” she said with a grin.

Now Twilight pouted a bit, “Oh, come on… I wouldn’t do that!” But she couldn’t keep a smile from stretching at her lips.

Ascentia laughed as she kicked off her boots and tossed her haphazardly assembled skirt aside, latching the toy to her pelvis and making a spinning motion with her finger, “Turn around, that cute ass is mine.”

Nodding, Twilight blushed and turned over onto her stomach, raising her not-flank into the air a bit. “Okay, just be gentle… It’s been a while since I used that toy…”

Ascentia lined the toy up with Twilight’s backside, stopping for a moment, “You ever taken it up the ass before?”

“...Yes…” Twilight mumbled, recalling that experience all too well.

Ascentia smiled at the idea that this girl had been around a few times, and sunk the toy deep into her dripping pussy, watching her arch back in response as she drew out and thrust back into her again. Her body was so lithe and toned and her hair smelled absolutely beautiful. Taking in the deep, lavender scent, Ascentia sighed as she thrust into Twilight with more vigor than before, glad that her only leisure time in months was with her.

‘I don’t know who you are or why you came to Canterlot High, but goddamn are you gorgeous,’ she thought.

“A-Aaahh… oooohhhh! Yes…! Ascentia, yes! Rut me hard! Rut me hard!” Twilight all but squealed, clutching onto one of the pillows. She couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of relief to actually have fingers to clutch onto something when her hooves couldn’t.

Ascentia gripped Twilight’s ass in her fingers and slammed into her harder, complying with Twilight’s request, Digging the toy as deep into her as she could go, she growled at the sound of this sweet sounding voice begging her to rut her, the strap of her toy rubbing against her viciously as she pounded into Twilight with all the forceful regard of an animal.

“Y-Yeah…! Yeah!” Twilight cried, her entire form trembling from the immense pleasure rushing through her. She panted, moaning and yelling with glee. “Go harder, harder! Buck me hard, you wonder woman!”

Ascentia flicked a switch under the toy and it began buzzing with the force of… something that buzzes a lot, I don’t have the patience to find a metaphor and frankly you all reading this are too busy clopping to even care anyway. So fuck poetic license right in it’s ivory glaive.

Where was I? OH! Right…

Ascentia thrust into her lavender lover harder with the added force of the toy’s vibrations, whispering “Scream for it, you sultry little minx.”

“Yes! YES….! Make me cum, make me cum harder!” The lavender girl screeched, the pleasure skyrocketing by this point, “A-Almost….!”

Ascentia reached underneath and and pinched her clit between her fingers as she thrust into the girl harder than before, pressing her face directly into the pillow, leaning back and moaning herself.

“Mmmm-mmmm!!!” Twilight screamed, muffled against the pillow she was pushed into. She came hard, her juices dripping onto the strapon and down her thighs. Ascentia pulled the toy out of her, leaning down to lick the cum out of her and off her legs, tasting her sweet yet tangy juices for herself, moaning at the sensation.

“Mmm…” Twilight all but collapsed onto her stomach, turning her head against the pillow and laying her cheek against it. “Wow, oh my gosh…”

“You’re not done yet,” Ascentia said with a grin, “We have all night.”

Giggling, Twilight rolled onto her back, “Well, Ascentia… bring it on.”

Gripping Twilight’s legs and lifting them, Ascentia angled the toy lower, pressing against her back entrance, “Oh, I intend to.”

Without waiting for an acknowledgement, Ascentia thrust her hips forward, burying the toy hilt-deep in Twilight’s ass.

“YEOW!” Twilight screeched at the sudden intrusion of pain, clutching at the sheets beneath her. ‘I don’t remember it being so painful! Not to mention it being THAT tight! Is it tighter on a human?! Either way that HURT!’

“You did say to ‘Bring it on’” Ascentia snickered, kneading Twilight’s thighs as she slowly drew the toy out to the tip.

“I’m not...u-used to it….” Twilight uttered, panting a little.

“Now’s the chance,” Ascentia smiled as she thrust back in, hoisting her legs higher and licking her inner thigh.

Twilight groan in pain, lolling her head along the pillow and trying to get used to the feeling. “Nnnghhh….”

Dragging out again, Ascentia gave her clit a soft rub, before thrusting back in, “It took a while my first time as well,” she smiled, leaning down and giving her belly a kiss.

The feeling made Twilight giggle, her belly sinking inward, “Hee… I’ll be fine… You can keep going…”

Taking Twilight for her word, Ascentia quickly rose in pace, thrusting into her ass quickly and harshly, watching her face contort in response.

‘Okay, bad idea! Bad idea! No… No, it’s fine! It’s not pain! It’s not pain! I’m fine! Just get used to it, like you always did… That’s it...’

Taking a few deep breaths, Twilight managed to at least get used to the feeling, as well as making a note to herself to lubricate any toys next time. She breathed again, staring to feel more of a pleasured response than pained. “Oooohhh...yeah…”

Smiling at Twilight’s reaction, Ascentia thrust into her faster, giving her clit a pinch as she kept one leg aloft with her free hand, “Wow, you make the hottest noises, Twilight.”

The sentiment made Twilight blush, considering she’d heard that before, just in different wordings, “Th-Thank you…”

Giving her ass a sharp slap, Ascentia redoubled her efforts, thrusting harder as she slipped two fingers past Twilight’s sopping lips, herself coming close to the edge from Twilight’s gorgeous voice and the strap rubbing against her.

The pleasure heightened, feeling less like pain at every second. Clutching the sheets with her fingers, Twilight moaned and panted hard. She squeezed her eyes shut, opening them every now and then to gaze up at the lovely teenager before her. All the while she managed to smile, further enjoying this sexual play.

Taking her hand off her leg, Ascentia grabbed Twilight’s neck and pulled her up to lock lips with her, grinding the strapon into her as hard as she could as her tongue danced with hers. Twilight heard a moan into the kiss, wrapping her arms around Ascentia’s shoulders, feeling her tense up as if resisting the urge to recoil.

“Sorry… sore… from… kicking… Shimmer’s… ass…” Ascentia explained while trying to viciously make out with her at the same time, “God… you’re so… hot…”

“Sorry…” Twilight apologized, nuzzling her, “That was still amazing, what you… m-managed to do in overtaking her…”

“Been… wanting to… do that… for years…” Ascentia said, thrusting hard into her, “Bitch… had it… coming…”

‘All things considered, I can’t say I disagree with her...’ “She really needed… a lesson in… c-consequences…”

“Maybe I… should have… done to her… what she was going… to do… to Fluttershy,” Ascentia said, smacking Twilight’s ass again, “What I’m… doing to… you now…”

“Ah!” Twilight squeaked, trembling a bit, “I-I don’t know… Th-That’s a bit… m-much… don’t you think?”

“I couldn’t… anyway… Shimmer doesn’t… do it for me…” Ascentia panted between thrusts, smacking Twilight’s ass harder, absolutely loving her firm, yet soft frame.

“M-Me… neither…” Twilight agreed, clutching to her shoulders for support. “A-Ascentia… I think I’m… g-going to cum…”

“Do… it,” Ascentia grunted, thrusting into her as hard as she could, rubbing her clit as quickly as possible, wanting to hear this girl moaning again.

Squealing and moaning loudly, Twilight nearly fell back as the ecstatic pleasure overtook her. “Y-Yes… A-A-Ascentia….! Yeah….!!!” She cried as she came all over her hand.

Ascentia looked down at her as she casually licked Twilight’s juices off her hand, “God, I could listen to that all night,” she said, lightly patting Twilight’s ass, “Where on Earth do you come from?”

‘Equestria. A world connected to here through a portal. I’m actually a pony! I was born a unicorn, but now I’m an alicorn, a Princess, and the crown in my bag is the Element of Magic! “...Uh….” Twilight’s eyes shifted, over to a map of the city taped to the wall, “D-Downtown! Near the river…”

Ascentia stopped licking her hand, and glanced to the map, “That isn’t a map of this city, Twilight.”

“...It’s not? Oh, my bad. It’s so dark, I can’t see it very well!” Twilight said sheepishly.

Ascentia leaned back, the strapon still buried deep in Twilight’s ass, “You’re not from around here, are you?”

Sighing, the lavender girl shook her head, “...No, I’m not. But I can’t tell you why.”

Ascentia looked toward the door, “Are you on the run from someone?”

Twilight shook her head, “No, I’m not. I’m just… I’m from somewhere far from here.”

“Fine,” Ascentia said, pulling out of her and taking the toy off her waist. Twilight’s eyes widened a little when Ascentia popped it into her mouth and began licking it clean while sitting at her desk, “Give me a minute, I just need to check something.”

As Ascentia booted up her computer, Twilight thought she caught a glimpse of her Ponyville friends on the screen before a browser window obscured it. Ascentia spent a few minutes looking at some spreadsheet, before turning the monitor off and returning to the bed, strapon still hanging from her mouth.

“Nwh, whwwr whr we?” she asked, muffled.

“Um…” Twilight looked about with uncertainty, “W-Where did you want to go from there?”

Ascentia popped the dildo out of her mouth, “Was there anything you wanted to do?” she asked with a sly smile.

“...I still want to keep tasting you…” Twilight confessed, her eyes drifting downward, “I didn’t get to finish you properly, anyway.”

Grinning, Ascentia took Twilight by the back of the neck and leaned back against her bedframe, pushing Twilight’s head down with her to stop between her thighs, as if to say “Be my guest.”

Eager, Twilight brought her hands to her hips and happily dove in. She licked along the slit and pried the folds apart, mercilessly devouring at her clit. Humming and moaning, she picked it up where she’d left off earlier, so to speak.

‘I can’t believe it… It’s like she’s actually here… There’s only a few cosmetic changes and a few other things… But it’s like she’s here. But is it still okay? Is it wrong that I’m so excited about all of this?’

Pushing off those thoughts, Twilight just continued to eat at the other girl’s delicious womanhood.

Months upon months of sexual frustration, coupled with hours of being delayed proper gratification, left Ascentia with a bit of a hair trigger. Leaning her head back and placing a hand on the back of Twilight’s head, she let out a lurid, predatory moan as her juices seemed to leak out of her. Running her fingers through Twilight’s soft, sweet smelling hair, her legs curled around her shoulders as a she softly whispered “Oh… I love you…” at a level that implied that Twilight wasn’t meant to hear that.

‘Say WHAT?! Oh no no no no no no no NO! This can’t be happening! She loves me?! Loves me?! She just met me! How does that even work?! Great, now if I leave, she’s going to be left all alone and with a broken heart! What do I do?!’ Twilight thought, panicked. Thankful that Ascentia couldn’t see her face, she lapped up her lovejuices. Sure enough, she did indeed taste the same as she always remembered. ‘I don’t want to leave her, but I don’t know what else I can do… I don’t even want to leave the girls, either… What do I do?’

Ascentia’s moans became more erratic, “Oh god, Twilight, I’m almost there… finally…”

‘Never mind, focus on this! Focus!’

Twilight hummed into her sopping sex, inserting a finger inside of her and pumping her gently, but quickly. Ascentia arched back and nearly screamed, her juices gushing from her like a broken dam. The scream devolved into hysterical pants as Ascentia ground her hips against Twilight’s face.

Overwhelmed, but thrilled, Twilight took it all in eagerly. She kissed her sopping sex after getting her fill, and rose up a bit. “W-Wow… You really came hard…”

“It’s been a while,” Ascentia explained.

A thumping was heard on her apartment wall, as a muffled yell tore through, “Keep it down you whore!”

Ascentia chucked a can at the wall, the clang from the metal striking the plaster loud enough to wake the whole building.

Twilight squeaked, wide-eyed as she stared at the wall, “Sheesh… how rude.”

“They never liked me,” Ascentia replied, stroking Twilight’s hair, “Most of the building doesn’t.”

“...Well, then that’s their loss,” Twilight said, smiling, “I like you…”

“I would assume so, your mouth is dripping with… well, me,” Ascentia chuckled, stroking Twilight’s face as her eyes scanned her naked body, licking her lips.

Twilight noticed, blushing quite a bit. This was indeed going to be a very long night…

Opening her eyes, Twilight looked all around her, trying to make sense of what she was seeing. She was in a classroom, but not like the classes of when she was in Magic Kindergarten or her days in Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. This was one of the classrooms here, in this strange world, in Canterlot High.

She looked out the windows, but for the strangest reason, there was no colour. The outside environment was black and white, like out of an old film or photograph. It didn’t make sense, she was in colour, the classroom was in colour, but the outside was not.

Twilight rubbed her eyes, trying to gather her bearings. Upon seeing her fingers, she was still human and in this world.

Looking around the room, it was empty. The door was closed, but the door window was opaque, making it impossible to see out into the corridor.

She was sitting at one of the desks, while the rest remained empty.

“What’s going on…?” She asked out loud, more to herself than anything.

An eerie sound of footsteps came from the hallway, and Twilight looked up to see Ascentia step through the doorway. Her Ascentia… Val’Kyr Ascentia.

Except… something was still different about her. Her scars were more defined, and glowing slightly and she was looking at Twilight with an air of open disgust.

“A-A-Ascentia…?” Twilight squeaked, feeling more scared than excited, “W-What are you doing here? How did you… even know I was here?”

Ascentia said nothing, her sword appearing in her hand with it’s signature surge of light, looking down at her with the same disgusted look.

“What’s going on?!” Twilight cried, a stab of fear entering her gut. “What are you doing?!”

She twirled her arm back, spinning her sword over her head and bringing it down onto Twilight’s desk, the tip of the sword slicing a nasty cut down the middle of her face.

“AH!!” Twilight screamed, jumping out of her chair and backing away, “Why are you doing this?!”

A strange, crushing force seemed to wrap itself around her body and she was pulled face to face with Ascentia’s glaring face. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the teenage Ascentia smirking from the doorway, before the feeling of cold metal was suddenly shot through her midsection.

Pained, stricken, and scared, Twilight opened her mouth to scream, but no sound came out. Her vision was fading, her entire body was losing connection with her mind, and she felt like she was falling.

Then it all went dark. But she could hear a strange laughter, like a delighted chuckle, along with a strange voice.

“You’ve met with a terrible fate, haven’t you?”

Catapulting in bed, Twilight screamed and thrashed about, kicking at the sheets. The visions didn’t fade, all she could see were the horrid images of her own body stabbed. Bleeding everywhere, falling along the desks and dying slowly. The laughter in her ears didn’t cease, it felt as if it were still happening at that very moment.

“Bad dream?” Ascentia asked from her desk.

“WHAT?! Who goes there?!” Twilight screeched, getting onto all fours and pointing her forehead at her, panting.

“As much as you being on your hands and knees is hot, are you alright?” Ascentia asked, putting down her homework, “What happened?”

After a few moments, the disorientation faded as Twilight could remember where she was. In the humanoid alternate universe, in Ascentia’s apartment, not far from Canterlot High. She’d just had a terrible nightmare. Panting a bit, she realized how silly she looked, considering that humans didn’t move on all fours and that she was no longer a pony.

“I...I… I had a bad dream…” Twilight mumbled, managing to position herself to sit.

Ascentia nodded and returned to her homework, “Did you want to talk about it?”

Biting her lip, Twilight wrung her fingers nervously, “I… I …. I don’t know how I can explain it… It just… I was just… dreaming of really weird…” She looked around the room, trying to find some kind of an answer. “Really weird…” Her eyes fell on a colourful poster with the title Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, “uh… space wars and stuff… I was killed in the dream and woke up from it…”

“Sounds grisly,” Ascentia replied, “Are you going to be okay?”

“Yeah, sure…” Nodding, Twilight then lay back on the bed and rolled onto her side, staring blankly at the wall. ‘Ascentia was… disgusted with me… she wasn’t even angry… Just… really disgusted. Like I did something horrible… and she tried to KILL me for it. I did just… cheat on her… with her other self, but still cheating. What have I done? Just because it’s her? Just because I wanted to help someone else? Just because? I don’t even know anymore! Frankly she has every right to be upset with me! I can’t believe I did that to her! What’s wrong with me? After three years together, did it mean nothing? Of course it did…! So why did I do this?! Why?!’

“We should get going then,” Ascentia replied, “School starts in twenty minutes.”

As Ascentia and Twilight were heading up the steps of Canterlot High, four very large boys crowded around them.

“You the one who got Sunset Shimmer arrested last night?” they asked.

“I am,” Ascentia said with a grin, “Not her.”

One of them made a motion to Twilight that said “Get moving”

Twilight could see the portal behind them. It would close today, and now that she had her crown she needed to go home or she’d be stuck here for another thirty moons.

“Go on, Twilight,” Ascentia said with a smirk, “I’ll be fine.”

Twilight nodded and stepped away, knowing that Ascentia could certainly handle herself regardless of the universe. Behind the cover of Sunset Shimmer’s cronies, Twilight was unseen as she stepped through the portal to Equestria.

The vortex surrounded her once more, but Twilight couldn’t even get caught up and enjoying it. She had too much on her mind then, too much to think about and to do. But she had done her job, she got the Element of Magic back, and Sunset Shimmer was being taken care of. What more was there that she could do? Thirty moons was two years, it would be impossible to explain all of that.

Eventually, she came out through the portal, landing on the floor of the room. Rubbing her head, she stood up, pushing herself to her feet. But the moment she tried to stand on her legs, she wobbled and fell over, landing on her forehooves.

“...Wow, so I made it back…” Twilight murmured to herself, looking over her hooves, then turning around to face the portal. Despite everything that came to be, it was still absolutely surreal to have gone through such an interesting experience.

“Finally!” Spike hopped off her back, looking relieved, “It’s good to be home!”

She didn’t have a chance to breathe before she was caught in a group hug by her friends, while Luna, Celestia, Cadance, and Ascentia watched with smiles on their faces.

“You did it, Twi-Twi!” Pinkie exclaimed happily, “You made it back!”

“We’re certainly glad you made it there and back safely, dear!” Rarity smiled brightly.

Applejack nodded, “Ah cain’t believe ya did it! But o’ course, we wouldn’t have expected anythin’ less from ya, Twi!”

“Oh, it’s wonderful that you made it, Twilight…” Fluttershy said, looking relieved, “We’re all so relieved.”

Rainbow Dash nudged her in the side, grinning, “That was pretty awesome! Glad you made it back in one piece!”

Ascentia moved forward to greet her herself, when something shot from the portal and splattered itself onto the woman’s face. Wiping the strange liquid off her cheek, the others saw that it was blood.

Ascentia took a whiff of it, looking closely at it, “This is mine… Twilight why is my blood on the other side of that portal?”

“Uh….” Twilight gave a sheepish, slightly worried smile as she managed to release herself from her friends. “That’s a… really long story. But the gist of it is… it’s you. You know, another you. The alternate version of yourself.”

Ascentia looked at the blood further, “Not anymore,” she said, wiping it on her cloak, “Besides that, are you alright? Were there any complications?”

“Nope! Well, not the way you think, but I got it back!” Twilight indicated to the Element of Magic on her head.

Ascentia smiled, kneeling down to stroke her mane, “That’s always good to he-”

She drew her fingers back to find them sticky, Twilight’s mane matted with…

“I see you had a little fun while you were there,” she said with a smirk.

“AH!” The alicorn squealed, earning questioning looks from everypony else. ‘I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to, I swear! It was with you, I swear!’

Ascentia wrapped one arm around her, “C’mon, you look like you could use a hot shower.”

Twilight blushed heavily, but followed her out of the room, while her friends followed behind them.

“So who was it with?” Ascentia asked, “The dead girl, or someone else?”

“...It was you, the other you…” Twilight mumbled, looking downward.

Ascentia laughed heartily, “Should have expected,” she said as she scratched Twilight behind the ear.

Naturally, Twilight giggled with pleasure, “Y-You don’t-ooh, lower!-mind?”

“Of course not,” Ascentia replied, “When you die in ten thousand years, I’ll likely be training your Bodiement as my apprentice. Mortal life is short, enjoy it. There’ll be plenty of time to be monogamous when you’re dead.”

A little smile curled at Twilight’s lips. It seemed that her vicious nightmare was nothing more than her subconscious fearing the worst due to the unknown. “I guess I can’t argue with that…”

Ascentia smiled while her friends chuckled behind them.

“Ooh, looks like somepony’s gotta crush on two girls at once,” Applejack teased.

Twilight pouted a bit, blushing, but remained walking anyway.

“Oh, she does. She definitely does!” Rarity cooed, watching Twilight blush.

Shaking her head a bit, Twilight just smiled. At least she’d have a very interesting story to tell her friends.

Author's Note

Well, this all started from a silly drabble. But we played with the idea of Twilight running into an Ascentia within the Equestria Girls universe. :D And... it just evolved from there! XD

Stay tuned for part two, which is the BIG stuff!

Overcoming Things: Part 2

PART 2: Two and a half years later

Stretching her body and limbs, Twilight happily relaxed under the covers, her body spent, but satisfied. She sighed contently, rolling onto her back and staring up at the ceiling. During moments like this, she let her mind wander, as well as basking in the wondrous afterglow of their lovemaking. A smooth, pale arm snaked around her body, snuggling her close to her mate. Twilight smiled as she felt Ascentia’s bare skin press against her back.

“I love you,” she whispered in her ear, biting it gently.

“I love you too,” Twilight giggled, noting how much the snuggling did well into adding to her self-proclaimed “afterglow routine”.

Ascentia chuckled a little. A happy, pleasured chuckle, “My god, you’re so… cuddly. Like a stuffed animal.”

This made Twilight laugh a bit, “Well, I am an animal, but I’m without stuffing. I could be stuffed with the wonders of taxidermy, but that wouldn’t do me any good. But at least I’m still cuddly! I don’t know how you do it, but you’re a real cuddly creature yourself.”

“It’s the arms,” Ascentia replied, “Hugging is much more comfortable with arms.”

“...Yeah,” Twilight realized, “I’m starting to miss my human body, sometimes.”

“Well, I hear the mirror is opening again tomorrow,” Ascentia said, hugging her more tightly, “You could go back through for a visit if you like.”

Twilight pondered that, “Well… That would be interesting. I didn’t get to spend much time learning about that world or interacting with everyone. Maybe I should go back. For a visit, I guess.”

Ascentia cocked an eyebrow behind her, “You were there for two days and didn’t learn all you could? What were you doing?”

Twilight blushed and curled up a little, “Uh… getting bent over and ridden by your alternate self until I could barely walk back to the portal…”

Ascentia was silent for a moment, before laughing loudly against Twilight’s back, “Oh, you dirty little slut,” she said playfully, swatting Twilight’s flank under the covers.

“Ah!” Twilight squeaked, wide-eyed, “W-Well… two days isn’t enough to learn about an entire world’s history and everything in between, you know…”

“This is the mare who learned the entire Draconic language within 36 hours, a feat that took me forty thousand years,” Ascentia smirked, “Just admit it. You liked her.”

Twilight pouted, “That’s different! That’s a tribe of creatures within this world… Fine, yes, I liked her. I mean, she was you! Why wouldn’t I?”

“You know Twilight, it’s… funny,” she said, snuggling her closer, “It’s as if you try to make any rationalization you can that, while true, attempts to divert from the notion that you like having sex simply because it feels good to do. You’re a little like some of the more puritanical humans.”

“That’s not it… I mean, it feels good, but I felt a strange connection with her. Because of how much she’s you…” Twilight sighed. “At that point, we were just using each other. She hadn’t had sex in ages, and there I was, using her since she was practically you.”

“That’s fine, Twilight,” Ascentia said, “It’s perfectly fine for people to simply use eachother. Some find it less strenuous than a relationship entirely, others find it immoral or unethical. But it’s all subjective. It’s something all species do, might as well enjoy it.”

“Didn’t you not like to receive when we first started doing this?” Twilight asked, turning around to smirk at the hole in her logic.

Ascentia dropped her illusion to let her scarred face truly show, “That’s because it hurt.”

Twilight drooped, “Oh… yeah… right… sorry.”

“It doesn’t hurt anymore,” she continued, her illusion returning, “Wait, just because she was practically me? Didn’t she try to bribe you with your crown?”

“...Well, yes… She did bribe me. At first I tried to ask her if there was some other way, but then she gave it to me and said I could have it for nothing. Next thing I knew, I gave in. If she were a stranger, or Sunset Shimmer for that matter, I wouldn’t have exactly done that,” Twilight said, shaking her head.

“So why did you give in, then?” Ascentia asked.

“...I don’t know, I just… kind of did. Admittedly I felt bad for her, but like I said, she was you, just with a different life and everything,” Twilight’s eyes narrowed with confusion.

“And were I anyone else on this planet, that excuse wouldn’t have been met with the same acceptance,” Ascentia replied, “You were even afraid when I found out, you knew you’d done something wrong willingly. Even beforehand. Why do you think you did it anyway?”

“I don’t know!” The alicorn shouted, then burrowed under the covers and covering her head with a pillow.

“You do know, you just don’t want to say it,” Ascentia smiled.

“Phay wha?” Came Twilight’s muffled voice.

“She was hot and made you wet,” Ascentia said, looking at the bump in the covers that was Twilight.

“Mmph…”

Moments later, Twilight re-emerged, “She said the same thing for why she came on to me.”

“Do you understand now?” Ascentia asked.

Groaning, Twilight covered the pillow over her head, her flank sticking up in the air, much like an ostrich burying its head in the ground. “Mmmph… Mmyesh…”

“So, what are you planning to do if you see her again?” Ascentia asked.

“Mmfi don’ know…” Said the muffled lump that was her head.

Ascentia chuckled and snuggled up with her again, “Yes you do.”

“Nooooo…. Okay….” Twilight pulled out from under the pillow, “I know you said I could, but at the same time, I just don’t know anymore.”

“When the time comes, you’ll find you did,” Ascentia said, kissing her forehead softly, “Sometimes it’s fun to root around in that big, bulbous brain of yours.”

Twilight pouted, but all the same, melted a bit with a blush, “...Yeah, that’s true. Sometimes you just have to research the subject before you truly understand it.”

“Yes, I suppose so,” Ascentia smiled, “Would you like some breakfast?”

About to answer, the alicorn was cut off by her stomach growling, “Actually, yes. That’d be great.”

Ascentia slipped out of bed, grabbing her robe and draping it around her body. As she was reaching the door, she heard a quiet, disappointed sound come from Twilight. She turned around to find her looking at her, and a smile crept across her face.

“Twilight, I sense some disappointment in you,” she asked, “Is something wrong?”

Twilight knew the question was a courtesy. She already knew. “I’m fine.”

Ascentia smirked, “Did you want me to cook naked for you?”

“...If you don’t mind,” Twilight said coyly.

Ascentia shrugged her shoulders, her robe shifting off them and pooling at her feet. Waving a hand, she indicated her own nude form, “Better?”

Hopping off the bed, Twilight trotted after her, “Yes.”

The two of them were seated at Ascentia’s table, happily eating the omelettes that Ascentia had cooked. She was still naked, after Twilight had extended the request to the entire day, “How is your omelette?”

Twilight smiled, clearly pleased with it “It’s delicious.”

“Good, I’ve never made them before,” she smiled, “Well, I did once. Almost got a planet burned down in the process.”

“You were that bad a cook?” Twilight asked, cocking an eyebrow.

“No, I used a Dragon Egg,” Ascentia replied, “The Elder of that planet was not happy about that.”

“....Oh...” Twilight cringed a bit, “Oh my. No wonder.”

“Yes, in the end, my Master managed to convince the Elder to not destroy me,” Ascentia continued, “But the Elder insisted I fix the damage I had caused. My Master protested, but they would not listen.”

“How were you to fix it?”

Ascentia shuddered at the memory, “I never did tell you how I lost my virginity, did I?”

Twilight balked. She was not sure she liked where this was going. “...No… you didn’t. You were kind of vague about it, but I didn’t ask since I figured you didn’t really remember or want to share it.”

“Well now I just did,” Ascentia replied.

“....You had to-oh my gosh!” Twilight’s eyes became the size of dinner plates.

Ascentia nodded slowly, “I became a master at detecting the species of an egg after that.”

“I’d do the same…” The alicorn agreed.

“And if it weren’t obvious, that was when I learned I was gay,” Ascentia added.

“What does that mean?” Twilight asked.

“It means I am attracted to women, and only women,” Ascentia replied.

“You have a word for that?” Twilight asked, bewildered at such a notion, “Why?”

“Val’Kyr terminology draws from Humanity due to the first Val’Kyr being humans and the city’s proximity to Earth,” Ascentia explained, “They were not very bright.”

“...I see…. Gay…” Twilight repeated the word.

“MmHmm,” Ascentia nodded, taking a sip of her tea, “Would you like some dessert?”

Twilight finished her plate, “Yeah, I would, actually.”

“What would you like?” she asked, leaning forward a little.

“...A cookie?”

Ascentia chuckled, “Oh you’re so cute.”

She levitated a cookie out of a jar on the countertop and whipped it to Twilight, who caught it in her magic and brought it around her head to take a big bite out of it, nomming happily.

“Scratch that, you’re heart meltingly adorable.”

Looking to the portal, Twilight felt a strange tingle in her stomach. She wasn’t sure how to feel. It was surely exciting, especially since she didn’t have to go back with the fear of losing her crown again. But whatever could happen did concern her ever slightly. What had gone on since then? Were her friends okay? Was the other Ascentia okay? There was no telling what she would find while there.

“Well…” She mumbled, exhaling a bit heavily, “I guess here goes nothing.”

“I’ll be here when you get back,” Ascentia said from behind her.

Twilight smiled at her mate, before taking a deep breath and stepping through the portal.

The swirling vortex yet again surrounded her, going further and further through, until she eventually reached the other side. Opening her eyes, then shaking her head, Twilight shakily stood up on her feet. Once again, it was going to be a little bit awkward to get used standing on bipedal legs.

“O-Okay, come on… I’ve managed it before, I can do it again!” Twilight grabbed onto the statue for support, her knees buckling. “Come on… Almost, there we go… okay.”

Out of the corner of her eye she spotted Fluttershy, dishing out her flyers for Canterlot’s animal shelter along with Rarity. Relieved to see familiar faces, Twilight managed to take a step forward, albeit shakily. She exhaled, slumping over a little against the statue.

“Come on… Let’s do this!” She said to her feet, as if they were living beings, and took another step forward.

Finally gaining her footing, Twilight slowly made her way over to the human counterparts of her friends. Once they looked up and saw her, they ran over to see her with excited smiles.

“Twilight, you’re back!” Fluttershy smiled at her, “It’s good to see you.”

“Darling, it’s been ages!” Rarity proclaimed, giving her a hug, “Has everything been all right?”

Twilight smiled sheepishly, “Uh, yeah! Everything’s great!”

“Oh, good…” Said the creamy yellow girl, holding the flyers to her chest, “You just up and left, we were all wondering where you’ve gone.”

“Where did you go, by the way?” Rarity asked, “It was rather odd how you were just gone and nobody knew where.”

“Uh… j-just back home, way downtown!” Twilight smiled sheepishly, nervously rocking on her feet. “I was, uh… in town visiting a friend of mine. I had to just get back home due to… an emergency!”

Fluttershy nodded, “Well, okay. It’s nice to see you again, of course. Um… how long will you be here, this time?”

Twilight shrugged, “Who knows! I wanted to see you girls again, too. I’ll be able to stick around a little longer, now. So… what time is it?”

Looking at her watch, Rarity said, “It’s almost nine, school will be beginning in about fifteen minutes.”

“And… what time does school end, exactly?”

“At two-thirty. Why?” Fluttershy asked.

“Oh, well, I was wondering, since I have to wait until Ascentia’s out of classes,” Twilight said with a light blush.

Fluttershy and Rarity looked at each other with a worried expression, “You don’t know?” Rarity asked.

Twilight frowned, a bit tense all of a sudden. “D-Don’t know what? Did something happen?”

Rarity bit her lip, then sighed, “We won’t hide it from you, darling. The thing is… Ascentia’s been expelled since you were last here.”

“Three guys tried to jump her for getting Sunset Shimmer arrested, and she beat them senseless,” Fluttershy added, “Their parents all threatened to sue the school board unless Ascentia was expelled.”

Eyes wide, Twilight felt as if she’d been punched in the gut. She had no idea how to respond or even what to think. But now was not the time to crumple or lose control. She had to find her, to make sure she was okay.

‘I’ll just go to her apartment, see if she’s there, or that I can locate her...’

“Well, thanks, girls. I’m supposed to stay with her, anyway… So I’ll go see her,” Twilight gave a smile of appreciation, “Thanks for telling me.”

“Um… no problem, Twilight… Um, but if you wanted, we’re all going to the movies later tonight. You can come with us,” Fluttershy offered, “It would be nice if we could all hang out together.”

“A marvelous idea!” Rarity’s eyes sparkled, “What would you say to that, Twilight?”

“Oh, sure! I’ll uh, meet you girls here! Tonight, around eight!” Twilight smiled, fixing her backpack on her back, “I’ll see you then!”

With a quick wave, Twilight turned and headed toward the sidewalk and toward the town. She had to find Ascentia quick, to try to make sense of everything that happened since she’d last been here.

Finding her apartment was easier said than done. Ascentia had led her there the last time, and she had to resort to pathfinding magic to remember the direct route she had taken. It was a disorienting experience, but two hours of walking brought her to the apartment building Ascentia had lived in. She approached her door, and took a deep breath before knocking three times.

“For the last fucking time, Sentry, I’m not going to drop the charges against your girlfriend!” came a hoarse shout from inside, “She can rot in there for all I care!”

“Ascentia, it’s me. Twilight!” Twilight called through the door.

A shattering sound as if Ascentia had dropped something made of glass came from the other side, before heavy footsteps coming closer and the door was wrenched open. Ascentia stood there in a long, open shirt and her bra and panties. She stared at her for a split second, before grabbing her by the neck of her blouse and yanking her inside. Slamming her against the wall and hungrily locking lips with her.

After a few moments, she pulled away, breathing heavily, “I was convinced you were a dream or something. You just… vanished from where I’d last saw you!”

“Holy Celestia…” Twilight uttered, wide-eyed and breathless. “I’m sorry, I had to get back… E-Emergency… You know how it is.”

“You could have written,” Ascentia said, half laughing, “It’s good to see you again.”

‘Uh, hello? I can’t pass letters through a portal! Darn it, this is not gonna be easy...’ “Oh, I tried, but you know! Silly postage, couldn’t get things through!” Twilight said sheepishly, “It’s great to see you, too. I um… I heard what happened. And I’m sorry… I sorry I wasn’t there for you. Especially if you… thought I was just a dream. If I’d had known, I’d have come back quicker.”

“It’s alright,” Ascentia replied, hugging her tightly, “I’m pretty well off, I took another job with my newfound free time. What are you doing back here anyway?”

“I… I wanted to see you, and my new friends…” Twilight said truthfully.

Ascentia blushed a little, “Oh… wow… I kind of assumed what we had was just something casual.” Twilight could see her shifting on her feet a little, “Fluttershy and Rarity come over sometimes. Rarity hates how messy my apartment is. Then again, she lives in a big mansion with servants and everything… I’m babbling, I’m sorry.”

Twilight giggled, “It’s okay, I do that all the time. But uh, that’s great, at least you have a little company sometimes, right?”

“Yeah,” Ascentia replied, “It’s nice having them around.”

It was at that moment that Ascentia realized she was still pinning Twilight to the wall with her entire body, “Oh, sorry about that,” she back away from her, turning around so she couldn’t see her face.

Twilight had noticed a strange change in her. The last time she had been here, Ascentia had been the same kind of… for some reason the word “Badass” was lodged in her skull… as her Val’Kyr counterpart, just without the fearsome Divine powers. But now she seemed meek and timid, nervous around her, something that Twilight found very jarring.

‘What a stark contrast… I mean, they look the same, for the most part, and have the same personality… But wow. She seems so...nervous. Yeah, like Ascentia would get that way. Okay, okay… no need to make this hard for her. Just be casual, just enjoy yourself. Don’t question it.’

“No problem, I’m used to it,” Twilight giggled a bit, smiling. “So, uh… I’ll be here for a while, not sure how long, but you know, long enough! If you’d be willing, we can certainly hang out here and there.”

“Uh… yeah… sure,” she replied, not looking at her. Twilight got the impression she was wringing her hands out of view, “Um… Twilight, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about if I ever saw you again…”

‘Did she just… stall? Like how a shy person would? Okay, this is too interesting. Ascentia stalls sometimes, but even she makes it look dignified. Darn it! She’s asking me something! Okay, pay attention! Stop overthinking this!’

“Oh, sure!” Twilight sat down on a chair, sitting up straight and proper, hands clasped in her lap. “What did you want to talk to me about?”

“It’s about what we did two years ago,” Ascentia continued, sitting next to her at the table, “Did that mean anything to you, or was it just sex?”

‘Uh-oh. This isn’t going to end well. I can’t proceed without telling her things, but if I tell her things, she’s going to think I’m crazy! My world is a fairy tale to them, a fictional place crafted by the imagination! Think, Twilight, think! You came here for a reason! Just be honest at least about that! Even if you have to bend the truth a little!’

“....Well, Ascentia… It’s really hard to say. But it did mean a lot, I mean… I wouldn’t have truly gone through with all of it after if it didn’t mean something. And I… uh… well, I’m perfectly okay with polyamory. So’s my, con-I mean, my life partner. She and I have this understanding, you know? Well, back then, it wasn’t exactly established, per se. But by now, we’ve talked about it and she’s perfectly okay with it. I mean… we’ve had uh… you know foursomes before and stuff like that…” Twilight blushed at this, but cleared her throat, “A-Anyway! So of course it did. That’s part of why I came back. I wanted to spend more time with you. I… I really do like you, and I’d sure like to see you some more. I mean… it meant a lot to you too, didn’t it?”

Ascentia nodded, “I was just looking for sex, but after you left I started wondering about you. Where you came from, and where you went. Nobody knew where you were so I couldn’t ask. You could say I got… kind of obsessed for a while.”

‘Okay… wow, almost similar...’ Twilight thought, shifting in her seat, “I-I know what you mean.”

“But you’re going to be leaving again soon, aren’t you?” Ascentia asked.

“Well… yes, I will be…” Twilight rubbed her arm nervously, “But not for a while! I’ll stay here as long as you’d like.”

Ascentia smiled and put a hand on Twilight’s leg, “I’d like that.”

“You know, you’re still half naked” Twilight said, indicating Ascentia’s tired clothing.

“Oh!” Ascentia replied, jumping up from her seat, “Sorry, I’ll go put some clothes on!”

“I’d prefer you take off the ones you already have on,” Twilight winked. “And if you’re not on your bed in about oh, t-minus ten seconds, I might just have to do something about that, beautiful.”

Ascentia stood shocked at Twilight’s bluntness for a moment, trying to comprehend what she’d just heard her say.

“10… 9… 8… 7…”

Fumbling with her bra-strap, not exactly keen on figuring out what would happen if Twilight reached zero, Ascentia pulled at the material in desperation, but it wouldn’t budge.

“4… 3… 2… 1… Zero.”

The next thing the young woman knew, she was being pounced by Twilight onto her bed, growling deep in her throat like an animal. Ascentia’s breathing was heavy from the surprise pounce, but it quickly turned into a blushing smile.

“What are you going to do to me?” she asked.

Towering over her on all fours, Twilight grinned. It was actually kind of thrilling to be able to actually dominate Ascentia, without it being a cover. “Well, my fair lady, that’s all going to depend. You must’ve...missed me quite a bit, didn’t you? Why don’t you go ahead and show me just how much?”

“What would you like?” Ascentia asked, a coy smile on her face.

“Well… Tell me, do you know a thing or two about… roleplaying?”

“Um… I have Dungeons and Dragons,” Ascentia replied, not quite sure Twilight’s intention.

All at once, Twilight’s attention was diverted, “Really?! Ooh, I love that game! Oh, we definitely have to play! I call the mage!”

“It’s Wizard and Sorcerer,” Ascentia replied, “And what does that have to do with you kneeling over me right now?”

“...Oh, sorry, I was distracted. We’ll play that later,” Twilight giggled, shaking her head, “Anyway! We’re going to do some roleplaying, here, in your bed.”

This was something Ascentia had heard of, but never done before, “How so?”

“Oh, you know, pretending we’re different characters? Ooh! I have an idea! Okay, you’re going to be this super powerful, uh… warrior, with all kinds of magic and skills. You can destroy planets with the flick of your wrist-okay, it’s a little more complicated than that, and I’m going to be your apprentice!”

“Get off me for a second,” Ascentia replied. Twilight complied and Ascentia grabbed a notebook off the table, flipping it open to a page in the middle and showing it to her, “How about her?”

Twilight saw a gorgeous drawing of a red-haired woman in forest-green robes. Her eyes glowing as it looked like the earth beneath her feet was splitting asunder. Twilight recognized it instantly. It was Ascentia. Her Ascentia.

“Wow… did you draw this?”

“Yeah,” Ascentia replied, “I always had a knack for drawing. Think I got it from my grandmother. When you mistook me for someone you called a Val’Kyr I got to thinking what such a thing would look like, and that’s all I could come up with.”

Twilight stood agape at it for a moment, before setting it back on the table, “Yes, you’re going to be her.”

“Alright, now what?” Ascentia asked.

‘Wow, great minds really DO think alike! That’s really uncanny. I wonder if-okay, focus! Now isn’t the time to overthink it.’

“Well, now here’s where we get into character. You’re the almighty Val’Kyr… and I’m the pon-princess… you’re trying to, well, you know, romance.”

“I thought you said you were my apprentice?” Ascentia asked.

“That too! I can be both. The possibilities within the world of imagination is endless,” she said.

“So I’m trying to sleep with my student who is also royalty?” Ascentia asked, knowing next to nothing about playing characters, “Isn’t that against a warrior’s code or something?”

‘Wow, she really has no idea what she’s doing. Okay, this is going to take a little explaining.’

“Well, technically yes… But that’s the fun part! It’s pushing the envelope, it’s getting into taboo, it’s shining the way for forbidden romance!” Twilight spread her arms and hands as she sat up, making emphasis.

“I-I’m sorry Twilight, but I don’t know exactly what you want from me,” Ascentia said, recoiling a little, “Doesn’t this all seem a little… I dunno… cheesy? Like, who does this? I mean I get the fantasy, but c’mon there’s no way that would ever possibly happen to someone. It’s just… weird.”

‘Well… I can’t argue with that, but it happened to me! ...Kind of.’

“Of course it’s weird, but it’s fun. I know it sounds crazy, but hey, a lot of fictional stories are pretty much out of this world. But, okay, what do you suggest?”

“I… I don’t know,” Ascentia replied, “You kinda sprung me on this pretty quickly. It’s… too much.”

‘Jeez… If I could get my Ascentia to play a completely opposite character… then again mine has the wisdom of a hundred million lifetimes... Okay, okay, Twilight… think of something within her comfort zone. This is something you can’t exactly perfect on the first try.’

“Okay, then let’s do something simple,” Twilight suggested.

“Like what?” Ascentia asked.

“Uh…” The lavender girl searched her mind for some kind of solution, her eyes darting about the room. “Well, why don’t we just have sex then? We’ve got plenty of time together, I’m sure we can work up to… um, bedroom games as we go along.”

Ascentia sighed a little in relief, “That sounds like a good idea,” she replied.

‘Well, it’s going to take a while to get into a more… familiar territory with her, but hey, I like a challenge.’

“Well then, do your worst,” Twilight teased, giving a smirk.

Ascentia smiled, and shifted her weight, planting Twilight into her back as she took a position over her, pressing her shoulders into the bed and using her toes to peel her skirt off her hips. Not getting quite the dexterity she needed, she opted to just let go of her and pull it down with her fingers. Taking a few nips at her panty line as she untied her boots and slipped them off her feet.

“Ooh, meow… the jungle cat has feasted upon her prey…” Twilight purred.

Taking hold of Twilight’s blouse, she ran a finger down the button line, separating the buttons from their clasps and throwing open her blouse to find she wasn’t wearing a bra. Giving her a raised eyebrow, she quickly took her breasts in her hands, kneading the soft flesh as she ran quick kisses along Twilight’s jawline.

Twilight moaned appreciatively, bringing her fingers to run through the deep red strands of her hair. She giggled, spreading her legs and stroking one of them against Ascentia’s, teasing her.

Letting out a sharp intake of breath at Twilight’s soft skin brushing her own, Ascentia lowered herself down to her waist, taking a few nips of Twilight’s waistband as she pressed two fingers against her moistening folds through the soft fabric.

“Oh, don’t hold back on me now…” Twilight moaned, smiling.

“I’m sorry, what was that?” Ascentia asked with a teasing tone, “I couldn’t quite hear you?”

Twilight snickered, “I said, don’t you hold back, now.”

“Still not quite getting it,” Ascentia said, tilting her ear in her direction.

Grinning widely, Twilight let out a growly purr, jamming her knee between her legs, “I said don’t hold back on me now!” She half-shouted. “Can you hear me now?”

Ascentia recoiled a little from the knee in her groin, “Oof! Okay, I get it now,” she strained.

Taking Twilight’s panties in her teeth, she peeled the small piece of fabric down her legs, brushing her nose against Twilight’s clit as she went down. Throwing her panties aside, she grabbed the girl’s legs and pried them open, diving down and dragging her tongue over her moist lips.

A loud moan ripped from the lavender girl, to which she brought her hands down to Ascentia’s head; pressing her more into her moistening sex. “Oooh, yeah! That’s a girl! Eat up and enjoy your dessert breakfast!”

‘Dear lord, how did she know… never mind,’ Ascentia dove in with more ferocity, nibbling and pulling at Twilight’s lips with her teeth while caressing her clit with her tongue, reaching a hand up to rub her stomach, feeling her smooth skin under her fingertips as her sweet juices flooded her mouth.

The ticklish sensation made Twilight laugh, wiggling and squirming beneath her amidst the pleasure. “Ooohh…. So good…”

Ascentia lifted her head from Twilight’s snatch to capture her lips in hers as she slipped two fingers into her, scratching at her inner walls, “Mmm, I love you Twilight.”

“Nghh…” Twilight squirmed, clutching the sheets, “...I love you, too…”

Dropping back down, Ascentia slipped her tongue past Twilight’s lips, tasting her for all she was worth, curling her arms around her thighs, hugging her dripping snatch to her mouth.

Squealing loudly, Twilight’s hips would’ve flown off the bed if not for being pinned down. Once more she grabbed at her head tightly. “Oooohhhhh! YES! K-Keep going…! I’m almost…. almost going to….nggghh!”

Ascentia latched her mouth over Twilight’s pussy, taking in as much of her juices as she could, licking her lips when all was said and done. As Twilight rode out her orgasm against her, Ascentia caressed her thighs, sighing happily.

“Aaaahh…” Twilight moaned out contently as her body relaxed and collapsed. “You’re amazing, you know that?”

“Yeah,” Ascentia smiled, snuggling up with her, “I know. You’re not too bad yourself.”

‘I guess I still have it...’ Twilight thought, running a hand through her hair. ‘At least now we can actually spend more time together...’

Ascentia slithered up her body, planting a quick kiss on her lips, “You still taste so good.”

“Thanks… And I bet you still do, too,” Twilight nuzzled noses with her.

Giving Twilight’s ass a sharp slap, Ascentia nuzzled her back, “I wouldn’t know, I don’t bend that way.”

“No?” Twilight tried to, just out of curiosity, but of course had no success. It wasn’t even possible as a pony. “Neither can I. But that’s okay, I’ll be glad to take a taste test for you.”

Smirking, Ascentia slid her panties down her legs and threw them aside, positioning herself over Twilight’s face, “I’m waiting.”

Grinning widely, the lavender girl all but dove into the other girls’ waiting sex. She clutched at her hips, running her tongue along the slit before prying them apart to attack her clit. Ascentia groaned in frustration-fueled ecstasy, snaking her fingers through Twilight’s hair, feeling the soft purple strands as her tongue assaulted her.

And then, of all the worst things that could have happened, what happened next was the Worst. Possible. Thing.

“Knock knock!” Rarity cheerfully called as she ironically opened the door and walked through, “Anybody ho-”

“AH!” Twilight squeaked, peering around to see Rarity coming in, “R-R-Rarity!”

Ascentia turned her head around, and made a sound somewhere between a sigh and a gnash. Rarity was looking at them with a wide-eyed, mouth agape expression. Saying nothing, just standing there in a sort of shock.

“O-Oh dear… I’m sorry! I had come by to bring you-oh goodness, this is awkward… I’ll come back later, dears! My apologies!”

Without waiting for a response, the purple-haired girl left out the door and closed it behind her.

Ascentia was silent for a few minutes, before calling out “Rarity, I know you’re still at the door!”

There was a groan from behind it, before Rarity opened the door up enough to speak through it, “I’m really sorry, dears, I didn’t know you were-”

“It’s alright, come in,” Ascentia replied, getting off Twilight’s face.

“What?!” Twilight whispered, “But we’re both naked… mostly!”

“Relax, you haven’t got anything she hasn’t seen before,” Ascentia replied.

Rarity tentatively opened the door and stepped inside. Twilight and Ascentia were both sitting on her sofa-bed, their legs thankfully closed. Rarity sat down and blushed.

“What did you come over for?” Ascentia asked.

“Your blouse…” Rarity held out a small box, managing to look her in the eye, “It came in the shop today. You said to bring it over when it did.”

“Thanks Rarity,” Ascentia smiled, taking the box from her, “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Twilight, from the looks of it,” Rarity mumbled.

“What was that?” Ascentia asked.

“Nothing,” she said quickly, “Also, me and Fluttershy invited Twilight to see a movie with us this evening. We were wondering if you wanted to come?”

“Yeah sure,” Ascentia replied, leaning forward and hugging the girl. Twilight caught a blush on Rarity’s face.

“F-Fantastic, then! We’ll all be meeting tonight at the school, around eight…” Rarity’s voice shook with mild embarrassment, but returned the hug anyway.

“I look forward to it,” Ascentia replied, “Was there anything else you wanted while we have you here?”

Rarity blushed, shaking her head, “Oh, no, dear. I just wanted to bring you the blouse and to extend the invitation. I won’t keep you two any longer. I-I’m sure you two have… um… much catching up to do.”

“Alright,” Ascentia said with a smile, but Twilight caught the faintest hint of disappointment in her voice, “I’ll see you this evening.”

“Twilight,” Rarity said to her, managing a pleasant smile, “I’ll see you two this evening, then. Have a good day, of course.”

“Yeah… you too, Rarity,” Twilight smiled shakily.

Rarity left, closing the door behind her. Twilight had to admire both Rarity’s and Ascentia’s abilities to keep their composure. Ascentia fell back against the sofa-bed, her eyes closed as she looked as if she was in deep thought.

“...Are you okay?” Twilight asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“Huh?” Ascentia was shaken out of her trance, “Oh… yeah, I uh… I’m fine… Rarity’s nice, isn’t she?”

Twilight rose an eyebrow questioningly, wondering where she was going with that, “Of course she is. She’s very nice. ...Why do you ask?”

“Uh… just… making conversation,” her eyes shifted away from her, “Um… I did always wonder how she got her hair like that. I don’t suppose you know, do you?”

There was something she wasn’t telling her. Twilight could sense it. But she decided to humour her, thinking of a way to segway into what she was really saying. “Well, I don’t really know, myself. I think it has to do with using a hairbrush a certain way, maybe applying some kind of hairspray?”

“Yeah… maybe that’s it,” Ascentia shook her head as if trying to dislodge something, “I’m sorry, I’m a little distracted.”

“Ascentia…. Something’s going on, isn’t it? What’s the matter?” Twilight asked very seriously, but with concern. “If there’s something you want to talk about, you can tell me.”

Ascentia took a deep breath, then looked Twilight in the eye, “Rarity was my first girlfriend. We we were twelve, and good friends at the time. We broke up when her parents found out and threw a fit about it. They threatened to disown her and their security guards threatened me if I ever showed my face at the Elusive house again.”

“WHAT?!” Twilight all but shouted. While it was admittedly shocking to hear that Ascentia and Rarity, of all people, had dated; she was more appalled by the family forbidding them to see each other. “Ascentia, that’s terrible! I can’t believe they’d do that! Oh, I’m so sorry… That’s terrible. To think they’d do that to their own daughter…”

“Eh, Fluttershy went through the same thing when her parents caught her with Sunse-” Ascentia cut her sentence off almost immediately, but the damage was done.

“....Oh….” Twilight shuddered ever slightly, and shook her head. “Never mind. Have you two… talked about it, at all? I could see the way you were looking at her, just now.”

“I… guess I never really got over it,” Ascentia replied, “It was only about 5 years ago and being threatened by really big security guards when you’re 12 just for being with your girlfriend never really goes away.”

“I can’t say I blame you…” Twilight said softly, taking her hand as a form of comfort, “Do you think she still feels the same way? I have to say, it was kind of cute how she was trying not to look at you, but I knew where her eyes were pointing.”

Ascentia’s head snapped up, “Really?! Where?”

The reaction made Twilight want to laugh, but she kept it in, “Well, she couldn’t keep them still long enough, but I know she was unable to look away from your…. ‘fun parts’.”

Ascentia blushed, “We never did have sex when we were together… too young I guess. She’s still so beautiful.”

“Yeah…. she is beautiful,” Twilight smiled, “Well, it’s great that you two are still friends and are spending time together. But I guess it’s safe to say that there’s a lot of unfinished emotional business, isn’t there?”

“Yeah,” Ascentia said, crossing her arms over her chest, “Yeah, there is. Look, I don’t want to bore you with my angsty childhood…”

Shaking her head, Twilight situated herself to sit beside her, “You couldn’t possibly bore me. If you want to talk about something, anything, I’d be glad to listen. Go on, try me. Maybe I won’t understand it. Maybe I won’t be able to give advice. But I’ll lend you an ear. Even if it’s just to vent.”

Ascentia stood up from her bed, thumbing around the kitchen counter. Twilight watched her, wondering what she was thinking about, when she suddenly grabbed her sugar bowl and hurled it against the wall, where the glass shattered into a near powder.

“Ascentia?” She asked, her voice concerned.

“I hate those two,” she snarled, “Them and their hired thugs. I just want to…”

She hurled another glass object at the wall. It shattered like the last one.

“Who? Her parents?”

“Her parents… my parents… my worthless sister who didn’t help me when I was getting expelled…” she sunk to the floor and buried her face in her hands, “I’m seventeen, I’m not supposed to have my own apartment and be working. I’m supposed to be in school!”

Getting up, Twilight went over to her, placing her hands on her shoulders. “You had to grow up too fast… To give up a lot of what growing up is all about…”

Ascentia leaned in to Twilight’s comforting embrace and quietly sobbed into her shoulder, “I wish I was as wise as you, Twilight.”

‘Believe me… one day, you’ll be wiser than I am in some ways...’ Twilight hugged her back, stroking her hair, “Well, it’s more that I understand how that feels. I mean, my situation isn’t the same as yours, of course. I just know how it feels to grow up too fast and then miss out on a lot of life just because you’re trying to move ahead. Friends, having fun, being rebellious… I never really experienced any of that when I was growing up. I was always burying my snout in books and studying, I didn’t have time for anything else. I didn’t start making friends until a few years ago, and understanding what it means to be a friend, to be good po-person.”

Ascentia sighed, “I wish I had that long…”

Twilight hugged her tighter, “Anyway… Maybe you and Rarity just need to really talk about it. To see where you stand, you know? If nothing else, it could give you a little closure on the matter. And if her family is going to be like to her, then I don’t understand them. I’m not a mother, I don’t know what it’s like, but I can tell you that just because someone else is happy in a way you don’t exactly agree with doesn’t mean it doesn’t work for them. The best they can do is be supportive, but not to interfere. It isn’t their place. ...But what am I saying, I should be telling them that, but I bet you it would fall on deaf ears. But the point is, you and Rarity need to talk about it.”

“I don’t know,” Ascentia said, “It was so damn long ago. My therapist told me I should probably try to move on from it.”

“You’re seeing a therapist?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah,” Ascentia replied, “It was court ordered when I was expelled. To deal with my ‘anger issues’ and ‘delusions of purple haired girls’.”

“...I see,” Twilight murmured, shaking her head, “Well, Ascentia… moving on and getting over someone or something are not the same thing. It may have been a long time ago, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen and it doesn’t mean it’s any less validated. You may have been young, but it was still a part of your life. A part of your life you never had closure from.”

“Maybe you’re right,” Ascentia said, looking up to her, “I don’t suppose you could talk to her for me? Before this evening?”

‘You are a nearly grown woman! Grow ovaries and do it yourself! No, no no… okay, I think I have an idea,’ Twilight thought. “Well, I won’t talk to her for you. It’s not my place. But what I will do is just tell her to meet you, let her know you’d like to see her for a while.”

“That’s what I meant,” Ascentia replied, “Thanks, Twilight. At least you weren’t like Applejack when I talked to her about this.”

Deciding against asking what she meant by that, Twilight cleared her throat, “Hey, no problem at all. Now… where is a place you like to go to?”

“Could you ask her to come here?” Ascentia asked, “It’s comfortable for me here.”

Twilight nodded, “Sure! I’ll go over to the school by the time school gets out, and let her know to come over here.”

“Thanks, Twilight,” Ascentia said, hugging her, “I hope you don’t mind, but the mood’s kinda gone.”

“It’s okay, I expected that,” Twilight giggled, patting her back. “Besides, I think trying to help you deal with an emotional crisis is a lot more important.”

“Also you got your’s so everything’s good, right?” Ascentia asked with a smirk.

Twilight laughed, pouting, “But you didn’t. Oh well, that can always be remedied.”

“Maybe later,” Ascentia replied, adding a barely audible whisper, “Maybe not alone…”

Poking her nose, Twilight kissed her cheek, “Well, my fiery friend, why don’t we put our clothes back on, and maybe kill some time?”

“Sure,” Ascentia replied, “...You still want to play Dungeons and Dragons?”

Twilight smiled, “Definitely!”

XXX

Later that afternoon, right about when school was out, Twilight came back in search of Rarity. According to Fluttershy, she was still in the sewing portion of the Home Economics rooms. Probably working on an assignment before leaving the school, she guessed.

Twilight made her way through the empty halls, feeling a strange sense of nostalgia. It had been two years, and she’d only been in the school for about two days. But it felt as if she were revisiting a long time memory. She smiled a little bit, taking it all in again, this time without the rush or the anxiety of acquiring her crown.

Coming to the room, Twilight peered inside through a halfway ajar door. She could see Rarity, sitting at one of the sewing machines, but was crying. Concerned, she stepped inside, closing the door behind her.

“...Rarity? Rarity, are you all right?”

Rarity looked up, and noticed it was her. She glared at her and looked back down at her work, trying to ignore her.

This didn’t look good. Rarity was mad, for some reason, but likely at her. Nonetheless, Twilight was not about to bury her head in the sand. She was going to get to the bottom of this.

“Rarity… if you’re upset about something, I understand. But you can just tell me. Ignoring me isn’t going to help you, or make me leave. So, you can tell me. What’s wrong?” Twilight coaxed.

Rarity sighed, “I guess you didn’t know… Ascentia and I were together when we were younger. And when I saw you with her earlier… I didn’t know you two were together.”

“...Oh…” Twilight bit her lip, starting to see that Rarity was indeed not over Ascentia, either. “Well, it’s a little more complicated than that. But regardless, she did tell me what happened between you two. In fact, that’s actually why I’m here.”

Rarity looked up, “Really?”

Nodding, Twilight pulled up a stool and sat up next to her, “Yes. You see, you and Ascentia need to talk. What happened between you two was really sad, but that doesn’t mean it has to just crash and burn. What you two need is closure, to just talk all about it and get it all out on the table. Whatever happens after that, you’ll get there, you’ll let things evolve naturally. But at least you will have managed to address your unfinished emotional business.”

“Well, I did notice she couldn’t stop staring at my chest earlier,” Rarity said with a nervous laugh, “But you’re right. Maybe I should talk to her…”

She looked down at her unfinished work, fumbling with the fabric.

“Could you take me to her apartment? Is she even still there?”

“Yes! Yes, that’s where she wanted to meet you. I’ll take you there, and then you two can talk alone. I’ll… go for a walk, or something…” Twilight said sheepishly.

“No! Please, stay,” Rarity said, looking away, “I’d like someone there in case things get ugly. She doesn’t look like it, but she can floor someone three times her size.”

‘I know that all too well...’ Twilight thought with a shudder, but looked her friend in the eye, “I know what you mean. I saw her beat up Sunset Shimmer, after all. Don’t worry yourself about that, though. She cares about you and I can tell she would never raise her fist at you. But okay, I’ll stay. I’ll wait in the bathroom to give you two privacy or something.”

“Thank you, Twilight,” she said, reaching up to hug her.

Smiling, Twilight hugged her back, “You’re welcome, Rarity. Just trying to help out.”

Rarity let go of her, smiling. Then her expression shifted anger and she slapped Twilight broadly across the face.

Wide-eyed, Twilight held her cheek with shock, unsure how to respond. “...I deserved that, didn’t I?”

“Maybe not, but it still felt good,” Rarity replied with a smile.

XXX

The two headed back to Ascentia’s apartment, taking their time, but going as quick as they could. Twilight could sense that Rarity was nervous, but continually assured her that all would turn out okay somehow. She could understand, the unknown of a situation before it started always did seem to be the scariest moment. But once a situation got going, it was as if the nervousness would melt away. Twilight had a feeling it would go down similarly.

Now all they had to do was get inside, then hopefully have them get talking.

Entering the apartment, Twilight closed the door behind them, “Ascentia? We’re back!”

Ascentia came out of the bathroom, wiping her hands with paper towell, “Thanks Twilight. Uh… hi Rarity…”

A soft blush coated Rarity’s cheeks as she brought her arms behind her back, “Hello, Ascentia… How are you today?”

“I’m alright,” she said, sitting down at the table, hiding her own blush, “Thanks for bringing over my… thanks.”

“Oh, you’re quite welcome, dear! You know I’m always glad to help…” Rarity looked at her nervously, but then walked over to take a seat at the table as well.

“I’ll just… leave you two alone!” Twilight announced, before going to the bathroom and closing the door.

“So… your skirt is… nice,” Ascentia said, twiddling her thumbs.

Rarity looked away, wringing her fingers, “Thank you… I-I made it myself.”

“Look… I’m sorry about earlier,” she said, “I shouldn’t have put you on the spot like that.”

“Oh… don’t worry yourself of it, dear…” Rarity murmured, looking up, “I should have knocked. But I suppose I was so used to just coming in to see you as if it were no problem that I just… seemed to have lost my consideration for your privacy. Darling, I’m very sorry for barging in on you two.”

The two sat in awkward silence for what felt to them like an awkward eternity, when Rarity stood up, a nervous grin on her face.

“Well, good talk. I’ll see you this evening,” she said, turning around to leave, “Have fun unt-”

“I miss you,” Ascentia cut across her, making her stop and turn around.

Rarity turned back around, her heart pounding, “...But darling, we see one another quite often,” she said, but sat back down anyway, “We’re still friends. ...However, if you are referring to… what had happened, I have to say that I miss you, too. I… I have dated other boys since then, here and there. As young as I was at the time you and I were involved; it wasn’t the same with them. I felt that there was something missing.”

“It… it wasn’t fair,” Ascentia said, kicking herself for the infantile choice of words, “Why did they do it? What did I ever do to them?”

“Nothing, dear. It was for the mere factor of I being involved with another girl. They thought you were influencing me, that I was going through a pre-pubescent phase,” Rarity moaned, shaking her head, “After mother and father had thrown you out, I was yelling at them with more insolence than I could ever have mustered. I yelled, I ran to my room and slammed the door, I refused to speak to them… Oh, it was terrible. I had wanted them to understand, but they wouldn’t listen to me. They’re not bad people, but they have very mixed values on relationships.”

“Your guards threatened to break my neck!” Ascentia growled.

Twilight made an eep from inside the bathroom. She hadn’t realized it was that severe.

“What?!” Rarity exploded, shooting up from their chair, “They… They told me that they just had you escorted off the premises! You mean to tell me that the guards… had… no! That’s… I cannot believe those callous ingrates!”

Ascentia pulled open a drawer and produced a tape recorder. Pressing the PLAY button, a voice came through the static of the recorder’s age.

“If we ever find you on this premises again, we’ll snap that pretty neck of yours like a twig. Now get out, slut!”

In shock, Rarity sank down in her chair, holding her chest. “...Oh, darling… I didn’t know. I-I would have just… oh, my goodness… I am so sorry…”

She threw the recorder aside, “So what now?”

“I… I haven’t a clue,” Rarity admitted, managing to meet her eyes, “When I had seen you… naked earlier, I have to admit that I was…. well, I think you may know… And it didn’t help that you were engaged in sexual activity with Twilight. You’ve… really grown, quite a bit… Oh dear, this is embarrassing…” She looked away, her cheeks getting pinker.

“I’ll admit… I called you back so I could look at you some more,” Ascentia said, looking toward the floor, “You… you kind of… swing a little when you walk.”

“I do? Ah… I didn’t think you noticed,” Rarity mumbled, giggling a bit. “I’m glad you did… I was glad to look at you more, too.”

“Oh will you two just kiss already!” came Twilight’s voice from the bathroom.

Eyes wide, cheeks reddening, Rarity looked downward and giggled, “I-I would love to… But I… I don’t want to intrude on the two of you.”

“We’re just casual!” Twilight shouted, “Now kiss her already!”

The floodgates opened, with no holding back, Rarity reached across the table and kissed the redhead passionately. Ascentia reached up to grab her by the back of the neck, pulling her closer to her. In a daring move, Rarity got up onto the table, running her fingers fiercely through Ascentia’s hair.

A moment like this had only ever been fantasized within her mind, something she thought would never happen. If anything, she was certain that Ascentia was over her, or at least would rather just be friend. This would’ve been understandable, but today’s revelation just overtook her completely. A little moan came from her throat as she savoured the kiss, prolonging it a few more seconds.

Pulling away, Rarity was now red in the face, but her eyes were hazed over with wonder, “My… that was certainly more intense than any kiss we’d shared back then, darling…”

Ascentia was as red as she was, but leaned in and touched their foreheads together, “Yeah… then again we were only twelve… so what happens now?”

More of a smile stretched at Rarity’s lips, “Darling… there is nothing more I’d like than to truly be together with you. Though we would have to keep it secret, if only because I must protect you… But if it is all right with you, I certainly would be happy to. However, I don’t want you to feel pressured, so either way you decide is all right by me.”

Ascentia tilted her head and kissed her again, holding her tightly around the shoulders, before pulling away, “I’d love that. And for the record, I love the way you say ‘Darling’. Your accent is just so… cute.”

The compliment made Rarity blush as she returned the gestures, nuzzling her, “You really like my accent? Thank you, Ascentia… To be honest I didn’t think anyone did. I do it to sound more… classy and sophisticated, but here I thought no one did like it. But… coming from you, I appreciate it so much. Your own accent is absolutely sweet to listen to, especially since it’s actually natural.”

Ascentia blushed as well, nuzzling Rarity, “I’ve missed you so much… I can’t believe this is happening.” She hugged her tightly, as if afraid that if she let go of her, she’d vanish.

“And I’ve missed you, darling, so much,” Rarity hugged her tightly as well, stroking her hair, “I’m forever grateful that we remained friends all of these years… But I certainly did miss our sweet little romance. I may have been young, but those times were quite honestly one of the best in my entire life. You were truly my Princess Charming...”

Ascentia laughed a little. Rarity’s cliche’d lines were always funny to hear. It was as if she took being a girly girl to a comical extreme. Kissing her lover again, she pulled Rarity into her lap, snuggling her, “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Rarity cooed, kissing her on the cheek.

Ascentia ran her hand over Rarity’s hips, her figure fitting her arms perfectly. It did not go unnoticed by her, however, when Ascentia’s hand briefly touched her thigh.

“Ooh, darling…” Rarity giggled, looking to her with bedroom eyes, “Is there something on your mind?”

“You’re just… so beautiful,” she purred, kissing her cheek as she hugged her a little more tightly.

Rarity blushed all the more, running her hands down her arms, “As are you, dear… You are one of the most beautiful girls-no, women, I have ever seen in my life. I’ve seen you as you grew from an adorable little cutie pie and into this lovely lady I see before me.”

Ascentia smiled and kissed her neck, her hand brushing her thigh again, lingering longer this time.

The bathroom door opened, with a blushing Twilight emerging from it and grabbing her backpack.

“I’ll just go out! You now, out, for a walk, or something! I’ll leave you two alone,” she said.

“Twilight, wait!” Ascentia called out to her. She stopped and turned around, “Thank you.”

“Yes, Darling. Thank you,” Rarity added, nuzzling Ascentia’s cheek.

Twilight blushed, “You’re welcome.”

She hurried out the door and closed it behind her.

Giggling, Rarity kissed her nose, then stood up. “Darling, I hope you don’t mind, but I’m going to freshen up in the bathroom. We do have a good few hours before we must make the movie tonight with the girls…”

“Sure,” Ascentia replied, letting go of her, “Take all the time you need.”

Winking, the purple-haired girl walked toward the bathroom, purposely swaying her hips as she went. Ascentia fell for it hook line and sinker, and sat there, watching her ass sway back and forth. Sighing happily as the bathroom door closed behind her, spinning in her chair and gazing out the window.

In the bathroom, Rarity carefully removed her earrings and jewelry, placing them into a little kit that she carried in her purse. She looked over herself in the mirror, adjusting her hair, and applying some flavourful lip gloss.

Outside, Ascentia was watching some bird fly by, adjusting the belt on her jeans as she set her feet up on an ottoman. Smiling contentedly at the blue afternoon sky as the sun shone against her face.

In the bathroom, Rarity turned, unbuttoning her blouse, slowly. She was going to give Ascentia quite the surprise of her life.

‘I shall not let her slip through my fingers like the sands of time… I shall take what I truly desire!’ She thought, undressing herself slowly.

Outside, Ascentia had taken to flipping through her notebook, where most of her sketches were. She landed on the sketch of the strange warrior woman she’d drawn a few months back, chuckling as she remembered Twilight wanting to roleplay as that thing, ‘Look at her, she looks like a corpse. That girl is weird.”

In the bathroom, Rarity overlooked herself in the mirror, smiling. ‘Perfect…. I can now go and win her over… After all, it’s her turn to see me bare, as I had seen her.’

Opening the door, she slowly stepped out, going toward her (once former) girlfriend. Placing her hands on her hips, and shifting her weight to one leg, she cleared her throat, “Darling, does this look okay?” she said innocently.

Ascentia wheeled around and looked up at her, then instantly sputtered in shock. Rarity was standing before her, stark naked. She was lost for words, only a few stuttering “Uh’s” managing to break free of her constricting vocal cords.

“Darling… you seem to be speechless, is everything okay?” Rarity asked, smiling, as if she wasn’t even naked right then.

“Uh… I-uh… wha-” Ascentia was absolutely lost for words. The only thing she could get out was a question she already knew the answer to, “Wha-what’s g-going on Raritits-Rarihips-RARITY?”

Laughing a bit, Rarity placed a hand on her shoulder, “Well, Ascentia… I was greeted with the very wondrous look at your stark, bare form… And here I feel you should see me, as well. However, that isn’t the only matter at hand I wish to address.”

Ascentia’s throat was dry, her heavy breathing taking in Rarity’s lilac scent, unable to take her eyes off Rarity’s body, “What… what do you mean?”

“Darling… you can’t possibly be that naive…” Rarity purred, leaning closer, “I want us to make love…”

“Are you sure?” Ascentia asked, “We j-just got back together and all… oh god, you’re so gorgeous…”

Smiling more, this time in a seductive manner, Rarity climbed onto her lap, stroking her hair, “It may soon… but perhaps you could see it as a way of making up for lost time. You see, we had come together at a time that my new… pubescent body was just barely developing. I felt things I never knew, my body became that of which I never expected. But in time, I was growing into the woman I have become. A girl, but not yet a woman. As I did, I looked upon you as the years went by, seeing as you became more beautiful during each passing day. Much like that of a blooming flower blossoming into a full rose. You can say that you certainly continued to stir passions within me that I never knew I had. Whyever did you think I was always adamant about acquiring a photo of you? It was more than just for scrapbooking.

“All I can say, my dear… you have truly satisfied me more than any I have ever attempted. It was wrong of me to fill the void in my heart with that of others, when I knew what I truly wanted. Just you, my dearest… my Princess…”

The idea that Rarity had pleasured herself thinking of her turned her on even more, her hands caressing the pale girl’s skin, “I… uh… I’m not as eloquent as you are… I don’t know what to say…”

“Shhh…” Rarity placed a finger upon her lips, smiling more, “My darling, you need not say a word. In all of my time helping you in your time of need, it was but my pleasure to be there as best I could. In those times, even now, I had been tempted… but you had gone through so much, the last thing I would ever have done was to make you uncomfortable. But now, as we reach new heights in our togetherness, never shall I hold back again. It will be us against the world…. And I, my love, am willing to take that risk, if it means I can forever remain by your side.”

Ascentia kissed her neck, caressing her back and sides, “Rarity… take me.”

“Darling… I thought you’d never ask,” Rarity purred, giving her bedroom eyes, “Now then… get onto your bed and remove your clothing.”

Ascentia watched hungrily as Rarity got off her lap, and stepped away from her, her round, firm butt catching her eye. She laid down on her sofa-bed, unbuttoning her shirt and pulling it off, while fumbling with the zipper on her jeans. Continually taking glances at Rarity, she was standing there with her hands on her hips, a pose that made Ascentia feel like she was being supervised. Something that she kinda liked.

Wriggling her hips out of her jeans, she slid them off her legs and kicked them aside, taking her bra in her hands and peeling it apart, letting her breasts fall free as her panties soon followed.

“Very good, Ascentia… quite prompt,” Rarity said with approval, as if overlooking something she was teaching, “Now then, I must ask. Have you… ever acquired any sexual paraphernalia?”

“Yeah,” Ascentia said, blushing as she crossed her legs, “What were you looking for?”

“Anything at all, really…” Rarity said coyly, looking at her nails in a very feminine sort of pose.

Ascentia felt a rush of embarrassment at the idea of showing someone her sex toys, even if she’d used them with partners before, “End table… bottom *cough* bottom drawer…”

Rarity turned around and bent down to look through the aforementioned table, giving Ascentia a very good view in the process. She found a few strapons, a string of beads, and a riding crop.

“Ah, quite a nice collection…” Rarity remarked, reaching for a couple of the toys, “You must really needed a good outlet.”

“Heh heh, yeah,” Ascentia replied, rubbing her shoulder.

Smiling in understanding, Rarity pulled out a strap-on, along with the riding crop, “Darling… there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We’re both girls, we both have our needs. And after all, I have quite a collection of toys, myself.”

Ascentia relaxed a little, “I know, it’s just one of those things that people keep private, ya know?”

“Absolutely. I certainly don’t broadcast it at, say, the dinner table,” Rarity agreed, placing the strap-on around her waist, and slapping the end of the riding crop in her hand, “But in private between consenting young women, discussing it deeper… it’s quite all right. This is indeed our private matters. Now then, darling… I’m sure you must have your own set of pent-up passions, do you not?”

Ascentia nodded, staring at Rarity as she stood before her, a picture of dominance and confidence that made her heart flutter.

“I see… Just as I thought. Well, I would appreciate if you shared with me, dear. After all, once I know what you want, I will be able to perform as a lover. In turn, I shall share with you, too. That way, you can do the same. Relationships, my love… are all about communication.”

“Share? Share… what, exactly?” Ascentia asked.

Rarity cocked an eyebrow. Perhaps she was that naive. Or perhaps she’d never had a proper relationship before.

“In this context, sweetheart, I’m referring to sharing what we desire to perform in bed. If you have something you wish for me to do to you, you’ll have to tell me what it is,” Rarity told her.

“I’m… I’m a su… I’m a su-submissive,” Ascentia blushed, “I like to be dominated and ordered around.”

Rarity smiled, approaching her closer, “Is that so? Lovely… I myself prefer to dominate. While I would be glad to alternate, of course… I believe in role reversals where they have their place. So then, I will be your Mistress. I’m kind, I do not give harsh punishment… But I also shall not let you get away with mistakes. After all… I don’t blame people for their mistakes. But I do ask that they pay for them.”

Ascentia couldn’t believe it. Not a day ago, she was at the end of her rope. Thinking she’d imagined that night with Twilight two months ago and agonizing over her expulsion, her bills, and her residual grief over losing Rarity, and contemplating the unthinkable. Now, Rarity was standing before her, stark naked and saying she was going to make her her’s. It was like someone was watching her life and decided to throw her a gorgeous, perfectly toned bone.

“Now, my dear…” Rarity cooed, coming over and gently pushing her back, “You still have not answered my question… Aside from dominance… is there anything you want done to you specifically?”

“I… I want you to…” Ascentia shook her head violently, trying to not stammer for once this afternoon, “I want you to fuck me, Mistress.”

“Mmmm…. Right to the point, I see…” Rarity murmured, “Very well then, my darling… I shall acquiesce to your request.”

Ascentia brought her hand to Rarity’s, a childhood fantasy about to become real. She gave a weak smile and brushed her leg against her lover’s, breathing heavily in anticipation. Rarity’s smooth skin against her hand and legs only served to make her more excited and more tense.

Rarity licked her lips, placing the riding crop aside for a moment and crawled over her, “Before I begin the...penetration, perhaps I should make sure that you’re well lubricated. The last thing I would want to bring you is pain, of course. So… let me see,” she trailed her hand down between Ascentia’s legs, massaging her there.

A sharp hiss and Ascentia was clutching Rarity’s shoulders, her nails digging into her soft, pale flesh. A combination of her earlier play with Twilight and the heat of her intimacy with Rarity made her extremely sensitive. She instinctively leaned forward and repeatedly kissed Rarity’s neck and collarbone as her delicate fingers trailed over her womanhood.

“Oooh…” Rarity cooed, angling her head and neck to accommodate her gestures. All the while gently slipping a finger within her entrance. The tightness within clamped around the digit, thrilling her.

Ascentia whimpered underneath her, “Oh god…” one of her legs curled around Rarity’s, rubbing them together as she hugged tightly to her neck. Continuing to plant more kisses along her skin, “Rarity I… I… oooooh,” she couldn’t finish what she was trying to say.

“You’re quite enjoying this, darling…” Rarity whispered, giggling. She inserted a second finger, making a scissoring motion to stretch her inner muscles, “My my…”

“Oh god… I’ve missed you so much, Rarity-AH!” Ascentia seized up as she spread her open, her nethers dripping onto Rarity’s hand, driving her to kiss Rarity’s neck with more ferocity, one hand lowering to squeeze her firm ass.

Moans of pleasure sounded from Rarity, as well as a little squeak from being caught off guard. Nonetheless, she didn’t falter, and continued her actions, “Darling, how I’ve missed you, as well. For years I have dreamed of this moment, to when we can finally and truly be together. Many a thing I’ve thought of would happen… However, the fantasies I had were nothing like this reality. For this reality is far better than anything I could imagine.”

“Ooooh,” she hissed, hugging tightly to her, nuzzling her neck, biting her collarbone. Her nethers were sopping by now, Rarity’s fingers trailing inside her and reaching places she never thought possible.

With a little laugh, Rarity withdrew her fingers and sampled the sweet nectar, “Mmmm… Quite a lovely taste, dear.”

Ascentia grabbed her hand and took a lick of her fingers herself, moaning softly and suckling her fingers harder. Releasing her hand from her mouth, she turned up and capture Rarity’s lips in her’s.

Returning the kiss with fervency, Rarity positioned herself over her lover, prepared to make her next move. Adjusting the strap-on carefully as she positioned its tip at her entrance, newly lubricated with her lovejuices.

“Are you ready, darling?” She asked between kisses.

She nodded, biting Rarity’s lip as the tip of her toy teased her lips, “Yes Mistress.”

Looking downward, Rarity carefully inserted the tip into the other girl’s entrance, going as slowly as she could. “Now dear, you’re going to have to tell me if it hurts at any time. I will enter slowly, but do let me know if I must stop or slow down.”

“Y-yes Mistress,” Ascentia whimpered, a lurid moan escaping her throat as Rarity sunk into her. She fell back against the bed, her hands on Rarity’s shoulders, her face flushed to a shade near identical to her hair.

The purple-haired girl carefully went in further, gauging her lover’s reactions to make sure she was okay. “All right… a little more, now…”

Ascentia groaned as Rarity slid further into her. She wanted to tell Rarity to just rut her then and there, but her slow speed allowed her to savor every minute touch and caress from the other girl, “Oh… yes Rarity…” her arms fell to clasp her hands, not having the concentration to keep them at her shoulders.

“Enjoying this, darling?” Rarity cooed, peppering light kisses to her face before sliding out of her ever slightly.

“Yes… yes Mistress, I’m enjoying this very much,” she panted, “I… I’m going to…”

“Oh? Going to what?”

“I’m… I’m going to cu-AH!” Ascentia moaned as the dildo sunk a little further into her, “I’m going t-to cum!”

‘Oh my! So fast!’ Rarity thought with surprise. Nonetheless, it was incredibly arousing, to which she continued to push forth, “Yes… cum for me, my dearest… Let it all out as your fantasies become a true reality!”

Ascentia bit her lip, clutching to Rarity as she released onto her toy, “AH! Oh god… NYAH!”

Kissing her sweetly, Rarity withdrew from her, and removed the toy from herself. She rose it to her lips and licked along the plastic shaft, taking in her delicious lovejuices. Ascentia watched as Rarity cleaned her toy, stroking her leg a little, a flushed smile spread across her face.

“Darling… that was simply marvelous,” Rarity cooed, placing it aside and laying on top of her, “You’re quite beautiful when your cheeks are so flushed and your eyes are shining as they are…”

Ascentia blushed harder, looking away from her, “I’ve had five years to build the tension,” she said in a half whisper, “You’re beautiful as well… especially your hair, it’s so… gorgeous.”

“Oh, thank you….” Rarity giggled, flattered “Would you like to know my secret?”

“Yes, what is it?” Ascentia asked eagerly.

Rarity laughed, giving more of a smile, “Well, styling your hair into that of a coiffure is actually quite easy if you have the right things. Originally it was meant to refer to the hairstylist, before eventually evolving into that of an elaborate style. Remember the beehive look from twenty-thirty some years ago? My oh my! Anyway, I use a little bit of holding hair spray, and I even apply just a bit to my hairbrush. Then, I carefully wrap my brush around the strands, spray on some more, twist it and then release it! I have to repeat the process a couple of times, but within a few tries, voila! You have my my hair as it is here,” she said, bouncing a strand of her hair, “a lovely coiffure like no other.”

Ascentia’s face was a blank for a moment, finding it hard to take in that someone had that complicated a process for doing their hair in the morning. While not exactly appearance-deaf, Ascentia herself favored simplicity for everything, one of the reasons her hair was completely straight. Either way, Rarity’s efforts clearly paid off. She reached a hand up to run it through her hair, feeling the soft, yet firm strands in her fingers, taking a whiff of the scent as it aroused her even more. A shudder escaped her lips as she took in her scent, “Oh, you smell so good.”

“Thank you, Ascentia…” Rarity leaned in to sniff her too, “And you certainly smell quite divine!”

There was a knock on the door, “Are you guys decent?” came Twilight’s voice outside.

Ascentia looked to Rarity with a questioning eye, “Are we?”

“Well, I sure hope we are. Otherwise I’d have to wonder what we did wrong!” Rarity quipped.

“I meant are we finished or should I tell her to come back later?” she asked.

Rarity smiled, turning to the door, “You can come in if you’d like, Twilight! I’ll go and get started on making something for us once I freshen up,” she got up, traipsing over to the bathroom.

Twilight came in just in time to see Rarity walking stark naked to the bathroom. She smiled at her with a wink, making Twilight blush. Ascentia, on the other hand, was still lying on her bed, having made no effort to dress herself.

“So….” Twilight murmured, approaching her, “I guess I don’t even need to ask if everything turned out good, do I?”

Ascentia turned her head to look at her, smiling, “I owe you so much, Twilight. Is there anything I can ever do to repay you for what you’ve done for us?”

Giggling, Twilight shook her head, “That’s a really sweet sentiment. But I don’t need anything. I’m just glad that you’re all doing good and are happy. I’m just glad to be here to spend time with you girls and to enjoy this new environment.That’s all I need.”

Ascentia sat up in her bed, reaching out and pulling Twilight in for a hug, “Thank you so much.”

Blushing immensely, Twilight hugged her back and smiled, “Hey, you’re welcome. It’s what I do.”

At that moment, Rarity came out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel to spot Twilight and Ascentia caught in a tight hug. As cute as she thought it was, she also thought it would be fun to remind Twilight about “boundaries”.

“You can let go of her anytime, darling,” Rarity spoke up in a mock haughty tone.

Twilight’s eyes shot open when she realized exactly what she was doing. Letting go of Ascentia, blushing more, she laughed nervously, looking at Rarity.

“Sorry…” Twilight murmured, “I’ll just um… if you’d rather I keep off her, I’ll understand.”

“I didn’t say that,” Rarity winked, “You just need to realize your boundaries, dear.”

Rubbing her arm nervously, “Um… what are they?” she asked, all the while Ascentia watching behind her back, enjoying the show.

“I understand that you two are… casual, as you said. But there is clear genuine affection between you both,” Rarity pointed out, keeping her smile, “I won’t pull a silly ‘She’s mine’, catfight or anything of that sort. It would be absurd. However, she is still my girlfriend, but she also has a say in the matter.”

The two of them looked over to Ascentia, who put up her hands with a sheepish grins, “By all means, continue to fight over me, it’s very flattering.” She stuck her tongue out the corner of her mouth playfully.

“Darling, we aren’t fighting over you,” Rarity said with a flat look on her face, “We’re just setting some proper boundaries for eachother.”

Ascentia pouted a little. Twilight giggled, ‘Yeah, she’s definitely not the same Ascentia as mine. This one is a kid…’

“You’re so cute,” Twilight smiled, then turned back to Rarity, “All right, so what kind of… guidelines should I follow to make this easier for all of us?”

“Well, as I said, I’m not about to play selfish games. Now, if the two of you are alone, I’m not about to forbid you to do nothing. But I would appreciate it more if you two would keep your more intimate activities when I am not around. I trust you both and I’m fine with it. When I am around, if you could keep it to a minimum… unless told otherwise, that would work well,” Rarity said, sitting down with them, “Ascentia has a say in all of this as well, so what she allows or disallows is also a factor.”

“That does seem fair,” Twilight admitted, “But that does leave the question… what about you, Rarity?”

Rarity cocked an eyebrow, “What about me what, Darling?”

“Well, I-uh… heh heh,” Twilight suddenly found herself blushing again and trying to save face by scratching the back of her head as if unsure of what to say in return.

Ascentia was looking from Twilight to Rarity, having been silent and enjoying the (much tamer than she’d been hoping for) discussion about how the two girls in front of her were going to share her. She found the notion of being talked about like a commodity somewhat amusing.

“I think she’s asking if we’re ever going to have a three-way,” Ascentia replied, as blunt as ever, her nervousness from the emotional upheaval earlier having dissipated.

“A-A threeway?” Rarity’s eyes went wide as a blush coated her cheeks, “I… I didn’t think of that…”

Twilight blushed and looked away too.

“Well, two of us are sitting here wearing nothing,” Ascentia pointed out, “Right in front of poor Twilight here.”

“Twilight… Is that all right with you?” Rarity dared ask.

“The three way, or the two of you being naked?” Twilight asked.

“I meant the… three-way,” Rarity mumbled.

“Um…” Twilight had to admit, she liked the idea. Rarity was a beautiful woman, and the idea of sharing Ascentia with her was already a bit of a turn-on, “Yeah, actually. I would like that. The two of you are very attractive mar-girls, and I’d love to have that experience with you.”

Rarity was blushing. Ascentia had a look in her eyes that read “SCORE!”

“.... I see… you have… had experience in this before?” Rarity asked curiously.

“Yeah,” Twilight admitted, “Back home I had a foursome with Flu… with my girlfriend and another couple.”

Rarity’s jaw dropped. So did Ascentia’s. They hadn’t known that about their dear friend.

“You… You have? Oh… my… A foursome, no less!” Rarity uttered, wide-eyed, “Good gracious, dear… I-I suppose you and your girlfriend have a… polyamorous relationship, so to speak?”

“Well… there’s no other people in the relationship, but she did give me permission to sleep with whoever I liked,” Twilight blushed, then put on her best impression of Ascentia’s deadpan drawl, “Life is short, Twilight. Enjoy it. There will be plenty of time for monogamy when you’re dead.”

The two stared at her before they burst out laughing.

“Twi-Twilight, dear… that was simply hilarious!” Rarity giggled with glee, shaking her head, “Well… I certainly don’t argue with that. If the desire should come, as long as no one is hurting anybody… I see no reason not to pursue such a thing.”

“How about when we get back from the movie?” Ascentia suggested.

Rarity looked at the time, seeing that they still had a couple of hours before the movie, and stood up, “Yes, I agree. I’ll get started on making dinner…”

“After the movie, great!” Twilight said, standing up and stretching her limbs, “Um, you know… that’d be nice.”

“Does this mean I have to go put on clothes now?” Ascentia asked to Rarity, who was still in her towel.

Looking over her shoulder, Rarity smirked, “Only if you can live with your conscience berating you for hiding your wondrous body from me.”

“I take it you can live with it?” Ascentia asked with her own smirk, noting the fact that Rarity had at least put something on.

“Perhaps…” Rarity toyed with her towel, doing a little dance.

“Oh, c’mon Rarity, don’t toy with me like that!” Ascentia groaned, falling back onto her bed.

Twilight giggled behind her hand, ‘Wow, she’s actually voicing a complaint like that… It’s so adorable...’

“Moi? Never!” Rarity said with mock offense, but was grinning, “Would you like me to take off the towel, darling?”

Ascentia sat up, and gave her best bambi-eye look, “Pweeeeaaaaaase?”

Oh, that just did it. Twilight burst out into hysterical laughter, nearly falling over onto the floor and holding her sides. She just couldn’t help it, hearing and seeing Ascentia doing that, something she never would do normally, was just hilarious. Just when she managed to calm down, she kept on laughing all over again.

Rarity stared at her, wondering what she found to be so funny, “Twilight, dear… whatever is so funny?” She asked, removing her towel, then neatly folding it before placing it onto a chair.

“Nuh… Nuh… Nothing!” Twilight burst, giggling madly, “I-I just ...remembered a funny joke…”

“She’s been like this all day,” Ascentia said, “Every time I open my mouth. I think she’s laughing at my accent.”

Raising a brow, Rarity looked over at Twilight, “Darling, are you laughing at her in that way?”

“No! No…” Twilight managed to calm down, taking a few breaths, “Actually… it’s because she reminds me of my girlfriend a little bit. You know how two people can sometimes look or sound alike? It’s kind of like that. See, my girlfriend is… stoic. She expresses emotions, but she does it in a very calm, subdued kind of way. No wonder, she is a lot older than I am… But I digress, really. Anyway, she and Ascentia here have the same kind of accent, so sometimes it almost sounds like her. Her mannerisms are different and sometimes it strikes me as funny. But I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make fun of you. I love your accent, you know that, right?”

“Alright then, I believe you,” Ascentia smiled, turning her gaze to Rarity, “Goddammit, Rarity, you’re so gorgeous. How do you get such a perfect ass?”

Twilight thought back to the times she and Ascentia had had sex, and came to the conclusion this universe’s Ascentia was an ass-girl.

“Darling! However did you get to be so crude?!” Rarity said in shock, but was giggling, “If you must know, a lady keeps in good shape. I still have my bicycle, you see.”

Ascentia stood up and wrapped her arms around the girl’s midsection from behind, kissing her neck, “I’m not crude, I’m just not as refined as you are. What about you, Twilight? Don’t you think she’s hot?”

Blushing immensely, Twilight nodded, “Of course… I think you’re a very beautiful girl, Rarity. I always have.”

“Well, thank you, dear… I think you’re lovely yourself,” Rarity smiled, turning back to the counter to gather some ingredients.

Ascentia turned her attention to Twilight, wrapping her arms around her again, hugging her tightly, not saying anything, just hugging her.

‘Awwww…. she’s really sweet,’ Twilight thought, and hugged her back. ‘My Ascentia can be too… Like when she gives me a hug for no reason… Plus it feels really nice to hug her properly...’

“Oh, Twilight! You said a few moments ago that your girlfriend was older than you, right?” Rarity spoke up, turning around to face her.

“Yeah,” Twilight replied, unsure of where she was going with this line of thought.

“How old is she, exactly? Two-three years older?” Rarity queried.

‘A couple hundred million years, actually,’ Twilight though with an internal chuckle. Thinking of a more realistic age on the spot, she replied, “She’s fourty-four.”

Both Rarity and Ascentia’s gazes snapped right over to her, with mirrored wide eyes and jaw drops.

“What?” Twilight asked.

“WHAT?!” Rarity and Ascentia yelled out in unison, completely shocked.

“Twilight, darling, you can’t possibly be serious,” Rarity uttered, her voice shaky with shock. “You’re a teenager and she’s in her forties?!”

‘Actually I’m in my thirties and she’s in her millions,’ Twilight thought, “What’s the problem?” she asked innocently.

“You’re underage! And she’s old enough to be your mother! There are many dangers to this sort of thing, not just legal, but even physical and emotional! Darling, while age is merely a number, there are still many sorts of differences between a middle-aged woman and a teenager. Can you even handle it? That too is the question!” Rarity spieled, but more out of worry than any sort of anger.

“Rarity, I think you’re making this a bigger deal than it needs to be,” Twilight said, half smiling, “And what do you mean legal dangers?”

“The age of consent here is eighteen. You’re seventeen,” Rarity explained, “Regardless of the fact that you two are consensual, she would be charged with statutory rape.”

“What would happen if she was?” Twilight asked.

“The laws and penalties of that do vary, but she could indeed get in serious trouble.”

“Yeah, but what kind of trouble?” Twilight asked.

“Usually prison time,” Ascentia remarked.

Twilight openly laughed, “HA! I’d like to see them try.”

Rarity and Ascentia exchanged glances, now looking more confused than they were worried or shocked.

“Whatever do you mean?” Rarity asked.

“What I mean is I once saw her pick up the stove to clean under it,” Twilight explained, “I’ve seen her throw a mugger over three houses. And I’ve seen her show off so many kinds of martial arts… it’s as if she’s been alive for millions of years.”

The amazement and shock returned as both girls were speechless. Rarity bit down on her index finger, her gaze unreadable.

“Darling… It isn’t that I want to discourage your happiness in any way,” Rarity spoke up, approaching and squeezing her shoulder, “I’m merely concerned. Many have gotten into this sort of situation, and it doesn’t always end well.”

As Twilight was about to speak up, there was a slow, steady knock on the door.

“Who is it?” Ascentia called.

“Someone whose patience it would be unwise to test,” came a strikingly familiar monotone.

“Oh, that’s her right now,” Twilight said happily.

“G-Good gracious!” Rarity squeaked, “A-At least let us dress, first!”

“Don’t worry about it, Rarity,” Twilight said, “She’s blind.”

“...Then how did she…? Oh, never mind…” Rarity took the towel and wrapped it around herself anyway, “Regardless, I do still believe in decency when a guest is over.”

“I’m good,” Ascentia said, “If she’s blind I’m not worried. COME IN!” she hollered.

The door opened and a familiar scarred redhead stepped across the threshold. Twilight jumped up to hug her, surprising her with her form.

“Oof,” Val’Kyr Ascentia grunted, hugging her back, “I take it you missed me?”

“Eeyup,” Twilight beamed, “Ascentia, Rarity, this is my girlfriend… uh…”

“Laurie,” Val’Kyr Ascentia said, nodding to them each.

“Laurie?” Twilight whispered in surprise.

“It’s a long story, I’ll explain later,” Val’Kyr Ascentia replied.

Both Rarity and Ascentia stared at her with bulging eyes, most especially the latter. The resemblances were striking, in some ways, despite the core differences between them.

Rarity yet again bit down on her finger, trying to think of something to even say, but was at a loss. She cleared her throat, managing to stand straight, “Hello… Laurie. We’ve heard quite a bit about you.”

“Uh…” Ascentia stared at her unbeknownst counterpart, completely speechless. It looked exactly like the woman she’d drawn, clothing and all. She had to wonder why she was even dressed like this outside of a Nightmare Night or costume party, “H-H-Hi…. I uh...well I….hello, L-L-Laurie…. you uh...wanted to Twilight see? I mean, see Twilight!”

Ignoring her, Ascentia reached into her cloak and pulled out a tightly wrapped scroll, “This came for you, and I was informed that it was not to be delayed. It would appear that… your sister in-law has gone into labour and the baby is expected within 4 days.”

She was speaking low so the other two wouldn’t hear them.

“Cadance has opted to have her labour delayed until you return from your trip,” she continued, “But only on the promise that you be notified.”

“Cadance is in labour?!” Twilight shouted, “Oh my gosh…! Um, oh no… oh no… Okay, okay, I definitely don’t want her to have to extend it for my sake… Oh dear… Um, okay! Tomorrow! I’ll leave here first thing in the morning and be right for the Crys-uh, the hospital!”

“Twilight, relax,” Ascentia replied, putting a hand on her shoulders, “Even without the extension, her labour will last for 96 hours at least. You have time either way.”

“I-I-I know… Okay, okay, new plan! I’ll go back on the third night and be there the next morning!” Twilight proposed.

“Very well, I will return and let her know of your decision,” Ascentia replied, kissing her forehead, much to Rarity’s revulsion, “We will see you then.”

Rarity bit her finger again, fighting all urges to say something against all of this. Anything! Her mind was running wild with all kinds of things to say, but it was almost impossible. The affection was almost repulsive, yet undeniably genuine. At least on some level.

“Do be careful, dear,” was all she could say. Already she kicked herself mentally, having wished she could have said a much better statement.

Val’Kyr Ascentia turned her head around, her featureless eyes boring into her, “I sense there is something you would like to say?”

“...Maybe there is! I can’t exactly tell Twilight what to do or how to run her life, but I hope you know what she’s getting herself into! You would know better, being the adult around here!”

“Rarity! Do-” Twilight began, but Ascentia cut her off.

“No, Twilight. Let her speak her mind,” Val’Kyr Ascentia replied, “Continue, Rarity.”

This was shocking, as everyone stared at her with wide-eyes. Especially Rarity. By then, the anger faded ever slightly, having expected some kind of confrontational response to fuel the fire. However, the level-headed response made it a little bit tougher to think of something.

“I just don’t want her to end up in a tough situation. Twilight is my friend, and though I have not seen her in ages, I do still worry. She has her entire life ahead of her and to truly see what she wants. I can’t speak for her, nor will I try to. I only worry due to many of these sorts of things ending up...terribly for most if not all parties involved,” Rarity went on, her voice calming, “There are indeed many… older women and younger men, or women, as a couple, but that usually is when the youngest party is at least well past the age of consent. I worry since Twilight is only seventeen. I say this because I would not want either of you in trouble. Especially when the adult would know better.”

Ascentia took in her words, before making her rebuttal, “Rarity, your concern is made out of ignorance. You know not what Twilight’s life is like, nor mine for that matter. You know not where she comes from, and you know not of our relationship. In fact, I feel that which you do not know could fill several books.”

She advanced upon her, standing over her, intimidating the teenager.

“And if there is one thing I do not tolerate, it is busybody puritanism,” Ascentia continued.

“W-w-what are you going to do about it?” Rarity challenged, regretting her words instantly.

A near evil grin cracked across Ascentia’s face, and she reached a hand out to the bathroom door. Rarity’s clothes shot out and into her hand, and with her free hand tugged the towel off Rarity’s body and turned to the door, turning her head back as she was about to leave.

“Suffer,” she replied, breaking her monotone with a grin as she closed the door, leaving with the only articles of clothing Rarity had brought with her.

Everyone was silent for a moment.

“Did she just… leave me here… with no clothes…” Rarity asked, wide-eyed.

“I think she did,” Twilight replied, “Ascentia, do you have any clothes Rarity could wear?”

“Nope,” Ascentia replied, “I have mine and that’s about it.”

“Yeah… she left you with no alternative except to walk home naked to get a change of clothes,” Twilight explained.

“She… she… she is… such a… CHILD!!!” Rarity screamed.

“...I tried to warn you,” Twilight sighed, “She really doesn’t take to that kind of thing very well at all. “I’m sorry, even that was a bit too much. Look, here, you can wear my sweater,” she removed it from herself, handing it to her.

Wordless, Rarity snatched it, and pulled it on, “While… While I can see her point, as I think of it, that still was…! Good gracious, now I can’t even leave! Poor Ascentia will be struck down upon sight and you don’t even know where my home is! I… good garcious, whatever will I do?!”

“Well, hey, it could’ve been worse,” Twilight said, “Sometimes she physically hurts someone when they say…. things she doesn’t like. But never mind that. Look, just give me directions, I’ll go to your house and get you some clothes. Not unless you want me and Ascentia to walk in front of you and behind you all the way.”

“Did anyone else notice she took Rarity’s clothes out of the bathroom without touching them?” Ascentia asked, “I could have sworn I saw her take Rarity’s clothes out of the bathroom without touching them!”

‘Darn it, why did she do that?!’ “Uh… she’s a very good trickster and can master illusions,” Twilight explained, “You know… how magicians try to use any sort of trick to keep your attention away from what they’re really doing?”

Ascentia couldn’t quite comprehend what Twilight was saying, but shook her head and dismissed it, “Whatever, I know what I saw. Look, Rarity, I’ll go get you a change of clothes,” she said, pulling her own on.

“Darling, don’t,” Rarity said, biting her lip in worry. “I can’t let you hurt yourself again.”

“Well someone has to do something that’ll get results, or you’re never leaving this apartment again,” Ascentia explained, “Even with Twi’s sweater, everyone can still see your ass and… uh… what was I talking about?”

Twilight snapped her fingers in front of her face.

“RIGHT!” Ascentia shook her head, “So it’s either I go down to your house, you walk naked across town, or someone chases down the big scary middle-aged lady who left with your clothes.”

“I’ll go with you!” Twilight spoke up, “I can be the middle mare!”

“You’re really fixated on horse terminology today, aren’t you?” Ascentia asked, “So are we going after Rarity’s bigoted parents, or chasing down the Crypt Keeper?”

“Oddly enough, she looks like you… except taller, bigger, scarred, and much older…” Rarity remarked. “And her accent is similar. Hmm… it’s just as Twilight said. But all right, at least Twilight will be able to get you both inside.”

“Twilight, are you Native?” Ascentia asked.

“No, why?”

“Well I’m giving you a Native name anyway,” Ascentia replied, “Let’s go, Sleeps with a Corpse.”

Twilight wrenched the door open, “That’s not funny.” she said, striding down the hall.

“All I’m saying is that she looks like a cartoonist rolled over and died!” Ascentia called back.

XXX

“Her first Christmas? Was the first Christmas!” Ascentia said with a grin.

“It stopped being funny about fifteen wisecracks ago,” Twilight grumbled as they approached the gates of the Elusive family.

“What was her first car? A chariot?” Ascentia asked.

Twilight wheeled around, “Must you?!”

“Yes,” Ascentia replied, “I bet she called her first husband Hun… because he was one!”

“...What?” Twilight frowned in confusion, “I don’t get it.”

“How about this?” Ascentia asked, “Her birthstone is lava!”

“Can we focus on dealing with Rarity’s stuffy rich parents?” Twilight nearly shrieked.

“Oh sure, they’re richer than God,” Ascentia remarked, “Who your girlfriend has known since he was yey-high” she indicated the height at her knees.

‘Yeah, she kinda has!’ Twilight thought, “I get it! She’s old! Old! Whoopee! You want a medal? She’s only forty-four, that’s not exactly THAT old! Now will you stop it? You can make wisecracks later. We now have to get Rarity some clothes!”

“You know, I bet your girlfriend is a pretty good seamstress,” Ascentia suggested, “She could probably sew Rarity a nice toga.”

“Hello?! Are you listening?!” Twilight cried, getting more frustrated.

“WHAT IN SUPERINTENDENT’S NAME IS GOING ON OUT THERE?!” Came a voice over the intercom.

“Superintendent?” Twilight asked.

“Superintendent Lily,” Ascentia said, “My older sister. Disowned me after Mom died. Not important now. Mr and Mrs Elusive? It’s me, Ascentia. Rarity needs some-”

“What did I tell you about going near our Rarity?!” came Mr Elusive’s voice over the intercom.

“Oh I did more than go near her,” Ascentia snarked back.

“Excuse me,” Twilight spoke up, “Look, we had an accident and Rarity’s clothes are in the wash. She has nothing to wear, and we need to just get her some spare clothes. That’s all. I’m her friend, Twilight Sparkle, she sent us here to get them.”

“I don’t believe you!” Mr Elusive shouted, “You’re just trying to dig through our Rarity’s things!”

“Fine, be that way,” Ascentia replied, “We’ll just leave Rarity at my apartment. Naked… bare… free for me to touch and defile any. Way. I. Please.”

There was a long pause, and a loud buzz as the gate opened.

“Hurry up!”

“Thank you, sir!” Twilight said pleasantly, hearing a mumble of irritation from the other line. “All right, let’s get in.”

“Just climb that vine up there, Rarity’s room is the topmost window,” Ascentia said, indicating a long, thick vine growing up the side of the house.

“You used to climb a vine to talk to Rarity?” Twilight asked.

“Who do you think planted it?” Ascentia asked.

Twilight blinked, then nodded, “Okay, I’ll go up and get her some clothes, I’ll carry them in my backpack.”

“Good plan,” Ascentia smiled, “I’ll stay down here and make up more jokes for the Lich Queen.”

“Oh will you stop it?!” Twilight snarled, approaching the vine, “Jeez!”

“Hey!” Ascentia called out, “When you go down on her, does it crack?”

“SHUT UP!!”

Grumbling to herself, Twilight ascended the vine, trying to get used to the feeling of climbing in this way. She managed to remain out of view of the windows she passed, feeling a bit sweaty with nervousness. Eventually, she could see that the next window she made it to was the last one, Rarity’s bedroom. Lucky for her, the window was halfway ajar, so she was able to push it open.

She slipped into the bedroom, falling to the floor.

“Ouch…”

Reaching a dresser, Twilight pulled open one of the draws, revealing some undergarments. She blushed, then gingerly reached in to pull out a few pairs of underpants and the cup thing known as a “bra”. She threw them into her bag hastily, then moved on to another drawer, this one containing pants. She pulled out a pair of those, placing it into her bag. Then, it was time for the closet.

In the closet, which was a large walk-in with a light switch, consisted of a department’s worth of clothes. Dresses, shirts, skirts, and even a few coats.

“....Wow…” Twilight murmured, rifling through a few of them curiously. “Almost reminds me of her shop back home…”

Selecting a few dresses, along with a couple of shirts, Twilight stuffed them into her bag, then selected a couple of pairs of shoes she could wear.

Once with the clothes gathered, she stepped out of the closet and closed the doors behind her.

That was when something on her desk caught her eye. One of the drawers was partway open, revealing something sparkling inside. Pulling out the drawer, she came across a pink book, with all kinds of sparkle and glitter, along with love hearts. There was a large heart on the centre, with the initials R&A scrawled along it.

Twilight hesitated, realizing that she was invading Rarity’s privacy. Her curiosity was getting the better of her, so much so that she had her hand on the cover to pull it open.

Too late, she did.

It was a scrapbook, consisting of all kinds of photos, either of the two of them together, or Ascentia herself. Twilight smiled a bit, seeing adorable photos of when they were kids, playing in the park, making sandcastles, or having ice cream. As the pages went on, they contained a lot of photos of Ascentia as she grew older and older, ranging from school photos to regular every day photos.

“Awwww…” She giggled, taking them all in as she flipped through the pages.

On one of the last few available pages, there was a poem taped to the page. Given the messy, shaking handwriting and childish words, it was clearly done by Ascentia when she was a kid.

Roses are red and so’s my hair!
Violets are blue, even though they’re called violets, which is also a colour
But you’re pretty, Rarity! I like your hair. It’s purple, like something that’s purple!
You have pretty eyes, they’re blue, and they’re actually called blue!
You wear nice clothes, a pretty smile and pretty stuff!
I like you, you’re nice and my friend!
Do you want to be my Valentine? Please? I’d be so happy! I’d give you lots of chocolates and flowers! Please?
Oh, and Happy Valentine’s Day!

XOXOX, A.K, who wants to be your Valentine

“D’awwww…” Twilight giggled with glee, smiling at the adorable poem, “That’s too cute!”

She replaced the scrapbook where she’d found it, then headed to the window. Peering down, she saw Ascentia standing there, waiting for her while pacing.

“Ascentia! Catch!” She called down, throwing out her backpack.

Ascentia turned around just in time to catch Twilight’s bag… with her face, “Wha-Oof!” She fell over, landing on the grass, “Ow, my face…”

Twilight winced, “Are you okay?” she slid down the vine and knelt over her.

“Hey Twi…” Ascentia was dazed, “Did you know your hair is purple? Like… like… something that’s purple?” She fell back against the dirt, “That was good, I should write that down…”

Twilight blinked, then climbed down the vine, ‘At least her mouth seems to still be working. Hey, wait… I just read that!’

Ascentia shook her head around, jumping to her feet, “Alright, I’m okay. Let’s go, before they-”

“Times up!” came the intercom, “Release the guards!”

“Shit, RUN!” Ascentia took off toward the gate. Twilight ran after her, screaming.

“We need to distract them with something cold and lifeless!” Ascentia shouted, “Is your girlfriend still here?!”

XXX

Ascentia and Twilight came striding through the door, dirty and triumphant, setting the bag down on the table.

“We got your clothes!” Twilight beamed.

Rarity, having discarded Twilight’s sweater, jumped up from the sofa-bed and hugged the both of them, “Oh thank you, I don’t know what I’d ever do without the two of you!”

“You can thank us after the movie,” Ascentia smiled, before something caught her eye. A pink book was caught in the strap of Twilight’s bag. She detached it from the strap and looked at the cover, “Twilight, why’d you grab this book, too?”

“I didn’t!” Twilight squeaked.

Ascentia flipped it over in her hands, “What is it, Rarity?” she asked.

“J-Just a scrapbook… of our memories!” Rarity realized, and grabbed or it, “Now, give it back, please!”

Ascentia, reflexes as quick as ever, whipped it out of her reach, “Ooh, some nostalgia from Rarity, eh?” she asked in a sly tone, “This I gotta see.”

“Nooooooo!” Rarity cried, reaching and jumping for it.

Ascentia sidestepped her, flipping the cover open, “C’mon Rarity, are you that embarrassed by some photos of all your friends fussing over their… pointless… cliquey…”

As her eyes scanned over the first page, her words stopped dead in her throat.

“It’s… It’s of you, of us…” Rarity confessed, realizing she couldn’t hide it anymore. “All those photos I asked of you, all the ones I had, I put them in there. As we grew, as we remained friends all these years. They meant so much to me. After what my parents had done, it broke my heart. And to make myself feel better, I started this scrapbook. I add to it every year or so.”

Ascentia was flipping through each page, taking in each photo and each note written underneath. Her eyes were shining as she dived deeper into the book, until she reached the poem partway through. At that point, she clapped a hand over her mouth, a whimper escaping as a few tears fell down her face.

“...Ascentia?” Rarity spoke hesitantly, as if afraid, “Is something wrong?”

Ascentia threw the book on the table and grabbed Rarity by the neck, pulling her in and kissing her roughly. A squeak sounded from Rarity, but she returned the kiss with fervency. Twilight meanwhile blushed, looking all around her to distract herself from their rather private moment.

A moment she herself could not truly understand, not the way they could.

Ascentia’s arms wrapped about Rarity’s waist as she lifted her up slightly, swinging her as she kept their lips pressed together. Rarity moaned as Ascentia quite literally swept her off her feet.

‘How wondrous!’ She thought, melting further into the kiss as she ran her fingers through the other girl’s fiery hair.

Tears were freely flowing down Ascentia’s cheeks as she clutched the other girl tightly, rocking her. Rarity’s arms wrapped around her neck, both of them hugging each other through their kiss.

Pulling away a couple of centimetres, Rarity smiled, “Talk about sweeping a lady off her feet, darling…”

Ascentia opened her mouth as if to say something, but stopped mid-syllable, so all that came out was “Mar...never mind.” She wiped the tear streaks from her cheeks as best she could, but they were still flowing, her breaths carrying the evident moist sound of someone trying to hold back crying.

“Darling, whatever is the matter? I know the scrapbook is nostalgic, but it seems something is quite emotional to you. What is it?”

“It’s… it’s nothing,” Ascentia said, smiling a little through her stifled sobs, “It’s a dumb idea anyway…”

“Sweetheart, you can’t simply kiss a girl like that and claim it was nothing,” Rarity smiled, “What were you going to say?”

Ascentia shrugged her off, shaking her head. Rarity looked to Twilight, who made a guesture saying ‘Push harder.’

“Darling, you can tell me,” Rarity said kindly, but firmly, “I will not laugh at you or judge you. If there is something on your mind, you can share.”

“It was just from the heat of the moment but…” Ascentia said, her back to the both of them, “I was going to ask you to marry me.”

Now it was Twilight’s turn for her jaw drop, while Rarity’s did as well.

“M-M-Marry?” Rarity repeated, her cheeks turning bright pink, “Darling… that’s…. Oh… that’s so sweet! Perhaps a bit too soon, considering the circumstances, but that is still such a sweet thought! Darling, I hadn’t imagined you would want me for the long term in that way… Until now…”

She turned around, “What did you think I wanted?” she asked. Not accusatory, she wanted to know.

“Until today… I never truly knew what you wanted with me. Now that we are together, while I felt certain that you were committed to us being together, I admittedly felt a tad nervous. As if it wouldn’t last beyond high school. You know what they say, how high school sweethearts rarely ever remain together.”

“From the looks of it, you two have been sweethearts since you were 5,” Twilight commented, to a glare from the both of them for interrupting, “Sorry…”

“I lost you before, I don’t want to lose you again,” Ascentia said, wiping her eyes again, “But when I saw that book, I realized I never did lose you… we just got more quiet.”

Rarity smiled more, “Not in my heart, darling. I... suppose I was more afraid of you getting hurt again, more than even my own feelings. I’m sorry…”

Ascentia tried her best to compose herself, wiping her eyes clean, “It’s alright, I’m fine. We should get going, we’re already late for the movie.”

“Oh, good gracious! Where did the time go?” Rarity then grabbed some of her clothes, heading into the bathroom.

Ascentia sat down at the table, opening the book again and looking through it. She took a heaving breath and wiped her eyes again, “Thank you, Twilight. Really. None of this would have happened if it weren’t for you.”

Going over to her, Twilight squeezed her shoulder, smiling, “Hey, you’re welcome. I can’t take all the credit, either. I just...helped you guys with a nudge in the right direction, and you both took it square on from there.”

Wiping her eyes on her sleeve, she smiled, “Thanks…”

At that moment, Rarity came out of the bathroom, dressed and ready to go.

“I’m ready darlings,” she sang, “As much fun as it is being nude, I’m glad to be back in my warm clothes.”

“Don’t get used to it,” Ascentia retorted with a grin, “They’re coming off again as soon as we get back.”

Twilight blushed at the thought of that, “You know, I think I’ll leave you two lover birdies alone tonight after the movie… I’ll go stay with Applejack or something…”

“Darling, you shall do no such thing,” Rarity said sternly. “You’re staying right here tonight.”

“Yeah, I think the matchmaker who got us back together deserves a reward,” Ascentia winked.

“...Okay,” Twilight smiled a bit, “Well, why don’t we get going, then?”

The three of them left, Ascentia locking her apartment behind her, and strolled off to meet a likely worried Fluttershy. Walking a few paces being Twilight, Rarity and Ascentia took each other’s hand, smiling and quickly pecking.

“I can’t wait to get her home,” Ascentia whispered.

“You’re not the only one, Darling.”

XXX

As planned, they met with their friends at the school, so that they could traverse to the theatre together. Twilight felt excited, glad to be able to now see Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie again. It was night time by the time they reached the grounds of Canterlot High School.

Right by the statue, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie and Rainbow were waiting there, pacing about. At least, until Pinkie spotted the three of them. She broke into a huge grin, before running over to greet them.

“Oh my gosh! Twilight! You’re back! You really came back! We’re soooooo glad you could come back! Yay!” Pinkie said excitedly, hugging her. “We missed you!”

Smiling, Twilight returned the hug, “It’s great to see you too, Pinkie. I missed you girls as well.”

“All right! Twilight’s back in town!” Rainbow cheered, clapping her on the back, “Never got to thank you for getting rid of Sunset Shimmer.”

“Hey! Wait a minute!” Pinkie exclaimed pointing to Rarity behind her, “How come Rarity got to know you were back first?”

Twilight rubbed the back of her neck, looking sheepish, “It was because I ran into her and Fluttershy earlier this morning, when I first got here.”

Pinkie rounded on Fluttershy, “You knew too and didn’t tell me? Ugh, I could’ve thrown a big ‘Twilight’s back and let’s all celebrate’ Party!”

Fluttershy slinked behind Twilight, making small “Eep” noises.

“Give it a rest, Pinks,” Rainbow said in a scolding tone, drawing Fluttershy back out, “Besides, our big movie night tonight can be like Twilight’s welcome back party thingy!”

Pinkie pouted for a moment, but perked up when she saw Ascentia.

“Oh hey! You’re that girl who beat up Sunset Shimmer then got expelled!” she exclaimed, zipping around her, “Didn’t you used to be friends with Rarity? Don’t you have a sister? Are you psychic like Twilight? Why are you and Rarity holding hands? Is your hair a natural red or do you have a special dye for it? What’s a hypotenuse?”

Rarity chose to spoke up then, “Pinkie, darling… Slow down. If you must know, yes, Ascentia and I had been friends since childhood. And yes, we’re holding hands. We are in fact in a relationship.”

The four who weren’t in the know all dropped their jaws simultaneously.

“What?” Rainbow asked bluntly.

“You heard me,” Rarity smiled. “She is my girlfriend.”

“O-Oh… my…” Fluttershy said, wide-eyed, but smiling anyway, “That’s wonderful, Rarity… Ascentia.. I’m very happy for you two.”

“Wait just a minute,” Applejack cut in, “Rarity, isn’t Ascentia the one your folks said to stay away from?”

“Indeed,” Rarity nodded, “And I had let that control me for too long. Now, I will not let my parents tell me who I can or cannot be with. It may not have worked out back then, but I will not make the same mistake.”

Rainbow glanced over Rarity’s shoulder, and waved, “Oh hi Mr and Mrs Elusive!”

Rarity whipped around in a panic, only to see nobody there, and Rainbow’s hysterical laughter coming from behind her.

“So what was that you were saying, Rares?” Rainbow laughed, wiping a tear from her eye.

“Oh come on,” Twilight spoke up, “That was just mean.”

Rarity sighed, palming her face, “If you’re done acting like a child, can I please trust all of you to keep this information to yourselves?”

“Yeah, whatever,” Rainbow said, bored.

“Okay… whatever you want is fine…” Fluttershy squeaked.

“It’d be mah pleasure, Rarity,” Applejack smiled.

“Pinkie Promise!” Pinkie said, smacking herself in the face.

“That’s a given for me,” Twilight assured.

Relieved, Rarity smiled, “Thank you, girls. Now then, shall we go?”

They all nodded in agreement, and dispersed into the movie theater.

There was then the question of what they would see. A couple of action movies were playing, one or two children’s films, two horror movies, a couple of comedies, and of course, fantasy and/or romance.

“Amazing! Flashlight is out!” Rarity exclaimed, “What marvelous books they are!”

Fluttershy grimaced, “Um… I don’t know…”

“Flashlight?” Twilight repeated, puzzled. “What kind of a title is that?”

“It’s a dumb title,” Rainbow said with a snort, “Makes sense, I guess. The books were this weird spoof on dumb romance novels. Never did find out what their inspiration was.”

In an instant, Twilight felt herself having a flashback, ‘Twilight… there was once a civilization long ago that had a book with that same name.”

‘Really?’

‘It was highly unpleasant.’

‘Oh...’

“I think I know,” Twilight replied.

“What?”

“You don’t want to know,” she laughed.

Rarity looked to her strangely, raising an eyebrow, “Right, then. So Flashlight it is!”

XXX

After the movie, which, according to Rarity and any of them who read it, was much funnier and enjoyable than the novel it was based on. Though it was dark, the night was crisp and cool, making for a great evening out. It was Pinkie who suggested they go to the park for a while, just to sit about and talk, catch up, and all that jazz.

So there they sat, on the grass in the park. Ascentia sat up against a nearby tree, with Rarity half-lying and half-sitting between her legs. Twilight sat between Applejack and Pinkie, leaning back on her hands for support as she stared up at the starry sky. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy sat together, cuddled up, as well as holding hands.

“Soooooo! How long were you two seeing each other, huh?” Pinkie asked the newly revealed couple, grinning eagerly.

“Just the last few hours, actually,” Ascentia replied, “We did date for a little bit when we were little, but Rarity’s parents broke that up.”

“So mean!” Pinkie pouted, clearly disapproving, “Now you can show up those nasty-wasties up for good!”

“Now darling, they’re not terrible people. They’re only… eh, bigoted in that regard. However, I agree. I will not let their unfair prejudice control my life any longer,” Rarity stated.

Ascentia cuddled up to her, nuzzling her cheek. The other girls gave a collective “Awwwwwwwww!”

“Oooh! Now we have to throw a new couple party!” Pinkie shouted, bounding over to them and giving them both a group hug.

“A New Couple Party?” Twilight repeated.

“A party to celebrate the new couple!” Pinkie said in an exasperated tone, “Duh!”

“Thank you, Darling,” Rarity smiled, “But I think we’re going to pass on the party.”

“AW!” Pinkie slumped against a tree, “Why is everyone turning down my party offers these days?”

“Pinks, sometimes a party’s gotta have the right timing to be one,” Rainbow Dash said.

Pinkie planted her face in her arms, “Party poopers.”

Suddenly she perked up, “Ooh! Twilight! You gotta tell us! Rarity has a girlfriend, Rainbow has a girlfriend, do you have a girlfriend? Or a boyfriend if you’re not into girls?”

“Actually, yes, I do,” Twilight smiled.

“Oooh! Who is she? Where did you meet?” Pinkie asked.

“I think she raised her as her undead minion,” Ascentia cut in to a glare from Twilight.

“Har har, harty har har,” Twilight stuck her tongue out at her, “Anyway, I do have a girlfriend. Her name is A-...Laurie, short for Lauren. She’s...uh… an old family friend, so to speak. We started seeing each other… last year or so…” She said, lying through her teeth. ‘I can’t exactly tell them what REALLY happened. They’d think I was crazy!’

“Where do ah know that name…” Applejack thought, “Wait, isn’t the school Superintendent named Lauren?”

“I thought Ascentia said her name was Lily?”

“That’s just ‘cause Ascentia can’t stand her,” Applejack said, “Nah, the Superintendent’s name is Lauren.”

“Coincidence, I guess,” Twilight shrugged. “Now, okay, she’s a lot older than me… twenty-seven years my senior. I know, I know, but I don’t care about that.”

“Uh… Twi… isn’t that illegal?” Rainbow asked, “You’re a minor.”

Twilight pouted, “I know… That’s why we kind of keep it a little secret. But I’ll be eighteen, uh… in a few weeks, so it won’t matter after that.”

“Well, how long have you two been together?” Fluttershy asked, now interested in this odd story.

“Oh, I’ve known her for ages. But we’ve been seeing each other for the past year or so, like I said,” Twilight replied, looking back up at the sky.

“Ooh! So she watched you grow up from a little kiddy, and then now is your lover?” Pinkie said, wide-eyed. “...That’s… a little creepytastic!”

Twilight thought about it for a minute, then realized what kind of a corner she’d painted herself into, “Uhh… you know what, yes. That is what happened and I couldn’t be happier.”

She was lying through her teeth, but it still sounded better than the truth.

“Oh, she can be pretty childish herself,” Rarity said with a huff.

“I keep her in line,” Twilight winked at her, “I have her wrapped around my h-finger.”

“Um… Twilight, I hope you don’t mind me asking but…” Fluttershy twirled her fingers around her hair, “What’s it like?”

Looking at her friend, Twilight frowned with confusion, “What’s what like?”

Fluttershy blushed a bit, “You know… what’s it like? With her?”

“Oh! Well, it’s great, really,” Twilight smiled, laying down on the grass and placing her hands behind her head. “It might sound crazy, but it’s wonderful.”

“Are you… are you two serious?” Fluttershy asked.

Twilight’s smile grew as she turned her head toward her, “She’s my life partner, so to speak.”

Eyes wide, Fluttershy was stunned, “Ohh… my… And I thought we were serious...”

“Good gracious! So soon?” Rarity squeaked, sitting up, “Darling, you’re seventeen!”

“I know, I know… but hey, I’ve known her for a long time, and it’s something we’re going for,” Twilight waved it off dismissively.

“So, y’all are married or somethin’?” Applejack asked.

Shaking her head, the lavender girl looked back up at the stars, “No, we’re not married. We don’t even live together. But we do spend a lot of time at each other’s houses, so it’s a little like it, if not exactly.”

“So… do you think you two will ever get married?” Fluttershy asked.

Twilight shrugged, “Where we come from, we can’t legally get married. But we might have a party of some sorts, who knows.”

“OOH! Party!” Pinkie screamed, “Can I help you plan it? Please please please please please?!?!?!”

‘I shouldn’t have said the “P” word...’ “Um, I’ll think about it, but you are the first I’d go to about it,” Twilight said a bit sheepishly.

Pinkie gave a trademark Pinkie Grin and sat back down.

“So… um… what’s she like?” Fluttershy asked, “Is she nice?”

Twilight waggled her hand in a “so-so” gesture, “To people she likes, while being polite unless provoked. She’s incredibly strong and will make you regret saying something… well, she doesn’t like. But if you’re on her good side, you really have nothing to worry about. Don’t get on her bad side, she can snap your neck like a twig. And that’s not even the worst of it.”

“My, she sounds like quite a brute, darling,” Rarity said, a little frightened.

“I know… But like I said, I keep her in line. She does everything I say,” Twilight explained. “Besides, we just have different… perspectives, if you want to put it that way. That’s all it is.”

“She does everything you say?” Rainbow asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh yes,” Twilight smirked, catching Rainbow’s double entendre, “Everything.”

“Oooooooh! That’s intriguing!” Pinkie remarked, “If you said ‘Jump’, she’d say ‘How high’?”

Twilight giggled, “I did actually try that once. She looked at me and said ‘What?’”

The others laughed, Twilight’s stories were always hilarious.

“Well, she sounds nice,” Applejack said, “I hope you two are happy.”

“Ooh!” Pinkie shouted, zipping over to Twilight, “Is she hot?”

“Pinkie!” Rarity snapped, “That’s not something to ask!”

“Well, she may be old… But I definitely find her beautiful,” Twilight said with a smile.

“Eh, that’s what everyone says about their girlfriend,” Rainbow said with a wave of her hand.

“Beauty is subjective, and I think she’s-” Twilight then noticed a smirking Ascentia about to say something, “No! No! Bad girl! You get a timeout, missy!”

“Actually, I was going to say I think her scars are actually kinda hot,” Ascentia said, “I crack jokes about her age, Twilight, but it’s all in good fun.”

“You’re still grounded,” Twilight quipped. “...But yes, I think her scars really enhance her. They say scars tell a story.”

“I think her story is Revenge of the Sith,” Ascentia said, to the laughter of the others.

Twilight blew a raspberry in response, “Yeah, sure. She started as a pretty boy then suddenly grew a deeper voice and an accent upon getting a suit.”

“Actually,” came a silky voice from behind them, “That is not that far from the actual story.”

They all turned, seeing the woman in question standing some ways off, looking amused.

“A-Laurie!” Twilight bounded up, running to her and giving her a hug.

Val’Kyr Ascentia wrapped her arms around her shorter frame, “Hello, Twilight.”

“What are you doing here?” She asked in a whisper, out of earshot of her friends, “Is something else wrong? Did Cadance have her baby sooner?”

“No,” Ascentia whispered back, “After I returned, I received an order to frighten two mortals through the portal. A Jonathan and Elizabeth Elusive.”

“....Oh, those are Rarity’s parents,” Twilight said, frowning slightly.

“I assumed so, what with all the pictures in their home,” Ascentia laughed, “Right about now they’re probably cowering under their table.”

Twilight blinked, “Well, okay… It’s a long story, anyway.”

“I don’t ask questions, I just follow the manifest,” she replied, “Horror jobs are always entertaining.”

“Right…” Twilight cleared her throat, “Well, c’mon over! And relax, I’ve got a cover. You’re a family friend, I knew you a long time, we got together last year, I’m turning eighteen in a few weeks.”

“I’ve always wondered what it would be like to be in Celestia’s shoes,” Val’Kyr Ascentia
smirked as she followed Twilight over to her friends.

“And oh, the other you gets a kick out of making wisecracks about how you’re older than me. Don’t mind her, she’s just being silly. I told them that you’re forty-four.”

“Oooooh! So this is her!” Pinkie said, getting up to greet them. “Wow! You have awesome clothes! No one dresses like that, but it’s so cool that you are! It’s like, ‘I don’t care what anyone says! I wear what I want!’ And that’s awesometacular!”

“Yes, Pinkie Pie, my robes are handmade,” Val’Kyr Ascentia smiled, “My work takes me to extreme conditions most of the time.”

“Nice!” Pinkie said excitedly, “That’s soooo cool!”

Rainbow looked over at her curiously, “Whoa! Are those like Jedi robes?”

“No, Rainbow Dash,” Val’Kyr Ascentia replied without looking at her, “The designs are vastly different from one another. They are also made from a twenty thousand year old design.”

“She’s right, Rainbow Dash,” Rarity replied, “Honestly, even in the dark you can see the different weave patterns.”

The others looked at her like she was speaking a different language.

“Well I can see it, anyway,” Rarity grumbled.

‘Wait, of course… She’s a seamstress...’ Twilight thought, and cleared her throat.

“H-Hello…” Fluttershy spoke up, “It’s… very nice to meet you, of course… We’ve heard a bit about you, a-as I’m sure you overheard…”

Val’Kyr Ascentia reached a hand out to Fluttershy, “It’s nice to meet you, Fluttershy.”

Giving a little smile, Fluttershy reached out and took her hand in a gentle shake. Ascentia gave her a warm smile in return, before turning to Rarity.

“I left your things at your home,” she said absently, “For future reference, it is best to keep one’s opinions to oneself.”

“I have nothing more to say to you of that,” Rarity responded curtly, not looking at her.

“What happened?” Applejack asked.

“Rarity called her out on her relationship with Twilight, and Laurie stole her clothes right out from under her and left with them,” Ascentia replied, “We had to go to her house to get new ones for her.”

“And we can stop with this song and dance, thank you,” Rarity grumbled, embarrassed.

“Hey…” Twilight said, patting her back, “Look on the bright side. If not for that, I wouldn’t have brought back your cute little-uh… thing.”

Rarity blushed, still embarrassed at being caught with her scrapbook.

Rainbow rushed up to Val’Kyr Ascentia, a little excited, “So, how much can you lift?”

Val’Kyr Ascentia responded by grabbing Rainbow by the neck with one hand and lifting her off her feet to the shock of everyone else.

“That is… so AWESOME!” Rainbow strained as Ascentia let her go.

“Any other tricks you’d like me to perform?” she asked sarcastically.

“Um, honey… That was my fault, I kind of gave a few things away…” Twilight said sheepishly. “I’m sorry if they got a little curious… That was my fault.”

“It is no trouble, Twilight,” she chuckled, “Curiosity is something that ought be sated, as you should know all too well.”

“Is it true you lifted a stove with one hand, just to clean under it?” Asked teenage Ascentia, eager.

“Well, I do need to move it somehow,” Val’Kyr Ascentia replied with a chuckle, “But yes.”

“WHOA! That is so awesome!!!” Rainbow Dash gushed.

“You’re like magic or something!” Pinkie giggled, bouncing on the spot.

“She took Rarity’s clothes without touching them!” Ascentia mentioned, pointing at her, “I saw her do it!”

Everyone stared with shock, looking from one redhead to the other, speechless.

“...Say what?” Rainbow finally said.

“...Is that true?” Fluttershy asked softly.

Twilight was about to cut across and deflect the conversation, but was stopped when Val’Kyr Ascentia absently lifted her hand, and the seven of them all lifted into the air a few feet, hovering as if weightless.

“Does that answer your question?” she asked.

“What are you doing?!” Twilight hissed out of earshot.

“Wow! I can fly!” Rainbow Dash squealed, flapping her arms like a bird, “This is the coolest!”

Val’Kyr Ascentia smiled and moved Rainbow around to simulate flight, “I believe you once told me to be courteous to your friends, Twilight.”

“But they’re going to ask questions…” Twilight mumbled, “I mean, this is nice of you, but… I-I don’t know how to tell them the truth of who we are…”

“Wheee!” Rainbow laughed, grabbing Fluttershy, “Come on, Fluttershy! Fly with me, baby!”

Although a bit afraid, Fluttershy couldn’t help smiling, “This… is really interesting.”

“WHEEEEE!” Pinkie laughed, doing all kinds of acrobats in the air, “This is totally magic! Wowie! Look at me go, guys!”

Val’Kyr Ascentia flew them around for a few minutes, before setting them back down to the grass again.

“How… in blazes… did ya do that?” Asked Applejack, a little shaken up. “Oh mah…”

Rarity looked queasy, then hurried over behind a bush, with the sound of her vomiting being heard.

“It is an illusion,” Val’Kyr Ascentia explained, “I trick done with static electricity to make someone nearly weightless.”

She rolled up the sleeve of her robe to show one of the many metal frames embedded in her flesh, “This is a conductor, and allows me to manipulate the static electricity in the air.”

“Whoa….!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, taking in the sight, “That thing makes you do that?! Wow! That’s amazing!”

Fluttershy was equally astounded, blinking slowly, “Oh my… I’ve never see anything like that outside of stories…”

“Gosh, you must be from another world or something!” Pinkie giggled, “Like a kind of race of warriors who have to do all this big dirty work to the planetary system!”

“Not quite, Pinkie,” Val’Kyr Ascentia laughed, “It’s actually the entire galaxy.”

“A Val’Kyr?” Ascentia asked, remembering her first encounter with Twilight and the similarities of her drawing.

“Precisely,” Val’Kyr Ascentia smirked.

Twilight felt herself stiffen. This was not looking good at all. “Uh, so! How uh… how are things at home, eh, Laurie?”

“Your sister has been in labour for the last few hours,” Ascentia said, agreeing to the change of topic and sitting down, “She is moving along faster than expected. The baby is expected in 83 hours.”

“I’ll be heading home the day after tomorrow, like I promised,” Twilight said, fidgeting a bit. To her friends she said, “And yes, I have a sister. She’s actually my sister-in-law, her name is Cadance. She was actually my old f-er, babysitter.”

“Aw, so your brother married the old babysitter?” Pinkie asked, with a cooing grin, “They must have been best friends since they were kids!”

Twilight giggled, “Yes, they were, actually.”

“Awwwwwww,” Pinkie, Fluttershy and Rarity cooed.

“They can’t wait for you to get home to see your niece or nephew be born,” Val’Kyr Ascentia finished.

“I wouldn’t miss it for anything,” Twilight promised, “Cadance and I always had this pact. Whenever one of us had a f-er, baby, we’d be there to see it.”

“Can’ really have a baby if you’re gay, can ya?” Applejack asked.

Twilight stuck her tongue out, “I can still get pregnant, you know.”

“Yeah, but it’s not the same, is it?” Applejack replied, “You’re supposed to have a kid with the one you’re with, aren’t you?”

Twilight was about to retort, but stopped. Applejack, while speaking out of a one-track mind, had a bit of a point. Not being able to have a child with the woman she loved… stung a little bit.

She turned away, “Uh…”

“Applejack!” Rarity said in a chastising tone, “How could you say such a thing?”

Applejack’s eyes widened in horror, “Aw shucks, Ah’m sorry Twilight, I didn’t mean it like that, I was just…”

“No, it’s okay,” Twilight said with a sniff, “I know you didn’t mean it that way.”0

“It’s… It’s okay, Twilight…” Fluttershy offered. “I know how you feel.”

Twilight smiled sadly at her, then stared down at the ground. She hadn’t thought in a long time about having foals, not since that one night. Then it hit her once more, she wouldn’t be able to have foals with the woman she loved, let alone babies at all. Interspecies breeding was possible between some animals and creatures, but she knew that a pony and a humanoid figure couldn’t. Even if she were a stallion or Ascentia was a man, it wouldn’t have made any difference.

Even magic couldn’t solve that. A mare or stallion couldn’t be changed into the opposite sex. Any spells meant to help along were either way too difficult or dangerous, not to mention too far in between; something she was certain even her own magic couldn’t handle.

‘I never really thought of it. I mean, I’m pretty sure we’re kind of in the mindset of NOT having kids, all things considered. But I guess… knowing I don’t even have the option kind of hurts. It’s kind of like when a mare is sterile or when a stallion is impotent. We just don’t have the choice. Not unless we adopt or go through artificial insemination, or even surrogacy. I never thought of it this way… I guess if I were a man right now, I could probably do something, but then again, I don’t even know if her body handles it in the same way...’

“Well,” Twilight spoke up, “I guess… that’s just the way it is.”

“There was a civilization long ago,” Val’Kyr Ascentia spoke up, “That was researching the notion of genetic engineering.”

“What’s that?” Applejack asked.

“The science of modifying the human genetic code to alter traits like physique, hair color, mental state, and the like,” Val’Kyr Ascentia explained, “In a sense, being able to alter humans and animals before they were born, like programming.”

“Why would someone want to do something as barbaric as that?” Rarity asked, “Isn’t birth supposed to be natural?”

“The intended use on humans was to eliminate harmful or lethal birth defects,” Val’Kyr Ascentia explained, “Diseases or genetic abnormalities that resulted in a life of dependency or infant mortality.”

“Oh…” Rarity looked down, realizing her mistake.

“It was said that through the use of blank genetic material, like a stem cell, one could create any individual bodily substance. Use them to grow a kidney, or a lung. There was even talk of using them to create working sperm cells. Allowing sterile or otherwise incompatible partners to conceive genetic children.”

“Does that include…” Applejack started to say.

“Yes, that included women,” Val’Kyr Ascentia explained, “Two women could, with a biologist’s help, have their own child. However, due to the nature of how genetics are passed down, they would only ever have a daughter.”

“Why’s that?” Twilight asked.

“Women possess two X Chromosomes, that is what determines their gender,” Val’Kyr Ascentia continued, “Men possess an X and a Y Chromosome. Without a Y Chromosome to pass down to their children, it is impossible for two women having a child in this way to have a son.”

“...My…” Rarity spoke up, stunned by this, “I can certainly see why, that makes perfect sense. If that were possible, there would certainly be quite a number of women.”

“That’s definitely a problem,” Twilight admitted.

“As a balance, the procedure was vastly expensive,” Val’Kyr Ascentia explained, “Only those with the money to spare could afford it.”

“Oh… that’s a shame,” Fluttershy whispered, looking down at her feet.

“That is indeed a shame,” Rarity agreed. “That kind of medical research is fascinating. Surely it could develop further if they’d tried.”

“Sadly the civilization was wiped out a long time ago,” Val’Kyr Ascentia continued, “And their technology was never made available to their public.”

A sullen silence fell upon them, neither of their gazes meeting anyone.

“Still,” Rainbow spoke up, “I guess that does kinda suck. I mean, not even really having much options to turn to, and when there is an awesome idea, ya can’t get it? Sure, I’m definitely not letting my body go to hell for a kid, but come on.”

“Indeed…” Rarity murmured, looking up again, “To be unable, the natural way or the scientific way, is a definite shame.”

Val’Kyr Ascentia reached into her cloak and withdrew a corked vial with a clear liquid in it, “Actually, I have it right here. My team had managed to recreate it when I was working with some historians, and they gave me the only working formula. All that would be needed is a blood sample from the ‘father’ and this would guarantee a single pregnancy. I’ve had it for… 20 years.”

Twilight’s jaw dropped, “You never told me that!”

“The conversation was never had,” Val’Kyr Ascentia replied, “I’ve had this for so long because it means I have the power to grant two people the ability to have a child of their own, regardless of any defects they themselves might have. Who then, do you suggest, do I give such a gift to? There is only enough for one.”

Yet again, another silence befell them all.

“Wouldn’t it be possible to give it to scientific researchers and see if they can recreate it?” Twilight suggested.

“Perhaps,” Val’Kyr Ascentia said, pondering the idea, “But I have yet to meet someone who can comprehend this technology. Or perhaps I fear it being used to fuel greed. Or perhaps I am simply an old woman who likes to play God.”

Twilight gave a dry laugh, “Har har. You’re so hilarious. Care to throw in more ‘I am god and sooo powerful compared to you foolish little peasants’? Can we be serious for a second? It’s a tough call for anyone to make, even you too.”

“I know, that is why I’ve kept it for 20,” she mouthed the word ‘million’, “years.”

They were all silent for a moment. Val’Kyr Ascentia took a deep, contemplating breath and stowed the vial away in her robes, “But this is a little melancholy, I did not intend to make your conversation so depressing.”

“Don’t worry about it…” Fluttershy said softly, “It happens.”

“We’re quite fine, it’s just a lot to think about,” Rarity remarked.

Ascentia bowed her head, “You are too kind, the both of you.”

She stood up and bowed to them again.

“But in spite of that, I must be going,” she said, “I have business to attend to.”

With that, she turned on her heel and strode away down the street.

“...Well, there you go, girls, that’s her,” Twilight said after a few moments of silence.

There was a resounding murmur around the group, a few nods and shaking of heads.

“I like her…” Fluttershy whispered.

“Ah don’t,” Applejack replied, “Somethin’ seemed funny about her. Like she’s hidin’ somethin’.”

“I’m not sure what to think about her, Darling,” Rarity said, averting her gaze from Twilight.

“I’m wondering if you blow really hard on her, she’ll crumble into dust,” Ascentia quipped.

Twilight groaned and palmed her face, “Urgh!”

“I think she’s awesome! Like this cool, wise, old woman you see in some kinds of stories!” Rainbow Dash said, “And she could make us fly! Dude! How’s that NOT awesome?!”

“She’s sooooooo cool! But I think she has a big big big big secret! Like she’s a Val’Kyr, millions of years old, has this awesometastic sword, can destroy planets at the blink of an eye, and got scarred from this epic confrontation!” Pinkie burst, giggling.

Rainbow rolled her eyes, “Yeah, I’m pretty sure that’s not it.”

Tensing, Twilight tried to keep her cool as she stared over at her hyperactively energetic friend, ‘How did she guess something so specific?! Oh, wait. It’s Pinkie. Of course. No no, don’t confirm it, just pretend she’s being silly. ...And given that it’s Pinkie, that’s definitely not going to be suspicious.’

“Pinkie, now you’re just being silly,” she said.

Giggling, Pinkie patted her back, “I know! Silly is my middle name!”

“Darling, your middle name is Diane,” Rarity sighed.

“Don’t be a party pooper!” Pinkie said with a pout.

Fluttershy giggled, looking more cheered up, “In any case, that was all very interesting.”

“Yes, it certainly was,” Rarity smiled, leaning against Ascentia, “She’s certainly been around in her lifetime.”

‘You have no idea...’ Twilight thought. “Yeah, definitely.”

“What does she do, anyway?” Applejack asked.

“She’s uh…” Twilight responded, tensing, ‘Oh, crap! I didn’t think of a job! Think think think!’ “She’s an Anthropologist.”

The other six all looked confused.

“Uh… what’s that?” Rainbow asked.

“An Anthropologist is someone who researches and studies humankind, past and present. They draw and build knowledge based on social and biological sciences,” Twilight explained.

Ascentia snickered, while the others looked impressed, “Wow, that’s so cool!” Rainbow exclaimed.

“She even goes on archeological digs, bringing all kinds of artifacts and antiques,” Twilight went on, “She’s… She’s done that since I was a kid. Sometimes she took me along on her digs and research. It’s very fascinating, actually.”

Fluttershy lifted a finger, “Um… how long have you two been dating?”

“A year, like I said earlier,” Twilight responded.

“Oh… right,” Fluttershy shrank down a little.

“Darling, do your parents know about you and her?” Rarity asked.

Twilight stopped. Her parents back home in Equestria didn’t know about her and Ascentia. And she doubted that parents in this world would be happy about a family friend being in a relationship with their presumed teenage daughter.

“...Actually, they don’t. We keep it secret,” Twilight admitted.

The others shared an uneasy look. Twilight bit her lip, realizing that it was unlikely they approved of her relationship as much as they said they did.

“Well… as long as you two are happy,” Rarity smiled.

‘I really should have used a better cover story,’ Twilight thought, ‘19 year old burn victim. Why didn’t I go with that?’

“Um…” Fluttershy spoke up, looking nervous, “I think… you should tell them, Twilight. N-Not that I want you two to get in trouble… but… it’s better that they hear it from you two than from someone else.”

‘First thing when I get home,’ Twilight thought, “That’s… a good idea, Fluttershy. I’m going to do that.”

Rainbow stretched her arms out, “Well, not that this isn’t fun, but I gotta get home. I have practice in the morning.”

“Oh, I have to go, too…” Fluttershy said in agreement, a tiny blush on her cheeks. “Number one cheerleader and all.”

“Perhaps we should go as well,” Rarity stood up, stretching her limbs, “It is getting late.”

“Yeah,” Applejack said, hopping off the tree branch she was perched on, “It is gettin’ late.”

“I have cupcakes to bake for the bake sale tomorrow!” Pinkie grinned, “I gotta hurry home really fast! BYE!” And she zipped off.

“You guys go ahead,” Twilight said as they began to disperse, “I’m going to stick around and thi-”

She was cut off when Rarity grabbed her by the collar of her blouse and dragged her with her and Ascentia.

XXX

Later that night, the trio re-entered Ascentia’s apartment, with Rarity and Ascentia of course continuing to insist that Twilight go with them. Despite her protests, she caved in and decided to acquiesce.

Almost as soon as they’d gotten through the door, Ascentia made good on her promise to Rarity and grabbed her from behind, undoing her blouse and peeling it off her shoulders.

“Ooohh!” Rarity purred, smiling at her boldness, “Already frisky, are you?”

“Oh, I’ve been frisky for the last seven hours,” Ascentia grinned, pulling the blouse off her and setting it aside.

Giggling, Rarity undid the buttons of her skirt, letting pool around her ankles before stepping out of it. Noticing Twilight, she smiled and beckoned her, “Darling, come over here and stand before me. I’m going to undress you, too…”

Blushing, Twilight had to admit she had always had a bit of a crush on Rarity, even back in Equestria. Stepping forward, she dared to put herself in Rarity’s reach, and waited while Ascentia undid Rarity’s boots.

The moment that she was, Rarity gazed at her with intense bedroom eyes, licking her lips as she undid the buttons of Twilight’s blouse. “You know, Twilight… I had caught a glimpse of you, as well… And I have to say, you have such a sweet body… It’s lovely, I had to fight my urges to caress you all over…”

“Aheh heh,” Twilight blushed, “I never knew you thought that way about me, Rarity-oooh.” She groaned as Rarity’s fingers played across her skin.

“Oh yes, Darling,” Rarity cooed, opening her blouse, “You’re gorgeous. Let me see all of you in your glory.”

Within moments, the blouse was slid down from her shoulders and arms, amazing the purple-haired girl all at once.

“My! You don’t even have a bra on!” Rarity trilled, grinning. “I take it you’re not fond of them?”

“Never actually… wore one before,” Twilight admitted while Ascentia was busy unhooking Rarity’s bra.

“A lady’s bosoms should indeed have protection… but even I find them to be quite boorish to wear,” Rarity remarked.

It was at that comment that Ascentia finally got Rarity’s bra unhooked and threw it off her, Rarity’s breasts falling free. Ascentia wasted no time in running her hand underneath them, kissing the nape of Rarity’s neck while she undressed Twilight.

“Oooh…” Rarity moaned, giggling from her ministrations, eyes intent on Twilight’s half naked form. She then pulled down her skirt, helped her shoes off, and then off went the panties. It was at that point that Ascentia got Rarity’s own panties off her as well, and had let go of her to focus on undressing herself while Rarity got acquainted with Twilight a little more.

Twilight blushed from being naked in front of them, even if she’d done far more than that already. Rarity’s hands trailed over her skin, eliciting soft moans from her.

“Ahh…” She uttered, shuddering lightly.

“Your skin is quite soft, darling…” Rarity cooed, winking at her. “And so warm, no less.”

Twilight cooed softly under Rarity’s touch, which made it all the more frustrating when she pulled away from her to sit on the couch, on leg over the other.

“Now, my dears, you should always be sure to take care of a lady you’re taking to bed,” she said, making tutting noises, “I want the both of you to come and kneel before me.”

Twilight moved forward, Ascentia following after having finally removed her clothes, and knelt down on the floor in front of her.

“Uh… What are we supposed to do?” Twilight asked no one in particular.

Rarity grinned and merely said “What you’re told.”

“I-I know that… But um, we’re kneeling before you, and so… what do we do, now that we’re down here?”

Reaching for her previously abandoned riding crop, and cracked it against her palm, smiling as she opened her legs, “Twilight, I want you to stop asking silly questions and put that tongue to a more refined use.”

Twilight blinked, still puzzled, and looked beside her at Ascentia helplessly. Ascentia gave a “go ahead” motion with her hand. Rarity, not pleased with her hesitation, cracked the riding crop against her hand again as a warning.

“Ouch!”

“Okay…” Twilight scooted closer on her knees, resisting all urges to drop down on her hands, despite that her inner pony instincts were telling her so. She tooked a deep breath, approaching Rarity’s glistening womanhood. Catching sight of the riding crop yet again, realizing she would get hit if she did something wrong, she dove right in to give the mound before her some attention.

Rarity’s head fell back and a soft, cooing moan slithered past her lips. Placing her hand on the back of Twilight’s head, she grazed the crop against her thigh, tickling her flesh with the leather.

Ascentia couldn’t help herself, and reached a hand down to play with herself as she watched the erotic display in front of her. Sliding a finger into herself, she leaned back to get comfortable while Rarity toyed with Twilight.

For better leverage, Twilight reached up and took hold of Rarity’s curvy hips, latching her mouth onto her warm sex. Her tongue slithered along her labia, going upward toward her engorged little nub.

“Oh… oh yes, darling,” Rarity moaned, “Oh lord, right there!” she lightly tapped the crop against Twilight’s backside, curling her fingers through her hair.

Ascentia was dripping at the sight. She’d known Twilight was good, but watching Rarity’s reactions were even better. Adding another finger to her own sopping sex, she hissed, catching the attention of Rarity.

“Enjoying the show, dear?” She asked teasingly.

“Yes, very much,” Ascentia gasped, drilling herself harder.

This was when Twilight inserted a finger into Rarity’s entrance, before then bringing her mouth along that area. Some of her nectar substance had leaked, catching onto her tongue.

‘It doesn’t taste like marshmallows… I guess I win the pool!’ Twilight mused.

Rarity moaned again, caressing Twilight’s cheek with one hand, and sharply whipping her ass with the other. Ascentia was rocking on her own hand, locking eyes with Rarity as they shared a loving gaze. Ascentia withdrew her hand from her snatch and scooted over to Rarity’s side, leaning in and softly kissing her while Twilight worked Rarity’s folds.

Withdrawing her finger, Twilight all but plunged her tongue into Rarity’s entrance. She was quite tight, flavourful, and the way the inner walls clamped down on her appendage felt thrilling. Rarity groaned and fell back against the bed in response, dragging Ascentia with her as the two began hungrily making out, Rarity taking a few quick slaps of the crop against Ascentia’s thigh.

Opening her eyes, Twilight just barely angled her head to get a look at them making out, feeling a sense of thrill. She continued her ministrations, squeezing hard on Rarity’s skin as she ate her out vigorously.

Rarity’s legs clamped around Twilight’s shoulders, her gasps and moans muffled by Ascentia’s tongue in her mouth. Cracking the crop against both Ascentia’s and Twilight’s thighs, she sank her free hand into Ascentia’s hair. Less than 4 hours ago, she’d been crying over her old girlfriend in the Home Ec room. Now she was between the both of them, her heart fluttering from the two beautiful women.

Although taken aback by the sudden hold, it only further encouraged Twilight and her assault on Rarity’s delicious snatch. She brought her tongue to tease her nub again, while inserting two fingers inside of her, thrusting in and out.

Tearing her mouth away from Ascentia’s, Rarity let out a shrill scream, “OH… YES TWILIGHT!” Shuddering, she released a wave of her warm juices over Twilight’s mouth and face, while Ascentia silenced Rarity’s scream short by sliding her tongue back into her mouth.

“Mmmm…” Twilight hummed, happily lapping up her delicious lovejuices. She kissed her sex tenderly, then rose up on all fours.

Rarity panted as Ascentia released her, smiling all the more, “Oh my word… You certainly are quite experienced, Twilight…”

Blushing a bit, Twilight looked away, “I’m… glad I could please you, Rari-”

Smiling, Rarity wagged her finger scoldingly, “Ah-ah-ah… that’s Mistress to you, darling.”

“Right! Um… Mistress.”

Rarity sharply cracked her riding crop over Twilight’s ass in response.

“Yeouch!” Twilight cried, rubbing the spot the leather had struck her.

“Do try to remember dear, I’d hate for that lovely posterior to be all red and swollen by the end of the night,” Rarity said sultrily.

“I-I’ll remember that, Mistress…” Twilight responded. ‘Wow, it’s like those times I get dominant with Ascentia… except less Rarity-like.’

“Now dear, I think Ascentia deserves some attention, don’t you?” she asked, casually twirling the crop against the bedspread.

This made Twilight smile, “I couldn’t agree more.”

Cracking the crop against Ascentia’s ass, eliciting a sparp hiss from the redhead, Rarity purred and pulled her girlfriend on top of her, kissing along her neck, “Well then, get to work, pet.”

“Uh… Mistress? What should I do?”

“Well, my dear?” Rarity asked, looking at Ascentia, “What would you like?”

Ascentia thought for a moment, her mind hot and clouded, “In the drawer,” she said, reaching back and spreading her thighs apart.

Getting up, Twilight went over to the indicated drawer, pulling it open, revealing some of the toys in her possession. “Which one?”

“The big one,” Ascentia panted, whimpering under the kisses Rarity was gracing her collarbone with.

Twilight picked up the strapon at the bottom of the drawer, and held it up, “Uh… this looks painful…”

“It isn’t,” Ascentia said, spreading her rear open a little further, “Trust me.”

“Now now, pet, let’s not keep her waiting,” Rarity grinned.

Twilight gulped, tying the strap-on around her waist, and then getting back onto the bed. She positioned herself behind Ascentia. “So, you want me to enter from the...oh…”

“Yes, please!” Ascentia whispered, snuggling against Rarity as the pale girl began sucking her neck and brushing her with the crop.

“.... Would you do that ‘pwease’ thing again?” Twilight smiled, running a finger along her thigh.

Ascentia turned her head around, a few locks of hair having fallen over her face, “Pweeeeeaaaaaaase?” she cooed with a pout.

Grinning and giggling, Twilight kissed her nose, “You’re so adorable.”

With that, she carefully positioned the toy to enter Ascentia’s rear entrance, making sure it was lubricated properly. Ascentia tensed up in anticipation, her pussy dribbling onto the bed as Rarity caressed her breasts.

“Well, Twilight,” Rarity said, peering over Ascentia’s shoulder, “We’re waiting.”

“Almost…” Twilight said, just barely poking the tip into the entrance, very slowly. “There we go…”

Ascentia shuddered as the tip of the strapon slipped past her ring, burying her face in Rarity’s neck and moaning, trying her best to relax herself as the toy slowly slipped in further.

“Are you okay?” Twilight asked her, sliding in a bit further.

Ascentia bit her lip, and nodded, “Y-yes… keep going!”

“You’ll have to forgive her, dear,” Rarity said, “Ascentia has never had anal before, and she has a bit of a thing for pain.”

“I see…” Twilight murmured, nodding. “Okay, then…” She went in a bit more, still keeping slow enough. ‘Wow, she can take it a bit better? This is definitely interesting.’

Ascentia moaned as the toy slid further into her, rocking her hips against Twilight as she plunged her tongue back into Rarity’s mouth and the two resumed their makeout session.

Going in further, Twilight was nearly buried at the hilt, unable to go further, but this was when she pulled out. Slowly, very slowly, until the tip was nearly withdrawn. She then went back in, beginning to withdraw in and out. She grinned a little when she heard Ascentia’s muffled growl, and felt the unmistakable sensation of her juices dripping onto her knee.

“Do you like that?” she asked coyly.

Ascentia tore her mouth away from Rarity, “Yes.”

“More?” she asked.

“Yes… more!” Ascentia gasped.

“What do you say?” Twilight asked, tauntingly.

“Pweaaaaaaaaase?” Ascentia pouted, looking at her with big puppy dog eyes.

‘So… cute!’ Twilight grinned girlishly, “All right then, silly pants.”

She proceeded to thrust in and out of her a little harder, faster, clutching her hips for leverage. Ascentia moaned loudly, rocking back against her thrusts and drooling a little onto Rarity’s chest.

Rarity herself took a peek, and found the sight of Twilight clutching Ascentia’s hips and pounding away at her to be a lovely one indeed. Nibbling Ascentia’s ear, she cracked the riding crop against the girl’s thigh.

“Twilight, be a dear and keep making her do those adorable noises, would you?” Rarity asked with a sly smile, “Mommy likes to hear her moan.”

“...Mommy?” Twilight repeated, puzzled, only to be struck again. “Ow! Okay okay!” As she thrusted into her, she reached a hand around her friend’s torso, proceeding to fondle her sex.

Ascentia growled into Rarity’s neck, who moaned in satisfaction as her voice struck her ears, “That’s a good girl, Twilight. You must really know how to press her buttons. Do Mommy a favor and fuck her a little harder, Darling.”

Nodding, Twilight thrust faster, while trying to keep her hand in rhythm to it, slipping her finger within her drenched entrance. “There we go… Atta girl…”

Ascentia’s moans had devolved into open shouts as she was filled completely by the strapon and Twilight’s fingers, while Rarity stroked her hair and kissed her passionately, absently cracking the crop against Twilight’s thigh to egg her on.

“Ngh!” Twilight squeaked, but continued onward nonetheless.

Ascentia let out a lurid moan, “Oh gods… yes.. YES… fuck me Twilight! Pwease fuck me!”

Giggling, Twilight did just as she wanted, going faster and harder. Her fingers jammed within her, the toy buried inside of her before being pulled out and jammed back in. “Yes… I will, oh I definitely will…” She purred.

Rarity caressed Ascentia’s face while she smiled at Twilight, “Do you like her ass, Twilight? Do you like plunging that thing into it, and feeling that soft, round flesh?”

‘Actually I was always more partial to vaginal penetration, but anal penetration was always an interesting alternative...’ Twilight thought, “Oh, it’s certainly a lot of fun…”

“That’s good, sweetheart. Now, let’s see if we can make this lovely redhead come, shall we?” Rarity cooed, stroking Ascentia’s breasts and biting down on her collarbone.

“Mm-hmm… Cum when you’re ready, sweetie,” Twilight cooed into her friend’s ear, thrusting into her faster, if it were possible.

Ascentia bit her lip, groaning and gasping in between them. She tried to hold out as long as she could to keep Twilight pounding away at her, but she couldn’t. Hauling her head back, she screamed out Twilight’s name at the top of her voice.

“Ah… ah… AH… AH AHHHHH TWILIGHT!”

She came like someone had opened literal floodgates, coating Twilight’s hand and clenching painfully down onto the strapon, screeching in pain as Twilight had just been slamming back into her. She convulsed as her orgasm subsided, falling limply against Rarity.

There was a banging on the wall, followed by, “SHUT UP IN THERE YOU WHORE!”

Angered, Twilight glared at the wall, “MIND YOUR OWN DAMN BUSINESS, JERK!”

Ascentia weakly lifted her hand up to Twilight, who high-fived her, “That… was… awesome…”

Rarity lifted her chin, “Twilight’s wicked burn, or the pounding you just got?”

“Both,” Ascentia replied, “Both is good.”

Giggling, Twilight pulled out of her, nuzzling the redhead before relaxing herself on the bed. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself…”

Ascentia moaned softly as the toy was dragged out of her ass, “Yes… yes I did.”

“Well don’t fall asleep yet, sweetheart,” Rarity said with a kiss, “We still have to take care of Twilight.”

“M-Me?” Twilight squeaked, pointing to herself, “But… I’m fine, really… I’m actually getting kind of tired, I don’t want to make you girls do that.”

“Oh no, darling,” Rarity smiled, “You’re not getting away that easily.”

Ascentia managed to pull herself onto her feet, smiling at Twilight as well. Then, their smiles shifted into near wicked grins.

Twilight gulped. ‘I’m not sure whether I should say ‘Oh crap’ or cheer...’

Ascentia stood up and undid the straps that held the dildo to Twilight’s pelvis. Throwing it aside and grabbing two others from the drawer, she tossed one to Rarity, and they both put them on. Rarity sat up on the bed as Ascentia led Twilight by the hand and set her down in her lap while Rarity stroked her cheek.

“Um…” Twilight blushed, suddenly feeling much younger than both of them now. “I don’t need to ask, do I?”

“You can if you like, Darling,” Rarity smiled, brushing her toy against Twilight’s clit while Ascentia wrapped her arms around her waist.

“...What are you going to do? Penetrate me from both ends?” Twilight asked, feeling a strange sense of thrill and satisfaction with being sandwiched between them.

Rarity leaned in and licked along her neck, “That’s exactly what we’re going to do, sweetheart,” she whispered, wrapping her arms around Twilight’s neck as Ascentia lifted her up.

Rarity positioned herself at Twilight’s entrance while Ascentia positioned herself at Twilight’s rear. Twilight could feel the tips of each toy teasing both her pussy and her ass, while they both nuzzled her affectionately. Rarity kissing her cheek and chin while Ascentia kissed her neck, both their breasts pressed against her body.

“Oooohhh…” Twilight moaned, clutching Rarity for leverage, trembling. “Do it…”

Ascentia let go of her, and she dropped the few inches she was held above them, driving both toys into her as far as they would go.

“Nggghhhhhh!!!” Twilight cried in a mixture of pain and pleasure, wide-eyed. She’d never been double penetrated before, but was aware of the threesome position. Despite the bouts of pain, it was admittedly one of the most thrilling moments of sex she could imagine. “O-Ohh… my gosh...yeah…”

The two girls drew close to her, both snuggling her tightly, “How does it feel, darling?” Rarity asked, softly kissing her lips while Ascentia nibbled the back of her neck.

“A-A-Amazing…” Twilight shuddered, managing this between kisses. ‘I can’t believe it… this is beyond anything I’ve felt… even that one time we brought Rainbow and Fluttershy to bed with us! I think...being a bit of a… “slut” is kind of awesome…’

Ascentia snaked her arms around her waist, cuddling her as Rarity lifted her up by the thighs, and off the rubber cocks, dropping her back down again. Ascentia and Rarity hugged her tightly as they lifted her up and down, kissing her face, neck, lips, and shoulders.

It was astounding, Twilight moaned and gasped, completely enthralled. She clung to them both in any way she could, the physical and mental pleasures overtaking her being.

“Nnnnghh… girls… I think I’m… g-going to…”

“Oh my, already?” Rarity asked, licking her neck, “Very well darling, come for us. Let us know what a slutty little girl you are.”

Her voice dropped to a whisper in her ear.

“Come for me.”

Twilight trembled, feeling her climax approaching even faster. The floodgates opened, all of her muscles were spasming with pure ecstasy. She moaned, even cried out, as the wave of orgasm rushed over her. Her cries were strangled and incoherent, but no less the vocal indication of her pleasure. Lovejuices spewing out of her sex, she all but collapsed against Rarity, breathing heavily.

Rarity stroked her hair as she tried to catch her breath, pushing her back to lean against Ascentia, who hugged her around the waist while Rarity snuggled up closer to her, they held her between them, softly kissing her as she basked in the afterglow of her orgasm. Their warmth surrounding her like a blanket.

‘Ascentia… Rarity… I love you both...’ Twilight thought, feeling herself relax all the more.

The two shifted, lying down on the bed with Twilight still snuggled between them, the toys still buried inside her. They snuggled up close to her, Ascentia stroking her hair while Rarity kissed her neck. Twilight felt warm and safe between them. For a brief, very brief moment, she didn’t want to go home.

XXX

The morning sun burned a bright light through Twilight’s closed eyelids. As she emerged from the groggy peacefulness of sleep to feel a comfortable warmth around her. Prying her eyes open, she saw Rarity’s sleeping face. Looking around her, Rarity and Ascentia were snuggled up to her, sandwiching her between them, Rarity’s arms around her neck and Ascentia’s around her waist. A strange, filling sensation telling her that their toys were still deep within her.

‘Well, this is definitely a way to wake up...’ Twilight thought, shifting ever slightly. ‘Great… now I can’t move or dislodge the toys... not without waking them up...’

She thought for a moment as Ascentia wrapped her arms tighter around her in her sleep, ‘I’m okay with that.’

She wrapped her arms around Rarity’s waist, snuggling up between them. Rarity stirred in response, hugging her more tightly.

‘Ooooooooh yeah, this is nice,’ Twilight thought, ‘Snuggling is the best. Why don’t ponies do this more often? Oh, wait.’

Despite the smell of sweat and sex, there were still strong traces of Rarity’s perfume. As she nuzzled closer, Twilight could smell her shampoo. Whatever it was, it was likely expensive. Either way, she liked its scent.

‘Even here, Rarity smells as beautiful as she looks...’

Taking in Rarity’s perfume and shampoo, Twilight found herself getting warm down between her legs, ‘Uh-oh… bad Twilight!’

Rarity stirred a bit, but remained a sleep. She let out a small sound, her lips parting a bit. Twilight eyed them, taking in their sweet, full form. Her body warmed at the remembered sensation of her kisses from the night before. If this Rarity kissed anything like her Rarity from Equestria, she couldn’t help but admit that she’d been missing out. Admittedly, this didn’t help when it came to calming herself down.

‘Ooooh, I wish those two would wake up. This is nice, but they’re driving me crazy,’ Ascentia snuggled into her back, nuzzling her neck, ‘ARGH! Stop that, you! That’s only making me hotter!’

As if she heard, but was screwing with her, Ascentia’s mouth ran along her neck in her sleep.

‘Thank Celestia I don’t have my wings!’

Rarity stirred, and blinked her eyes, the sun having burned her eyes awake as well. She smiled as her eyes met Twilight’s face, and she softly kissed her, “Good morning, Darling.”

A little dazed smile stretched at Twilight’s lips, “Good morning, gorgeous.”

Rarity smiled and ran a hand over Twilight’s face, “How did you sleep?” she asked.

“Amazingly,” said the lavender girl, “Even better, waking up to such a sweet, beautiful lady like yourself.”

Rarity blushed and kissed her again, “You’re such a sweet talker, darling.” She left several light kisses on her neck.

Little giggles came from Twilight, “It’s so easy with you. You’re always so classy, so sure of yourself, confident, poised, and you’re just beautiful. I guess I can’t help it…”

Rarity hugged her tightly, the strapon shifting inside her, “Oh Twilight, I’ve never had anyone say such nice things to me,” she squeezed her shoulders, “You’re beautiful yourself. I love your shade of purple.”

“Really? You do?” Twilight blushed, smiling bashfully.

“Yes, I do,” Rarity purred, kissing her neck and collarbone.

Behind them, Ascentia herself stirred, nuzzling into Twilight’s back, “Good morning, you two. Getting frisky without me?”

Looking over her shoulder, Twilight giggled, “Maybe.”

Ascentia planted kisses along Twilight’s neck while Rarity was kissing her cheek, “Well, that’s not very nice, is it?”

“Hey, it wasn’t as if I was going to try to disturb your sleep, now. That wouldn’t be nice.”

They both wrapped their arms around her waist, wrapping her tighter between them, “Well darling, now that we’re all awake, what would you like to do?”

“I want you two…” Twilight giggled, nuzzling noses with Rarity, “Especially you, Rarity…”

“Oh gee, thanks,” Ascentia said with a snide smile.

“You can go now, you’re fired. No, I’m just kidding,” Twilight reached behind her, stroking her side, “C’mere, you.”

Ascentia and Rarity began rocking their hips against Twilight, the dildos rocking in and out of her on both ends. Twilight sighed in pleasure, feeling their toys run in and out of her while the two girls hugged her tightly, kissing up and down her upper body.

The feelings from the night before returned tenfold, now a lot less awkward and a lot more welcoming. It was a strange sense of warmth and security, something she hadn’t imagined sharing in this kind of way. But overall, it filled her being, moreso than the physical filling of the toys.

‘I never would’ve thought… But this is amazing… I’ll definitely come back again for this...’

Rarity lifted her chin, pressing her lips to hers while Ascentia suckled on her neck, rocking their hips harder against her. Twilight moaned into Rarity’s mouth as a thousand thoughts ran through her brain. She brought her hand up to stroke Rarity’s cheek while the other reached back to stroke Ascentia’s thigh.

‘Oh gods. I need to see if my Rarity likes mares when I get ho-OHHH YES!” Twilight’s thoughts turned to shrieks as Rarity’s toy grazed her G-Spot.

“Oooh, it seems I found it…” Rarity smirked, licking along Twilight’s lips.

Twilight moaned between them, leaning back against Ascentia as the two girls rocked away at her. Ascentia lifted one of her legs to give the two of them better leverage as they pumped away harder at her, pressing her between them as their tongues danced along her skin.

“Good girl, darling Twilight…” Rarity cooed against her skin, licking a trail along her collarbone, “You must be quite overwhelmed…”

“Oh yes…” Twilight panted, “Oh… Rarity… Ascentia… rut me… rut me hard!”

Both obliged, going faster, had that been possible, with their hands joining in on the action. Within a few moments, the loud, strangled cries of the lavender girl sounded from her lips. Twilight shuddered as she came, her entire body quaking with pleasure.

Rarity smiled and kissed her collarbone, “Now isn’t that a way to wake up, darling?”

“I’ll say it is…” Twilight giggled, nuzzling her. “So… okay, not that this doesn’t feel nice, but you can pull them out now… I need to get up.”

Rarity and Ascentia took Twilight by the thighs and butt, shifting her forward and sliding themselves down, slowly pulling the dildos out of her.

Feeling a little relieved, Twilight sat up, stretching her body, and then getting up to her feet. She paused, feeling as if she were being watched. Turning around, Rarity and Ascentia were of course staring at her, their eyes wandering all over her body.

“Something you’d like to say, girls?” she asked.

“Oh, nothing we haven’t said already, darling,” Rarity winked, giggling.

“Alright,” Twilight smiled, opening Ascentia’s fridge and peering through the shelves. The shelves were nearly bare, and Twilight was reminded just how poor she was. Closing the fridge, she turned to her sweaty companions.

“So, I’m here another day before I have to go home,” Twilight said with a smile, “What’s on the agenda for today?”

Rarity got out of bed, stretching as far as she could (and putting on quite a show for the other two) as she and Ascentia approached her and smiled.

“Oh, I think you know exactly what’s on the agenda, darling,” Rarity smiled as she and Ascentia showed just how little restraint they had.

XXX

As planned, Twilight returned to Canterlot High, making sure no one was around. With the coast clear, she slipped through the portal, awaiting the transition.

Moments later, she landed on the floor of the portal chamber, groaning to herself in disorientation. Stretching her body, she stood up her hind legs, all before falling over again.

“I’m going to do this every time…” Twilight muttered, but felt relieved to be back in her pony body again.

“So it would seem,” Ascentia said from her seat on one of the statues, “Welcome home, Twilight.”

“Hey…” Twilight managed, giving a little smile. “How’s Cadance been? I’ll be going to the hospital a little later, once I’m settled in.”

“Cadance is fine, she’s nearing the end of her labour,” Ascentia explained, smiling at her, “She’s due to have the baby in nine hours.”

“Yeah, alright,” Twilight said, walking past her toward the door, “Thanks.”

Ascentia stopped her with a hand on her back, “Is something the matter? I sense some distress.”

“No, it’s just… I don’t know…” Twilight sighed, “I can’t stop thinking of that stem cell sample you have.”

“It’s actually a chemical designed to create genetic material out of stem cells in the blood,” Ascentia corrected, “And what about it is bothering you?”

“It’s just… well, I’m a little perturbed that you didn’t tell me. I mean, yes, I know it didn’t exactly come up specifically… but here’s the thing. I just, I thought a bit about us having a foal. I’ve known for a while that I can never have any with you. Our difference in species alone makes that impossible. But then I find out you had the power to make it happen all along, and you didn’t even tell me. Whether or not I would take you up on it is irrelevant, it’s to at least have the option,” she said, looking down at the floor. “I don’t want to make hasty decisions just because of it, I just want to at least know it’s there.”

Ascentia knelt down to her level, a comforting hand on her shoulder, “Twilight, I had no idea you were thinking about this. We’ve been together for six years and you never once brought up the idea of having children.”

“I thought you could read my mind,” Twilight said, still not looking at her.

“Just because I can doesn’t mean that I always do,” she explained, “It is only when you are under distress and won’t talk to anyone do I see it necessary to violate the privacy of your thoughts. Also, please understand this Twilight. I have many artifacts and relics of Humanity and other civilizations we destroyed in my possession. I do not like to wipe out a society’s knowledge, it is such a valuable thing. I had forgotten it was in my possession until the discussion was raised with your friends.”

Twilight was about to respond, but took a moment to think that over. It made sense, all things considered. Even Ascentia herself couldn’t possibly remember every single little thing. She tensed, wondering if she’d been a little unfair about this all along.

‘I am a little miffed she never told me… Not even in passing… but I guess I also can’t blame her. She hasn’t had much chance to think about that vial and she doesn’t even know that I’d been thinking about us having foals. Cadance is having a foal… I know Fluttershy wants to have a foal with Rainbow after she rertires from the Wonderbolts, but they can’t naturally conceive either… I guess all of that got to me, too...’

“...I’m sorry,” Twilight sighed, sitting on her haunches. “I just never realized that the idea of us never conceiving naturally… kind of hurt a little.”

“Twilight, if I had known you were thinking about children...” Ascentia hesitated, “...uh… I hadn’t known you were thinking so far ahead. I didn’t know you thought of us as that kind of couple.”

“Well, I didn’t, either,” Twilight admitted, “Not at first. It’s been at the back of my mind, sure, but it wasn’t always prevalent except a few times. And now that I really know we never can, not naturally, it just kind of hit me. I mean, Cadance has been pregnant all this time, and I know Fluttershy wants a foal one day… And then everything else in between, it’s like I just realized it.”

“Twilight, I only wish you had in some way told me that you wanted our relationship to go in that direction,” Ascentia said soothingly, stroking her mane.

Twilight thought, and realized that Ascentia was right. While they’d been together for a while, it had always felt like a stable relationship. Two girlfriends who loved each other, but never moving forward. She knew Ascentia would never try to move them forward, content to let her move at a pace she was comfortable with. And Twilight had let their relationship, for lack of a better word, stagnate over the years.

She looked up to her, finally meeting her eyes and her smile, “Marry me.”

Author's Note

Yeah... this became a completely different story, didn't it? You know it! :D

Well, we were working on this, it just became something else all along! Interesting, eh?

There will be a spinoff sometime in the future, this time with Rarity and Ascentia in the Equestria Girls Universe.

And the cliffhanger? Well, who knows! We'll see.

But this is now OVER! OVER!

Thank you all so much for reading this. We had a lot of fun writing it. Special thanks and dedication goes to Passion Fruit, for making all of this possible. We love you, Tara!

Feel Discoveries

Night had fallen, with Luna's moon high overhead, casting its luminous glows upon the land below. Much like most nights in these parts of Ponyville, it was quiet. Ponies either remained indoors or simply did their nighttime business as inconspicuously as possible.

Within the outskirts of the town, more into the open fields, were two figures walking along. One was tall, bipedal. The other was comparatively smaller, quadrupedal.

Twilight Sparkle gazed up at her companion, Lord Ascentia Kortai of the Val'Kyr. To any pony walking alongside her, it was almost fearsome. To be with a creature much bigger than you are, from another world, was a whole new feeling altogether than it was to encounter something else of this magnitude.

But she had long since gotten used to it. In fact, by now, it was such an every day occurrence, that it didn't even occur to Twilight that there was once a time that this would have been deemed impossible. It felt natural, far more than she could have expected.

Ascentia glanced down at her then, either from sensing her look or just simply addressing her. “Is something on your mind, Twilight? You've been very quiet this evening.”

Giving a shrug, Twilight faced the path ahead of her as they walked. “Nothing in particular. I've got a lot of things on my mind, all the time!”

“Nothing surprising there.” Came Ascentia's dry, good-humoured response.

Twilight rolled her eyes, ignoring her comment. “I guess I'm just trying to work some new things out. Princess Celestia gave me some new material to study, and I'm really excited to get started on it!”

“Oh? And what did she assign?”

“Deeper aspects of interpersonal relationships! Not necessarily to report on the same way I do friendship, but to see how they work. I have some books on the topic, but she says I should see what my friends have to say about it.”

“All right, and what sort of deeper aspects?”

Twilight shrugged lightly. “She didn't say, just that I had to learn relationship aspects beyond just friendship. It's not a rush lesson either, she says lessons like these take time.”

“They would, indeed.” Ascentia agreed with a slow nod. “How are you going to execute learning this?”

“I don't know.” Came the honest response of the unicorn, her gaze now downcast. “There's always been ways I knew I could conduct certain experiments and such. Even if I knew a traditional way of doing it wasn't possible, I always had a backup plan or some kind of way to get around it. But this time, I don't know how I'll be able to.”

“Well, isn't this a lesson that will take time? I'm sure she doesn't expect you to figure out a way to conduct your studies of this subject in the next five minutes. Perhaps you should think it over, see what this kind of study entails before you work out a plan.”

Letting that sink in, Twilight mulled it over. She was always the type who wanted to have a plan in action before tackling the issue, but she could now see that it likely wasn't possible. It was just one of those things, taking on a new kind of subject that required different kinds of methods in achieving answers.

The two were quiet the rest of the way back to the library. Not in an awkward silence, just merely without a lot to say. Twilight continued pondering her plans for the assignment, while wondering yet again just what the Val'Kyr was thinking of.

'Then again, trying to delve into anyone's surface thoughts would be terrifying.' Twilight thought, shuddering at the idea.

Arriving back at the library, Twilight found a note from Spike saying that he had gone to help Pinkie bake for a few hours at Sugarcube Corner, since the Cakes were out of town with their foals for the weekend. With a shrug, Twilight turned on the rest of the lights. Ascentia was sitting against one of the bookshelves, having picked out a book to read. Seeing that to be a great idea, Twilight decided to join her.

“Do you want some tea?”

“Sure.”

Twilight nodded, going into the kitchen to prepare some tea. At least now, she could sit back with a good book and a cup of tea, which just the thing to help her relax and get her thoughts straight. She exhaled happily, already feeling a set of warm fuzzies. There was just something magically wonderful about curling up with a good book. Even with a friend right there, doing the same. This was apparent at times with Rainbow Dash came over to read the new Daring Do book, or when Rarity wanted to read into a new issue about clothing and accessory crafting, for instance.

Right now, this was part of their everyday routine when nothing else was going on.

With the water boiled, Twilight poured it into two teacups with the teabags waiting inside. With her magic, she levitated them back down into the main room. Upon seeing her coming, Ascentia looked up and then took one of the cups and saucers.

“Thank you, Twilight.” She said, blowing on it before taking a slow sip.

“You're welcome.” Twilight sat down next to her, producing a book from the shelf behind her. Opening it to a marked page, the unicorn happily resumed reading.

As she read along, occasionally sipping her tea, the words upon the pages already jumped out at her and immersed her within the world. While Twilight usually preferred reading nonfiction and research material, there were times she was in the mood for a good fictional story. In particular, she really enjoyed mysteries and historical fiction.

Today, she was reading a historical mystery that took place about 732 years ago, which was a theoretical tale about a mystery involving some stolen jewels. It was based on a true story, when some Equestrian jewels were stolen from an old town from the days of yore, just with some creative licensing on the characters and other such things. It was honestly fascinating, to which Twilight felt herself to be quite a detective upon reading these books.

'Yeah... Detective Sparkle... That sounds pretty cool!'

However, the moments of peace were broken when the library door burst open, and in ran Spike, very out of breath and excited. He also held a rolled up scroll in his claw, which was all Twilight needed to know.

“Twilight! Twilight! Guess what!” Spike panted.

“Slow down, Spike.” Twilight chided, placing her book onto the floor. “You have a letter from the Princess?”

“Nope! It's-” Spike paused to catch his breath. “It's from Cadance!”

“Cadance?” The unicorn looked surprised at this. She levitated the letter over to herself, reading it. Now she looked even more surprised. “Wow!”

Ascentia looked up then, having simply let them to their business, but now looked very curious as to what was going on. “What is it, Twilight? What did she say?”

Twilight read over the letter at least two more times before answering, her eyes still fixated upon the unrolled parchment. “It's...wow...she's pregnant! She just found out today! ...And apparently Shining Armor fainted.”

“Wow!” Spike exclaimed, sitting down on the floor too. “I can't believe it! She's really going to have a baby now! You're gonna be an aunt, Twilight! And let's not for me, good ol' Uncle Spike!”

Giggling, Twilight rolled up the letter and placed it aside with a few other letters from her brother and sister-in-law. “That's amazing... I never imagined my own brother as a father. But I guess...wow! I can't believe they're having a baby! That foal will be one lucky pony, having Cadance for a mom, the best foalsitter in the world! And with the Captain of the Royal Guard as their father, that's the best protection you can ask for!”

“Pinkie can throw her a baby shower, Rarity can make some clothes for the baby, I can teach it how to be a great assistant like any good uncle would...” Spike counted off his fingers, grinning widely at the ideas that were coming to mind.

“This is...interesting news.” Ascentia remarked, a small smile overcoming her face. “I'm curious as to what their child would end up possessing as it grows.”

“Me too! Cadance spreads love, and Shining is great with protection spells, so it's anypony's guess as to what their baby will be like!” Twilight agreed, considering the possibilities of that.

“I'm gonna go tell the others, Twilight!” Spike got up again, heading to the door. “Cadance said I could, anyway!”

He ran out the door. Twilight looked at the clock, counting the seconds. Sure enough, Spike came back in, looking defeated.

“...Oh, wait. Gonna have to wait until tomorrow. Applejack went deliver some apples in Hoofington with Big Mac, Rarity is having the Crusaders for a sleepover, and Rainbow and Fluttershy went out together. Hmmm...I'll go tell Pinkie! I told her I'd be back, anyway!”

Once more, the small dragon ran out and closed the door behind him.

“Wow...I can't believe it! A baby! This is amazing!” Gushed the purple unicorn, giggling and dancing around on the spot. “I'm going to be an aunt! Cadance is having a foal! My BBBFF will be a daddy! Wow! This is too cool!!”

She began bouncing around in circles much like Pinkie Pie would for about a minute or two, until a chuckling Ascentia gently stopped her.

“All right, settle down, you.” She said, letting her go. “I think I get the idea.”

Sheepish, the unicorn sat back down and relaxed, nodding. “Heh...guess I got a little too excited.”

The woman gave her an understanding smile before she settled back against the bookshelf, propping her book onto her upraised knees. “Well, I certainly don't blame you. It can be very exciting when a family member or someone close to you is expecting a child.”

“I've seen foals before and I have had a little bit of experience with unicorn foals. But I haven't even known anypony close to me who had children before. Except for the Cakes, but they're more Pinkie's family than anything. But we did want to support her in it, so we went to see the babies.” Twilight said, sitting back in her original place.

“Oh...” Ascentia's expression became one of recognition. “Yes, I remember. The Cake foals. You were looking after Pumpkin Cake that one time, and I helped you out.”

Twilight grimaced a bit. “It took me hours to clean up that mess.”

A light snicker escaped the scarred woman. “I remember, you were out of your mind.” She giggled again upon Twilight pouting.

“It had me realize how much motherhood can take. I was terrified of hurting poor Pumpkin, or worse, failing as a foalsitter and a parent. I didn't want to let Pinkie, the Cakes or even Pumpkin down. As much as I could keep things organized, I couldn't keep my eye on her at every second, and you saw what she could do if I turned my back even for one second. I was just lucky because you were there to help.”

“That's not true, Twilight. No parent is perfect, and it isn't something you can read about in preparation. Being a parent is something you have to experience first-hand, and it's not something you can get right the first time. Even with practice. And, well, the fact you cared enough about Pumpkin to do all you could to protect her and be a good parental figure to her was certainly admirable. I have seen parents who push their kids around, thinking that just because they gave birth or fathered them, that they should be respected right off the bat.”

Frowning at this, Twilight shook her head and looked up at Ascentia before responding, “That doesn't make sense. Shouldn't a parent earn the love of their children?”

“Yes. I'm not a parent, I never have been, but I certainly know that you do have to prove to your children. Part of being a good parent is loving your children, protecting them, helping them, and being there for them. Many people adopt children, and love them as if they were their own.” Ascentia looked away for a moment. “My Master was a father to me, you could say. He taught me so much, and he cared for me as a daughter. I wasn't even his daughter, and yet, it didn't matter. You don't need to be the biological offspring of someone for them to be a real parent to you.”

The room was silent for a moment as Twilight placed a hoof on her leg.

“Well...Princess Celestia was always like a second mother to me. She was always a wonderful teacher, and sometimes...I felt like she was another mother. Don't get me wrong, I love my mom, she's a great mother. I guess I...just felt that I had two mothers. Cadance was the greatest foalsitter in the world, no doubt...” She giggled, smiling fondly at the memories. “My mom, Princess Celestia and Cadance...are very inspiring when it comes to being like mothers. It kind of...made me think... That if I ever had kids of my own, I'd want to be as good mothers as they are. It was part of why I was scared of failing at being a responsible parent. I didn't want to disappoint them. Well, anyway...I think you're right.”

A soft pressure was applied onto her head, to which she realized that Ascentia was now stroking her mane. Twilight let out a little purr of pleasure, especially when the fingers scratched behind one of her ears.

“I suppose it never quite crossed your mind about being a mother, has it?” Came Ascentia's curious question.

Twilight shook her head. “No, not really. I mean, it's not something I ruled out completely. I just never thought about it to any lengthy extent. But then again, my first time coming to Ponyville was when I actually made friends. Before that, I only ever had my parents, Princess Celestia, Spike, Cadance and Shining Armor. They were always my family and something of my friends, I guess. But I truly made friends when I came here. And before that, I never even had a coltfriend. I never met anypony I was interested in, and I didn't even think of it. Hay, when I first came here, I was completely set on making sure the organizing of the Summer Sun Festival were all in place. So I didn't even try to make friends, and I was sure I never would. But, anyway, I never thought much about it. I figured maybe one day I'd get married and have foals of my own, but it wasn't something I even shot for. ...I never even had sex.”

“You haven't?”

“No.”

“I see.” The woman gave a short nod. “Everyone chooses to at different rates, there is no right or wrong time to have sex.”

“...Have you? If you don't mind my asking. If it's too personal, you don't have to tell me.”

Ascentia shook her head. “It's all right, Twilight. Yes, I have had sex. I can't say I recall the details that well, but I know that I have. It was thousands of years ago, though. I haven't since then. Never really had the time or the interest. I can live just fine without it.”

“Yeah, me too.” Twilight agreed. “I mean, I've always been a bit curious and I read about it in some books, but that was also for study of biological anatomy. And....” She blushed for a moment, lowering her voice. “Can I...tell you a secret?”

“Of course. What is it?”

“Up until recently, I never actually even saw real sex outside of diagrams in those books. But one time...I went to Fluttershy's house to bring her some books that she wanted to borrow. I thought nopony was home, but her door was unlocked, so I let myself in to drop off the books and leave her a note. But then I heard sounds upstairs. I even heard Fluttershy, she was moaning and it sounded like she was in pain. I was worried and wanted to make sure she was okay, in case that maybe she got hurt was unable to help herself. So, I went upstairs slowly and was about to call out to see if she was okay...and then...”

The lavender unicorn blushed heavily at this, biting her lip.

“What happened?”

Twilight swallowed before going on with her story. “I walked in on...Rainbow Dash performing oral sex on Fluttershy... Sweet Celestia, it was so surreal!”

Never would she forget that image. Fluttershy half lying and half sitting up on her bed, eyes closed, mouth hanging open and moaning in ecstasy. Rainbow's head bobbing lightly as it was buried between Fluttershy's thighs, sounds of licking and suckling, along with chuckles. At a better angle, Twilight had seen that Rainbow was indeed “eating her out” as some would say. The two pegasi went at it for some time, until Fluttershy let out a surprisingly loud squeal of Rainbow's name. In turn, the cyan pegasus had gleefully swallowed up the lovejuices spewing from her marehood. Then she crawled over Fluttershy, laying on top of her and proceeding to make out with her. Without rinsing her mouth.

Twilight had been so stunned, all she could do was stand there, jaw-dropped, eyes wide. What followed was a little surprise in itself; Rainbow pulled away and was kissing along Fluttershy's jawline and neck, which made the creamy mare giggle and sigh. Along with that, the cyan pegasus even gazed down at her with a tender, loving smile. A look Twilight had honestly never seen on Rainbow's face, and it came to be just as astonishing as witnessing them having sex. This wasn't just sex between them. It was lovemaking.

Eventually she hurried out before they could see her.

Shaking her head of the memory, she felt a tightening in her stomach.

“Huh. I knew there was something going on between them.” Ascentia mused, shaking her head. “I caught the looks they gave each other from time to time.”

“Yeah, that's how I found out they were together all this time.” Twilight mumbled, shaking her head again. “And it was...kind of a turn on. I don't know why. I'm not attracted to either of them, and they're together.”

“It's the stimulation, Twilight. You saw a sexual display, and given the nature of sexual feeling, you were turned on by it. It's akin to reading or viewing pornography. Using sexual displays to stimulate you. And in some ways, because homosexuality is still frowned upon in many places, it's not always as prominent as relations or sex between a man and a woman. So it has that kind of an appeal. Many do find sex between two females to be a turn-on. The same with two men.”

“You seem to know a thing or two about it, don't you?”

“I don't claim this from personal experience. It's just the facts. People react to it in different ways at different levels, to be sure, and there are many who have no sex drives for whatever reason.”

Twilight nodded in agreement, digging her hoof into the floor. “True. But anyway, it's really not something I tend to think about unless I come across the topic in my studies or reading. I can't say I'm not curious, because I am, but I just don't know what to think of it sometimes. Admittedly, I've always wanted to see what it felt like, and be able to document on it, you know? ....Maybe that's part of my assignment... It could be part of why it's not a rush assignment!”

“Hmm, you might be on to something there, Twilight.” Ascentia remarked.

“I guess so,” Twilight produced another book from the shelf, levitating it over to herself with her magic. It was a book about sexual biology and reproduction, which was one of the more informative and scientific books on the subject that Twilight had on hoof. “You know, it's funny. I never even kissed anypony before.”

“You haven't?”

“Well, not unless you count kisses on the cheek or forehead with family members...”

Ascentia chuckled. “Well, in a certain way, they do count. But if you mean romantically, then you have not, am I right?”

“No, I haven't,” Twilight shook her head. “I've seen it happen between other ponies before, but I never experienced a full-on kiss first hoof.”

“That's not a big deal. Plenty of ponies your age or older have never kissed another, let alone experienced sexual relations. Not everyone goes at the same rate,” Ascentia said with indifference.

“Have you?”

“...Yes. I have.”

“What does it feel like? To kiss someone, I mean.”

Twilight looked up at the woman as she seemed to be contemplating something. Eventually, her gazed turned back to her, as they met eye-to-eye.

“It's not exactly something one can explain, Twilight. It's actually better to show it, to feel it for yourself.”

“...Good point,” Twilight realized, nodding in agreement. She took her notebook and a pen with her magic, jotting this down. “Okay, then you show me!”

Although not incapable of emoting, it was downright comical to see the woman's blank white eyes go wide and her jaw to drop slightly. Twilight wished she had her camera! She could barely keep her lips from twitching into a smile.

“Um, Twilight... I don't want to assume here, but did I just hear you correctly?”

Twilight smiled more. “Yeah! Why not? We're friends, aren't we?”

“Well, yes, but-”

“And we like each other just fine, right?”

“Yes, but-”

“And nopony's around to see it!”

“I know, but-”

“So what's the problem?”

Ascentia held up her hand then. “If I may get a word in, please?”

“Sorry,” Twilight retracted, “Go ahead.”

“Thank you. Now, Twilight, I see what you're trying to do, and that's natural. But I honestly think you should wait until you're sharing it with someone you do want to kiss.”

“It's just a kiss, Ascentia.”

“I'm aware of that. But I know how much all of this means to you.”

Twilight shook her head. “Look, I know I can overthink things a little bit and-”

“A little?” Ascentia rose a brow, a tiny smile quirking at her lips.

“...Okay, I tend to have a bad habit of over-thinking things too often, but I'm serious here. But if you really don't want to, it's okay. Call it practice!”

Ascentia was silent for a few moments before she responded, “It's not that I don't want to. I just don't want you to regret it later.”

“Why would I? I'd look back and think pretty fondly of it. I'd be fine with having shared it together.” Twilight reasoned. “It's okay.”

For some time, they remained silent. Especially Ascentia, who had a very unreadable expression on her face by then. She then cleared her throat, for what reason, Twilight didn't know, and came around to face her.

“All right, Twilight. If you really don't mind this, I'll show you how it feels. However, should you regret this, I do apologize, but you did ask for it.”

Twilight nodded, feeling her cheeks burn for some reason. “Fair enough.”

Oftentimes in romance novels or films, the buildup to the first kiss was always slow and deliberate. To just build it up and add to the romantic tension. But here, in real life, it was none of those things. Ascentia did lean in slowly, but not to the point of complete dragging out. Twilight gathered her nerve and leaned in as well, meeting her halfway.

Their lips fell smack up to each other, just pressing together as if they were upon a flat surface. Neither of them moved, they only stared at each other.

Ascentia pulled back slightly to speak, “You have to tilt your head a bit, Twilight. And actually move your mouth, slowly. Not as if you're trying to eat me, just moving your lips.”

“Okay...” Twilight nodded. “Let's try it, then.”

The two leaned in, their lips meeting in the middle once more. This time they closed around each other, especially as Twilight tilted her head just so, and felt Ascentia's lips gently add pressure over her own. She responded as such, trying to match her movements as best as she could.

It lasted a few moments, before pulling away.

A little girlish giggle escaped the unicorn as she looked away, blushing a bit. “You know...that was pretty nice.”

“...Yes, it was.”

Twilight beamed, feeling as if her body were tingling and on fire at the same time. The strange feeling of lips upon her own actually felt strange, yet in a good way. Something over your lips did sometimes feel uncomfortable or prohibiting, but two lips meeting each other in a kiss surprisingly felt as if it were a nice pairing. Like peanut butter and jelly.

She liked it.

She really liked it.

Turning to the Val'Kyr, who seemed to be deep in thought, she cleared her throat.

“Ascentia...can I...can we do that again?”

A small smile traced Ascentia's lips. “Of course.”

If anypony asked Twilight what just happened, there would only be one simple answer.

“I have no idea.”

And she didn't.

Because right now, she was laying atop of Ascentia, on her bed, and they were kissing. More like making out, as most referred to it as. She wasn't even sure how many times they'd kissed, how long they were going at it right now.

But as it were, they eventually found themselves in her room, on her bed, making out like wild animals.

Was it getting hot in there? Twilight felt a lot warmer than earlier.

Ascentia's hands were running along her body, even going as low as her flank, and Twilight enjoyed the feeling. Tingles and shivers ran through her body, pooling in her stomach with intense heat. She in turn coursed her hooves along the under robes that Ascentia was currently wearing. Ascentia flinched every now and then, stiffening, as if uncomfortable.

The need to breathe was getting the better of them, to which Twilight pulled away, crawling further onto her and laying their foreheads together.

“...I like it,” the unicorn admitted, her voice soft as she panted. “I really do.”

“Then...I was worried for nothing,” Ascentia said, running a hand through her mane.

Twilight rose an eyebrow as she looked into her blank eyes. “You were worried?”

“Weren't we experimenting, because of your assignment?” Came her response, tease laced in her tone.

That much was true, but she just couldn't find herself formulating an appropriate reply to that. If anything, she just didn't care anymore. All that she knew was the feeling, the immensely strange but awesome feeling.

“It doesn't matter, I like how it feels.”

“I can show you more. If you'd like.”

Twilight responded by kissing her again, deeply this time. Ascentia's tongue ran along her lips, to which the pony opened her mouth to receive it. Their tongues engaged in a battle of dominance, exploring each other's mouths. Low moans escaped Twilight's throat, vibrating in between.

Once more, the woman's hands ran along her body and sides, gripping her flank gently. Trembling a bit with pleasure, Twilight's body responded to her touch any which way. The kissing combined with the intimate touching pooled the heat in her stomach all the more, practically lost within it all by now.

The feeling escalated, the movements escalated. Especially upon the feeling of Ascentia's hand trailing beneath her, along her thighs.

“Ooohh!” Twilight squealed, breaking away and giggling. “That tickles.”

“...Really now?” Ascentia's voice was clear with her intention.

Twilight's eyes went wide. Her brain uttered two words.

Uh-oh.

Before anything else could be said or done, Twilight was flipped onto her back, and was tickled. Ascentia just attacked, running her fingers along Twilight's stomach and sides, all of her sensitive, ticklish spots. It sent the unicorn into hysterics as she thrashed beneath her, squealing and laughing.

“S-S-Stop it!!!”

But Ascentia didn't relent. She chuckled, continuing to tickle her for a few moments, and then let her go.

“No fair....you have fingers....” Twilight pouted, panting a bit from all the laughing she'd been doing.

The woman shrugged a bit. “Oh, well.”

Twilight stuck her tongue out childishly, only for Ascentia's hand to stroke along her thigh. She groaned a bit, trembling from the touch. The fingers strayed very close toward her marehood, but avoided that area for a moment. Instead, they went a bit higher, toward her mammary glands.

“I'm not an expert in equine anatomy,” Ascentia admitted, her fingers exploring that particular area. “so forgive me if I'm not quite supposed to be doing that.”

“It's....it's-oooh, okay...” Twilight uttered, trembling a bit more. “They're not very sensitive, anyway.”

The woman continued her ministrations along the small, pert nipples, squeezing them gently. Ascentia leaned down, nuzzling and kissing along Twilight's neck, to which the unicorn giggled and sighed.

“I'll keep going if you want me to.”

Twilight nodded, “I-I do... I feel aroused...”

Going lower, Ascentia's hand trailed along Twilight's genitalia, massaging along it and applying pressure. Twilight moaned in pleasure, bucking her hips lightly. The sexual pleasure coursed through her like a tingling wave, taking her along for the ride.

“Does it feel all right?”

“Y-Yes!”

The lavender mare trembled, spreading her hind legs further apart, her head sinking further into her pillow. When a finger gave some attention to her nub, it was enough to send her into quaking pleasure. Moans escaped her lips, growing louder as a finger gently penetrated her entrance.

“Agh!” Twilight grunted from the intrusion, squirming a little bit.

Looking mildly alarmed, Ascentia removed her hand, using her free one to run through Twilight's mane. “I'm sorry. Was that too much? Are you all right?”

“It just...felt weird. I never...well, inserted anything in there,” Twilight admitted, looking away a bit.

“That's understandable. Insertion within vaginal walls can feel odd at first. Would you like to stop?”

“No...keep going...”

Nodding, Ascentia carefully returned her hand and finger within the inner walls of Twilight's marehood. While the insertion still felt strange, Twilight took a few breaths and managed to get herself used to the feeling, especially as Ascentia carefully inserted and withdrew the digit, mimicking what that of a stallion would do.

“A-As...centia...” Twilight uttered in a breathy moan, bucking her hips lightly in response. “Y-You can keep going...”

“For you, Twilight...I will.” Came Ascentia's soft response.

The ministrations along her marehood continued as the pleasure built up within. Twilight moaned louder, both in strangled versions of Ascentia's name and even just wordless squeaks. Like an erupting volcano, the ecstasy grew stronger, Twilight could feel herself getting close.

All at once, her climax came. It was a lot less than the mind-blowing spectacle she often read about, but it still felt good none the less. The very pleasurable feeling Twilight hadn't felt before was now slowly fading as her muscles relaxed. Sure enough, the books had described it as something of an explosive feeling, followed by the releasing leakage of her cervical liquids.

“Mm, that didn't take too long...” Ascentia observed, a small smile on her face.

Twilight panted a bit as she managed to regain control of her breathing, her body relaxing all the more. “I've never...orgasmed before.... It felt...not how I expected it. But...yeah, I really liked it...it felt great.”

Nodding briefly, the Val'Kyr leaned down and kissed her on the forehead, beside her horn. “That's well and good that you enjoyed it, Twilight.”

The two lay silent for a while, reflecting upon what had happened just then. Twilight wondered then, what was this going to mean now? Essentially, she had lost her virginity. What was this going to mean? She liked the feeling, and it seemed that Ascentia didn't mind offering it. Would that mean their relationship could continue that way? Would sexual play be a part of it?

Or did it mean something more?

Twilight wasn't sure. But she pushed those thoughts out of her mind for the time being, managing to sit up a little.

“Ascentia, I...do you want it, too? I mean...I don't feel right doing all the taking and not giving something back.”

This made Ascentia's eyes go wide for a moment, before she averted her gaze. “...Twilight, I understand the sentiment and I appreciate it. But you really don't have to.”

“Why not?” Twilight sat up completely now, looking to her with confused concern.

Gaze averted, Ascentia didn't respond for a few moments. All she did was wring her fingers, angle her head slightly to look at anything else but at her, and utter little breaths and sighs. Obviously, there was something wrong with the situation, and Twilight could feel herself growing more and more worried by the second.

“It's not...that I don't want you, Twilight. It has nothing to do with that. I'm just not a sexual person. I'm fine with giving...but receiving, I really am not comfortable with that. You...have seen what an abomination my body is, the scars aren't even scratching the surface-” she paused, realizing the pun she'd made, “...All right, bad figure of speech. The point is though, I'm really not comfortable with receiving it. It's nothing personal by any means.”

“...Oh...” Twilight murmured with disappointment. Not even just at the fact that she couldn't experience pleasuring someone else, but especially a friend like Ascentia. Who had agreed to kiss her, then agreed to get her off. Now she couldn't even return the favour. “...Well, I don't even have fingers, so I don't know how far we'd get.”

For a few moments, Ascentia looked at her, before she chuckled, hiding a smile behind her hand. “After all of that, and you lament about not having any fingers?”

“Hey! I'm being serious here! Stop laughing!” Twilight pouted, her cheeks puffing up.

“Oh, Twilight,” Ascentia reached over, poking one of her cheeks to deflate them. “why would I? You're so amusing.”

Childishly, the unicorn stuck her tongue out. Not missing a beat, the woman did so right back. This time, Twilight couldn't hold back from laughing. They shared a laugh together, managing to break the nervous tension within the room. Once they relaxed, Ascentia drew Twilight into a hug, ruffling her mane. Twilight returned it, snuggling into the Val'Kyr fondly.

“Listen, Ascentia, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pressure you.”

“You didn't pressure me in the slightest, Twilight. There's no need to be sorry. You didn't know I was uncomfortable with this, you couldn't have. Perhaps, yes, I should have been specific beforehand...but even I would not have imagined this to happen. However, it's as I said, I appreciate the sentiment. I see why you would want to return the favour, and I do not penalize you for it.”

“...Can I at least kiss you again?” Twilight asked, pulling back a bit to look at her.

A small smile crossed Ascentia's lips, to which she nodded. “I'll be honest. I'd like that.”

The unicorn leaned up and kissed her tenderly, which the woman returned almost immediately. In doing so, Twilight felt her body being gently lowered back down onto the bed, to which she responded by encircling her forelegs around the Val'Kyr's shoulders. Much like earlier on, before they'd fallen into making out, their kiss was slower and more tender, taking its time to grow into its meaningful message.

Twilight was completely unsure as to what their relationship was, or was going to be. But there was one thing for sure. They did care for one another, they were friends. That was all Twilight knew, and needed to know right now.

Intense.

Things had gone a step further by now.

Twilight was collapsed over Ascentia's body, with her hips having been pulled down. Along with that, the hot lips and tongue were running along her marehood at a brisk pace. Yet still at a level of pacing that allowed her to absorb the moment and feeling. The unicorn moaned loudly, angling her flank along to grant better access.

It was intense, it was amazing. She couldn't help but thoroughly enjoy the strange but amazing feeling of Ascentia's mouth along her privates. Twilight mused about how this must have been how Fluttershy felt back upon witnessing the shy pony being given oral sex...

Licks, sucking, hums, and nibbles all combined for immense waves of white-hot pleasure ripping through the studious unicorn. The way Ascentia's hands gripped and sometimes caressed along her hips and hind legs, gave way for sensual tingles to course through her skin.

“Y-Yeah....! Ohhhh....! Ascentia....yes!! Keep going!” Twilight cried, her voice breaking into pleasured squeaks.

Chuckles sounded from beneath her, which emitted vibrations within her pleasured marehood. The woman's mouth then opted to give attention to her clitoris, amping up the pleasured jolts.

Moaning louder, Twilight struggled hard to keep herself upraised, but her forelegs collapsed as her upper body fell over. Her flank was upraised ever slightly so as not to suffocate Ascentia, but the angle was still a little bit uncomfortable for her. Nonetheless, she endured it, willing to ride this out, to see it through. The pleasure was more intense than being fingered, which in itself was still wonderful, and Twilight couldn't stop now if she tried.

However, Ascentia did stop, withdrawing her mouth. This made the pony whimper in protest, especially since she was drawing close.

Without a word, the Val'Kyr flipped them over once more, laying Twilight on her back. Before she could question this, Ascentia silenced her with a kiss. She was powerless against her now.

Pulling away, she then lowered herself down the equine's body, holding down her hips. Twilight looked amazed when Ascentia then dipped her head and returned her mouth to her marehood, resuming her actions from before. This time, their eyes met, remaining locked.

Twilight came almost instantly. It was all it took.

But it didn't stop there.

Ascentia continued this, even after Twilight had ridden out her climax, and inserted two fingers within her entrance. The added stimulation sent Twilight into squirms and twitches, her hips bucking every now and again.

“Ascentia...”

More hums were emitted into her vaginal walls, the fingers continued thrusting in and out, with her nub being ceaselessly attacked. Twilight was lost in an oblivion of the white-hot pleasure she was receiving, too powerless to fight against it, no matter how intense it was getting.

As it went, Twilight came twice more, each orgasm stronger than the previous, which was saying quite a lot. By then, her body was spent and she just wanted to rest. Whether or not Ascentia knew this was a mystery, but she pulled her fingers out and her mouth away, releasing her. Twilight gripped her hand with her hooves, bringing it to her mouth and licking them sensually. The taste of herself was so erotic and strange, she couldn't help but partake. It was especially a bonus to lick Ascentia's fingers, on top of that.

“You really make the cutest noises, Twilight. Especially when you come,” Ascentia remarked, licking her other hand of the lovejuices Twilight's marehood had leaked.

Panting, Twilight met her gaze again as she licked her fingers. “Natural reaction, I guess... Th-Thank you, for this... I feel pretty amazing...”

Smiling a little bit, Ascentia leaned down and kissed her nose. “You're welcome, Twilight. I'm glad you enjoyed it.”

“Will....we...do this again?”

“I can't say for sure, in all honesty. It would depend. But I can't say I'm opposed to it, should you decide you want it again. Twilight, all I advise is that you not get too attached. If only because...you deserve far better. You deserve someone-somepony, sorry-who will give you their all. While love and I may not get along, that doesn't mean you and it can't get along. I don't want you to feel obligated to stay attached to me, if you do meet somepony you are attracted to and want to be with. You're free to do as you please. I say this with all my heart; I want you to be happy. With whatever you choose.”

Twilight could see her point, and knew that it was meant for the good of her own feelings. At the same time, for now, she almost couldn't imagine sharing this with somepony else, mare or stallion. At the same time, she knew that if the chance came and she wanted it, she would take it. Would it be hard? Probbably. Was it ever going to happen? It might. Just because something didn't happen now didn't mean it wouldn't occur at a later point in time.

But for now, maybe it was time to let nature take its course. That was pretty much the best option she could think of on the fly. Who knew what she would think of further on up the road.

“Well, Ascentia...I think this changes things a little,” Twilight admitted.

“A little?” Ascentia teased lightly.

“Oh, stop it. You know what I mean. Well, I don't know how I'm going to feel in the future, let alone tomorrow morning. But for now, well, if you're up to that...” Twilight leaned up to nuzzle their noses affectionately. “I really like sharing this with you, Ascentia... I really do. It can our little secret, for lack of a better term.”

A soft chuckle escaped the woman as she ran a hand through her mane. “You're adorable, Twilight. I suppose we can manage that for now. We'll talk more about it later, when you're ready.”

“Sure thing. Now, let's go to sleep.”

The two lay side by side, with Twilight making a mental note to herself to wash the sheets later. She turned to lie on her side, curling her legs in as she yawned, settling beneath the covers as she used her magic to pull the blanket over them. Ascentia scooted a bit closer, bringing an arm around her midsection, spooning her. Twilight stiffened slightly from surprise, but otherwise welcomed the contact.

“Ascentia?”

“Mm-hmm?”

“You know what I just realized the books never touched on about sexual relations between two ponies?”

“Mm, and what's that?”

“The emotional gravity it all comes with.”

There was silence on Ascentia's end, before she chuckled lightly, “That's very true. In almost any book on the matter I have read, it never quite does address the emotional aspects of it. That's mostly because the physical aspects are fairly more important. When it comes to the emotions, that usually comes from sentient beings, and there is no size that fits all. Whatever one feels is up to them when it happens.”

“...Yeah, I guess you're right,” Twilight murmured, yawning a bit. “Oh well...there's always tomorrow. Goodnight, Ascentia.”

“Goodnight, Twilight.”

“What, no bedtime story?”

Ascentia pinched her playfully, chuckling, “Once upon a time, there existed a land without magic.”

“A land without magic?”

There was laughter between the two as they playfully quipped a little more before settling down to sleep. What tomorrow, or the rest of the week, and the future itself would hold was very uncertain. Yet, intriguing all the same.

Dear Princess Celestia,

This isn't my full report, because I realized something. It doesn't have an end. Not quite in the same way any other lesson is learned, where you know it and can take it to heart. Here, I have a lot more to learn. But what I have come to learn is this.

Sometimes, someone you care about will do something wonderful for you. And when you try to give something back, sometimes they don't want it. That doesn't mean that they don't appreciate the gesture, it's just that they don't need it. Sometimes, what they give and seeing your reaction to it is all they need. Because they made someone they care about happy.

I learned this through a very wonderful experience I had with my friend Ascentia. I can't go into details about it, but it is drawing me closer along with my new assignment. And as well as that, learning a new lesson in friendship.

Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle

Author's Note

All right, to any of my readers who are now saying "NG, what the HELL did you just write?!", allow me to explain. This was written as a request to a friend of mine. It was NOT my idea. As well as that, it became a bit of an experiment for me, and I did still want to take it seriously.

I am not, by ANY means, asking you guys to read this. If you did want to, fine! Go ahead! If you didn't, that's okay too! I won't be offended if you don't. Frankly, I posted this, as she requested...and to see what would happen. XD We'll be back to our normally schedule programming soon.

I left the ending open because not only did the natural progression of the story lead up to it that way, but because I felt that concluding it felt way too soon. Plus, I was on a bit of a deadline at the time of writing it, so I didn't want it to drag any longer than it had to. To be honest, I'm very satisfied with how it ended and turned out as a whole.

Whether or not I will make further follow-ups to this is entirely uncertain at this point. I won't rule it out completely, but I am NOT making any promises right now.

Lastly, as you saw, this IS connected to Doomsday Ascending, as it is linked in the description. I do advise you to read the story first, so that you can get a better understanding of what's going on. But it's not hugely necessary, either.

Open Up

Upon waking up the next morning, Twilight could feel something around her middle. She squirmed a little bit, trying to loosen herself from it, but whatever it was, didn't seem to budge. Opening her eyes to the intruding light source, she yawned and tried to discern whatever was holding her back.

Green filled her vision, which confused her for a moment. She didn't have green blankets or sheets, nor did she sleep in or with a green article of clothing. What was going on here?

Disoriented from having just slipped out of the dream world, the unicorn squirmed a little bit. The green grip around her loosened ever slightly. When she focused, she could see Ascentia half sitting up in bed beside her, holding an open book in her free hand.

“Oh!” Twilight squeaked, wide-eyed, “H-Hey! I...oh...sorry.”

Ascentia smiled a bit, shaking her head, “Why are you sorry? I was the one responsible for startling you.”

“I-well I... Never mind, I'm fine,” Twilight waved it off and yawned. “So...last night happened, didn't it?”

“I wouldn't lie to you and call it a dream.”

“...Guess not. Me neither.”

The woman chuckled, ruffling her mane and then getting up. “I will say, you certainly seemed to be feeling better about everything.”

Twilight blushed a bit, managing to smile. “What can I say, you just, I don't know...have a way, I guess.”

“A way with what?”

“I'm hungry.”

It took all of Twilight's strength not to laugh at the Val'Kyr's baffled expression. Unfortunately, it was proved fruitless when giggles escaped her.

“Sorry, I had to,” she said, shaking her head. “Actually, what I was trying to say was...” Twilight slowly climbed off her bed, hiding the fact that she was blushing. “You really had a way of helping me relax. I feel a lot better about everything, and that maybe it really can work out. I guess I worry too much, don't I?”

With an assuring smile, Ascentia gently stroked her mane for a moment before retrieving two brushes. A mane brush and a coat brush. Instructing Twilight to sit, she sat back on the bed and proceeded to brush her mane gently.

“Perhaps a little. Though I can't blame you for it, either. It's a whole new experience for you,” Ascentia murmured.

“Yeah, it is,” Twilight agreed, closing her eyes as she relaxed all the more from the comforting brushing. “But I think we can make it work. We'll just have to, I don't know, play it by ear. If you're okay with that.”

The brushing continued as the woman was silent for a couple of moments. Worried, Twilight tried to glance over her shoulder, only for her mane to be tugged gently in a way to tell her to keep still. The unicorn did so, facing straight ahead.

“As long as you're all right with that,” Ascentia said finally. “I wouldn't want to pressure you.”

“You're not. I mean, I just hope I'm not pressuring you, either.”

“Don't be silly. You aren't pressuring me in the slightest.”

Smiling, the unicorn relaxed all the more into the gentle brushing of her mane. A few more strokes and the brush was pulled away. Twilight stood, allowing her tail to be brushed.

“After all,” Ascentia went on, grasping the end of Twilight's tail in her hand while she brushed through it, “as long as you feel good, that's enough for me. And you remember that I said...”

Twilight shuddered as the woman's lips touched her ear.

“You make the cutest noises.”

Blushing, Twilight giggled a bit. “You flatter me.”

“I'm only telling the truth.”

“Twilight!” Spike's voice sounded from the other side of the door. “Rarity and Fluttershy are here, they're waiting downstairs. Are you up and ready?”

Flinching, Twilight held her breath, almost as if she were afraid that Spike could see through the door. But then again, he was used to Ascentia being around often, so it likely wouldn't phase him that she was here. In fact, considering she used to either stay in or near her bedroom during the night, which Spike knew of, it was going to seem like an everyday occurrence to him.

Exhaling, she relaxed herself as her companion continued brushing her.

“Yep, I'm up! I'm just brushing myself, I'll be down in a few minutes.”

“Okay!” Spike said from the other side of the door. “I'll be downstairs!”

Exhaling once again, this time in relief, Twilight relaxed. “I'm really getting a little too on edge about this.”

“Nearly getting caught can do that,” Ascentia remarked.

“I know...” Twilight pouted a bit, digging her hoof into the floor. “I guess I just don't know what they're going to think. I'm beginning to think they suspect something is up between us. Pumpkin was telling me that last night, when I got there.”

“How so?”

“Well...she kind of...knew about us.”

Ascentia paused in brushing, but that was also when she placed the mane brush aside and went to work on brushing Twilight's coat.

“Oh my. She certainly is very sharp if she figured it out.”

“That's what I thought, too! She knew from smelling me that I'd done that, and then I guess she put two and two together.”

“Well... It seems she developed quite a social conscience for such a young filly.” Remarked the Val'Kyr, still brushing Twilight's coat.

“You're telling me,” Twilight agreed, arching a little in response to the brushing, “she really had grown up pretty quickly. Mrs. Cake had shown her and Pound a basic book about where foals come from, so that's partly how she even knew about sex to begin with.”

“Skipping the silly theories they often use on children?”

“Uh-huh, that's exactly it. I just hope she doesn't tell anypony about it, though. Pinkie knows, but I didn't tell her it was with you. Rainbow...suspects it, but I managed to throw her off course.” Twilight said.

“Mm-hmm...” Ascentia finished brushing her, and placed the brushes aside. “Well, it is up to you in the long run, Twilight. You don't have to tell them until you're ready.”

The unicorn stretched her newly brushed body, nodding as she stood up straight. “You're right, I'll see what I can do about that.”

They left her room, going downstairs. Sure enough, Rarity and Fluttershy were waiting in the main room of the library, alongside Spike, who was entertaining them with some stories. Upon seeing them coming in, the three perked and smiled. Most especially Rarity, who was smiling brightly.

“Twilight, darling! Good morning!” Rarity enveloped her into a hug. “It has been some time, hasn't it?”

“Yeah, I guess!” Twilight hugged her back. “What are you girls doing around here?”

“Well...we're on our way to the spa, actually,” Fluttershy said, a bit of a nervous edge laced in her tone. “We wanted to know if you'd like to come with us.”

Twilight was about to respond, but Rarity had inadvertently cut her off when upon discovering the state of Ascentia's hair.

“Ascentia, darling, whatever happened to your hair?!”

Unfazed, Ascentia gave a shrug, fingering a few strands of her deep red hair. “Nothing, really. I just hadn't washed or brushed it yet. In my line of work, one tends to not bother. The constant chance of blood getting everywhere tends to render it moot.”

“I would say so! It's quite a bit limp and frizzy!” Rarity stood on her hind legs, feeling the strands with her hooves. Her eyes went wide with shock. “Good gracious! It's quite coarse! Darling, this simply won't do! A woman such as yourself should not have to walk around with your hair in such a state! You have such beautiful hair, it simply cannot remain this way!”

“Don't you worry about it. It's just the result of the harsh environments I have faced over the years. It's not a big deal,” Ascentia waved it off.

“Darling, I insist! I will take care of your hair after we return from the spa! Why, you even had split ends!”

“That's fine, I can manage it myself. I appreciate the offer, but not this time.”

“A second pair of eyes always helps, most especially when it comes to hair!” Fretted the white unicorn, shaking her head.

A sigh escaped Ascentia as her voice rose a bit to a warning octave. “I realize that, but I don't-”

“Rarity, take a good look at my face and ask yourself if styling my hair would be the equivalent of milking a dead cow,” Ascentia snapped, quickly growing irritated with the unicorn's persistance.

“Hey, never mind, you guys!” Twilight cut in between them. “Let's go to the spa, shall we? We don't want to be late!”

Fluttershy nodded in all too agreement with that. “Yes, we should go.”

In a brief moment, Fluttershy looked Ascentia in the eye, an eyebrow raised. Ascentia looked back with an expression that conveyed the message 'Not a word' to her.

“If you insist, darling!” Rarity said, as if forgetting what she was doing. “Let us be off!”

Twilight sighed with relief, glad that things didn't have to get ugly. She couldn't help but think that it was almost like attempting to get Rainbow Dash to get her mane done. Only not nearly as fussy.

A little later, at the spa, the three ponies were now relaxing in the sauna, wearing their robes and towels wrapped around their heads. Twilight felt more relaxed, glad to have agreed to coming along for the spa excursion. Rarity and Fluttershy lay on either side of her, relaxing quietly.

'Maybe I'm overreacting about everything. It's nice that I can just enjoy the spa with-'

“Twilight, you must tell me your secret! You're glowing wonderfully, dear!”

Twilight's eyes snapped open as she sat up. “What? What do you mean?”

“I mean, you're positively glowing!” Rarity said, sitting up as well, “You look so healthy, so radiant! How in the world did you do that?”

Fluttershy, meanwhile, looked nervous as she bit her lip, saying nothing.

“I...don't do anything, I haven't done anything differently!” The lavender unicorn defended, trying to mask how nervous she was feeling.

“Really?” Rarity tilted her head curiously. “Well, that's kind of odd. Fluttershy said the same thing a few months back! It had been the day after that party... And we had gone to the spa to recoup from that night's events. She was positively radiant, and even has been since!”

“Well...it's as I said...I just used a different kind of facial cream...” Fluttershy smiled nervously, clearly lying.

“Uh...yeah! I think, that's the reason I was, too... I uh, tried out a new cream!” Twilight threw in, hoping to sound convincing.

The white unicorn beamed, clapping her hooves, “Ooh! How delightful! You'll have to tell me this product, then! I hadn't seen either of you looking radiant!”

Twilight glanced at Fluttershy, seeing that the timid pony was clearly hiding something as well. Considering what she knew, she had a good feeling that she was also trying to cover up her own friends with benefits affair. But what did a glowing coat have to do with it? That was the real question at hoof. Either way, she was going to consult her books when she got home.

Clearing her throat, Fluttershy nodded. “I uh...don't remember the name off the top of my head, but I'll tell you when I do...”

Luckily, this was when Aloe and Lotus let them know that the next portion of their spa treatment was ready. Twilight heaved a relieved sigh, getting off the bench and following her friends to the next room. Aside from how she was apparently glowing, Rarity didn't seem to suspect anything. If she did, she wasn't saying anything about it. At least, not right now.

She just hoped they would get through this spa date without any such thing happening.

In the other room, they were set up on tables for hooficures and massages, which Twilight happily accepted. Considering the tension in her shoulders, it was just the relief she needed. Fluttershy was receiving a hooficure, while Rarity was getting a facial. Aside from occasional remarks or small talk, Twilight was glad for it being fairly quiet and relaxing between them.

“So...” Fluttershy spoke up softly. It was a bit of a surprising feat, she wasn't always the one to start conversations. “Um... H-How was your evening, Twilight?”

“My evening?” Twilight felt a shudder. But moreover, was wondering what was wrong with Fluttershy and why she seemed nervous about her question. Even for her, it was odd. “Oh, it was good. I went to spend time with Pinkie and the twins, since she was looking after them for the evening. We had some fun, actually! We were telling scary stories, and Ascentia showed up to scare us! It was pretty funny.”

“Oh! Well, that's pretty nice...” Fluttershy smiled nervously, but laughed a bit.

“Indeed! That surely is quite an appropriate entrance!” Rarity remarked.

Even Twilight couldn't help but giggle at that. “You're right! So before we put the twins to bed, we did a roleplaying game and-”

“Pinkie's idea.” Rarity interjected knowingly. “It was, wasn't it?”

“You thought right!” The lavender mare nodded. “Pinkie had me playing a distressed damsel Princess, she was an evil megalomaniac Queen, and Ascentia playing the knight. It was...yeah, I thought it was kind of lame and childish, but as I look back, it was fun to do. Especially with Ascentia playing it straight like she was, and Pinkie was entertaining as always.”

“Sounds like fun, Twilight,” Fluttershy smiled, looking a lot less nervous.

Twilight smiled fondly and nodded, “It really was. So, after the twins were put to bed, we left and headed back to the library. That's about it, really. I read and went to bed after, since it was pretty late at the time.”

“At least you had fun! I was up quite late finishing an order to be sent out to Canterlot!” Rarity said, making a dramatic motion. “The unfortunate delays made it almost difficult to complete!”

Glad for the subject being taken away from her, Twilight looked over to the fashion artist curiously. “What happened?”

“Poor Sweetie Belle came down with pneumonia this past weekend, and because mother and father had been out of town, I had to look after her since Thursday. Then I had to go see her teacher at school yesterday to stand-in for our parents.” Rarity sighed, shaking her head. “I am not entirely sure what caused it, however. Though I assume it may have had to do with the crusading she does with her friends.”

“Oh... Rainbow and I were looking after Scootaloo, since she was sick on our watch the other day.” Fluttershy said, shaking her head. “She said that they were trying to get their cutie marks in scuba diving for buried treasure. They went into the Winding River to try to find the sunken ocean liner down there, The Empress of Celtics.”

“What?!” Twilight gaped, as did Rarity. “But the river that deep down is freezing cold and not to mention dangerous for inexperienced divers! They wouldn't be able to navigate the sunken ocean liner!”

“It certainly explains why the girls were sick!” Rarity groaned, shaking her head. “Sweetie Belle must have known I would be furious, she didn't tell me THAT part.”

“We knew Scootaloo was lying, when she was trying to tell us otherwise,” Fluttershy murmured, shaking her head. “So she finally fessed up and told us. We didn't tolerate it, of course.”

“No kidding. I remember one time, when I was taking Pumpkin for a nature study walk, she ended up stepping in poison ivy. Eventually, she had a pretty bad reaction to it, but was trying to hide it so that she wouldn't trouble me. Of course, it ended up in getting a huge mess on hooves, and I had to take her home to the Cakes and Pinkie, trying to explain everything without looking irresponsible.” Twilight recalled the memory, sighing a bit.

“Heavens to mercy, that must have been embarrassing!” Remarked the white mare, shaking her head.

Twilight gave a nod, sitting up when the masseuse had finished massaging her back. “You're telling me, it was.”

“I...suppose a lot of things can be...embarrassing...” Fluttershy said, clearing her throat. “Um, so! We're getting off topic now... Um...did uh...anything else happen, Twilight? You know, since last night? During last night?”

Raising a brow, Twilight wondered what she could possibly was trying to fish for and was trying to hide. “Um...nothing, really, like I said. I just went home and read a book before going to sleep.”

The timid mare opened her mouth to say something, but seemed to decide against it as she then went quiet. Once more, Twilight was left wondering what was going on with her. Even Rarity seemed a bit confused, despite that it was hard to tell behind the cucumber slices over her eyes.

“Fluttershy, darling...are you all right?”

“Yes, I'm fine.” Fluttershy said, looking away.

“...Okay...well, um...what about you? What were you up to?” Twilight asked curiously. She then nodded to Lotus, who was holding up a horn file, allowing her horn to be filed.

“Me? Oh, nothing... I was just out with Rainbow. She was practicing some tricks during the afternoon, and afterward, we went to Cloudsdale. For old time's sake, we went to our favourite diner, where we went to a lot growing up...” Fluttershy smiled then, laying her chin on her hooves as she stared ahead dreamily. “After that, we flew around a little bit before she took me home.”

Twilight bit her lip, wondering if anything else happened after that. 'I wonder if Rainbow told her...that I knew...? I don't know, it's hard to tell.' “Well, that sounds like it was a fun time, wasn't it?”

“It certainly is, dear.” Rarity agreed. “My, you two really have been spending so much time together lately! Why, you even have taken to spending time with her when she takes Scootaloo for flying lessons and the like!”

Blushing, the pink-maned pegasus looked away again. “Well, I want to be able to help Scootaloo, and the three of us do have fun together.”

“That's just lovely!” Giggled the white unicorn, clearly delighted by this. “It wouldn't surprise me if the three of you were mistaken as a family!”

“A family? Well, sure, Scootaloo sees Rainbow as a big sister, and lately she even sees me as a sister to her, as well.” Shrugged Fluttershy.

Twilight knew that to be true, but wondered what Rarity was getting at. Moreover, if she really was, she couldn't help but wonder how Fluttershy would react to that, all things considered.

“A-Anyway...um...what are you two planning for today?” A nervous Fluttershy then said, changing the topic.

“Mmm...well I do have a few new dresses for my latest line that I have to make. They are some new designs I had drawn up last week, but hadn't had the chance to try. Perhaps I'll have them finished by tomorrow.” Rarity said thoughtfully. “How about you, dears?”

“Nothing much for me, I think my agenda is mostly cleared. I might just go home and curl up with a good book.” Twilight smiled brightly at the idea. There were some books she'd been meaning to read for the past while.

Fluttershy closed her eyes as Aloe applied some facial cream to her features. “Rainbow has her weather duties today, and I promised Applejack I would help her shoo off some animals that were eating at their crops. I do keep trying to tell them not to, but I guess they can't help it. After that, I have to give Angel a checkup. He hates it, but it's for his own good, and he hates going to the vet.”

Now Twilight was curious as to why Fluttershy felt she had to mention Rainbow's plans for the day. Was there something else going on that she wasn't aware of? Or was she just that bad at hiding their affair?

“I see...” Something in Rarity's tone suggested that she was wondering the same thing. Turning to Twilight, she said, “Darling, there was something I was wondering. Considering that Ascentia is essentially the only one of her kind dwelling here...as far as we all know, how will she settle down, if she chooses to?”

“Oh, well, she does have her own little place.” Twilight said offhandedly. “She's kind of settled down, in a way.”

“True enough, dear, but I had also meant if she ever wanted to settle down with another.”

“With-oh!” Twilight realized what Rarity was getting at, and blinked. “I...never thought of that. She always said she just wasn't interested in any of the Val'Kyr, that she always politely turned them down if they propositioned her. I guess if she ever wanted to, she would, but I guess that's not on her mind right now.”

“Mmm...can't say I blame her.” Rarity admitted, shaking her head. “As darling as it would be to settle down with a special somepony, even I must admit that I do not have time for dating right now.”

The lavender unicorn stared off toward the ceiling, considering all of that. Ascentia and courting someone were not words that went together in the same sentence, as far as she was concerned. Aside from the woman's vague admittance that she'd had sexual experience, there wasn't much else beyond that. Whatever her past had been in that regard was a mystery. Twilight never thought to ask, and it was never actually brought up. Now, she was curious. But then again, it was probably best not to delve into that. More than likely, it was probably a memory she didn't want to think about, and Twilight felt it better to respect that.

'Still, I guess I can't help but wonder what will happen with that. What if she does fall in love someday? Will she still stay here? Or will she go back to the Capital? Will she bring her lover here? Would that mean we couldn't be friends with benefits anymore? Jeez...it's so confusing.' Twilight thought. She couldn't help but wonder why the thought of Ascentia being with someone in a romantic way made her a little uncomfortable to think about.

Before she could think further, Fluttershy spoke up again.

“I wouldn't mind settling down with-” Fluttershy cut herself off. “well, whoever I choose to be with someday.”

“...Fluttershy, what were you about to say?” Rarity asked, sounding suspicious.

“Um! Nothing at all!” Fluttershy squeaked.

Twilight rolled her eyes. She knew the signs of lying when it came to Fluttershy, considering how much of a lousy liar she was. “Fluttershy, don't lie to us. You were about to say something, but you clearly cut yourself off.”

“Darling....you have your eye on somepony, don't you?” Rarity was smiling then, clearly interested. “Oh, you must tell us! Who is the lucky pony?”

“I...I...I don't....” Squeaked the timid pony, cowering on her table.

“...You can tell us, if you want to, Fluttershy.” Twilight coaxed. She couldn't help feeling curious, all things considered.

Taking the cucumber slices off her eyes, Fluttershy actually looked sad rather than dreamy. “Fine. If you want to know, it's......-sh.”

“I beg your pardon?” Rarity leaned her head closer. “I didn't hear that.”

“-ow -ash...” Fluttershy mumbled incoherently.

Twilight held a hoof toward her ear and leaned closer as well. “One more time?”

“Rainbow Dash!!” The creamy yellow pegasus near-shouted.

Both unicorns were wide-eyed, especially since the cucumber slices fell from Rarity's eyes.

Twilight felt a stab of sympathy in her heart, as if it were shattering to pieces. Considering how Rainbow was adamant about not being in love with Fluttershy, she wondered if it truly was one-sided. Granted, it was likely that Rainbow could've been in denial, didn't want to admit it out loud, or didn't even realize she could have felt that way. But then again, what if she truly wasn't?

'Poor Fluttershy...if Rainbow really doesn't feel the same way...that's going to break her heart. Oh...maybe I should tell her what she told me, so that she won't have to face rejection from-no. I can't do that. Then she'll know I know their secret, and Rainbow made me promise not to tell. Wow... They're sleeping together, and Fluttershy must be in heaven... Yet, also struggling with her feelings... Poor thing. I wonder how Rainbow really feels?' Twilight thought, unsure of what to say about it all.

'This is a bit of a mess... What if that happens to me? What if I fall in love with Ascentia? I mean, that's crazy, isn't it? I don't feel that way! I mean, I love her, but I'm not IN love with her... But okay, let's pretend for a second. What if I felt that way about her? Well, she wouldn't feel that way about me. Why would she? I'm probably like a little sister or a daughter to her. If I liked her and told her, she'd probably say she was flattered but would turn me down. And after what we've done... I guess that would hurt a lot, wouldn't it? ...That must be what Fluttershy is going to feel.'

“Well!” Rarity said, breaking the silence. “I knew there was something between you two! That night we were having the get-together in Applejack's barn, the way you two were completely adorable and romantic to each other when you were both inebriated was-”

“Rarity, don't bring that up...” Fluttershy blushed immensely. “I... I just like her. But I know she can't possibly love me back.”

“Why not, darling? As much as she can be a barbaric ruffian, not to mention aggressive and rash...Rainbow Dash still is who she is, and your best friend. Who is to say she can't feel the same way?”

Twilight bit her lip, unsure about responding to that.

The creamy yellow pony sighed, shaking her head. “It's just not going to work. She doesn't want me, somepony who's meek, shy, slow, and pretty much is afraid of her own shadow. I know I'd support her in becoming a Wonderbolt and performing her tricks, of course I would. ...But that wouldn't be enough for her, would it? She needs somepony who's fast, daring, and adventurous just like her. Somepony who understands her. ...I can't be that kind of pony for her. I'm not good enough for her.” Tears were beginning to pool in her eyes at this point.

“...Oh. I'm sorry you feel that way, Fluttershy.” Twilight mumbled, feeling her heart sink. 'Reason number #456 why Ascentia and I wouldn't work out, either. She's so powerful and strong, and has that awesome sword... I'm just a regular old unicorn. How can I possibly live up to that? She'd want someone who could live up to her power. Oh, sure. I helped save Equestria on numerous occasions, helped reform the Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony, and helped save the Crystal Empire... But what kind of bargaining chip is that? ...Why am I even thinking of that?'

“Now Fluttershy, don't be ridiculous.” Rarity then said, her tone stern. “You can't possibly think that's true.”

Fluttershy didn't respond, which was also because Aloe and Lotus were now taking them for mud baths.

So now they sat in their own individual tubs of the mud baths, quiet for a little while. Twilight was mulling over what she had just learned, and wondered what could be done or said about it at this point. Of course, the obvious answer was that she couldn't say nor do anything about it.

'I mean... I can't tell Fluttershy that Rainbow doesn't love her... And I also can't tell Rainbow that Fluttershy loves her... That just isn't for me to tell her. Fluttershy would have to do it herself. But she'll be heartbroken... I bet I could help them if I just-no! I can't do that. No, I have to let them solve it on their own. Gosh, I wonder what will happen... They really would be so cute together. I know Rainbow tries to hide it, but she really is such a softie, and the way she is around Fluttershy is really sweet. It's like they really can be themselves with each other. ...Wow, I sound like a shipper. Well, I guess I can't help it, really. I just hope things work out for them.' Twilight thought, casting a sidelong glance toward her shy friend.

Fluttershy meanwhile, looked sad and contemplative, not looking at either of them.

“Fluttershy, darling, if I may ask...has Rainbow Dash ever indicated that you don't have a chance with her? Did she outright say any of that?”

“....No, she hasn't.” Fluttershy responded, shaking her head.

“Then how can you be so sure?” The white unicorn pressed gently.

Twilight bit her lip, looking downward at the mud.

“Perhaps you should take a chance, darling. If you want my opinion, you two would be rather adorable together! And I think the balance you two have would help a lot, not to mention your history together!” Rarity giggled, liking this idea more and more. “You really should at least try.”

“I-I can't... I wouldn't want to lose her as a friend if I told her how I feel.”

“Don't be silly. You know Rainbow far better than I do, and I think you would know that she wouldn't throw away a perfectly good friendship over something like that.”

Twilight had to admit, Rarity had a good point.

'Well, she's right. I don't think Rainbow would cast her aside for that, or any of us, really. We're all friends, and we can all get past that kind of thing. If one of them admitted they liked me, or heck, even Ascentia... Unlikely... But if that happened, I'd accept their feelings. The last thing I would ever do is make it harder for them.' Twilight thought, feeling a sense of assurance. 'I just wonder how Fluttershy will feel when she finds out the sad truth...if it's even the sad truth. ...Maybe I should find out how Rainbow feels, without being direct about it... Maybe then I'll give Fluttershy a nudge to try to have them take things further than just being friends with benefits. ...Jeez, I really need to keep out of this. But I guess there wouldn't be harm in finding out the truth.'

Fluttershy exhaled, but nodded her head slowly. “You're right about that. I suppose I was exaggerating a little. But I still just...well, don't think I can be up front about how I feel. I really don't know what I would do if she rejected me.”

“You'll just have to move on and accept it.” Twilight interjected. “I mean, rejection does feel awful, but you'll survive it, Fluttershy. You've been through worse.”

“...I know...” The sunny mare responded, not quite looking at either of them.

“Twilight is right in that, Futtershy. You'll be all right even if it doesn't work out. But that doesn't mean you can't try. On your own terms, you can certainly give it a chance.”

Fluttershy didn't say anything further, indicating she wanted to end this conversation topic. Twilight couldn't blame her. She just hoped everything would turn out okay.

'After all...that could be me...or Ascentia...'

“Hey, I'm back.” Twilight announced in a low voice as she entered the library, closing the door behind her with her magic.

“Welcome back.” Ascentia said, glancing at her as she placed a book on a high shelf.

Not even fazed with the fact that the Val'Kyr was still around, the unicorn gave a nod of acknowledgement and went to go sit at the table. She barely even looked up as Ascentia came up beside her, rubbing her back.

“Is something the matter, Twilight? Something seems to be bothering you.”

Sighing, the unicorn leaned against her companion for comfort. 'I'm just over-thinking the possibility since it's happening to one of my close friends. I'll be fine.' She thought. “It's nothing, really. I'm just overreacting, as usual.”

“And what makes you say that?”

“We were at the spa, and Fluttershy...well, it turns out she actually has a crush on Rainbow.” Twilight admitted, at least glad for that being part of the truth.

“I see. So, considering what you had said before, regarding Rainbow's...reactions to the possibility, it's likely Fluttershy's feelings are unrequited.” Ascentia gently stroked her mane.

Nodding, the lavender mare looked away. “Exactly. I guess I'm just really worried about that happening, and there's nothing I can do about it.”

“Of course there isn't. It's something they themselves have to handle on their own. Your worry is understandable, especially since they're your friends and you want them to be happy. Part of also lies in the fact that it's out of your control. Just about anyone feels uneasy about situations they can't control. However, it's something you just have to let play out on its own.” The woman told her.

“...Yeah, I guess you're right.” Twilight conceded, nuzzling her muzzle into the Ascentia's green robes. “I'll just have to let it all play out. ...By the way, I need to find a book.”

“Which one?”

“Er, any book on sexual-related biologies and all that stuff...”

Ascentia rose her brow. “Why?”

“Just 'cause.” Twilight's gaze averted again.

Chuckling with amusement, Ascentia shook her head and then stood up, going over to the bookshelves. “Perhaps this will help you.” She took out a book, bringing it over to her.

Taking it with her magic, Twilight blushed and flipped through the pages. Upon finding the entry she was looking for, now she understood. It was apparent that sexual hormones combined with the sweat perspired during intimate activity did indeed leave a healthy, glowing effect on a pony's coat and skin. Most especially in the face. It was no wonder she'd been complimented for that over the past couple of days.

“Great. Now I'm going to need makeup to cover this all up.” Twilight groaned, facehoofing.

“That's what you're worried about?” Ascentia wanted to know.

“...Well, Rarity noticed it, and when she pointed out that Fluttershy had the same thing happen, under what I could only assume were the same circumstances, that sex had something to do with it. I can't believe I forgot about reading the 'afterglow' effects all those years ago.” Twilight closed the book, placing it next to her on the floor rather than putting it away.

Taking the book, Ascentia put it away. “There is one surefire way to prevent the afterglow effect, you know.”

“And what way is that?” Twilight queried.

Glancing at her, the woman turned around and then sat down near her, stroking her mane. “To stop having sex altogether.”

It was an obvious solution, which was of course floating around the back of Twilight's mind. At the same time, it wasn't one she had to take, even if it was the best method to avoid embarrassment.

'Ascentia's my friend... I know I could just give it all up... But I really don't want to. I really enjoy what we have. It's private and not something I want to broadcast, I know, but that doesn't mean I have to avoid it altogether. ...No... I won't give this up. I'll only stop if she wants me to, and if I need to move on.'

Climbing into her lap, Twilight nuzzled the Val'Kyr and hugged her as best she could.

“If that's the only downside, then bring it on.”

Ascentia chuckled, hugging the small unicorn, “Ah, to be young and horny.”

Twilight responded by pushing against her until the chair fell backward and Ascentia was on her back, Twilight resting on her chest. She wasted no time in pressing her lips to Ascentia's, moaning softly and running her hooves over her upper torso.

When they broke apart, Ascentia was half smirking, “Sometimes you're just too easy to read.”

Twilight looked at her with half-lidded eyes, “Shut up and buck me.”

“What is going on here?” came a voice from the doorway.

Twilight and Ascentia both looked over. Ascentia remained unsurprised, but Twilight's jaw dropped to the floor.

Princess Luna was standing in the doorway. And she looked absolutely furious.

Author's Note

Well, things are going along quite interestingly, eh? Not much else to say about this one, really. XD I guess I'll just let the chapter speak for itself. Oh, and why is Luna there? You'll find out next time around!

Bonus: (NSFW) Anal Play

“What a day for the pegasi to schedule a rain storm...” Twilight mumbled to herself as she stared out the window of her room.

Undeterred, however, the alicorn descended down to the library level. She looked about, spotting a pile of books on one of the tables, which was her usual pile to pick up and read immediately. Noting the first book on the pile, a groan escaped her. This entire bout of research was not the unpleasant aspect of it, but what it would be leading to.

“Fine time to remember not having read much on Griffons...” She sat on her haunches, taking the first book with her magic. “But at least now I won’t look stupid in front of the Chief... I just wonder if they’ll start quizzing me. Guess I’d better be prepared in case of.”

Taking one of the books into her magic, Twilight prised it open and get herself comfortable in one of her many cushion-chairs, igniting a candle next to her as she settled in and began to read. Like on any day, rain or shine, Twilight never failed to lose herself in a book. Despite what was to come of this, she soon relaxed; simply taking in what she was reading like she would any other book. Her body felt less tense, her wings were no longer conveying her stress with minds of their own, and even her heart rate felt calmer. The words on the page danced before her eyes, to which she took them in with ease and intrigue.

Already, the atmosphere around her became relaxing, even something of a comforting sanctuary.

Hearing a sound, Twilight perked and looked up, scanning the room.

“Spike? Spike, was that you?”

Twilight received no answer. After a little while, she shrugged and returned to her book.

The sound came once more, a bit louder this time. Twilight looked up, scanning the room once more for any answers, her ears perked to listen.

“Rainbow, if you’re trying to prank me, it’s not working.”

Silence. Dead silence. Twilight did not take comfort in it. If anything, it only made her more anxious. It was even feeling like a horror movie, except without the cliched scare chord followed by a fakeout jump scare.

She trembled, looking around once more for any sound. The only sounds she could hear were her own breathing, followed by rain pattering on the windows.

The sound came again. This time louder. Twilight focused her hearing onto it, catching the faint sound of boards creaking. This was odd. Nopony was heavy enough to cause the floorboards to creak under their step.

Then it hit her. Nopony.

She sighed in relief. If it was Ascentia downstairs, she didn’t need to be afraid. She returned to her book, knowing her lover would come see her when she was ready.

Guess I was overthinking it again! She mused, giggling to herself as she kept reading.

For a minute or so, not sure how long, Twilight continued to read until she saw a form approaching at the corner of her eye. Ascentia was standing in her loft doorway, her arms folded, watching Twilight study.

“I had a feeling it was you,” Twilight said, smiling up at her.

Ascentia nodded and stepped inside, taking a seat beside her, “Studying for the summit, I see?”

Twilight nodded, just barely glancing back down at her book, “Oh, yes. Having more knowledge of the griffons is going to be a huge essential.”

“Should I leave and let you continue?” Ascentia asked.

“It’s okay, I can read some more later, the summit isn’t for another two weeks,” the lavender mare placed the book beside her with a bookmark in place.

“So how have you been?” Ascentia asked, “I haven’t seen you for a few days.”

Twilight paused, considering an answer for her, then shrugged, “You know, I guess you can say I’ve been all right. I didn’t have much to worry about in terms of my princess duties, what with everything I had to do being easy to me now.”

Ascentia curtly nodded in response. Even after so many years, she had a very formal demeanour. Something Twilight both admired and at the same time found kind of annoying.

“But aside from that,” she went on, leaning back against her seat, “I’ve done more practicing with flying. I still can’t do any tricks that involve spinning or going too fast, though,” she shuddered upon recalling the last incident with those attempts. “So, what about you?”

“Spent most of the last few days redirecting meteors from the atmosphere,” Ascentia replied, “Pulthera VI now has fourteen new moons as a result.”

Interested, Twilight’s eyes and ears perked, “Oh, wow! Really?”

“Yes,” Ascentia said, “A meteor shower from the Ariake System flew this way, and Equestria’s orbit was in it’s path. Simple redirection, they are now orbiting the closest planet to us.”

“That’s amazing,” the alicorn gushed, her eyes sparkling, “I’d love to see it all sometime!”

“When you can master protecting yourself from the vaccum of space, I’d be glad to take you,” Ascentia replied with a smile.

“Yay!” Twilight clapped her hooves, making a mental note to keep working at that. She then patted a seat next to her, beckoning Ascentia with an inviting smile.

Smiling back, Ascentia shifted over to sit next to her, pulling her into a hug. Contended, Twilight happily snuggled against her; enjoying her warmth and the overall contact.

For a little while they remained this way, not a single care in the world. This lasted until Twilight’s mind seemed to re-awaken, poking her with questions. One in particular had come to wander curiously, though she never actually had the chance to bring it up.

“You remember,” she spoke up, “what you said the other day, about how you can perform an illusionary spell?”

“Yes, warping one’s aura to alter their appearance,” Ascentia replied, “What about it?”

Twilight considered, then looked up at her, “Well, I was wondering if maybe you’d want to try it sometime. Between us, I mean...”

“What do you mean, Twilight?” Ascentia asked.

“You know, playing around with it for fun. But also...” Twilight gave a coy smile, “If you’d be willing to try using the spell to...re-create your past self, before your injuries?”

“Craving a little youthful vigor, are we?” Ascentia asked.

“I-It’s not because I don’t find you attractive!” Twilight defended, raising her hooves, “I do, I mean I definitely have no issue with the way you look. I’m just-I’m curious, that’s all!”

“Twilight, I do not recall expressing offense to your request, or accusing you of any of those things,” Ascentia replied.

Ears drooping, Twilight realized she was jumping to conclusions and overthinking the issue, “You’re right, I’m sorry. A lot would take offense, and I guess I was a little carried away.”

Ascentia smiled and kissed her forehead, “It’s alright. Give me a moment.”

Ascentia leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes. Taking a few deep breaths, a few swirls of blue energy began to circle around her. The heat radiated against Twilight’s body even from where she was sitting, as she watched Ascentia’s face twitch in what looked like discomfort as a clear image seemed to paint itself over her face, her scars and necrotic flesh disappearing underneath. Her white, blind eyes turning a pale blue.

The light soon faded, and Ascentia rubbed her jaw, wincing in pain from the power. Looking at Twilight, she calmly asked “What do you think?”

Poomf!

“...I...”

There were no words.

As if the photos and the image in her dream that one time three years ago weren’t enough, this just blew all of that out of the water. Nothing, no word in her extensive vocabulary or any kind of dictionary could do it justice. Twilight trembled, her eyes glued right to the illusion that was her form, completely speechless.

“...I...”

Deciding to at least do something, the lavender alicorn managed to set down to the floor. With shaky legs, she slowly managed to walk toward Ascentia, her eyes never once straying from her. Eventually reaching her, then working her wings, Twilight ascended from the floor to level with her face. That lovely, lovely face, and those vivid eyes looking back at her.

Reaching out, slowly, as if touching delicate porcelain, Twilight touched her cheek with a forehoof. Unexpectedly, the skin beneath her touch was soft, but firm. As if truly real, like it was supposed to feel how it looked.

“Wow...” She murmured, placing her other hoof on the second cheek.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Ascentia replied, stroking her mane with her hand.

“You look...amazing...” Twilight managed to say, her voice soft, “I think my dream didn’t do you justice.”

Ascentia pulled her into a hug, “Oh Twilight, you’re so cute when you’re gushing.”

Twilight blushed, pouting playfully, but nuzzled her cheek. That so soft cheek! “Oh, how can I help myself...”

“By all means,” Ascentia chuckled, nuzzling her back, “Enjoy it.”

“Okay... um...so....where uh...should we start?”

Ascentia cocked an eyebrow, her cleared eyes giving her expression much more depth to it, “How so?”

“Well...” Twilight landed back on the floor, trying to consider what to do next. She hadn’t even planned on anything in particular, let alone anything at all when she’d come in.

Ascentia leaned back in her seat, “Take your time, Twilight.”

Biting her lip, Twilight sat on her haunches, managing to face her lover once more, “Well... I guess...maybe we could... I mean, you... could start by... well, stripping?”

Ascentia smirked, like she always did when Twilight asked about something sexual, but otherwise obliged. Taking the sash of her robes, she pulled it apart, and out from around her waist. Standing up, she shrugged her cloak off her shoulders. Taking her tunic in her hands, she parted it and slipped it off her body along with her leggings. Her bare form showing itself at once to Twilight as she stepped out of the ring of heavy cloth around her feet.

While it was to be expected, Twilight still found herself surprised to find that the illusion continued along the rest of her body. Any of the scars and damaged skin were nowhere to be found, instead replaced with pristine, lighter skin than her face. Even her chest had visible teats, poking from twin sacks of flesh. All the more, Twilight found herself fascinated with the rest of her body, though it looked different than she was used to.

Approaching, she mounted on her hind legs, placing her hooves wherever they’d land. Twilight cooed, gently touching the soft skin, stunned by the softness.

“You really were stunning...” Twilight murmured, kissing her stomach muscles, “And yet, you look enhanced either way...”

Ascentia kneeled down to be face to face with her, “I will not lie to you, Twilight. At first I was... disappointed to hear the effects of Linaria’s curse would be permanent. I recognize that my appearance is frightening to others. It gives me an advantage. Do not feel the need to suffix every sentence with an assertion you like my injuries. It sounds a little heavy handed.”

“I’m being honest, thank you very much,” Twilight said in a mock posh tone, “Well, I guess anyone would feel that way if their appearance was changed so drastically.”

“Yes, they would,” Ascentia replied, kissing her nose, “So shall I put my robes back on, or am I to be your eye-candy for the night?”

Fidgeting, Twilight did nearly want to just say for her to do the former and call it a day. But already, her own body was tingling with more curiosity and excitement than she could remember feeling. It would certainly be a whole new approach to things, despite nothing really changing.

However, a strange rise emitted within Twilight as she gazed over the bare woman. Just ready and waiting for her...

“Oh, no. Those robes are not touching your body. Not like how I’m going to,” Twilight purred, gazing at her with half-lidded eyes.

“And how, pray tell, are you going to?” she asked, laying one leg over the other.

Giggling, Twilight all but climbed on top of her, kneading her body gently with her forehooves, “A robe can’t kiss you, can’t whisper to you, or offer any kind of pleasure of your desire. But that’s what I’m going to do. All over you, every nook and cranny is just waiting to be explored again. An unmarked jungle, full of treasures to be found...”

Ascentia kissed Twilight softly, nibbling her bottom lip, “I think I’d like that,” she said.

“Mmm...” Twilight responded, moving her hooves up to her fairly ample chest, curiously fondling the baggy flesh. “Hee....they’re so soft and squishy....so unlike my own...wow...”

Ascentia let out a hiss of air under Twilight’s touch, “Mortal, I’d forgotten how that felt...”

“Ooh, so you can feel this, huh? You like it? It...doesn’t hurt?” Twilight asked with amazement, meeting her eyes.

“No, it doesn’t hurt. It feels... wonderful.”

“Wow...”

It amazed Twilight, to think she could actually touch Ascentia in some areas without it being painful. While having been assured that it wasn’t an issue; there was still something to be said about being able to do it like this. She leaned in, nuzzling her bosoms, and giving them both a kiss.

“Wow...” She murmured again, and gently began to run her tongue along one nipple.

Ascentia seized up, hugging Twilight tightly as she moaned loudly. Leaning down, she kissed Twilight’s forehead several times.

Giggling from the gestures, the alicorn was further encouraged to continue. She gently ran her tongue along the pert nub, even gently nibbling it from time to time. All the whole, her hoof traversed over to give some attention to the other one, kneading it gently.

Ascentia was shivering by this point. Her body shaking underneath Twilight, the power of her own illusion seeming to wow even her, “Oh lord, Twilight. Yes...”

“Mmmm...” Twilight hummed against her breast, emitting vibrations upon it. She suckled it gently, almost like an infant seeking milk from its mother. Ascentia was stroking her mane, occasionally brushing her fingertips against her horn in the process. “So sweet...” She purred, savouring the taste.

Moving to the other breast, she continued her ministrations from before, while her hoof played with the previous one she’d tasted. She smirked a little as she felt Ascentia twitch underneath her, the woman’s heavy breathing telling her she was doing good.

“You sure like this, don’t you... You like my mouth on your lovely teats,” Twilight purred. “Well good, because I have far more in store for you. I hope you’re prepared.”

Despite her shivering moans, Ascentia still managed to find the energy to correct her, “They’re called... breasts...” before sentence trailed off into incoherent shuddering.

“I know that...” Twilight’s domineering facade began to shrink, “Just meant the-never mind. We’ll discuss that later.”

True to her statement, Twilight brought her mouth down along the valley of her chest, slowly going downward. The skin beneath her tasted salty, if still flavourless. She licked along, curiously, as well as to be enticing. Her hooves meanwhile coursed down along her hips, eventually reaching her thighs.

Ascentia’s fingers curled up around Twilight’s horn, squeezing the firm bone as she ran her fingernails over the rough, grooves surface, cupping Twilight’s face with her other hand.

The touches had Twilight trembling with pleasure, little mewls sounding from her lips. Eventually her hooves came further down, spreading Ascentia’s legs apart. While nothing had changed overall, considering that her womanhood had been intact, there was definitely something about the illusion’s version. While unable to place her hoof on why, the alicorn shrugged it off and leaned in close.

“Mmm,” she hummed, licking up the slit.

Ascentia’s leg curled over Twilight’s body, a lurid hiss slithering from her mouth as her whole body tensed up. “My lord, Twilight. How do you do that...”

Giggling, Twilight did the same thing, this time going downward, “Years of practice.”

Ascentia hummed in delight, placing a hand on Twilight’s horn, rubbing it between her fingers as the Princess busied herself between her legs. Taking a look at her arm, she snickered at the image of youthful skin on her bones. The splitting headache being the sole reminder as to why she didn’t do this all the time.

Taking in the scent of her nethers, the lavender mare eventually went to work as she brought her tongue along the slick entrance. The inner walls clamped down on the appendage, further enticing her journey. All the while her hooves worked along the inner thighs, adding to the stimulation. Ascentia’s reaction was instantaneous. Her body was rocked with shivering as her moaning picked up in intensity, her legs curling around Twilight’s small frame as she ran her fingers through her mane.

Already she could taste the traces of her nectar, thrilling Twilight to the core. Her own nethers were beginning to quiver for attention, but she passed it off for now. Drawing her tongue out, her focus went to the engorged nub that was practically beckoning her at this point. Lips, teeth and tongue worked simultaneously along the little bundle of nerves.

Ascentia reached down to grip Twilight by the forelegs, hoisting her up from between her legs and into her arms, forcefully pressing her lips to hers, tasting herself on the mare’s lips. All too happily, Twilight returned the kiss, running her tongue along her lips and piercing through them into her mouth.

Reaching a hand down, Ascentia trailed her fingers over Twilight’s marehood, pinching her clit between her fingernails as her teeth clamped down onto Twilight’s bottom lip, growling quietly.

“Nggh!” Twilight groaned between their mouths, her entire form melting and bursting all at once. She pulled back, letting out a feral growl of her own, and pinned the woman down further. “Getting more daring, are you? Need I remind you that I’m calling the shots here? Unless you want to challenge that further?”

“And what if I do?” Ascentia asked, her eyes narrowing as her grin tilted to one side. A tiny shiver ran up her body as Twilight pinned her down.

“Well... Then I’ll show you very well why you shouldn’t have done that...” Twilight purred, her expression becoming a smirk.

“Try me,” Ascentia hissed.

It was getting hard not to burst out laughing at the utter ridiculousness of it, but Twilight retained her composure. Now was the time to think of what she could possibly do to spice this up a bit. While no expert, she’d read her fair share of books that showcased all kinds of positions that ponies could be in for sexual play. Now she just had to think of what new idea to take this along.

“Well,” she went on, kneading her hooves into the soft skin beneath her, “then I’m just going to have to prove that to you. So, let’s see... I sure hope you’ll feel comfy on your tummy,” Twilight poked her stomach.

“Are you intending to flip me, or is that a command?” Ascentia asked, poking Twilight back.

Squeaking from being poked, Twilight managed to retain herself, “Well, unless I use a lot of magic, it’s not going to be easy to flip you. After all, when it comes to magic, I’ve got an extensive share. But when it comes to brute strength, I’m afraid I’m at the shallow end of the gene pool.”

“So...” Ascentia trailed off, leading the question to her mate.

“You’re going to have to turn over,” Twilight flapped her wings and rose up a few feet to give her room to do so.

“Very well,” Ascentia replied, turning over onto her stomach, lying out on the sofa. Her legs stretched out across it’s full length.

Taking in her form from this angle, Twilight felt her wings flutter with excitement as she lowered herself back down. She first experimentally kneaded her hooves along her back, in an impromptu kind of massaging. Ascentia groaned in appreciation, the soreness in her muscles seeming to chip away under the pressure her hooves put upon them, “Mmm, thank you Twilight.” She put her arms under her head, relaxing against her touch.

Smiling at her response, Twilight continued her work on her back and shoulder blades. While not an expert masseuse like Fluttershy was, she did as best that she could. So far, it seemed to be doing well. Carefully she ran her hooves along in circles, kneading into the skin gently but with enough force, as she worked the knots and tension. Ascentia’s groaning intensified. To the point where Twilight had wondered if she had ever had a massage in her life. Considering the Val’Kyr’s militaristic culture, it was likely she hadn’t.

She opted to rectify that. Resigning to making Ascentia feel like she was in a relaxing Heaven. Then smirking to herself when planning to do the exact opposite not shortly after.

“You poor thing,” Twilight said softly, retaining a more serene outlook for the time. At least until things would change. “So much tension! But that’s okay, Dr. Twilight Sparkle is right here to fix your ailments.”

“I’m curious as to whe-aaaaaah... where Dr Twilight Sparkle earned her medical degree,” Ascentia replied, shifting underneath her.

“The University of Medical Science in Canterlot,” Twilight giggled, kneading her hooves lower to the small of her back.

“Is there anything you didn’t study?” Ascentia asked, groaning between words, her back arching against her.

Chuckling, Twilight went lower, more toward her sides, kneading upward and downward. “A few things, I guess.”

“Well, what you have studied is certainly-oooooh... certainly effective,” Ascentia groaned, her toes curling, “I’ve never been touched like this before.”

“No?” Breaking the act for a moment, Twilight continued her work, now genuinely curious, “Oh. You haven’t?”

“No. Massaging is not a common practice among my kind,” Ascentia replied, “It was considered an unnecessary luxury.”

“Yeah.... I guess it kind of is,” Twilight remarked, going higher again, “It’s great for relaxing your muscles and everything, but I guess it kind of would be considered a bit unnecessary.”

“This is nice, however,” Ascentia smiled, “Maybe not as nice as some other... well, let’s leave it at that, shall we?”

“Sure,” Twilight giggled, going lower once more in her kneading. Her hands reaching her upper pelvis. Ascentia relaxed a little further, giving her ass a little wiggle underneath her, biting down onto her own wrist as Twilight’s hooves ground into her back.

With a little laugh, Twilight reached the lowest point. Pulling her hooves away, this time situating them along her hips, she used her magic to bring something out from upstairs. But out of Ascentia’s view for the moment, and placed it aside.

“Now,” she said, lowering herself down a bit, “for something new.”

Ascentia turned her head to look at her, “And what, pray tell, would that be?”

Twilight lowered down a bit, raising her hips a little, “Some books I’ve read go on to describe a little anal play. I used to think that was completely weird, not to mention unsanitary. But with all the tricks they described and how it can work, I thought we’d try it sometime. So...” With her magic, she applied a little cleaning spell along those areas. “I’m going to give you a little anal. Now, of course it’ll be a little more tense and painful, but that’s where I’ll of course have to go slowly and gently.”

Ascentia looked at her with a blank expression for a moment, as if trying to process the small book Twilight had just fed her, before her eyes lidded and she asked, “Do I have a choice in the matter?”

“No,” Twilight said matter-of-factly. At least before she retracted a bit, “But if there’s some reason I shouldn’t, you’ll have to tell me.”

“And if I cannot provide one?” she asked, “Or if I don’t have one at all?”

“Then your flank is mine.”

“Why Twilight,” Ascentia asked in mock concern, her expression displaying anything but concern, “Are you suggesting you’re going to take me against my will? Without any regard to how I may feel about it?”

“...Is it working?” Twilight asked with a nervous, toothy grin.

“That depends,” Ascentia said with a silky hiss to her voice, “Are you?”

“Well... Maybe I am, maybe I am going to make your flank all mine, while you squirm beneath me!” Twilight licked her lips.

“Twilight...”

“Yeah?”

Ascentia lashed her hand out, grabbing Twilight by the throat and pulling her face to hers, “I could get used to this side of you.” She hungrily kissed her, biting down hard onto her lip, before letting her go, “If I have no choice in the matter, I suppose all I can do is obey... my master.”

Blushing immensely, a little taken aback, Twilight gave a squiggly mouth smile and nodded. She situated herself behind her, raising her hips a bit.

“All right then, your flank is mine and there’s nothing you can do about it,” she purred, leaning in. Tentative, but thorough, she licked along her anal region. Ascentia’s eyes shot wide, and a strange mix between a squirm and a shudder rocked her body, the strange sensation taking her by surprise.

All the more curious, Twilight continued to do so, performing what she had found to be analingus. Same thing, but with a different kind of area to work with.

“Oh Goddess... how are you doing tha-uhng!” Ascentia’s sentence was cut short as a groan pushed it’s way past her vocal cords, “Oh my god...”

“Wow,” Twilight remarked, “I guess that does feel good, doesn’t it? Well, here goes...”

She continued her ministrations, even licking up further along the cheeks, her muzzle burying itself between them. She smirked when Ascentia squirmed harder beneath her, realizing that she may have, in fact, touched a particularly fetishistic nerve within her. If her squirming didn’t put that across, her legs curling around Twilight’s back surely did.

Curiously, she then entered her tongue within the tighter crevice. It was a lot tighter, feeling kind of odd. But interesting, nonetheless. She hummed, wiggling about inside, holding her hips for leverage. Ascentia’s back arched up and she let out a shouting gasp. Reaching back, she flicked her hand against Twilight’s horn, as a lurid “Yessssssss...” shot out of her mouth.

“Mm!” Twilight squeaked, her body trembling from the touch to her horn. She then proceeded to run her lips and tongue along her anal region, further applying pressure. In her mind, she wondered if Ascentia would come right then and there before she even got to go any further. Her gasping and near screaming seemed to indicate so.

With her magic, she coated along the entrance, lubricating it, as she knew that without the use of it, would be more painful. Although on reflection, perhaps Ascentia would have been into that. Chuckling at the idea, she continued applying her magic. Maybe next time, she thought.

Once done, Twilight took the vibrating strap-on she’d used before, and put it on around herself.

Ascentia heard it click into place behind her, “What do you have planned now, master?”

Twilight shuddered a little, loving the title. “I’m going to take you, anally. Of course I’ll take it slow, but once all is said and done, it’s going to be a hard and rough ride. Hope you’re prepared for it...”

Ascentia shuddered at her words, “Actually, I’m not.” She looked back, “But you don’t care, do you?”

“Of course I care,” Twilight pouted, breaking character again.

Ascentia cocked an eyebrow, as if to say ‘you play along like a monkey with a mandolin.’

“Uh, I mean... Yeah, of course not. Why would I care about a minion?” Twilight then looked downward, trying to position the strap-on correctly. This was not as easy as entering her vaginal region. Darn it...how do you do that with this thing? I’d practically need to be level with it in order to see! Maybe I’d better back up a bit to get a better look...

She did so, trying yet again to bring it over to the hole. No success, she kept slipping, trying to set it right, but only for it to fall lower. It definitely wasn’t like entering a slicker, more widened entrance at all.

Taking the strap-on in both hooves, Twilight yet again tried to insert it, but kept missing the mark since she couldn’t see very well where it was supposed to be at this angle. Even looking from under or over the shaft, it didn’t help. Groaning under her breath, she paused, trying to figure out how to make it work.

Never mind, I’ll just use my magic... I’ll practice manually later.

Taking the toy in her magic, Twilight repositioned herself, then carefully inserted the dildo’s tip into the anal hole. A rough grunt came from Ascentia’s lips, her body tensing up. Clearly Twilight had been more rough than she had thought.

“Are you alright?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, Master.”

Nonetheless, she went very slowly, even reaching down to part the cheeks a bit. Twilight stopped, then slowly withdrew, before going back in. The same grunt and tensing occured, this time Ascentia bit down into the arm of the couch, growling quietly.

Well, okay, at least she doesn’t seem to be in searing pain... At least I hope not, Twilight thought as she went in, slower. Slower. Then she drew back once more, right to the tip, before sliding in. Ascentia’s growling grew louder, and Twilight thought she caught a glimpse of lighting spark in her hands as her teeth dug further into the material. Twilight didn’t understand her. She was clearly in pain, yet not saying anything about it.

Then again... Twilight did say she had no choice in the matter.

Guess I may as well keep going... She thought.

Grasping her hips, Twilight went in and out, just a little bit faster. While the toy was sliding in and out fairly easily, that didn’t stop the tightness that surrounded it, especially when she would pull it outward. It really did feel like she was struggling to pull it out a little bit. Using her magic, she coated the toy with a little more lubrication, then slid back in.

“It’s something, isn’t it? Really feels different...” Twilight purred.

Ascentia growled viciously into the arm of the couch, before tearing her teeth from it and screaming “Yes!” in a guttural tone, no longer able to hide the gasps and shrieks of pain.

Already, Twilight stopped, worry creeping into her. “...Do you want me to stop?”

Ascentia completely broke all sense of being submissive as she whipped her head around and glared at her, her sword flashing into her hand, “Try it, I dare you!”

This took her off guard for a moment, but then Twilight grinned. “How dare you threaten your master,” she said in a low, dangerous tone.
SMACK!

“That wasn’t very nice. You know I don’t take too kindly to you speaking out of turn.”

All at once, Twilight was stunned. Her own hoof had actually struck the woman’s cheek, enough to leave an angry red mark. Whether that was part of the illusion playing up to it or it had broken through was a mystery to her. But scarily enough, she’d hit her. Physically. Right in the face. This wasn’t like her, even in sexual play.

For a moment, she wanted to just pull back and apologize for ever having harmed her. Ascentia may have been an immortal being and had suffered far worse injuries; that didn’t stop the principle of the strike. Safety wasn’t the issue, but her own dilemma was.

However, the look on Ascentia’s face faded from surprise all the way to that of curious pleasure, with a smile curling at her lips. Twilight relaxed, seeing that this wasn’t anything to deter the mood.

“Drop your weapon, else it may end up confiscated!”

With that, she pushed harder into her, just about burying the toy inside as much as it could’ve gone. Ascentia’s sword fell from her grip and clattered to the floor as she let out a blood-curdling screech, her head dropping back to the couch’s arm as she bit into her own wrist, tears brimming in her eyes while at the same time her pussy dripped continuously onto the sofa cushions.

Gaining more speed and a continuous rhythm, Twilight drew in and out of her a bit faster, finding a strange thrill in being able to do this from a different kind of angle and feeling. She gripped Ascentia for support, but gently, as she continued thrusting.

“Yeah, that’s it... You do like this... Despite all the pain, you want more... You like being taken, no, screwed from behind like this...” Twilight went on, her tone sultry.

Ascentia couldn’t respond verbally, she could only scream into her own arm. Her torso twisting and arching in both ecstasy and agony as Twilight, as she had so eloquently put it, screwed her from behind. In the back of her mind, a dark flicker seemed to whisper ‘oh, this one is a keeper.’

Faster and faster she went, Twilight even then turned on the toy to its lowest setting, further adding to the feeling. Its gentle buzzing got lost within the crevice, muffled a bit, but she kept it going as she gained more speed. Ascentia began to make tearful whimpers underneath her, her wrist now having blood drawn from her teeth as she attempted, in vain mind, to rock in tandem with Twilight’s thrusts.

Wow, this really must be painful! Even for her! Wow... Twilight thought, quite amazed at this.

“Atta girl, that’s it... You got it... Just a little more now...”

She went faster, reversing her hips and slamming into Ascentia’s backside. Grunts and groans escaped her as she kept it up, her breathing becoming more laboured. Using her magic, she helped it along so as not to lose any of her momentum, but overall kept it going.

“Twilight... I’m... I’m...” Ascentia could barely speak through the other involuntary vocalizations she was making.

“Wonderful, you can do it...” Twilight purred into her ear.

Ascentia loud out an eerie scream as she released onto the sofa cushions, biting into her arm again, nearly ready to tear a chunk of flesh away in pure agony. She twitched and convulsed for a few seconds, before falling limp, whimpering as tears steadily flowed from her eyes.

Taking one last thrust, Twilight then carefully pulled out of her. She placed the toy aside, then pulled herself back to allow the woman to rest. As her mind wandered, she couldn’t help but see just how intense that had been. More than she’d expected, even if the books had said that anal penetration was tighter and more painful than traditional vaginal penetration. It certainly was something to gauge her reactions and how it would all come down.

Twilight glanced over to her, “Are you okay?”

“Mmm, better than okay,” she replied, “Why?”

“Just making sure,” the alicorn said, stretching herself and limbs, “It sounded kind of painful, there. Yet enjoyable, right?”

Ascentia nodded with a soft smile across her face, “Very.”

Smiling more, Twilight giggled and nuzzled her. “That’s great, then.”

Gently easing herself up into a sitting position, Ascentia pulled her robes from the floor and started to redress herself, sighing at an ironically relaxing evening.

Getting a spark of inspiration, Twilight turned to her. “Hey! What are you doing? I never said you were allowed to get dressed.”

Ascentia cocked an eyebrow again, “Excuse me?”

“Did I stutter? I said, no dressing. Not yet, anyway.

Somewhere in Ascentia’s mind, she liked being barked at by Twilight, and she let her clothes drop back off her body, “My apologies.”

“Quite all right. You’ve had a lovely run. But now, I need you to do something for me,” Twilight stood, swishing her tail.

“Of course, master. What is it that you desire?” she asked.

“Lie down, on your back, get yourself all nice and cozy,” Twilight instructed, a glint coming to her eyes.

Ascentia complied, leaning back against the couch, stretching her nude form out to full length, “Like this?”

“Very good!” Twilight clapped her hooves excitedly. She then crawled up Ascentia’s form, before coming to a stop along her face, situating herself to sit along her mouth. “Your master needs a little attention, too.”

Ascentia placed her hands over Twilight’s flanks, pulling her down the rest of the way as she buried her tongue into Twilight’s marehood, wasting no time in obliging with her request as her tongue assaulted her inner walls, prying in to get as much of Twilight’s sweet nectar as possible.

“Ooohh....” Twilight shook with pleasure, her body bursting. “That’s amazing... Work that tongue! You skilled woman!” It sounded a lot better in her head, but by now, she was far from caring.

Ascentia gripped Twilight by the flanks harder and rocked her against her mouth, rolling her marehood around her tongue as her teeth raked the Princess’ clit. Opening her eyes, she peered up at her, an action mirroring their first time together.

“Nnnnhhh!!” Twilight cried, peering down and meeting her gaze. Even at this moment, she still felt taken aback as she looked upon those pale blue eyes. They were so vibrant, twin pools she could get lost within. While she never doubted the woman’s ability to see her in her own right, there was something to behold in truly meeting eyes for the first time.

Smiling, she murmured in a soft voice, “You have beautiful eyes...”

Ascentia’s eyes squinted from the lower lid-upward, a smile hidden by Twilight’s own back legs. Ascentia’s response was to dig into her faster and more viciously than before, biting down onto her clit and running electricity through her tongue.

In response, Twilight nearly fell over from the sudden burst of ecstasy. She cried out in pleasure, feeling her climax fast approaching from the amazing feeling. Her breathing laboured, panting, she shook hard within her moans. It was becoming too much for her, enough to make her nearly want to stop it in its tracks. The intensity grew, keeping its merciless hold over her.

“A-A...scentia... going... going to... cum...!” Was all she could manage as a warning.

Ascentia’s response to this was to grid Twilight’s hips into her mouth even faster, wrapping an arm around her back to brace her when she was finally pushed over the edge.

Managing an appreciative smile, Twilight surrendered to the onslaught of pure ecstasy. The wave of orgasm washed over her rapidly, to which she cried out in a strangled sort of way. Thankful for Ascentia’s bracing, sincer her body had long abandoned the meaning of balance; she had leverage to ride out her climax.

“Yeah...” She uttered, trembling, as her muscles relaxed.

Ascentia said nothing as she continued to lap at Twilight’s nethers, licking up her sweet nectar in a quiet manner, though casting a smile to her all the same.

Giggling, for no other reason she could think of, Twilight relaxed a bit more and shuddered. The pleasure had worn her, now making way for little excited tingles.

“Are you satisfied, master?” Ascentia asked, pulling her lips away from Twilight’s... lips.

“Very...” Twilight murmured, nuzzling her as she lowered herself down. “You don’t have to call me that, now... You can get dressed, if you want to.”

Asecntia smiled as she nuzzled her back, “You know... I don’t think I will.”

The alicorn giggled, smiling back, “Well, okay then. Your choice.”

Ascentia chuckled, wincing a little as her weight shifted, “Ah! My ass is still rather sore. Thank you for that, by the way.”

A nervous, toothy grin overcame Twilight’s face, “Er... You’re welcome?”

Gently nibbling Twilight’s neck, Ascentia smiled at her, “I mean it.”

“Okay, I believe you,” Twilight gave a giggle. She stretched a bit, then proceeded to get down, “Well, I’m going to go make some tea and-Ascentia? ...Uh, what are you doing with the strap-on? ...Ascentia? Why are you looking at me like that? ...Hello?”

Author's Note

Okay, you guys should know, I don't really tend to write anal play. Aside from when I wrote M/M fanfiction back in the day (yes, I was one of those fangirls...) and stuff. But aside from that, it just isn't for me. So again, it was not my idea. XP It was HER idea. Same for Twilight hitting Ascentia. S&M and pain-inducing fetishism isn't for me. I only did this to appease her and make her happy.

SHE BETTER BE! XP

Still, we did have fun writing this. :3