Who Rules?: Shattered Hearts

Who Rules: Shattered Hearts

by Nom deCheval

Chapter Nine

“Heartstrings, ma’am,” the unicorn said. “Lyra Heartstrings.”

“Thank you, miss Heartstrings,” Celestia answered. “I appreciate you coming by this morning.”

The early daylight flooded into The Golden Oaks Library, causing Celestia’s coat to shimmer like dew on a rolling field. The mint green unicorn in the room seemed pale in comparison, standing across the table from the Princess, who sat calmly with a steaming cup of tea in front of her.

“Anything for you, ma’am,” she answered quickly. “I was a little surprised that you wanted to see me, though.”

“I wanted to speak with all of the unicorns in town. We need to get a good assessment of our strengths,” Celestia stated.

“Well, I don’t know what I can do compared to all the unicorns that you have in the royal guard. I mean, they are able to do amazing things with their magic. I’m just a musician,” Lyra smiled, her eyes shimmering.

“Well, tricks aren’t everything. Sometimes you need to look at the raw talent inside a unicorn,” Celestia explained. “The reports that I have read indicate that you have a tremendous level of magical power inside you, actually.”

“I did test a long time ago, but I wasn’t looking to go into your school for gifted unicorns. Please don’t take that personally, though,” Lyra pleaded.

“Oh ho ho, I did not mean to indicate anything negative, Miss Heartstrings. Let me ask you, though, are you willing to do anything that you can to help out Equestria?” Celestia’s smile was warm and soothing.

“I--I guess so. I mean, I don’t want to fight anypony. I’m just not sure that I have that in me,” she answered.

“And I am not asking you to fight, but there are things that ponies can do to help out that involve no violence at all,” Celestia stated. “There is a chance that you will be called on for such a task. Are you up to it?”

“Well, I guess so,” Lyra answered. “As long as I don’t have to hurt anypony, I think that I could help out.”

“Excellent. That’s all I could ever ask of anypony,” Celestia said. “Thank you again for coming by. I appreciate you taking time out from your morning for me.”

“It’s no problem, ma’am. It’s an honor to spend time with you,” Lyra answered.

“You are too kind. Thank you again for coming by,” Celestia said.

“Oh, um, are we done?” Lyra asked. “I feel like I didn’t say much.”

“You did everything that I asked,” Celestia answered. “And I have another guest that I must attend to now.” She turned her head towards the far corner of the library, still hidden in the long shadows of the morning sun. “Don’t I?”

Lyra followed Celestia’s eyes, looking into the deep shadows, and seeing nothing there. Not even after the shadow answered.

“Very impressive, Princess,” a voice hissed. Queen Chrysalis stepped from the shadows and into the streaks of sun, her eyes squinting in the bright light. “I just didn’t want to interrupt.”

Lyra stepped backwards, her pupils fully dilated. Her mouth stammered open and closed, but no words could find a way out. A few steps back, she turned and sprinted out the door, galloping towards downtown Ponyville.

“They love me so,” Chrysalis said.

“And you have given them every reason to do so,” Celestia answered cooly. “Perhaps it’s your warm, giving nature.”

Chrysalis stepped over to the alicorn, walking past her with an eyebrow raised. “Sarcasm is not your forte, Celestia.”

“I like to try new things out now and then,” she answered with a smile. “I was told that you had come to work with us in dealing with Coldheart. I want to thank you for that.”

“Oh, trust me, the pleasure will be all mine.” Chrysalis let her fangs show.

“We will deal with that when the time comes,” Celestia answered, “and not a moment before. For now, let’s deal with why you are here this morning. I thought you were in Canterlot.”

“I was,” the words rolled off of her tongue. “I went and visited dear, dear Cadance and spoke with her about the plan to get her away from Coldheart.”

“And?” Celestia asked.

“She refused.” Chrysalis walked over and picked up a picture of Cadance, Shining Armor and Twilight from a shelf, looking at the smiling faces staring back at her. “It seems she prefers the company of this otherworldly version of herself.”

“Why do I not believe that?” Celestia asked. “Could you spare a few more details for me, please?”

Setting the picture back in place, Chrysalis turned to look at the Sun Goddess. “I suppose there was a little more to it than that. She seemed to think that she would be better served staying there. She wanted to be there so she could...how did she phrase it? That’s right, that she wasn’t dying. Oh yes, and to tell you that she found her calling.”

Staring at Chrysalis, the smile on Celestia’s face changed. A warmth grew, providing as much light into the room as the sun that she represented.

“So proud,” Celestia whispered.

“Of what? Her abandoning you? Of her choosing to stay with her other self? I thought you ponies were supposed to be loyal and caring,” Chrysalis said.

“You have no idea,” Celestia answered. “It does change our plans, however. We will have to reconsider what to do.”

“I think you should be reconsidering a great many things,” Chrysalis stated.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Celestia asked.

“Perhaps I mean...your future?” Chrysalis moved and leaned over the table, bringing her muzzle close to Celestia’s.

Celestia lost her smile. “This is not the time or place, Chrysalis. When this is concluded we will obviously have a great many things to...discuss.”

“I look forward to it,” she droned.

The air became still, the two beings staring deeply into each other with measured patience. Finally, Chrysalis pulled back, letting a smile cross onto her face.

“There is something about you that is different, Celestia,” the changeling stated. “I can’t quite pinpoint it, but there is an air about you that is...puzzling.”

“Nonetheless,” Celestia said evenly, “we must assess and address the immediate matters, and not your own concerns. And that means that I will have to wake Luna to join us.”

“Oh, and ruin our special time together?” Chrysalis whined.

“You’re right, Chrysalis.” Celestia stated. “Sarcasm is much better suited to you than I.”

“You have kept all of your end of this arrangement?” Celestia asked.

“I have,” she answered.

“Excellent. Then we will definitely have something to use in the coming conflict,” Celestia said, nodding. “Yes, that is a good starting place.”

“As long as we have a good place to start, Princess, then we are on our way to a finish,” she replied.

“I suppose that we are,” Celestia answered. “Now, if you will wait for a moment, I will go and gather Luna.”

“Of course!” Chrysalis smiled. “Don’t worry about me.”

“Oh, I will try, Chrysalis. I certainly will try.” She took a deep breath and paused. “Do behave yourself while I’m gone.”

“I am on my best behavior,” Chrysalis answered.

“Sadly, I know,” she said.

Celestia walked up the stairs to the bedroom to find her sister.

* * * * * * *

“Horseapples!” Trueblood said bluntly.

“I think it’s a little worse than that,” Twilight responded.

The two mares were strapped upright by thick ropes to a wooden structure that was shaped like a large letter “X.” For the seventy-third time--she had been counting--Twilight tried to channel magic to her horn, but the iron band that was placed around the base, chains leading down connecting it to a metal strap around her neck, prevented anything from happening. They were sitting atop a very large wooden wagon, the crosses firmly attached to it at the base.

Standing on the edge of the wagon platform, Toy had just finished putting on a show for the gathered ponies in the town square. The ponies from town who were subject to that display were not amused, unlike the cheers from her army. And the adoration and respect that was wafting over the changeling was feeding her quite well.

“Thank you, my ponies,” Toy announced. “With the capture of these two rebels, we have insured the safety and prosperity of the Empire for generations to come. Now I give you a day of celebration before we begin their journey back to Canterlot.”

Another cheer erupted, and the ponies began to disperse on the edges, ready for their promised debauchery.

“This isn’t really a good idea, Toy,” Trueblood said. “When Fantasia finds out that you are doing this to these ponies--let alone what you are doing to me--she’s going to be really, really pissed. That’s not a good thing.”

Slowly turning her head, the two mares were greeted by a sly smile and glowing green eyes.

“I’ll tell you what,” Trueblood said, “let us go now, and I won’t ever mention this to her.”

“Uh, Trueblood...” Twilight began.

“I mean, I understand you don’t get a chance to act on your own very often, so you must be thrilled with this chance to be out of the castle,” Trueblood continued. “I’m actually surprised she let you off her leash to do this. Fantasia isn’t usually so forgiving.”

“Uh, you might not want to do that,” Twilight suggested.

Walking back towards the mares, the tip of Toy’s tongue slithered across her lips.

“It’s okay, Sparky,” Trueblood stated, “this isn’t the first time that Toy was sent to bring me back home. I’ll get us out of this, don’t worry.”

“I...I’m not so sure,” Twilight said.

A hoof reached up and grasped Trueblood’s face, squeezing her cheeks together roughly. “I would listen to your friend,” Toy stated. “There is nothing preventing me from causing you more pain than you can imagine.”

“Except for Fantasia flaying you alive for it,” Trueblood muttered through the grip.

A flash of green went across Toy’s eyes. She let go of the mare and tossed her head back, laughing at the sky.

“Are you okay?” Twilight asked quickly.

“Yeah,” Trueblood smiled with a twinkle, “I’m fine.”

Lowering her head back down, Toy stared first at one, then the other mare in turn. “There is one thing that you should probably know,” she directed at Trueblood.

“What’s that?” she replied.

“The Empress is gone. I now rule the Six Kingdoms.” Her words came out slow and sure, with a gentle ease that belied their meaning.

Blinking a few times, Trueblood finally replied, “What?”

“She’s gone. The throne is mine. YOU are mine,” she said.

“What happened to her?” Twilight asked.

“Funny you should ask,” she turned her attention to Twilight. “She’s on your world now. She went off to conquer it. To establish a new empire to rule.”

Twilight’s face paled. “What?”

“Why, it seems that you two ask the same questions,” Toy smirked. “Which one should I answer first?” She stepped up to Twilight. “I know, why don’t we share information. You tell me how that portal works, and I’ll tell you exactly what is happening to your loved ones back home.”

“Wh--what is happening to them?” Twilight stammered.

She brought her hoof up and stroked the mare’s cheek. “Ah-ah! SHARED information. You tell me about the portal, and I’ll share what you want to know. Or...” Pulling her hoof back she pressed it solidly against Twilight’s throat, cutting off her air. “I can simply force you to tell me everything I want to know, anyway.”

“Sparky!” Trueblood shouted. Her eyes went dark, staring at Toy. “I swear, Toy, if you harm a single hair on her mane, I will make you pay.”

She turned her head over to look at Trueblood, and let her hoof fall away. A sputtered cough and ragged intake of air were ignored as Toy moved her hoof back to stroke Twilight’s cheek.

“Did you say what I think you said?” Her hoof moved gently back on Twilight’s muzzle. “In the way that I think you said it?” She grasped Twilight’s mane and jerked it violently, causing a sudden shriek of surprise.

“Twilight!” Trueblood strained against her bonds.

“You did!” Toy stared at Twilight, and then her mouth moved over and bit into the mare’s neck lightly, a green glow surrounding her body as she did. After only a second she pulled back. “And it’s true! You two are in love. How utterly, wonderfully unexpected. And how much more simple this makes my task.”

She stepped away, licking her lips at the taste of newborn love lingering in her mouth. Turning, she stepped over to Trueblood, the white mare once again pulling at her chains as the changeling approached.

“Are you upset because I took a taste of your mare?” Toy teased. “She was delicious, I might add.”

“If my hooves were free...” Trueblood threatened.

“If they were, then I would truly have to beat you half to death,” Toy explained. “You were barely able to avoid me back when Coldheart was keeping me weak and feeble. Now, at my full strength, you would be nothing more than an annoyance.” Lifting a hoof up to stroke Trueblood’s face, she continued. “That would be a waste, though. It’s much easier to deal with you like this.”

A green glow surrounded the changeling’s hoof, transforming it into a jagged chitinous claw. Dragging it across her face, Toy left tiny furrows in the coat.

“No!” Twilight shouted. “Don’t hurt her!”

She turned quickly back to Twilight. “Oh, I will. I will rake every bit of the flesh from her face, one tiny scrap at a time. Unless, of course, you tell me everything that I want to know.”

“I will! Just don’t hurt her, please!” Twilight begged.

“Don’t let her push you, Sparky!” Trueblood shouted. “She can’t hurt me!”

Keeping her face directed at Twilight, Toy continued to speak. “Yes I can, Twilight Sparkle. I can hurt her deeply and permanently. I can turn this beautiful mare into a nightmare in a matter of seconds, with horrific screams to accompany the event. Would you like a sample?”

“NO!” Twilight lurched out, tears staining her face. “No, please. I’ll tell you everything I can.”

“Excellent,” Toy drooled. “Then you can start by telling me how that magic pool works. What makes it function?”

Her pupils shrank to dots. “I--I don’t know,” Twilight stammered. “I wasn’t able to activate it after I got here. I--I don’t know how it works.”

A shadow fell over Toy’s face, her eyes squinting. “I see that I may need to give a sample after all,” she growled.

“No! No, please. Please, don’t. I honestly don’t know how it works!” Twilight pulled against the chains.

“Yet you got here. You must know something, so why not share?” A claw pierced Trueblood’s flesh, eliciting a sharp hiss of air from the mare. A line of red ran down her cheek.

“I’ve had worse experiences walking through the woods,” Trueblood said defiantly.

“I know a lot about magic!” Twilight interjected. “I was able to use the pool once, but not again. I was hoping to find a book on the legends and histories of this world so that I could learn how to use it. I still can! I can figure out how to make it work!”

“Can you destroy it?” Toy lurched forward, putting her face against Twilight’s. “Can you figure out the magic that would get rid of it forever?”

“Destroy it?” Twilight pulled back. “I thought you wanted to...”

Trueblood started laughing. “She’s afraid!” she stated. “She wants to trap Fantasia in your world so that she doesn’t come back here and make her a lapdog again.”

A hoof slammed against Trueblood’s face, turning her muzzle sharply to the side. Toy turned back, her motion away so fast that Twilight wasn’t even aware she was gone for a moment. “My purposes are my own. Your purpose is clear. Figure out how to destroy that pool, or you will be short one girlfriend very, very soon.”

“I’ll do everything I can,” Twilight said. “Just don’t hurt her.”

“You can’t, Twilight,” Trueblood stated, her lip now stained with blood. “If you do then you’ll be trapped here.”

“I can’t let you suffer!” Twilight argued.

“No, you can’t,” Toy purred. “You’ll do anything for her, including helping me shut your world off from you, forever.”

“I won’t be tied up forever, Toy,” Trueblood said. “I want you to remember that.”

A light chuckle grew into a full laugh quickly. “I’m sorry, but you are an amusing child. You will be whatever I choose for you to be for as long as I choose it. If you and Twilight behave yourselves, there is a very good chance that you will enjoy a long, comfortable life in my service.” Her tone dropped. “Otherwise...”

She stepped away, walking towards the front of the platform. “It’s not like you have an option, either. Do you really think that there is somepony out there about to come to your rescue?”

* * * * * * * *

“So, where exactly are we headin’ again?” Applejack asked.

“I don’t know,” Goldfeather said. “Not exactly.”

“Trixie thought you said you knew where to find Twilight Sparkle,” she said.

“Yeah, well, it’s not quite that simple,” Goldfeather mumbled.

Seven figures walked alongside each other in a small group, following a road west after a long journey that had taken them south. The fields rolled to the horizon, green grass and trees glistening in the bright sun overhead.

“Well, at least it is a lovely journey to our destination,” Rarity stated from behind spectacular sunglasses.

“Yep!” Pinkie said from behind an unusually large pair of sunglasses.

“Geez, guys! This isn’t about having fun! We gotta find Twi and get her back home, remember?” Rainbow Dash urged.

“Of course, darling,” Rarity answered, “but just because we have to do something serious does not mean that we can’t look good in the process.” She turned to the bouncing pink pony nearby. “Well, some of us, anyway.”

“Whatever,” Rainbow Dash flew up next to the griffin leading the way. “Okay, Goldfeather, tell us again what is going on.”

Rolling her eyes, she let out a heavy sigh before her answer. “Like I said, Toy had this plan to draw Trueblood into a trap. I don’t know the details, but I know where it was supposed to happen--at least in general. We tracked the two of them to this area, and the plan was to draw them into a town that Toy had set up to be a big trap.”

“Twilight ain’t exactly easy to pin down,” Applejack said. “That girl can do some magics that’ll have you lookin’ two ways at the same time.”

“And Toy would’ve been ready for that,” she answered. “She’s vicious, cruel and, unfortunately, very shrewd.”

“She hasn’t dealt with Twilight Sparkle,” Trixie said knowingly. “It is unwise to underestimate her. Trixie knows this personally.”

“And your Twilight hasn’t dealt with Toy,” she answered.

“Well, actually, we all kinda have already,” Applejack said. “Sorta. I guess. Not sure the difference, though, and back home she had a different name.”

“Different creature, I promise you. You’re changeling wasn’t broken and driven to the point of madness and desperation,” Goldfeather explained. “I’ve looked in Toy’s eyes. And been subject to her...discipline. She’s dangerous.”

“More the reason we need to get there, then!” Rainbow Dash stated. “So, where do we go?”

“I don’t know!” Goldfeather yelled. “I thought I made that clear. I know the general area, but not the specific location. So, we just gotta look and hope.”

“Well, that only reinforces the necessity of our swift and precise actions,” Rarity stated. “We may be back up against a wall, but that only means that we have to fight our way to the front of this predicament and prevail!”

“It could be worse,” Pinkie said. “We could be one of them.”

She gestured to the field, indicating a large group of ponies that were gathered together around a series of huts, looking forlorn and lost.

“Oh my!” Fluttershy said. “Those poor, poor ponies. They look so sad.”

“Yeah, they do,” Rainbow Dash said. “Wonder what happened to them?”

“Only one way to find out.” Applejack turned and began to trot over towards them, the rest of the group following. Including Goldfeather.

It only took a few minutes to reach that congregation, and only seconds for them to see Goldfeather. Ponies scrambled for their tents, while a few of the more brave mares and stallions stepped up to confront the approaching group.

“Stop right there!” A unicorn stallion shouted. “We don’t want her kind here!”

“Woah, woah, woah!” Rainbow Dash flew up. “What is that supposed to mean? Are you telling me that you are judging her just because she’s a griffin? Well, that griffin is walking up here with a group of ponies, buster!”

“Oh, so you’re some kind of griffin-lover, are you?” He stepped forward. “Well, then you can keep on going, too. I don’t want--”

“Flint,” a unicorn mare said, stopping his rant. “Let’s hear them out.”

“Oh, we don’t want to be a bother,” Fluttershy stated. “We just saw your group from the road, and, well...what happened? This seems very unusual.”

“Damned Empire is what happened,” Flint spit out. “Thought we were safe, but I don’t think anypony is safe.”

“What did they do?” Trixie asked.

“They drove us from our homes,” the mare stated. “Practically the whole town. The militia rode in and forced hundreds of mares, stallions and foals out onto the street, stating that they needed our homes for military reasons.”

“That’s horseapples!” Flint said. “And it seemed they were only interested in getting rid of the unicorns and pegasi that lived there. Any earth ponies who left did so from fear.”

“That is horrible!” Rarity said. “Firstly, driving any foal from their home is an atrocious act, and secondly, singling out unicorns? That’s blatantly bigoted!”

“S’cuse me,” Applejack said, “but do you know why they were targeting just unicorns and pegasuses?”

“Pegasi, darling,” Rarity corrected.

“Yeah, them too,” she said.

“No,” the mare stated. “They just rounded us up and told us to leave. To be honest, I was afraid they were going to do worse than that.”

“You were right to be afraid,” Goldfeather said.

“What is she doing here, anyway!” Flint jerked his head towards Goldfeather. “I thought those dirty beasts were pretty much gone--thank goodness.”

“Hey--” Rainbow Dash didn’t get to finish her rant.

“Now you stop right there, mister!” Fluttershy stepped up. “You go on talking a pretty big game with your dislike of what the Empire did to you and your families--and that was a horrible thing--but to talk about our friend based on pre-existing prejudices makes you no better! You thought that them rounding up unicorns was bad, but then you say that griffins are bad just because they are griffins?” She stepped forward, her eyes burning, each step backing Flint up an equal amount. “Does that seem like a fair statement?”

“Well, I was just saying that--” he struggled to get out.

“You were just accusing her of being a horrible monster, when you don’t even know her! You should be ashamed!” Fluttershy continued.

He started rubbing his neck nervously. “It’s just that, with all we’ve been through, I didn’t want anything else bad happening.”

“And that is very understandable, but pre-judging somepony just because of how they look or what they are is wrong no matter how you slice it. So, I want you to apologize to Goldfeather right now!” His rear bumped against a rock, locking him in place as Fluttershy walked right up into his face. “You hear me, mister? Right. Now.”

“I--I’m sorry,” he said softly.

“What was that?” she asked.

“I’m sorry that I thought bad of you because you were a griffin,” he said louder.

“There,” she smiled. “That’s much better.” Fluttershy turned and walked back over to her group of friends.

“I think I see why you like her,” Goldfeather said to Rainbow Dash.

“Told ya!” Dash answered.

“Uh, pardon me again, miss,” Applejack spoke up, “but what was the name of the city that you got pushed out of?”

“Oatland,” she answered.

Turning to look at their guide, Applejack tilted back her stetson. “That sound like a likely place to you?”

“Actually, yeah,” Goldfeather said, “Oatland sounds just about right.”

* * * * * * * *

The streets of Ponyville were active, with a smattering of soldiers interacting with the citizens of the town. They were laughing and talking, sharing moments and food, and generally being extremely friendly.

It was bothering Shining Armor. A great deal, actually.

Not that he disapproved of his troops being friendly, nor did he have any problems with the citizens of Ponyville showing kindness towards them, it was just the timing of everything. This was not supposed to be a pleasant situation. He wanted everypony ready to act, not getting comfortable. It didn’t matter how much he worked them, if they were starting to be relaxed, then they weren’t ready to move.

“What’s wrong?” The question jolted Shining Armor, who suddenly realized how intently he was staring out the window.

He turned to look at his roommate, forcing a smile onto his face. “Just...thinking. How’s the face doing, Spike?”

“Are you kidding? This thing is amazing! There is nothing more rugged than a scar! And I’ve got this trio of bad boys working hard!” he beamed.

It was hard not to have a small burst of laughter at the baby dragon’s response. “Well, all I ask is that you do your best to follow the doctor’s instructions and keep it and yourself clean and bandaged.”

“Awww,” his face fell. “If I bandage it up, then none of the ladies can see it, and I just look like I’m bandage-face.”

“Well, bandage-face is a good start,” he said, noticing that Spike had nothing covering his wound at the moment. “And right now is a good time to start with the bandage-face.”

“But I was just about to go out! Can’t I do it when I get back?” Spike pleaded.

“The whole point is to do it before you go out, actually. To keep it clean, remember?” he clarified.

“The doctor didn’t put a bandage on when I was at his office,” Spike noted, bringing a claw up to his cheek.

“Don’t touch it!” Shining Armor stepped away from the window and grabbed Spike with his magic, levitating him up to one of Rarity’s working tables. Spike had done a commendable job of moving Rarity’s materials off of her work stations and into storage, keeping them labeled so that he could put them right back when she needed them returned. In the interim, Shining Armor had laid out maps of Ponyville and Equestria on the tables, decorating them with--according to Spike--lots of toys. He placed Spike on one of the empty tables.

“You’ve got to be careful, Spike,” he said. “You’re kind of my responsibility, and Twilight is already going to have one of her freak-outs when she sees you hurt like this. If I don’t do everything just perfectly, she’s going to...”

“Seriously freak out?” Spike finished for him.

“Yes!” he nodded. “And I don’t need that.”

“Yeah, well, her being mad wouldn’t be odd lately,” Spike said.

Shining Armor pulled his head back. “What do you mean?”

“Well, I’m not supposed to talk to you about this, but...” he looked around to make sure no pony could overhear--which was a little odd considering they were the only two present, “she was having a little problem before she left with Princess Luna.”

“I...can imagine,” he said, pulling his lips tightly over his teeth. “Did she say why?”

“No! I couldn’t get her to say anything to me. I think that Rarity and the others knew, but they wouldn’t talk to me about it. All I know is that she was trying to drown whatever it was,” he said.

“She was drinking?” his eyes shot wide.

“Oh yeah! A bunch! And it wasn’t even cider, it was that nasty brandy stuff,” he said.

“I...didn’t know,” he mumbled. “She shouldn’t have done that. I expected her to freak out, but not--”

“What was that?!” Spike shouted, pointing outside.

Spinning around, Shining Armor saw a flare of smoke and flame in the street outside of the boutique, and before he could react another flash of fire shot into the air near the location of the first one. He rushed over to the window, screams of ponies rising up to share the air with the black smoke that suddenly filled the sky.

Scanning the city, smoke was rising in several locations. Whatever was happening, it wasn’t an exclusively local event.

“Spike!” He turned to give a command. “I need you to go to the library. Tell the Princesses that there is a possible attack underway. Tell them that I am on it, and will act as I see according until they arrive to take control.”

“Should I send a message?” he asked. “That way I could stay and help!”

“No! That takes almost as long as running there, and they may have questions, and even though we don’t know exactly what’s happening, you can at least tell them something.” He was already moving towards the door. “Now go!”

Bolting out of the door, Shining Armor caught a glimpse of a purple and green blur running as fast as possible near the ground. His eyes were already moving towards his destination, scanning for his troops along the way. He spotted three standing together nearby.

“Get to civilians! Get them inside and keep them from panicking! Move fast and then move to your post!” he shouted, and then pointed at one directly. “You! Where did these come from? Did you see anything?”

The mare ran over to him, as the other two rushed off to do as he ordered. “They didn’t seem to come from anywhere, sir! They just appeared and erupted, sending flame everywhere.”

“We’re under attack,” he stated, still running towards the heart of the disturbance. “This is meant to cause panic. We can’t let anypony overreact to this, or we’re in serious trouble. Where is your unit?”

“They should be at the Town Hall, sir!”

Another half dozen bursts of flame erupted, sending smoke towering into the sky.

“Go there. Tell them it’s time to form up ranks and prepare for an assault. Do not, and I repeat, do not move out and attack. Let the forces come to you. These bombs are coming in via magical teleportation. They are likely to strike against the pegasus next, so we need to get word to them immediately to pull back and form up with us. Let’s do this just as we practiced!”

“Yes sir!” She replied. “What will you be doing, sir?”

“Feedback, soldier,” he answered. “If I can throw them off for just a second, we can turn this around before it gets too deep. Now go!”

“Yes sir!” The mare sprinted off at a tangent, leaving Shining Armor alone. He immediately began scanning the area, targeting areas that had not been struck by any flames, and then sprinting towards the nearest one.

Stopping in the middle of the street, Shining Armor concentrated, rechanneling his magic to cover the ground in a narrow layer of energy. And then, he waited. Bursts of flame and sharp screams came from his left, but he stayed on task, keeping his magic focused.

Soon enough, he felt a tremor ripple across his spell, and he acted. Contracting his magic over the incoming attack, he tied in to the resonance of the spell that sent the flaming assault, reverberating the explosive nature back to the source.

A burst of flame sparked on the horizon to his right, showing the origin of at least this particular attacker. He knew it also signaled the next wave of this attack. He glanced skyward, dozens of ponies were flying back towards the center of town, low and fast. Turning, he ran back towards the Town Hall, keeping his eyes moving as he went.

More explosions sounded behind him. A quick glance showed massive banks of smoke spreading out to cover the edges of the city. With a curt nod, he turned back and saw the perimeter forming. A circle of unicorns, their horns aglow, stood valiantly, facing outward, away from the center of town. Beyond them he could see soldiers forming up into ranks, pegasi landing behind them carefully.

He ran past the unicorns, and did a quick count of the ponies in front of him. They were at about eighty-five percent. Close enough.

He stopped and pointed his horn skyward. A brilliant beam shot up, struck an invisible zenith, and then spread out to cover the center of town in a red sheathe of magic landing just beyond the perimeter of unicorns. His protection spell was in place.

Just in time, from the looks of things. Four of the strange dragon ponies rushed in through the smoke, throwing themselves against the barrier. In his mind, Shining Armor could feel their impact, pressing against his spell with a terrifying force.

“C’mon...” He grit his teeth. “Just a minute more.”

Claws scraped against the shield as the creatures scrambled against it, the sheer ferocity of their attack creating small, delicate fractures against the shield. Shining Armor narrowed his eyes, staring at--and past--the pony beasts that fought to get in. He could hear a murmur run through the ranks behind him.

“Hold your line!” he shouted with a grimmace. “I want every pony to stay in formation until I give the command!”

His commands were echoed along the line, commanders picking up and performing their duty. His sneer transformed to a smile.

In the distance, ponies broke from the smoke. Earth ponies leading the way, pegasi flying in above, and finally unicorns in the back. A path was cleared for the unicorns to get to the front, and they galloped ahead. At the edge of the barrier, they went into a configuration, positioning themselves at even intervals in a small area directly in front of the shield.

Tamping the ground, Shining Armor twisted his ears back and lowered his head, energy once again pouring out of his horn to reinforce the barrier. “Just hold out for a little longer,” he said to himself.

A spell started at the rear of the unicorn gathering, sparking out from one unicorn to two others, and then from those two to two others, and so on, until the spell had arced back and forth between every unicorn, connecting them all as a single unit.

“Get ready!” Shining Armor shouted, followed by the immediate sound of ponies shifting in armor.

The spell erupted from the enemy unicorns, striking a single spot in his shield and fracturing it badly. Cracks echoed along the entirety of the dome, a sharp splitting sound filling everypony’s ears.

The dome fell in shattered pieces, the magic crumbling to nothing before they reached the ground.

“Now!” Shining Armor screamed, as a cheer rose up and the Equestrian forces rushed out to meet the enemy.

A swarm of enemy soldiers charged forward, led by the dragon ponies, who hit the army with a violent cleave.

“Perfect.” Shining Armor smiled and released a burst of magic into the sky.

* * * * * * * *

“I’m actually rather surprised that you aren’t out with your troops,” Cadance stated as she walked, dressed in her form-fitting leggings, tail and mane still pulled back tightly.

“They have to be tested, my protege,” Coldheart answered. “If I have to do everything, then they are useless. If they survive and take the city then they are useful. If they fail, then they did not deserve to be in my army to begin with.”

“They are going to run into trouble, you know,” she answered.

“Of course they are! I hope that it is something severe. Perhaps even Luna herself. I would be curious to see how she would fare against four of my Dragoons,” Coldheart explained.

The halls of Canterlot Castle appeared odd to Cadance. All of the guards had been dismissed. Reassigned to other posts or sent to join the army. Servants still wandered the halls, but they were careful to keep their distance. She could feel the adoration for their new Empress pouring off of them, and sense their desire to make her happy. And she did her very best to counter that feeling in each and every one, but doing so without an obvious display was difficult and problematic.

“Is something on your mind?” Coldheart asked.

“Just considering possible courses of action, Fantasia,” she answered.

“I do hope you mean in assisting me,” she turned and smiled.

“Whatever else would I be thinking?” Cadance smiled back at her.

“That is a thing in and of itself, isn’t it?” The Empress laughed.

“Tell me,” Cadance continued quickly, “what happens if your Dragoons are defeated? You seemed rather upset at the loss of just one before.”

“Yes, it’s true,” Coldheart sighed. “They are dear to me, and the thought of losing them was upsetting for a time, but I have been thinking...”

“About?” Cadance asked.

“Replacements, of course. An improved version of my own creation,” she said. “I haven’t done anything creative in what feels like centuries. It will be good to stretch those muscles once again.”

She stopped walking and looked up at a large stained glass piece that towered above them.

“This, for example,” Coldheart said. “Obviously a creation of Celestia, or perhaps that gathering of ponies at the base. Isn’t that Twilight Sparkle?”

“It is,” Cadance answered. “And that is not a creation of hers or of Princess Celestia’s. He is a being in and of his own right.”

“What is his name?” she asked.

“Discord.” She turned to look at Coldheart. “Does he not exist in your world?”

“No, should he?”

“He’s the embodiment of chaos. A force of destruction here, that was kept in control by Twilight and her friends,” Cadance answered.

“Really?” Coldheart’s voice purred. “The embodiment of chaos? That sounds...interesting.”

“I don’t think you would like him, Fantasia. He’s not very predictable,” she said.

“Perhaps. I will consider it for later, after this current situation is fully dealt with,” she stated.

“That may be a long wait,” Cadance stated with a smirk.

Coldheart turned to look at her, razors forming in her eyes. “I have the time, dear Cadance. Actually, we both have the time, don’t we?”

“Of course, Fantasia. I promised to stay with you, didn’t I?” she answered.

“And I expect you to keep that promise. You would hate to disappoint me, wouldn’t you?” she asked.

Taking a deep breath, Cadance looked directly into the eyes of her doppleganger. “I can tell you in all earnest that I have considered my options, and realize that staying here with you is the best place for me.”

The larger pony stepped over, reaching up and stroking the cheek of the young princess. “You do know how to make me happy, don’t you?” She turned and started to walk away. “Perhaps I will take you up on your offer for sex soon. Truly and properly test you.”

“May I go and bathe, Fantasia?” Cadance asked. “I’ve been so busy with everything that I haven’t had time for proper hygiene.”

“Hmm?” She turned back and looked at Cadance, her eyes roaming all over the mare’s body. “I suppose so. But don’t be gone too long. I have plans that I wish to discuss with you.” She looked over the mare’s body again. “In detail, I think.”

“Of course, Fantasia. Thank you,” she bowed her head and turned, walking away briskly. In a few steps that turned to a trot, which became a gallop as she raced to her room.

Closing the door behind her as she entered the room, Cadance shuddered. “I truly, truly feel that I need a bath.”

“Oh, so I’m supposed to meet you in the bath again?” A voice buzzed. “Fair enough, I guess.”

Cadance whirled to see a familiar chitinous figure in the room.

“Chyrsalis?!” She whispered loudly. “What are you doing here? I told you I wasn’t leaving.”

“Oh, I know,” she answered in a normal tone, walking over to the pink princess. “And I don’t think you need to whisper. We’re rather alone here.”

“You don’t know that!” Cadance continued to speak in hushed tones. “Fantasia could show up at any time!”

“She could, true,” the changeling stepped over to Cadance, “but then, so can I, obviously.”

“It’s not the same!” Cadance scowled. “And why are you here?”

“I can’t just come for a visit?” she pouted.

“No!” Cadance glanced back over her shoulder at the door to her quarters.

“If you are going to be that nervous, then come with me,” Chrysalis stated, turning and walking away.

“Where are you going?” Cadance stepped after her in quick order.

“To the bath, of course,” she said. “That was where you were going before I got here, no?”

“Well, yes,” she answered. “Why there, though?”

“If Coldheart shows up, you’ll be in the bath, and I can become a hoofmaiden in an instant. Plus, a sound dampening spell on the room and we are perfectly safe.” Chrysalis opened the door to the bath and paused, waiting for Cadance to walk past.

“That...makes sense,” she walked past Chrysalis, eyeing the mare carefully. “Dammit.”

“Why Cadance, you seem more upset that I’m here than Coldheart. How could that be the case?” she asked mockingly.

“You know, you really don’t have to go out of your way to be a bitch, Chrysalis,” Cadance said. “You’re good enough at it without trying.”

The changeling rolled her eyes back and moved over to the bath, turning on the faucet to draw warm water.

“What are you doing?” Cadance asked.

“You are taking a bath, remember? Those usually involve water of some sort,” she explained.

“Right.” Cadance walked over and tested the water. Pleasantly surprised, she turned and began to remove her leggings. “So, you still haven’t told me why you’re here. Another threat to kill me?”

“Nothing of the sort,” Chrysalis hissed. “I actually come here with a message from your dear Princess.”

“Princess Celestia?” She turned and stepped towards the changeling. “Is she okay? What did she say?”

“She seems fine,” Chrysalis replied. “She sent me here to tell you that she is proud of you, and that you have a very, very important mission to undertake.”

“Really? What’s that?” Cadance asked.

“Oh, that’s the best part,” she moved up until her face was right in front of Cadance, “you get to have sex with me.”

Taking a big step back, Cadance glowered at the other mare. “Very funny. What did she really say?”

“Oh, I’m not lying. Celestia wants you to share your love energy with me, and I explained the best ways for that to happen, and she agreed that the simplest one--for both of us, really--is for the two of us to become...intimate.”

Chrysalis reached over and added some liquid to the bath, infusing it with essential oils as the water churned.

“You have got to be kidding me,” Cadance said. “Why would I even consider doing such a thing?”

“Why, for Equestria, of course,” Chrysalis licked her lips. “You wouldn’t want to disappoint anypony, would you?”

“You,” Cadance answered quickly. “I would be happy to disappoint you.”

“I certainly hope you don’t,” Chrysalis waved her hoof through the water, “otherwise we may all be in trouble.” She shook her hoof off and gestured to the bath. “Ready to get wet?”

“Funny,” Cadance answered flatly. “And as to you and I being...intimate, well, that isn’t going to happen.”

“Celestia will be very disappointed,” Chrysalis said.

“I doubt it. I’m sure she’ll understand.”

“I’m not sure that you understand,” Chrysalis said. “Coldheart handily beat both Luna and Celestia, and now they’ve brought me in to strengthen the ranks, but the only way that I’ll be able to do that is by powering myself up a good bit. You’re husband has done his share, but he isn’t the Goddess of Love. You, on the other hoof, are.”

“Yes, I recall you mentioning your time with him,” Cadance growled.

“Oh, you mean me telling you that I fucked him?” she asked. “I did. And now I’m going to do you, too.”

“Not if I have anything to say about it,” Cadance said.

“Well, I’m not going to rape you,” Chrysalis said. “Unless that’s what you want me to do? Is it? Does that turn you on?”

“No!” Cadance took a half-step back.

“Hmm, I’m not so sure,” Chrysalis took a full step forward. “It sounds like you might be a little turned on by the idea.”

“You got that from me yelling no? What kind of sick, twisted creature are you?” Cadance asked.

“The best kind.” She raised her eyebrows. “Oh well, your bath is getting cold, dear.” She gestured towards the water.

Hesitantly, Cadance stepped up and past the changeling, moving into the water. The warmth felt good against her skin, and she settled down easily into the bath.

“Now,” Chrysalis moved up beside the water, levitating a washcloth to her hoof, “let’s get you clean, shall we?”

“I’m perfectly capable of washing myself,” she grumbled.

“Yes, but a hoofmaiden would not sit idly by while you did so, would she? No. So, relax and let me get you nice and pretty.”

Cadance took a deep breath and exhaled. “Fine. So, what is the grand plan, anyway?”

“Shhh,” Chrysalis said, sliding in behind Cadance and moving the washcloth over the back of her neck. “We’ll talk when you are relaxed.”

The warm water hit the back of her neck and Cadance tensed up reflexively. The feeling of the changeling touching her, even indirectly, ate at her. “Could you...not do that?”

“It will be difficult to bathe you if I don’t touch you,” she purred.

“Well, try to not...touch me too much.” Cadance shifted a little in the water.

“Of course not,” Chrysalis soothed.

Her hooves slid down the alicorn’s back, picking up more water and then sliding back up along the side of her neck. The water ran down her coat, the oils working into the hairs and bringing them a new luster.

“That...smells nice,” Cadance admitted.

“Celestia only has the finest for her bath,” Chrysalis whispered. “I’m sure you know that, though. Being her niece and all.”

“I’ve never actually used her bath before. It’s never been something I thought about,” Cadance said.

“Oh, then you have been missing out.” Her hooves pulled back and began to massage the mare’s shoulders. “Let me work some of this oil into your skin. It’s magnificent.”

“And,” Cadance lowered her head down, trying not to enjoy the sensation Chrysalis was providing, “how would you know that?”

“I’ve had some of it sent to my hive,” she said. “One of my drones...borrowed some.”

“Ah, and,” she let out a soft moan, “and Celestia doesn’t know about this?”

“Of course not,” Chrysalis said. “She never even knew that they were gone.”

Flexing her wings out, Cadance rolled her neck around. “I suppose that I will have to be the one to tell her, then.”

“Well, let’s wait and see what happens when this is all done,” Chrysalis answered. “Maybe you won’t have to.”

“What does that...oh.”

Her train of thought completely left her as Chrysalis’ mouth gently came down on the edge of her feathers and pulled softly. She could feel the tugging all the way down to the base of her wings.

“That’s...” she started. “Where did you learn to preen wings?”

“Please, it is my charge to be anything and everything to anypony,” Chrysalis cooed. “Especially the idea of bringing pleasure.”

“Don’t...” she paused, trying to gather her thoughts. “Don’t get any bright ideas. You and I still aren’t going to--”

“Of course not,” Chrysalis calmed her, while her mouth gently pulled out loose feathers and sent a sharp tingle through her body with every other tug.

After a swallow, Cadance’s mouth fell open as her breath started to come in deeper gasps. She felt Chrysalis’ hooves slide down into the water, moving down towards her flank.

“What are you doing?” Cadance asked.

“Cleaning you, remember?” she answered.

Blinking her eyes open, she turned her head to look at the changeling’s eyes. She was hoping to find a green glow. A shimmer around her horn or anything to indicate a spell being used to overwhelm her. She was disappointed.

“Is something wrong, Cadance?” Chrysalis smiled.

“Wh--what are you doing to me?” she asked.

“Seducing you,” she admitted.

“I asked you not to do this,” Cadance said.

“I can’t help it,” her tongue came out and licked her lips, “I’m a bad girl.”

“Stop it,” Cadance said weakly.

“That wasn’t very convincing,” Chrysalis shook her head. “I wasn’t lying to you, Cadance. Celestia agreed that I needed to feed from your love energy. The idea here is to make it as pleasant for you as possible.”

“When you did that to Shining Armor, you left him--”

“Not the same thing,” she stated softly. “I had to do that covertly, without his or anypony else’s knowledge. If I don’t have to hide it, then it is has no after effect. You will still be wholly intact.”

“And if I don’t...don’t want you to?” Cadance asked.

“Well, that’s the thing,” she pulled a feather out and turned it around in her mouth, holding the soft end towards the other mare, “you, being a Goddess of Love, can control the love that flows from your body. If you completely deny me, then I will get nothing. I cannot take what you will not give.”

“So, I’m in control?” she asked, her eyes closing as her own plucked feather caressed the side of her face.

“Completely,” Chrysalis said. She leaned forward and gently kissed Cadance’s cheek. Her hooves came out of the water and urged the mare to turn around. Shifting in the water, Cadance came around and looked directly at Chrysalis. The changeling smile was crooked and more than hinting at a sneer.

“What are you going to do with the power I give you?” she asked. “You have no love for Celestia or Equestria.”

“No, but having spoken with Luna and witnessed Coldheart personally, I know that she cannot stay,” Chrysalis moved closer.

“Okay. What are you going to do, though?” she asked again.

“I have my plans.” She leaned forward and kissed Cadance on the lips.

Cadance expected the changeling’s lips to be hard, unyielding. The soft sensation that pressed against her was surprising. The jolt that it sent through her body, doubly so. She felt Chrysalis’ hooves roam down her body once again, heading for her flank a second time. This time, they grasped the flesh and pulled, bringing her closer to the large mare.

Breaking their kiss, Chrysalis pulled back. “Move over,” she said, stepping up to get into the tub.

Wordlessly, Cadance moved, initially surprised at how easily both of them fit into the one bathing vessel. A second thought made it not surprising, really, considering who it was constructed for in the first place.

Once in the water, Chrysalis moved over Cadance, pressing her full body against the smaller mare. Her hooves once again went to the flank, caressing the cutie mark and carefully pulling her closer. Chrysalis stared down into Cadance’s eyes, and the alicorn lost her breath for a moment, unable to look away.

“I want you,” Chrysalis said. “Not just for the energy you will provide, but so you know what I am. So that you understand. Is that clear?”

All Cadance could do was nod.

“Good,” she answered. “First, you are going to satisfy me. After that, I will do the same for both of us.”

“O--okay.” Cadance felt lost.

Chrysalis moved her hoof over the top of Cadance’s, and then directed it down between her hind legs. Cadance could feel a slickness in the water, coating the outside of Chrysalis’ sex.

Letting go of Cadance’s hoof, Chrysalis provided some instructions. “I want you to caress me for now. Once you have done that to my satisfaction, I will give you access so that you may finish me with your tongue.”

“I know how to pleasure a mare,” Cadance replied.

“I’m sure you do,” Chrysalis stated, “but I will be in control here. I will tell you what to do, and you will do it. I will not yell, and I will not harm you, but I will insist that you obey me.”

“I don’t think--”

A hoof came up to cover Cadance’s mouth. “I. Insist.”

“I...” Cadance pulled back, staring hypnotically into Chrysalis’ eyes. “Okay. Yes.”

“You’ve been doing very well with your hoof,” Chrysalis commented.

She hadn’t even been consciously aware that she had continued to rub her hoof over Chrysalis’ slit. Some of the fluid was lost to the water, but a surprising amount was still coating her hoof, and she could feel the vagina opening to her touch.

“Changelings are different from ponies,” Chrysalis said. “Our bodies produce what we need, as well as what we want it to produce. A normal pony wouldn’t be able to stay lubricated in water. I can. I can do anything.” She leaned forward and let her tongue run along Cadance’s ear. “Faster.”

Moving her hoof in a line along Chrysalis’ marehood, Cadance picked up the pace, paying particular attention to the crown of the opening and the rising nub she could feel there.

“Mmmmm,” Chrysalis purred. “I approve.” She pulled back and stared Cadance in the eyes once again. “It’s time for you to demonstrate your talented tongue. Be ready.”

She rose up out of the water, the liquid slipping off of her in quick order, as though it was escaping her flesh. She lowered herself down on the edge of the tub, spreading her hind legs to expose her sex.

“You may feast upon me,” she raised her head and stared down at Cadance.

Her mouth opened to say something, but instead she simply leaned forward, bringing herself close to the changeling. Her vagina was pink and pouting, and Cadance marveled at it for a moment. She thought it would be green, or harsh, or something...odd. Perhaps the most unusual thing about it was the fact that it appeared exactly like a normal pony pussy.

A small, gentle graze upon the edge of the marehood brought back a familiar flavor, albeit with Chrysalis’ own unique nuance. A second lick confirmed the taste, and Cadance leaned into it, bringing her lips out to kiss the outer flesh of this warm and wet sex.

“Don’t be afraid of it,” Chrysalis hissed. “Get in there. Make me cum!”

Urged on, Cadance extended her tongue, exploring the depths of Chrysalis’ cunt. Experience was her guide, and she let her own skill take over. Licking and probing, kissing and nibbling, alternating between inner and outer marehood with precision and practiced results. The moans of the changeling were evidence of that.

“You are a talent,” Chrysalis groaned, her hooves coming down to caress Cadance’s mane. “I’m looking forward to giving you my seed.”

And she was wanting to taste it. Curiosity had gotten the better of her, and she wanted to know what this pony-who-wasn’t-a-pony was like in the throws of orgasm. Her tongue began to flutter as she let a hum vibrate through her lips.

Chrysalis’ breathing became erratic, her chest swelling and falling rapidly as her hooves grasped Cadance’s multi-colored mane. Her head rolled back, and she clamped her thighs together, pinning the other mare in place as she silently let loose a torrent of cum onto the pony’s face.

Licking as diligently as ever, Cadance made a point to swallow every drop that fell out of the pussy she had been working on for the past few minutes. Her mind reeled as she tried to identify the flavor that rushed down her throat.

After a short series of spasms, Chrysalis opened her thighs and released her grip, letting Cadance pull away from her sex, leaving a series of small kissed behind as she did.

“Buttered popcorn...” Cadance whispered.

“I beg your pardon?” Chrysalis droned in satisfaction.

“Just thinking out loud,” she answered.

“Well, I want you to continue that trend,” Chrysalis grasped Cadance with her magic and lifted the mare from the water, turning her around so that her front hooves rested on the edge of the tub across from the changeling. “You need to decide: mare or stallion?”

“I...what?” Cadance asked, her neck twisting around to look at Chrysalis as she moved closer to her flank.

“With me you have an option, and I am graciously letting you decide which of those you will experience. Do you want a mare or a stallion?” Chrysalis moved up over the top of Cadance, mounting her and once more taking the alicorn’s wing shanks into her mouth for an erotic gnawing.

“I...I don’t know,” Cadance’s mind began to cloud over. “Just...I...either.”

“Hmmm,” Chrysalis said. “I’m guessing the last good fuck you got was from Shining Armor, so I suppose you deserve a cock inside you.”

“Ohhhh,” Cadance moaned, her thoughts traveling to images of her husband. “Yes.”

“Perfect,” Chrysalis growled. “You will discover that my cock is significantly larger than your husband’s. Don’t worry, I will be gentle--well, as gentle as I am able with such a tool,” she threatened. “Oh, and when you cum--and you will cum--I am going to be biting you on the neck. It’s the easiest and most effective way for me to feed.”

“What?” Cadance felt her pulse race when a large, throbbing member began to rub against the outside of her sex. “That...you can’t. Coldheart will notice.”

“Don’t worry, it doesn’t leave a mark,” Chrysalis promised, rearing up and thrusting along Cadance’s outer lips, coating her green phallus. “I can’t say the same for my dick. It might just permanently mark that precious little cunt of yours.”

“D--don’t worry about me,” she said, thrusting back in rhythm. “I can take far more than you are capable of delivering.”

“Oooh, I do so like bravado,” Chrysalis purred. “It’s like a challenge.”

Turning her head around, Cadance stared back with thin, narrowed eyes. “Bring it.”

A single thrust buried Chrysalis’ she-cock deep inside the mare’s pussy. Cadance grunted from the shock, and grit her teeth, but showed no signs of pulling away. Chrysalis wasn’t lying: she was much larger than Shining Armor. Maybe larger than any stallion she had ever had. She waited a moment, and then rolled her hips around on the massive member that filled her up.

“Is...is that all?” Cadance finally asked.

She felt a warm breath on her ear as Chrysalis fell forward, putting a hoof on either side of her withers. “Actually, no.”

Cadance could hear the sneer in her voice as the cock began to go even deeper. A gasp came out of her, her eyes popping wide, as inch after inch pressed inside of her.

“I think that’s enough, though. I’m not here to prove a point. I’m here to watch you cum,” Chrysalis said, and slowly began to rock her hips back and forth, massaging the inner walls of Cadance’s cunt.

“Oh,” Cadance breathed. “Oh, wow.”

“Yes, I know,” Chrysalis replied. “Relax, and let yourself get into the tempo. Let me guide you to an orgasm unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.”

Shifting her weight, Cadance began to pull and thrust in perfect counter to Chrysalis’ actions. The head of the cock was plunging deep inside, while the shaft was rubbing against the tender spot just inside her vagina, creating a sensation that made her eyes roll back into her head.

“Yessss,” Chrysalis hissed. “Feel the pleasure that I can give you. That only I can give you. You are a Goddess of Love, but I am a Mistress of Lust. You cannot resist what I am doing to you. In seconds you will cum all over my cock, and when you do I will unload inside you, filling your hole with my own special cum.”

“Unhhh.” The noise that Cadance made may have been a protest, or it may have been a begging plead, but neither option changed Chrysalis’ actions. She continued to slowly plow the young alicorn, deeply and seductively.

“Are you ready?” Chrysalis asked. “I can feel your cunt tightening around me. Sucking on my cock like a greedy little hole. Do you think that you are about to cum?”

A short series of nods was Cadance’s only response.

“Good.” Suddenly Chrysalis began to fuck her in earnest, rapidly shoving her cock in and out of the sopping pussy.

She could hold back no longer. Cadance stuck her head down, biting her hoof as she stifled a scream. Her hips began to buck wildly back, trying to force more of Chrysalis’ cock into her cunt, as she came in torrents around the hard flesh.

As promised, with Cadance cumming around her cock, Chrysalis shot out her own load of cum. Cadance pushed and pulled on the cock, coaxing out as much of the sticky fluid as she could manage. Her body telling her to encourage this monster to quench the hunger that dwelled inside her marehood.

And then she realized that Chrysalis was feeding. That, at some point, the changeling had done just as she foretold, and sank her fangs into the flesh on her neck. She could now feel energy leaking out of her body and into the creature behind her.

Suddenly, Chrysalis released her, and she fell back into the bath, stunned. Her breath was shallow and quick, her mind racing to catch up with the events that had just transpired.

“Delicious,” Chrysalis said. “I must say, you are even more tasty than your husband. I believe I went the wrong direction when I first came to Canterlot. You would have been a much better choice to be with.”

“Thanks,” Cadance looked up at Chrysalis. “You were...okay.”

A single eyebrow arched completely on Chrysalis’ face. “What?”

“You were good, don’t get me wrong,” Cadance rolled her shoulders and neck, “but you lacked the passion that I’ve come to expect from a...gifted lover.”

“Oh please,” she chuckled. “You can barely stand.”

“True. That is a rather unwieldy piece of meat you carry around, but you don’t really understand how to use it,” she said. “It’s a shame actually.”

“Well, perhaps we could practice some more.” Chrysalis licked her lips.

“No, no,” Cadance shook her head. “I meant it’s a shame that it ended up on somepony like you. But then, size isn’t everything.”

Rising from the bath, the water once again fell in sheets off the outer skin of the changeling queen. “Oh, of course not,” she hummed, “but then, truthfulness isn’t everything either.”

“Oh, you lied?” Cadance said. “About what?”

“No, Cadance,” Chrysalis moved over towards the window, “I never said that I lied. Thank you for the meal, I feel...empowered. Go ahead and clean yourself up. If you are sensitive still, don’t feel embarrassed to think about me while you bathe.”

“Sadly, I’m sure I’ll see you again, Chrysalis,” Cadance stated.

“Oh, you will. Either in person or your dreams, whichever might come first.” She smiled and leapt out the window, transforming as her body lifted from the ground to appear as a normal pegasus.

A deep, heavy sigh fell out of Cadance as she slipped back into the tub. She stared at the ceiling, her mind focused on a single thing.

“...Shining Armor...” she whispered.

* * * * * * * *

Leaping forward, Shining Armor was shouting commands to all the ponies in the area. Thankfully, most of them were already in action before he even told them what to do. He couldn’t help but smile at the effectiveness of the training.

“Watch the left flank!” he shouted. “Close up ranks.”

No pony was going anywhere. His spell created a strong protective sphere, only this time it wasn’t keeping anypony out--but everypony in. The unicorns that were in perfect position enhanced the spell, charging it with magical energy and setting up a shield of a very different sort.

Half of the unicorns stayed in place, their magic feeding the protective shell, while the other half turned inward and began the second half of their mission. Shining Armor turned and located the dragon ponies, three of them he found instantly, still slashing through his troops, the fourth was out of sight at the moment, but he knew that wouldn’t last.

Galloping at full speed, he was barely able to avoid the direct conflicts between Coldheart’s forces and his own as he worked over to the point where the unicorns were gathering.

“Magic ranks, form up on me!” he commanded. “It’s time to see if our calculations are correct! Target group at two-o-clock!”

Lowering his horn, a sphere of magic appeared a short distance in front of him. A dozen unicorns lowered their horns, adding magic to feed the glowing ball. Sparks began to arc along the surface of the ball, and finally Shining Armor released it, sending it into the conflict of ponies that he chose moments ago.

The magic struck the group, exploding out and leaping from pony to pony, seemingly jumping through each of them one at a time, and finishing its task in a matter of seconds.

More than half of the ponies from the opposing forces staggered, blinked, and then looked around in confusion.

“It’s working!” Turning to the unicorns he barked out commands. “Three groups. You go left, you go right, and mine will cut through the middle. Let’s bring our troops back to us!”

The concept was simple enough. Coldheart’s spell fed them magic, making them love her and instantly obey. Still, somewhere inside that was good training and ponies that were loyal to Equestria. If they could cut off that magical feed somehow, do something to “reset” their brain and remove the influence, they might return the forces back to them.

Or, in other words, use the same trick the enemy already used against them.

Balls of magic began launching through the battle, striking ground and ariel troops alike. It wasn’t a complete success, but there was enough ponies that were reverting that it made it very worthwhile. Within minutes, the numbers game was rapidly changing.

The power scale, however, was still an issue. The fourth of the dragon ponies had made his appearance, descending upon one of the rear batteries from the rooftops above. They were suffering instantly. The other three were still causing chaos of their own.

He knew that no normal pony could beat one. He had taken their measure personally, and knew the danger they possessed. They could cut through the gathered ponies here no matter how many and how efficient they were fighting. Wave after wave of his finest would be doing nothing but sacrificing their lives for no reason.

In fact, he knew there was only one thing inside this dome that was capable of beating one of these monsters, and he planned to use it.

“Initiate the Armor Piercing Protocol,” he turned to the unicorns traveling with him and spoke. “Get everypony in position or this whole thing is for nothing.”

“Yes, sir!” the lead pony saluted and ran off with the others, leaving Shining Armor to plot his own course.

His new path took him towards Town Hall, the tallest building in Ponyville, and the ponies that waited for him there. Bursting through the doors and running up the stairs, he found three ponies, each carefully watching the events unfold. “It’s time,” Shining Armor said at once.

The three ponies turned and saluted. Three unicorns, each in military garb and wearing a special crest on their chestpiece. A series of concentric circles, lines crossing them, all pointing to the center. Marksponies.

“You have the crystals?” Shining Armor asked.

“Yes, sir!” One of them responded. To illustrate, he levitated up a small wooden box, opening it to reveal two diamonds, each rippling with black energy. The other two ponies displayed similar boxes.

“Can you hit them from this range?” he asked.

“We can,” the markspony answered. “We have to.”

“You probably won’t get two tries. If you don’t get it right the first time, we’re in trouble,” Shining Armor said.

“We can do it, sir,” he reassured him.

“Then do it. One to each of those monsters. Right between the eyes,” he urged.

A team of unicorns had spent days preparing those gems. Making sure the enchantment on them was perfect. They had a single purpose, and that was about to be put to the test.

There was no wind. Shining Armor’s dome made sure of that. A clear line of sight for the shot was a different matter, but that was being handled even as the marksponies prepared their magic for the shot.

First step, separate the dragon creatures. Pull them away from each other in combat. Let them bring the battle to you as you maneuver yourself away from them and each other.

Second step, put them in line with the tower. Make sure that they have no buildings blocking them or major structures in the way.

Third step, get them facing towards the tower. If their eyes weren’t in that direction, it wouldn’t matter. The marksponies needed a clear shot to the eyes.

Finally, get them in closer again. Take as much chance out of this as possible, and insure that these magical diamonds had the best possible chance to find their target.

“Mark,” the first markspony said.

“Mark,” the second repeated.

“Mark, the third answered.

As one, their horns lit up, sending the small diamond projectiles through a warp that accelerated them, transporting them to the target in question. Between the eyes of three of the Dragoons.

The aim was perfect, and the gems shattered against the hard, scaly flesh--just as planned. The magic wafted across the eyes of the ponies, sinking into the soft, yielding flesh.

“One to go,” Shining Armor stated, as two of the ponies moved into position. He kept his own position, waiting to see the response from the creatures. Each of them began to look around, shaking their heads and backing away from combat.

“Do you think it will work, sir?” the remaining markspony asked.

“We’ll know soon enough,” he said. “And if it does, then we have the perfect weapon to use against an unstoppable killing machine.” He turned to look at the markspony. “Another unstoppable killing machine.”

The special unicorn team that constructed these gems figured that the dragon ponies were probably as immune to magic as they were physical attacks, based on the reports that were provided from the battle at the gateway to the other world. No fire, no electricity, no direct magical attack would be effective. The one thing that they could use to defeat them might just be themselves.

A magical dust would be formed from the destruction of the gem, spreading across the eyes of the creatures and embedding on the surface of that flesh, and creating a specific illusion. The spell would make any other creature of the same type appear to be something else--somepony else--completely.

In this case, a very weak and wounded princess of Equestria. The magic wouldn’t create duplicates, so it might be Luna, or Celestia, or even Cadance if needed, but each of them appeared vulnerable.

Watching one of the dragon-ponies leaping across a cadre of Equestria’s finest to head directly for another of his own told Shining Armor all he needed.

“It’s working,” he whispered. “It’s working!” He grabbed the markspony by the withers and gave him a strong, approving shake, and then glanced back down to see the two monsters locked in a desperate struggle.

Blood and claws were in constant motion as the two shredded each other’s flesh, neither willing to give ground to the other. Then, a third joined the fray, adding to the bloodshed.

A clear berth was given to the battle, the Equestrian forces continuing their attempts to subdue the remaining of Coldheart’s own troops. Everything was suddenly going exactly as planned.

For a moment.

“Sir!” One of the marksponies called to Shining Armor. “We can’t get a bead on the last one, sir.”

“What’s the problem?” Shining Armor rushed over to their location, following their eyes out into the conflict.

“He isn’t staying in a fight, sir,” he stated. “He’s jumping up and around the buildings. We can’t get a clear line to him.”

“Dammit. Always gotta be one of them,” he muttered. “Keep your positions. Wait for a shot, but if you can’t get on in the next couple of minutes move on. Those other three will have torn each other apart by then, and the fourth won’t matter. Take out the wounded ones when you get the chance.”

“Yes, sir!” they answered as one.

Without another word, Shining Armor sprinted down the stairs, turning to head out in the direction of the rogue Dragoon. He scanned the ground, and then worked his way up, trying to get a bead on the creature. It didn’t take him long.

A swath of ponies fell as the monster leapt into another group, screams accompanying its arrival.

Shining Armor pushed himself, running faster than he thought possible. He raced past other ponies, some of them struggling to escape, some trying to get closer, until he found himself once more facing a snarling half-pony, half-dragon monster.

“Yeah,” he said, narrowing his eyes, “I’ve heard that from your kind before.”

He tamped the ground, laying his ears back and letting a snort of rage flare from his nostrils. Before he had a chance to do anything else, the monster was on him. He felt a deep wound rake across his flank as he did his best to turn away, and he crumpled to the ground. He tried to regain his hooves, but his rear leg suddenly refused to obey. Another swipe went across his back, and he could feel a rush of cold against his flesh. He lit his horn, dismissing the shield spell that surrounded the center of Ponyville, and pushed himself to the side, craning his neck slightly to get a good look at pony-monster.

It was in the air, claws extended and reaching for his throat.

“Claw your way through this, you son of a bitch!” he snarled in a low voice.

His shield spell went forth, surrounding and protecting its sole inhabitant--the Dragoon.

Shining Armor let the momentum of the beast come crashing down next to him, the creature unable to land with any grace or sureness. He scrambled in the magical sphere, his claws raking frantically against the nigh-impenetrable spell.

Gritting his teeth, Shining Armor focused his concentration, and began to shrink the protective shell. With every passing second, the space grew smaller and smaller, and the Dragoon became more and more animated, claws and fangs and shoulders all trying the strength of the magic. He winced with every assault against his spell, sweat forming on his brow, but he would not relent.

The first snap came from the creature’s rear leg, as things became too compact to move. It was soon joined by a chorus of sounds. Snaps and cracks, howls and growls, fury and anger.

Lips curled back, teeth bared, Shining Armor stared ahead without seeing anything. His world was clouded, his vision blurred, but he refused to stop. Time became something irrelevant.

“Captain?” The voice was distant, soft and soothing. “Captain, can you hear me?”

He blinked. His eyes tried to find something to focus on, and finally fell upon the figure of the night-black mare standing in front of him, teal eyes reaching down to pull him back.

“Princess?” he said slowly.

“You can stop now, Captain,” Luna said with a smile. “We won. YOU won. Ponyville is safe.”

He slumped down, his breath suddenly much more labored than he realized.

“Woah...” Shining Armor turned to see his small dragon friend staring at him with wide, wondrous eyes. “Now that was totally hard-core.”

He looked around, and saw a gathering of ponies, dozens of them, each staring at him. One of them swiftly raised her hoof up, putting it to her forehead. Another followed suit, and then several others, and then all of them. Their heads high, and their eyes focused, they waited patiently for his response.

Taking a deep breath, he raised his hoof and saluted them back.

* * * * * * * *

Stepping inside, he rid himself of first his hat, and then his form. Husk stepped into the main room, finding his friends there, waiting anxiously. “They’re there.”

~

She flew down, landing in the clearing where they waited. She shook her head, throwing her mane back off her face and fluffed her wings out to clear them of anything. “I saw her! And somepony else, too,” Rainbow Dash said.

~

“They’re tied up to some thick beams, using thick chains, too,” Husk said. “Seems like they haven’t been treated particularly well, either.”

~

“So, you’re tellin’ us that they’re hurt?” Applejack asked.

“I don’t know about hurt, but Twilight sure has looked better, that’s for sure,” Dash answered. “And they obviously did something to her magic, too, or she would’a just teleported outta that thing.”

~

“How many guards did you see?” Bea asked.

“About a dozen,” Husk answered. “I think there would have been more, but there seemed to be a celebration still going on.”

~

“A party?!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “Even I have trouble imagining a party over something like that!”

“Not a party, darling,” Rarity said, “a celebration. They are flaunting the capture of Twilight.”

~

“And Toy?” Gilda asked. “Did you see her?”

“No, but she won’t be far away,” Husk answered.

~

“Trust me, Toy won’t let this happen easily,” Goldfeather explained.

“Well, Trixie won’t let Twilight stayed chained up like that,” she explained. “Not like that.”

~

“What is that supposed to mean?” Ditzy asked.

“It means that Toy is trying to bait us in,” Bea answered. “She knows that we’re out there, and she wants us to come and try to rescue her.”

~

“So, you’re sayin’ that it’s a trap,” Applejack said.

“More than likely,” Goldfeather answered.

“A trap?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “She doesn’t even know that we’re out here! Or that we exist! How the heck could she set a trap for us?”

~

“Because she knows that we can’t resist. And that as long as we’re out here she isn’t safe,” Husk told Ditzy.

“Well, she’s half right,” Bea stated.

~

“She’s paranoid. She thinks that everypony is out to get her,” Goldfeather said.

“Well, she has good reason to think that this time,” Trixie said.

~

“What do you mean?” Gilda asked.

“Simple, we’re giving her what she wants,” Bea answered.

~

“You thinkin’ what I’m thinkin’, Trixie?” Applejack asked.

“Trixie is,” she answered.

~

~

“Let’s go rescue them.”

* * * * * * * *

“Thank you for coming,” she said, setting the bag down on the floor. The room was dark, saving from the glow from the nearby forge. “I know that this is unusual, but what we have to do must be done in secrecy. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Princess,” the stallion answered.

“I’m honestly not sure why I’m here,” Lyra answered.

“Because the heat of the blacksmith’s forge will not be enough to do what we are going to do. For that, I will need your magic, Lyra Heartstrings,” Celestia said.

“I...okay,” Lyra said. “Just tell me what I have to do.”

“I will. And thank you,” Celestia smiled.

“Begging your pardon, ma’am,” Ironshank asked, “but what exactly are we doing?”

“I need your skills, good sir. Both of your skills,” she said. “We are going to be working all through the night, I fear.”

“That...didn’t really answer my question,” he said.

“I will explain it all in good order,” she said. “But first let’s get a look at your materials, shall we?”

She picked up the bag and emptied it onto the floor. The shattered remains of her golden armor fell about, rattling as they found their counterparts. Scrolls of paper, detailed with plans and information lay next to the metal to provide guidance in its use.

“That armor is the finest that was ever made,” she said. “Crafted by the best ponies of their day--and gilded with a magical shield that was supposed to be invulnerable. Made, I am sad to say, in response to my sister becoming Nightmare Moon. That was centuries ago. I have had no need to wear it until recently, and it failed me. I have decided to reforge my armor.”

“You...you want me to make you a suit of armor, ma’am?” Ironshank’s voice was low and soft.

Celestia’s eye took on a deep glow as she slowly looked to the forge.

“No, my little pony, I want you to do much more than that.”

...To Be Continued.