Authors note: In time for Halloween the Carnival has arrived. Poor Maple has been banned from this festive event and Sasha has betrayed her to the Council. Now Maple has to work every possible angle if she wishes to tell Abigail how she truly feels. Time is against her and the Council has their eyes on her. Can Maple beat the clock and the Council? Hope you enjoy as we delve into Chapter 4.

Ch.4: Sister against the world

Days passed slowly for Maple and she found herself bored out of her skull. The usual labor she languished now seemed to be something she longed for. She was desperate to work…anything to get her mind off not going to the Carnival. The one pony she wanted to go to with it was in Ponyville…and the Council seemed quite fit in their old hooves to stand their ground barring entry. "Don't you guys have anywhere better to be?"

"The Council is here to protect those of Ponyville of wrongful influence. It so happens you are the first we have ever encountered. While it would be fitting for us to oversee the Carnival's preparations we know Sasha and her family will do just fine." The white maned elder of the Council said proficiently; his tired eyes holding firm in their convictions.

"You guys need a life." Maple said. It was like this for some time now and each Council member said about the same thing. It was like they were a hive mind that orchestrated on one another's very thoughts. It really ate at her and as she sat on her haunches she grew weary of the mind games. Watching pony after pony pass she could see their judging eyes and knew that inside they were questioning if she was checking them out. Her tail bounced back and forth heavily and her head screamed for some kind of speech to send the ponies off in guilt.

"Hey there Maple." Maple didn't need to lift her head to know who spoke to her. Much like the Council members she showed up to taunt her. "No hello for your lover? I am sad to see how far you have sunk Maple. Anyway I just came to report that the Carnival is already set for Tomorrow. This year the Carnival is set during Halloween so it is a costumed only event. My family is most pleased with our progress…will you be attending Council Member Ronald Whitefall?

"Unfortunately this year will mark my first absence from the Carnival Sasha. Most everyone in Ponyville will be in attendance and we can't leave her…unguarded. I wish for you to give my condolences along with the Council's to your parents." Ronald gave a disapproving stare at Maple before returning a more pleasant smile towards Sasha.

"I will…and we will miss you…as well as the Council. It isn't the same without your wise words during the opening or hearing your stories during the camp fire." Sasha Star nodded her head at each council member before giving one final look towards Maple. "Too bad you couldn't come Maple; had you been a good girl, well, suffice to say you'd be with you know who…instead of who is about to ask her."

Maple felt all color drain from her face at Sasha's last words. Watching her leave she felt an urge to bust through the Council's ranks this instance and hurry to her sister's side. The only flaw there was the Council was all powerful and her sentence would likely lengthen at such foolish actions. This was like a fenced off area that just begged to be jumped. There had to be a chink in their formation for her to at least pay a visit to Abigail and ward off her suitor for the dance. Walking up and down the line she finally found such a chink after about 45 minutes of pacing. The female pony at the end had a weak bladder. She usually took about 5 minutes to relieve herself and in that time she usually had Walter fill in. The problem with Walter was, well, he was absent minded. His blue mane had grown extra long and it often fell before his eyes so he normally stood too close to Eliza. It was all about timing and as she watched the female leave she took her chance.

"Hey Walter…whatcha doing?" Maple said innocently. She was taught to respect her elders and so she took her time with him. It wouldn't work well on her end to rush through and get caught so close to freedom.

"Oh hi Maple," Walter said in his sing song voice. His mane hung before his eyes but he knew her voice anywhere. "I am just…uh…oh gosh darn I forgot what I was supposed to be doing. Um…you didn't perchance hear what I was supposed to be doing…did ya?"

Maple worked her charm further and played at the dirt below her hoof. "Why Walter…that would be eavesdropping I believe. It would be rather unfortunate on my end to do that…and…as you know I'm already in trouble-."

"Maple…you know I can't let you through. I mean you are a sweet pony and all, but, Ronald would have my spot taken from me if I did anything." Walter heard her heavy sigh and felt his own sigh push out. "Perhaps I can do something else instead?"

Maple considered it…and a plan began to spring into motion. Of course that was her plan before…just a little stronger. As for what she would ask of Walter, well, she could only think of one thing. "Tell you what Walter…I am getting kinda bored over here. If you can gather the materials I ask for I would be most thankful."

Listening to her as she told him of the material he found it kinda…sketchy. What would she need all that for? Nevermind, he excused any further doubt, no point in questioning her long as it doesn't work into going inside Ponyville. "So…what was I supposed to do?"

Maple knew that this was wrong, but, long as she was back before the female pony finished her business the better off she was. Of course she was not as young a pony as she was once was; still this was Ponyville and no one really saw each other as nothing but. So she told him the lie she worked up. "Eliza told you to trim your mane some so you wouldn't be such a distraction to the other ponies."

"I get it…I need a trim. Thanks Maple I will get on it once she comes back." Walter blew up slightly and stared at Maple's smiling face.

The female council member came back and sat down. Walter told her he was going for a trim and for her to watch his place. However her bladder acted up again leading to her asking Eliza to watch her and Walter's spot. This was most difficult for the other female and so when she went back to her old place she took this opportunity to slip through the crack. Ponyville was in much commotion over her recent ban and the coming Carnival. She dodged curious stares by hiding under buildings on her belly over climbing a ladder set up for decorations. From the height she was at she could see Abigail at their house overlooking decorations they normally did together. Maple felt a pang of longing for her sister and as she galloped across the rest of the way she barely had time to avoid the male approaching their house. Spinning on all four hooves she crashed into a bale of hay in the barn and managed to luckily avoid disturbing several piles stacked high. Words carried through to the barn and as she poked her head up with hay pouring over her eyes she heard the male speak.

"Hiya Abigail. My name is Rusty Steel. I live a few doors away from you and I have to say you are the prettiest pony I have laid my eyes on." His smile was alarmingly charming, or so he was told, and his body was quite tone from the field work.

"Well aren't you…flattering, but, I am afraid I will be going alone this year. I think it is best with everything that has happened I enjoy this time for myself."

"Now where is the fun in that? The Star family has fixed up the Carnival so there won't be any…incidents like there was last year. Surely accompaniment is a requirement to ensure you aren't by your lonesome the entire night…am I right?" Rusty smiled again hoping it would disarm her distrust.

Maple was already losing it as she kicked hay about her as she readied to charge. Who did this guy think he was…asking out her sister? She kicked at the ground and when she heard footsteps heading her way she immediately sought shelter in the hay she abandoned.

"Look Rusty…I am sure you can find another pony who would gladly enjoy your good looks and talk. I just am not interested…and besides…I run one of the booths there with my mom-."

"The booths only run for an hour," Rusty persisted, his gray eyes shining with intensity as the desperation of rejection was closing in. "And besides…it isn't natural for one who did so much work…to miss out on the festivities. If it makes you feel any more comfortable…we can go as just friends…nothing more. Hell if it makes you feel any easier if any time you feel the slightest bit of unease…just send me away."

Who does he think he is playing? My sister is a worker; that being said, she would work the booth the entire night given the choice. Still as she peered out she saw indecision in her sister's eyes. This was not the same Abigail she knew, no, indecision that lasted this long usually meant the worse was coming.

"Alright…we will go…as friends. I will hold you to your deal though. I do not wish for things to become awkward." Abigail smiled signaling the conversation was over and set off to shuck some hay into another pile. Her drawing advances caused panic to fly into Maple's heart.

"You won't regret this Abigail. I will see you at 7 then." Rusty hurried off and felt his heart soar higher then the moon.

Maple exited quickly through a old worn panel in the wall and came out the back of the barn. Of course once again she saw Rusty and had to dive for cover under an old wheel barrel. He didn't go far though as he whistled sending forth several other males. Since she was low to the ground she could see their penis and all of its attachments. She wanted to close her eyes but she still saw them…ack…what a predicament she was in. When Rusty spoke the charm he used on her sister vanished and became a little more…smoother.

"I got her to say yes boys. If the rumors were true about her we should have our fill of her by the riverside. Butch…you got the special stuff right?"

Butch was the big one there with a coat of grey blue and other proportions of him were just as big. If they were planning what she thought they were planning…her sister would be bleeding surely. Butch had a squeaky voice…for one his size; which threw her off and almost sent her into a burst of giggles. "Yeah Rusty…all barrels of it. So…when do we get a fuck with the Smith Sister?"

Fuck just sounded too funny coming from him. Maple held her mouth shut and fought through the tears that were streaming down her eyes. Sure this sounded bad, but, if Butch continued to talk she would find herself in the grave.

"Once I rape her then you can have your go at her. I need to lead her away from the Carnival, but, only when the barrels replace those already set up by the Committee. I need not repeat this…do I?"

The males shook their heads and Rusty was relieved to see it done. Maple felt her heart go into a frightened panic at hearing this. Sasha had told her she had spiked the cider, but, it was only in little quantity. Should Rusty succeed in his plan…pure chaos would fill the Carnival and no one would be safe. She had to attend the party and get her sister to come with her…or…do something to bring the Council there and catch the boys in action.

"It's a costume event…so…try and not dress as the same character this time. Remember this will be the best pussy you have ever fucked. Should you screw up…well…lets just say you'll be the ones fucked."

Maple tilted her head to the side as she tried to analyze what he meant. Did he intend to…fuck his friends? Or did he just say they were fucked and left without any pussy to have? She had no idea there were guys who liked to fuck…guys. Perhaps if he wasn't trying to rape her sister they could talk. Watching the boys leave with grumbles of incoherent words she ceased her chance to escape. She could tell Abigail, but, what were the chances of her believing her? No safest thing to do was to head back to her ban until the Carnival began.

When she came back both Walter and the female were absent. Making a mad gallop past Eliza she collapsed to the ground and laid her head in her laid out legs. The female came back with a pleased look and Walter soon arrived with a shorter mane. In his strong teeth he carried many material for which she had asked for. Setting them down before her he smiled once before returning to his spot.

"I hope it wasn't too much trouble Walter," Maple said. Poking through the material she found what she needed and began to arrange it to match her design concept.

"Oh not at all. I still have no idea why you would want to have this stuff. You aren't planning anything…are you?" Walter eyed her suspiciously but saw no hesitation or thought in her eyes.

"Walter…I am on ban remember? Besides, just cause I can't go to the Carnival doesn't mean I can't dress up right? I mean a girl can pretend can't she?" She shrugged her shoulders and went back to work. Her answer seemed to work and Walter didn't ask again. Night drew near and Maple was still hard at work on her costume by sun rise. The Council was eating breakfast and she was working on the finishing touches of her costume.

"We must be strong Council. It is imperative we see this through and to make sure Maple Smith sees her sentence carried. The Carnival while pleasing and exhilarating must be out of your minds, at least for today. Maple will use every tactic imaginable to escape us…so…be ever on the look out for-."

"Um…would a perfect example be…now?" Eliza queried. Ronald looked over and sure enough Maple was nowhere in sight. This was most alarming and Eliza shrank as she caught Ronald's hard stare.

"Eliza…were you not watching her while we conferred?" Ronald challenged her. Council meetings weren't like they used to. For starters…the focus of these members was so…off. Change was always trying to push its way into Ponyville and it was their job to make sure it did not happen. Maple was that change and the longer she was there…the more ideas she would place in everyone's heads.

"I just looked away for a second. I mean no pony is that fast…even so would they be able to get clear across the length of this field to safety? Forgive me Ronald, but-."

"Never mind your apology…it will have to wait. She will most likely set her sights on the Carnival. Now that we have no one to guard we must head to the Carnival to ensure nothing goes astray. Be on the look out for Maple."

Maple looked on from the tree she hid behind and giggled as her plan was working. She had told Walter she was going to go take a bathroom break. Eliza of course failed to ask Walter and by now Walter had forgotten. The lead council member was now telling everyone to be on the look out for her at the Carnival. Watching them leave she began to dress in her costume of black flowing material and mask to hide her face. Walking through Ponyville none were the wiser of her being there. Once at the Carnival the light and sounds filled her ears and nose with delight.

"Isn't this great Abigail? Aren't you glad you ditched that stuffy booth to join me?" Rusty walked beside Abigail all smiles in his scary get up. Maple had no idea what he was supposed to be, but, the prop sword he was wearing was not going to be in use tonight; but another, if things went well for him.

Maple saw the Council members filing in and a hush of reverence fell over the crowd like a blanket. Maple followed her sister and held onto her necklace with her teeth pulling her slowly back. When the murmuring ceased Sasha Star took the stage and a stomp of hooves was heard. Abigail protested her insistent tug and when she turned to face her she felt her heart race. Her eyes were demanding and her back was to Rusty who was clearly focused on overseeing the disposal of spiked barrels.

"Who are you? And why are you bothering me? Can't you see I am having a good time?" Abigail took a step forward and that was when Sasha spoke:

"Welcome to the annual Carnival of Ponyville!" Her voice boomed and she looked out at all the costumed ponies in attendance. "I see we are all in the spirit of this eve and I would like to thank all those who worked hard to make this a most joyous night." Once again hooves stomped and she beamed as she knew most thanks was in accordance with her and her family.

"I need to talk to you," Maple said, her voice in a hushed tone. Of course Abigail would not hear of this and her attention seemed divided between Rusty and her. Once again Rusty did not take notice as the first of the barrels was being replaced and set up by Butch.

"Tonight Ronald, our esteemed Council Leader would like a few words to share with us. Please be kind and pay him your upmost respect. Elder your audience awaits with hopeful ears." Sasha stepped down and took her place by her parents side.

"Thank you Sasha Star. I am sorry to be here under these circumstances, but, matters at hand have been…compromised. It would seem Maple Smith has escaped into Ponyville. She might very well be in attendance here as we speak. If you should find her alert the nearest council member you see. I do not wish to take any more time away from your festivities so…enjoy the rest of the evening."

"Well…I don't want to talk to you. The last time I talked to a girl here, assuming you are a girl, led to me losing my virginity in a most inconvenient fashion. You must leave now before we are spotted together." Abigail made her way to Rusty and couldn't shake the feeling she knew that masked stranger.

Dammit, she thought, if she so much as sips any cider she will be lost to Rusty and his goons. Panic ran through Maple's thoughts and she could see all the barrels had been replaced for wicked grins had spread over Rusty's boys. She had to run interference over one sip would send all of Abigail's normal defenses down. I have to draw the Council's attention so they can notice the cider and then one problem can be solved.

"Say Abigail…you look parched. How about a nice cup of cider? Your mom and you sure worked hard on it and it would be sad to see it go to waste." Rusty gave the get ready signal to his friends and held a cup under the nozzle. He didn't know how much was needed so he made sure that it was brimming the edge when he was done.

"Well…I guess one sip won't hurt…" Slowly lifting the cup to her lips she could almost taste the cider on her tongue. That is when she felt a most insistent pull that spilled the cup's content on the grassy floor and she was ascending up stairs. "H-Hey…what is the meaning of this?"

"Sorry…those lips of yours don't deserve such a foul drink." Maple said. Standing on the stage all eyes were drawn to her and she felt hot under the lights. Sasha was staring daggers at her and her mother sat at the booth, but, it would seem she was drawing up her own conclusions.

"And what pray tell is wrong with the cider?" Ronald stepped forth and eyed the masked stranger on the stage curiously.

"Taste it yourself…and you shall see." Maple merely said. She didn't say anymore that was needed and right now Rusty and his friends were feeling like caught jail birds. Ronald approached the cider and Rusty stepped forward.

"Council Leader, Elder Ronald, why take the word of a masked attendee of this party? Surely we can just ignore these wild accusations…for one night…" Rusty felt his heart pushing to leave his chest and his eyes were drawn to the skeptical eyes all around.

"I have tasted many years of cider at these events. If anything is amiss…I would know. Step aside Rusty…lest you have something to hide." Ronald stepped forward and as he tasted the cider he let it sit on his tongue for a bit. Yes, a most peculiar taste. "This cider is the same as the one a year ago used to loosen everyone up. Rusty…you and your friends…would you be accountable for such…distasteful acts?"

"How did you know…and do I know you?" Abigail pondered on it even as she asked it and only then did all hell break loose. Rusty was rushing the stage and heading to her and she felt fear take over. She could not scream or move out of the way and she knew she was too near the edge for him to simply tackle her.

"You are mine bitch…and no one will stop me!" Rusty was hungry for some pussy and even if she wasn't drunk…it still didn't mean it wasn't rape. His guys wanted some action too so he would be sure to save some of her for after his fun.

"Guess again bitch!" Maple placed a well-aimed kick upon his nose sending him staggering back holding the free flowing blood sliding through his hoof. She followed him and kicked him right in the nuts hard; the amount of force practically cutting right through. A high pitched squeal of pain escaped his mouth and he was nearing the edge of the stage. "You probably won't remember any of this so I will tell you this once…never try and fuck my sister and think you can get away with it!"

I thought her sister was banned…how did she know? Damn her…my nuts were practically busted by her…losing consciousness…

Rusty fell off the stage into some hay and the crowd murmured in fright. Abigail was still standing where she was; only now she was staring at her masked savior. What was it about this masked stranger that sent her body into a wild delight of shivers and lust? Was it not knowing who it was? She watched as the masked stranger returned and she felt lost for words in their presence.

"You don't need to say a word. I knew of this boy's plans before this took place…and I attended knowing the peril at hand. I cannot stay long…but…there is something I have been dieing to do all night." Maple seized her sister's lips with a forceful kiss sending her body into a screaming delight. Standing on stage in front of all those ponies she never once had fear of them rushing the stage and trying to pull the two of them part. She felt her sister's lips responding and even a little tongue action came into play as the two were moaning. She had dreamt of this moment for so long, now, here she was kissing her sister in front of the Council themselves.

Abigail tangled her tongue with her sister's and felt a ripple of pleasure course up and down her spine. Her pussy was getting wet as they were glued to one another in a heated passion. Her hero's tongue was so dominant that most the time her tongue was kept pinned down. Their open mouthed kiss drew many a gasp in the audience and yet no one drew them apart. Abigail opened her heavy lids to stare at her hero and found the eye color to be quite…hypnotizing. She wanted to break the kiss to ask for his/her name but soon enough the kiss ended. Now was her chance. "W-Who are you?"

"Meet me in the barn after and you will find out." Maple kissed her once again before departing off the stage.

"Looks like I need another talk with my girls," the mother said to herself. "Still…they aren't fighting…so…I think I will let this one play out."

Sasha was infuriated and the cider was spiked…and not by herself this time. Rusty was being hauled off along with his friends and all anyone could talk about was the kiss that took center stage. It was all Maple's fault…wherever she was. She would make sure she paid for this most upsetting turn of events.

"Maple is nowhere in sight…what now?" Walter inquired. Besides the cider being spiked, well, the night seemed quite entertaining. Of course he would not say this aloud for Ronald would judge him.

"She couldn't have gotten far. We will have to patrol Ponyville nightly and daily until she is brought in. I won't let her change Ponyville."

Lost in her thoughts Abigail stumbled off the stage and fought past her swimming thoughts. The kiss was magical and how did they know to save her…and from whom? The Carnival ended and she headed to the barn. Finding her masked savior there she was all smiles. "I finally am here. Now…who are you so that I may properly reward you."

"Hey sis…miss me?" Maple stepped out from the shadows and smiled as her sister jumped back. "Was it a little too much?"

Authors note: The unveiling has been revealed and now the sisterly bonding can truly begin. What does this mean that Maple was Abigail's masked protector? Was the kiss truly magical? How will Sasha get her revenge? These ponies are hardly safe from sharing their love and as the story continues the danger increases. Thanks to those who have been reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.