To many, the large oak tree would be something of an oddity with the door, windows, and the bird cages hanging from its branches, albeit very peaceful. In the hollowed out tree, kept alive by magic, lived a purple, teenage drake with green spines running down his back from the top of his head to the tip of his tail and large, leathery amethyst wings, who happened to be sleeping in an extremely cluttered and chaotic basement bedroom. He was splayed across the bed shirtless, lean torso and arms on display, and a pair of green boxer shorts. A few pin-up posters, a DJ PON-3 concert tee-shirt, a number of swords, a shield, and other weapons decorated the walls. Beside his bed was desk with some quills and an ink well on it, and next to that stood a bird perch with a sleeping phoenix named Pee-Wee on it.

“Spike, wake up!” shouted a feminine voice from atop the stairs. The sudden surprising disruption to his slumber startled the dragon awake, and his wings shot out, tangling themselves into his blankets in a knee-jerk reaction that sent him face-first into the floor, dragging most of his bedding with him.

With a groan, he fought to get loose from the blankets and righted himself, before grabbing a clean tee-shirt and a pair of jeans to put on after his shower. “Every morning, every bloody morning!”

Making his way upstairs, he found the source of his wake-up call: a purple unicorn in a short skirt and a sweater vest who stood with her finger pressed against her bottom lip. “The best part about our new relationship,” she gave him a quick kiss and pressing her hands against his chest to get the leverage she needed to reach his lips, “I don’t have to hide that I’m admiring that body of yours. Honestly, coming up here wearing next to nothing, you don’t know what you do to a mare.”

He took a nice firm grip of her flank, before letting her retreat. “Morning, Twilight, so what’s the plan for today?”

A look of bemusement and annoyance overtook the librarian. “Seriously, we have to meet up with Rarity and go see Zecora, ring any bells?”

He had a goofy, apologetic smile to offer. “Sorry, yesterday was kind of intense, and I don’t just mean the sex. It’s a lot to take in. I have to build a hoard of lovers, and you and Rarity want me to do it from our closest friends… a lot to take in.”

“I can sympathize, imagine when Celestia informed me. Still, it’s not the same.”

“Thanks, Twi.”

She smiled softly at him, the same smile she had used since they were kids to assure him everything was going to be all right. It never seemed to fail. “Now, go shower. You stink.” She held her nose and pretended she was going to be sick.

Clothes in arm, he headed up another flight of steps, but not before leaning over the railing with a quick tease, “You should really ask Rarity for acting lessons, you kind of suck at it.”

“Upstairs with you!”

“Yeah, yeah, don’t try to cook. I like this place; I’d rather it not burn down.”

After a quick shower, without Twilight trying to slip in, both to Spike’s disappointment and relief, the two companions headed out. It was a short walk to Sugarcube Corner, a local bakery; waiting outside for them was a white unicorn with a purple mane and tail, wearing an elegant royal blue sundress with three light blue diamonds on the skirt claiming it as an original of Carousel Boutique as well as a large, flamboyant sunhat.

Beckoning them over, she waved, “Spike, Twilight, over here!” her voice sounding wonderfully musical, as always.

Caught up in those dark blue eyes thoughts of the night before came unbidden, spreading a warmth across his cheeks and leaving him light-headed. His feet must have been drawn to her because now she was immediately in front of him and he did not remember walking over. With an effort Spike attempted to wipe away the love struck expression he was sure he had been caught with. He straightened up,and tried to stay smooth. “Hey, beautiful.”

Right beside him stood Twilight, rolling her eyes and shaking her head playfully. “Hi, Rarity. Just let me grab something for us to-”

“Eat? Twilight, darling, you should know me better than that.” Reaching down to a table behind her she pulled out a brown bag and an insulated throw-away cup. “One coffee and,” reaching into the bag she pulled out, “an apple-cinnamon muffin for you.” She faced Spike and handed him the bag. “As for our drakefriend, six gem-doughnuts and,” this time from behind her back came another cup, “a cup of orange juice.”

Spike thanked Rarity, resisting the urge to drool as he took one of the doughnuts out.

Twilight followed suit, “Thanks, Rarity, what do I owe you?”

Giving her best friend a disappointed look, Rarity placed one hand on her hip and shook a finger at Twilight. “You know better than to think you owe me anything. As a lady it is my pleasure to serve my friends, and as a lover I’m more than happy to provide my fellow herdmate and our dragon some breakfast. Now, we have a decent walk through those dreadful woods ahead of us to meet with Zecora, and it is my opinion that we should get a move on.”

Twilight was about to argue, but a look from Rarity told her otherwise. “Fair enough, Rarity. Let’s go.”

Spike was about to say that he was coming but thought better of talking with his mouth full, lest Rarity scold him for bad manners.

They made their way to the edge of the forest enjoying their own breakfasts, except Rarity who settled happily for looking good. Rarity enjoyed the attention of the many mares and stallions turning their heads as they passed by. She was well aware of that invisible glow that surrounded Spike, Twilight, and herself. Any pony with even the slightest instinct for that kind of thing could see there was something there that was not there before, and Rarity took the chance to flaunt it unabashedly.

The Everfree Forest was known for being dangerous, wild, and unnatural, but many adventures into the mysterious woods throughout the years had desensitized the small group. Of course, having Equestria’s greatest mage and a strong, young dragon did seem to soften the blow significantly.

As they walked Rarity's thoughts turned towards their new dawning relationship, and smiled as she toyed with the idea in her mind. It had all been part of Twilight's plan, apparently, under advisement from the Princesses themselves. The whole thing left Rarity with a multitude of questions. Spike was busy eating still, but Twilight had finished her much smaller meal, and Rarity took notice immediately, happily taking the opportunity to strike up a conversation about her curiosities with the slightly shorter mare. “So, Twilight, darling, tell me, how did you and the Princesses started, well...” she motioned with her hand, unsure how to put it delicately.

“Having sex?” Twilight couldn’t help but smirk a bit as she saw Rarity’s cheeks redden slightly and her eyes widen. “When Spike turned thirteen and we had that large party at the castle to celebrate his birthday and my seventeenth with Celestia, remember?”

“Of course, it was magnifique. Celestia spared no expense and asking Pinkie Pie to help her set it up to give it that fun flair was genius. Plus, she let me help with the decorations and designing a dress for her.”

“It was pretty, ‘awesome,’ as Dash would put it. It was also the first night that Celestia and Luna invited me into their bedroom. I was flipping out once I realized why I had been asked to join the two of them. You think the Smarty Pants Incident was bad; this was borderline magical meltdown of doom.” Twilight’s spine appeared to shiver as she remembered. “But, Celestia took me by the hand and showed me a level of gentleness that defied any logical form of passion. It was the first of many of my special lessons.

Don’t misunderstand though, Rarity. They truly were lessons, secrets and techniques passed on from over a thousand years of experience. Let me tell you, a toy collection gathered over a thousand years; amazing hardly begins to describe it. The whole point behind it was Spike, though.”

The drake’s attention went from the doughnut in his mouth to the conversation.

“I told you yesterday that Celestia had been teaching me about dragon maturity, with help from Zecora. It seems you should really be thanking her, Spike; she’s put everything in order for you to make this hoard.”

Spike swallowed the last of his doughnuts. “I always appreciate what Celestia has done for me and the tools she’s given me. Could go without the secrecy, though. Would it have killed her to actually sit down and discuss all this with me instead of just throwing me into it?”

Entering lecture mode, Twilight huffed her chest up ready to deliver a speech. “Yeah, she likes to do that. Just like when she sent us to Ponyville all those years ago. Maybe it was a thing way back when.”

Fighting the urge to laugh at Twilight’s teasing and the faces Spike made as he realized he was duped, an important realization came to Rarity. “Why are we going to Zecora’s instead of the castle to learn about all of this if Celestia taught you everything?”

“She didn’t. Zecora’s village was overlooked by a large mountain where a dragon brood, kind of like a small cluster of dragons, lived. I’ll let her tell you the rest, besides; we’re here.” In front of them stood a giant gnarled tree with a door and windows; a much creepier version of their home, almost.

Before anyone could knock on the door, it opened seemingly of its own accord, inviting them in. As they entered the hut, it was impossible to miss the tribal masks, shelves full of exotic and mysterious reagents, and large cauldron used for brewing useful remedies, potions, and other useful things for the townsfolk. In front of said cauldron, was a tall, cloaked figure, bigger than the girls but smaller than Spike. Even though they could not see her face, they felt her gaze upon them. “Good to see you, friends. You are here to what ends?”

“Hi, Zecora. Spike has… consummated his first two relationships by copulation with Rarity and me. As per your and Celestia’s instructions, I have brought him and the first of his hoard.”

The hood was removed to reveal a zebra with a spiked mane that resembled her black-striped, white fur and large golden ear piercings. She pulled the strap around her neck over her head, slipping off the cloak entirely, revealing a curvy body hugged tightly by a pair of short shorts and a belly shirt. Spike coughed up a bit of smoke at the alluring sight, receiving dirty looks from Rarity and Twilight, but an amused laugh from Zecora.

“Do not take slight, it’s but a delight! I see little to no reason to lament, when a handsome drake pays me a compliment.” Her attention turned to Spike, looking him up and down. “Well, young Spike, how much you've grown, building a herd all your own. I see you've understood your need, learning to control your greed. You need not fear being apart; love grows strong in a dragon's heart. I know for you to comfortably live, you require more love than one mare can give.”

Taking a handful of powder from a pouch tied around her waist, she threw it into the pot creating green smoke that seemed almost alive as it moved and morphed into new images. The first scene displayed, showed a village at the foot of a large mountain. From the mountain flew down a dragon, landing in the middle of the village. The image made by the smoke zoomed in on the dragon as a number of zebra women appeared with food and drink as offerings. “For many worship the dragons as gods, only in Equestria are they kept at odds. The Princesses found that they were at their best, when no race thought itself better than the next. They believed that all should be equivalent, but a race so strong, powerful, and long-lived is ambivalent. With all of their strength so abundantly clear, they cannot consider any their peer.”

“Wait, is that why those dragons I met on the Great Migration had something against ponies?”

Twilight nodded her head, “Yes, Spike. To many, dragons being treated as anything less than a god is considered an insult.”

“So that’s why the buffalo were so quick to cater to my interests?”

“Exactly!”

With the interruption over, Zecora continued. “I grew up in such a village, but there was no fear of dragon pillage. They show honor and valor to those who worship them, asking in turn only for worthy mate and gem.”

“So, they abducted mates and demanded gems?” Spike sounded deflated.

Coming to the rescue, Twilight was quick to explain, “No, being chosen as a dragon’s mate was a great honor. Often only the most worthy are selected of those who attempt to woo them. As for the gems, they’re more like tributes for keeping them safe.”

Zecora smiled and shook her head. With another toss of powder the scene changed to a town-wide view of Ponyville. “Promised undying loyalty, strength, and protection, is given to all who earn draconic affection. For you to keep control and grow, mates with admirable qualities must show. When you steal each other’s hearts, you must partake in the sexual arts. For each new true gem you bring into your hoard, a share of your substantial lust they will ward.”

Her gaze drifted to Rarity, and again the scene changed to a unicorn with numerous others popping up around her, but always below her in a chair or lying on the floor. “Being the first makes you the head; I suggest you keep an open bed.”

“Terribly sorry, Zecora, but… I beg your pardon?”

Twilight was happy to field the question for Zecora, deciding that a more clear answer would be appreciated, “Since you were Spike’s first choice, you are the top mare in his hoard. Spike will seek your approval when bringing someone else in, and it will be up to you to help… entertain your fellow herdmates. Spike won’t always be available after all, and it’s important we don’t have controversy within the hoard. However, since Spike isn’t like other dragons, I expect him to keep all of us informed.”

Shrugging his shoulders sheepishly, Spike tried and failed to give a convincing smile. “O-Of course.”

Feeling her role complete, Zecora guided her audience to the door. “Remember to follow your heart, lest you tear the town apart.” As the door had begun to close behind them, one last sentence was uttered somewhat quietly. “And if more close partners you look to find, might you perhaps keep me in mind?"

And with that, the door was shut.

Spike stood there for a moment, his back to the door. “Did Zecora just hit on me?”

Gripping his arm, Rarity started pulling him back through the forest. “It did seem that way.”

Going full-scholar, Twilight considered the query. “Being a dragon’s lover was highly coveted where she grew up, so it makes sense. In her culture, you’re an ideal lifemate.”

The purple coiffure of Rarity’s bobbed in agreement. “And she obviously has good taste,” she looked over her shoulder at the young drake and licked her lips, “if you ask me.”

“And how are you two feeling after learning all of this?” Twilight inquired.

Sounding very much conflicted about his feelings, Spike sought to answer the question as best he could, “In a way, I guess I’m relieved that dragons aren’t considered monsters, and it explains a lot. I finally understand why the buffalos and dragons acted the way they did. I’m not sure I’d want to be a god though; sounds like it’d be a lot of responsibility.”

Rarity sympathized with him; most fashionistas did not run around saving princess, country, and, occasionally, the world. “Maybe, but it’s our duty to help in any way we can, Spikey.”

Shaking his head in dismay, he sighed. “And this whole hoard thing… I don’t know. It feels like some sort of fantasy, the kind that’s never as simple in real life as it is in your head. A lot like the Grand-”

Rarity and Twilight turned around, as their eyes were suddenly affixed to him, venomously. “We said never again!”

He gulped. “Oh, uh… heh. Right. My point is, I’m worried this is all gonna come crashing down around me-us.”

As their stares softened considerably, two hands, one purple and the other white, respectively, fell across his shoulders as two heads of corresponding colors found their way there. Twilight was quiet, but her voice was clear, unwavering. “As long as we have each other, we can do anything.”

Spike placed his claws around their waists and held them closely. “Such an Element of Harmony-way of seeing things.”

“What about you, Rarity? How are you feeling about being the, ‘top mare,’ in our little hoard?”

Taking a deep breath to help calm her nerves, Rarity focused on Twilight. “I feel like it should be you. You’ve always been the leader of our little group; it’s like you were born to lead. Celestia and Luna have practically been training you for the role all these years. Instead, I got chosen because Spike was infatuated with me first, which, while flattering, is not exactly leadership material.”

Moving her hand off of Spike, and comfortingly onto Rarity, she tried to calm the mare’s fears and concerns. “Celestia knew you would be the first, as did Luna. I think it’s why she never interfered; you two had to come to terms with your feelings together. Me, I’d have probably destroyed half of Ponyville in a mixture of confused feelings and hormones. Celestia’s been teaching me so I can help you with the role. I think she’s hoping that in doing all of this, pony and dragon relations will start improving. Having a functioning and accepted hoard this far into Equestria’s borders would go a long way towards that goal.”

Rolling his eyes and voice full of sarcasm, Spike quipped. “Yeah, that’s what we need, more pressure.”

Twilight elbowed Spike gently in the ribcage. “The point is, Celestia believes in us, and I believe that Rarity is the right choice for top mare. If there’s anyone who knows how to calm ponies, dragons, or sea serpents, it’s you. Just make sure you listen to your wise second-in-command.”

Light shined down on them as the trees began to wane. As they reached the end of their trip through the Everfree Forest, all of them were happy to have made it through without running into any problems.

Once at the fork in the path, Twilight reminded everyone of their plans, “Alright, Spike, I seem to remember you had the intent to go talk to Applejack about all of this. I’m taking Rarity home, we have much to discuss. Swing by when you’re done though, I’m sure we’ll have something for you.” She gave him a suggestive wink as she pushed Rarity away before anyone else could get a word in.

“Classic Twilight, too focused on the big picture.”

Even though he was nervous, Spike knew his best choice would be to deal with the most stubborn of his hopeful lifemates first. He spread his wings and took off towards Sweet Apple Acres, flying slowly and enjoying the warm sunlight on his back and the cool breeze through his wings. As the farm came into view he could see acres and acres of healthy apple trees bearing their delicious, fresh fruit. He reached a claw down and plucked one from the highest branches, holding it softly against his hard scales. Spike spotted his destination, a large, red barn and an even bigger farmhouse where Ponyville’s founding family lived: The Apples. He landed roughly in front of the barn, knowing that the mare he was looking for would most likely be sorting the day’s harvest by now.

“Applejack, you in there?”

A sweet voice came from the other side, with a mild southern accent. “Spike, that you? Come on in, I don’t feel like having a conversation through a barn door!”

Following the disembodied voice’s instructions, he opened the door finding the farm pony it the voice belonged to on the other side. Orange fur covered a pair of strong arms and legs, and even though Spike could not see it through her flannel shirt, he knew that she had a set of abs that could grind meat. Her long, blond mane and tail were tied at the end leaving them in ponytails. She wore no makeup, a simple brown Stetson covering her head and freckled face, but still she was beautiful, in a different way than Rarity. He had to try hard to stop his eyes from roaming down her body, strained not to study the large breasts beneath the flannel; bigger than Twilight’s, but smaller than Rarity’s. Her ass was taught and firm from years of applebucking on the farm. A pair of blue jeans completed the cowgirl’s look as a bright pair of green eyes looked up to give a warm welcome to her friend and occasional farmhand.

“So what brings you by, Spike? I know it ain’t your day to work.”

Spike’s hands began fidgeting with one another, and he thanked Celestia that dragons were incapable of sweating. “I…um…It’s… Okay, remember when you said I could talk to you about anything?” He saw her give him a nod, as a small, worried frown crossed her lips. “Is that still on the table?”

Applejack took a seat on one of the apple crates that filled the barn, wondering what could be bothering him so much. “Of course. I’m always here for a friend.”

“Right.” Taking his own spot across from her on a different crate, he furrowed his brow while searching for the right words to explain the situation. “I’m… a dragon.”

“Figured that out, did you?” She smirked as she saw his spirits lift at the sarcasm. “Go on.”

A deep breath helped ease the tension in his body. “Dragons require more than one lifelong mate, apparently. In fact, I’m going to need at least six, possibly more depending on my… um, sex drive.” This was indeed as awkward as he thought it was going to be. He decided to push through the full explanation before the questions that were plain on her face could interrupt him. “If we don’t gain enough partners who share our love we become lust-crazed… and dangerous.”

Well, that certainly explained why he seemed so worried to her. Still, it seemed a rather strange subject to be discussing with her suddenly and out of seemingly nowhere. “Okay, but where did all of this come from?”

“I slept with Rarity last weekend, and then Twilight and Rarity Monday night. According to Twilight, losing my virginity activated my body’s lust drive. She and Zecora filled Rarity and me in on the details earlier today. Then I came here to talk to you…” He barely caught the unexpected but notably slow-moving apple before it could hit him in the face.

The perpetrator of the lobbed apple looked innocently enough. “Get some food in you, it’ll help you think. Now, the way I figure it, you’re worried about what others will think, ain’t that right?”

“Yeah, I mean, I’m used to the weird looks by now, and I don’t get them nearly as often. But running around town hoarding women, seems like the kind of thing to off-put our friends and neighbors, you know?”

“Well, I’m happy to tell you that you won’t have to worry about that too much. After all, Cheerilee has been trying to organize a herd for Big Mac for a month now. It’s kind of funny actually, Mac ain’t exactly the driving force, most the time he comes home exhausted after being dragged around all day. There aren’t nearly as many stallions as mares in Ponyville, and I think Cheerilee is just making sure her friends have someone, and you know Mac; too shy to say when things are going too far. The point is you won’t be the only one with a few mares surrounding you nor will you be the first or the last.”

“That does actually help quite a bit, mostly the thought of the petite Cheerilee dragging big, strong Mac by the arm around town to meet mares. It also brings me to my other reason for coming.”

“Let me guess: You’re hoping I’d be interested in joining your ‘hoard,’ right?”

“How?”

“I might not be good at fancy math like calculus, but I can put two and two together easily enough.” She smirked. “I am however curious as to why you’d ask me knowing about Dash and me fooling around.”

“It’s like Cheerilee, I guess, Rarity and Twilight immediately thought of you and the other three girls. I have to agree, if I get to choose anyone in Equestria you girls would be perfect. The only problem is, I have to fall in love with all of you, but a dragon’s heart limits how many they can love until they consummate those relationships. I figured Dash and you would be a long shot, but I wanted to at least tell you everything.”

Applejack looked, truly looked, not just saw the drake before her. It was unarguable that she was attracted physically to his body. Her brother was the strongest around, but she knew that Spike would overtake him in a few years at the most. His muscles were already defined and powerful, something any Apple women searched for in their mate. His ability to help out and work the farm had already been proven many times. He was not rugged by any means but he certainly looked nothing like those pretty boys from Canterlot, just boyishly handsome, really.

Outside of his body, he was a hard worker who had spent years assisting Twilight in her studies, Rarity around the shop and digging for gems, Fluttershy with her animals, and most recently herself out in the fields and moving the very crates they sat upon. She had seen him charge in outnumbered and outgunned, notice and find solutions to problems that no one else did. Regretfully, her and the girls failed to listen far too often, but he never held it against them. Of course, he was far from perfect, himself. He was brash, childish and immature at times, blunt to the point where he would unintentionally hurt others feelings, and extremely sarcastic, but he was also kind, put his friends before himself, did whatever it took to help them, loyal, and trustworthy. He actually reminded her a lot of Rainbow Dash, except slightly less vain and easier to get along with most of the time. Applejack could certainly see herself with Spike, but there were a few unavoidable problems.

“I… I’m in love with Rainbow Dash.”

“Yeah, figured that was how this was going to end.”

“Not quite. I’m in love with Dash but… we’re horrible at it. Everything turns into some sort of competition!” She stood up, pacing back and forth in front of the crate. “All I want to do is hold her in my arms or have her hold me, but somehow it becomes a competition of who can blah, blah, blah the fastest, the best, the longest, yadda-yadda-yadda. The sex is crazy, turning into some kind of, ‘whoever cums first loses,’ competition, and then she just takes off afterwards, no snuggling or anything.” She sat down, exasperated by her confession. “No matter what I did, how I tried, and everything else I’ve thought of to get the two of us together as more than friends with benefits, it all fails.

But you, Spike,” her sight fell on the dragon, “you could tame her. You could work as a bridge between us, something to hold us down. I told you ponies are just as capable of seeking multiple mates as dragons are; I want that. Look, I know I'm more of a rough and tumble type, and I love that about Dash, but even a farm pony wants some romance in her life. If you can give the three of us a real, one night, just one where it's like something out of one of Rarity's romance novels, you can consider my heart yours for the taking. You’d be my hero, the savior of my sanity and my,” she clutched longingly at her chest, “well you get the idea.”

She could see the cogs in his mind turning as he considered her words. He already intended to try and get Rainbow Dash to fall in love with him, the choice was obvious and they both knew it. The fact was, Spike was an amazing catch and someone she could see herself with, but not without sacrificing what she had with Dash. “One last thing, lover boy, I still expect to be courted, and don’t even begin to think you’re getting out of the work around here to woo Dash.”

Two birds with one stone, sort of, Spike liked it. Of course, this was all based on the hope that Rainbow Dash did not ask for the exact same scenario as that would put him in quite the predicament. “Court you, make Dash fall madly in love with me by convincing her I’m the dragon of her dreams, and deal with the other girls; would you like the moon while I’m at it?”

“Nah, I think that’ll be enough.” Applejack winked and offered him a smile.

Spike chuckled while he shook his head and stood up to leave so he could seek out advice from Rarity and Twilight. “Applejack, if they made playing hard-to-get an Equestrian sport you'd be at the top of your league.”

“One last piece of advice, Spike, Rainbow Dash isn’t going to even consider you if you can’t show her how awesome and amazing you are. In my case, I just beat her in a bunch of challenges she cared about. If you really want her to fall head over heels for you, you’re going to have to do something even grander.”

An exasperated sigh passed through Spike’s lips. “Good advice, I’ll try to remember that while she runs me around like there’s no tomorrow. Later, Applejack, I’m going to try and figure this all out.”

Before he could reach the door, Applejack grabbed his arm, pulled him in, and kissed him on the cheek. “For good luck, partner.” Then she shoved him out the door, his face red.

He touched his cheek tenderly. “Well, that wasn’t all bad.”

On his way back, he found himself wondering how exactly he was going to impress Rainbow Dash. The glaringly obvious answer was to somehow outfly her. There were only two problems: She was probably the single-most skilled and the fastest flyer in the world, and he had just got his wings and was amazed he could even fly at all without hitting something, usually. Although, Dash did hit things all the time, maybe he could beat her in destructive force, but he doubted it. This was going to be one hell of a challenge.

In the distance he could see Carousel Boutique, the sun setting behind it. He made a rush for the door as fast as he could. The sign had been turned to, ‘Closed,’ but he found a note short and simple under it, ‘except to Spike.’ Taking the open invitation, Spike placed his hand on the door, the magical lock recognizing his unique aura before opening itself for him.

Upon entering Rarity’s home and place of business, he could hear what sounded like giggles and moans coming from upstairs. A wide grin spread across his face as he snuck his way up and to the door of Rarity’s bedroom. Cracking the door open, Spike found exactly what he had expected: Twilight with her legs splayed open and Rarity licking away at her marehood. Both were completely naked, and, from the looks of it, Rarity was receiving the occasional instruction from Twilight to improve her technique. “Press in deeper, that’s good. Now, push upwards with your tongue as if you were trying to touch the roof of your mouth. There it is!”

Pulling her tongue out and licking her lips of the mixture of Twilight’s juices from her face, Rarity looked up at the other unicorn with the rather pleasured smile on her face. “Not that I don’t find myself strangely enjoying this a little too much, but would you care to explain to me why we’ve spent the last several hours teaching me how to please a mare?”

“It’s quite simple, really. You’re the head mare in our soon-to-be-full little herd-slash-hoard and that means it’ll be your job to handle the rest of us when Spike is otherwise occupied and we’re, for the lack of a better term, horny. Of course, we’ll handle each other as well, but you’re the one who will have the most responsibility; as such, you need to get used to the idea and gain the skills to please us. Plus, you never know how many three-ways or more you’ll be getting into and it’s always good to be prepared. I mean, what if Spike decides to give you the double dragon? You certainly wouldn’t want to be selfish and leave your fellow herd-mate in need, now would you?”

She could tell from the warm sensation that her face was bright red. The thought of assisting her fellow lovers in such a way was quite embarrassing, but she also knew that her tail was riding high, inviting anyone who might just walk in to invite themselves to her because of how turned on it made her. If only Spike would get back from talking with Applejack. She really needed the relief. “That makes sense, but wouldn’t you be a better choice to help them?”

Spike was having a hard time controlling himself, the urge to get off while watching the spectacle was strong. The wet, teal folds of his beautiful Rarity were just begging for him to come claim her as his mate. The fact was, he had been invited to the party all along, it was just a matter of timing.

“For now, but that doesn’t change the fact it’s your job. I think it’s about time you got back to practicing. My pussy’s got quite a bit of your attention, so you’ll be aiming lower for this round.”

Shock overran Rarity’s face. “You don’t really expect me to stick my tongue in your-”

“I do, and you will. Try not to look so offended, Spike did it for you, didn’t he? You never know when you’ll have to properly lube up another mare for Spike, so you need to get over it.” Twilight was aware that Rarity would be rather difficult about this situation; thankfully, she had planned ahead with the perfect bait. “Be a good girl and I’ll even let you have Spike first when he arrives, since I haven’t let you cum this entire time.” Just as Twilight expected, any complaint Rarity had died at those few simple words, and she quickly placed her mouth near the target.

Taking a moment, Rarity breathed deeply, inhaling the feminine need from her ‘study partner,’ as Twilight had put it. The strength of the sweet smell made her mind a little numb, and helped to provide her with a distraction as her tongue slid out and worked its way around Twilight’s tailhole. Before she knew it, her tongue had penetrated the tight lilac ring.

Twilight’s moans filled the air as she threw her head back. Celestia and Luna had trained her ass well, and it was not hard for her to enjoy any attention it got. She was lucky to have noticed Spike enter the room and start stripping out of his clothes, his muscular chest, a view she had missed since this morning. Rarity was far too distracted to notice he had appeared, which made this the perfect opportunity. “I think it’s time you got your reward.”

Rarity looked up, beyond the sopping wet marehood, at the purple pony whose rear currently had her tongue buried in it with a confused stare. That lasted only a matter of seconds as she felt the claws of the dragon she loved grab onto her waist. The contact sent electricity shooting through her body in waves of excitement and pleasure.

“Since you and Twilight have a deal, I’ll honor it as long as that tongue of yours keeps working.”

More than happy to meet his demands, Rarity doubled her efforts, experimenting to find Twilight’s most erogenous zone within her puckered, purple plot. The heat between her legs intensified as she felt one of the long dragon virilities hotdog itself between her drenched, fluffy, white lips. Her vision clouded for a moment at the first sexual contact she had received all day.

“Wow. I know Twilight said she hadn’t let you get off, but I’ve never seen you this wet. The floor might be permanently stained with how much is on it. You’re such a dirty filly; I’m going to be so well-lubed from your pussy that I’ll be able to slide right in here.”

Drool coated Rarity’s lips as she felt one of his thumbs press against her own tight star. Every second of anticipation was like the sweetest of tortures; she never wanted it to end, yet she could not wait for the main event to begin. The real question was how soft or rough would he be? After many hours of being Twilight’s personal sex toy she wanted nothing more than a nice, hard rutting. Some distant part of her mind reminded her that ladies did not talk like that, but she doubted many ladies found themselves in this position. With her mind made up, she raised her rear, her tail lifting straight up into the air to welcome him inside, and pressed back against the digit allowing it the slightest penetration to hopefully convey her want and need to her beloved.

Bending down so that his mouth was next to her neck he whispered sensually into her ear, “Frisky, aren’t you?”

She loved when he talked to her like that, his hot breath on her skin. His hands wrapped around her hips as he righted himself, letting her know that he was going to be starting soon. It was hard to describe the amount of care and delicacy she could feel put into those sharp claws on her. As he retracted his body from hers she felt his top member drag one last time through her lower lips, forcing her to moan into Twilight, before the tip was pressed against her tailhole.

Twilight had watched the teasing and the foreplay with a mix of jealousy and amusement. Part of her wanted to steal the drake for herself, but she had made a promise. Anyways, such emotions would be common as Spike attracted more and more mates, and it was best that she learn to cope with them now. It was a hard to remember when her oldest friend had stolen her heart, so many years, and at the time this would have seemed ludicrous. Yet, here she was with one of her best marefriends working her tongue deeper and deeper into her, watching as Spike made them all even more hot and bothered. It was time to make sure her session with Rarity yielded as many positive results as she had planned. “Hold on, Spike. Rarity, cast the Body Sensation Mind Link spell I showed you earlier.”

Rarity’s horn began to glow as she attempted to remember the finer details of the fairly advanced spell. When she finished she grabbed onto one of her teal nipples and twisted, reveling in the pleasurable pain that followed and watching as Twilight’s back arched in response.

“N-Nice work. My body can now, ‘feel,’ everything that happens to Rarity’s.

One of Spike’s eyebrows rose before coming back down as a smirk warped his mouth. “Oh, is that so. Then if I do this,” his hand fell hard on Rarity’s flank making the two of them jolt at the same time, “you feel it. Well, that makes things interesting.”

Without warning or hesitation, Spike thrust hard into Rarity, sending her nose forward into Twilight’s marehood and making Twilight shriek in ecstasy. The smell of the other mare’s excitement filled Rarity’s nose more than before as Spike fulfilled her desire shoving more than half of his length inside her in one go. Spike and Rarity both managed in their lustful haze to find it interesting that although nothing was present Twilight’s lilac folds appeared to be spreading apart, as if penetrated by some invisible force.

Twilight really had to give Rarity credit, even after all of that she was still working her tongue. The combination of the sensations she was getting from Rarity and what Rarity was doing to her blended together, amplifying the pleasure she was receiving immensely as waves of it shot up her spine. She still found herself longing for the touch of the drake she loved. As she moved her head forward to catch a glimpse of him, she nearly laughed at the face he was making; he almost looked angry with his teeth bared and his smile wide, grunting and growling like some primal beast. Part of her was happy to admit that the idea was not without some amount of sexual thrill.

With Spike working inch after inch into her mercilessly, just the way she wanted it, Rarity’s mind was having a hard time managing any form of thought. Her body and mind were wracked with ecstasy, her legs felt like gelatin, and she could feel the sweat pouring from her pores as Spike worked her. It was hard to imagine this was the same young drake who had been following after her all those years ago, never yielding as he grew and gaining her heart in the process.

Every growl, every inch, every little movement seemed to push him further and further to the edge. The elegant, beautiful, refined mare that he had been madly in love with for so long was beneath him, and, if her tongue was not currently occupied, she would be panting like a dog from his ministrations. There was an immense sense of pride, but deeper than that there was something primal, instinctive pushing him forward, a lust and an ideal of control that caused his actions to intensify to the point where his hips were smacking her flank and reverberating around the room. This was one of his mares, he would fight to the death to protect her, do whatever it took to make her happy, because she was his and he had a responsibility to do what was best for her. His wings unfurled, eclipsing the light as he drove himself into her one last time.

Euphoria shot through Spike’s body as Rarity’s tightness milked him for all he was worth, becoming as close to one as two different beings possibly could. The stream of fluids pouring over him and down his legs were warm and sticky, letting him know beyond a doubt that he had overfilled her. His spine failed him as his torso fell forward, putting his mouth next to her soft, white, furry neck where he placed kiss after passionate kiss upon it as he enjoyed the final moments of their lovemaking.

His clawed hands slipped under her intertwining above her waist and holding her close. Rarity somehow felt the contact through the haze of her lust-addled mind. Wave after wave of Spike’s cum mixed with hers as it filled her to the brim and then some, in both holes. Her tongue slid out of Twilight calling his name into the night alongside the other mare’s jubilation. As the high of their combined orgasm finally began to fade, a sense of contentment filled her as the warm seed and dragon inside of her settled. Her face was wet and sticky as draconic life essence spilled out of her, down her legs and onto the floor, and she was the happiest she had been all day in that afterglow.

Twilight writhed in pleasure as she felt her body fill with nonexistent dragon cum. She let her ecstasy empty from her lungs and fill the room. It was so strange; feeling something she knew was not there. There was a moment of realizing she would have to apologize to Rarity for messing up her mane, but it quickly subsided at the view of Rarity and Spike together. Her heart hurt, a twinge of jealousy inescapable as what she saw made her feel left out. Even though her body felt good, she was left feeling empty as Rarity’s effort to keep the spell going finally failed. She was not angry at being left out, she had been the one to offer after all, but there was an irresistible need to be included and have her dragon love’s arms and body wrapped around her as well as Rarity. Therefore, she was thrilled that she knew the perfect way to end the night with everyone winning.

“Rarity, come on up on the bed with me, if you two are ready to go again, that is.”

Squeezing her flank and pushing her forward, Spike encouraged her up. Rarity loved when he showed dominance like this. She practically rushed onto the bed so she could lie beside Twilight and see what the more experienced mare had planned. Of course, she was looking forward to a little revenge as well.

After a moment of quietly conversing between one another, Twilight and Rarity were on their sides, one leg in the air and one dipping below the edge of the bed, their marehoods practically touching. They shot Spike a sultry look through the gap, letting him know they were ready.

Spike moved into position, placing their elevated legs on his shoulder so they would not have to hold them up under their own power the whole time. Biting his lip to hold back his own moan, he pressed into them, thankful for the flexibility his twin draconic virilities had that allowed him to move them freely to the side, and enjoyed theirs instead. There was an odd mix of sensations, Rarity was still filled from the last round and was quite sticky inside as he pressed deeper in pushing the evidence of his last orgasm out; whereas, Twilight was incredibly soaked, presumably from the number of times she came when Rarity was practicing, and he was able to slip in easily with almost no resistance. Both clamped down just wonderfully on him and he began his thrusts.

Ecstatic easily described Rarity as Spike starting swirling the leftover seed inside of her as he sought to pump her even fuller. The warmth radiating throughout her body was so intense that she had no doubt Twilight could feel it, because she could certainly feel it off of Twilight. The other mare looked so drunkenly happy at Spike’s efforts to please the two of them, that it seemed like the perfect opportunity to remind her who was supposed to be the head mare in this relationship. Her hands shot out with the speed and grace of a master seamstress as she latched her thumb, index, and middle fingers around each beautiful, erect lilac nipple and pinched and twisted mercilessly. As Rarity expected, Twilight screamed out in pleasure and pain at the rough treatment.

“Thought I-I forgot about earlier, hmm, Twi-light? Well, y-you won’t be forgetting an-nytime soon who’s t-top mare around here.”

Saliva dripped unchecked from the corner of Twilight’s mouth as Spike gained speed and delved deeper and further into her, as Rarity went from just torturing her nipples to grabbing her furry, purple breasts and squeezing them while turning them this way and that. It hurt, but it hurt so good, and she knew her mind was mixing the two feelings of Rarity’s punishment for her and Spike’s pounding into her marehood. There was no doubt in that moment she had not only gone a bit too far earlier, but Spike had also chosen an excellent top mare for his hoard. Rarity gave as good as she got, and Twilight knew the temptation to push her would be there from now on.

Spike had to admit, crossing Rarity, probably not the best idea. Still, seeing her dominate Twilight like that fueled something primal inside him, and he found himself working in and out of them like a supercharged piston. His hands slid down their legs, pressed and rubbed their Cutie Marks to both of their elation, and ended at their voluptuous asses. Taking in handfuls of the wonderful flesh, he enjoyed the feeling of it warping around his fingers, and in the next instant his claws lifted off of them and spread wide as if opening his arms for a hug before coming back down quickly and clapping against the soft, supple, furred skin of their backsides. The sound filled the room mixing with moans, groans, whelps, yelps, growls, howls, and the sound of flesh slapping against flesh as their bodies collided together.

A roar joined the symphony of sounds as Spike’s claws dug into the bed, his tail became stiff, his pelvis pressed against their flanks, energy arched through his body, and his cum pumped into the two mares that he loved beneath him. The control, dominance, and security he felt as he marked them as his lovers filled his head with a strange euphoric pride and happiness.

Rarity once again felt the sweet sensation of fullness and the hot warmth of draconic life inside of her. It was like some sort of amazing internal heat source that made everything better, especially the sparks of ecstasy jumping all over her body and making her fur stand on end. She wondered how she had ever lived without him, without this, as the mess of their combined orgasm, as well as Twilight’s, soiled another pair of her silk sheets. Twilight’s face looked much like how she imagined her own did: Tongue lolled out, drool coating her lips, sweat making her fur stick to her face, and her mane in complete dishevelment.

Twilight was positive she would be very sore in the morning, but right now it didn’t matter in the least. In fact, the only thing that mattered in that moment was the intense pleasure coursing through her slightly mistreated body, as well as being overfilled with the dragon’s essence. Synapsis in her mind fired one after another as her body was wracked with the results of their lovemaking. The warmth that filled her body spilled sloppily out of her, sticky and messy. She hated to admit it, and to her credit she had hidden her fears well, but she had been worried about all of this for years when Celestia had confided in her, but here and now, she knew it could all work out. In the afterglow of it all, everything felt like it was going to be okay.

Spike slid out and scooted himself between the two worn out mares, slipping his hand behind each and pulling them up to the pillows with him where they laid together, content.

Breaking the silence, Twilight ruined the mood with an inquiry, “So, how did the talk with Applejack go?”

For a moment, Spike had been free of all his concerns but clearly there would be none of that. He would have to remember to give her a good swat for that one later. “Better than I expected, but I was pretty ready to get buck-kicked in the face, so that’s not saying a lot. Applejack’s in love with Rainbow Dash, and in order for her to join our hoard I have to get Dash to join first, have a dinner with the three of us, and prove that I can be a bridge between the two of them.”

A frown overtook Rarity’s previous look of dreamy bliss. “It sounds like she’s just using you to get Rainbow Dash.”

He sighed. “Maybe, but I didn’t really get that vibe. If I had to describe it, Applejack was interested in the idea of being in a hoard with me, but she doesn’t want to be part of anything without Dash. Reminded me of chasing Rarity, but a bit more mature. She still wants me to ‘court’ her, and prove my worth on the farm. Honestly, the real wild card is Rainbow Dash. That mare wouldn’t know how to take it easy on anyone. Always putting her best foot forward is pretty admirable, but this is going to be hard and I’m probably not going to get through it without a lot of pain.”

Rarity rested her head on Spike’s chest, her head fitting comfortingly under his chin and her horn on the other side. “Well, at least we can get a feel for how Fluttershy is going to react tomorrow.”

Following Rarity’s example, Twilight moved her head onto the muscular pillow, looking up at the ceiling. “That should be interesting. Shame I can’t be there, but she did request solely you two. I’ll try to test the waters with Pinkie Pie instead. Just thinking about her bouncing around all over the place is exhausting me.”

“Think that might have been the sex,” Spike quipped.

“Ah, yes.” Her eyes closed and her bare chest rose and fell quietly. “I’m going to sleep; I’m going to need it. Oh, and, Rarity, you were definitely made to be top mare.”

Rarity blushed lightly at the memory of her little revenge plot. “Thank you, darling. I think I’ll join you in that little nap.”

With the two mares happily entering the dream world on his chest, Spike took a moment to remember more peaceful times around Ponyville with his friends. He smiled, knowing he would soon be trying to get a lot closer to those most important to him, as he drifted off with the girls.