Rarity cradled her arms around Applejack, holding her tenderly for a brief moment. Grunting and heaving, Rarity hefted Applejack onto her shoulder so she should carry Applejack away. Rarity walked in the direction of the library – even if Twilight wasn't home, Rarity figured it was a better place to heal Applejack than in her barn.

“Mmm ...” Applejack groaned, scrunching her eyes as Rarity moved. “R-Rarity? What's going on?”

“You were attacked by Fluer-de-lis.” Rarity answered. “I drove her off, but … oh, Applejack, I'm so sorry I couldn't have been sooner.”

“It's okay. It's not … your fault.”

Rarity halted.

“I'm very glad to hear you say that, Applejack. Thank you.”

Applejack let out a grunt and stretched her head up. “Rarity … I'm thirsty.”

This worried Rarity, but she continued walking. “We can get you some water at Twilight's house.”

Applejack grunted in protest. “Rarity … I want milk.”

“You can't have milk right now.”

“Oh, come on, Rarity.” Appplejack felt around Rarity's body, before reaching over and clutching Rarity's breast in her hand. "I KNOW y'all have got some in your breasts ...”

“Applejack, please, control yourself!”

“I'm sorry … but … I want it so bad.” Applejack rubbed and squeezed Rarity's breast, trying to tease the milk out. “Just a little bit?”

“The answer is no!” Rarity insisted. “My breast milk is reserved for Rainbow Dash. And on occasion when I'm feeling particularly kinky or generous, Coco Pommel. Either way, the point remains, Applejack, that you cannot have any!”

“Please ...” Applejack shuddered. “Please ...”

Rarity sighed. It distressed to hear her friend brought to such a sorry state, begging for milk, but she knew giving Applejack so much as a drop was the worst thing she could do right now. “No. Just … just try to hang on until we get to the library, and then if you still want it, and I mean really want it, I'll give some to you then. How does that sound?”

Applejack grunted, but accepted. “Okay ...”

“Excellent … Applejack? Please take your hand off my breast.”

“Sorry ...”

Rarity managed to get her way to Ponyville, though it took her some time. She needed to get Applejack somewhere she could recover, but wasn't willing to go knocking on strangers' house. If a strange woman showed up, knocking on her door in the middle of the night with an half-conscious woman on her back, well, Rarity might have reservations about letting her into her house. So alone she traveled.

“Ugh ...” Rarity groaned. Having to carry Applejack all this way was beginning to take a toll on her. Another thing she could have done was drag Applejack by the wrists, thus sparing herself from the need to bear Applejack's weight on her back, but what if someone saw them? It would be easy to mistake as though Rarity was dragging Applejack somewhere against her will, or worse. Especially given recent arguments they had.

Rarity managed to get within sight of the library, but it was far as she was going to go. Her will left her.

“Applejack … I'm sorry. I can't go on.”

Rarity collapsed to her knees, throwing Applejack off her back and sending her rolling onto the ground. Rarity put her hands on the ground to steady herself.

“Y'all could have taken a break, you know ...” Applejack mumbled. “Didn't have to try to carry me all the while in one sitting ...”

“And give you a chance to slip away and go after Fluer-de-lis or someone to feed you milk? I think not.” Rarity breathed heavily. “Help. We need help.”

Help. It was a funny word. Rarity didn't think it was a naughty word or anything, but for some reason, saying it now left a bad impression on her tongue.

“HELP!” Rarity screamed, waving her arm around. “Help, somebody, anybody! We need some help over here!”

Rarity fell forward, too weak to even stand on her knees. She looked up at the library and felt as though it was mocking her. She had gotten so close, yet she was still so far. If she could have gotten a few more steps, she might have made it.

Rarity experienced a brief surge of hope as the light in the window of the library came on. She heard the door creak open and saw someone coming out towards.

Spike. It was Spike.

“Rarity?” Spike asked as he ran towards them, appropriately panicked. “Are you okay? What happened to you two?”

“Applejack ...” Rarity pointed to Applejack, who was already beginning to crawl away in the hopes of getting her tongue satisfied with white poison. If not from Rarity, then from someone. “She needs more help than I do. Keep … keep her away from my breasts.”

Rarity realized how weird her words must sound to someone who lacked the proper context for them.

“The milk ...” Rarity said. “Don't let her drink ... the milk.”

Spike bent down and did his best to support Rarity and help her up. “I know. Come on. Let's get you up.”

Rarity reacted quickly and badly to this and pushed him off. “Forget … about me. Help her!” Rarity let out a groan and collapsed.

“Okay, okay.” Spike waved his hands. He looked at Applejack and was thankful she could only crawl. “I'll get her somewhere safe. Lock her up for her own good, and then I'll go get our friends and some extra help, okay? I'll be right back for you, I promise.”

“Thank you ...” The last thing Rarity could see was Applejack mustering the strength to stand up on her own two legs, with Spike coming up and grabbing her from behind, wrapping his arms around Applejack's waist. Spike was successful in subduing her, and the last detail Rarity could make out was Spike dragging Applejack by the wrists to the library, before her eyelids got too heavy for her to keep open.

The next thing Rarity knew, there was some warm, flavorless liquid was being poured down her mouth, with the edge of a cup pressed against her lips. She wanted to bolt upright and throttle the offender doing this, thinking they were feeding her fresh white poison from a cup, but she was still too weak. After a minute, she realized it was only warm water.

“There you go ...” Rarity heard someone say. “That should help.” Rarity could hear footsteps moving away from her.

Rarity soon felt a hand on her cheek. “Get better soon, Rarity.” Rainbow Dash. It was Rainbow Dash speaking, and Rainbow Dash who had a hand on her cheek. “You did good last night …”

“Guhmm?” Rarity had meant to say something a little more coherent than “Guhmm?” but she was still tired.

“Hey.” Rainbow Dash shouted. “Hey, guys, she's waking up!”

“Is she?”

Rarity opened her eyes. The first thing she noticed was how painfully bright all the lights in the room were. It was if they were trying to burn her eyes. The second thing she noticed was Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie hovering over her.

“H ...” Rarity muttered. “Hello.”

“Oh!” Fluttershy put her hands on her chest after refraining from having an attack of some kind. “I'm so glad you're okay! You had me and the girls awfully worried there for a minute.”

“How ...” Rarity's functions were returning to her, though everyone knew what she meant.

“How did you get here, you mean?” Pinkie Pie said. “Well, it's simple, really! Spike found you exhausted by the library and then he dragged Applejack inside and made sure she couldn't escape, and then he came and got us and we all helped carry you inside! And Fluttershy has been nursing you ever since!”

Rarity's eyes widened.

“Not that kind of nursing!” Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash shouted in unison, knowing exactly where Rarity's mind had went.

“She means nursing you to health.” Rainbow Dash said. Rainbow Dash rubbed her hand on Rarity's cheek.

Rarity was silent. She raised her own hand and put it over Rainbow Dash's, guiding Dash's hand as it continued to rub her cheek fondly.

“Applejack.” Rarity said. She bolted up, tossing the blanket which had been draped over off. “Where's Applejack?”

“She's upstairs, resting.” Fluttershy said. “Spike is watching her right now. You can just relax.”

“Oh. Okay.” Rarity only now noticed they had set her down on Twilight's couch. “I'm going to go see her.”

“Okay.” Fluttershy said.

Rarity tossed the blanket off and went up the stairs. She hesitated before entering the room. Was she sure she could bear to see Applejack in her current state? Deciding she to had risk it, Rarity knocked on the door to warn Spike, then entered.

“Hey.” Spike said. He was sitting on a chair by the bed, where Applejack lay.

“Hello, Spike, darling.” Rarity said. She looked to Applejack. “Is there a spare chair?”

“Yeah, sure.” Spike pulled up a chair next to him. “Knock yourself out. Not … literally, of course.”

Rarity chuckled at Spike's awkwardness and took the seat. Rarity placed her hands together. “How are you feeling, Applejack?”

“Better.” Applejack said. “But … I still want some breast milk. Some nice, warm-”

“Yes, yes, very nice.” Rarity said, cutting Applejack off before she could go on. “Listen, Applejack, I want to apologize for something. Last night … someone approached me. They told you had been saying awful things about me, even though I thought we had made up. And I … I believed them. When I came to your farm last night, it wasn't because I knew Fluer-de-lis was there. It was to confront you. But after all that happened, with Fluer-de-lis there, I should have known … you would never say those kinds of things, or you would at least have the gall to say them to my face. So for that … for believing this person … I'm sorry. I hope you can forgive me.”

Applejack rolled over to face Rarity. “Well … it was a good thing you did believe them, or y'all might not have been there to save me last night.”

Rarity made a nervous smile.

“Ugh.” Applejack groaned and clutched at her stomach. “I still want it, though … the milk … I want it so badly.”

“Well, I'm sorry, Applejack, but you can't have any.” Rarity snapped. She would remain firm on this. As long as she was on the watch, Applejack would not get a drop of milk. Rarity stood up and turned to Spike. “Spike, whatever you do, make sure she does not get any breast milk.”

Spike nodded. “I understand. Hey, do you think giving her some normal milk would help?”

Rarity rubbed her chin. “I hadn't thought of that. On one hand, it might help her with her cravings … on the other hand, it could make things worse. Or it could not do anything. Best not to risk it, I think.”

“Okay.” Spike looked at Applejack. “How long do you think this will last?”

“Honestly, Spike, I don't know.” Rarity said. “Recovery from … the slime infection can vary on a number of things. The length of time of exposure, the amount of milk consumed … the strength of the individual. For some, simply going cold turkey will help. Others require external aid.” Rarity looked at Applejack. “All we can do is make sure she doesn't get any breast milk and hope for the best.”

Rarity left and walked down the stairs. She returned to the couch and wrapped herself up in the blanket. She raised her eyebrows when Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy proceeded to crowd her.

“Um, Rarity … we've been meaning to ask ...” Fluttershy said.

“Rarity, what happened last night?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Rarity was about to answer when the front door slammed open.

“Rarity!” Shining Armor, flanked by Silver Lens – as Rarity liked to think of her, Shining Armor's crony – marched into the room. “What did you do?”

“What- what do you mean, what did I do?” Rarity pulled the blanket up over herself, as if it would defend her from Shining Armor's accusation.

“I heard about what happened last night.” Shining Armor said. “Word travels fast. What did you do to Applejack?”

“What did I do to Applejack? I saved her! I rescued her! I saved her from Fluer-de-lis!” Rarity stood up, defiant and eager to challenge Shining Armor.

“Fluer-de-lis?” Shining Armor asked.

“Yes! Fluer-de-lis!' Rarity said. “Fancypants' wife? Infected with the slime? Oh, for goodness' sake, Shining Armor, does anybody tell you anything?”

Shining Armor didn't give her the dignity of a response.

Rarity paused. She began to laugh. “No. No, of course they don't. You're the Captain of the Royal Guard! Celestia forbid it if some Guard should lose his job because he told you something you didn't want to hear, because it didn't match with your presupposed, jumped to own conclusion of events!”

“If you're trying to imply my men don't report accurate information to me because they're afraid of me demoting them for telling me something which doesn't match my own views-”

“I'm not implying it; I'm telling it to your big, fat, presumptive FACE!”

Shining Armor grimaced.

Fluttershy threw herself between them before they came to blows. “Um, all right, everyone. That's enough. Why don't we all just separate and take a deep breath before someone says something they'll regret?”

“Someone's already said something they'll regret.” Shining Armor snarled.

“Yes, yes, you have.” Rarity countered. “I, on the other hand, don't think I've said enough, but I'll leave you be. We wouldn't to make a mess of Twilight's home, would we?” Rarity tossed the blanket off again and stomped out the door.

“You ...” Rainbow Dash raised a fist and prepared to strike Shining Armor. Pinkie Pie stopped her, grabbing Rainbow Dash's arm. Pinkie shook her head, and Rainbow Dash, looking at Fluttershy, lowered her fist.

Rarity closed the door to the library, her hands lingering on the knob. Her eyes got watery. She walked to the side of the door and sat on the grass, using a hand to balance herself as she curled up. She wrapped her arms around her knees and buried her head into her arms, crying softly. After everything she had done, everything she had been through … some, Shining Armor first and foremost among them, still saw fit to call her a monster.

Rarity didn't raise her head from her arms. If she did, she might have noticed something suspicious about the pair of footsteps which walked past her and opened the door, going inside and closing the door behind them.

Everyone inside was surprised to see Rarity back inside the library, so soon after her and Shining Armor's argument.

“Uh … hi.” Shining Armor said.

“Hello, darlings.” Rarity put her hands together, smiling pleasantly. “Where is dear Applejack?”

“She's still upstairs with Spike taking care of her, just like the last time you asked.” Pinkie Pie answered.

“Oh, good. I think I'll relieve Spike and give him a break, hmm?” Rarity went up the stairs. The girls could a conversation occur between her and Spike, and Spike came down.

“ … Wait a minute.” Shining Armor said. “Rarity already asked us where Applejack was ..."

Pinkie Pie was having the same thought. “And it's not like we're going to move her the way she is right now!”

“So why did she feel the need to ask again?” Shining Armor said.

“I'll go talk to her. See what's up.” Rainbow Dash went up the stairs. Her hand on the safety rail, Rainbow Dash's steps slowed to a halt when she heard muttering from the other side of the door.

“Yes, that's it … ”

Rainbow Dash didn't like the sound of it. It sounded the same as when Rarity got to feeding her. Rainbow Dash barged into the room, and what she saw shocked and horrified her.

Rarity was holding Applejack up, arms around Applejack's back, while Applejack's mouth was placed on Rarity's breast, suckling it to her heart's delight.

“Drink as much as you like.” Rarity said.

“Rarity? What the Pony Hell are you doing?” Rainbow Dash was hurt and betrayed on two fronts. First, Rarity had said they needed to avoid feeding Applejack any milk. Second, Rarity always promised Rainbow Dash that her milk was reserved for Dash (pity sex with Coco Pommel notwithstanding).

Confused, Rainbow Dash did the only thing she could do; she charged.

“Get off of her!” Rainbow Dash ran towards the bed, meaning to tackle Rarity off, but Rarity raised her hand and a green light flashed through the room.

Rainbow Dash was thrown across the room into the wall. She grabbed hold of a hat rack to stabilize herself and groaned. Looking up, she saw a long-haired woman wearing a corset and dress where Rarity was. Dash recognized her. “Chrysalis!”

“Easy, now.” Chrysalis spoke, her voice echoing it on itself like a demon. While her magic dealt with Rainbow Dash, Chrysalis lifted Applejack up off the bed, proving herself strong enough to support Applejack's body weight with only arm. “We wouldn't to interrupt dear Applejack's lunch.”

Rainbow Dash got up and made fists.

“Ah, ah, ah.” Chrysalis waved her finger. “I wouldn't do that.” She placed her free hand on her other exposed breast. “One squirt of my milk gets on you, you'll be helpless before me, just like Twilight Sparkle was. You wouldn't want to betray Rarity by nursing some woman's milk, would you?”

Rainbow Dash wanted to tell Chrysalis she was full of it. Twilight would never abandon them. But she realized Twilight would – Rainbow was an expert on the effects of white poison. The kind of things it could do to a woman … to her clarity of mind, to her mental health …

Cursing herself, Rainbow Dash lowered her fists.

“That's a good girl.” Chrysalis began to walk out of the room, carrying Applejack. “Just behave and no has to get hurt.”

Chrysalis reached the bottom of the stairs, and everyone was right to be alarmed to see her.

“Chrysalis!?” Shining Armor exclaimed.

“How she'd get in here?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Oh my … she was Rarity! That's why she had to ask where Applejack was a second time!” Fluttershy realized.

“Yes. Pity you couldn't have figured that out sooner. If you'll excuse me, I'll be making off with Applejack.” Chrysalis said, continuing towards the door.

“Oh yeah?” Pinkie Pie made fists. “What makes you so sure about that, huh?”

“Don't.”

Rainbow Dash came down the stairs, Pinkie and Fluttershy watching her.

“She's got some crazy thing with her breast milk going on. If you try something, she'll hit you with it.”

“Yes.” Chrysalis smiled. “So you can try and stop me, and I can make you all my slaves, or you can let me walk away with only Applejack.”

Shining Armor tensed his fingers and grimaced. He hated being caught between a rock and a hard place.

Chrysalis opened the door with her foot and walked outside. Shining Armor, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie followed her, to keep an eye on her.

Outside, Rarity heard the sound of footsteps and raised her head up. “What's going on?” She saw Chrysalis carrying Applejack and gasped.

“That's it. Be good boys and girls and just let me escape ...” Chrysalis turned around to walk away, no longer facing them.

Rarity stood up. She looked at the others, at her friends … at Shining Armor. She looked to Chrysalis, stepped towards, and reached a hand out for her.

“Wait. There's one more thing.”

Chrysalis turned back around, giving Rarity an impatient glare. “Yes?”

Rarity took in a deep breath. “Take me with you.”

“What?” Rainbow Dash shouted.

“You can't be serious!' Shining Armor said.

“Rarity, no!” Fluttershy squealed.

“Uh, come again?” Even Chrysalis shared in their confusion.

“I want to join you.” Rarity said. She walked closer towards Chrysalis and further away from her friends. “My friends, the people of Ponyville ...” Rarity gestured to the surrounding suburbs. “I've seen the way they look at me. I know what they cal me. My friends and I have been having some … difficulties. And it seems like even if they want to forgive me and get along, they seem unable to. Unable to let go of my past … and some are convinced I am up to no good, despite a lack of evidence or even evidence to the contrary.” Rarity tossed Shining Armor a bitter glare. “So I reason, if I'm still going to be treated as a monster and a outcast, I may as well go with you, a fellow monstrous seductress, to a place where I can belong.”

Rarity bent over and rubbed at the tracking bracelet Shining Armor had placed on her leg.

“A place where I can be free.” Rarity continued to shoot Shining Armor glares.

Chrysalis rubbed her chin. “Having one of Twilight Sparkle's friends join me willingly of her own accord would be a dream come true … but how do I know I can trust you? How do I know this isn't a trick?”

Rarity spun her hand through the air and put it behind her back, bowing. “You will have my loyalty. All I ask ...” Rarity got down on one leg, putting the leg with the bejeweled bracelet forward. “Is that you remove this dreadful thing.”

Chrysalis put a finger to her chin. She rocked her head, thinking about it. “Done.” She pointed at the bracelet and fired a beam of green green magic from her finger.

The bracelet cracked and shattered in half, falling off Rarity's legs.

“Ah.” Rarity sighed and rubbed at her legs, feeling the air on her skin again. “That is so much better.” Rarity stood up and turned 'round to her friends. “So long, darlings! I'll miss you all so very much.” Rarity blew a kiss at them. She pointed a finger at Shining Armor. “Except for you. The next Chrysalis tries to brainwash you, I will be happy to help her.”

Rarity took her place by Chrysalis' side. Rarity and Chrysalis exchanged smiles with each other before walking into the distance.

“Rarity, why?” A tear escaped Rainbow Dash's eye, going down her cheek. "You!” She rounded on Shining Armor, grabbing him by the shoulders and shaking him. “See what you did? This is all your fault!” Fluttershy tried to intervene, but before she could do anything, Rainbow Dash pushed Shining Armor to the ground on his back.

Rainbow Dash walked away from him. “Why?” She sank to the ground with her knees bent, tears dripping down her cheeks. Fluttershy sat down next to her and tried to comfort her.

“Why?” Rainbow Dash turned to Fluttershy. “Why would she leave me? Why? Was I – was I not good enough to her?”

“Rainbow Dash, I'm sorry … I don't know.”

Chrysalis led Rarity and Applejack to a cave far outside the south end of Ponyville. At some point, Chrysalis concluded Applejack had enough milk and set on her feet, leaving a groggy Applejack to be guided by Chrysalis' hand like a drowsy puppy. Rarity would almost find it cute if she didn't find it so uncomfortable.

“Here we are.” Chrysalis walked them into the caves. They didn't get far before Rarity saw a frizzy-haired woman she didn't recognize come running up to greet them.

“Chrysalis!” Adagio Dazzle exclaimed. “You're back! Ooh.” She smiled at Rarity and Applejack. “New toys?”

“Somewhat, yes. This one you can play with.” Chrysalis pushed Applejack forward. “This one, however, is named Rarity, and she has chosen to join us.”

“Has she now?” Adagio Dazzle asked with a smirk. Rarity wasn't sure why, but way Adagio asked made her uneasy. “Nice to meet you, Rarity. I'm Adagio Dazzle.” Adagio offered her hand to Rarity.

“Pleased to meet your acquaintance.” Rarity took the hand, but when she did, Adagio Dazzle grabbed by the wrist and pulled Rarity towards her as if they were doing a tango.

“Why don't you come to the back and we can get more … acquainted?”

“Er, I'd really rather not.” Rarity said. “I'm still settling in, as it were.”

“I'm here!” Trixie shouted, coming into the room. “I heard talking. What's with all the noise?” Her eyes locked on to Rarity, and she became offended.

“Trixie?”

“What is she doing here?” Trixie pointed to Rarity while turning to Chrysalis.

“Rarity's agreed to join us.” Chrysalis said.

Trixie glared at Rarity.

“I know why I'm working with Chrysalis.” Rarity said. “Why are you working for her, Trixie? I can't possibly imagine a good reason why ...”

“Because!” Trixie snapped back. “I want revenge on Twilight Sparkle for embarrassing me during that Alicorn Amulet fiasco!”

“You embarrassed yourself with that fiasco, dear.” Rarity said. “The last time you tried to get revenge on Twilight didn't work out well in your favor, did it? Did you learn nothing? No. Surely there's more to it than that.”

Trixie turned away from Rarity. “Well … Chrysalis also promised that if I helped her schemes, she would give me everything I ever wanted.”

“And what do you want, Trixie?” Rarity asked.

“Adoration.” Trixie said. “Hundreds and hundreds of adoring fans, cheering me on the stage and loving my every performance.”

“You know … you could get that without Chrysalis' help.” Rarity said. Chrysalis glared at her.

“Really?” Trixie asked.

“Yes. All you have to do is perform well.” Rarity said. “If you do that, they'll come flocking to you.”

“Rarity ...” Chrysalis was displeased with Rarity suggesting the idea of Trixie getting what she wanted on her own. “Tread carefully.”

“Huh.” Rarity looked around, examine Chrysalis, Adagio Dazzle, and Trixie. She couldn't be treading more carefully. She was a sheep in a den of lions.

No, no. Sheep don't lactate copious, unnecessary amounts of breast milk … not more than they need to feed their young, anyway. Rarity thought. They also don't control the slime … oh, now there's a thought.

“Chrysalis?” Rarity asked. “I haven't seen any slimes around. You do have some, don't you?”

“It's in storage.” Chrysalis said. “Until such a time I deem we require its services.”

Drat. Rarity snapped her fingers. Well, it was worth a shot …

Rarity looked around the cave. “You know what else is bothering me, Chrysalis? You said you had Twilight Sparkle, yet the entire time we've been here, I haven't seen her anywhere in this cave. Where is she? Surely you didn't … lose her, did you?”

Chrysalis narrowed her eyes and sneered. “Rarity ...” Chrysalis walked over to Rarity, bending over to emphasize the difference in their heights. “Did you promise to serve me loyally?”

“As loyally as I ever did promise.” Rarity held one had while holding the other over her chest.

“Then you will stop asking questions that I find upsetting.” Chrysalis said. “You let me worry about Twilight Sparkle. Understand?”

“Perfectly.”

“Good. Now, I need to go draw up some new plans. You can have fun with Applejack while I'm away.”

“Oh, goody.” Adagio Dazzle grabbed Applejack and pulled her close.

Rarity grabbed Applejack and pulled her away from Adagio. “Actually, do you mind if I have the first turn with her? I'm still settling into my new role, and ...” Rarity ran a hand through Applejack's hand. “It would be nice to have something to remind me of home.”

“Fine. I will allow it.” Chrysalis said. “But you better not be planning something with her.” She pointed a very determined finger at Rarity.

“I wouldn't dream of it.” Rarity said as Chrysalis walked deeper into the cave. Trixie left with her.

“Come on.” Adagio Dazzle placed a hand on Rarity's shoulder. “I'll show you around.”

Adagio Dazzle was a bit too willing to touch her for Rarity's comfort, but she appreciate Adagio showing her around. Chrysalis' group had actually made a comfortable little dwelling inside the cave, complete with beds with mattresses and benches hammered to the edges of the wall.

“And here is a good place to get in with your … intimate healing.” Adagio Dazzle gestured Rarity to a bench in one room. “I'll give you two a minute alone.” Adagio Dazzle left out the cave entrance, leaving Rarity and Applejack alone.

Rarity put a hand on Applejack's back and guided towards the bench. Helping Applejack to sit down, Rarity put her hands in her lap and waited for awhile.

“Ugh …” Applejack groaned, coming out of her funk, her mind clearing up. “Rarity? What happened? Where are we?”

“You were fed white poison.” Rarity said. “By Chrysalis. She turned into me and waltzed right in under our noses, and then I defected and joined her side, and she brought us both here.”

“You did what? Rarity, why?”

“Calm down.” Rarity said. “I haven't really joined her side. And be quiet. If Chrysalis or her cronies hear you talking and thinking clearly, they'll know something's up and it won't be long before they realize my deception.”

“Oh. Okay.” Applejack said. “So, what do we do?”

“Well, for the time being, we try to make them think you're still helplessly addicted.”

“Okay. How do we do that without making me, you know, actually addicted?”

“Simple.” Rarity said. She presented her breasts to Applejack, gesturing to them. “Stick your head between my breasts and pretend to suck.”

“Do I have to?” Rarity glared and Applejack groaned. “Ugh. Okay.” Applejack took in a breath deep breath and plunged her head into Rarity's cleveage, pretending to make slurping noises with her mouth.

“Mm-mm!” Applejack lifted her head up. “This milk sure is good!”

Rarity facepalmed. “Applejack, darling, we have got to get you some lessons. Why don't you leave the acting to me?” Rarity put a hand on Applejack's neck and gently coaxed her back into cleavage.

“Ah-ha!” Adagio Dazzle came back into the room, putting her hands on the 'doorframe.' “I knew it. You haven't really joined us, have you, Rarity?”

Rarity blushed and turned away from Adagio. “I don't know what you're talking about.”

“Oh, Rarity, don't try and play dumb with me.” Adagio Dazzle walked into the room. “I heard you and Applejack talking.”

Rarity grimaced. “All right, fine. What of it? Go tell Chrysalis. I'm not afraid of you.”

“Oh, no, no!” Adagio Dazzle said, pacing around the room. “You misunderstand, Rarity. I don't want to tell Chrysalis on you.”

Adagio Dazzle sat on the bench. “I want you to join us for real.”

“I … what?”

“I've heard a lot about you, Rarity.” Adagio Dazzle said. “The things you're capable … the things you can do … and I know you've haven't been on the best terms with your friends lately.”

“We're … getting better.” Rarity said.

“Ah, but are you? What about that Captain fellow? He put a bracelet on you, didn't he?” Adagio Dazzle got up and began walking around the room. “Come on, Rarity. You're pretty. You're sexy. You're seductive and oh, the things I hear you can do with your breast milk!”

Adagio Dazzle got behind Rarity and whispered into her ear. “You belong with us. Just imagine it. With your knowledge of your friends and your close connection with Celestia, between you, me, and Chrysalis, we could take over all of Equestria with our wits, good looks, and charms. We could become the sex queens of Equestria. Ha! “Sex Queens of Equestia.” Now there's you a good name for a rock band!”

Adagio Dazzle separated from Rarity.

“Think about it.” Adagio said.

Rarity was silent. Applejack kept her head down in Rarity's cleavage, trying not to draw attention to herself.

“Tell you what.” Adagio Dazzle examined her nails. “I'll tell you what I'm gonna do. In thirty minutes, that is, half an hour, I'm going to tell Chrysalis about your deception either way. In that time, you can decide whether you escape with Applejack, or if you want to join us for real. Your choice.” Adagio Dazzle walked out of the room, her hips swaying back and forth.

When she was gone, Applejack dared to raise her head up. Applejack looked towards the entrance, then back to Rarity. “So … what are y'all goin' to do?”

“I don't know, Applejack.” Rarity said. “She does bring up a good point … Shining Armor has been giving me a bit of grief.”

“Aw, Rarity, you can't let a thing like that convince you to turn your back on friends! On Equestria!”

“I know, I know.” Rarity said. “But still … it's difficult.” She scooted to the side of the bench. “I continue to be called a monster for things that were done years ago. Shining Armor is determined to see me in prison, and some of Ponyville still fear me … and if they don't fear me, they mock me and call me names.”

“Rarity ...” Applejack brushed Rarity's hair up so she could look her in the eye. “What's your real face? Monster? Milk addict? Femme fatale? Abuser?”

“Why?” Rarity asked.

“So we can all quit lying and pretending everything is okay when it isn't, it really isn't. So can we all quit lying to each other. So we can all quit lyin' to ourselves – so you can quit lyin' to yourself. And that would be a heck of lot of easier if we all knew what you really are. So … what's your real face?”

“ … I don't know, Applejack.”

“I see.” Applejack looked at the ground. “Hey, listen … I know we haven't all treated you the best lately, if y'all decide you want to go with Adagio … I understand.”

Rarity joined Applejack in looking at the ground. “I … appreciate that, Applejack.”

“So,” Applejack decided to ask the question again, hoping it would net more results the second time. “What are y'all gonna do?”

Rarity straightened up and looked at Applejack. “Isn't it obvious?”

“Oh, I knew it was too good to be true!” Chrysalis ranted and swore as Adagio Dazzle led her to Rarity's room. “I should have known better!”

“Now, now.” Adagio Dazzle said. “If you'll give Rarity the chance to explain herself, she might surprise you. If she admits she wronged you, will you still accept her?”

“I suppose.”

“Great. Glad to hear it.” Adagio Dazzle smirked. Brimming with confidence Rarity would chose their side, she stepped into the room. Her eyes widened and she grimaced when she saw both Rarity and Applejack had disappeared.

“Darn.” Adagio snapped her fingers. “I was really hoping she would choose us …” Adagio looked at Chrysalis, who was shaking with rage.

“Hey.” Adagio placed a hand on Chrysalis's cheek. “I know what will cheer you up. Why don't you use your transformation magic to turn me into Celestia, and then we have some fun together? Huh? Doesn't the idea of Celestia kneeling at your feet appeal to you?”

“That … does sound appealing.” Chrysalis said. “Oh, all right.” She waved her finger and zapped Adagio Dazzle, who was transformed instantly into a perfect physical double of Celestia. Smiling, Adagio Dazzle wrapped her arms around Chrysalis, pressing their chests together in a squishy, affectionate display.

Out in the forest, Sunset Shimmer yawned and stretched after having a good night's sleep. “Hey, Honeycomb.” Sunset Shimmer noticed Honeycomb had built several, well, honeycombs into a structure on the ground. “What's all this?”

“These are, mmm, honeycombs for the conversions.” Honeycomb said.

“Conversions?” Sunset raised her brow. “What does that mean?”

“Conversions.” Honeycomb said as she carried a block of honeycomb shells over to the structure, setting it down on top. “For turning others into fellow bees for the hive.”

“Uh-huh.” Sunset nodded. She wasn't going to try and pretend like she understood Honeycomb's weirdness. “Hey ...” She noticed something a bit … odd about the honeycombs. They all individually quite big. Big enough to hold an adult person …

As if confirming her developing suspicions, Sunset Shimmer saw Twilight Sparkle, crawling inside one of the honeycombs at Honeycomb's urging.

“That's it … good girl.” Honeycomb told Twilight. Twilight, still in a trance with blank, unthinking eyes, nodded. A waterfall of honey fell from the top of the honeycomb, which dripped down and solidified into a golden, crystal wall, sealing Twilight Sparkle inside. The honeycomb began to fill with honey, oozing and dripping golden liquid from its walls until Twilight was covered in the substance up to her knees. The level of honey continued rising until Twilight was submerged in the liquid.

“I … didn't ask you to do that.” Sunset Shimmer tensed her fingers, getting a little worried. Maybe recruiting Honeycomb to her side hadn't been the best idea.

As she was worrying about this, she felt something grip her by the arm.

“In you go.”

“What? Hey!” Sunset Shimmer yelled as Honeycomb tossed her inside one of the people-sized honeycombs. Sunset tried to get out, but it was too late; the waterfall was already flowing and beginning to solidify. Sunset Shimmer banged her fists on the honey casing, trying to break it. “Let me out!”

“I thought this was, mmm, what you wanted, Mistress” Honeycomb said. “I thought you, mmm, understood what you were dealing with.”

“I never said I wanted to be drowned in honey!” Sunset Shimmer banged on the casing again. The honey began to flow inside her prison.

“My apologies, Mistress. But it's too late to stop it now.” Honeycomb flapped her wings and flew away, off to gather more honey and more victims.

“Honeycomb!” Sunset Shimmer banged her fists on the casing, despite her efforts being fruitless. “Let me out!” The honey had gotten so deep as to reach up to Sunset's neck. Sunset, terrified, began to cry. She continued banging on the casing. “LET ME OUT!”

Realizing it wasn't going to work, Sunset gave up on banging the basing. Crying softly, there was nothing she could do as the honey continued to rise, leaking into her mouth as it submerged her whole body.

In the cave, Adagio Dazzle and Chrysalis rolled around on the large, smooth rock they used as an improvised bed. Adagio Dazzle, wearing Celestia's form, giggled, enjoying herself, though Chrysalis paused after she was on her back, losing herself in thought.

“Chrysalis?” Adagio pressed her chest into Chrysalis's. “What's wrong?”

Chrysalis frowned. She raised a hand and counted off her losses. “I've lost Rarity as a potential ally … I lost Twilight Sparkle … I lost the Citrus Slime for a time before regaining it … my plans will never come to fruition at this rate if I keep getting sidetracked by these distractions. I need to gain an edge and press my advantage with that.”

Chrysalis continued thinking, apathetic to Adagio Dazzle's hands digging into her cleavage.

“I've got it.” Chrysalis snapped her fingers. “I was able to kidnap Cadence and imitate her, and no one was the wiser except for Twilight Sparkle. Twilight Sparkle is now more or less out of commission, so if I could get in and kidnap Cadence again … no one would have a clue. Playtime's over, Adagio Dazzle. We're going to the Crystal Empire. My spies report Cadence has been hanging around there as of late ...”

Chrysalis pushed Adagio Dazzle off her, sending Adagio rolling. Adagio grunted when she hit the cave floor. “Oof.”

Adagio stood up and rubbed her head, watching with concern as Chrysalis marched off. “Chrysalis, are you sure that's a good idea? Not that I'm questioning your strategy, but … I can see you're frustrated. I just want to consider the consequences of acting rashly. Think about it. Is this really what you want to do?”

Chrysalis looked to Adagio Dazzle.

“I've thought about it. We're still going. Go grab Trixie and get ready.” Chrysalis snapped her fingers.

“Your wish is my command … however ill-advised a wish it may be.” Adagio bowed.

In the forest, Aria Blaze returned to Sunset's camp site.

“All right, I'm back from meeting with some friends.” Aria rubbed her hands, ready to get down to business. She noticed the stack of people-sized honeycombs. “Whoa. What's with the construction project there?”

“It is for, mmm, conversions.” Honeycomb answered. “Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer are in the process now.”

“Huh. Really?” Aria asked. “You're … not gonna do that to me, are you?”

“Mmm … I was, but when I placed Sunset inside, she was most upset, so, mmm … I think not. Unless you want to.”

Aria cast her gaze on the honeycombs.

“Not right now … but maybe later.” Aria tapped her chin. “I like to keep my options open.”

The honeycombs let out gurgling noises, and the golden membranes covering them began to stretch.

“Oh!” Honeycomb put her hands together. “It's time! They're ready.”

The honeycombs released a huge splash of golden liquid, spitting out both honey mixed with conversion fluid and releasing Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer. Twilight and Sunset slid around on the liquid, needing a moment to adjust to their new bodies. They both were near-exact matches for Honeycomb's body, except for retaining their original faces, hair, and proportions of their limbs. Sunset Shimmer had antennae on her head which ended in in white fuzzy limps, which bounced as Sunset sat upright.

“Hmm.” Sunset put a hand to the lumps, wincing when she touched them.

“Careful.” Honeycomb warned her. “Those are sensitive.”

“So … we're both bee-women now.” Sunset said. “Now what's our plan? Bzzt!” Sunset covered her mouth as though she was experiencing a bad case of hiccups.

“I'm, mmm, not sure. I did not, mmm, plan that far ahead.” Honeycomb said.

“You know … I haven't seen my friends in a long while.” Twilight said. “Oh! Oh!” She raised her hand. “I have an idea! We should go to the Crystal Empire.”

“The Crystal Empire? What's there for us, bzzt?” Sunset asked.

“Mm-hmm.” Aria nodded. “So is having some weird verbal tic like, a species trait for you?” She asked Honeycomb.

“Mmm, it's common, but not always.”

“My old foalsitter, Cadence, is in the Crystal Empire.” Twilight said. “And the best part is, we can just walk right in! We'll go up to her, tell her that we know there's a cure for us, and then manipulate her into advancing our goals while thinking it's all to help us.” Twilight swiped a fist through the air.

“It's devious. It's manipulative. It involves you lying and tricking somebody who loves and trusts you. I love it! And I know there's got to be a magical artifact or two in the Empire …” Sunset raised her fist. She turned around and observed the huge stinger making up her abdomen. “A cure, huh? … that would be nice.” Sunset shook her head. This was what the path she had chosen to go down on had led her to, and she was going to stay the course.

Sunset stood up and pumped her fist, putting on a crazed grin. “Ladies, looks like we're going to the Crystal Empire!”

Chrysalis, Adagio Dazzle, and Trixie made their way to the Crystal Empire. Adagio was back to her regular appearance; given what she was doing, it would be easy for Cadence to figure out she wasn't the real Celestia, so what would be the point?

With Chrysalis's guidance, the three of them were able to slip by unseen and go around to the side of the Crystal Castle.

“Here we are.” Chrysalis said. “We'll get in by climbing. The Guards are less likely to see us that way. Hup!” Chrysalis yelped and jumped onto the side of the castle, digging her hands into and climbing up.

“Um … Trixie does not do so well with climbing.” Trixie said.

“Very well, Trixie. Perhaps you would to grab on to my foot and hold on to that while I climb?” Chrysalis asked.

Trixie was unsettled by the mental image of such an action. She imagined Chrysalis banging her on rocks and loose stones, ignoring her cries of protests. “No.”

“Then shut up and start climbing.”

Trixie gulped. Though nervous, she followed Chrysalis's lead. Adagio Dazzle soon joined them.

“Chrysalis, are you sure this is the best idea?” Adagio Dazzle asked. “It still seems like you're acting rashly ...”

“Yes, I'm sure, and I'm going to tell you the same thing I told Trixie; shut up and climb.”

Adagio Dazzle sighed. “As you wish, Mistress ...”

High, high up in the castle, with several floors between them and the invaders whose presence they were unaware of, Cadence, Shining Armor, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash got together in a meeting to discuss the recent developments of Rarity's defection.

“So, let me make sure I have this right. You're trying to tell me that Rarity ... joined Chrysalis?” Cadence asked, holding her fingers up.

“Yes! What about that is so hard to understand?” Shining Armor said.

“Mainly the part where Rarity has any reason to join Chrysalis – who, it should be remembered, has the capacity to brainwash people. Why would Rarity do that?”

“Why?” Rainbow Dash asked, cradling up on a chair. “Why would she leave me?”

“I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash, I don't know.” Cadence said. “I don't know why Rarity would leave you. From what I've heard, despite the … problematic origins of your relationship, you've been nothing but good to her.”

“Rainbow Dash, I'm sorry.” Fluttershy put a hand on Rainbow Dash's shoulder. “I don't know what you could have possibly done ...”

“Yeah ...” Rainbow Dash lifted her head up, her tears drying.“Or maybe it wasn't anything I did.” She glanced at Shining Armor. “Maybe it was something someone else did.” Rainbow Dash unfurled from her position and got up, walking towards Shining Armor.

“What are you implying?” Shining Armor asked.

“I'm implying Rarity leaving was because of something you did, you jerk.” Rainbow Dash said, walking up to Shining Armor. “She told me about the bracelet. How you put a tracking device on her because you thought she kidnapped Twilight.”

Cadence raised an eyebrow. “Shining Armor? Is this true?”

“Well … yes.” Shining Armor said. “I didn't have any other good suspects at the time!”

“Oh, Shining ...” Cadence placed a hand over her eyes, though she sounded more as though she was putting up more with Shining Armor's wacky antics than dealing with his violation of a citizen's rights.

“She also told me about how you had two Guards and the bracelet ready to go at the snap of a finger.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Yeah? What about it?”

Rainbow Dash walked up to Shining Armor, getting into his face.

“You were never going to give her a chance, were you?”

“Ugh!” Pinkie groaned. “Enough! I'm tired of hearing you guys fight! Rarity's still on our side, you guys!”

Rainbow Dash waved her hand, keeping her hate-filled eyes on Shining Armor. “What side Rarity is on isn't the issue anymore, Pinkie Pie, it's about Shining Armor carrying out his grudge. Wait … did you say Rarity was still on our side?”

“Uh, yeah?” Pinkie Pie said.

“Pinkie, how could you possibly know that?” Shining Armor said. “I mean, you saw what she did, right? Heard what she said?”

“Yes! Didn't you?” Pinkie threw her hands in the air.

“Um, Pinkie Pie? I'm beginning to get the sense you know something we don't.” Fluttershy said.

“It's looking like it!”

“Okay. Do you, um, care to share what that is?” Shining Armor gestured for Pinkie to take the floor.

Pinkie Pie raised a finger, willing to tell them whatever it was.

She was interrupted by the door to the room being blown open, engulfed by an explosion of green magic and emerald flames.

“Ah-ha!” Chrysalis announced, marching into the room. “Cadence, we meet again!” Chrysalis was as surprised to see everyone there as they were to see her. “Okay, um ...” She pointed to Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Shining Armor in turn. “You, you, you, and you weren't supposed to be here for this.”

“Sorry to disappoint.” Cadence clenched her fists, blue fire surrounding them.”Get behind me, everyone!”

Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash complied.

Shining Armor stepped forward and raised a magical force field between Chrysalis and them.

“Oh. That's cute.” Chrysalis said. “But it won't save you.” She snapped her fingers, and Adagio Dazzle and Trixie came into the room.

“Trixie?” Rainbow Dash asked. “And some … weird hair metal singer?”

“What are you doing with Chrysalis, Trixie?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Does it matter?” Rainbow Dash asked. “She's clearly on her side! Hey … where's Rarity, you jerks?”

“Rarity could not be present for this outing.” Chrysalis said, trying to hide the fact she lost control of Rarity. It wouldn't look good to her reputation, and it could embolden Cadence and her friends to know.

Chrysalis and Trixie opened fire on the force field, pelting it with magical blasts. They had minimal effect, and when Shining Armor saw their chance, he opened up a hole in the force field, allowing Cadence to retaliate with blue bolts of magic.

Chrysalis, Trixie, and Adagio Dazzle split up and ducked for cover around the room. Chrysalis snarled and fired again, achieving nothing as the force field absorbed her blasts.

“Come on, let me out.” Rainbow Dash. “I can take one or two of them!”

“Sorry, Rainbow Dash.” Cadence said. “Too risky. I'm not letting them hit you with something to warp your mind.”

“Yeah.” Shining Armor said. “According to Rainbow Dash, Chrysalis has – ugh – breast milk similar to the Slime's which can brainwash on contact.”

“On contact? That's not good.” Cadence said. “At least with the slimes, you had to ingest it.”

Shining Armor opened up the force field again, and Cadence did her best to hit Chrysalis with a spell. This stalemate might have gone on forever, or at least until both parties got fed up and agreed to a ceasefire, where it not for a trio of bees and one passenger crashing through the window and into the force field.

“Are you sure this is a good ideaaaaaaa?” Aria Blaze asked, riding on the back of Honeycomb, her question coming too late to stop her party as they smashed through the window and ended up with their legs against the force field, their faces flattened into it.

“What the?” Shining Armor asked. The sight of Twilight's face startled him enough he dropped the force field, which had the effect of dropping Twilight, Sunset, Honeycomb, and Aria to the floor.

“Shining Armor! Cadence!” Twilight said, pushing herself up, no worse for the wear for having smashed through a window and being dropped to the floor. “I'm so glad you're here! We could really use your help. See, we all got turned into this bee things you see, and we need your help to cure us!”

“O … kay.” Cadence said. “I'll be happy to help you and your new friends, Twilight, but can it wait?” Cadence tried to look over Twilight's shoulder at Chrysalis. “I'm kinda in the middle of something here.”

“Hey … wait a minute.” Adagio Dazzle. “I recognize that bee-woman there.” She pointed to Honeycomb. “She's a creature Chrysalis summoned who decided she'd rather hang out with that red-haired women there instead! And she wasn't a bee before! Don't trust any of them, Princess Cadence!”

Twilight turned around, offended, her stinger raising up. “And why she should trust your word over mine?”

“That's a good question.” Cadence asked. “Why should I trust your word over Twilight's? You're a stranger working with Chrysalis, and I've known Twilight most of my life.”

“True.” Adagio Dazzle. “So, what would it take to get you to trust me?” Adagio Dazzle flashed a grin.

Cadence could only react in confusion.

“Oh, forget this. Twilight, your plan is never going to work at this rate.” Sunset Shimmer said. She deployed the finger-stingers which came with her new form and pounced on Cadence, aiming to sting her and inject her with delicious honey. Cadence was too fast for Sunset, kicking Sunset Shimmer in the stomach before the stingers had a chance to make contact.

Following this, the room descended into a free-for-all melee.

Aria Blaze went up to Adagio Dazzle and locked her hands with her, getting into a grapple.

“Say, have I seen you somewhere before?” Aria Blaze asked coyly.

“I've never seen you before in my life!” Adagio Dazzle, making sure to to let the whole room hear her so no one outside of Chrysalis's circle got suspicious. With the two of them fighting each other, they could “take care” of each other in the sense of the fight while making sure neither one of them got injured.

Fluttershy tried to stay to find somewhere to hide – fighting wasn't her style – but she ran into Honeycomb. “Eep! Umm, hello, Miss Bee Woman. Say, I'm really good at talking to animals, so if you want to sit down and have a nice talk instead of fighting -”

Honeycomb cared not about what Fluttershy had to say, attempting to strike Fluttershy with her finger-stingers.

“Eep!” Fluttershy squealed and backed away, managing to dodge the stinger.

“Hey!” Pinkie threw herself between Honeycomb and Fluttershy. “You leave poor Fluttershy alone!” Pinkie proceeded to keep Honeycomb at bay with an impressive-seeming display of wild punches and kicks, but Honeycomb saw through her ruse and realized Pinkie had no idea what she was doing. Honeycomb lunged forward and grabbed Pinkie, wrapping her arms around her throat.

“Oh, you will make a fine specimen, mmm, yes ...” Honeycomb raised a hand to inject Pinkie Pie with a golden substance.

Fluttershy saw this and her jaw dropped. Rage and fear for Pinkie's safety overtaking her natural tendency towards cowardice and non-combative roles, Fluttershy ran over and picked up the recliner Rainbow Dash had been sitting in.

“Get your hands off my friend!” With adrenaline surging through her, Fluttershy threw the chair at Honeycomb.

It was Honeycomb's turn to squeal. Seeing the chair fly after her, Honeycomb tossed Pinkie Pie to the ground and flew away to avoid it. The chair flew over Pinkie Pie and smashed into Honeycomb, bringing her down to the floor.

Rainbow Dash went up to Trixie. It was a bad match-up for Trixie, as Rainbow Dash was more than willing to turn Trixie into a punching bag for her frustrations.

“Fool!” Trixie gloated. “You are no match for the magical show-stopping ability of the great and powerful -”

Rainbow Dash interrupted Trixie by slugging her hard across the cheek. Before Trixie could recover, Rainbow Dash grabbed Trixie by the shirt and rammed her into the wall. Rainbow Dash braced an arm against Trixie's neck to keep her pinned. Not taking any chances, Rainbow slammed a fist into Trixie's stomach, knocking the wind out of her.

Chrysalis and Cadence continued to exchange fire. Chrysalis fired a beam of green energy which Cadence jumped over, using her wings to extend her air time before blasting Chrysalis in the stomach with a blue bolt.

“I have had enough of this. It's time for a change of tact ...” Chrysalis reached a finger into her dress and ran her finger across her breast, getting a little bit of milk on it. Aiming her finger at Cadence, Chrysalis fired a blast from it – with the magic touching the milk as it left her finger, the milk's properties would transfer to the spell. Or so Chrysalis hoped. Chrysalis fired another bolt, hoping to distract Cadence so the first one would hit her.

Cadence saw through Chrysalis's deception. Cadence raised both her hands and fired, not at Chrysalis, but at the bolts themselves. Cadence's blue bolts hit Chrysalis’s green bolts in mid-air, causing them to splinter into several, smaller, less powerful bolts which flew off into eight different directions. Some of the magical shrapnel hit Chrysalis in the gut. Some of it – including the milk-touched portion if it - struck Cadence in the side, causing Cadence to bend over in pain.

Chrysalis smiled at the opportunity. Chrysalis raised both her hands, preparing spells in both of to hit Cadence with it and end her, or at least claim victory. Cadence looked up to see Chrysalis looming over her, green fire in her hands and a mad grin on her face.

Chrysalis's grin disappeared when something struck her in the back, sending her forward and interrupting her spells. Cadence wondered who did such a thing, but she wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth. Putting both her hands out, Cadence let out two huge blasts from her palm which smashed into Chrysalis's midsection and sent her flying, throwing her out the door and into the hall. With Chrysalis out of the way, Cadence could see Rarity standing in the doorway.

“Rarity?” Cadence asked. Was Rarity the one who saved her?

“Girls!” Chrysalis screamed. “We're done here! We're fighting a losing battle! Let's go!”

Rarity gathered magic in her hands, preparing to hit Chrysalis with a powerful spell. Rarity fired and Chrysalis rolled out the way, causing a small explosion to rock the hallway. Chrysalis fired at Rarity, who ducked and dodged.

Chrysalis fired into the room, hitting Rainbow Dash and throwing her to the ground, getting off Trixie. Trixie took the chance to escape.

“Okay, Aria, you can stop now.” Adagio Dazzle said. Aria continued to hold a tight grip, glaring at Adagio. “Aria? Aria Blaze, you can stop now. Really.”

Aria said nothing. If anything, she tightened her grip.

Adagio Dazzle, seeing little other choice, kicked Aria in the stomach, pushing her away and allowing Adagio to escape. Adagio Dazzle proceeded to join Chrysalis and Trixie, and with the three of them together, they ran down the hall, evading massive blasts from Rarity's magic.

“GUARDS!” Cadence screamed. “THREE INTRUDERS IN THE HALLWAY ATTEMPTING TO ESCAPE!” Even though Cadence thought the Guards being able to handle Chrysalis was a long shot. Judging from the sounds of magical fire being exchanged in the hallway, she was right.

Rarity came into the room, holding Applejack. “Go get them, tiger.” Rarity tossed Applejack into the air and proceed to use her magic to hold Applejack suspended in the air before flinging her onto Sunset Shimmer.

Applejack wrapped her arms around Sunset Shimmer's throat, attempting to choke her into submission.

“What? Hey! Bzzt! Get off of me, bzzt!” Sunset clawed at Applejack's arms, trying to pry her off.

“Stop saying 'bzzt'.” Applejack said.

“I can't – bzzt – help it. Bzzt!”

Sunset Shimmer was successful in prying Applejack off and threw her to the ground. Her victory didn't last long, as Rarity struck her in the back with magic. Rarity lacked the raw power of Cadence and Twilight, or Twilight's skill, but she made up for it with precise aiming and repeated blows, seeking to wear her foes down by sustained firepower and attrition.

“Gah!” Sunset clutched at her back as Rarity hit it again. “That's it! Let's get out of here!” Sunset and Honeycomb flew over to Aria Blaze and picked up her by the arms, holding her by one arm each, and flew out the window. Twilight joined them.

Rarity continued to fire on them, pursuing them all the way to the window with a calm stride to her movements. Seeing the bees fly away from the castle, Rarity fired through the open window, though she only succeeded in hitting Twilight Sparkle and sending her into a tailspin, off-course from the other bees.

Twilight, thus separated, proceeded to fly in a different direction than the rest of them.

“Twilight, no!” Sunset Shimmer yelled. “Don't get separated from the rest of the hive!”

“Sorry, Sunset Shimmer.” Twilight said. “But there's something I want. Something I didn't realize I wanted as badly as I did until Chrysalis showed me the light. I'm going to go see Celestia, ha-ha!” Twilight continued flying her own way, and Sunset, dividing Aria Blaze's weight with Honeycomb, couldn't do much about it.

Rarity watched as all of them faded into specks in the distance. She turned around to face the group, who were, except for Pinkie and Applejack, all regarding her with equal parts awe and fear.

“You're … you're back.” Rainbow Dash said.

“I know.”

Rarity walked up to Rainbow Dash, placing a hand on Rainbow's cheek.

“And I am so sorry I left you, my love.”

Rainbow Dash, unable to bear the thought of being separated again, grabbed Rarity's wrist to hold her close.

“ … don't do that to me again.”

“I'll try not to.”

“Whoa, whoa, time-out.” Shining Armor made a T-shape with his hands. “Not that this isn't very sweet, but Rarity, you've got some explaining to do. I thought you were on Chrysalis's side?”

“I was never on Chrysalis's side.” Rarity said.

Shining Armor was reduced to unintelligible stammering. “But – at the library! You … and Chrysalis … and Applejack! With the bracelet!”

“The bracelet you unjustly put on me, I might add.”

Fluttershy walked up and put a hand on Shining Armor to help him calm down. “We all heard what you said, Rarity. So how can you say you were never on Chrysalis's side?”

“Yeah.” Rainbow Dash said. “I'd like to know that myself.”

“Oh, COME ON!” Pinkie Pie yelled. “Am I the only one who noticed she had her fingers crossed?”

A din of silence fell over the room.

“Thank you, Pinkie Pie.” Rarity said. “I'm glad at least one of you noticed that ...”

“What?” Shining Armor swore.

“When she was talking to us and making all those gestures,” Pinkie mimed the movements Rarity made while she offering her feigned fealty to Chrysalis, “she had one hand to Chrysalis and one hand to us. Like this, see? When she was going, 'I'll miss you all so much, darlings!' She had one hand here ...” Pinkie mimed blowing a kiss the same way Rarity did with one hand. “And her other hand here!” Pinkie wiggled with her other hand, placing it in front of her stomach the way Rarity had, with the index and middle fingers crossed.

“Yes.” Rarity said. “I had hoped to infiltrate Chrysalis's organization and learn more about what she was up to. But unfortunately, Adagio Dazzle figured out what I was up when she overhead me talking with Applejack, and I had to cut that plan short. It was, however, not a complete loss.”

Rarity reached into her cleavage. She pulled out a dark-colored book with intimidating sculpting on the cover.

“You store things in your cleavage?” Shining Armor said. “I'll never be able to get over that. How did you even fit an entire book in there?”

“Is that …?” Cadence asked.

“The book the slimes were summoned out from? Yes. I was able to swipe it away from under Chrysalis's nose.”

“Rarity, that's great!” Cadence held out her hand. “Give it here and we can burn it.”

Rarity wrapped her arms around the book. “Actually, Cadence, I was hoping I could keep the book. You know, for research. Study it, figure out potential ways to fight the slime.”

Cadence furrowed her brow. “Rarity, don't play this game with me. You don't want it for research. You want it for leverage.”

“Goodness!” Rarity held up the book up. “Something that makes Shining Armor afraid? What could I possibly want with that? I mean, it's not like Equestria's highest-ranking law official is gunning after me for something I wasn't responsible for!”

“What about that time you tried to force-feed Applejack?” Shining Armor asked. “You know, a few days ago?”

“That was … a mistake.” Rarity admitted. “I was under some pressure, and it seem like everything around me was falling apart. A sensation, I'll add, that you've not done much to help with, Shining Armor.”

“Oh, a mistake, huh? Is that how you justify it?” Shining Armor asked. “Just a little tiny mistake where you forced your breast into your friend's mouth?”

“I never said it was a tiny mistake.” Rarity countered. “You know, I've been thinking, Shining Armor, and something's occurred to me. When you came to my house recently, demanding to know the location of where I allegedly took your sister, you already had two guards and a bracelet ready for me.”

“Yeah. So? What's your point?”

Rarity affixed Shining Armor with one of the coldest glares Shining Armor had seen.

“You were never going to give me a chance, were you?” Rarity asked.

Shining Armor was shaken, while Rainbow Dash felt smug and satisfied.

Shining Armor recovered. “Not to someone who force-feeds her own friends, no. I'm not.”

“Aw, hey now … Rarity and I talked that out. Sure, I didn't appreciate getting my face stuffed with milk, but we decided to forgive each other.” Applejack said. “So quit throwin' it in her face. Besides, Rarity's not a bad sort, she's just ...” Applejack looked to Rarity and turned silent.

“Just? Well, come on, Applejack. Spit it out. What am I?”

Applejack gave her a stare.

“You're … broken. That's what.”

“Broken.” Rarity repeated. She tossed the book up in the air and caught it. She proceed to walk out the door. “Broken. Huh.” Holding the book, Rarity walked out the door.

“Rarity?” Cadence said. She marched after Rarity, shaking her fist. “Rarity Belle, give me that book! Ogh ...” Cadence groaned, clutching at her side where Chrysalis's magic hit her earlier. Shining Armor and Applejack rushed to prop her up and give her physical support.

Aria Blaze walked into the cave. Adagio Dazzle was helping Chrysalis over to a place where she could rest after the failure they had today.

“I got your message. You wanted to see me?” Aria Blaze asked.

Adagio Dazzle was surprised. She evidently wasn't expecting Aria to arrive so soon. After making sure Chrysalis was comfortable on her bench, Adagio Dazzle joined Aria.

“Yes. I wanted to ask you about the battle we just had.” Adagio placed her hands on her hips. “Specifically, why you didn't stop when I told you to? My part in the fight was over.”

“What … can I say?” Aria shrugged. “I was … in character.”

“Hmm.” Adagio frowned, not satisfied with this answer.

“Will that be all?”

“Mmm. For now. But don't do it again.” Adagio Dazzle directed a pointed finger at Aria, warning her not to try something like this again.

“Oh, rest assured. I won't.”

Aria and Adagio turned and walked away from each other, Aria exiting the cave and Adagio returning to Chrysalis.

Adagio paused, having a spark of an idea. “Oh! I just had an idea!”

“What?” Chrysalis asked.

“Well … as we were running away from the castle, I thought I overheard Twilight Sparkle say something about going to see Celestia.”

“Yes. I heard it too, through the window. What of it?”

“Well ...” Adagio swept one leg in front of the other. “I know you liked having Twilight Sparkle in your possession … and we both know that you can turn me into a perfect copy of Celestia.”

“Where are you going with this?”

“Where I am going … is that you can turn me into a copy of Celestia, and then I can find Twilight Sparkle and bring her back here.” Adagio approached Chrysalis, draping an arm on Chrysalis's shoulders. “It's a simple plan. All I have to do is make sure no one sees me and the real Celestia together, and it'll be as easy as pie.”

“Hmm.” Chrysalis rubbed a finger against her chin. “Given how well the last plan I had involving duplicating someone went today, you can understand why I might be hesitant … but on the other hand, at this point I'm willing to try anything.” Chrysalis waved her finger around, encircling it in green flames.

“I won't come back empty-handed.” Adagio Dazzle assured Chrysalis, seconds before Chrysalis zapped her with the spell.

Shining Armor and Applejack carried Cadence to the bedroom, lying Cadence down on her back on the bed and pulling the blanket up over her.

“Just hold on.” Shining Armor told his wife, taking her hand. “We'll figure out what's wrong with you.”

“Y'all get plenty of rest, ya hear? Y'all probably need it after that fight.” Applejack said.

“Stay in bed, okay?” Shining Armor asked.

“Okay ...” Cadence answered.

Shining Armor and Applejack left the room.

“Hey.” Shining Armor called to a passing Guard. “Cadence is in our room, resting. We're going to try and figure out what's wrong with her. Would you mind standing guard and checking up on her every few minutes?”

The Guard nodded.

“Thanks.” Shining Armor and Applejack left to join the other girls and discuss what could be afflicting Cadence.

The Guard stood in front of the door, his serious expression never faltering.

Inside the room, Cadence began to groan. “Ooh … ugh.” She twisted and turned.

The Guard stood at his post, resolute. He was determined he would not leave this spot. He shivered when a cold air blew out from behind the door. When he heard the sound of what seemed to be cracking ice, he grew concerned. He turned around to open the door and was startled to see ice climbing out from the doorway onto the walls.

Fearful, but vigilant to his duties, the Guard opened the door and peeked his head inside. “Princess Cadence? Is everything all right?”

Cadence was sitting upright on the bed, shivering and rubbing her arms together. Her skin was turning pale and bluish, as if she had been holding her breath for too long.

Cadence turned towards him with a bitter, irritated glare. “Why is it so warm in here?” She growled at him, her voice hoarse.

The Guard stepped inside the room. The first thing he noticed was his boot coming down on some ice, which had covered the floor. “The room is covered in ice, Princess. I don't see how you can think it's so warm, unless you're running a fever. Are you feeling okay?”

“I'm fine. Just a little warm, that's all.” Cadence hissed.

The Guard looked around the room. “Come to think of it, where did all this ice come from?”

“That's not important.” Cadence said. “Go back to your post.”

“Okay …” The Guard grew concerned. He closed the door. He stood by the door, wondering if he should report this to Shining Armor. Ice growing on the walls was little strange, but the Princess had told him it wasn't important.

The Guard's uncertainty was addressed by an icy breeze blowing out from around the door, sending snow into the hallway. He was about to dash off and get Shining Armor when Cadence spoke.

“Actually ... Guard?”

The Guard opened the door by slight amount, only enough for him to peek inside. “Uh, yes, Princess Cadence?”

“Would you get me Shining Armor? I want to see him ...”

“Oh. At once, ma'am.”

“Thank you ...”

The Guard closed the door. He had already determined he needed to get Shining Armor, but hearing Princess Cadence ask for him by name made him feel better about the decision, somehow. He ran down the hallway and found Shining Armor, bringing him back to the room.

“This better be good ...” Shining Armor muttered, not pleased at having to leave his conversation.

“Trust me, sir.” The Guard said. “You're gonna want to see this.” He opened the door for Shining.

Shining Armor went inside and gasped. “Cadence?” Her … condition, for lack of a better word, had gotten worse. Ice was covering every part of the room, including a thin, clear sheet on the bed and icicles on the ceiling. Cadence's skin had turned from an unhealthy shade of tinted blue to an terrifying shade of solid light blue, and she was half-undressed.

“Shining.” Cadence said dreamily. She laid back on the bed, pulling her dress away to reveal her breasts. “Come over here … I want you to nurse my breasts.”

Oh, you have GOT to be kidding me. Shining Armor thought. It was bad enough putting up with this kind of stuff from Rarity doing to Rainbow Dash; now he had to tolerate it from his own wife?

“Uh … can it wait, sweetie?” Shining Armor asked. “I have to go, uh, do paperwork. You know. Royal Guard stuff.”

“Oh, fine.” Cadence groaned, covering herself up. “But make it quick!”

Shining Armor nodded to show he heard her. He eased the door at first before slamming it shut, pressing his back against the door with a mortified frown on his face.

“Get the girls.” Shining Armor told the Guard. “We have a problem.”

“Hehehehehe ...” Twilight giggled in delight and anticipation to herself as she flew into Canterlot Castle unnoticed. She went up to the side of the building, lifted up a window and climbed inside. The huge stinger on her backside got stuck in the window, making it difficult for her to get in, but she was able to wiggle it through.

“Oof!” Twilight grunted as she hit the ground. She got to her feet and grinned. “I'm in!” She turned and smiled. She knew her away around the castle, so she knew what window to get into to put her just outside Celestia's throne room.

Twilight pulled open the doors to the throne room and went inside. Celestia was talking to a pair of Guards about some affair.

“Make sure they sign it everywhere. One signature out of place, and I won't be able to make this tax cut. And let the ambassador from Maretonia know we'll set arrange a meeting shortly.” Celestia turned away from the Guards. She wasn't expecting the visitor she had. “Twilight Sparkle?”

“Princess Celestia!” Twilight cheered.

The two Guards stepped in front of the Princess, their spears raised to defend her.

“Twilight Sparkle, what happened to you?” Celestia asked. “What are you doing here?”

“A lot of things happened, but that's irrelevant.” Twilight said. “What matters now is that I get what I want.”

“Uh-huh.” Celestia knew to proceed with caution. She didn't think Twilight Sparkle would ever hurt her, but she could tell Twilight wasn't in her normal state of mind. “And what do you want?”

“I want you, Princess!” Twilight exclaimed. “I want to suck your breasts for milk. After that dream I had that I told you about, Chrysalis came by and made it happen. And then a bunch of other stuff happened which ended up in me suckling some other things from other girls' chests. But I'm tired of doppelgangers and pale imitations, like cider and honey. I want the real thing. I want milk. I want your milk, from you.”

“I see.” Celestia said. “And … are you determined to have it?”

Twilight nodded. “I'm determined. I want it, and I want it! So don't even try to talk me out of it.”

“I understand.” Celestia said. “Very well. Let me take care of some royal affairs real quick, and then you have me all to yourself. Stand down, Guards.”

“Princess, are you sure about that?” The Guard asked. “Twilight Sparkle does not seem … stable right now. You can't give her what she wants, so how will she react to that?” Twilight heard what he said and seemed shocked.

“Oh, it's no trouble.” Celestia assured him. “I know a lactation spell.”

“What – really?” The Guard asked. “A lactation spell? How?”

“Well, when I was a teenager, I had some advisers who wanted me to be prepared for every potential emergency and crisis. One of which was 'What if every cow in Equestra suddenly stops producing milk?' Thus, a lactation spell. Perhaps I should have listened to them more. Leave us. We'll be fine.”

“What?” The Guards exclaimed.

“Princess, you can't be serious!”

“I just need to write a note, Twilight Sparkle, and then we can be alone.” Celestia went over to her throne, pulling out some parchment and a quill. She wrote something down on it and handed it to one of the Guards. “Take this and be gone.”

“Princess!” The Guard exclaimed. “Are you sure about this?” He read the parchment and what Celestia had written.

GO TO PONYVILLE;

FIND TWILIGHT SPARKLE'S FRIENDS

FIND ZECORA AND DESCRIBE TO HER WHAT'S HAPPENED.

SHE'LL KNOW WHAT TO DO.

The Guard looked up at Celestia, who looked back at him with a grave face.

Celestia raised her hand and snapped her fingers, pointing at the door. “Leave us.” She repeated.

The Guard nodded, crumpling the parchment in his hand. He bowed. “As you command, Princess.” He and his partner left the room.

“Are you ready?” Twilight asked with eager rubbing hands as the Guards left.

“Almost.” Celestia's hand glowed with a golden aura. “I still need to cast the spell after all, Twilight Sparkle.” Celestia waved the glowing hand over her chest, which, Twilight was happy to notice, was quite massive.

“Ah-ha!” The doors swung open and another Celestia stepped inside“There you are, Twilight Sparkle! I've been looking all over the castle for you.”

Twilight and Celestia regarded the imposter with odd looks.

“What … again, really?” The second Celestia asked upon seeing the first. “That's the second time today our plans have been derailed by someone being there when they weren't supposed to! How does this keep happening?”

“I do not know, though perhaps asking me about the flaws in your plan – which are clearly deceitful in nature, if not outright nefarious – is perhaps not the best idea.” Celestia said.

“Whatever.” The second one said.

“What … two Celestias?” Twilight asked, turning her gaze back and forth between each one.

“Ignore her, Twilight.” The second Celestia walked towards Twilight. “I'm the one you really want. I have this nice, big chest full of milk, all just for you ...” The second Celestia gestured to her cleavage.

Twilight turned back to the first Celestia.

“She's clearly an imposter, Twilight Sparkle.” Celestia said. “But no, no, you go ahead and suckle her. It will give me a chance to study your technique … perhaps I can offer you a few tips on improvements before you and I get started.” Celestia rubbed her chin.

Twilight smiled, delighted at the thought of getting to nurse two Celestias, even if one of them was an imposter. She went towards the fake Celestia. The imposter Celestia disrobed and allowed Twilight Sparkle to suck on her breasts.

“My, my.” The imposter Celestia said. “Is Princess Celestia something of a pervert?”

“I meant what I said about giving me a chance to study.” The real Celestia began to walk down the steps from her throne. Celestia walked back and forth, observing and making notes as Twilight Sparkle sucked the breasts of her double.

“You seem to be taking the fact your student is nursing your doppelganger rather well.” The imposter Celestia said.

“Mm-hmm.” Celestia said. “As a ruler of Equestria, I must try to keep my cool.”

“Hmm.” The imposter Celestia smirked. Twilight Sparkle broke off from her breasts, needing to breath. Milk dripped down Twilight's chin.

“Did you like that, Twilight?” The imposter asked in a teasing voice. “Did you enjoy your milk?”

“Yes … yes, I did.” Twilight wiped the milk off her chin with her elbow.

“Well, there's more where that came from.” The imposter said.

“I think not.” Celestia snapped. “I have been using you for study. You were most helpful. You've helped me to understand the depths of how far Twilight's gone and that she will not stop until she gets the milk she wants. However … now that I understand this ...”

Celestia raised a glowing hand. The imposter Celestia was encased in a golden glow and lifted up into the air.

“I have no further use for you.”

At Celestia's command, one of the windows in the room opened up. Celestia flicked her wrist, tossing the imposter out the window with nary a second thought.

Celestia proceed to undress and disrobe for Twilight, exposing her breasts in a black brassiere. “Come here, Twilight Sparkle … no more interruptions.” Celestia coaxed Twilight over. “That's it … come closer … closer ...”

Twilight stood in front of her mentor. She took in a deep breath, unable to believe this was really happening. She placed her lips firmly on Celestia's light-colored nub and began to suck.

“Princess?” A Guard entered the room. He reacted about as well could be expected to seeing Twilight Sparkle suckle Celestia's breast.

“Yes?” Celestia asked.

“Uh ...” The Guard covered his eyes with a hand, leaving a space between his fingers to talk. “We've received word from Twilight's friends that Cadence has apparently suffered a transformation into some sort of … ice queen, or something. She keeps demanding for the heat to go down and for someone to suckle her breasts. Um … like you're doing.”

Upon hearing Cadence had a transformation and was demanding to be suckled, soon followed after seeing Twilight had been transformed and was demanding to suckle, some might grow exasperated. Celestia, however, saw the chance to hit two birds with one stone.

“Go to Ponyville and get to Zecora. Explain the situation about Cadence to her, and tell her that there are two she has to cure now. She'll know what you're talking about. Go!”

The Guard nodded and left.

Celestia looked down at Twilight Sparkle, who had closed her eyes as enjoyed sucking the milk out from Celestia's breast.

With her messengers to Zecora, Celestia had everything she needed to get Twilight and Cadence cured. Now all she had to do was wait and wonder how much of Twilight's suckling she would have to put up with before they came back …

Shining Armor and Twilight's friends got the message from Celestia. They visited Zecora, grabbing the cures she had whipped up from her, and returned to the Crystal Empire to get Cadence. It took some convincing to get Cadence to leave her iced-over room, but they were successful and on their way to Celestia's throne room now. Though trying to keep Cadence under control was proving to be a chore.

“Why is it so warm? Why?” Cadence demanded, flanked by Applejack and Rainbow Dash. “ Did you hear me? Somebody turn off the heat!” Cadence turned and flexed her hands, blasting at the wall with a sustained beam of magic, covering it in ice. “That's better.”

“Gee ...” Shining Armor bit his lip. “I hope those cures from your friend work ...”

“They'll work. Don't worry.” Fluttershy said. “This is Zecora's specialty.”

“I still don't understand how this happened to her …” Shining Armor scratched his neck.

“It probably has something to do with Chrysalis's magic during the fight earlier.” Rarity said.

“Where are we going?” Cadence demanded.

“Don't worry, Cadence! We're going to take you to someone willing to suck your breasts!” Pinkie Pie did a cartwheel, ignoring the awkward stares from passing Guards.

“I would rather have Shining Armor do it … but I guess I'll have to settle.” Cadence said.

They arrived at Celestia's throne room and went inside.

Celestia sighed in relief. “You're here. Finally.” Celestia pushed Twilight Sparkle off, popping her mouth off Celestia's nub. “Twilight Sparkle, I need a break. But Cadence will be more than happy to give you something to nurse in the meantime.”

“Cadence?” Twilight turned around. While Twilight was looking, Celestia walked away, rubbing her breasts. Twilight had been sucking on them for so long, they were sore.

“Hello, Twilight.” Cadence approached Twilight. “Are you the one who's going to nurse me?”

“Well, Celestia needs a break, so … I guess I am.”

Twilight and Cadence wrapped their arms around and embraced each other. Cadence pulled down her dress, letting Twilight place her mouth on Cadence's breast and suckle it. What came out wasn't milk so much as icy slush.

For Shining Armor, seeing his wife and his sister engage in such an intimate act was awkward in the extreme.

“Blah!” Twilight separated her mouth from Cadence and spit out the slush. “It's so cold ...”

“Oh.” Fluttershy giggled. “Of course. How could I forget? Bees don't like it when it's cold.”

“Mmm, well, that's too bad.” Shining Armor said. “I mean, I was really hoping that Twilight would be to nurse Cadence for a good, long while – NOW!”

“What?” Twilight struggled to break free as Applejack wrapped her arms around her neck. Shining Armor did the same thing to Cadence.

“Come on, Twi. Snap out of it.” Applejack raised up a glass vial filled with a thin red liquid. She popped the cork off and forced the vial to Twilight's lips, pouring the liquid in. Shining Armor had a similar vial which he forced Cadence into drinking. Neither of them let go until Twilight and Cadence had drunk all of the vials' contents.

“That should do it … hopefully.” Applejack said. “Assuming these little vials Zecora cooked up work ...”

“Agh ...” Twilight and Cadence stumbled around. They groaned and clutched at their stomachs before falling to the floor. There, they continued to roll around.

Shining Armor moved to comfort his wife, but Applejack grabbed him by the arm and held him back. “Just let 'em be, Shinin' Armor.”

Hissing trails of steam were let off by Twilight's and Cadence's bodies. Water flowed out from Cadence and made a puddle on the floor as her transformation was undone, the ice on her body melting away. Twilight's body let out strange, disgusting noises. The stinger on her back rumbled before breaking apart peeling off her body as though she were molting. The rest of the bee-based anatomy wilted up and fell off, leaving Twilight normal again. Cadence was cured, too.

“Um, eww.” Shining Armor commented on Twilight's apparent molting.

“Ugh ...” Cadence groaned and pushed herself up. Shining Armor went to help her. “Why am I lying in a puddle?”

“Ugh ...” Twilight groaned and sat upright. “What happened?” This was the first time in almost two days where her mind felt completely free of influence … and she felt hungover.

“A lot.” Applejack answered Twilight, helping Twilight up to her feet. “But it's over now and y'all can get some rest.”

“Somebody is going to need to clean up this mess.” Cadence observed the puddle she left.

“I'll get someone on it.” Celestia said.

“I can't believe Twiley wanted to suckle your breast so bad, Princess ...” Shining Armor said.

“I did what?” Twilight yelled. “Oh, Princess Celestia, I'm so sorry! And you, too, Rarity.” Rarity was surprised. “Recent events have made me realize lately … I haven't been a very good friend to you. I hope you can forgive me. And you're stronger than we give you credit for.”

“Don't worry, Twilight Sparkle. It's fine. All is forgiven.” Celestia assured her. “Besides, can you blame her?” Celestia held her chest up, showing off. “They are quite nice, aren't they?”

All of the room burst into chuckles. All of them, except for Rarity and Rainbow Dash.

“What?” Rarity hissed, clawing at the air. “You see Celestia breastfeeding Twilight Sparkle and you laugh, but you so much as hear that I might be breastfeeding Rainbow Dash, and you put me under house arrest at the first excuse you get? You're disgusting, Shining Armor, and a hypocrite. But I suppose I should know better.” Rarity looked down, rubbing at her shoulder. “I've seen the way all of you look at me. Like I'm … some sort of criminal.”

Rarity exited the room. Rainbow Dash went up to the door and stopped to turn around and give them all an angry glare. She followed after Rarity.

Everyone in the room felt awkward and guilty now. They averted each others' gaze, and Shining Armor scratched his head.

“Shining Armor!” Celestia snapped.

Shining Armor spun himself around and saw Celestia looking down at him with her teeth bared. She had yet to have the chance to pull her clothes all the way up. Shining Armor had to give Celestia credit; not every woman could look intimidating while half-dressed, but Celestia pulled it off.

“Is there something about the way you've been treating Rarity that you would like to tell me?”

"Uh ... no?"

"Oh, I think there is."

Adagio Dazzle groaned and rubbed her head, lifting herself up out of the royal garden's bushes. “That … did not go according to plan.”Adagio staggered out from the bushes. She saw she was still wearing her Celestia disguise, so at least the illusion couldn’t be dismissed by impact.

Adagio looked around, trying to figure out what her best way out was. She was sure Celestia would tell the Guards to be on the lookout for a doppelganger, so she had a limited window of time to escape before the Guards caught onto her scheme and arrested her.

Adagio heard footsteps coming around the corner.

“Princess Celestia?” A Guard asked. “What are you doing here?”

Adagio thought fast. “Oh, um, hello. I was just admiring the flowers. What are you doing here, um … what was your name again?”

“Flash Sentry.” The Guard answered. “I'm on patrol. You know, like my job says?”

“Oh. Well, keep up the good work.” Adagio told him.

Flash Sentry turned his head away. “Excuse me for noticing, Princess, but … you seem to be shirtless.”

“Oh. Am I?” Adagio Dazzle looked down to see her breasts were still exposed. She grinned, having an idea. “No, no, Flash … it's okay. You can look.”

Flash Sentry blushed. “Really? Are you sure?”

“Yes. In fact, I'm glad I bumped into you … I could use your help.”

“With what?”

“My breasts are just so full of milk right now.” Adagio grabbed her breasts and juggled them around. “They're so heavy. It's weighing me down! I could use a big, strong man like yourself to relieve the pressure ...”

“Um … Princess ... I'm not so sure Twilight would approve of that …”

“Twilight also wouldn't approve of you letting your Princess go unaided in her time of need.” Adagio Dazzle countered. “Think about it. What will she say when she hears that I needed your help, and you didn't provide it?”

“Okay. Fair point.” Flash Sentry put his spear down and went over to the Princess. He raised his hands up and paused.

“Go on. It's okay.” Adagio said.

Flash Sentry grabbed what he thought was Princess Celestia's breast and put his mouth on it. He gave her a light suckle and was rewarded with a trickle of creamy milk. Delicious creamy milk.

“Oh, wow.” Flash Sentry pulled his mouth and wiped his chin. “This is really good ...”

“Isn't it?” Adagio told him. “Have some more … help yourself.”

Flash Sentry, entranced by the milk's taste, did as she commanded. Adagio wrapped her arms around him and began to guide him away from the castle, continuing to feed him the mind-warping milk as she walked backwards and made her escape from the castle grounds.

Much later in the day, after night had fallen and the moon had risen, Rarity was sitting on her bed in her house, thinking to herself.

With everything which had gone on since she went out the night before, Rarity had never gotten a chance to confront Rainbow Dash about her suspicion she was cheating on her with Silver Lens. It seemed unlikely, sure, especially after seeing how broken Dash was during her fake defection, but she'd rather hear Dash tell her the truth rather than simply assuming it.

Rarity lifted a hand and clutched her breast. It had been awhile she had any milk in it. It felt so empty .. .

Rarity was experiencing something. What was it?

Withdrawal?

Rarity shook her head. No, no, not withdrawal. Withdrawal was for addicts, and she was not an addict.

Rarity reached over to the nightstand by her bed. She pulled out a bowl of the special powder. She idly stirred the spoon in it. She heard footsteps coming up the stairs.

“Hi.” Coco Pommel peeked her head in the door. “Can I come in?”

“Of course, darling. What do you need?” Rarity put the bowl and spoon away.

Coco Pommel held up a sketchbook. “Well, I had come up with some designs for dresses. I was hoping you could take a look at them and tell me what you think.”

“All right.” Rarity said. She felt the emptiness in her chest again. It almost felt wrong, having her breasts so dry. “Coco Pommel, would you …?” Rarity began to pull at her shirt. She was so tempted to ask Coco Pommel to nurse her on the spot.

But after thinking for a moment, Rarity thought better of it. Just because she thought Rainbow Dash might have been cheating didn't mean she should go and cheat on Dash.

“Would I?” Coco Pommel asked.

“Never mind. It's nothing.” Rarity said. “Here, let me look at those designs ...” Rarity took the sketchbook and flipped through it. “Why, Coco Pommel … these all look lovely.” She smiled, closing the book and handing it back to Coco.

“You think?” Coco Pommel asked. “Maybe if they're good enough, I can start up my own business! You know … get my own place … get out of your hair. I imagine you don't want me around for too much longer ...”

“You take as long as you need to get back on your feet.” Rarity said. “You are always welcome here.”

“Really? Thanks!” Coco Pommel gave Rarity a hug. “But, um, really. I'm working hard so I can get something set up. I am!”

“I believe you, darling.”

Coco Pommel separated from Rarity. “Well, good night!” She went out the door and down the hall, almost bumping into Diamond Tiara. “Oh, I'm sorry. Excuse me.”

“Eesh, Rarity.” Diamond Tiara stopped in Rarity's bedroom doorway. “Is this a boutique or a homeless shelter?”

“I don't know.” Rarity answered. “Perhaps I need to get an extension to the building . Where are you going?”

“I was just on my way to brush my teeth.” Diamond Tiara said. “Why? Do you … need something?” Rarity could sense Diamond was struggling with being polite.

“Actually, yes. I could use someone to talk to.” Rarity swung her legs over the bed. “Perhaps you're not the best person to ask for this, but … what would you do, if you thought someone had done something that would upset you severely? That would just make you so mad, mad beyond compare? But you can't just ask that someone about it because you're afraid it will hurt their feelings?”

Diamond Tiara scratched her head. “I don't know. I do know that when I get really mad at my dad, or if he's about to tell me something that will make me upset, he'll try to calm me down or butter me up with a gift.”

Rarity raised a hand to her chin. “That's … not actually a bad idea. Thank you, Diamond Tiara. That will be all.”

“Glad I could help?” Diamond Tiara said with a bit of confusion.

Rarity decided what her plan would be. She reached over and dug the powder out from her nightstand. She was going to need several spoonfuls for her plan to work ...

Rarity spent the next hour in the bathroom. Yes, it was going to take her a whole of work and effort, but it was going to be worth it.

Sweetie Belle was passing by the bathroom when she heard grunting coming from inside. “Rarity?” Sweetie Belle pressed her ear to the door. “Are you in there? Are you okay?”

“I'm fine, Sweetie Belle.”

“Uh-huh.” Sweetie Belle put a hand on the doorknob and opened the door by an inch.

“No, no, don't come in right now!” Rarity yelled. “I don't want you to see me like this. Actually, while you're out there, would you go and get me Rainbow Dash?”

“Sure.” Sweetie Belle left and got Rainbow Dash. “Rarity wants to see you.” Sweetie Belle brought Dash to the bathroom door and left, minding Rarity's words about not wanting to be seen by her.

“Hmm.” Rainbow Dash wondered what Rarity was up to. She pushed open the door and went inside. What she found went way beyond anything she was expecting.

“Hello, darling.”

Rarity was sitting in a tub full of milk, having drawn up a milk bath. Bubbles swam around on the white liquid's surface. Rarity herself sat in the tub, covered in a white sheen of milk. It dripped down her body, trailing down her shoulders, her chin, her stomach, and her breasts. Some of it traveled down her breasts before dripping off the ends of her milky-white nipples.

“I'll give you a moment to pick your jaw up off the floor.” Rarity winked.

“Yeah … I … uh … uh.” Rainbow Dash was taken off-guard, but Rarity could tell she was delighted. Rainbow Dash grabbed her chin and pushed her jaw back into place. “I, uh, it … wow. That is … really sexy.”

“I thought you'd like it.” Rarity smiled and waved a hand, inviting Rainbow Dash in.

She didn't go for it.

“Rainbow Dash ...” Rarity crossed her arms, leaning on the side of the tub. “I'm not sitting in this tub drenched in my own milk because I'm posing for a modern art project. Are you coming in or not?”

“Uh, yeah, yeah.” Rainbow Dash said. “Um, can you wait just one second? I need to go do something ...”

“Very well.”

“I'll be right there.” Rainbow Dash closed the door.

Rarity was baffled. This was Rainbow Dash's cup of tea. She should have went for it Rarity could tell it aroused her and pleased her. She should have jumped right in as soon as Rarity made the offer. So why didn't she?

Rainbow Dash came back. “Sorry about that. Uh, personal stuff.”

“Uh-huh.” Rarity didn't believe it, but she was going to press the issue now. It would ruin the moment.

Rainbow Dash locked the door and proceeded to the process of removing her clothes. She pulled her pants down first, before making a show off taking her shirt off and tossing it to the floor.

“Oh, yes. Encore! Encore!” Rarity applauded.

Rainbow Dash smirked. She lifted one leg up and made her way into the tub, sinking into the milk bath. She sat down opposite of Rarity.

“That's it, darling.” Rarity touched a finger to her cheek. “But I can't help but think you're missing something ...”

“What?”

Rarity scooped up the milk into her palms and splashed Rainbow Dash's chest with it.

“Hey!” Rainbow Dash yelled, but she was chuckling.

“And a little more …” Rarity ran her hand through the milk and splashed Rainbow Dash again. “And a little more ...”

Rarity pushed Rainbow Dash, making her turn around. She scooped up another handful and dropped down Rainbow Dash's neck.

“Ooh!” Rainbow Dash moaned as the liquid poured down her back. She turned back to Rarity and reached her hands out, ready to grab Rarity's breast and suck with more vigor than she ever had more.

“Ah, but I'm not quite done.” Rarity said.

This earned Rainbow Dash's curiosity. “Oh?”

In what Rainbow Dash could only think of as mocking her, Rarity grabbed one of her breasts and pushed it upwards. Rarity placed her lips on it, suckling on her own milky-white nipple until she had a mouthful of milk.

Rarity dropped her breast, letting it bounce and jiggle. Rarity raised her hands up and swished the milk around in her mouth like mouthwash.

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow.

Rarity spat the milk out, spraying Rainbow Dash with a jet of milk. It sprayed all over Rainbow Dash's chest and face, the milk dripping off Rainbow Dash's chin.

A smiling, enamored Rainbow Dash put a hand to her cheek. “I have never been so turned on and so disgusted before.”

“Oh, like getting some of my saliva on you is something you're not used to.” Rarity said. She leaned over and licked Rainbow Dash's neck. After a few licks, she proceeded into nibbling on it.

“Ooh … Rarity … please.” Rainbow Dash couldn't handle the wait anymore. She grabbed Rarity's breast. “I want it ...” Rainbow Dash wasn't even going to ask, but she couldn't get to Rarity's sweet, sweet milk with Rarity nibbling her neck.

Rarity pulled away. “Of course.”

Rainbow Dash swung her head forward and latched onto Rarity's breast. She began to suck and nurse with a vengeance, meaning to make every drop inside Rarity's chest hers.

“My, my ...” Rarity blushed. Rainbow's intense suckling was stimulating her more than usual. “Someone's eager today.”

Rainbow Dash stopped to speak. “Can you blame me? You kinda got me all pumped on … plus, you know, it's delicious.”

“Oh, you're just saying that.” Rarity laughed. “But go on.”

Rainbow Dash resumed suckling. She grunted as she worked to turn Rarity's chest dry, her lips traveling up and down on Rarity's … Rainbow Dash wanted nothing more than to suckle and nurse until Rarity's breast was a shriveled, dried-out husk. But she knew it would never happen. If Rarity ran out, all she had to do was take another spoonful of powder to refill.

Load moans escaped Rainbow Dash's lips. Her wings flexed up and down. Her cheeks turned a bright shade of cherry-red. Rainbow Dash took in a deep breath before suckling intensely.

Rarity took in a deep breath and exhaled, relaxing and squirting a large jet of milk down Rainbow Dash's mouth. Just as Fleur-de-lis had shown her.

“MMM!” Rainbow Dash moaned as Rarity's product jumped into her throat. Rainbow Dash took her mouth off with a pop, shivering and shaking.

“Rarity … I'm ...”

“Quiet.” Rarity closed her eyes and embraced Rainbow Dash in a hug, running her hands down Dash's milk-soaked back. “It's okay. It's nothing you haven't done with me a hundred times before. Let go. Rainbow Dash … let go.”

“Oooooooh!” Rainbow Dash moaned, her body contracting as she reached orgasm.

“Mmm ...” Rarity enjoyed it as Rainbow Dash's orgasm was poured into her. There was this distinct sense of sanctification, of … ownership whenever Rainbow Dash did this.

“Yes … that's it.” Rarity moaned. As soon as it happened, it was over. Rarity took in a deep breath and let out a much more than satisfied sigh.

“Thank you for this, Rarity.” Rainbow Dash pulled away. “This was … amazing.”

“You're welcome, darling.”

“It's too bad all this milk is gonna have to go to waste.” Rainbow Dash scooped up a handful, letting it drip through her fingers. “I mean, would you want to drink your milk after you've been swimming in it?”

“I suppose not.” Rarity said. “But on the bright side …” Rarity reached up and pulled down the shower head. “We're already in the shower.”

After draining the tub and rinsing it (and themselves) of milk, Rarity and Rainbow Dash dried themselves off and put their clothes back on.

As Rainbow Dash was running a towel through her hair, Rarity's mind went back to what Rainbow Dash did before joining her. She decided to ask the question.

“Rainbow Dash?” Rarity asked.

“Yeah?” Rainbow Dash wrapped the towel around her shoulders.

“Have you been … cheating on me?”

“What?” Rainbow Dash put a hand on her chest. “No. No!” Rainbow Dash put a hand on Rarity's cheek. “Rarity, no matter how bad things ever got between us, I would never cheat on you. I've got that whole “loyalty” thing, remember? Why- why would you even ask that?”

“Last night.” Rarity said. “You came home with Silver Lens, and you seemed so … depressed about something. I guess I just assumed the worst.”

“Oh.” Rainbow Dash's mood became deflated. “That. Yeah … hey, who asks that kind of question after having sex with their partner? Who does that?”

“I suppose I do.” Rarity said. “Before you got into the bath with me, you said you had to go something personal. What was it?”

Rainbow Dash looked away.

“I … went to ask Silver Lens if it was okay.”

“What?” Rarity shook her head, trying to process this. “You just told me you weren't cheating on me! So why in the wide-wide world of Equestria would you need Silver Lens' permission to take a milk bath with me?”

Rainbow Dash withdrew her hand. “It's, um … a little … embarrassing. I think you should go ask her...” Rainbow Dash opened the door and gestured for Rarity to go through.

Rarity marched out the window. Rainbow Dash could feel her anger burning from a foot away.

They caught up with Silver Lens, who was talking with Diamond Tiara at the table.

“Oh boy.” Silver Lens saw Rarity's expression and sent Diamond Tiara. “Diamond Tiara, why don't you go elsewhere for a moment? Rarity and I need to talk ...” After Diamond Tiara got up and left, Silver Lens turned to Rarity. “Hello, Rarity. What is it?”

“Hello, Silver Lens.” Rarity answered. “I'm curious about something … in my worry and fear, I had thought Rainbow Dash might have been cheating on me … with you, after you two came home one night and Dash looked depressed, as if she just done something she didn't want to. Rainbow Dash assures this is not the case. So I'm curious … if she's not cheating on me, why your approval should matter at all before she's allowed to join me for a milk bath in the tub! Care to explain?”

Silver Lens adjusted her glasses. “If you know where we'd been, you understand.”

“And where have you been?” Rarity asked.

“I … think it would be better for Rainbow Dash to tell you herself.” Silver Lens said. Rarity thought she was trying to be tactful, but there was also a note of fear in her voice.

Rarity turned to Rainbow Dash for an explanation. “Well, Rainbow Dash? Where has she been taking you?”

Rainbow Dash was shy and bashful before answering.

“A support group.” Rainbow Dash answered. “A support group for addicts. That's where she's been taking me.”

“Addicts …?” Rarity asked.

“Yeah.” Rainbow Dash said. “I didn't believe Silver Lens at first either, but she badgered me until I agreed to go. Then when I got there, and heard what they all had to say … I realized she was right. That's why I needed to make sure it was okay with Silver Lens before jumping in … to be sure a little indulgence was okay.”

“You should try it sometime, Rarity.” Silver Lens said. “Having an … interesting sex life with your breast milk is okay, but you and Rainbow Dash take it way too far.”

“No, thank you.” Rarity crossed her arms. “Support groups are for people who have problems. I do not have a problem. It's everyone else who has the problem!”

“You keep telling yourself that ...” Silver Lens said.

Rarity growled.

“I will, thank you. Silver Lens? At your earliest convenience … get out of my house.”

“Believe me, I would like nothing better.” Silver Lens said. “But I can't go until either Shining Armor sees fit, or I declare you mentally sound, which we both know would be lying.”

Rarity growled again and turned away, marching out of the room.

“Oh, hey.” Rainbow Dash reached for Rarity. “Don't forget Pinkie Pie's throwing that anniversary of the Slime party tomorrow.”

Rarity stopped and rested her hand on the door frame. She looked back to Rainbow Dash.
“I haven't forgotten.”

Rarity continued on her way, going upstairs and to her bed.

“You've lived together a long time, haven't you?” Silver Lens asked.

Rainbow Dash was unprepared for the question. “Yeah. Why?”

“Do you think she'll come around?”

“I don't know. I mean, she might … but she can be pretty stubborn.” Rainbow Dash said.

“I think it might help her mental state if you were to consider … normalizing your relationship.” Silver Lens said.

“What do you mean by that?”

“She's right, you know.”

Rainbow Dash looked up to see Sweetie Belle in the doorway.

“You're practically a big sister to me.” Sweetie Belle said. “You've more or less effectively moved in. Don't you think it's time you consider making it official?”

“Official?” Rainbow Dash thought about this. After a moment, she nodded, agreeing with Sweetie Belle. “Yeah, yeah, you're right.”

The next day, everyone in Ponyville, including Twilight, Applejack, and Fluttershy, gathered around Rarity's boutique, as it was where Pinkie Pie had decided to host the anniversary party. Pinkie had breathed a touch of life to it; there was balloons and streamers and confetti, punch and cake set up on tables. A banner was hung up reading “10th Anniversary” though tactfully not mentioning what it was a tenth anniversary of.

“Wow.” A woman told Pinkie Pie. “This is a nice party, Pinkie Pie.”

“Thank you!” Pinkie Pie said. “I got Discord's help to make sure it was a good one!”

The woman and her companion, hearing this, looked down at their cups full of punch. They reconsidered how good of an idea drinking the punch might have been, knowing Discord was involved.

“Okay. Attention!” Pinkie Pie walked the center of the room. She clinked a spoon against a cup, calling for attention. She continued until the room was silence. “Your attention, everyone! I have an announcement to make.”

“As you know ...” Pinkie Pie said. “Today is the tenth anniversary of when, ten years ago today, the awful creature known as the Pipe Slime attacked Ponyville. This party is to commemorate that.”

The guests hung up their heads in silence, closing their eyes as they remembered what a dark it was.

“But! With Discord's help, I intend this anniversary party to be a thing of joy, not of depression.”

Discord, standing in the corner, used his magic to produce DJ sunglasses and a record table. He laid out a beat.

“Like my sister Maud says in one of her famous poems ...” Pinkie continued. “'Let us not lament the fact we were attacked. Let us celebrate the fact that we survived.''”

The room burst into applause.

“Well said, Pinkie Pie.” Twilight clapped.

“I read that poem, actually. She was talking about erosion.” Fluttershy said.

“So, with that said … are you ready to PARTY!?” Pinkie Pie screamed. The crowd let out a cheer.

“Okay, okay.” Rainbow Dash tapped a spoon and glass together. “Now I have something I want to say before I get too much alcohol and nobody takes me seriously.” The crowd chuckled. “Specifically, I have a message for Rarity.”

Rarity felt awkward as the entire crowd turned its gaze on her.

“Rarity Belle ...” Rainbow Dash said. “For the last ten years, I have been more or less living with you, under your roof. I've gotten to know you and your sister. I've learned your habits. I've learned how to read you and how to live with you. For a while there ...” Rainbow Dash walked around. “We tried to keep this relationship a secret. We were afraid our friends would react badly if they found out and would get – what's the word? - alienated from us. But … in doing so … we caused the very thing we were afraid of and almost lost our friends. But we're better now. All our friends known, and our relationship doesn't have to be a secret anymore.”

Applejack, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Twilight and Rarity were moved to tears. Even Rainbow Dash was affected as saying the words aloud made her realize how much weight there was to them.

“Rarity … you are one of the most generous, giving souls I know.” Rainbow Dash said. “You're smart. You're fashionable, and we may not always realize it, but you're tough. Not to mention one of the most beautiful, gorgeous … sexiest woman on the western half of Equestria.”

“Only the western half?” Rarity said. “But do go on, darling.”

“Rarity …despite, you know, a few ups and downs, living you with you has been a wonderful experience. That's why I want to say this. Rarity Belle, under the providence of Celestia and the laws that govern Equestria ...”

Rainbow Dash got on one knee, holding up a dark blue box, opening it to reveal a ring.

“Will you marry me?”

Author's Notes:

I knew this chapter was long, but it's only after re-reading before publication do I realize it's kind of all over the place, isn't it?

Cadence turning into this "Ice Queen" creature was something I've been wanting to get to for awhile. One of many things driving me to write this story is explore alternate versions of lactation, which I may have mentioned before. Cadence, being ruler of the Crystal Empire, having an ice-themed transformation and lactation just made sense.

In an early plan for the chapter, Chrysalis was going to attack the Crystal Empire with Rarity and Applejack still seemingly-on her side, which would have made a bit more sense for Chrysalis to attack when she had Rarity as a source of information, rather than after losing Rarity. But this idea, and the scene where Adagio Dazzle tried to tempt Rarity into truthfully joining Chrysalis' side, couldn't co-exist, and I like the latter scene more.

Also, Flash Sentry. Here he takes over Shining Armor's usual role of being a dude-in-distress.

I also went somewhat outside my usual comfort zone with this chapter, talking about ... brassieres and ... *shudder* nipples, both of which I tend to want to avoid mentioning in explicit detail in my stories like the plague. But someone suggested it would be nice to go into more detail during the breastfeeding scenes, and as someone else pointed out, being willing to write about engorged, slime-infested breasts pumping out gallons of milk, but not about nipples, is kind of weird.

So I decided I would experiment with it this chapter and see what people thought. If they like it, I'll MAYBE see about more of it, if it feels off considering my usual limits, I'll drop it.

After all, if a future employer or someone else I don't want knowing I've written clop finds out about it, it's not like they're going to say "Well, you may have written some disturbing horror-erotica involving tentacles, mind control, and breastfeeding, but at least you never went into detail about their nipples"?

Do you think they would say that? Something tells me they wouldn't say that.