'Layering casting of charm variants succeeds in overwriting activation and deactivation commands. No alterations to spell effect have yet been found, other than imposed changes. Original keyword restored by recasting original charm on subject.'

Twilight's heart was beating quickly. Prickles of nervous tension crawled up and down her back. She'd done the best she could to prepare; the tree house was spotless, Spike had been sent out for the day on an errand, and she'd carefully, inexpertly applied subtle makeup. She was dressed in a clean white blouse of silky material, and a neat, close-fitting skirt over dark tights. Even her small black shoes were polished. She looked, she knew, as though she was about to go on an important date. In a very real sense, she was.

Any minute now, they'd begin to arrive.

In the meantime, she had notes to make. It helped distract her from the waiting. 'Test plan: check if altered keywords can be used by previous casters of the original charm. Test if Luna is vulnerable to keyword overwriting. She is theoretically resistant to the modified charm as it is not focused on her magic, but may be made vulnerable by previous exposure to the original.'

That was the real question. If she could protect Luna that way, then...

A firm double knock on the door below sounded, snapping her out of her thoughts. The parchment coiled up, a tie wrapping around it twice, before it dropped into the warded box, along with her other dangerous notes. The lid snapped shut, a tidal wave of intangible wards flowing over the wood and sealing there.

The knock came again, slightly more impatient this time.

Vanishing in a flash, Twilight reappeared at the front door and cast a last nervous look around the impeccably tidy room, her eyes lingering on the six chairs waiting in a neat circle. The door swung inwards under her hand.

Her five closest friends were clustered about the door, sheltering from the light rain that was sweeping across Ponyville. A deep ache grew in her chest. The familiar ponies were so beloved, so precious to her, and yet so far away, across a gulf of experience that they had no idea existed. Twilight swallowed as she met their eyes, then stepped backwards. "Um, please come in, everypony."

"Hey Twilight! Hey! Hey! Where are the banners? Did you forget the balloons? Oh, Twilight! Don't worry, I brought enough for everyone!" Pinkie trotted inside, blowing a paper streamer. The others trooped in after her, casting curious looks at her as they took in her outfit.

Rarity closed the door behind her. Pausing at Twilight's side, she said confidingly, "You look simply wonderful, darling. Why, with a gentle touch here and there, you could outshine the most glamorous of Canterlot."

Applejack dropped into a chair, shaking her head at Pinkie with a smile as the pink pony began darting around the room, shooting papery confetti over neat piles of books. "Y'do look properly fancy, Twi. What's the occasion? Not that y'need a reason to dress up, but I figure there's a reason. Not been seeing much of you lately, we've all noticed."

Fluttershy nodded timidly, adding quietly, "Not that you, um, need a reason to, to want some time on your own, if everything's okay, really."

"Spill the beans, already. Is this a party, or what?" Rainbow's gaze contained a certain amount of appreciation for her tight clothes, Twilight noticed. Celestia had told them all - well, had almost certainly told them all - that they were just friends, but maybe 'friendship' for Rainbow Dash included sleeping together now and then. It made a certain amount of sense; Celestia had never defined what friendship meant, exactly. Maybe, if she'd have pushed things, she could have had Rainbow in her bed long before now.

Not that that mattered anymore. The key turned in the lock, then floated into Twilight's hand. The windows were magically reinforced, as was the door, and with the lock engaged, the house was sealed tight. No pony was leaving before she was finished.

"As a matter of fact - no, this isn't a party. I've called you all here because there's something I need to tell you, and it's very important. Then you're going to have to make some choices. Serious choices, about you, and me, and all of us. Sit down, please."

Pinkie paused, and lowered the party popper in her hand. "...okey dokey!" Skipping across the room, she perched, bird-like, on a seat. With a chorus of murmured agreement, the other ponies took chairs of their own.

By chance, or buried memory, the others had left the high-backed green chair for her. She settled into it, feeling the weight of their gazes. She could barely stand to see them all like this, the way they had been before the charm had come into her life. Too much had changed, for her. She had to bring them back, make everything the way it had been.

Applejack's expression was a picture of concern. "Sugarcube, has something happened? Never seen you this tensed up."

"This about Zecora? This is totally about Zecora, right?" Rainbow wilted under Rarity's glare. "What? It totally is. Why else has she been hiding out from us all?"

Fluttershy raised a hand, as though in class. "Um. Shouldn't we just... listen?" she suggested meekly.

Twilight took a deep breath, and let it go. "I'd appreciate that. No, Rainbow, this isn't about Zecora. Well," she corrected herself, "Zecora is involved, but not the way you think."

She surveyed their blank faces tensely. She had to be ready to shout the command to awaken if they took this badly; they could have been ordered to do anything if it became clear Twilight knew the truth. "There isn't a good way to tell you this gently. You've all lost memories of something, something really important. They were taken from all of you, by Princess Celestia."

Identical expressions of shock marked each face. No pony moved.

"But why would she go and do something like that-"

"Whatever could have happened to persuade her to-"

"What was it? Twilight, what the hay-"

"Everypony, please! Please, just listen." Twilight raised her voice over the hubbub. "She thought she was making things better at the time, but it really isn't better for us to forget everything we knew. I... remembered. I left myself a message, in case our memories were taken away, and Princess Luna gave them back. That's why I've been... well, avoiding you all. It was hard, because I remember things, precious things, that you didn't."

Fluttershy, quiet so far, spoke softly. "Twilight, is this to do with the way you were dating Zecora, and then weren't?"

Twilight's cheeks flushed, and she nodded slowly. "...yes. Just - just listen. I can give you back all your memories, now. I've got a way to do that. That's why I called you here. I'd like to do that now."

"Wait, please." Rarity spoke up. "Princess Celestia wouldn't have done such a thing were it not important. Is there a danger to our remembering? Will she not be unhappy if our memories are restored?"

"Aw, come on now, Rarity. You can't tell me that you're happy with having your head meddled with like this. Some pony sticking her fingers in your head and mucking about with your memories, even for a good reason, that's jest not right. I want to know what in the hay happened."

"What have I forgotten? What if we had a really fantastic party, and I can't remember it? Twilight! Did we have a fantastic party?!" Pinkie demanded.

A rich red blush coloured Twilight's cheeks, and she looked down and to the side, unable to quite meet their eyes. "Well... yes. It was very special." That was putting it lightly.

"Luna put it all back in your head, didn't she? Can't be that bad. I say do it. I want to know." Rainbow folded her arms.

Fluttershy hesitated, then nodded her agreement. "Please."

Rarity looked around herself, catching her lower lip between her teeth. Finally, she nodded also. "...very well. I wouldn't wish to upset the Princess, but I suppose I can't imagine being the only one who does not remember these mysterious events. Twilight, won't you tell us something of what has been hidden, and why, before we do this?"

A spark of tentative relief kindled in Twilight's chest. Shaking her head slowly, she replied, "I think I need you to see what happened for yourself. Celestia had good reasons, but I don't think those reasons are valid anymore. We can talk afterwards about what to do, and if you all agree we shouldn't remember then I'll understand, but we can't talk about that yet."

"Well, if that is the way it has to be." Rarity settled back into her chair, expression tentative. "I am ready."

"Same here."

"Hit me, Twilight!"

"Me too! I want to remember everything!"

"I'm, um, ready too."

Distantly, Twilight became aware that she was shaking with nervousness. That wasn't necessary. All she had to do was stick to the plan. Awaken them, give them the new charm in place of the old, cleanse any commands Celestia had given them, and let them decide whether they wished to become hers once more. She had the instructions written out and waiting. They would all decide to be hers once more.

It was going to be fine.

She tried to speak, and found the word caught in her throat. Swallowing, she tried again.

"Awaken."

Eyes went blank, instantly. Concerned expressions melted away to slack, thoughtless focus. From one after another came their own variations on the words, "I am awakened."

Relief. Now, at last, she could-

The five of them spoke as one, their blank eyes focused on hers. "Well done, my faithful apprentice. I'm very impressed."

Twilight's heart stopped in her chest.

"You have managed to recover your memory, and free yourself of the commands I gave you. I would never have expected any normal pony to be capable of such a thing, but then, you always were exceptional."

No. No.

"I'd like you to consider this an exam, Twilight. So, even though I suspect you, I will not simply make you tell me the truth. Here is the only rule: if I become certain you have remembered, you lose. When this is over, I will judge you by your methods, and decide what will become of you afterwards. In any case, at the end, I will ensure that you will never use the charm again."

Twilight's back was pressed firmly against the tall chair, her knuckles white as she gripped the arms. The unbroken gaze of the five pinned her in place, unable to breathe. The monotone chorus cancelled out their individual voices, letting the intonation of her teacher shine through.

This wasn't happening.

"I am very interested to see what you try next. Do not keep me waiting, Twilight." All at once, the five collapsed backwards into their chairs, breathing steadily, their eyes open.

Her voice shaking, Twilight managed, "Tell me if you are okay." The affirmative chorus that answered, lacking that eerie perfect unison, let at least one worry disappear. Trembling, Twilight wiped her fingers across her brow, coated with cold sweat.

Celestia knew. She knew.

She knew, and it was just a game to her. She was that confident. Twilight wasn't sneaking up on her unaware; Twilight was the mouse, and she was the big, white cat, watching her scurry for amusement before she flattened her with a paw.

Slowly, Twilight became aware that she was hunched into a ball, clutching her knees to her chest. She was scared. She was terrified. Was this what it felt like to be on the opposite side from Celestia? How had she ever thought she could fool a mind like hers? She'd been playing this game for thousands of years!

She wanted to be angry. Dear spirits, she wanted to be furious, and later, she probably would be, but at that moment, it wouldn't come.

She was just scared.

"When-" her voice cracked. "Applejack. When were you given the orders to say those words?"

Motionless, half slumped to the side, Applejack replied calmly, "Ah was given that instruction a week ago."

The day that she'd slept with Redheart. Celestia had noticed.

Very slowly and carefully, moving like an old mare, Twilight levered herself out of her chair and crossed the room to the kitchen. The creak of the pump was loud in the quiet, water splashing noisily into a glass. The liquid slid, cool, down her throat.

Her hands were barely shaking, now.

Think.

Celestia suspected that she'd recovered her memories, and her ability to use the charm. She had left a message for Twilight in the one place that she absolutely couldn't avoid finding it. So she suspected, and she wanted Twilight to know it. Whatever memories had returned to her, whatever temptations she had surrendered to, they had changed her impression of the charm. She was no longer treating it as a burden. It was a game, now.

So. Celestia would be ready for her. The element of surprise was gone. On the other hand, if Celestia truly thought she was a risk, she wouldn't risk leaving her alone to work, let alone warn her. She didn't know that Twilight would have a charm tuned to conquer her, and if she knew that much for certain, she would have stopped her already.

Conclusion: Celestia didn't take her seriously. Perhaps it was the Princess's simple knowledge that she was immune to the charm. Except... no, Celestia knew that Twilight knew she was immune. The Princess had told her personally, and if Celestia believed that Twilight had retrieved all her lost memories, that fact wouldn't have escaped her. Therefore, Celestia knew that Twilight wouldn't try to use the original charm upon her, knew she'd be trying something else, and still didn't consider her sufficient risk to act while she could.

It was down to Twilight to show her that she was wrong.

The place where anger should have been remained cool and empty, those emotions not yet ready to blossom within her. She rolled the cool glass across her brow, taking a deep, slow breath. She could do this. One step at a time.

She emerged into the living room, a fresh glass of water in her hand, and settled into her chair again. Her voice was measured and clear. "Everypony. Sit up straight and look directly at me. Rainbow. Describe the circumstances under which you were commanded to recite that speech."

In unison, her friends straightened in their chairs. Rainbow spoke, in a flat monotone. "I got a message from you to meet at the edge of the forest. You weren't there. Celestia came out and ordered me to listen. She gave me a speech to repeat if I was put under your control, then I was made to forget."

"Were you alone with her, Rainbow?"

"No. Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy and Pinkie were there."

That made sense. The way their speech had matched so perfectly, they had to all have heard her speak the words at the same time. A spurious message from Twilight was the perfect lure to get all of the friends together, to control them at the same time. That stung.

"Fluttershy. Other than that speech, and orders designed to hide everything that we did together from you, has Celestia given you any other instructions?"

The entranced pony nodded slowly. "I was told to report to Celestia if you showed any signs of researching mind-altering charms, if you mentioned recovering memories you'd forgotten, if you tried to date me, or if you acted strangely."

Twilight's lips pressed together. "Have you reported anything to her?"

"Yes. I wrote a letter informing her that you were avoiding everypony."

Her hand tightening on the cold glass, Twilight continued evenly, "Tell me if you are under orders to hide anything from me, or if you have not mentioned any other commands given to you, by anypony, since we went to Canterlot to bring down Celestia."

"You ordered me to wait quietly in the waiting room."

"Very well. Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow. Tell me if you have received any orders since we went together to defeat Celestia that are not one of the following: instructions to wait in the waiting room, to report on any suspicious behaviour from me, to cover up everything we did together with the charm, or to recite the speech you have just recited."

"Nope."

"No."

"Nope, Master."

"Nothing else."

Fine. Celestia hadn't touched any of them. Taking a deep swallow of water from her glass, Twilight let that truth sink in, and felt something within her relax a little. Even if it was hypocritical, considering the way she'd taken Luna away from Celestia, it would have felt hard to forgive Celestia if she'd done the same to her friends.

Reaching out with her magic, she drew a scroll from its hiding place atop a high shelf, where she'd left it earlier in preparation for this moment. Relying on her scripted words was something of a relief, when her emotions were so churned up. She wouldn't want to be making up the instructions to restore her friends in her current mood.

"Do not repeat these instructions, just listen." She began to read aloud. "When you are released from this trance, you will enter a reverie. You will face a version of yourself as you were just before we assaulted Celestia, who has access to all of your memories, hidden and otherwise, since that point. All of your hidden memories will be arranged in front of you, for you to browse and experience as you wish. You must decide if there are any memories you do not wish to remember, and any of my commands you no longer wish to have power over you. All commands given by any pony other than myself are ended. You will be aware of them but not affected by them.

"When you end the reverie, you will remain thoughtless, come to me and wait for me to tell you I am ready for you. Only then will you fully wake up, and you will tell me truthfully of the decisions you have made about your memories and the commands you have chosen to keep or remove. Regardless of what you decide, the commands I have given you today will continue to affect you, and you will not reveal the charm or the events directly linked to its use to anypony that is not already aware of them. If you have not made a decision after two hours, you will wake up with all your memories restored."

Twilight took a deep, steadying breath. That was the restoration. Now for defensive instructions. "When you are in the presence of Celestia, you will forget all memories related to the charm. If Celestia commands you to awaken, you will act in every way as though you are affected by the charm. You will carry out all commands given and act as though all changes to you are effective, with the single exception that you will hide my knowledge of the charm and use of it. If any pony other than myself uses the charm upon you, you will also forget all memories related to it, and answer questions as though I had never restored your memories.

"When Celestia, or any pony other than myself who has used the charm on you, leaves your presence, you will wait two hours, and then all memories will be restored to you, including memories of your trance. You will then take the next available opportunity to speak with me and tell me what has happened. Use your full discretion in choosing when and how to approach me in order to avoid provoking suspicion from others.

"Finally." She swallowed, and stood up, leaving her glass on the arm of the chair. "You will remember this trance also, as part of your reverie, so I need you to know that I have offered choices like this to the other ponies that served me. I offered Luna the chance to leave, and she chose to stay as my possession. I offered Zecora her memories, and she left me. I offered Trixie the chance to be mine, and she agreed to be. No one will be mine unwillingly." Her voice thickened, as she finished softly, "I'll see you soon."

Gathering herself, straightening up, she aimed her horn at Fluttershy, and carefully, slowly, cast the new charm upon her. The delicate, pearlescent sheen of interfering magic swept over her skin as one spell replaced the other. Working her way around the circle, she cast it upon Pinkie, then Rainbow, then Rarity, and finally, Applejack. Now, unless Celestia thought to recast the original charm upon them, they were safe.

Now they just had to make the choice that she wanted them to make. Which they totally, definitely would. Leading the parade of blank-eyed dolls into the guest bedroom, she gestured Applejack and Pinkie onto the bed, and the others onto the chairs. "Settle down. Make yourselves comfortable."

She couldn't help feeling an ache in her chest as she watched her beautiful slaves, her friends, arrange themselves around the room. It felt so familiar, so close to when they'd all been there together. She was so close, and yet, she was risking so much. A lump in her throat, Twilight finally declared with careful clarity, "I am satisfied."

Their eyes sank shut, their bodies relaxing as the grip of the charm loosened, and the five sank into a deeper dream. Twilight nodded to herself, catching her lower lip between her teeth. It was done. Now she just had to wait and see what they chose, for themselves. She would-

A low groan hung in the air.

Twilight's eyes flashed to Fluttershy. Wait. Yes, she was reliving the time when she'd... wait. Fluttershy was going to remember everything that Twilight had done to her. Including when she'd been made into a nude puppy before her permission had been given. In fact, Rarity, Rainbow and Applejack would remember all that, too.

She'd been so determined to reveal all the memories Celestia had hidden from them, she'd made the commands too sweeping. She hadn't made an exception for things that she had wanted hidden.

Haystacks. This was not what forward-thinking, effective planning looked like.

The train of thought derailed as Fluttershy groaned again, louder. Another moan joined Fluttershy's, then another. All five of them were groaning and gasping now, an erotic chorus of pleasure as their memories played out in front of them. Twilight's gaze danced over glistening lips, parting with each new moan, and the slow heaving of the breasts of her mindless friends and lovers.

Biting her lip harder, Twilight fled back to the main room, and dropped into her tall chair. Clutching her glass like a shield, she sipped slowly, and tried not to think too much about the sounds of lust fitfully swelling and falling, impossible to ignore. She tried not to let her treacherous body react with arousal.

Fear and lust, her constant companions.

The pad of bare feet snapped her attention to the half-open door. Rainbow slipped around it, moving to stand beside Twilight's chair. She wore ripped blue jeans, held up by a black, studded belt, and a white tank top with a stylised version of her own cutie mark prominently over her left breast. She hadn't bothered to wear shoes, given the way her feet barely ever touched the ground. She stood there, blank, waiting, her shock of rainbow hair covering one eye.

So she was the first. She'd been faster to make up her mind than she had any right to be. Was this good, or bad? Was she going to be like Zecora? Twilight couldn't help but hesitate, her eyes lingering on her friend, before she finally gathered the nerve to whisper, "I'm ready for your decision, Rainbow."

Rainbow Dash blinked, shaking her head slightly, then focused. "Twilight!"

Twilight jerked in surprise as warm lips collided with hers. In a single lunge, Rainbow had taken possession of her lap, wings half-spread, and was all but pinning her to the back of the chair.

Pulling back, hands on Twilight's shoulders, Rainbow spoke in a tone of gleeful incredulity. "Buck me senseless! You did all that to me? To all of us? You actually lined us up and fucked us? Are you serious? I never had you fitted as a pony that was really interested in making out, but this? You are the sexiest pony alive! After me. No one is sexy like me. Still, good effort. I mean, damn."

"Wait! Stop, Rainbow!" This was way too much to process, much too fast. Twilight held up her hands and protested, "Just - hold on!"

Sitting back, Rainbow sheepishly rubbed the back of her neck with one hand. "Right. Sorry, Twilight. I'm just excited. Oh man, am I excited. Whoo. Those memories. Okay. So I saw the memories, and everything. You pervert!" She shook her head, grinning. "I even saw the chair thing, that was just dirty. So yeah, I want more of that. Loads more of that. Took on all the memories, all the orders."

Relief. A great wash of it, flowing though her so powerfully that she felt tears bead in her eyes. Taking the pegasus's hands in hers, she asked softly, "Rainbow, do you mean that? Do you want this?"

"Oh, yeah. Seriously." Rainbow nodded twice, frank sincerity writ across her face.

"You didn't... take very long to think about it. Everypony else is still in reverie," Twilight observed cautiously, trying not to give in to the swelling hope and relief in her breast.

"Hey, when I saw what we were doing, I couldn't agree fast enough. I'd have been out faster, if I wasn't making out with myself." With a satisfied grin, she added, "You don't get a chance to get your hands on a mare of that calibre every day."

Twilight looked up at Rainbow, lost for words for a moment. Somehow, her worries that she'd be rejected felt so silly, so small, next to the confident warmth of the other pony. She made it sound so natural that they'd be together again. Twilight's arms wrapped around Rainbow and dragged her closer, hugging her hard. Resting her head on Rainbow's shoulder, Twilight said very softly, "I was worried you wouldn't be happy about what happened."

"...hey. Stupid." Rainbow hugged her back, just as tightly. "The only thing I'm not happy about is the Princess messing everything up. Making me spy on you, too! That creepy message! Twilight, you've got to mess her up. That wasn't cool."

Nodding slowly, Twilight turned her head and kissed Rainbow's neck, feeling a little shiver thrum through the other mare at the touch of her lips. "You're right. About everything. I'm going to fix things. I didn't know how to fight her, the first time. Next time will be different."

"You bet. So, Pinkie time now?"

Twilight looked up. Pinkie was standing outside the door to the guest room, stiff-backed and waiting. A light blue t-shirt clung to her emphatic curves, sitting atop a pink skirt the same colour as her mane, and candy-striped stockings that ran down to her tatty trainers.

A fresh surge of anxiety spread through Twilight. "Oh. Yes. Rainbow, could you wait in the other room? Not the guest room. That would be... kind of awkward." She half-laughed, embarrassed by the sexual noises still filtering out through the open door.

"Sure. Just - hey. Remember I came out first, okay?" Rainbow affectionately bumped her head against Twilight's, then climbed off her lap and padded out of the room, glancing back as she shut the door.

It was almost too much to take in. Rainbow had really chosen to embrace everything, willingly. Of course, she was the Element of Loyalty, even if that loyalty might be unearned. It didn't mean the others would do the same.

Twilight steeled herself. "Pinkie, I'm ready."

The glaze cleared from the party pony's bright blue eyes. Wrapping her arms around her, she shook herself. "Brrrr! Sticky fingers in my head! Not fair. I was having fun!" Plunging her hand into her fluffy mane, Pinkie ruffled it up vigorously, then smiled at Twilight brightly.

"I was right! I really did forget an exciting party. Wow, Master, I didn't know you liked me like that! I didn't know you liked everypony like that. They like you back too. That's really nice. The Princess made me forget everything, though! That's not nice. You undid it! You're so smart."

Twilight took a deep, shivery breath, and let it go slowly. "Could you tell me what you decided, please?"

"Sure, Master! I have to anyway, right?" Pinkie rose onto her toes and bounced across the room, sending seismic ripples through the pneumatic bust under her tight shirt. "I totally don't regret saying yes! I said yes again. It sure was weird seeing other me! Hey, Master? Other me was weird. You should have checked on that. So what now? You want to have that party now? I'm feeling really happy! Is everypony going to serve you again?" She planted her hands on Twilight's legs and leaned forward, her nose bumping Twilight's.

Unable not to notice Pinkie's chest, Twilight dragged her eyes up to meet her blue gaze and stammered, "R-Rainbow has said she wants to stay mine, too."

Smiling warmly, Pinkie rubbed the tip of her nose against Twilight's. "I hope everypony wants to play some more! It was really nice. I'll help you do anything you want to do, okay?" Sinking down onto Twilight's lap, Pinkie snuggled up to Twilight and added a little more softly, "Was it scary? Remembering, when we'd all forgot everything? Are you okay?"

The unexpected question struck directly at Twilight's heart. "It... wasn't easy. This is scary, too," she whispered. Her voice wobbled audibly.

"You did the right thing. Everypony gets to choose who they want to be with. That's how it should be." Pinkie nodded firmly. "Me and Dash will keep you company even if no other pony does, Master. Pinkie promise!" Pinkie produced a cupcake, and waved it threateningly near her eye before shoving it into her mouth.

Leaving the matter of the spontaneously summoned cupcake for a time when she felt more capable of thinking straight, Twilight buried her head in Pinkie's sweet-scented mane. In a strange way, it made her feel better for Pinkie to acknowledge that maybe the others wouldn't want to be hers again. That was their choice. It had to be. Whatever happened, she wouldn't be alone. "You're really warm. And soft," she murmured.

"Mm!" Pinkie confirmed. After a second, she sagged in disappointment. "My lovely party outfit! Can we get that back? We'll get that back. We'll march up to Canterlot, and hammer on the gates, and say, 'Princess! Putting sticky fingers in a pony's head without permission is just rude, but stealing her sexy party outfit? That's unforgivable!'"

Twilight nodded once. "I thought she must have taken anything that looked like it would remind you of what had happened. I'm sorry about that. Once this is over, once everypony has given her answer, we'll talk. I won't let Celestia use that charm on you again."

A sound of movement, near the door. Fluttershy. She was clad in her familiar green sweater, long and baggy enough to be halfway to a dress, over loose blue jeans. Just like she had been the day that Twilight had taken her for the first time. A little more at ease, Twilight asked gently, "Pinkie, could you wait with Rainbow while I speak to Fluttershy? I need to know what she wants to happen."

"Sure, Master. Good luck! I hope it goes well!" Pinkie pushed herself against her owner for a moment, rubbing her cheek against Twilight's, then hopped off the chair and vanished through the doorway. The sound of animated chatter was cut off by the door closing.

Twilight coughed nervously. "Fluttershy? I'm ready for you now."

Awareness dawned on the other pony's face. Fluttershy's eyes widened, and then her cheeks coloured and she hid her face with both hands. "O-oh. I, um. Hello. Um. Twilight." That seemed to be all.

She looked lost, and scared. Twilight's heart melted. Pushing herself out of the chair, she slowly crossed the room, watching closely for any sign of flinching from her presence. Carefully, she embraced Fluttershy, and squeezed lightly. "Hello, Fluttershy. Are you alright?"

"I, I wasn't expecting that. Those memories. Other me didn't seem to know what to say. But even she was surprised when I saw what happened before you, you asked me to be your..." Fluttershy trailed off, seemingly unable to finish the sentence. "It was... wonderful, but, you didn't ask me. I feel kind of... complicated."

Twilight winced. It was a good thing, she tried to tell herself, that everything was out in the open. It wasn't a bad thing that the things she'd left out had all come out. She definitely wouldn't blame herself if that one thing drove Fluttershy to reject her. "I'm... sorry. I kind of, lost my head. I really got carried away. I'm really sorry," she replied quietly. An ache was growing in the centre of her chest.

"I think I have to tell you what I decided. So, so... I decided that... it felt... nice. Not to be worried. I, I liked it. When you patted me on the head. Told me I was doing well. That you were happy with me. So, so I... I decided I'd keep the things you said to me. But, I, I need to ask you something. Could you promise not to make me forget, or do anything I don't know I'm doing? It wasn't... right." Her voice was very small, and the pauses long. She seemed to have to winch each word out of a deep pit within her, pushing them out trembling and pale into the light.

It hurt to hear them, as much as they gave Twilight relief. "I promise. I promise, Fluttershy, I will ask you before I do anything like that to you. I really want you to stay with me. I'd like you to stay my favourite and best pet."

Fluttershy's eyes finally met hers, as Twilight's hand smoothed over her mane. "I know you're a good pony, Twilight. I still trust you. Um." Her blush deepened. "Rrrf."

A little shudder ran down Twilight's back, and she squeezed the other mare with both arms, feeling Fluttershy's heavy, pillowy breasts crush against hers through the baggy, concealing sweater. "Good girl. Good girl, Flutterpet."
A shy expression on her face, Fluttershy twitched her hips, making her tail sway gently.

With a kind of distant clarity, Twilight realised that she was on the verge of lifting up Fluttershy's top, and taking possession of her breasts with both hands. She couldn't; not yet. She had too much to worry about to let herself get so distracted. When it was over, when she had embraced all of her friends, then she could let herself get carried away.

"Fluttershy?" she said gently. "Pinkie and Rainbow are waiting in the room over there. They're very happy to be with me, too. Do you think you could wait with them? I'm expecting Applejack and Rarity any moment, and I should be ready when they arrive."

A look of embarrassment replacing the flushed, slightly glazed expression of growing arousal and adoration on Fluttershy's face, she broke away from their embrace and took a step backwards. "O-oh! Yes. Sorry. Of course. I will." Without giving Twilight time to reply, she hurried towards the far door, opening and closing it behind her.

A sincere regret lurked in Twilight's chest as she watched her go, though under her relief, and gladness, there was a strange hint of irritation. Some part of her really didn't like to be judged for her use of the charm, the way Fluttershy had. The rest of her was shouting that resentful speck down, but she was aware of it, all the same.

She'd have to watch that. If she let herself, any part of herself, get the idea that ponies weren't allowed to judge her for her actions, that wouldn't lead her anywhere good.

Crossing back to her chair, she finished off the glass of water and set it aside. Surely, the next pony would be Rarity. She had the second-most amount of memories to re-live. Of course, Rainbow hadn't come out in the right order for that, but maybe she was just really eager. Any minute now, Rarity would come out, and then it would be Applejack, and then she'd be done.

Her expectant gaze settled on the guest room door, mostly closed after Fluttershy had emerged from it. The moans from beyond had settled to quiet, now.

Any minute.

Time crawled, painfully slowly, as unease slowly grew in Twilight's chest. One minute, then two, then five. Each tick of the clock was intolerable. She'd started this, now she just wanted to end it. Why was that taking so long?

Finally, there came the soft sound of movement from within. The door opened.

Applejack. Blue jeans, more tatty than Fluttershy's, more faded, with a bright red patch over one knee. A red shirt, soft, the same colour as the apples of her cutie mark. Broad shoulders. Her hat, as ever, settled comfortably atop her bunched-together fall of blonde hair.

Applejack.

Twilight felt her heart jump in her chest. She'd assiduously avoided thinking too much about Applejack since the return of her memories. Each glance at her, each casual greeting, had left an echo of grief and loss in her heart. She was off-limits, and that was that. As much as she loved each and every one of her friends, her slaves, there would always be a special place in her heart for the farm pony. If anyone, only Luna could rival that deep and abiding affection.

Now here she was, ready to belong to Twilight again. At long last.

Maybe.

Jerking to her feet, Twilight stood awkwardly, her hands tangling together. Despite the blatant untruth of it, she murmured, "I'm ready. Go ahead."

Applejack's body jerked slightly, then her eyes focused on Twilight. For a moment, she said nothing. Finally, her voice a little hoarse, she murmured, "Hi, Twilight. Guess we've got a whole lot t'talk about."

Hesitantly stepping closer, Twilight swallowed, nodding. "I... I've missed you," she said diffidently, her gaze sliding off Applejack to settle on the floor.

"Y'know, that was darn cruel. What she did to us. Heck, Twilight, how long have you known? I've been thinking back over the times I've seen you lately, now I know, and I c'n see it right across your face. No wonder you've been avoiding me." Applejack took a step closer. Now the gap between them was narrow enough to span with an outstretched arm. Neither of them did.

"It's been... a couple of weeks. More or less. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I couldn't risk it, before I had a way to protect you from her." Twilight looked up slowly, then lifted her hand and reached out for Applejack's.

Applejack closed her hand at her side for a moment, before her broad shoulders slumped slightly and she took Twilight's hand in hers. "Twilight. I don't know where to begin. Heck, those memories darn near blew me off my feet. Being with you. Getting everything I wanted, but from a mare. All that feeling. Remembered a few things you'd kept back from me, too, though. Not real happy about that. Figure there are things you should've said. If I said I'd give you mahself, all've me, you should've trusted me enough to be straight with me."

The slight hesitation with which Applejack took her hand cut her like a knife. Pushing down the defensiveness, and frustration, Twilight replied quietly, "What should I have told you?"

"That you were going t'change me. So I wouldn't try to stop you, no matter who you'd decide you wanted t'charm. That you'd done Rarity without her say-so, because y'never told me that, even though I was standing right there when y'did it, the first time. You did Fluttershy without asking, too. Right in front've me, and never said a word about that either."

The words were soft, and frankly spoken. That didn't make them hurt less, not one iota. "Fluttershy is okay with everything. I mean... I said sorry, and she's accepted that." Her throat was tightening. It was getting harder to get the words out. "She still wants to be with me, and I promised not to do anything without asking first."

"How about Rarity? How's she taking this all?"

"She... hasn't spoken to me yet. I'm still waiting." Twilight gazed steadily at the floor.

"Here's what I decided, Twilight. I took on the memories, every last one, but the orders? Turned them down. There's not a single one on me right now, other'n the things y'said today I wasn't allowed t'get rid of."

A shard of ice slipped into Twilight's stomach. "I... see," she said numbly. Her hand fell away from Applejack's. Her thoughts had stopped, her mind full of flat, white nothing.

"Hey." Applejack's firm hands gripped her shoulders, and shook her gently. Shocked out of her reverie, Twilight jerked upright, her eyes meeting Applejack's green gaze. The farm pony's expression had softened. "Ah wasn't finished. When I was in that - that nowhere'n wherever, with mahself, we talked. We talked a whole lot, and here's the deal we made. I'd drop those orders y'gave me, and you and me, we'd sit down together and draw up some new ones. On one condition, mind. No more hiding things. You're straight with me, and ah'll be - well."

Applejack broke off, an embarrassed blush colouring her cheeks for the first time since she'd awoken. "There's a whole lot I learned about mahself, in there. Learned about you, too. Raight now, it's hard to think I'd sleep around the way I was doing before, but the thing is, I liked what I had with you. Mah stars, never imagined anything like that could really happen t'me. So I'll give it a chance, all've it, so I can see how I feel. Thing is, though, I need t'know that whatever Rarity decides, you're going to let her do what she needs to. Same with all the others. Right?"

It was just like being lectured by Luna, all over again. A tornado of confused emotion swirled around within her, desperation, fear, love, resentment, twisted together so densely that she couldn't pick it apart. Twilight nodded, shakily. "I promise, Applejack, I'm letting everypony decide for themselves what they really want. I know it got out of hand, but I promise, I'm trying really hard to do better."

"Ah can see that, sugarcube. Ma'am." Applejack drew herself up, and looked around slightly nervously. Taking her hat in her hands, she fidgeted with the brim. "Ah... hope I didn't upset you, too bad. Ah'm feeling a real stew of everything inside of me right now, but I c'n tell for sure that I care for you, Twi. A whole lot. Feel things f'r you that I plain haven't felt for anyone before."

"I love you!" Twilight burst out, lunging forward to wrap her arms around Applejack. "I - when I got my letter, that told me I'd forgotten everything, even then, the one thing I had to tell myself was that I loved you, and not to ever forget that."

Applejack's hat slipped from her fingers and drifted to the floor. Slowly, her broad arms wound around Twilight, gathering the other pony against her. Her voice very low, and very soft, she asked, "That true? For real?"

Twilight nodded quickly against Applejack's shoulder. "Yes. I'd... like you to see it, later." She felt Applejack's chest rise and fall with a deep, slow breath, and the other pony nodded.

"Reckon I'd like to. Ah love you. Never wanted you t'doubt that."

"So... once this is over, would you like to talk? About the charm, and the rules, and... everything?" Chin resting on Applejack's shoulder, Twilight was gazing right at the door as it swung open, and Rarity stepped blankly into view. Even in her thoughtless state, something had clearly leaked through. The marks of tears were visible on her oblivious face.

Oh, no.

"Applejack, I think-" Twilight swallowed, letting go of her. "I think I need to be alone with Rarity, now. Wait with the others, please." She jerkily indicated the far door.

Stepping aside, Applejack turned around, her eyes widening as she saw Rarity's face. "You sure you want me to be someplace else? I can talk with her."

Twilight shook her head. "No. No, I don't think you'd have wanted anypony here while we talked. It's only fair to give her the same."

Hadn't she made Rarity happy? Wasn't that enough?

"Well - alright, then. Ah'll be nearby. Jest call if you need me." With reluctance, Applejack picked up her hat and crossed to the door, giving a final glance back before it closed behind her.

To say that Twilight was in the depths of emotional turmoil would be comparing a very small and simple thing to a very large and complex thing. She was too upset to even think in proper metaphors. "Rarity? ...I'm ready," she almost-whispered.

Awareness flooded into Rarity's face. Her eyes focused, and her gaze settled on Twilight Sparkle.

Twilight began, "So, I-"

Crack.

In utter shock, Twilight shakily raised her hand to her stinging cheek. Tears beaded in her eyes.

Rarity lowered her hand. In a low hiss, she demanded, "Obedient slut?"

She'd forgotten about that. The time when she'd punished Rainbow, and she'd made Applejack and Rarity talk dirty without their realising. That had come back, along with everything else.

She tried to speak, but choked on the words, without even knowing what she was trying to say.

"I have to tell you what I've decided before I leave. So, Twilight Sparkle, you can know that I remember all of it, and no commands affect me any longer. Goodbye." She spun on her heel and marched over to the door, yanking at the handle. "Open it!" she demanded shrilly, and as Twilight shakily levitated the key out of her pocket, Rarity snatched the key out of the air and rammed it into the lock.

Before Twilight could manage to force a word past the lump in her throat, the door had banged shut again, and Rarity was gone.

She stood, stunned, beyond the capacity to move.

The inner door burst open, and Rainbow Dash exploded out of it. "Don't worry, Twi, I'll get her and tow her right back here."

"Stop right where y'are, Rainbow! If that's what she has t'say, that's how it is." Applejack lunged at Rainbow, grabbing a handful of her tail and yanking the flier back down to the ground.

Rainbow yelped loudly as she hit the floor. "Applejack, what the hay? She can't just leave! What about the rest of us? What about Celestia? She's not going to leave all of us, is she?"

Pinkie stood hesitantly in the doorway, her fluffy mane deflated and limp, looking back and forth between them. It was rare for her to be at a loss, but this scene wasn't one that could be solved with a party squeaker.

Their conversation sounded as though it was coming from far away, though a layer of thick felt. Twilight stood frozen, feeling her cheek burn.

A soft warmth gently settled against her side. Twilight's gaze shifted.

Fluttershy stood pressed against her, head bowed, as Rainbow and Applejack argued. The rigor that locked Twilight's limbs vanished as she realised that the softly spoken pony needed her. Twilight spoke quietly. "Hush, everypony. Please."

Applejack and Rainbow looked over at her. Stroking the top of Fluttershy's head, Twilight continued softly, "Applejack is right. Rarity has to make her own decisions, now. Let's not argue, please. I'll give her some time, and then I'll ask her if she'll help us against Celestia. After I've apologised. Please, don't any of you tell her off over this." Her gaze settled on Rainbow for a moment, who huffed an exasperated breath and looked away.

"I didn't realise she would be this unhappy. I thought... I hoped I'd received her permission for what we'd done together. I suppose I was wrong. I'm sorry, to all of you, for upsetting her, and any upset I've caused you. I tried to be a good pony, but... I didn't always make it. I'm sorry."

Fluttershy's gentle eyes gazed up at her. "Um. You... don't have to apologise to me again. I'd just like to... stay. Here. For a while."

"Mm! That's right, Master! Everything will be okay, won't it? Right? We can, we can have a party! Everyone loves parties, and then Rarity will... stop being mad at you. She just needs cheering up, right?" Pinkie's voice was wobbly, as she attempted to infuse it with her usual good cheer.

Turning towards her, Twilight opened one arm and beckoned. Pinkie hurried over and threw herself into Twilight's embrace, beside Fluttershy. Hugging them both tightly, Twilight gazed at Rainbow and Applejack with a silent question in her eyes.

Rainbow rolled her eyes, padding over to rest against Twilight's back. "Okay, so sure, that looked like a pretty big screw up. We all screw up, sometimes. It's fine. She'll be back."

"Mebbe." Applejack shook her head, and joined Rainbow, wrapping her arm around her and Fluttershy to completely enclose Twilight in a ring of warmth. "Ah know you weren't always treating us right, Twi, but I reckon you were trying. That's good enough for me."

Encircled by her friends and lovers, Twilight felt her eyes fill with tears. Resting her head against Fluttershy's, she replied huskily, "I love you. All of you. Can you stay tonight? We can, we can have a sleepover in the guest bed. We can have warm milk, and cookies, and play games, and just... be close. One step at a time."

"I'd love a sleepover, Master!"

"Ah can stick around for the night."

"Sure thing!"

"Um. Yes, please."

Twilight looked over at the closed door, her thoughts ranging out after the vanished pony. Biting her lip, she nodded slowly. "Okay. I'd like that, too." She released her hold on Pinkie and Fluttershy, and one by one, the others stepped back, looking at her expectantly.

"Well... I'll put the kettle on, shall I?" she said, producing a little smile with effort.

"Sure! Then you can tell us about Trixie. How did that happen? I mean, Trixie? Are you serious? You can't be serious. You're sleeping with Trixie now?" Rainbow gave her a dubious look.

"Y'know, I'd sure like to know what's been happening, mahself."

"Story time! Story time!"

Twilight winced. It was probably better to get it all out in the open now, before Trixie burst in, calling herself slutty and submissive at the top of her lungs. "Okay. Tea, and story time. I'll get the kettle on."

The door stood open. Outside, wind rushed and billowed, tossing the crows of the trees in the darkness. Overhead, thin shreds of cloud raced overhead, briefly occluding the brilliant stars. It was a new moon, and the night was deeply black.

Twilight stood in the doorway in her nightgown, feeling the cold air curl about her body and tug at her mane and tail. There was a pressure in her chest, an unhappiness that wouldn't let her sleep. In time, she thought, she would come to accept what her choices had brought her. In the guest room behind her, Applejack, Rainbow, Fluttershy and Pinkie lay in a heap of soft warmth, each of them loving, each of them willing to serve her. Out there, Trixie waited eagerly for each visit. Somewhere beyond Ponyville, across Canterlot, Luna was thinking of her. She'd gained so much.

But she'd lost things, too.

A hand settled on her shoulder, and Twilight jumped, twisting around. Applejack stood there in the dim light, dressed only in her red shirt. The hems barely covered her underwear, leaving her toned thighs bare. Her blonde hair was unbound, gently mussed. Under almost any other situation, the sight would have sent a shock through Twilight. Just then, the feelings inside her were too large, too complicated, and they got in the way.

"Hello, Applejack," she said quietly. "Is something the matter?"

"Figure I should be asking you that. How'd it go with Spike? Didn't hear you come back in, after."

Twilight covered Applejack's hand with her own, looking out into the night once more. "Once I'd charmed him, I checked for interference. There wasn't any. Celestia had never touched him. It felt so wrong to see him react to the charm. I was thinking of... of ponies that I liked, and desired, when I made it. I never thought of having to use it on someone like him. Someone that young."

"He gone off to bed?" Applejack asked gently.

"Mm. I set up something I can use when I need privacy with you all. He won't go in the guest room, he'll ignore any strange noises from it, he won't question it if you stay over, or any other ponies. I had to do that much; I mean, I couldn't exactly try to explain all this to him. It didn't feel good, though." Twilight's lips pressed together.

"Ah'm real sorry 'bout that. Can't imagine seeing this kind've thing used on someone like Apple Bloom. It'd break my darn heart." Applejack paused, but Twilight remained quiet.

Squeezing her shoulder, Applejack resumed after a moment, "You know, Twi, I couldn't sleep real well either. Been going through everything I'd forgotten, all over again. It was really something. Sure, you pushed me a bit further'n I expected here and there, but... Ah've never felt that way before. Now Ah'm all confused. What you did, 'n what she did, I don't know if I'm into mares or not. Ah'd like to be. Figure you're not too tired to take a look at these orders you're going to put in me?"

A strange pang struck Twilight's heart. It made sense; Applejack had grown attracted to her because of everything they'd done together, and then Celestia had forced her not to think a single sensual thought about Twilight, or any of the mares Applejack had touched. Turning around slowly, she drew the door closed, shutting out the chill night breeze. "Sometimes, I don't really think things through. I'm sorry about that. I've got the original instructions I wrote for you, if you're ready to look at them."

Applejack's throat bobbed as she swallowed. "All right. Let's take a look."

Twilight summoned out a scroll from the high shelves across the room with scarcely a glance. It soared lightly through the air, and settled open on a nearby table. Quill and ink landed beside it, poised neatly. Twilight's gaze flicked over the words.

'You know that you belong to me. Doing what I tell you makes you feel good. If you need to break or refuse a command, you can. Tell me the next time you see me. You are attracted to all the ponies that I enchant to belong to me. You are happy for me to use the charm on anyone I want to.'

Running her fingertips down the parchment, Twilight took a deep breath, and let it go. "I was thinking I should... get rid of the last sentence. Change the next to last one to being attracted to mares, the same amount you're attracted to colts. Then let your feelings go from there." It was hard to meet Applejack's eyes. She was awkwardly aware that the same command, that she could take anyone she liked, was still in force upon Fluttershy, Rainbow and Pinkie, who'd simply accepted her commands as a whole.

Applejack gazed at the parchment, strong fingers fiddling awkwardly with the end of her unbound mane, before she finally met Twilight's eyes. "Ah'd like to strip out the first sentence too."

Twilight tried not to show the flinch that ran through her. "You wouldn't like that?"

Applejack took Twilight's hand in both of hers, and pressed it against her chest. "Twilight, I reckon you're thinking you need that, to make me be yours. You're wrong, there. You don't need anything to make me want to be all yours. Everything we've been through t'gether - not jest the memories since the charm, but since the day I met you. All've that. That's why ah want to be yours. I darn love you, and if you'll have me, ah'll be your slave. Willingly. With all mah heart, Ma'am."

Part of Twilight wanted to tear off Applejack's shirt right there. Part of Twilight wanted to cry. All of her pressed against Applejack, lips meeting, kissing her deeply. Tears beaded in the corner of her eyes as her tongue wrestled with her slave's, and she wiped them away with the back of her hand as she finally came up for breath. "I love you, I really do. Oh, Applejack, sometimes I think I don't understand anything."

Gently rubbing her hand up and down Twilight's back, Applejack kissed her on the tip of her horn. "Naw, don't go saying that. You just need setting back on your feet sometimes, that's all."

Nodding, Twilight gave a wobbly smile. "Okay. Let me... let me do this." Unwilling to let go of Applejack, her horn lit with a soft glow. The quill rose, and neatly put a line through the first sentence, and the last two. Beneath, the quill paused for a moment as Twilight thought through her wording, then wrote neatly, 'You're attracted to mares as well as colts.' Simple wording was best, with as few instructions or guidelines as possible, to reduce any accidental side effects. Her gaze flicked up questioningly to Applejack.

"You're happy about the command to want to do as I tell you?"

"...yeah. Had a talk with mahself about that'n. She persuaded me that ah like knowing ah should do what you want me to. It's good to know I don't have to, in case something else comes up, but ah do want you to have control over me, too. Gets me right there." Applejack stepped back slowly, looking somehow more vulnerable without her hat. "Ready to lay it on me?"

"Yes, Applejack. I am." Twilight picked up the parchment and drew herself up. This was what Applejack needed; for her to be her owner. "Slave, I'm going to enchant you now. You will lust to obey me. You will desire my body. You are mine."

Applejack swallowed, her eyes widening slightly. "Y-yes, Ma'am. Ah'm yours. Do what you like to me."

"Obey your Empress," Twilight declared firmly.

Slowly, the farm pony sank to her knees. Her shirt rode up her smooth thighs, exposing her plain green panties. "This slave obeys," she droned, her accent colouring the monotone words.

Twilight's eyes squeezed shut for a moment. "I am going to give you some orders now, Applejack. You will know that these orders have been applied to you now, and all changes resulting from them begin from this moment. You will remember everything that happens in this trance."

"Ah will accept your orders, and they'll affect me now. Ah'll remember it all."

Heart thudding, Twilight read out the parchment, her eyes flicking back and forth to Applejack's oblivious look of absolute focus.

Applejack drank in the words, repeating compliantly, "It feels real good to obey you. Ah'll tell you if I don't carry out an order. Mares are jest as sexy as colts."

Yes. Perfect. Now, before she got too tempted to do something else to Applejack, and her perfect body, and her blankly impressionable mind, Twilight pushed herself to declare, "I am satisfied."

Applejack shook herself, her unbound hair settling about her face. Looking down and finding herself on her knees, she breathed, "Oh, mah stars. That feeling, coming out of what you do to me, knowing I'm ready to do whatever you darn want. Order me to do something, Twi. Ma'am. Give me a command. Ah'll do it."

Biting her lip, Twilight said huskily, "Undo your shirt and show off your tits, Appleslut."

"Yes Ma'am!" Applejack's hands flew to her shirt buttons and tugged them loose as quickly as she could. Tugging the shirt wide open, her warm, round breasts spilled out, her nipples stiff and jutting. A visible quiver ran through the kneeling pony. Her shirt half off, sliding halfway down her arms, Applejack gently cupped her breasts from beneath and arched her back to show them off. Breathing deeply, she panted, "You're so darn pretty, Ma'am. Didn't need magic to show me that. This what you wanted?"

Stepping forward, barely conscious of anything other than the impossibly lovely mare before her, Twilight's fingers slid into her slave's untidy blonde mane, stroking gently. "You're so beautiful. Oh, Applejack... you're mine, all mine. I won't let anyone take you away from me again. You're going to stay at my side, and we'll laugh, and love, and kiss, and fuck... I love you. I'll always love you." Her hand slid down smooth, tanned skin, catching Applejack's darker nipple between two fingers and squeezing.

"Mmmmh!" Applejack gasped, her lips parted, blinking rapidly as a swell of emotion played out across her face. "Ah'd... ah'd like that, I really would. Oh, heck, Twi. Ah'll stick with you, thick and thin. Don't forget about me, and ah'll be happy the rest of my born days."

Reaching under her thin nightgown, Twilight carefully undid her bra and worked the straps down her arms without removing the gown. Her small breasts dimly visible through the sheer cloth, Twilight sank down into a crouch and moved to straddle Applejack's lap. Pressing close, the flimsy fabric the only barrier between their warm bodies, Twilight kissed Applejack's neck with desire and affection. "You silly thing. I'd never forget you. It doesn't matter who else I have, I wouldn't ever let you go."

"Yes, Ma'am," Applejack whispered softly. Tentatively, her arms wrapped around Twilight. One hand slid under the nightgown, smoothing over Twilight's ass, tracing the edges of her panties, then up to gently stroke her smooth back. "Gorgeous. That's what y'are, Ma'am. Ah belong to you, I know it, right down to my bones. Your slave."

"Mmm. Yes." All at once, Twilight seized Applejack's upper arms, and pulled them back behind her. Tugging the half-shed shirt down them, she paused with the cloth tangled around Applejack's wrists, pinning her arms in position. "I want you to know that I'm not finished using the charm to play with you, Applejack. I'll let you know before, and I'll let you remember after... but sometimes, I'm going to want a pretty, fuckable piece of mindless furniture. Sometimes I'm going to lay a geas on you, and you'll be forced to obey my every whim. No choice, no matter what I order. No matter what I demand. If I want it, you'll bend over nude and be fucked senseless in front of the others, and you'll love every second."

One hand gripping the twisted cloth, the other slowly rose to cup and knead Applejack's soft breast. "You'll be happy for me to play with you any way I want. My pliant, depraved toy. Isn't that right?" Twilight gazed intensely into Applejack's eyes.

Her pupils dilating, huge and black, Applejack shuddered under the onslaught of Twilight's inexorable words. "Y-yes, Ma'am. Ah won't have a choice. You'll do anything you like t'me. Ah'll be as slutty as you want. Ah'll be used any way you want me. Fuck, Ma'am. Just can't believe this feeling. Won't you let me touch you? Or touch me more? Just - anything! Ah'm begging you!"

Twilight laid her finger against Applejack's lips, following it with a long, deep kiss. Joy sang in her heart, revelling in the feeling of the strong, prideful mare melting against her body. "Shhh. If you make too much noise, you'll wake the others."

Her hands tightening convulsively in their cloth shackles, Applejack whispered, "Would that be so bad, Ma'am? Isn't like they don't miss a good seeing-to at your hands, either."

Sliding her hand up Applejack's side, Twilight caught Applejack's nipple and twisted gently, urging a ragged whimper from her slave. "Right now, Applejack, I want just you. Just you, all to myself. So if you wake them up, I'll have to punish you."

Applejack swallowed, nodding jerkily, visibly uncertain whether to be intimidated or enticed by the lustful tone in Twilight's voice. "Won't let you down," she whispered.

"You never have." Twilight released her firm grip on Applejack's twisted-up shirt, loosening it enough to slide it off the other pony's arms. Pushing more and more firmly against Applejack, Twilight giggled softly as she forced her down onto her back. Biting Applejack's neck gently, she breathed, "Strip off your panties. They're very sweet, but I'd like you to be naked for me now."

"Anything!" Applejack promised, a little too loudly, then modulated her voice to breathe, "Anything you say." Wriggling, she pushed her panties down over her muscled thighs, baring her smooth sex, rocking against Twilight with each movement.

Twilight gazed down at her slave in the dim, blue-tinged dark, feeling her breath shudder in her chest. The sheer intensity of her lust was almost frightening, her panties sodden against her skin, her body thrumming with each beat of her heart. Her nipples were almost too sensitive, they were so stiff. Crouched over her lover, her hips jerkily swaying, tail swishing, she closed her eyes for a moment and concentrated on the warmth of Applejack's body against hers. The scent of the other pony's skin.

The tatty rug they lay on was as good as a feather bed. Nothing mattered except the glorious mare pinned to the ground beneath her, honest, forthright, enslaved, depraved, and desperate to obey.

The sheer pleasure of dominating her! The lust for power beat in her breast, as potent as her shuddering desire, wound around and through it until she couldn't tell them apart anymore. Almost without realising it, Twilight shakily tugged down her own panties, feeling the brush of cool air against her damp sex. Twisting around, Twilight positioned her sex above Applejack's mouth, gazing down at the farmpony's own glistening sex, and declared archly, "Lick your Mistress."

Instantly, without hesitation, Applejack's firm hands seized Twilight's hips and drew her downwards to meet her cunt with an eager, seeking tongue. Twilight yelped aloud, hissing a sharp breath through her teeth to avoid making any more noise as Applejack's mouth worked against her sex. Head sinking forward, her mane falling about her face, Twilight's hips jerked under each flick of the other mare's tongue. Escalating whimpers escaped her lips, despite her best efforts, culminating in a sharp, bitten-off cry as Applejack's tongue thrust into her.

Pulling back a little, Applejack licked her glistening lips, and teased softly, "Reckon you're going to give the game away, Ma'am. Mebbe you need the gag your own self?"

Flushing pinkly, Twilight protested, "Applejack! Ooohhh... mmmhh!" Cutting herself off as Applejack's teasing tongue began flicking up and down her tingling sex, she ducked her head and began lapping up and down the length of Applejack's exposed cunt, parting her folds with the tip of her tongue. Satisfaction flashed though her as she heard Applejack's gasp against her skin, felt the hesitation of the farm pony's tongue, and attacked her slave's pussy with new vigour.

There was no taste quite like Applejack's arousal, the feeling of her dampness on Twilight's lips. Each swipe of her tongue drew out a moan or a gasp, urging her to greater efforts. Her hips flexed, her thighs trembling as she ground her cunt against Applejack's mouth. Trying desperately to hold onto the swell of her pleasure, feeling it cresting within her, Twilight tensed every muscle in her body, but couldn't stop herself. Hissing wordlessly through her teeth, eyes forced shut, she could barely breathe as her orgasm broke over her. Quivering, she buried her head between Applejack's thighs to muffle herself, breathing deep of the other pony's scent.

Head spinning, sweat coating her skin and her mane in disarray, Twilight finally raised her head and panted, "You were... oh, Applejack, never leave my side again."

Applejack rested her head against the floor, licking her lips, and wiping the wetness from her nose and chin with the back of her hand. "Wow. Y'know, this morning, never would've thought I'd ever want to do - well, all this."

"I'm so glad you're back with me." Slowly lifting her body, she crawled off Applejack, and turned around. Applejack lay full length on the rug, her skin glistening damply with dim blue highlights. Her perfect breasts rose and fell quickly, her body still hyped up and at the edge of an orgasm of her own, her full lips parted. She was ridiculously, impossibly lovely in her sensual disarray. No matter what burdens the charm had brought her, the damaged friendships, the confrontation with her dearest teacher, she couldn't bring herself to resent it.

Not when it had brought her all this.

"I don't hear anything from inside the room, do you?" Twilight whispered, a small smile on her lips. Slinking forward on all fours, she settled between Applejack's thighs, meeting the other mare's glazed green eyes as she sank down and began lapping once more.

Author's Notes:

Alternate title: You win some, you lose some.

Proofed by the speedy, splendid Setokaiva.