Trixie had done it. She had gotten off scot-free. That was what she thought as she galloped as fast as she could down the road leading out of Ponyville. She had been corrupted by that accursed amulet and used her enhanced magic to take over a town. That was something she had never intended to do. All she’d wanted to do was have revenge on Twilight for humiliating her during the Ursa incident. Her vision blurred as her eyes filled with tears. She’d never wanted to hurt anypony. All she’d wanted was pony's love and admiration. That was all she’d ever wanted. But she had enslaved the entire town, trapped them in a force field, and forced them to labor for her. That wasn’t love and admiration. It was only fear.

“And fear isn’t love.” Trixie whispered sadly. “Now everypony hates me. If I thought my reputation was ruined before it’s completely over now.”

She slumped down to the ground and buried her face in her hooves.

“It’s all over. What am I going to do?”

“What indeed, my little pony?”

Trixie’s eyes widened and she stood. Then she fell into a bow. The Princess of the Night was standing before her. Her wings were flared out, her horn was as majestic as Trixie had been told it was and her coat was a lovely dark blue. Stars swirled in her mane.

“P-P-Princess Luna.”

Princess Luna. Nightmare Moon. The Mare in the Moon whom her mother taught her would gobble her up if she misbehaved or didn’t go to bed on time or didn’t eat her vegetables.

“Please don’t eat me, Princess!”

Nightmare Moon/Princess Luna rolled her eyes.

“Contrary to an unusual popular belief we do not practice cannibalism.”

“You must be here to punish the Meek and Humble Trixie. Surely you’ve heard of what I’ve done.”

“We did sense dark magic in this area and came to investigate. Lady Twilight Sparkle explained to us that you were in possession of Sombra’s Amulet and made quite a nuisance of thineself.”

“It’s true. It’s all true. The Humble and Repentant Trixie-wait Sombra’s Amulet? I had the Alicorn Amulet.”

“It goes by many names, but it was forged by Sombra in the furnace of dark magic in the deepest pits of Tartarus.”

“Sombra? Trixie has heard that name. She demands you explain-humbly, of course.”

“Very well, yon strange pony. Sombra sought a way to increase his magic so he went to Tartarus and with the sacrifice of one-hundred foals and other acts of wickedness created a conduit for demonic forces that would empower his magic. Those demonic forces are still active, I’m afraid.”

Trixie forced herself not to wretch. “Demons? You’re saying Trixie was possessed by demons?”

“Yes.”

“Are…are you here to execute me?” Trixie whimpered. She bowed her head to the ground. “Trixie knows she deserves it, but please try to find mercy in your heart.”

“Very few crimes in our own era were punishable by death and even fewer in this one. Intentional homicide and black magic if we’re not mistaken. Though thine soul has been tainted with black magic.”

Trixie gulped. “Please, Princess. I thought you’d understand. You too were corrupted by evil forces.”

“For which we served one-thousand years of banishment.”

Trixie recoiled at the implication. “No! Trixie couldn’t take banishment! Death would be better!” She paused, “Though I should probably leave Equestria anyway because everypony hates me!”

She was surprised to feel the Princess's gentle hoof as the alicorn stroked her mane.

“We are neither here to banish you nor to escort you to the gallows. But if you expect sympathy because of our similar situations you severely underestimate how deeply we hate ourselves for what we became when we were Nightmare Moon.”

“If you are not here to punish Trixie why are you here?”

“To purify you.”

“What?” Trixie looked up at her. “What are you talking about?”

“I had an experience with the Amulet.” She said. Slowly tendrils of shadow wrapped themselves around Trixie’s legs, lifting up her rear.

“What are you doing? Trixie demands to know!” Trixie said, struggling against the shadows. They only tightened their hold on her as her rump was lifted up. Luna walked behind her.

“After defeating Sombra we found the amulet and put it on. It was common in those days to wear the regalia of a defeated enemy, an extension of the idea that to the victor go the spoils. Celestia saw how it corrupted us and forced us to stop wearing it. But it was too late. We were already turned and demonic entities had already invaded our mind. Say, were you ever spanked as a filly?”

Trixie was alarmed by the sudden change of subject. “Trixie’s parents didn’t believe in discipline.”

“That explains a great deal.” She summoned a whip made of many tendrils of shadow. “We are in fact relieved that Sister did not attempt to purify us. We got a smack from her solar whip once and had to sleep on our stomach for a week. Of course, that would have been better than our millennium on the moon.”

Trixie struggled in her bonds. “You have to be joking! Trixie is not a foal!”

“This is necessary, Lady Trixie.”

“No! Please!”

“If it’s any consolation, this hurts me more than it hurts you.”

Luna readied the shadow whip, lifting it high in the air and bringing it down with a resounding slap across Trixie’s hindquarters. Trixie cried

out and squirmed while Luna flicked the whip over and over, raining down a barrage of spanks across her rump. Pink crisscross marks began to appear as Luna continued the spanking. She alternated, giving several blows to one side of Trixie’s rear, then began focusing the whip on the other side of her now reddening flank. Trixie continued to cry out and writhe with each smack of the lash to her behind. Tears fell freely down her face.

“No! I’m the Great and Powerful Trixie! You can’t do this to the Great and Powerful Trixie!”

“And why not?” Luna asked swishing the lash firmly across Trixie’s behind. “What makes thee so special?”

“Because I’m great and powerful!”

She began to heave under the heavy blows. In addition to the pain in her hindquarters that each spank from the whip brought there was a gurgling in her stomach.

“I am Trixie the Great and Powerful!”

Her eyes began to glow red.

“I will wash mine hooves in thine blood for this insolence!”

Luna almost lazily continued her barrage of spanks to Trixie’s now flame-red rear. “Do tell, Shadow.”

Trixie opened her mouth as her stomach gave a great heave and a great black cloud belched out from her mouth, thousands of serpents made from living shadow crawled from between her lips. She cried, but not from pain. Luna rose the whip again and finished by giving ten hard slaps to Trixie’s flame-red flanks. Trixie pressed her face into the ground. The snakes dissolved.

“W-what was that?” Trixie asked.

“The demons that had possessed thee.”

“They’re gone?”

“I would believe so. The purpose of the whipping was to drive them out.”

“I…I…Oh, Celestia…”

“Mine sister is not here. But I am.” Luna said, releasing Trixie from her bonds. Trixie wept piteously into the ground. “All I ever wanted was to be loved! But then stupid Twilight showed me up! Now nopony loves me and I got possessed by demons and I’m a terrible pony and-”

Luna wrapped the sobbing showmare into a hug, gently stroking her mane while she cried into her shoulder.

“We…I know what it’s like, Trixie. When nopony appreciates you. When nopony cares about you and you feel all alone in the world. Even if you’re not alone and there are ponies that care about you it still hurts.” Luna said, while stroking the younger pony’s back.

“I just want this pain to go away. Not the one in my flank. The pain in my heart. I want to be adored. Is that so wrong?”

“I don’t think it is.”

“B-but what am I going to do now? My career is over.”

“What if I could offer you a new start?” Luna asked, continuing to cradle Trixie.

“You could do that?”

“Of course. Come to Canterlot. Be my new apprentice.”

“Princess, I…”

“You will have a room in the castle. Of course access to certain things-certain books in the library, for example-will be restricted until you complete your studies. But you’ll have the chance to start over. I’ll even guarantee you a spot on the Canterlot circuit.”

“Why are you being so nice to me?”

“Because I do know what it’s like to be so insanely jealous that you lose all reason and I think you need a second chance.”

Trixie hugged her. “Thank you, Princess. I accept your kind offer."

Luna let her go and stood. "Then follow me. There is a waiting chariot. I could have thine room prepared ere midnight."

Trixie followed her princess and new teacher to the chariot to which two batponies were hitched. Luna got in and Trixie got in behind her.

Then the cart flew off, bearing Trixie into a new and suddenly brighter future.

Fluttershy ran the duster along the tallest of her shelves, her wings fluttering as she finished up her chores. Angel and the rest of her animals had been fed, her little cottage had been dusted and all that was left to do was visit Rarity at the spa. It was time for their wekly meet-up and every aching muscle in Fluttershy’s body was longing for the warm waters of a Jacuzzi. Her back was aching and her stomach was churning with pain. This week had been more than stressful.

'Yeah and whose fault was that?' A nasty voice said in the back of her mind. Fluttershy sighed. It had been her fault. She banished those thoughts.

'I am simply not going to think about Iron Will and that’s that.'

She fluttered down to the ground and then trotted from her cottage onto the verdant field that surrounded it. Her cottage was a wonder of architecture, fused and built into the bark of a living tree. Surrounding it was the Everfree Forest, a wild and untamed land full of monsters. Most, if not all, of those monster’s acknowledged Fluttershy as their caretaker and whenever they were injured they came to her. Her healing hooves and gentle soul were well-known and her reputation was growing. She crossed the narrow bridge that spanned the crystal clear blue lake that separated her cottage from the rest of her town. The day was tranquil and the sky was clear, rays of Celestia’s sun caressing the face of the earth. One look to the heavens told her she was nearly late for her appointment. Not wanting to miss one of the small pleasures in her life she hurriedly galloped through town, only stopping when she reached the center. She was now out of breath and had to take a few moments to recover.

“Fluttershy, are you alright Darling?” An elegant voice spoke behind her. Fluttershy turned. Rarity was behind her. The unicorn placed a hoof on her shoulder.

“I didn’t want to be late for our spa date.”

“Well, let’s get going.” Rarity said. “I was afraid I was going to be late since I was caught up on making several new garments for my fall line.”

“Oh? What’s in this season?” Fluttershy asked as they walked into the spa. Together they sank into the warm waters of the Jacuzzi.

“Pastels are getting popular again.” Rarity said as the waters carried away their worries.

“If you wouldn’t mind, can I do some modeling for you?” Fluttershy asked.

“Oh, certainly Darling. In fact, I need somepony with your body type for this one dress I’m working on. I’ve always wondered why you didn’t enjoy your modeling career more. You always seem to like doing it for me.”

Fluttershy sank deeper into the water. “Oh, I enjoy modeling. I just don’t like doing it in front of a lot of ponies. I don’t like doing anything in front of too many ponies.”

“Ah, I see. So I get to keep you all to myself. Lucky me.” Rarity said throwing an arm around Fluttershy’s shoulder. “So, I got us a special. I thought you might be a bit frazzled after certain unfortunate events so I bought you a special preening massage with Lotus.”

“Preening massage? Those are really expensive.”

“Oh, don’t you worry. I paid for it.”

“Rarity…you didn’t have to…I mean I don’t really deserve something like this.”

“Oh, don’t be silly. You’re one of my best friends and I wanted to do something nice for you.”

“But I haven’t been nice to you.”

“Like I told you. We’ve all made mistakes and said things we later regretted. Why just last week I nearly made Sweetie Belle cry after scolding her for tracking mud in. I really need to be more careful with that poor dear’s feelings.”

“No, this is different. I deliberately hurt you.”

“It’s in the past.” Rarity said through nearly gritted teeth. Lotus walked up.

“Are you ready for your massages, Ladies?”

“Certainly, Darling.”

Rarity and Fluttershy got out from the Jacuzzi and followed the two spa workers. Lotus led Fluttershy to a small, white room in the back and bid her to lay down on a table. Fluttershy laid on her stomach and rested her chin on the pillows that had been piled up on the edge. Lotus took a brush and began running it down Fluttershy’s wings. In spite of herself, Fluttershy made squeaks of pleasure. Her wings were overdue for a preening.

“Is Madame alright? Madame has much tension in her shoulders. The muscles are tight.”

“No. No, I’m fine.” Fluttershy said as Lotus continued to softly stroke her wings. Fluttershy fell into a happy daze and before she knew it the massage was over. She gave her wings a few experimental flaps and was pleased to find them healthy and feeling better than they had in days. All the broken or loose feathers had been brushed away and collected in a pile.

“Thank you, Lotus! That was wonderful.”

“It was my pleasure.” Lotus said, laying down the massage brush. Fluttershy went from the massage room and found Rarity waiting in the hall. She had a relaxed expression.

“That was an incredible massage. Aloe has such gentle hooves. My back feels so calm. All the tension just melted away.”

“They’re both good.” Fluttershy stretched and found the tension in her back and shoulders gone. Not surprising as preening was about the most pleasant activity a pegasus could do. There was still a bad feeling in her stomach. It wasn’t hunger as she had just eaten.

“Fluttershy, are you alright?”

“Oh, Yes. Yes I’m…fine.”

“We’ve been friends for a long time. When you say you’re fine in that voice it means you’re not fine.”

Fluttershy scuffed at the ground. “Oh? I’m sorry.”

“Fluttershy, you know you can tell me if something’s bothering you right?”

“Of course.” Fluttershy said as the two ponies trotted onto the street. The market was open and in full swing. Everywhere Fluttershy looked she saw ponies selling their wares, buying, trading, bartering, arguing over prices. One brown stallion jealously guarded his cherries which were, she noticed, two bits. There was a slight tremor as she forced her wings not to flare out in a threat display.

'That stupid stallion. He’s the reason it all happened. No, that’s not fair. That’s not fair at all.'

Rarity noticed the quick twitch in her friend’s wings.

“Darling, is it about Iron Will?”

“Please don’t talk about him. Please.” Fluttershy whimpered.

“I’ve already forgiven you, you know that right?”

“Of course you have. Everypony always does.” Fluttershy muttered.

“And what does that mean?”

Fluttershy forced a fake smile. “Nothing, Rarity. Say, would you like to go to Sugarcube Corner?”

“No. We are going back to my place and you are going to tell me what’s wrong.”

‘No. I’m fine. Please.”

“You are not fine.” Rarity said. “And we’re going to talk about it.”

“Um. Okay. Yes ma’am.” Fluttershy meekly said as she followed the seamstress. She was silent, her head hanging low as they approached Carousel Boutique.

“Let’s go to my room.” Rarity said. Fluttershy nodded. When they got to her room Fluttershy couldn’t help but gawk at how pretty her large, white-sheeted bed was. It was covered in thick blankets and throw pillows. Colorful jewels and trinkets lined the shelves, each meticulously organized.

“Alright, Darling. We’re safe here. Tell me what’s wrong.”

Fluttershy lifted her head though her tail continued to droop on the ground.

“Do I have to?” She asked. Rarity sat on the bed and motioned for Fluttershy to join her which she did.

“I’m your friend, right?”

“Yes, of course.”

“So, why don’t you trust me enough to tell me what’s wrong? I just want to help you, that’s all.”

“It’s embarrassing.”

“I’ll make a guess. You still feel guilty about Iron Will correct?”

The blush on Fluttershy’s face answered that question. “I was really mean to you.” Before Rarity could speak up Fluttershy continued.

“And it’s not just that. How about how I acted at the Gala? I was terrible.”

“I thought we agreed to never speak of the Gala ever again.”

“And there was that time I stole the Princess’s pet and the Princess forgave me. Which was nice and everything, but I committed a crime. I could probably get away with murder if I really wanted to.”

“And this bothers you?”

Fluttershy nodded. “I was like that as a filly too. I could get away with anything. So, I keep doing all these terrible things.”

“Fluttershy I really don’t think you’re that bad.”

“Maybe not. But that doesn’t stop me from feeling guilty. Every time I do something wrong I feel awful, but I keep doing them.” She teared up then those tears sprang free from her eyes. “I just keep doing them and I don’t know how to stop.” She sobbed, burying her head in Rarity’s shoulder.

“Darling, what do you want? Do you want to be punished?”

“M-maybe. Maybe if I had to face the consequences of my actions I’d actually think things through for once.”

Rarity sighed. “If you were punished would it make you feel less guilty?”

“Maybe it would. I…I think it would.”

“If Sweetie Belle had done something like what you did I’d have put her in time-out and, well, spanked her.”

Fluttershy gulped.

“Would you like me to do something like that?”

Fluttershy nodded. “Y-yes. Please.”

“Very well. Muzzle in the corner, young filly.” Rarity said, taking Fluttershy by the shoulder and gently leading her. Fluttershy leaned against the corner.

“You’re twenty, right?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll come back in twenty minutes. You had best be in the corner when I come back.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

Rarity left the room and went down to put some tea on. She gave one last look at Fluttershy leaning against the wall, her muzzle pressed against it like a filly being chastised.

'Good Lady, she looks adorable like that. All she needs is a school-filly outfit.' Rarity thought as she went down stairs. She got a pot and filled it with water while thinking about the fact that she was about to spank her friend.' I hope this gets rid of her guilt.' She thought as she poured herself a cup of tea and drank it. Once the twenty minutes has passed she walked back up to her room Fluttershy was still in the corner. She sat on her bed.

“Come here.”

The yellow pegasus walked forward. Rarity took the pegasus by the shoulder and bent her across her lap. Fluttershy’s rump was slightly lifted up as she laid in a prone position. Rarity laid a hoof on her shoulder.

“Why am I spanking you?” She asked.

“B-because I was mean to everypony?”

Rarity lifted her hoof and landed a light swat to the right side of Fluttershy’s rear. Fluttershy jumped slightly.

“That’s right. I’m disappointed by your behavior.” Rarity said, landing a spank with each word. “You’re better than that.” Her hoof moved in a steady rhythm as she continued smacking Fluttershy’s rump. Fluttershy tried to lay still, but squirmed with each spank. She laid her head on the bed while Rarity’s landed several spanks to each side of her rear. Soon, she began to cry. Rarity paid no mind, continuing the spanking. Her yellow bottom was soon turning red beneath the light blows from Rarity’s hoof. Rarity slowly increased the force of the spanks while Fluttershy squirmed. Rarity let loose a barrage of spanks to the left side of Fluttershy’s bum. The pegasus squirmed and cried out, but then forced herself to stay still as the well-deserved spanks continued to rain down on her bottom. Rarity moved her hoof, beginning a barrage of firm smacks to the left side of Fluttershy’s rear.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” Fluttershy cried out. Rarity stroked her mane, but continued peppering her bum with hard spanks. She unleashed a barrage of quick, hard spanks while Fluttershy squirmed and kicked. Rarity swatted her twice on her the back of her legs, then moved back up to landing spanks on her rump. Finally, she decided it was enough and ended with three quick, light swats. Fluttershy cried and sobbed over her lap. Rarity caressed and stroked her well-spanked backside.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”

“Shh, it’s over now. It’s over now, Darling.” Rarity cooed, pulling Fluttershy into a hug. They laid on the bed and Fluttershy latched her arms around Rarity, laying her head into Rarity’s chest fur. Rarity rubbed circles on her back till the cries turned into sniffles then stopped altogether.

“Feel better now?” Rarity asked, cuddling the pegasus into her chest. Fluttershy burrowed into Rarity’s arms.

“I do.” Fluttershy said. She looked up and smiled, a true, genuine smile. “Thank you, Rarity. I feel better now.”

“And I do forgive you.”

“I know. But can we stay like this?”

“For as long as you need to.” Rarity answered as they snuggled into each other. Rarity summoned a hairbrush and ran it through Fluttershy’s mane. Fluttershy sighed in contentment as Rarity brushed her mane, gently getting the knots out. Until the late afternoon they stayed cuddled in one another’s arms, Fluttershy feeling happier than she had in a long time.