Ponyville was a hive of activity. It was an especially apt metaphor as it was the construction of the new Blue Hive that was the source of much of that activity, as well the reason for the growth in both the population and the businesses that catered to them.

Free had moved all his tunnelers to Ponyville for the project as they were no longer needed in the Crystal Empire. The intervening weeks between the battle and the start of construction had been spent repairing and improving the stark tunnels and chambers of the Empire hive for the benefit of the changelings still there, but when the new hive was finished, only the dormant soldier drones would be left behind, and they neither needed nor cared about anything done to improve their quarters. The tunneler drones were close to being ecstatic at their change of location. Unlike the soldier drones, they were fully developed and as intelligent as the average pony, and the mind-numbing work that Chrysalis had been forcing them to do for years was finally behind them.

It was not just the changeling tunnelers who were working on the new hive however. By Free’s decree, this was a joint project between the changelings, ponies, and a few griffons, and it was the latter two who needed accommodation, food, and entertainment, while the changelings reaped the positive emotions of the happy workers. Most of the time, the working relationship between species was extremely good, mostly because bigoted ponies were weeded out of the workforce before they got the chance to foment discontent. There was a huge advantage in having an employment officer who could taste their real feelings about their potential workmates.

Nevertheless, there is always potential for conflict, and ironically a lot was coming from near the top of the hierarchy. That morning, the Herd Path members were inspecting the progress of the new hive which was already making quite an impression on the local landscape. A very large honeycomb-like structure of glass and steel in a dome formation marked the entrance to the hive, and while for now it was merely providing a sheltered and well-lit area for the workers to prepare materials, in the future it would be the main interface area between the changelings and all other species. Most of the real hive though was being built into the mountainside and out of sight, but the exact design had been a major source of contention between the main architects. The foursome became aware of a considerable amount of aggravated squawking coming from a room ahead.

“They’re at it again,” Roseclaw commented.

“Who?” Path asked.

“Techbird and Clue.”

Free sighed. “Not that again?”

Roseclaw nodded regretfully. “Yes, again.”

They walked into the room that was currently serving as the design and planning office, and witnessed Techbird and a male griffon with blue feathers and black fur screeching at each other in Griffish. Clue had wanted to keep his pony persona separate from his changeling work in case he wanted to go back to his pony career, and so he had taken on another form specifically so he could work with Techbird in the construction of the hive. It would be a while yet before there would be harvesters to train, and this put his knowledge and experience to best use in the meantime. However, his traditional views frequently conflicted with Techbird’s modern style of doing things, and arguments were frequent.

Path raised his voice. “What are you two arguing about this time?”

“It’s the color scheme that he wants – it’s all wrong!” Techbird protested.

“It’s normal Blue Hive colors! This is still the Blue Hive, isn’t it?” Clue retorted.

“It’s boring and old-fashioned!”

“It’s normal and comforting!”

“I’m here to bring a changeling hive into the modern age, and I say this needs updating, changeling!”

“And I’m here to tell you how a hive actually works, griffon!”

“QUIET!” Free yelled.

Both griffons looked at Free in surprise.

Free frowned at them. “As queen of this hive, I want it to look exciting and new without compromising what we are. One major thing has changed – and that’s me. Perhaps we should call this the Chrome Hive now. I want it to reflect the new age we’re heading into, so find an artistic type who can find a suitable compromise between you two. Got it?”

“Yes, sir,” they chorused.

Free inclined his head towards the door. “Let’s get on with the inspection and see if they’ve managed to work out the other details together yet?”

The tour of inspection went well, with only a few notes taken on minor things that they wanted altered. On their way back out, they passed by the site office once more. Again there were noises coming from the room, but this time it consisted of crooning and clucking. They cautiously peeked inside, and then stepped away hurriedly.

“Are you kidding me?” Path said incredulously. “An hour ago, they were ready to bite each other’s head off!”

Free and Twilight were chuckling, and Roseclaw responded, “Aggression is very much part of passion, you know?”

Path rolled his eyes. “Griffons have to be the horniest creatures that I know!”

Roseclaw gave him a wing-hug. “And you love it!”

Path had to join in the laughter.

“Actually, this brings up something that I’ve noticed lately,” Twilight said. “There seems to be an increase in general in sexual relations with changelings that is far above my expectations.”

“Can’t blame griffons for all of that,” Roseclaw responded with a grin.

“No, but I think I can blame Free.”

“What? Me?” Free said in surprise. “Hey, if it’s about me having sex with the hive breeders to get a new generation of hive workers under way…”

Twilight waved him off. “It has nothing to do with that, and stop worrying about my feelings about it. I completely understand the need, and in fact knew you would have to before the wedding. I married a changeling queen under no illusions as to your nature, and I have absolutely no regrets about that. However, it’s because you are a queen that I believe that this wave of sexual urges is happening. Remember what the other queens told you? Well, I think you’re going into breeding mode, and that’s affecting all your drones.”

“But Clue isn’t even connected to my hive-mind!” Free protested.

“Tell that to all the mares who got pregnant as a consequence of your lust spells in the Crystal City,” Twilight reminded him.

“I haven’t done that since!”

“No, not deliberately, but as a queen, you can transmit as well as take in emotions, and I think your control of your sexual urges is slipping as you start to go into heat.”

Free looked shocked. “I was hoping that wouldn’t happen for years!”

Twilight shook her head. “I guessed it would happen sooner. Breeding is your natural urge, and it’s been triggered by acquiring the hive-mind and taking over the hive. You might have been repressing it, but nature will take its course.”

Free stopped and stared at his feet for a long moment while the others waited patiently. Eventually he sighed and said, “You’re right. Now that I think about it and pay attention to my feelings, I can tell that I must be going into heat. The thing is, I still haven’t figured out what to do.”

Twilight hugged him. “You have to decide on a suitable mate to impregnate you. I… there’s a spell… a gender-swap spell that I could use… that is if you really want to….”

Free put a single talon over Twilight’s lips to stop her talking. “No, Twi. I would love it if my child was sired by you, but I know that you don’t really want to become a stallion. It’s not you – you’re very much a mare, and I don’t want you to feel obligated to be anything that you don’t really desire to be. There is one other close to me though who would make a perfect sire, but he’s always rejected me before.”

All eyes turned to Path who gulped at all the attention.

“Free… I never wanted to have sex with you because I didn’t want to spoil what we already had between us. You’re my soul-brother, the one who has always been there for me since we were foals. But just because our relationship has been perfect without sex, it doesn’t mean that I can’t be there for you if you truly need me.”

Free stepped up to Path and put one of his taloned feet on Path’s shoulder. Looking him directly in the eyes, Free said, “Long Path, will you do me the honor, the pleasure, and the utmost joy of siring our child?”

Path smiled lovingly. “I will.” He then kissed Free.

Surprised at first, Free quickly responded. As they were absorbed in each other, Free’s form was briefly lit by magic fire, although he seemed to be unchanged. Roseclaw noticed a difference though.

“Free’s changed into a female.”

Twilight nodded. “It’s beginning. I don’t think Free even noticed changing.” She looked at Roseclaw. “Does it bother you that Path is going to mate with Free?”

Roseclaw shook her head. “He is my warrior and my herd stallion both. He has chosen a mate from his herd and that satisfies me. They will make a child who will bring honor to our House.”

Twilight had to admire her House-mate’s attitude to the situation, and hoped that she could match it.

When Free and Path stepped apart again, Roseclaw asked, “So, when will you mate?”

Free replied, “I’m not sure if I’m quite ready yet. Maybe tonight. Now that I’m not ignoring my body’s signals, I think I’ll know when it’s time.”

“Meanwhile, you think you can ease up on broadcasting your feelings to everyone?” Path asked.

Free just grinned in response.

The evening family time ended as normal with Streak reluctantly being put to bed. When Path returned from tucking in the colt, he found a slightly familiar earth pony mare waiting with Twilight and Roseclaw. She was the epitome of pony femininity, with voluptuous curves, magnificent mane and tail, and bedroom eyes which she fluttered at him. Her cutie mark was a dead give-away though.

“I take it that you’re ready to mate, Free?” Path asked her.

“Yes. You like?” Free answered as she modeled her new form sexily for him.

Path considered his response before replying, “Nope.”

Free blinked in surprise. “Wha…? Why?”

“This isn’t you. I intend to make love with Free Agent, not some fantasy mare.”

Free stared at Path for a long moment before a smile grew on her face. Magic fire flared, and Free changed form. She was still an earth pony mare, but in Free’s familiar brown fur and red mane, and without the exaggerated feminine features. “Better?”

“Perfect,” Path agreed.

Free turned to Twilight and said, “Wish me luck, darling.”

Twilight kissed her on the cheek. “You don’t need luck, but you have my best wishes anyway. Enjoy yourselves!”

“Do us proud, my warrior,” Roseclaw told Path.

“I will, love. Are you ready, Free?”

“As much as I’ll ever be, I suppose.”

Path held out his right foreleg and took Free’s, and they walked out of the room together. They made their way to the big communal bedroom and got onto the huge bed.

Free hesitated and then said, “For the first time in my life, I think I’m nervous about having sex. How do you want to begin?”

Path smiled. “We already began this morning. Let’s take it up from there.” He then pulled Free into a fervent kiss, expressing his love for his soul-mate, and the changeling melted in his grasp.

“I love you, Long Path. Take me – I’m forever yours.”

Almost as soon as Path and Free had left the room, Roseclaw headed towards the balcony.

“Where are you going, Rose?”

Roseclaw turned and grinned. “Do you think I’m going to miss witnessing my warrior’s mating?”

“You’re going to spy on them?” Twilight said incredulously.

“No, I’m going to witness. By griffon tradition, a harem’s first wife makes sure her co-wives’ matings go well.”

Twilight blinked in surprise at that revelation. “Really?”

Roseclaw’s grin grew wider. “No. I’m just horny as hell and want to watch. Wanna come?”

Twilight snorted in amusement. “Path was right about you griffons.”

Roseclaw cocked an inquiring eyebrow at her. “So, yes or no?”

The alicorn stood there for a long moment, contemplating the question. Then she shrugged. “Why not? I’m feeling a bit naughty too. Free is a bad influence on me.”

“That’s part of why you love him,” Roseclaw said as she opened the balcony door.

“I know,” Twilight admitted as they took off from the balcony.

They flew to the balcony of their communal bedroom, guessing correctly that it was their mates’ room of choice. The curtain was drawn, but that problem was quickly resolved by Twilight’s magic. The couple inside were too engrossed in each other to notice, and the ladies watched in silence for a while.

“Path has quite the talent for kissing,” Twilight whispered.

“He sure does,” Roseclaw replied smugly. “I gave him good reason to practice.”

Twilight giggled. “Maybe Free will try that on me… ooooooh!”

Path was working his tongue down Free’s body, pausing to nibble here and there until he reached her teats. He flicked his tongue over the nipples until they became quite hard, and then he kissed those too before briefly sucking on them.

“Hoo! You… you’re not going to get milk… haa… out of those,” Free said as he panted in arousal.

“Do you care?” Path asked before going back to sucking.

“Buck, no!”

Roseclaw licked her beak. “I taught him that. Such a turn-on for me!”

Twilight said nothing, but she had an empathic response to seeing it that made her udders tingle too.

Path was nowhere near done though, and his snout shifted to between Free’s legs. He nuzzled Free’s sex, breathing in her scent. The changeling mare’s pheromones mimicked a real pony’s, and the stallion’s arousal grew. He licked her sex and tasted her readiness. Pushing his tongue between her labia, he found her clitoris and teased it.

Free gasped and her back arched in pleasure.

Twilight also gasped as she felt it also, and Roseclaw groaned in deep arousal.

“What… what’s happening?” the griffon gasped.

Twilight quickly understood the reason. “It’s our link with Path. Oooh! I told you that it would be permanent. Ohhh! Their mutual arousal has activated it.”

“You mean we’re feeling what Path is feeling on top of our own?” Roseclaw’s foreleg moved down to between her legs and she started rubbing her sex.

Twilight was starting to have a hard time concentrating on what Roseclaw was saying as she was being distracted badly. Eventually, between moans of arousal, she replied, “Yes… exactly. #pant# Worse for me. #pant# My bond with #pant# Free means I’m #pant# feeling what #pant# she’s feeling too! Aaaaaaaaah”

Because Free had started in a high state of arousal, she was already orgasming from the stimulation. She gasped, “I can’t stand it, Path! Take me! Take me now!”

Path had intended to prolong the foreplay, but he also was feeling far too stimulated. His penis had fully engorged almost from the beginning. He shifted forward until he was nearly face to face with Free once more, and his penis pushed up against Free’s sex. Her labia parted and he entered her, thrusting deep into her. Free cried out in pleasure and threw a foreleg around Path’s neck to pull him further into her.

Roseclaw squawked and threw herself upon Twilight, but managed to restrain herself at the last moment from doing more. “Twi… I have to… I need to….”

Twilight barely could think straight anymore, but she knew one thing for certain. “Me too… Do it! Please!” She almost screamed that last bit.

Roseclaw’s self-restraint melted, and she urgently humped her alicorn herd-mate. Neither had experience with lesbian sex before, but necessity made them learn fast.

None of the participants noticed when all four achieved full gestalt once more, but when their experiences were shared completely, it resulted in a massive mutual orgasm. Path’s penis gushed with semen, and all four felt it throb and pulse more into Free’s vagina. Free felt it filling her up, but so did the others, including Path. The pleasure of each built upon all the others until it was too much to bear, and they collapsed in two gasping and heaving piles.

It was several long minutes before any of them recovered from the sensory overload, but of course it was Free who came to her senses first. Even she had been overwhelmed by the sheer amount of positive emotion generated by their encounter, but she finally metabolized it and gave Path a shake. The stallion had slumped on top of her, still buried deep within her, and she regretted having to shift him. She rolled to the side and Path slid off. The stallion moaned a little and his eyes fluttered open.

“Free…?”

“Take it easy, stud. I gotta do something.” Free slid off the bed, aware of the cum leaking from her nether region, but not caring. She made her way over to the balcony doors and opened them. Roseclaw had been slumped against them, and she rolled into the room, freeing up Twilight who moaned just like Path had.

Roseclaw gave Free a guilty smile. “Hi there.”

Free said, “Ladies, if you felt even half of what I did, that has got to be the most awesome sex I’ve had in my life! However, I’m still horny, so why don’t you join us instead of watching?”

The link was still active between them, and telling them her state of arousal was completely superfluous. And while she was horny, so were they. However, all had been affected by their first encounter, and their needs were different.

Twilight staggered to her hooves. “Free… I want… I need him,” she said shakily.

Free kissed her. “I know, love. It’s exactly what I was feeling, so now you need him to give you relief too. Go!”

“Thank you!” she cried, and stumbled over to Path.

Path recognized what she was going through – after all, he could feel it too. However, he was still hesitant. “Are you sure about this, Twilight?”

Twilight climbed onto the bed next to him, saying, “I could have fallen for you before Free started courting me. Now you’re my herd-mate and lead stallion, and I love you almost as much as Free. If you want justification, there it is, but the truth is that I burn for you right now, and you know why. Make love to me, Path. Fill me like you just did with Free. I need you in me now!”

Path could not resist anymore because the urge was mutual. He pulled Twilight down to him and kissed her deeply. When they parted, she twisted around and lifted his penis and licked the cum still leaking from its tip. Path moaned in renewed arousal as Twilight continued licking it, and then she took it into her muzzle and sucked it.

Very soon, Path cried, “Sweet Celestia, Twilight! I won’t be able to hold back if you keep that up!”

Twilight quit her oral stimulation and swung her body over his. Her sex was leaking love fluids copiously, and Path’s penis slid in without hesitation after she pushed it into position. When it was in as far as it could go, she started bouncing up and down, moaning in pleasure each time it thrust back and forth.

Meanwhile, Roseclaw grabbed Free’s mane and pulled him to her. “Damn it, Free! You know that I’m feeling every bit of that too! Help me, for fuck’s sake!”

“Didn’t I once say that I wanted to have sex with you too one day? What’s stopping you now?”

The big griffon hen squawked and pulled Free over to the bed, practically throwing her upon it. The huge bed had plenty of room for the two couples though, and Roseclaw had no trouble getting Free into a 69 position. Soon they both had their tongues working to relieve each other’s building desires.

This time it took longer for the four to reach their mutual orgasm, but when they finally let it come, it was almost as intense as the first. Twilight was filled to overflowing with Path’s seed as she whinnied in deep pleasure. Free practically bucked Roseclaw off as she spasmed in orgasm, but the griffon barely noticed as she was cumming just as hard.

They lay on the bed, gasping and shaking from a second massive shared ultimate pleasure, but at last they all felt relief as the intense need abated. Twilight slid off Path’s cock and onto the mattress between him and Free, and she never felt so cozy and content in her life. They all bathed in the warmth of the afterglow, none of them feeling the need to talk as they all knew what the others had felt. The pleasure and the love they shared was absolutely undeniable, and they were more closely bonded than ever before.

Eventually Twilight said, “Now I know what it feels like to have a penis.”

Path snorted in amusement. “And I know what it feels like to have one inside of me. Wow, talk about weird!”

There were chuckles from all the females before Twilight replied, “Y’know, sex between us is never going to be the same again, no matter how far apart we get? We’ve just made the bond between us so strong that we’ll always be able to feel each other.”

Path replied, “Do you regret it?”

“To know without even the slightest shred of doubt that one is loved? How could I possibly regret that? It might complicate things for us a little though.”

“How so?” Roseclaw asked.

“Whenever one of us feels some very intense emotion, it will trigger the link and affect the rest of us. And I’m not just talking about sex either. Inevitably, something will happen to one of us that could cause problems for the rest of us.”

Free said, “Speaking as someone who has fed on emotions all my life, you will probably get used to it. The ups tend to greatly outnumber the downs when we share our lives like we do.”

Twilight turned her head to kiss Free. “And that’s another reason why I don’t regret it. However, I think there’s one thing left to make this night complete.”

“Oh? What’s that, Sparkles?”

Twilight gave him a sultry smile. “Finishing off with our spouses!”

Free grinned. “Sounds good to me. I can’t become male for you though. I have to stay an earth pony mare until I give birth.”

“Do you really think I care? Besides, Rose gave me a few ideas just a little while ago.”

“Works for me, love!”

Roseclaw nodded in approval as the two resumed making love. “That sounds like a good idea to me too.” She climbed over Free and Twilight to flop beside Path. “I’m done with being the aggressor tonight. Take me, my warrior!”

Path did not need any further invitation. His relationship with the griffon hen had taught him well what she liked most, and he held back nothing. She liked it strong and hard, and he was once more a mighty stallion.

The two couples built up their pleasure in a less frenzied, but no less intense manner, and as they neared coitus, once more they joined in their mutual bond of love. They peaked together, sharing their joy unstintingly.

Eventually they had to come down though, and once again they basked in the afterglow. This time though, they started drifting off to sleep, utterly worn out by the intensity of their mating. Free was the last to succumb, but before she did, she gently kissed Path’s muzzle.

“Thank you, my brother and my mate,” she whispered. “You made my life complete.”

The four slept in late, and after a badly needed shower, they sat down to brunch. Everyone’s appetite was enormous except for Free who still felt a bit bloated after the previous night’s activities, but even she felt the need to consume food. Her body was telling her that she was pregnant now, and she had to nourish the new life growing within her.

When Twilight finally finished stuffing her face in her typically unprincesslike fashion, she leaned back with a contented sigh. “I needed that! I want a little time to digest it though. Anyone care to join me on the balcony to take in a bit of sun?”

“Good idea, Twi,” Free said.

“Sure thing, Twilight,” Path replied. “Rose and I will be out as soon as we finish off these waffles with bacon.”

Twilight had gotten inured to the meat-eating, but she still preferred to stick to just fish. Two meat-eating ponies in the family was enough! She trotted out onto the balcony and chose a deck chair to lounge on.

Free just sprawled on the mat next to Twilight and laid her head in the alicorn’s lap with a contented sigh.

Twilight stroked Free’s mane and asked, “How are you enjoying being a pregnant mare, dear?”

“Surprisingly nice. I have this sense of inner fulfillment that I've never felt before. I suppose that’s because I’ve now done what my body is programmed to do, but it’s still pleasant.”

“That’s good. Do you suppose you can turn down the lustful broadcasting now though? I’d like to relax right now.”

Free looked up at Twilight in surprise. “What are you talking about, Sparkles? That stopped the moment my body sensed that the egg was fertilized.”

Twilight blinked in confusion. “But I still feel as if I’m on heat, and since that’s still weeks away, you have to be doing it to me.”

Free held up a hoof. “Not me – scout’s honor!”

“When were you ever a scout?” Twilight replied with a snort of amusement. Then a thought occurred to her. “Sweet Celestia’s teats!”

Free stared in surprise. Twilight had never said that before. “What’s wrong, Twi?”

Twilight looked at her with a mixture of shock and confusion. “I’m not just feeling like I’m on heat; I am on heat. The bond must have triggered it prematurely! And if I’m on heat, the sperm still inside of me can fertilize me. Free, I could be pregnant with Path’s foal!”

Free looked at Twilight with some concern, and held the alicorn’s hoof in hers. “Are you okay, Twilight? That has to be some kind of shock. I know that you didn’t plan to have a foal so soon….”

“I promised to have my first foal with you, Free! You and I were going to choose to create a life between us, and I’ve taken that away from you!”

It dawned on Free what was truly bothering Twilight. “Are you saying that you think I’m upset at not being the sire? Twilight, my beloved mate, after last night, do you really think that matters to me? We are one herd. We are one heart. The child you might have conceived with Path’s seed is our child. That fills me with joy as much as if it had been me that impregnated you. I only care how you feel about this.”

Twilight considered Free’s words and gave her a lopsided smile. “Well, you know how I hate having my schedule disrupted, but a foal is a pretty good excuse, don’t you think?”

“The best, love.” Free then kissed her deeply.

Path and Roseclaw joined them just then.

“What’s the occasion?” Path asked. “I sensed a spike of joy through our bond.”

“I’m probably pregnant,” Twilight responded.

“You too?” Roseclaw replied. “My warrior is a mighty stud!”

“What do you mean, ‘you too’?”

“Griffon hens know when their eggs are fertilized. Just because I wasn’t in heat yesterday, doesn’t mean that my body doesn’t know when it’s pregnant.”

“Wait… what…?” Path said in stunned surprise.

Free laughed and said, “Congratulations, O Herd Path Stallion, you’ve knocked up all your females.”

Path just planted his backside on the balcony floor and stared at them incredulously.

Free said to Twilight, “Hon, if you can, teleport a camera here. I have to get a picture of that face!”

Twilight laughed, and it swept away her remaining fears. She was going to be a mother, and that was a wondrous thing for all of them.

It was a particularly lovely sunset that day, and the foursome were lounging on pillows, enjoying the view while sipping on cold juices after the heat of the day. Free was still in mare form as she had been since the day a month ago when she and Path had first made love, and she could sense the new life growing within her. They were in the middle of a conversation when Free suddenly gasped and changed into her natural changeling form.

“Free, what’s wrong?” Twilight asked with some concern.

“I… I… don’t know. I feel… strange. I… I’m going to….” Her eyes opened wide and she squatted. Moments later, a large steaming egg was deposited on the crystal floor. Free turned to regard the object. “Holy crap! I laid an egg!”

“That’s what changelings do – you know that, Free,” Twilight said with amusement evident on her face.

“I thought it might be different with a pony sire, but I laid an egg!”

Roseclaw looked the egg over. “Yep, you sure did. Bigger than a griffon’s too.”

Free turned to Path and eagerly said, “Look! I laid an egg! That’s our kid.”

“Yeah, she looks just like you too,” he replied drolly.

Free stared at Path for a long moment before bursting into laughter. One change of forms later, and male griffon Free was back, although still chuckling. “Sorry about that, guys – I was a bit shocked. I don’t know what I expected, but it was weird when it happened. Anyway, I’d better call one of my breeders to help me take care of the egg.”

As Free used his link to the hive-mind to call one of the breeders, Twilight asked Path, “Have you thought about a name for her yet?”

“Actually I have. If Free likes it, I’m thinking of calling her Epiphany.”

“Epiphany? How did you come up with that name?”

“Oh, it just came to me in a moment of insight,” he replied with a deadpan face. Moments later, he had to start dodging pillows hurled by the outraged alicorn.

Free grinned at the shenanigans and patted the egg proudly. “My little Pif, you’ve got four crazy parents, one huge family, and a heck of a future ahead of you. Welcome into the world!”

Author's Notes:

Maybe I'm not the greatest clop writer, but the sex wasn't the point of this story. Instead it's all about their unique bond and the consequences of it. I'm always more focused on how the characters feel about each other anyway. This is about how the four have become one family, despite their differences. They are true mates, and their children will always belong to all of them, not just the ones who sired and gave birth to them. However, nobody said you couldn't have some fantastic sex also! Tail high!

Art by Foxenawolf