Author's Notes:

Welcome! Thank you for making it this far. This is the start of the two part epilogue. The epilogue is slightly different from the previous six chapters in that we're finally visiting the elusive 'Clocktower Society' that you've heard mentioned all throughout the story. While I've done my best to try and make this story a standalone experience, it is actually set in Manifest Harmony's Clocktower Society.

What is Clocktower Society, you ask? As Coloratura and Cinnamon Chai said, to put it simply, it is a kink club. But it is quite the gross understatement. It is more an elaborate underground organization backed by elements of various governments worldwide, aiming for one simple thing - the maintenance of a secret utopia of consensual kink and sexual acceptance. Clocktower Society was founded when the six founders of Equestria, in their last most desperate moment, devoted themselves to one another in love. Their love saved Equestria by creating the Fire of Friendship (Devotion) Since then the Society has worked to keep the Fire of Devotion burning by promoting 'acts of devotion', essentially hot kinky consensual sex. It has developed far and wide, becoming a center of consensual sexual openness in a world that is becoming increasingly close-minded and unaccepting of sex and kink. It is the only place where colt-cuddlers, filly-foolers, gender confused ponies, interspecies lovers and futas can find acceptance.

I find the sex-positive and open-minded philosophy of Clocktower Society amazing and, in a strange way, a wholesome way to view kink and sexuality, not as guilty pursuits but as celebrations of love, affection and acceptance. I decided it'd be an interesting way to frame gender orientation, something often viewed by those more close-minded in society in the same deviant light.

If you're interested, I certainly recommend Manifest Harmony's story. It is not entirely necessary to enjoy this story. But those of you who have read the original Clocktower would certainly find plenty of 'aha' moments scattered about this chapter.

The iconic Golden Gallop Bridge was always a sight to behold in the sunset where it spanned guarding the San Franciscolt bay. Especially from where she stood on the pier of Alcolttraz island. Not many get to see this view, especially not ponies who are not part of Clocktower Society. The rest of the public are warned away from the old abandoned prison on Alcolttraz island, marked a derelict dangerous ruin. And if that wasn't enough to ward away prying eyes then the magical wards and charms around the site would turn away even the most foolhardy explorer.

The gentle sea breeze whipped at her long, flowing white dress as she trotted away from the teleporter gate from Manehattan that had spirited her away to this place. The seaside promenade housing the teleporter hub to Equestria's many other major cities as well as Clocktower Equestria East wasn't very busy at that time of the day. She always preferred coming early, allowing her to avoid the queue for the security checkpoint and the train. A few idle seagulls took flight, cawing indignantly at her as she walked up to the security booths at the main gates. They were built to be tall and imposing. The effect certainly wasn't lost on most visitors, that feeling of tension and excitement that served as a preamble for what was to come in the Dungeons below. But for Coloratura this was simply returning home, the home of Clocktower Genderwise, the first home she had ever known.

The guards inspected her Clocktower Society badge before waving her through the magical scanners. Satisfied that she was clear of any magical disguises or mind influencing spells, they allowed her through. A simple but well-appointed garden lay beyond with stairs leading up the main prison building where the site's eponymous Clocktower stood, looming above them like a watchful cyclops. Within were the clockwork elevators that visitors can choose to take into the dungeon levels below. However most visitors including Coloratura would more likely turn right into a building fashioned like a San Franciscolt metro station. 'Sea Dragon Express', the sign above the wide doorway declared. A wide marble staircase beyond descended towards an underground grand hall. Here she was greeted by a grand banner that stretched from the floor to the ceiling.

A bulletin board to one side bore many posters and ads she hadn't seen since she last visited.

The rest of the grand marble hall was host to gates to many smaller departure and arrival platforms. She sought out the nearest departure platform for a carriage. Thankfully there was a carriage waiting there, a spherical bubble-like glass vehicle. A royal guard mare standing on the platform gave her a welcoming nod. "I'd take this one. It's leaving soon." The guard gave her a wink.

"Thanks." Coloratura returned her smile as she climbed onboard.

She wasn't a moment too soon. As soon as she settled into one of the many seats set up in a circle inside the sphere, the speakerphones announced their departure. “Welcome onboard the Sea Dragon Express. We shall shortly be commencing our descent towards Clocktower Equestria West. Estimated Travel Time: 10 Minutes. Passengers are reminded that the carriages are strictly not a play area.” A cool mechanical male voice announced over the automated speakers. “Bulkhead doors now closing. Departing in 5...4...3...2...1”

Coloratura peered out of the domed glass of the spherical carriage. Above her the ocean surface sparkled serenely with the last rays of sunset. A large school of fish rushed by overhead, their silver scales glowing bright orange in the sunset light. There was a loud clank and a hum as the spherical carriage was loaded onto a giant spinning corkscrew-like elevator. The corkscrew began to carry the carriage down into the depths of the ocean from its surface station at Alcoltraz island.

She peered down as the train glided downwards. The curtain of fine bubbles cleared up, revealing her destination - an underwater city of towers and gardens built of red steel, glass and golden arcano-plasteel nestled in the basin of the St. Andneighan fault below. Its towers and garden domes gleamed brightly in the fiery light of sunset. Sunlight sparkled in the water currents curling around the city, their course manipulated by the city’s many hydromancers. The sand currents on the seabed shifted in clouds shepherded by the Clocktower geomancers. The outer wall, built to shield the city against the sand currents, was shaped into the outline of a majestic sun. Truly, this was where the sun set in the west, Clocktower Equestria West.

Above her more carriages were being loaded onto the corkscrew from various other stations along the way, creating a seamless chain of transport to the seabed. To their side another corkscrew would convey carriages upwards to the surface, though the lack of carriages there suggested most ponies would be on their way down at this time of the day, not up. She even spotted a few sea ponies swim by, making their own way down on their own steam.

“If you would look out the windows now you will see Clocktower Equestria West, San Franciscolt, home of the Clocktower Colts.” The automated message system announced. “Built almost 800 years ago in the year 255 of the Age of The Sun, it is considered one of the newer Clocktower sites. It has a long, diverse history, originally built by Clocktower Society members who worshipped the ideals of the matriarchal Sol Celestian Church. Fueled by Clocktower Society Research Laboratories’ unbridled advancements in technology, Clocktower Equestria West was the very pinnacle of Equestrian arcanocraft, engineering and architecture. It had to be, for it was built to remain hidden from public eyes in a very politically and culturally challenging time in the post-Nightmare era when the societal withhunt for ‘queers’, ‘Sombra-slavers’ and ‘lunatics’ remained rampant and unpoliced. It was built to be a safe haven for the scientists and mages of Clocktower, colt-cuddlers, futas and the gender-confused who would later found Clocktower Genderwise, as well as Clocktower culture as a whole.”

Coloratura didn’t hear the rest of the recorded documentary as somepony cleared her throat, obviously seeking her attention. “I beg your pardon, is this seat taken?”

Coloratura frowned at the question. She was quite certain the carriage was practically empty when they departed. Seating shouldn’t be an issue. She was just turning to face the newcomer when she almost jumped in surprise. That beautiful pink fur, that magenta and gold-streaked mane, the royal regalia—

“Princess Cadence?” Coloratura scrambled onto her hooves to curtsy.

“Please, Rara, how many times do I have to tell you we’re best friends!” Cadence laughed, waving Coloratura back into her seat. Her bright tinkling giggle was as Coloratura always remembered it. “Did I surprise you?”

“Pleasantly, Cadence. Always.” Coloratura lapsed back into old habits of addressing her teacher by name.

“Your dress looks absolutely gorgeous,” Cadence gave her long, cascading white silk dress a nod of approval.

“And you are looking as beautiful as ever.” Coloratura smiled down at the Princess’ adorable baby bump.

“I don’t feel it most days,” Cadence giggled as she took the seat next to Coloratura’s “But she is a joy to have around.” She smiled fondly, rubbing a hoof over her own belly.

“May I?” Coloratura asked.

“Please do. I’m sure she’d love to meet her aunty Rara,” Cadence said, allowing her student to reach out and touch her belly.

“Oh, Did you feel that? She kicked!” Coloratura gasped.

“She is quite a kicker.” Cadence nodded. “I just hope she’s not quite as much of a hoofful when she’s born.”

“I’m so jealous.” Coloratura cooed.

Cadence only giggled at her student’s earnestness. “You can always use the Changeling fire kiln at the transformation center and keep up the magic with potions for eleven months. A lot of ponies at Clocktower Equestria West do that. It just takes a lot of patience and perseverance.” Cadence said. “What amazes me most is that the public still buys into the whole ‘magic of love’ thing.”

“Certainly, one day. He deserves a foal of his own. I know he wants one.” Coloratura nodded with a fond smile.

She gasped as she was abruptly pulled into tight hug by her teacher. “Oooh, I feel so much adorably mature love there!” Cadence squeed, pressing her soft plush cheeks tightly against Coloratura’s. “You’ve—you’ve certainly surpassed your teacher.”

“Cadence?” Coloratura frowned. “What do you mean?”

Cadence smiled sadly as she finally released her pupil. “I must apologize, Rara. I was misguided, blinded by my own alicorn aspect. When I first began teaching at Genderwise, I thought I could apply my knowledge of love to help everypony. ‘Love conquers all’, after all.” She gave a bitter chuckle. “You were my best pupil. I thought you would be living proof of my theories, showing the world that Love can make a mare a Mare. Your lesson reports would have been the cornerstone of a whole new philosophy at Genderwise.”

“And I blew it.” Coloratura hung her head. “I’m sorry, I—”

“No, Rara, no.” Cadence pressed a comforting hoof into her withers. “I’m sorry. You suffered because of my flawed theory. I made you build your entire identity on love. I did not—did not even consider the possibility that he’d—” She bowed her head low, tears brimming in her eyes. “I’m so sorry. I’ve wanted to say sorry for so long. I’ve failed you as a teacher, I—” She gasped as she felt a soft front hoof gently brush her tears away.

“It’s alright. I don’t blame you at all.” Coloratura said with a faint smile. “I think we all have our own special something that makes us Us. Love can be that thing. Anything can, whether it be tears and struggles, laughter and victories. But we must realize that what makes us Us is all here, inside us, ours, things nopony can ever take away from us.” Her smile turned bright as the sun. “And in the end I got to meet him, the special somepony who helped me find all the good things inside me that makes me me. And that’s all that matters.”

“You are a brave, amazing, incredible mare, Coloratura,” Cadence whispered in awe. “Your last few letters are now the basis for the shift in paradigm at Genderwise. I think our pupils are now stronger, more resilient and independent than any we’ve produced in the past.”

“Genderwise was where everything began for me, so I’m glad. I really am.” Coloratura smiled.

“You’d always be welcome there. You’re quite the heroine there, you know,” Cadence grinned. “No rush. I know you’re here for something else today. In fact, I actually came to congratulate you in person.”

“Oh,” Coloratura gave a sheepish little squee. “You heard?”

“Yes. I don’t know whether to be happy or upset at you now.” Cadence pouted playfully at her. “Having your eternity collaring without telling anypony? Not even your best friend?”

“S-sorry, we just wanted to keep it quiet. And telling one pony means having to tell everypony.” Coloratura said bashfully.

“Why couldn’t you just have a nice big collaring ceremony?” Cadence tilted her head to one side quizzically. “All of Clocktower Society would turn out to celebrate it. I’d love to catch the bouquet too, or the whip as the case may be.”

“You’re already married!” Coloratura chided with a giggle before settling into a solemn look. “I spend most days sharing a lot of myself with the rest of the world. This is one part of me that I want to be his and his alone. I want to make tonight something special just for him. I know we can't legally be wed outside but we will throw a private little reception in a few months. You'll be invited, off course."

Cadence’s smile turned deep and thoughtful. “You have grown ever so much since the day you set out from Genderwise,” the Princess reminisced fondly, “You left aiming to have the whole world accept you as a mare. You achieved all that and more. But now you’ve found something even more precious to you. I can’t help but feel a little jealous,” she said with a giggle, giving her student a playful nudge.

“Hay! I’m only twenty four! I’m not that old! Mommy!” Coloratura protested, nudging her teacher back.

Cadence gave an exaggerated mock-gasp. “Scandalous! You take that back!”

“MILF!” Coloratura teased.

“You—you jailbait!” Cadence called back.

“Broodmare!”

“Foalcon!”

They collapsed into a laughing heap on top of one another. They laughed and laughed and laughed until their tears ran dry. If it weren’t for the speakers announcing their arrival, they probably would have continued on laughing.

“Welcome to Rapture Station. Please ensure you have all your belongings before alighting the carriage. Enjoy your stay at Clocktower Equestria West.” The speakers announced as the carriage slid out of the corkscrew and into a waiting station platform. There was a loud pneumatic hiss as the bulkhead depressed and swung downwards.

“I’ve always been curious about one thing.” Coloratura suddenly said as they stepped off onto the station platform. “I know you find potential Society members with the help of that kinky story writer and her sales records. But what about us Genderwise members? How did you find us, especially when many of us put a lot of effort into not being found out?”

Cadence’s smile turned playful. “Can you promise to keep a secret?”

Coloratura nodded, solemnly.

“The kinky story writer thing is just a rumour, though it is no coincidence that some ponies first begin to develop an interest after they give them a read,” Cadence whispered with undisguised glee, “The truth is, the Fire of Devotion senses budding devotion. It shows me glimpses of those who belong in the Society, their names, their whereabouts. I would then assign ponies to find them and offer them an invitation.”

“So it chose me?” Coloratura murmured, thoughtfully.

“It did. It was quite insistent about you, actually,” Cadence chuckled. “Now I think I can see why. I’m glad it led me to you.” She smiled endearingly at Coloratura’s bashful blush. “I want to walk you if that’s alright? How far can I come?” Cadence asked as they strolled at a leisurely pace up the station platform.

“Are you sure you’re alright walking around at all?” Coloratura asked, looking down at her belly worriedly.

“Oh, don’t worry. She’s not due for another two months.” Cadence gave a dismissive hoof wave.

Coloratura fidgeted anxiously. “Well, I have been feeling nervous about today. I would love the company.”

“Shall I walk you up the aisle then? Give you away to your stallion?” Cadence winked.

“I don’t think you’d fit in a tuxedo, but you’ll do.” Coloratura giggled.

The two walked on along in companionable silence. The platform looked like any regular station’s, complete with wooden benches and bulletin boards, if regular stations sat in a glass tube under the sea. A short trot took them to the main hall joining all the station platforms, a large pompous work of steel and marble under a ceiling of domed glass. Sunset light filtered by ocean water streamed down to light up the rows upon rows of banners all proudly bearing the Clocktower Society insignia. Rapture station was as much a statement of achievement and pride as it was a transport hub for Clocktower Equestria West.

A few Clocktower royal guards stopped to salute Cadence as they passed by on their patrols. Cadence smiled and greeted them by name, one by one. Coloratura couldn’t help but watch in awe at how well she knew each and every one of her own soldiers. She thought she had begun to get to grips with how to be a leader to her stage crew but she couldn’t help but feel herself pall in comparison to this master of her craft. Other than the guards, the station had a few early birds, mares and stallions, stallions and stallions, even the occasional dragon and gryphon, all holding hooves, claws, other limbs. It was otherwise mostly empty. Coloratura knew it would be much more crowded in an hour’s time when the clocktower on Alcoltraz island struck seven.

Cadence accompanied her past the station’s grand gates. They stood at the top of the station’s wide marble staircase, looking down upon an impressive garden surrounding a moon pool built in the shape of the sun. Towering above them, arising from a pedestal in the center of the moon pool, was a grand statue of the Society’s six founders, the very same ones who founded Equestria. High above them, soaring at the very apex of the dome, was a flame burning a brilliant magenta, its fiery edges flaring in the shape of a heart. It was Clocktower Equestria West’s ‘Fire of Friendship’, or, rather, ‘Devotion’.

Coloratura’s eyes, however, were immediately drawn to something, or, rather, somepony else — A certain stallion dressed in an impeccably pressed suit. He was waiting for her by the moon pool, pacing about restlessly. That was she caught his gaze. His eyes widened, his jaw fell open in worshipful awe. She giggled silently to herself. Her stallion never failed to make her feel beautiful. Beside him stood Mom, dressed in her Sunday best, looking beside herself with tears of joy.

“Ooooh, my baby girl’s finally tying the knot!” Cinnamon Chai was the first to cross the distance, gallop-glomping Coloratura around the neck. “I’m so haaa-aaa-aaa-appy!” She wailed, crying into Coloratura’s neck.

“H-hello, Mom.” Coloratura gave her a watery smile, thanking her earth pony physique for not imploding under the unicorn’s tight hug.

Donut Joe cleared his throat as he finally caught up. “Uh, Mom, I’m kind of your son,” he reminded her.

“You!” Mom growled menacingly at him. “If you dare break my baby girl’s heart, I will hunt you down and by Sombra’s balls I will make you eat sprinkles through a straw for the rest of your life!”

“Don't you think I was meant to give the big brother talk?” Cadence whispered aside to Coloratura.

“I don’t think anypony’s meant to have anything to do with straws, sprinkles or Sombra's balls.” Coloratura whispered back.

“Your Majesty.” Mom released one front hoof from Coloratura’s neck to give Cadence a sharp salute.

“Captain Chai.” Cadence bowed her head to her former Clocktower guard captain in return. “My congratulations to the mother-in-law,” she said with a smile. “Your husband would have been proud.”

“Well, no, he’d be gaping in disbelief that our son managed to score such an amazing catch.” Cinnamon Chai chuckled, nudging her son. Donut Joe only rolled his eyes, smiling fondly at Mom all the while. “But I appreciate the sentiment, your Highness. Thank you.”

“And my congratulations to you, Major Joy.” Cadence turned to face her former Torch Legionnaire. “I remember your service record well. I don’t think any other Clocktower guard has ever achieved so much in as short a service as yours. I don’t think I could entrust my best friend to a better soldier.”

“Thank you, Highness. Will take good care of your best friend.” Joe saluted his Princess and former commander-in-chief.

“Now, Captain, I would very much love to have a moment to catch up with you.” Cadence turned to Cinnamon. “What say we...chat over some popcorn?”

“Sly as ever, Princess.” Mom rolled her eyes. “Fine, I get the message, I’ll leave the kids to go buck like rabbits.”

“M-Mom!” Coloratura squeaked, blushing profusely.

“Mom, stop, you’re making the rabbits look bad.” Donut Joe said, making Coloratura blush an even deeper red.

“Rara,” Cadence smiled, reaching out for her friend, “I wish you all the happiness and fortune in the world. You of all mares deserve every bit.”

“Thanks, Cadence, that means a lot to me.” Coloratura returned the hug tightly.

Cadence reached out to gently pull Joe into the same hug. “Harmony bless this union, love bear it, happiness grace it and devotion guide it forth to eternity,” she said, softly but firmly. Coloratura may have just imagined it but she could have sworn she felt a warm tingle well up inside her. “I don’t think I need to say anything else. You’re both going to be amazing. I can feel it.” Cadence smiled tearfully as she finally released them. It felt like more than just words when it came from the Princess of Love herself.

“I’m proud of you.” Mom gave her son one last tight hug. “Dad would be too, Harmony rest him. If only he could be here to see the stallion you’ve become.” She bit her lip, quickly looking away. She not-so-subtly wiped her eyes as she turned to Coloratura. “Rara, I’m your Mom, you’re my heroic baby girl, but you already know that.” She gave her another warm snuggle. “You two are my pride and joy, always.” She sighed as she let her go, quickly turning away with a soft sniffle. “Okay, now you can go rut each other crazy or whatever. I don’t give two breezie bucks what. Let’s go, Princess. I need popcorn. Your baby needs some too. I can hear her rollin’ her eyes in there at all this what-the-buckery.” Mom marched off. Cadence gave them one last smile and a wink before trotting off after her former Captain.

Coloratura watched the two disappear into a tall gate on the other side of the garden leading to the Society’s upper palaces. “Is she going to be alright?” She asked, a little worriedly.

“Oh, she will. Princess Cadence has always been the only one able to rein her in. Benefits of being a commander-in-chief.” Donut Joe smiled at his Mom’s retreating back. “Wanted to say, you look beautiful tonight,” he cleared his throat as he did his best not to stare. Coloratura couldn’t disguise her glee at watching him steal bashful glances out of the corner of his eye.

“You can look all you want,” Coloratura reached up to cup his cheeks, guiding his gaze down towards her, “I’m all yours now, Master.”

“Can’t believe my luck.” He muttered, caressing her blushing cheeks gently in return. “Thinkin’ I might wake up any moment. Would still be the best dream of my life though.”

“Well, let me prove to you how real I am, Master,” she sat back on her haunches, leaning on him to reach his lips.