Benny, Becky, and Cerb made their way up to Cadance’s room. Once inside, Octavia and Vinyl immediately noticed Benny. The two were quick to make it clear they were ready to leave, which was voiced graciously by Octavia.

"Princess Cadance, thank you so much for talking with us. We will take your advice and write to you with the results."

Vinyl was also cordial with her response...at least as cordial as Vinyl could be.

"Thanks a mill, Princess. I owe you ya DJ session. Anytime, you name it."

Moving in a hurry, Octavia and Vinyl led Benny out of the room, eager to return to his embassy. If that was the pace of things, Helix saw fit to remove himself as well.

"I suppose I should be getting some sleep as well. Not that I'll be doing much tomorrow, and thanks for letting me sit in for the talks, Princess. Not sure if I’m ready to even have one marefriend, but I’ll keep an open mind."

As Helix stepped out, Becky looked at Rainbow, appearing as if she thought she had a reason to make an apology.

"Sorry, that took so long. We got the other delegates clued in on what's been going on here. Not everything, of course. Just the big stuff. The Shadow, Timberwolves, blood-related injuries… the fact that we're the key."

Rainbow hopped out of the love seat but froze when Becky got that last part out.

"Oh… yeah… that."

Cerb knew that was going to be an uncomfortable topic but didn't want any uneasy feelings between Becky and her trusted caretaker.

"It's fine, Dash. Even Chris said he would have doubted it."

With that presumably cleared up, Rainbow made her way to the exit.

"Sorry, Big Guy. We didn't know what to make of it and didn't want any of you to worry about it until we knew what was going on."

Thankfully, Becky knew the character type for Trixie better than Rainbow did, so it wasn’t like she could hold it against her multi-colored guardian.

“Don’t worry about it. Although I think Gilda is gonna need your help. Apparently, she passed out in the kitchen pantry.”

Rainbow groaned and rolled her eyes.

“For the love uh… Goddamnit. Shining, you mind lending a hoof? The last thing we need is one of us getting clawed up trying to move her to a bed.”

Always ready to help, Shining happily trotted up next to Becky.

“Don’t worry. I’ve wrangled more than a few dangerous creatures. I’ll move her safely.”

Luna had requested Twilight stay back to discuss some personal matters. What she was asking was a big responsibility that Twilight was thrilled to take on.

“You want me to start lowering the moon for you!” She excitedly shouted, clapping her hooves together like a child. “And I can even train Starlight to help? This is such a huge honor for me! I can’t even begin to…”

In all of her excitement, she realized just how big this was. Not just that, it was coming out of nowhere.

There had to be some kind of catch. There always was.

“Hold on… Why do you all of a sudden want me to start taking over for you?”

If any valuable lesson had been learned, it was that secrets only complicated matters. Luna saw how better things had become for her subjects and the humans they’d taken as lovers after being open. She was going to need at least one trusted friend to have her back to make this work with Kelly.

“Twilight, I am asking for your help in this because I may not be able to handle my duties of tending to the moon every rise or lowering. And, much like I have supported you in your pursuit of sharing a human lover, I ask that you help me in this task so that I may pursue my own.”

The expression of speculation on Twilight’s face switched to ecstatic in a snap.

“Holy shit! Luna!” She leapt out and hugged Luna around her neck. “I’m so happy for you!”

She dropped down and paced in circles so fast she nearly tripped over her cumbersome dress.

“Oh, my gosh. I can’t believe this. Let me guess, is it Benny? Did you change your mind about dating him after seeing him with Octavia and Vinyl?”

That would have to be the best guess. She had been closer to him as of late. Though, sadly, he wasn’t even Luna’s first pick of the guys already taken.

“Um… no. Benny is, of course, a wonderful stallion. However, he and I-”

“Cerb?!” Twilight shouted just as overjoyed as before, completely ignorant to cutting off Luna. “I should have seen this coming. Ha! Phrasing! But, I mean, you put so much trust in him when it came to proving himself to take Fluttershy-”

“Kelly,” Luna abrasively interrupted, silencing Twilight in the process. “Both Benny and Cerb are fine choices… tempting ones at that, but no. Twas Kelly, who captured my heart so completely.”

For a brief moment, Twilight attempted to reason how she misheard all the ways Luna could have misspoken one of the male human’s names so horribly that it sounds like Kelly. There was no way she heard what she thought she heard.

“Lumberman?”

This was going to be a testament to Luna’s strength of will, and she was going to have to speak slowly and clearly. She very much doubted she had the composure to attempt another explanation.

“The night Justin suffered his night terror, and Peter stole you away from my wraith, Kelly pulled me away to calm my anger and save you from yourself. We spent much of that night together discussing the history of Justin’s misery, as well as some of her own. She was the reason I was so forgiving the morning after, though Peter did have a heavy influence as well.”

Twilight remembered that morning well. Luna had mentioned a long and eye-opening conversation with Kelly but was too timid to pry, less she invoke Luna’s anger again. Even now, she stood silently and listened to Luna explain.

"The night I came to visit you at my old castle, when I left, it was to visit her. She had Spike send me a message requesting my company. All she wanted was to hold me so she wouldn't feel alone.”

Just thinking back to those wonderful moments Luna shared that night brought up powerful emotions of appreciation. It was a connection she never felt with another and had been willing given with no strings attached.

“No favors in exchange for having her wonderful hands caressing me, nor treasures requested or any status she wanted in return. She even apologized for relying on me, wishing me well, comforting me with her thoughts of how desirable I was."

Having come clean, Luna looked at Twilight, hoping to find some sympathy.

"She could have had me at any point had she wanted, as I could have claimed her for myself had I tried.”

She was running out of explanation and moved to fuel some empathy instead. “If Peter accepts you for who you are, without titles or riches, please understand that I could not care any less about her gender than you would about Peter not being of our own kind."

Twilight had no standing to fight the logic Luna was using. All their social norms had well and truly been broken since accepting human companionship. Even the idea of letting Sniff help single mares find loving partners, much like how Starlight had with her group was an option she was already open to. This was just too sudden for her to accept at face value so quickly.

"I understand, and I'm sorry. I just wasn't expecting to hear you say you were with a human mare… But Kelly has already committed herself to Big Mac. Is this going to be similar to what Fluttershy and Rarity are doing? You’re sharing Big Mac with Kelly while you’re also with her?"

Luna nodded, still not being able to say all that she needed to.

"Yes, that is what he and I stepped away for earlier. We had not been given the time needed to discuss our arrangement. We are to consummate our relations tonight, but for Kelly’s safety, we wish to keep this affair private. To do otherwise could compromise both of us."

In reality, Twilight was already past the shock of two mares loving each other. This was just another version of the same thing. Granted it involved one of the rulers of her country, but that was a moot issue. Although she did have one question she figured she could ask while giving her support.

"Seeing how Fluttershy and Rarity are together, and all the mares with Starlight, I have no doubt that you three will be happy together, and I won't tell anyone. I probably should have kept my relationship with Peter a secret as well. I’m still nervous about Peter going to Canterlot with us. But… now that there are so many mares involved with Peter, I’m curious… How is it being with a mare? If you have been with Kelly like that, I mean.”

This was going to be a very easy question to answer, though it would be answered with a question of its own.

“Are you asking because you want to know how her carnal skills had me flooding with one Crystal Heart shattering orgasm after the next, or are you wanting to hear some encouraging words that you should not be afraid to be with a mare yourself?”

Twilight took a moment to ponder this. She was honestly curious about how a human female would compare to Peter. Also, considering Oven’s growing flirtatious nature, and her own desire to learn more, in general, to help teach others, maybe she hadn’t fully learned her lesson from last time.

“I guess I’m still just nervous. I’ve only just started being physically intimate with Peter. I don’t really know what I’m doing half the time, and the movie doesn’t really depict realistic expectations on how to fuck.”

“Movie?” Luna asked, both lost yet highly intrigued.

“Oops,” Twilight whined as she cringed for blurting that out. “Umm… Well… I’m guessing Kelly has informed you about how sex works. I didn’t have a clue until after reading a story about… You know what, I think all us girls should get together for one big group discussion about sex. Every pony’s experiences have been different and there’s a lot we can learn from each other. You can join us and say that you’re there to oversee healthy and productive human-pony relations. But the movie I was talking about—Benny has what’s called a porno. It’s a fantasy movie about a bunch of humans having sex. Stallion on mare. Stallion on mare with another mare. Two stallions one mare. Two mares, one stallion. There were even scenes with just mares. Oh! If you get a chance to do anal… fucking amazing. Or at least what little I had was.”

Finding herself almost overwhelmed by this new information, Luna raised a hoof to her chin, giving that some thought.

“Hmm… Well, since I won’t be pulling Justin or any of the other human stallions into bed with me, I suppose that would be an option with Macintosh… Unless Kelly decides to let him have her… though we could take turns and… Fuck it. So long as I don’t get pregnant from it, Kelly can devour me while he ruts my ass.”

Despite saying those words she still stopped to think about that. Both to take in how arousing a thought it was, as well as if she was even technically accurate with that statement.

“Is it still rutting if it’s anal? I’m so confused about what accurately separates sex, rutting, and fucking… Anyway, thank you for your silent support, Twilight. We can start your training tomorrow after the ceremony. For tonight though, be adventurous. If Ovens is willing to be a mutual lover with you, I am certain you will be pleased with the results. But if you wish, I can give you examples of what to try."

Chris's harem and Sniff’s herd were getting along quite swimmingly in the pool-sized hot tub. Naturally, the alcohol had significantly loosened their lips about their experiences, and there was much to share.

Redheart had been very comfortable relaxing with her bandaged hoof hanging over the edge of the pool, ready to offer some wise advice.

"Believe me, just because it can be done, doesn't mean you should try to force it. Even if Starlight pulled it off, that doesn't mean everypony can."

Derpy, finishing another sip of her cocktail, happily agreed.

"Red has been helping me get ready, and the biggest training tube she has taken a lot of effort for me to get used to. If Sniff is as big as Chris, I know how much it's going to hurt. Besides, being licked out is still so amazing."

Cream, sitting next to Derpy, had been getting more comfortable with her harem and nuzzled in closer to her mail mare, who was all too happy to let her. She even went as far as to wrap one of her wings around her partner.

"What's really great about it is you can share that with another special mare when your stallion isn't around."

The rest of the group looked on as Cream made yet another forward advance on another mare and started making out with Derpy.

More curious than the other mares in the herd, Ovens didn't shy away from the sight.

"I never really thought about adding more mares to take care of each other's needs. But if we're available to be there for our stallions, why not be there for each other?"

Mayor Mare sipped her cocktail, still trying to comprehend how quickly things were escalating.

"Ovens had mentioned that some mares might have an interest in other mares. Certainly, Starlight and the rest of you girls do, but… it can't be any better than being with a stallion. Besides, none of us are that old."

Hearing that, Prim nuzzled in closer to Cheerilee, treating this almost like an extension to their date earlier that evening. She even seemed to have recaptured some of her glow despite the drama earlier.

"I don't really see the difference from being with Chris. Granted, the sex isn't exactly the same. We’re not nearly as good at it as humans seem to be, but it still gives us everything we would get with them."

Parting her lips from Derpy, Cream had some strong opinions of her own. The glow coming from her was very much that of anticipation than reflection. Though her current thoughts were exactly of a reflection.

“Mayor, I felt the same way. Even when we all agreed to share Chris, I figured we would all just split up our time with him. But after he suggested that we rely on each like we would him, I thought I’d give it a try.”

Wordlessly, she cuddled up to Derby a little closer. “I’m not proud to say that I agreed to it because I was worried about losing Chris, but after spending the evening with Cheerilee, I can see I was wrong. There isn’t any reason we can’t be with each other like we would a stallion.”

Returning to the hot tub with a new drink from Top Shelf, Starlight took her spot next to Redheart again, also adding a little more clarification.

“Mayor, you’re right about me and my girls being into each other like that. The only difference is that we can’t have foals together. At the same time, not even Chris can get us pregnant. But after hearing about Octavia and Vinyl today, along with Twilight’s warning, there’s no good reason to stop two or more mares from being with each other. I mean, even with Sniff, unless you girls start getting more comfortable with each other, it’s going to be hard to fit in equal time with him. Even harder to find the time when you might need him.”

Starlight took a long sip from her drink and got comfortably close with Redheart again.

“I don’t know what happened to make Twilight realize that any mare could come between us and our stallions, but if the other stallions in town don’t step up, we’re all going to have another Tealove situation on our hooves. So, maybe helping other mares find companionship with the other single mares until they can find their own stallion, if at all, is the best choice.”

She took a long sip from her drink, figuring she couldn’t avoid the obvious.

“I mean, sure, getting fucked by Chris is still the best I’ve ever felt, and that feeling his cum gives me.” She shuttered in anticipation for another chance at it. “Oou, excuse me. Sorry, but sex with Prim or Red, or any of the rest of us doesn’t leave me worn out or sore like it does with Chris.”

Redheart brushed nose to nose with Starlight, keeping her desires to be taken to herself for the time being. At the same time, she found a lot of common ground with her mare.

“With Chris and Sniff, or Cerb for Fluttershy and Rarity, the pleasure is so overwhelming that it’s hard to do anything but lay back and let it happen most of the time. Even if it does feel amazing, I like being able to make my mare experience all those wonderful feelings but not leave her unable to return the favor at the same time.”

She gave a gentle kiss to Starlight, remembering the last time she was with her intimately. It wouldn’t be long until Chris was free, and they would all have another roll in the sheets, which brought up another point she wanted to emphasize.

“Mmm, plus, there’s also that lovely taste my girls have.”

At that statement, more than a few of Twilight’s fellow herd mates blushed, including Ovens.

“I’ve only had one time with Twilight lending a hoof when I was with Peter. I can’t forget how much better it felt with her rubbing me with him so close to rutting me. As for tasting another mare’s pussy, I know I tasted mine when I kissed him after he went down on me. I was barely conscious, but I still enjoyed it. Even after he did the same thing with Mayor, I noticed something sweeter to his kiss, so I imagine I’d be fine with it.”

Lyra, still new to this, was still undecided but could already see the appeal.

“Before today, I was like a lot of you. I figured that if I didn’t find a stallion of my own to settle down with, I’d have been fine staying with Bon Bon. Now that Peter has shown me what is possible with oral, I don’t know why I wouldn’t have wanted to do that with her. Well… if she wasn’t such a bitch to me now.”

Swifty, cozying up to Lyra, laid a supportive wing over her shoulders.

“Peter has a lot to offer, so I don’t think we’ll have to worry about that any time soon. I just can’t wait for my turn.”

Top Shelf slipped into the water, rejoining the rest of the mares and throwing in her own two bits.

“I’ve only had a little time with Peter, and I’ve never been with a mare, but even before seeing your harem, I did see Fluttershy and Rarity together. At the time, I was so focused on seeing them with Cerb and what they had since they finally got their stallion. It wasn’t until they both kissed that I realized I overlooked what they had with each other.”

It was such an odd thing to see for the two young mares, or any of them, really. At the same time, Top Shelf had a hard time finding the fault in their logic. Before kissing Sniff, it would have been common sense. Now?

Now she could see it was better than the unromantic life she had.

“Just like you six, they’re happily in love with each other. So for as much as we’ve all wanted to find somepony, or another stallion after losing one, I think even just to have somepony love you is worth being with a mare.”

As Top Shelf got comfortable on the edge of the hot tub, she was reminded of an encouraging conversation that helped her get this far.

“Actually, maybe that’s what Cutter tried telling me at the party last night. She knew Peter already had a sweet spot for the mayor because of how she looked out for Ovens all these years. Same for me. Not to the same degree, obviously, but she told me that I should work with Amethyst Star to get an advantage since Mayor was already so close to Peter. She even seemed to recognize that Daisy, Lily, and Roseluck were going to have a better chance than me by myself.”

Starlight had a good little giggle overhearing Top Shelf’s theory, having long figured that out.

“Oh, I should have said this before. There certainly is strength in numbers, if Sniff is anything like I think he is. Chris gets a lot more excited and adventurous when there's more of us working together."

Ovens thought about that and it seemed to be a trend with him and Twilight. Before it was all fingers, then with Twilight, she nearly got rutted, and later was blown away by oral.

Even by the sounds of what Lyra said her first experience was, that was a lot for her first time, and Swifty was only there to watch. Same for Mayor Mare, and Swifty was outside the office when that happened. It was as sound of a theory as any others that have worked in her favor so far.

"You know what, I think you're right. More does seem best for getting the most out of our stallions."

With the pleasant conversations and the strong bonds growing, Lyra thought she found something worth holding onto.

"I think we should do this more often. Just us girls hanging out, having drinks, being ourselves and not having anypony judge us. I've never had this much fun just hanging out."

Starlight, being the only official resident of the castle, gave her best reassurance.

"I don’t see why not. I mean, we're all friends, and I'm sure Twilight wouldn't mind having you all back again. I think it’s a great idea. Unless there were other places we wanted to go."

A conversation quickly started up about different locations or activities to do, leading to the unnoticed return of Chris.

"Evening, girls. Did you all play nice while I was gone?"

In a mini stampede, all six of Chris's girls jumped out of the pool. There was only one thing on their minds, and Starlight was going to get it started.

"Oh, thank goodness you're free. We're going to get dried off, head back to my room. We'll meet you there."

In a bright flash of light, Starlight disappeared with the rest of his harem, leaving Sniff’s girls to snicker and giggle.

"Go on, stud," Ovens encouraged him with a light back smack from her tail. "If your girls are anywhere near as excited as we are, you're going to have lots of fun tonight."

Knowing his girls, they were more excited than needed, or was probably healthy. More than likely, that meant Sniff was in for an assault as well. More importantly, Chris had a pretty good idea about what was waiting for him and wasn’t going to leave them to start without him.

"You, too. Give Sniffy my best."

As Chris hurried his way back to the exit, the rest of the mares stepped out of the pool and started drying off. Chris being out meant that Twilight was either done as well or just finishing up. Either way, Ovens knew where they needed to go.

"Alright, girls. Next stop, the biggest fucking bed you've ever seen. I'm sure Peter won't be out much longer. I recommend getting dressed for him, too. It's kind of his thing."

Sitting at the little table, Sniff was finishing up with an awkward yet much needed and helpful conversation.

"You don't need magic fingers or a marathon cock. Just focus on the foreplay, don't let your thoughts get away from you, and remember, practice makes perfect."

While the talk did improve Big Mac’s confidence, he still had some hangups over what they'd discussed. Not helped by the fact he was already a naturally shy pony despite his size.

"Our bodies are so different. What if I can't change how long I can last?"

Despite all Sniff’s best advice and good intentions, he couldn’t just ignore this scenario. He'd really have to dig into his vault of secrets to help convince Big Mac not to dwell on his shortcomings.

"Mac, I'll be real with you. That might be the case, and maybe nothing can change that, short of some magic spell or potion that we don't know exist. Even still, that shouldn't matter. I've worked with so many girls that I've run across with more than a dozen in similar positions that Kelly is with you."

That didn’t do much to reassure, Big Mac, who sat rather cross in his chair with a huff.

"How many girls you know ever tried to fuck a pony?"

And there was the question he was kind of hoping he wouldn’t have to answer. Time to dig real deep in that vault.

"At least two... two that would admit it, at least,” Sniff answered without any joy in his voice, trying not to dwell on it. “I'm not sure how much Kelly has really told you about how humans really are, but I'm sure she's told you that us all hooking up and putting out with ponies isn't natural or normal for us… but that's kind of a half-truth."

Big Mac cocked an eyebrow at that, looking as if he couldn’t tell if he was being lied to by Kelly or Sniff right now.

"Mac, look… human sexuality is a confusing and embarrassingly complicated process for us to work through, more often than not. For a time, I wanted to learn psychology to help others, maybe even become a sex therapist, but that would require me fixing myself… which I couldn't. But that's just between you and me."

Seeing how uncomfortable this conversation was going to get, Sniff reached for his unlabeled scotch, opting not to bother with a glass, and drank straight from the bottle.

After a few good gulps, he returned the cap without offering to share, sparing his big red friend the troubles of staggering back.

"There’s been girls I’ve helped when their guys had sexual problems. Impoten… Some guys couldn't get or stay hard or even cum from sex. Had a few girls with guys with conflicting fetishes, wanting it too rough or not rough enough—even a few guys who came too fast. But, for the girls who actually cared about the guy they were with, they worked through it. That's what Kelly wants to do with you, and she's never stayed with a guy who couldn’t please her in bed. You're the first… so, don't fuck this up by making her think that great sex is the only factor she has to look forward to in another relationship with someone else.

That was a lot for Big Mac to take in. Some supportive, some that seemed discouraging, and some that left him with quite a few questions...preferably for another time. Regardless, no matter the message Sniff was trying to convey to him, it ended with the idea that no problem, real or imagined, should stop him from staying with Kelly.

“Did I do the wrong thing by trying to have Kelly be with Luna?"

Had this been anyone else, Sniff would have had a lot to say. Unfortunately, this stallion was too ignorant to know how a real relationship worked. So, best to drop the bomb and shift through the fallout.

"Kelly didn’t go into detail but said that you tried pushing her away like you wanted to end everything. If that's the case, that was wrong. If you just wanted to give her the option to fool around, knowing her, she probably would have humored it. But, now you three are a thing, so it all worked out. I'd recommend not doing that again. She wants… wanted it to be just you and her, but if this works for all of you, stick with it."

That seemed to settle the matter enough that Big Mac wouldn't push it any further.

"I hear ya. Luna and I talked for uh’ while. We uh… connected… but I think the biggest thing in common we got is Kelly. What should I do about that? Should I worry?"

Now there was a statement Sniff didn't see coming. He didn't think there were any more curveballs this stud could throw at him. Yet, there it was, and it was quite a big one.

"That depends. Do you have any feelings for her?"

That question put Big Mac in a tight spot real quick. It hurt knowing where he really stood. Love for one, and a growing lust for the other that mingled with something more.

"I'm not sure. She certainly is pretty, and we get along well enough… can't say there isn't something that draws me to her. Not saying it's love or lust, but there is something."

While not optimal, it wasn’t the worst setup Sniff had seen for a starting couple. As fucked up as their arrangement was, at least.

"I guess, go with that for now. Don't oversell your feelings, but don't be cold either. The biggest thing is that you don't lie about it. There's nothing good about lying about love or leading either of them on."

Suddenly feeling like a lot of time had passed, Sniff looked at his watch.

“Well, shit. I’m guessing they should be finishing up with their meeting soon. Is there anything else you want advice about or have any other questions?”

With a new outlook on things, Big Mac gently shook his head.

“Nope… but… thanks… for everything. Yer a good friend, Sniff. I owe ya one.”

Sniff stood up, double-checking he still had the keys, happy with how the conversation had gone.

“Just take care of Kelly, or at least keep putting up with our stupid bullshit. And if you’re really cool with us like I know you are, this whole thing of saying ‘I owe you one’ with us is more of a running gag. It’s just another way of us saying thank you. Helping each other out is already a given. Now come on, our girls are gonna start flipping shit if we stay out too long.”

Sniff reached the stairs but was stopped by Big Mac having one last-minute question.

“Were you fucking with me about knowing humans that fucked horses on your world?”

And they were back to this fun little topic, Sniff knew he should’ve expected that. Can’t exactly open up that can of worms and not expect something.

Still, thinking back to… How many years ago did that happen? And which one was which?

Perhaps it didn’t even matter anymore.

“No…”

Sniff answered the question rather coldly. There was so much to break down and tackle to try and answer explain it all, none of it he even cared to anymore. That was only relevant in a world he was no longer living in. When and if he ever got back, he’d deal with it then. For now, heading down the stairs, he refused to believe any of the ponies he had come to know were any less human than he was. There was no way they could be less than him.

“Nothing’s ever easy with us humans, Mac. Don’t overthink it.”

Still standing at the top of the stairs, Big Mac rolled his eyes and grumbled to himself.

“Noth’n ever easy with humans he says. No shit.”

Becky was leaning a bit more than usual on both Rainbow and Shining as they helped her up the stairs. At least she had a good sense of humor about it.

"Seriously, talk to your sister about getting an elevator."

The more Becky kept bringing that up, the more it actually started to sound like a good idea to the prince.

"Tell you what. First thing I do when I get back to my castle, I'm going to have one installed."

Becky, knowing how comparatively big his castle was, felt like her prayers were answered. In that same thought, a conflict arose.

"That sounds great, Shining, but you shouldn’t have to on my account."

Shining put on his best ‘ignorant to the contexts’ face and laughed for a moment.

"No, it's a great idea to have an elevator put in. There's a lot more stairs I have to take to get to my chambers. And hey, maybe I'll even let you use it once in a while."

While neither Becky nor Rainbow knew how serious he was, it was Rainbow that spoke up about it.

"Hey! What’s the big idea, holding out on the elevator? Huh?"

Shining rolled his eyes in mock defeat.

"Fine. You can use it too, Dash."

"What?! Me?!" Rainbow snapped in total shock, though whether it was from being called out or the suggestion she’d need to use an elevator was unclear.

Of course, Shining was only having fun with them but had at least one more joke to throw in.

"Not all the time, obviously. Only when you need to get down to help walking Becky up to her room."

While it was slowly coming to light that Shining was messing with Rainbow, Becky couldn't help but laugh at how well he had her going.

"You're an ass, Shining. The stairs might do me some good anyway."

The joke had run its course, and Shining looked up to Becky with a bright smile on his face.

"Zecora has some great ideas for helping us find a cure. So, with any luck, we won't need an elevator in the first place."

With perfect timing, they were already at Becky’s door, and Shining opened it ahead of them.

“Welp, I’m going to check in on Flurry Heart before I head to bed. I imagine you can make it to your bed just fine with Rainbow, but do you need anything else before I go?”

Rainbow eyed the prince curiously for a moment, silent alarms going off in her mind.

“What’s with this stallion? Becky and I joked about it earlier, he’s not trying to get with her, but I know I can hear something in his voice. He talks to Becky like he does Cadance, but he’s not acting at all like he did the night of the Welcome Party. And he’s not exactly flirting, but he’s not bashful or cautious like Mac was with Kelly. He’s not even worried like Pinkie or any pony else that knows not to get too fresh or too close to… Well… Becky isn’t taken like Twilight and the others, but I mean… didn’t he leave the party early with Cadance so they could fuck or do whatever?”

Becky, not sensing any danger, continued playing the same game as earlier.

“How about a jetpack? The more I think about it, the elevator is going to take a long time to build and probably cost a lot.”

Shining just laughed along as he took that as a no and started down the hall again.

“Yeah, sure thing, Becky. I’ll get right on that. You have a good night. You too, Dash. See you both in the morning.”

Try as she might, Rainbow just couldn’t shake a certain feeling. It wasn’t the scent in the hallway, neither Shinings nor Becky’s. Not his voice, his tone, or even his choice of words. It was something in him that she felt. She felt it in him just like she felt it within her and only had noticed while they were with Becky. It was like a drop in pressure, a change of the wind, or the slightest rise of temperatures; she could feel it.

… or was there something else on her mind throwing her senses out of whack?

"Earth to Dash," Becky said again. "Dash? What the fuck are you doing?"

Rainbow shook her head clear. She didn't realize how lost in thought she was. Becky had asked her a question, likely more than twice by the sound of her voice.

"Huh? Uh, sorry. I kinda spaced out there. What'd you say?"

Becky just snorted and walked into her room.

"I asked you what time you're coming back tomorrow? You still need to feed your turtle, Tank, and, uh… Ya might wanna take care of any other… umm… personal matters while you're home."

That was right. She had stocked up Tank's food and made sure he would be fine while she'd been gone. It wasn't like a turtle required constant care, but what else was Becky talking about?

"Personal matters? What the hell are you talking about?"

Oh… poor, poor Rainbow. Becky almost felt too embarrassed about bringing it up.

… almost.

"Dash, you're still my favorite pony, but you talk in your sleep."

For a moment, there was just enough red all over Rainbow that she was nearly as purple as Twilight. Thankfully, Becky was far more accepting and sympathetic than before and leaned down to comfort Rainbow with a hug.

"Don't worry, maybe if you get horny enough, you'll turn into an alicorn like Twilight."

Okay, on top of the amazing hugs Becky always gave, that was funny enough to change Rainbow's mood and get her laughing again. Maybe even see if she could evoke the walk-away rule on Becky again.

"Oh, fuck you, Becky,” Rainbow laughed out, her previous embarrassment a distant memory. “You probably just wanna shoo me away, so I don’t get you all hot and bothered. Tell me. How sexy was I talking in my sleep?"

That would be Becky's cue to pull out of this conversation.

… or have a better volley back to get Rainbow with.

"Your moans were kinda sexy, but you lost me at the oral injections part. Those fuck-cuddles with Sexy Battle Nurse Dashie sounded fun, though. Speaking about boinking Cerb in your sleep, did you know Cerb every once in a while has sex in sleep? Wouldn't shut up about it after it happened the second time. A real shame he only did it with… can't remember what her name is, but what a piece of work that one was. You could always ask to bunk with him one night and hope he rolls in your direction."

Rainbow just slowly stepped away, suddenly embarrassed again.

"Nope. Didn't know that one, but thanks for putting those thoughts in my head. I'll see you around time for breakfast, I’m walking away on this one. Night, Becks."

Hoping for a good night’s sleep and pleased with scoring a win, Becky waived off her friend.

"Night, Dash."

Returning to another guest room, Spitfire had some concerns to share with Fleetfoot resting on a pile of pillows.

“Hey, Flatfoot. Are you getting any bad feelings about this whole thing Princess Cadance is trying to put together with us?”

Giving Spitfire a pass for using her nickname, Fleetoot was feeling the same way.

“I’m starting to. The Wonderbolts have always been informed of major events that impact the security of the Kingdom. When Discord got out, we got the reports and new orders on how to evac civilians. Then, he was to be freed by the Elements, we get a heads up and new orders. We even got orders to prepare for Tirek before Twilight made it to Canterlot.”

Challenging that line of reasoning, Spitfire tempted fate.

“Our training exercise for search and rescue at The Castle of the Two Sisters the night before Nightma-”

“Shut up!” Fleetfoot snapped, pointing her wing at her fellow bolt. “You know that didn’t happen. There are no records of that training.”

Spitfire rolled her eyes at the outburst, not interested in having this argument again.

“Regardless, you’re right. Something big goes down, we hear about it. Even when the humans arrived, we got the Sunset protocols and standby orders, then stayed on standby while getting the vaguest description of what these humans were, which turned out to be wrong. And now, there have been no updates about Cerb with the Timberwolves or about Applejack?'

Rattling off all the inconsistencies of proper protocol, one glaring fact was more startling to Spitfire.

"And you heard Cadance. They were going back to the castle again. Meaning we weren’t told what happened last time or why the humans had to go with them. Why all the extra security? What was the secret meeting they had tonight about?”

Despite her early outburst, Fleetfoot started to see how quickly things were escalating with her friend and began to lose interest.

“It was hardly a secret meeting, Spits. Luna announced it for every creature to hear. And for as far as you’re taking this, I think we’re jumping at too many conclusions and making another conspiracy out of probably nothing. And it’s not like Princess Cadance won’t be bringing us up to speed on whatever is going on.” She turned to her side and grinned at Spitfire. “Aren’t you excited to train with Justin?”

Instantly, all of Spitfire’s feathers were ruffled, and she puffed out her chest, which only made Fleetfoot laugh obnoxiously.

“Oh, my holy flight suit. You are! Ahhhh-Ha-Ha-Ha-Haaaaa!”

In the middle of her laugh, she was hit with a pillow, ending her mockery and giving Spitfire the floor to speak while her friend choked on a few feathers.

“You’re one to talk, Flatfoot. I saw you checking him out.”

Not dropping her smirk and still giggling some, Fleetfoot added the pillow to her collection on the bed and pranced around what was quickly becoming her nest.

She laid herself down, getting nice and snug in the middle.

“Yeah, well, Big Mac is long gone for me, and the Elements we're going to be training with are into sharing. Starlight has added five to share with her stud, and clearly Princess Twilight is getting just as friendly with all the mares she letting get close to hers. What are the odds that Cerb’s two won’t feel the need to be kind and generous enough to give some other mares a shot?”

Spitfire was shocked to hear a fellow Bolt say something so absurd. She figured it had to be some kind of joke.

“You can’t be serious.”

Fleetfoot gave a long stretch over her pillows and rolled onto her back, still smirking as if to mock her friend.

“Oh, come on. You’ve seen Princess Twilight try to tell jokes before. During her speech at the Post-War-Party Party, she said that the humans have graciously shared and given so much of themselves. That it was exhausting trying to keep up with. That was some kind of a joke between her and her friends… who are sharing their coltfriends. Even the Benny guy showed off his two marefriends.”

Spitfire hadn’t put that together on her own, but hearing it like that, it seemed to fit.

“Okay, but why would you-”

“Have you had the chance to hear Octavia play?” Fleetfoot asked, intentionally cutting off her friend. “She’s amazingly talented on top of being gorgeous. Then DJ Pon3? I’ve partied with that mare before. Those two should be batting stallions away with a stick everywhere they go, but they both go halfsies with Benny?”

She laid there for a moment, knowing Spitfire wouldn’t have a retort. There were so many things she could point to but none of them seemed truly better than the other for what she was thinking had to be the reason.

“I think these humans are too much for one mare to handle on their own. There's something special about them, especially Cerb."

Rubbing her head, Fleetfoot made a point of how much Spitfire had underestimated what Cerb was capable of. Her sly grin only added to the friendly insult that Spitfire didn't need to make the same mistake twice.

"In one pre fight training session, he got Thunder Glide to whoop your ass.” She snickered at saying that out loud. “Such a funny way of saying it, but he’s also had lot’s of time with Rarity, and Element or not, she was about as threatening as those fake wings of hers that burnt up when she was showing off way back before Cerb showed up."

That showboating event Rarity pulled all these years ago was still a running joke between the Wonderbolt members. Both for how ridiculous Rarity had been and the danger she put herself in... as well as how she accidentally took out three Wonderbolts in her panic.

Though admittedly that last part was something they’d prefer to leave in the past.

Naturally, Fleetfoot's only take away from that day was that Rainbow really was one to keep an eye on. Rarity wasn't even on her radar until today.

"Now though?... Now even Thunder Glide is afraid of her after what she did against the Timberwolves.”

“And his hands,” Spitfire added, no longer hiding it. “I know you felt it when he shook your hoof. And, sure, Peter is a smooth talker, but…"

True or not, that slip of the tongue was too unprofessional for Spitfire to continue with.

"No. Come on. We shouldn’t have to settle for sharing a stallion.”

Not in agreement, Fleetfoot covered up with her blanket. She had no plan of action for this, but her mind was working it out.

“There’s no way Kelly is going to give up Big Mac, and he clearly only has eyes for her…"

Speaking of only having eyes for somepony, Fleetfoot had another she sought after.

"You know… I had a thing for Soarin’ for a while, but that pie-crazy dork never even knew when we weren’t in the same squadron. So if Rainbow Dash doesn’t end up flying with us, which probably won’t happen, knowing her, that’s a done deal if she can clue him in that there’s more to life than the Wonderbolts and apple pie. If not, there’s still a good chance he’d go after Becky, and she’s super cute for not being a pony.”

For all the years they’d served together, Spitfire never knew that Fleetfoot had a crush on Soarin’. That must have been torture, given the rules Spitfire had to constantly give training on. Rules that she robotically started to recite.

“And since we’re in the same squadron-”

Fleetfoot didn't need a reminder, and quickly let her fellow Bolt save her the lecture.

“No fraternization between Wonderbolts of unduly relationships that could jeopardize mission readiness. Including business investments, loans that exceed what the E.U.P. financial relief support can provide…" She took a deep mournful breath, not wanting to admit the last one. "And romantic relationships between officers if under the same command.”

Finally, her smirk wilted away, her eyes turning to the window, looking at the night’s sky.

“If I asked him out, and he said yes, one of us would have to give up our rank or transfer commands. We wouldn’t both be able to be Top Bolts anymore. But if he said no, and anypony found out, I’d be transferred somewhere else.”

She thought it would make her feel better to finally get that off her chest. Instead, it only made her realize how little she had left inside.

“We’re Top Bolts, Spits. We belong in the sky, and Top Bolts don’t give up their wings until their body can’t cut it or they start a family and train the next generation of Top Bolts… And there’s been fewer and fewer of us finding a stallion worth hanging up our wings for."

At this statement, she found herself pondering it further. She would have given hers up for Big Mac. But since him, she hadn't found any others worth considering. Even the reunions had but only a few examples of mares that left the service.

"But I haven’t met a Bolt who said they regretted having a stallion over their wings.”

Not hearing any objections, Fleetfoot turned over, seemingly settling on sleep for the night.

“The score is two and zero for stallions that got away and those that saw anything more than the uniform… if they saw me at all," She sadly admitted. "So, yeah… I’d share a stallion if it meant when my flying days are over, I could say I had a stallion but never had to give up my wings for him. I'd be the first.”

Was that really the path Spitfire had laying ahead of her as well? Flying until she had to hang up her wings? Then what? Find another lonely mare to keep her company as all the taken stallions sit with their wives talking about their grandfoals? Never being loved herself?

As Spitfire was thinking this over, Fleetfoot had one last thought to share. An analogy to be more precise.

“Only the luckiest mares get to have the cake they want and eat it too. Other lucky mares can sort through the crumbs and be satisfied… The unlucky ones show up late and wonder what the cake must have tasted like… I’d be satisfied with a taste if it meant I could stay in the Wonderbolts."

Just a taste. More than a conversation or the daily procedures in the service. The occasional date, sharing a special occasion, or Luna forbid, a stallion to hold onto. Just a nibble of that cake and a warm body to lay next to. That's all Fleetfoot wanted.

"Now hit the lights. I might be going to bed hungry for cake, but I’m not sleeping with the lights on when there’s nopony to see laying next to me.”

As Fleetfoot wrapped herself tightly in her bed, Spitfire was left stunned.

If their outlook in life was that bleak, perhaps Spitfire was willing to give Cerb more than a passing look of interest.

After she turned off the lights, the still-silent commander got into her bed, now without a pillow. Laying in bed, she thought she'd show some compassion for Fleetfoot by sharing something of herself as well.

"Did you know my mother was going to be a Wonderbolt?"

She noticed Fleetfoot stir slightly, starting to listen. This had been something Fleetfoot couldn't have known. None of the other Bolts did either.

"Instead she met my father. Mom says he knew from the first time he saw me I was destined to be the Wonderbolt she never got to be… Then he was gone… Just… gone. Lost in a storm."

Listening to the story, Fleetfoot turned over to see Spitfire telling her story. She'd met Spitfire's mother many times, but never asked about her father.

Still, Spitfire went on.

"As soon as I could fly on my own, my mom trained me to be the best flyer I could be. Kept on saying 'If only your father could see you now.' She…"

Spitfire stopped for a moment, forgetting where she was going with this, but it was coming back to her.

"She never complained about not being a Wonderbolt. Then, one day, when I was still just a recruit waiting to get picked up, she thought she would show me how to run one of the courses… ended up wiping out. Totally faced planted in a cloud bank."

Spitfire nearly laughed at the memory. It was so long ago, but for some reason, it always stuck with her.

"I made a joke about how she should have never dropped out and that wouldn't have happened. And what did she do? She just brushed herself off and said that she left for all the right reasons, that if she could go back, she'd spend more time with my father… but she wouldn't have let him cover her shift with the weather team so I could have gotten to know him, but she'd never trade either of us to be a Wonderbolt."

Thinking about what she just said, she realized she had no idea what she was trying to convey in all this. The thought had been there, but now it seemed too focused on herself.

Maybe she was just trying to relate to the ideas of disappointment and regret but probably missed her mark.

"Never mind that. I guess I don't really have a good example to look back at for being with a stallion… Can you toss me a pillow?"

Spitfire wasn't typically this open about herself, and even if her message was a bit convoluted, it was still appreciated. Just not enough for Fleetfoot to give up any of the foundation of her pillow nest.

"There’s a bunch of spare rooms I didn't pilfer pillows from. If you wanted one to sleep with, you shouldn’t have thrown it at me."

Perhaps the appreciation only went so far, but Spitfire expected such a remark.

"Wow… all that talk about sharing a stallion with me, and you can't even share a pillow."

"Pft," Fleetfoot comically countered at the jab. "Get over yourself. But if you really want a…"

Suddenly, Fleetfoot realized what Spitfire had implied.

"Hold on. I didn’t say I was going to share with you… Or are you trying to say-"

"I'm not settling for crumbs here, Flatfoot," Spitfire quickly fired back with a cocky grin. "Ain't nothing in the rule book saying officers of the same command can't have the same coltfriend. Besides, it's not like any of us have the time for a full-time relationship."

Fleetfoot huffed a near-silent laugh at her friend’s quick turnaround. What she heard was a pretty good excuse to share a stud as well, considering contemplation of retiring if it meant she could marry Big Mac.

Hell, Spitfire’s idea was well deserving of two pillows.

"We'll need to figure out how to approach Fluttershy and Rarity about this. I doubt after Tealove making a scene we can get away with just asking."

Quickly running through a list of likely possibilities, one name quickly came to Spitfire’s mind.

"Thunder Glide got him to train her, and she's almost as close to him as Cadance. Maybe we should get more familiar with Tin Can and see what kind of options we have."

Even though it was a school night, no pony had bothered to check in on the youngsters to make sure they were in bed. Regardless, thanks to Chris starting up a series of goofy games and pool time, most of them were pretty tuckered out, leaving them to laugh it up on something Smolder was lucky enough to see.

Turns out, she was a pretty decent storyteller.

“Fluttershy was so scared that she was mumbling little squeaky noises, but then, King Sombra’s evil magic started to weaken the barrier. Pinkie tooted her trumpet, and Rainbow Dash took off with her lance. Fluttershy started to run towards Rainbow, but she freezes up and just waits for it and then CRASH! Even in a suit of armor, Fluttershy goes flying. Like, woosh!”

Mimicking the flailing pegasus, Smolder jumped back, landing on a bed, springing them all in a bout of laughter.

As she fluttered back and rejoined them, Gallus continued with his more laid back demeanor.

"You're all a lot of fun to hang out with. Even if a lot of you are a lot younger, and mostly ponies."

Feeling spry, Button rose to his hind legs, posing like a boxer.

"What's wrong with being a pony? You think you griffins are so tough, huh?"

It was all for play, and by no means serious, prompting Gallus to stand up and take his boxing stance.

"Nothing wrong with being a pony… if you don't mind being weaker than a griffin."

Accepting the play taunt, Button lunged forward.

"Come 'ear, and I'll show ya tough."

Closing his eyes and swinging blindly, Button charged forward and immediately tripped over his own hooves and landed on his back, his signature beanie flying before landing on his snout.

Every creature leaned in to take a closer look at the downed colt, his eyes spinning in a daze.

Thankfully not hurt, he blinked a few times and met his gaze with Gallus looking down over him.

“I didn’t hurt you too bad, did I?”

Again the whole group busted up, even Button laughed at himself. As the group continued to laugh, Dinky took the time to ask an innocent question to Gallus as she leaned into his side.

“Can you stay with us? Ponyville is the best place ever.”

Gallus gave a smile that showed how ludicrous the request was. Though they could tell, he liked the sound of it.

“I don’t think that’s gonna happen. I’m only here to do a performance for Celestia and the other delegates to show how powerful griffons are. After that, I go home.”

Still optimistic, Dinky went straight for the default option.

“Just ask your mommy or daddy and tell them how much fun you had here.”

For the first time they had spent together, the mood turned dark. All of it centered around Gallus, whose smile immediately broke, though he did his best to hide it.

“That’s… also not... gonna happen.”

Smolder, lacking the emotional sensitivity ponies were accustomed to, was blunt about his situation.

“Ooooh… you don’t have any parents either?”

Snapping a sneer at the dragoness, Gallus was in no mood to take any insults.

“Of course, I have parents. I just don’t know where-”

Promptly falling out of his tirade as soon as he processed what Smolder had just said, Gallus didn’t look angry. He looked shocked.

“What do you mean, either?”

Sadly ignorant of what she might have said to offend him, Smolder shrugged.

“I mean that you don’t have parents like me. I live with my brother. Our parents split years ago, like most dragons do.”

That brought back some distant thoughts that made Spike curious.

“Do all dragons abandon their eggs?”

While not an unreasonable question, it still came with a stigma Smolder wasn’t proud to admit.

“Ugh. Sometimes, I guess. So long as dragons have enough food and don’t fight too often, some will stick around and raise hatchlings. Other times, like for me and my brother, they just leave and let the remaining dragons take over. But leaving an egg to fend for itself? That’s super rare, but when it does happen, the parents always make a trade with dragons they trust.”

Obviously not well informed or sure how to address her family situation, Gallus was cluelessly blunt himself.

“Dragons trade away their eggs for something better?”

This time, Smolder glared at Gallus, taking it very personally.

“No, they don’t! The trade of treasures comes with the egg not for it. They give something valuable to make sure the egg is taken care of until they can take care of themselves. You know how many rubies my parents shelled out to my brother so he could find some dragon to take care of us?”

And what had started as a simple conversation was now a challenge of who had it worse, and while sympathetic, Gallus wasn’t going to be guilted into submission.

“I wouldn’t know. My parents dumped me in an orphanage. But at least they didn’t have to bribe a griffon to take care of me.”

A simple misunderstanding was quickly escalating into these new friends trading blows, and Spike stepped between them, claws extended in both their faces as they drew theirs to tear into each other.

“Knock it off! You two aren’t the only ones without parents.”

Regaining awareness of their surroundings, Gallus and Smolder looked around them to see the foals cowering in tears.

It didn't take a genius to understand what Spike had implied, and Smolder was shocked by this new bit of information.

“What? I thought everything was all sunshine and rainbows for ponies? I mean… A pony without both parents… didn’t think it was possible.”

Knowing what these foals needed, Spike hunkered down and pulled the four of them into his arms.

“It’s okay, you guys. They didn’t mean anything by it. Some creatures just get mad about losing a mommy or a daddy instead of acting sad about it.”

Not wanting any creature to be sad, Dinky pulled out of Spike’s hug and threw herself around Gallus’s front leg.

“Don’t be sad, Galley. I never had a daddy, but Chris is gonna marry my mommy, and then you can live with us. You don’t have to be a pony to be in our family.”

In an instant, Gallus felt as though his heart had just been punched. Why’d it have to be the cutest of the four latched onto him? Only a monster would reject such an adorable little filly.

“Heeey, it’s okay, Dinky," Gallus gently replied, sounding surprisingly comforting as he patted her head. "I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

Even sobbing and sniffling, Dinky was adorable, and he picked her up to give her a real hug, softly rocking her back and forth.

“I didn’t know Chris was going to be your new dad. He’s going to be great for you, but I don’t have a mom for him to marry, but we can still be friends, though.”

Now hugging tightly around the griffin’s neck, Dinky started to calm down.

“We can still ask him if you want me to.”

This was a heavy dose of culture shock Smolder still couldn’t get over.

“I don’t get it. If they still have their moms, and their dads didn’t give them away… where are they?”

Given the sensitivity of the nature of this topic, Spike would answer for them.

“It’s not always safe in every part of Equestria. Some ponies don’t make it home, like Button Mash and Cotton Cloudy’s fathers. And I heard it only in whispers and pretended not to hear, but Dinky’s father… nopony even knows who he is. Derpy was never able to find him. Pina Colada and Berry Punch are actually sisters. They moved to Ponyville after they were on their own as well."

And this led to the proverbial elephant in the room. While he could easily cover all the ponies, Spike knew a lot less about his own history.

"And me… there was no trade for my egg. Princess Celestia found me abandoned as far as I can tell. I don’t even know where I come from. Twilight is my guardian, I wasn’t even adopted.”

To that last remark, at least Gallus could relate.

“You know Spike, I may call him Grandpa Gruff, but that’s just his name. We’re not related. He’s just my guardian. I don’t have any family of my own either.”

With all the crying out of the foal's systems and now captivated by how the three older creatures they’d spent the night with had their own parental problems, their arguing didn’t seem so bad.

In a sudden shift of making the mood even better, Spike had a promising outlook to offer.

"Well, you kind of do. I asked Chris if he knew anything about who my parents are. He didn't know, but he told me that sometimes the family we choose is better than the ones we come from."

While it sounded simple, the concept was all but unheard of. Perhaps the reasoning behind it would make it easier to swallow if Spike shared that information.

"I guess Chris had terrible parents, and so did his friends. Now they're each other's family… So… maybe we can be each other's family, too."

Still trying to catch up, Yona was only understanding the worst parts of what they were saying.

“Yona not lose parents. No having parents would make Yona very sad. Yona think having more family would make life lots better."

Confused, Gallus was still pondering what was being suggested. Ponies and dragons as his family? Was that even possible?

"You mean like brothers and sisters, right? You’re not going to try and marry me or anything weird like that, are you, Spike?"

Without skipping a beat, Dinky wanted to offer a solution.

"You could marry me. Then we would really be a family."

Making it even more embarrassing/slightly uncomfortable, she gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Awe," Smolder jokingly cooed. “Look how cute you two are together.”

Again. Why did it have to be the cutest one?

“Awe, thanks for the offer, Dinky. Buuuuut you’re too young. How about you be my little sister instead? Just like Spike suggested. It’ll be a lot easier that way.”

Things were looking up again, and it was time for Button to take advantage of his presumably growing family.

“Hey, Smolder. Normally, in my video games, dragons are super strong and big and scary. You’re super strong and big and scary, but also really nice. Can I call you my big sis?”

With the perfect opportunity for revenge, Gallus pounced.

“You two are closer in age. Why not propose to her?”

Before Button's innocent smile could turn to a 'please will you marry me' request, Smolder clamped her claws around the colt's muzzle to deliver a cheerful announcement.

"Big Sister Smolder. The still~single~dragoness to her little pony~brother~Button. Take it or leave it, runt."

With all this bonding going on, and Cotton Cloudy hugging even tighter around Spike, Pina Colada was feeling more alone than before. Unlike the other foals, she wouldn’t be getting a new father even if Chris was dating Berry Punch.

"Can I… maybe…"

Try as she wanted, she couldn’t get the words out. Fortunately, with friends like these, she didn't need to and was quickly scooped up by Yona.

“Yona never had Earth pony sister! Pina be first pony sister in Yakyakistan!”

One by one, the others all gathered around, wrapping her in limbs of all species surrounding Pina to accept her as family. Although one was missing.

Smolder was sitting this one out.

"Sorry, guys. I like you and all that, but I'm still too cool for hugs this sappy. I'll still be yer big sis, but group hugs is a bit much for me."

Sneaking in with his propeller hat spinning, Button hugged as much of himself as he could around Smolder's belly.

"No group hugs, but it’s okay if it's just the two of us, right?"

Well, this was unusual. Normally, Smolder would have freaked out or punched anyone trying to hug her. But this little colt… a pseudo-adopted brother. She was fine with that?

Comfortable enough to lift off his goofy hat and scruff up his mane?

"Sure. One at a time is fine… Kinda makes me wish my own brother wasn't afraid to show he cares about me in front of others."

Perhaps this was a teachable moment for Spike to capitalize on. Maybe even help Smolder take down some of her defenses.

"You know that caring about somepony else, or any creature, really, doesn't make you weak. In fact, the strongest warriors I've ever known are the ones that fought for those they care about. Cerb included, and he's not afraid to let others see how much he cares about his friends and those he loves."

Even if Smolder was starting to believe that, she wasn't going to admit it. Instead, she plopped Button's hat back on his head so it covered his eyes and playfully pushed him away.

"Yeah, yeah. Sunshine and rainbows and all that other namby-pamby pony mushy stuff."

Deep within her hive, the Changeling Queen sat upon her dark and twisted throne, glaring with piercing devilish emerald eyes on her subject cowering below her. It was another crucial update being provided by an underling who was afraid of telling the more disappointing truth of what little he'd learned.

"Our spies have all had to fall back. They can’t get close with so many more guards around. And the new creatures that arrived are never alone. We can’t verify any of the reports of their capabilities. Even Princess Luna’s guards have more patrols through the shadows surrounding the new embassy. They’re always watching-"

Chrysalis glared down, yet another failure she had to deal with, rousing her anger to a spiteful, booming voice.

"No excuses! I have spent too long developing the perfect plan. Twilight and her friends must be removed if we are to succeed, and these new allies present complications not evaluated into my plans!”

These new creatures were a mix of intrigue and frustration for the villainous queen. She would have to focus her attention elsewhere for the time being.

“What of the guards in Canterlot?"

Perhaps this could be the underling’s chance to escape punishment with some better news. Upsetting his queen any further would likely render him subject to being made an example of why not to fail the queen.

He bowed lower in his cowering, keeping his eyes clenched shut and pointed towards the dirt.

"Only the Solar Guard remains, Your Highness. They’ve had to stretch their remaining forces thin since the sudden departure of the Lunar Guard. When the summit is over and they lower their security posture, we will have an opening to begin replacing them."

He received no further tongue lashings and wasn’t being carted off for punishment, so that was a good sign. However, if that wasn't enough, he still had other information that could bolster the queen's morale. Enough that he braved incurring her wrath by opening his eyes to address her with some semblance of confidence.

"Also, it has been overheard that the pony’s claims of the human’s strengths have been embellishments to make them sound stronger than they actually are. Three of the Solar Guard have been imprisoned for nearly killing one the females. Two in the dungeon awaiting trial, the third, an Earth pony, has been in the hospital since returning to Canterlot. "

For a moment, this news seemed to improve the queen's mood, but that quickly changed. Her slow-growing smile instead turned to an insulted scowl.

"And you believe this rumor? Ponies are weak and fight with their words and friendship,” She arrogantly mocked with a sneer of revulsion at the word. “Why would they try to kill one of their allies? Not unless…"

While it was possible her underlings had heard things correctly, she started to think it was more likely they misunderstood its meaning.

"Celestia herself went to confront the humans. If a fight had broken out and their normal tactics had failed… Hmm… This does not bode well for us."

The underling cowered back to staring at the dirt, believing he may have placed the target on his back again.

However, the queen's mood seemed to calm down as she gave this intelligence more thought.

"Either the humans were such a threat they had to use more violent methods, or it could be that after the attack by Tirek, Princess Celestia has finally started to take threats more seriously? Yes… This is very good information to have. It would be best we not push too hard and risk discovery if the ponies have grown less confident in the Elements of Harmony and Discord’s questionable methods of help."

Having decided that more precautions were needed, Chrysalis was ready to levy new orders. She sat tall and menacing upon her throne, harshly calling out her change of tactics.

"Continue to observe from afar. We will make no attempt to infiltrate further for now. When the time is right, make sure the targets chosen to replace are lower ranks. New recruits to the guard or even civilian staff. That will make it easier to infiltrate undetected. If the Solar Guards’ numbers are being stretched thin, they will be monitoring their troops more closely. Inform my minions that they are not only to study their targets but master them to learn their habits."

With that cleared up, that left another matter to discuss. Something she could be more coy and personal about with this underling who had earned some praise for providing the new intelligence.

"And what of your brother, Thorax? Do you still believe his disappearance is because of his cowardice, or might he have other reasons to abandon the hive?"

Good news or not, this underling was not going to let his brother tarnish his good standing with the queen.

"Thorax is a coward and unworthy of the Hive, your wickedness. He refused to fight in the invasion of Canterlot for Cadance’s wedding and has shown no faith in our mission to rule over the ponies. His choice to leave has done the Hive a favor by removing his weakness."

Chrysalis nodded in approval at the passion of this changeling's devotion. However, his dismissal of his brother left him blind to another problem created.

Then again, the art of betrayal and exploiting weaknesses was what she knew best. It was upon her to open up this changeling’s eyes.

"Well, Pharynx, what if your cowardly brother was to remove more than only himself from the Hive?"

Such a claim caused a new level of ire to rise up in Pharynx. He rose, ready to pounce or take to flight and search for his cowardly brother if that were needed. But first, he had to know what he had missed, and he grit his teeth with a snarl.

"Who did he take with him, my queen?"

The reports were still coming in, and it was nothing more than speculation at this point, but the timing was too convenient to ignore.

"It's not been determined as of yet if my little one has run away with Thorax or has simply wandered off and gotten lost. She is young, so it would not be the first time one her age would have taken too many wrong turns in the hive or gotten turned around if she went exploring for a snack. Our rations have been lower than I approve of, made only worse by having my scouts to search for your brother."

Exploiting another’s weakness wasn’t merely a weapon to use on her enemies. Her words had sunk deep into Pharynx, striking at his pride and devotion.

There was reason to believe that the disappearances were unrelated, but having a changeling to make an example out of was more valuable than a runaway she would have to write off. Not that she wanted to give up either.

"The search for the young one will continue, but if she is with your brother, find him. Return them both and you shall be rewarded with a higher standing amongst your peers."

Pharynx bowed and backed away into the darkness, showing his respect and eagerness to fulfill her wishes.

"As you command, my queen."

Having no idea which movie to watch, Trixie found herself curious about a movie called, “Gone In Sixty Seconds.” Originally, thinking it had to do with a vanishing act, the description on the back made the story of high-octane, speed, and attitude movie made it sound appealing. It had an interesting start but really picked up when a car from the human world was also a Mustang.

While it turned out that the Mustang was only the model of the car and not a pony at all, she had considered swapping it out for another movie closer to her interest until hearing the main actor, a human named Randal, referred to the car as a unicorn.

While there were no ponies or magic involved, she had thoroughly enjoyed the movie, though it was really Elinore, the unicorn/Mustang… Shelbi… Cobra… The car had a lot of names and was by far her favorite part of the movie.

After that, she found another movie with the same actor that matched her interest this time. There were lots to do with magic considering it was about a Sorcerer’s Apprentice, but how that form of human magic worked seemed just silly.

However, mixing some leftover soda and vodka made the magic practices easier to tolerate.

Sort of.

"D'thaht's uh transtmutation yoo dummie! Eff yer gonna cheng the car, chenn et to Eleanor. Et's fast en ah uuuunicorn."

Slurring her speech the way she was quickly made it clear that she was heavily drunk. Another hangover was on the way if she kept up at the pace she had going. So, drunk or not, she capped the bottle, but kept it close.

"Hmmmm, thiz job ain so bad. Dez howz ez comfy. Ah get tu watch movez en vree alkickall."

The movie she was watching had now become a chase scene, catching her eye.

"Nnnnnno… he made'en stoopid car. The Great en Purifful Trixie will wait till unicorn car ez back."

Turning away from the TV screen, Trixie closed her eyes. The insult of not having a car she could relate to had become more important than learning more about magic. But this couch was so comfortable. Maybe she could nap through the chase scene.

"I'll jus wake musulf when car go way…"

Well, things seem to look good with the humans knowing that there were, in fact, some secrets being held back. Also, they need to do a better job watching who they feed drinks to.

Then of course Luna and Twilight's exchange was... Goddamnit, Twi. You need to calm your nerdy ass down. Poor Luna was struggling to work through her explanation that she was with Kelly.

Regardless, Luna needs some support. Both for safety, as well as securing some night times with Kelly. Although, this did give Twilight some more encouragement to be more adventurous. After all, if she wants her herd prospects to pan out, she's gotta learn all the options. More importantly, she recognizing that there is still a need to share information.

Then again, there should be a difference noted between sharing information and simply gossiping. Not that there isn't some important information being exchanged, and they seem to confirm that they at least know what's happening about how they're reacting to each other vs with a human. Fast and intense or a more mild pace and high peeks. The first leaving them exhausted, the second not being so overwhelming and allowing them to be mutually involved with each other.

Not necessarily an easy choice to make.

Oh, also, they're learning that working together gives them an advantage... The guys need to be wary of being overwhelmed.

Then... wow... Sniff and Big Mac talking about relationship issues. Wow... really makes ya think about just how fucked up people can be. Lots of issues complicated topics to try and break down.

The important thing is that Big Mag got the support he needed to restore his confidence.

Going back to the castle, Shining is a lot more entertaining when he's being a goofball. Telling Rainbow she can take an elevator down his cattle so she can help Becky take the stairs?

I dunno... It made me laugh.

Also, Rainbow Dash seems to be the only one to notice that there is something going on with Shining. Maybe he doesn't even realize just how in deep he is.

All of that overshadowed by the fact that Rainbow had spoken in her sleep at the Post-War-Party-Party. Most have picked up just after Luna left Rainbow with dual Cerbs to provide medical care to.

Poor Dashie.

Then we get a little better understanding that there must be something else going on in the background, or at least was at one point.

Fleetfoot and Spitfire know that something things aren't adding up. Vital information wasn't being shared properly. Information they should have known about.

Sadly... the human's influence seems to still be an issue with attracting unwanted attention. Kinda strange that again it was only after meeting the humans they realized how dim their futures looked. However, hearing the career restrictions. And for Fleetfoot, she's had to give up two stallions. So, yeah. At some point when the hunger turns to starvation (proverbially speaking), some will settle for whatever they can.

Hell, even Spitfire seems to have some reasons to want a little extra love in her life. At least Fleetfoot had said enough to convince her that maybe there was something worth going after.

Oof... My apologies if I went overboard with the youngsters. Having them all together, it was the perfect storm for some bonding and the inevitable clash if left unattended.

Also, I gotta say how odd it is that they have so many characters without fathers or any parents at all. At the very least, none that are canon.

So, this gave these seven youngsters something to stay connected with. Some of them getting more attached than the others. Dinky with Gallus, Button with Smolder, Pina Colada with Yona, leaving Cotton Cloudy with spike.

And no, nothing romantic. Just let these little fillies be cute.

Oh yeah... for those who have been pinging me with questions about the Changelings... there. Now they're in the picture. Or, they've just been hanging back. Silently observing, gathering information.

Not just that, if you know the history, we have some other important players coming into the foreground.

We can expect them coming in to cause some trouble.

Lastly... this was Trixie's night? Watching back to back Nicholas Cage movies and getting drunk?

Sounds like fun to me, but I'm sure others will be having a lot more fun in the night. What kind of fun? I guess you'll just have to come back next week to find out in: