**Author's Note** Hello everyone! I just wanted to give a short intro here because I wanted to announce that in this chapter my story will have it's first song! Equestria wouldn't be the place it is without spontaneous bouts of singing. I hope that you all enjoy how it fits in and please know that all proper citation will be listed down below.

- - -

The Heart of Pleasure
By Haunter Rayne
Chapter 21 - Tidings of Fate

Starlight grumbled bitterly as she walked off to a chair that Twilight had levitated to the corner of the room. The princess was fuming in anger and was no longer in the mood for Starlight's antics. “Gee, I just got excited. You thought it sounded dirty too.” She mumbled under her breath. Sitting down in the chair Starlight turned so that she could still watch and listen to the conversation.

Now Twilight slammed her hoof down onto the table making the pale unicorn jump in her seat. “Alright Rarity! You tell me exactly what happened between you and Spike last night! And I mean every detail! RIGHT NOW!”

Twilight was looking so angry that she had Rarity feeling guilty even though she knew she was innocent of Starlight's accusation. “Twilight please, it's not like that! This is a complete misunderstanding. When I said exploded, I meant with that unknown wave of magic. Not in… in any other inappropriate kind of sense.” Rarity was feeling so embarrassed that she could hardly argue a case to defend herself. Fortunately for her, Twilight had no intention of trying to make this harder than it had to be.

“I know.” The princess said flatly.

“Y-you do?” Rarity said nervously.

“Yes Rarity. I wouldn't believe it even if somepony had told me that you had been inappropriate with Spike. I just want the facts about what happened last night. You aren't who I'm so mad at right now.”

"Oh." Rarity and Starlight both said in unison.

But then a different voice spoke out, reminding the girls who had almost forgotten that there was still another individual in the room. “Um, excuse me. Can I ask something? When did I explode? Magically or in any other kind of way.”

Rarity looked to Spike curiously. “What? You mean you didn't notice it at all?! But, but, the magic! It was filling the entire room!”

Spike just shook his head but then Twilight spoke up again. “Hold on Rarity. Look, just start from the beginning. Tell me what happened.”

Then over the next few minutes Rarity described in detail the events from the previous night. Spike nodded along, confirming the events as he remembered them. “And then when I pulled away from the kiss the magic just sort of shot out through the walls. I didn't know what happened to it after that.”

“Oh wow, I didn't see any of that.” Spike said feeling astounded by the story Rarity had just told them.

His girlfriend just smiled to him saying, “Oh well darling, you still had your eyes closed at the time now that I think about it.” She giggled remembering how cute he had looked after their first real kiss.

Twilight however did not seem to be as assumed. “Wow is right Spike. Nothing like this has ever happened before. Thank you for telling me this Rarity. I certainly don't think that anything bad will come of this but I have no idea what it could mean and Princess Celestia still needs an explanation!” She shouted before dripping her face onto the table.

Rarity smiled and looked as if she were about to say with something comforting to say until Spike interrupted by asking, “Oh um Rarity, don't you think we should tell her about the other thing too?”

Now looking back up in surprise Twilight shouted, “Wait, there's more?!”

Rarity scowled a little but then raised a hoof waiting for Twilight to calm herself. “Yes, but one thing at a time Spike. I think Twilight's nerves might deserve a little rest. And don't worry Twilight, it has nothing to do with the magic blast. We just had a few more things we wanted to discuss with you about Spike and I being a couple now.” She said sweetly, trying to mitigate the situation. “I assure you that it is of no immediate concern. Let us take care of the important details first. Why don't you have Spike help you write a letter back to Celestia so that she can know all is well. Meanwhile I can go to the kitchen and make us all a fresh pot of tea. We can relax and sit together, continuing to talk as friends. Now doesn't that sound nice?”

Twilight took several deep breaths but then she paused as she looked up saying, “You know what Rarity? That sounds like a great idea.”

With that, everyone nodded and Rarity climbed down out of her seat. She gave Spike a little hug and then told him she'd be right back. He picked up a quill and parchment as Twilight thought to herself out loud. “Uoooh, now I have to figure out the best way to explain to Celestia that my castle is harboring a new interspecies relationship that had created a tidal wave of magic with their love.”

Spike just blinked at her. “Uh is that what you want me to write?”

Meanwhile Rarity walked passed Starlight and motioned for her to follow. “Come on dear. Unless of course you enjoy sitting in the corner.” Starlight chuckled before standing up and following her friend down the hall.

- Back in the Caves Adjacent to Ponyville-

“You know, this clock really is stunning. I can't believe the craftsmanship to it. I hope it wasn't too expensive for you.” Rayne called out to Maud as he was standing up beside the clock working to set the timer controls.

“I'm really glad that you like it.” Maud answered as she was placing a few items into a towel before walking off behind Rayne. “And don't worry about the price. I don't like to make a big deal about it but technically there isn't a lot in Ponyville that I couldn't afford.”

Having just finished with the clock Rayne stepped over to her. “Oh? Is that so?”

She nodded to him and pointed around at the cavern. “I live in a gem cave. Whenever I need to pay for something I can literally just pull money off the walls.”

“Oh wow, you're right. Another bonus then of living in such a beautiful place.” Rayne was careful to avoid any comments about realizing that she’s rich. He didn't want to give the wrong impression and was sure that Maud didn't want to be viewed in that light. “So, what’cha doing?” He asked after seeing her lifting some bottles in a towel.

She pointed down to the stream and mumbled between the towel that she was holding with her mouth. “Bath.”

"If it's not too weird, may I join you?” He asked before using his magic to lift the towel so that she wouldn't have to carry it with her teeth. They walked down to the stream together and he laid the towel down while setting out the soap bottles that she had gathered. “After you.” He said and watched as she stepped into an area that seemed to pool with slower flowing water. He followed her in and they both dipped down soaking themselves in the refreshing stream. As Maud reached up into her mane to begin washing, Rayne noticed that there was a slanted rock nearby that dipped right down to the water's edge. “Hey, come here for a minute. I'd like to try something. Come lean down over here.”

She nodded allowing him to lead her over to where he was pointing until she raised her hooves to lean forward against the smooth flat stone. Then he magicked some of the creamy soap onto a washcloth and started caressing up and down her back massaging into her fur. Maud seemed to become bashful for a moment telling him, “Rayne, I haven't had another pony wash me since I was a filly.” But he didn't seem to mind as he moved on to her shoulders and then caressed his soapy hooves along her neck.

“Does it bother you?” He asked but Maud just shook her head. Rayne began taking his time now, humming to himself as he began working shampoo into Maud's hair. “Hmm hm hmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hm hmm hmmm.” He found himself adoring this mare as he cleansed and polished each inch of her, loving how intimate she would allow him to be. He leaned in close to keep her warm while he delicately scrubbed at her and for a moment he allowed himself to be swept away by the romantic moment they were sharing. “Hmm hm hmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmm hm hmmm.”

With her eyes closed and with a blissful voice Maid whispered out, “That's really nice. What is that?”

Rayne suddenly stopped humming, snapping out of his daydream from an old John Travolta movie he had once seen. “Huh? Oh this? I have no idea, it smells like lavender though."

She softly laughed and looked back over her shoulder as he continued to scrub her mane. “Not the shampoo. I mean that tune that you have been humming. I like it.”

Rayne blushed feeling a bit caught off guard. It had been an absent minded action on his part that he definitely wasn't expecting to get called out on. “Oh, it's just a song from where I'm from. The lyrics are a little sappy but I'm really enjoying being here with you like this. So, it put me in a bit of a romantic mood I guess. I hope you don't mind.”

“Mmmm not at all.” She mused as he was caressing her scalp. “Can I hear it? The lyrics I mean?”

Rayne chuckled at first but then nodded as he was no stranger to serenading a lover. “Alright, just as long as you remember that I didn't come up with it.” He leaned in close so that he could sing softly while his hooves continued to along.

https://youtu.be/O_K1lkLWzr0

“I can hear her heart beat for a thousand miles.
And the heaven's open every time she smiles.
And when I come to her that's where I belong.
Yet I'm running to her like a river's song.
She give me love, love, love, love, crazy love.
She give me love, love, love, love, crazy love."

At this point Rayne leaned her back and held her in his arms. He rinsed her mane and caressed her back before pulling her back up out of the water. Turning her around he soaped up the wash cloth again but she surprised him when she reached over to grab a second cloth and also did the same. She smiled at him looking smitten as they both began to scrub each other together as he continued to sing.

“She's got a fine sense of humor when I'm feeling low down.
Yeah when I come to her when the sun goes down.
Take away my trouble, take away my grief.
Take away my heartache, in the night like a thief.
She give me love, love, love, love, crazy love.
She give me love, love, love, love, crazy love."

Rayne could tell from her eyes that she was feeling very seduced from being sung to like this. As she ran her wash cloth along his arms and down his chest, she scrubbed him in the same way that he had washed her; like some miraculous beautiful thing that should cherish and polished and adored.

“Yes I need her in the daytime.
Yes I need her in the night.
Yes I want to throw my arms around her.
Kiss and hug her, kiss and hug her tight."

Rayne stole a kiss from her after each of the last two lines.

“Yeah when I'm returning from so far away.
She gives me some sweet lovin' brighten up my day.
Yes it makes me righteous, yes it makes me whole.
Yes it makes me mellow down into my soul.

She give me love, love, love, love, crazy love.
She give me love, love, love, love, crazy love."

As he ended his song he rubbed his snout gently along hers while the final words left his lips. She kissed him just as soon as she could tell that he was done, throwing her arms went around his neck and giving him the tightest hug he had received from her yet. She danced her tongue over his as she lifted her hips to scoot back onto that slanted rock. Rayne could feel her pulling him up and he showed no hesitation as he climbed up above her. Holding the sweet mare in his arms Rayne could feel that she was trying to pour her heart out through the means of her kiss. Sliding her knees around his sides, Maud held onto him now as if he were the most important thing in her world.

- Back to the Castle of Friendship -

“Honestly Starlight, it was your own fault.” Rarity said as the two unicorns worked together in the kitchen. “I agree it was kind of childish making you sit in the corner but you were being a bit relentless! Are you really that interested in the affairs of Spike and I?”

“I'm not a pervert Rarity. But... I mean, is it really so ridiculous that I want to know? You're dating a dragon. And you're even being romantic with him. I would have never even considered something like that before… but, I know that friendship is more important than my curiosity. So if it really is going to upset everypony then I will agree to drop it and won't bring it up again.”

Rarity thought to herself as she was organizing a little sugar cube tray. “Well, I suppose I don't mind so much after all. Just as long as you understand that nothing happened between Spike and I like it did with Rayne. I'm not normally that kind of girl. I'm sure you know the kind of effect that Rayne can have.” Starlight chuckled and nodded.

After first looking around and even peaking back down the hallway, Starlight asked, “You really don't mind?” But Rarity shook her head as she was placing a little garnish on the plate. Then Starlight leaned right in towards Rarity suddenly bombarding her with questions. “Oh my gosh so there is so much that I want to know! So is it weird that he is scaly? What does that feel like? How does that effect when you're kissing? Is it a problem that he's shorter than you? Do his claws ever catch your fur?”

“Sweet Celestia, slow down Starlight. You surely can't expect me to answer all of those questions at once.” Rarity flipped her mane proudly. “I will have you know that there is nothing weird about Spike's scales in the least. They are very smooth and that blanket Applejack gave me for Hearts Warming last year pulled my fur far more than Spike does. As for his claws, they feel simply divine. In fact when he puts his arms around me, hehe, it's like being held by two strong arms with hairbrushes on each end. It's quite wonderful really. Also... I will have you know that Spike is an amazing kisser!”

“Really?!” Starlight gasped, eyes wide and fascinated like a gossiping little filly.

Now Rarity smirked, taking the opportunity to brag a little bit. “Oh yes. Spike's lips are just so soft and smooth. It's like kissing glass but with the softness of a cloud. And um, just between us girls, his tongue is rather nice too.”

Starlight made a shocked face but then smiled mischievously. “Oh you tongue kissed Spike?!”

Rarity nodded excitedly. “Mhm! I couldn't help myself. That handsome little devil just swoons me every time our lips touch. Really, he might even be a better kisser than Rayne.”

“Now hold on a minute.” Starlight laughed, feeling that Rarity was starting to over exaggerate a little. “I've made out with Rayne pretty intensely and I have to say that's a pretty high bar to compare to. I know you aren't that kind of girl Rarity but I can see how you may have been so easily seduced by him yesterday. Rayne... almost might have had me from the first date too. If he weren't such a gentlepony he probably could have convinced me if he tried.”

Rarity was still smirking proudly about Spike as she levitated the tea tray. “Yes granted that Spike might not be quite as suave as the new dark stallion in town. But a girl likes what a girl likes. And... Rayne can't tickle the back of my throat with his tongue like Spike's can when he holds me. It really is quite… arousing hehe.” She growled playfully and Starlight chuckled with her.

But as they turned to leave Rarity stopped them at the door. “Oh and I'm sure it hardly needs to be said but… obviously I wouldn't want Spike to find out about my recent transgression. I won't lie if it comes up… but I don't see what good can come from letting Spike find out that Rayne and I slept together.”

Starlight just gave a smirk and patted Rarity on the shoulder. “Let me tell you something. I caught Twilight checking in on you two while you were still both sleeping this morning. You looked so cute and happy together as a couple. I think Twilight saw that too, which is why she has been going so easy on you today. I would NEVER do anything to endanger the happiness that I saw between the two of you today.”

“Thank you Starlight.” Rarity said with a smile as they both started walking down the hallway together. "I had thought that I heard voices this morning. It puts my mind at ease knowing that it was just you two."

A little later as the two girls stepped back into the map room, they were stunned to see a frustrated Spike sitting next to a small pile of crumpled papers. “Uh, what happened here?” Starlight asked concerned.

No one could tell if Twilight had heard her or not as she was leaning over a parchment agitatedly reading and rereading it over. It was Spike who responded saying, “Twilight has gone through forty eight different drafts of the letter to send to Celestia since you two have been gone. Forty eight!” He cried.

The two mares looked to each other concerned. “Twilight dear, come have some tea.” Rarity called out sweetly, levitating teacups around the room for everyone. “Uh, Twilight?” Rarity called again and the others just shrugged. Now Rarity stomped her hoof and said aloud, “Not to worry, I know what to do about this!” Then she marched around the table to where Spike was. “Oh my Spikey Wikey, I know I was only gone for a moment but I missed you in that short time.” Spike's face went lovey dovey right away, especially when Rarity climbed into the same seat as him and held him close. “Well if Twilight isn't going to pay us any attention then I guess that means it's like we're alone, right? Do you want to give me some kissy wisses my dearest?”

Spike grinned wide as he shouted, “Do I ever?!” And instantly they wrapped their arms around each other and locked their mouths together hot and heavy. Rarity caressed the quills on Spike's head while he combed his claws through her fur.

Starlight had a full view and could definitely see that they were caressing their tongues into each other's mouths. She even saw as Rarity giggled a little bit when Spike's tongue seem to slide especially far into Rarity's mouth. “Wow, okay that really does look kind of nice.” She thought to herself.

This only lasted for a moment though before their affectionate moans and slurpy lip grinding definitely broke Twilight from her trance. “OKAY, OKAY I'M DONE! ENOUGH WITH THE KISSING!!!” She yelled like a mom who couldn't handle seeing their child being romantic. Everyone else chuckled and then the couple went back to their respective seats. Spike took the letter from Twilight and blew it away with his flame breath before Twilight had a chance to change her mind and review it again. “Alright, now… let's just have some tea and we can talk out the rest like friends.” Twilight said as she finally seemed to be settling down. “Thank you Rarity, this looks lovely.” She took a deep sip and everyone could see that her shoulders instantly relaxed. “Okay, now I'm calm. This is really delicious. So, what is it that you and Spike still wanted to talk-" But the princess was interrupted as suddenly Spike belched out a new letter that fell on the table in front of all their surprised faces.

“Oh my goodness, is that a letter back from Celestia already?” Rarity gasped. “How could she have even read it so fast?”

Twilight was already looking the new parchment over and said, “She couldn't, this isn't from Celestia. It's from Cadence! Something has happened at the Crystal Empire. She wants all of the princesses as well as all of the Ponies of Harmony to meet her at the Crystal Empire tomorrow!”

Starlight looked over asking, “Does it say what for? It sounds like it's an emergency. Why wait until tomorrow? I'm sure that the train could get us there by this evening.”

Twilight raised a hoof to her mane. “I have no idea. It doesn't say anything else. This isn't a formal invitation, Cadence signed this to me by hoof. So whatever it is might be something that she is trying to keep quiet.” Twilight was clearly guessing but everyone looked around and nodded that it sounded plausible. “Whatever it is we will just have to find out tomorrow.” Just then another letter came bursting forth from Spike and landed on the table. “Okay or maybe we will find out sooner.”

“Who is this one from?” Spike asked as Twilight read the letter.

“Okay so this is the response from Princess Celestia.” She began mumbling, half reading the letter out loud. “... surprised to hear… happy for your friends… mmm.. very unorthodox relationship… absolutely dire that I speak to Spike and Rarity directly?!” Now everyone in the room gasped. “Listen, it goes on to say that the magical blast from last night reached as far as the Crystal Empire! It startled ponies all over Equestria! And apparently now the Crystal Heart is spinning out of control!” All of the others gasped and the new couple gave each other an especially worried look. “Supposedly Cadence doesn't expect there to be any danger but she has called a meeting tomorrow to discuss what can be done while she is still trying a few things on her own in the mean time. And now Celestia would like every individual even remotely involved to attend!”

Suddenly a meek voice called out bringing everyone's attention to a very worried looking Rarity. “Twi-ahem, Twilight... Please tell me that I did not start breaking Equestria by falling in love." She whimpered dramatically. "I've had two failed romances, one with that ghastly Prince Blueblood and then my humiliation over Trenderhoof. But now that I have Spike and I'm happy, the Crystal Heart becomes endangered? Am I not meant to be happy?” She whined as she then started to cry.

“Rarity that doesn't even make any sense!” Twilight shouted, clearly sounding agitated.

Starlight suddenly gave a smirk though, “Hey Rarity, I know one advantage there is to having a boyfriend when you're sad.” Then she suddenly levitated Spike out of his seat and floated him over to Rarity so that he could comfort her. Turning back to the princess who was now rereading to make sure she hadn't missed any details, Starlight said, “Uh Twilight, a lot has clearly happened and I think we could all use a rest. Even if there is a serious situation going on it seems like there isn't anything that's going to happen about it until tomorrow. Why don't we let Rarity go home and maybe let Spike go with her for awhile? I can come back and assist you with anything that you might need help with.”

Twilight sighed. “Fine. That's probably for the best right now. I am going to research to see if I can find any history of this happening before and when you get back you can help me cross reference uncommon forms of magic in Equestria.”

Starlight sulked with a fake cheer, “Oh yay, won't that be exciting.” Then she walked with Spike and Rarity out to the front doors.

Author's Notes:

Okay so as some of you may have caught it, I have the word "craftsmanship" in this chapter. I don't remember if they ever say the word in the show or not. Usually I am careful with these things because there is no "man" in Equestria. But trying to say 'Craftsponyship' seemed obnoxious.

Alright so letters are being sent and meetings are being called. Things are coming together as the plot is building now!

Lyrics from "Crazy Love" by Van Morrison, as seen in the 1996 movie Phenomenon. All ownership and rights go to the respective parties and not to myself.