Author's Notes:

Warning: Sexually Explicit Content Ahead.

As expected, a shit storm hit the city that very next morning. The news ran the footage of Suri Polomare’s confession of murder and then her subsequent transformation into a demonic spider-human hybrid creature. Along with the fight between Suri and a woman who wore metal “bikini armor”, it was kind of – and by “kind of” I mean completely – graphic to the point that the news couldn’t blur out most of it and just stated repeatedly “Viewer Discretion Advised”.

Of course, this sparked the media and every would-be reporter to hound the police and the mayor’s office regarding the existence of these monsters and what exactly they were doing to stop them. Not only that, but the parents of Suri Polomare were also hounded about their daughter and about how long they knew she was a demonic monster. The Polomare family couldn’t really react to this, there were whispers of the family suing the city or demanding the arrest of the woman who killed their daughter.

But to that, many argued that their daughter was far gone, the footage had clearly shown that the armored woman had stopped and was going to show mercy, until she attacked her from behind, but to no avail. Some wondered if this was a disease that was spreading through the city, if the people should be wearing any kind of protection or if they should be fleeing the city?

This persisted for about a day before Mayor Maria Mare announced that she would be holding a press conference at Canterlot City Hall. Many news stations showed up to get answers, as well as every online news site ready to capture her words and analyze her answers later. They had all gathered within the rotunda of the building, a podium had been set up along with many different microphones lining the top of it, each baring a different logo from the news stations.

The CCPD and the mayor’s personal bodyguards had created a perimeter around the podium and the double doors from which she would exit from. Finally, after several minutes of waiting, Maria Mare exited the double doors, hundreds of camera flashes littered her vision, but she did not let such a thing deter her, it was commonplace to expect a blinding wall of light. Along with that came the roar of several people yelling out questions left and right, barely even waiting for her to reach the podium to start talking.

Maria wore a beige business suit with a white shirt, and a blue-green tie, her hair was perfectly combed and treated for today. In her right hand she held several papers and placed them upon the podium, once she was standing before it, Maria lifted her hands and motioned to signal to the reporters to quiet down. After the roar finally died down to nothing at all, she began.

“Good afternoon, to the people of Canterlot, and to those watching from other neighboring towns and cities. I know you all have a plethora of questions for me, but I ask that you wait until after I’ve given my report on the incident from two days ago.”

Maria paused and waited to see if anyone would defy this request. So far, no one did.

“In regards to the incident with the young woman, Suri Polomare, let me first say that my heart goes out to the Polomare family, it is a sad and terrible thing to lose one’s own child, and I ask that everyone grant them time to grieve. That being said, I have reviewed the footage with the officers of the CCPD Task Force, and I can confirm that what you saw was one-hundred percent real. There was no altering of any footage, nor was this a staged performance.”

Murmurs started to rustle up from the reporters.

“As you may know, our city has been in the grips of what the media has dubbed the ‘Mystery Murders’. For the last few months the identity of the killer hasn’t been identified, until now.”

“Are you saying that Suri Polormare is responsible for all the killings?!” a reporter asked.

“Please hold all questions until after,” said one of the police officers.

Maria sighed. “No, Suri Polomare has confessed to the killing another woman, as far as we know, that was her only victim. However, I am afraid to say that these Mystery Murders are not being conducted by a single person, but rather, by multiple suspects. The strange and savage circumstances of which each victim was killed indicates that there is more than one person with Miss Polomare’s ability to change their form.”

“Let me assure you, that this is not due to some disease, illegal experimentation, or whatever conspiracy theory is being propelled through the internet at the moment. Currently, we are trying to ascertain who or what these creatures are, and if this is a disease. So far, all indications to that point to nowhere, as well as experimentation. We are still investigating, but with this revelation, we now have a better idea of who and what we are dealing with, as much as this incident was a tragedy, it was a blessing. The enemy has made itself known, so now it is a matter of time before we find the rest. I will take any questions you have now.”

Yet again, the roar of the reporters was deafening. Maria glanced about the room and pointed to a random reporter, a woman who stepped forward and asked, “Many people are wondering what the police and city government’s thoughts are regarding the woman who was seen combating the creature. Is her identity known and if so, is she an ally or another potential murderer?”

Maria knew that was coming sooner or later. “We don’t know this person’s name, but she has gone by the alias of ‘Witchblade’. This is coming from sources within the police who have encountered her and have seen her slay, as of right now, three of these creatures. For now, we are taking a wait-and-see approach with her. If she continues to show that she is an ally to us, we shall treat her as such, if not, we will treat her as we will the very creatures who threaten us.”

Another reporter asked, “What kind of message does it send that this woman is running around in such revealing clothing and fighting these creatures? Aren’t you afraid that standing with this vigilante will set a bad example for young woman, and possibly taint your office?”

Maria chuckled a little. “I must admit, I am very much NOT a fan of this young woman’s choice in attire. Whether this is her choice or something she is forced to wear is something completely unknown, however, I don’t see it as too bad an example. After all, a strong woman slaying monsters and being confident in her body to fight them with all she’s got – fashion choice aside – I think she sets a good example for young women who feel powerless sometimes.”

A third reporter said, “The Polomare family has been requesting that the city arrest Witchblade for the murder of their daughter, monster or not, you have to admit Madam Mayor, that what we witnessed was cold blooded murder.”

Maria raised an eyebrow at that. “Really, is that what you saw?” The crowd paused. “What I saw was a young lady who changed into a monster, killed someone on stage, made puppets of our police officers, and confessed to another murder at her own hands. I know not what changed that young woman, whether she was possessed or willingly became what she was, but in that moment, I saw Witchblade offer her mercy, and she declined it. I truly feel sorry for the Polomare family, but the creature she became was what she was when she was killed, and at that time, she was a threat to everyone. I would rather she capture rather than kill, but at that moment, Witchblade made a judgement call.”

A fourth reporter asked, “How many of the Mystery Murders do the police think are caused by these creatures?”

“As of right now, all of them. My hope is this conference will make it harder for them to operate now that the public is aware of their existence. Let me make it clear, this is no way means anyone should start accusing their neighbor, or suspecting one another of being a monster in disguise. Before you start doing so, ask yourself, ‘Is this person that I’ve known for years really a monster in disguise?’ The police are working hard to find the cause and perpetrators of these crimes, please do not make their jobs harder by calling in false claims, I will not have this city devolve into a witch trail of old.”

Maria spent the next five minutes answering more questions before she deemed the briefing to be over. Once that was done, Maria headed back to the sanctuary that was her office space. It rested on the top floor of City Hall, and gave a magnificent view of Canterlot City, as if she was the queen of the city. Maria stared out into the city, her territory, the queendom that she had forged for herself and had kept for a good number of years, she was the longest running mayor to hold the seat, a whole seven and a half years.

There was no way Maria was going to let some monstrosities run amok in her city, but from what Detective Shining Armor informed her, the situation was worse than she let on. Indeed, Canterlot City was swarming with unseen demonic spirits, lurking in the shadows and waiting to possess its citizens and turn them into living breathing murder machines. Witchblade was the only one, it seemed, who could really hurt and kill these creatures. Maria didn’t like having to associate herself, or her office with some girl who dressed like some fantasy warrior slut, but perhaps, if she stood up for Witchblade, she might continue to keep killing these monsters. Well, only time would tell.

Just then, Maria got a call on her office line. Her receptionist answered, {Madam Mayor, you have a call.}

“I thought I asked not to be disturbed after the conference?” Maria asked with annoyance.

{Yes, Ma’am, but it’s a Miss Abacus Cinch on the line.}

Maria sighed heavily. What does that uptight bitch want now? “Send it through.” Maria sat down at her desk and picked up the phone. “Abby, to what do I owe the pleasure of this call?”

{You know damn well what this is about?! Suri Polomare was a student of my school! Do you know what this will do to Crystal Prep’s reputation?!}

Maria rolled her eyes. “How tragic, one of your uptight rich kids turned into a monster. I mean, some of them will become metaphorical monsters, but I didn’t think you were teaching them to become literal monsters, Cinch.”

{Do you find this amusing?!}

“For the parents, no. For you, oh so very funny,” Maria giggled.

{Did you forget the amount of money I injected into your campaign during the last election?! You should be more faithful to your constituents, especially when they throw over a 2.5 million dollars!}

Maria played with the phone cord for a second and then replied, “I know what you gave me, and I’m very grateful. However, I wouldn’t be making demands if I were you. Or should I bring to light the numerous cases of hazing and abuse that go on in that school of yours?”

Cinch made a strangled noise on the other end.

“Oh Abby, you really turned that place into a viper pit. Students trying to outdo each other, either by sabotaging their fellow students, or by abusing them verbally, physically…sexually.” Maria let that hang in the air for a few seconds. “How many settlements did I have our DA help sweep under the rug for you? And all to make sure your precious Crystal Prep Academy had the best, most outstanding reputation in the city so that all our wealthy residents would sink money into you and your school. Hmm?”

No response came from the other line, but she could definitely hear Cinch making some grumbled noises.

“Don’t get me wrong, you do get results. I have it on good authority about how many times your school has dominated our lovely little public school of CHS. But I digress, do not threaten me, Abby, do not demand anything of me, or you’ll have more than just a murder spider woman student to worry about. Are we clear?”

An incoherent answer was muttered through the phone.

“I’m sorry, what was that? Speak clearly, Abby, you are a teacher after all,” Maria teased.

{Yes…}

“Yes, what?”

{Yes…Ma’am.}

“Good. Now, if you’re really worried about your image, have that Dean of Students of yours prepare a statement, she looks like she actually gives a crap, so the media will believe her more over you. She just oozes big sister vibes, and you…well…you radiate the image of someone who has a stick up their ass and is waiting for the right time to beat someone with it,” Maria stated.

{Y-YOU–!!!}

Maria hung up the phone, her lips spread into a grin. Abacus Cinch was always easy to rile up, ever since she got to the position of Principal of CPA, she was always striving to make that school bigger and better than all the other private schools in the city. To her credit, she was doing that, and the students’ abilities proved that she was getting results. However, there was an excessive amount of hazing and abuse from the students against other students, and the teachers’ neglect and sometimes indifference towards it. At some point Maria would have to nip that problem in the bud before something really bad happened, the last thing she needed was for one of those rich brats to kill someone and start an investigation into all the cases that were kept under wraps.

Maria massaged her temples, she loved her job, but sometimes it could be a real bitch. “Oh well, I’ll be having some ‘stress relief’ later tonight anyway.”

Sunset couldn’t stop her cheeks from burning red the entire day yesterday and today. The fight had been streamed to every news media outlet on the net, and not a moment went by when Sunset didn’t see someone watching the footage of her battle with Suri and hearing a boy or girl say how hot she looked in her armor.

And since the mayor gave her a name, it took all that Sunset had not to jump when someone other than Rarity said the word “Witchblade”.

}}} Should you not feel more joy that there are people speaking of you positively? {{{

In truth, yes. But not when every boy – and girl – I catch watching that is commenting about how much they want to bang me! Or, well, skimpy-armor-version-me! And in the same breath, saying that they want to kick my ass for being Anon-A-Miss!

}}} Human social quarrels are tiresome. {{{

I second that!

Sunset reached her locker, which was once again covered in all manner of profanity. Luckily the inside was vacant of any pranks so that was a plus. Just as Sunset was about to close the door, she felt a change in the air. She glanced about and saw that many of the students were murmuring about something.

Shit, did Anon-A-Miss post something else?

Sunset took out her phone and checked the MyStable page. She scrolled through the postings and found the most recent one, and what she saw nearly made her tear out the locker.

[Pinkie Pie, the secret stealer extraordinaire:

You dumbasses been wondering how I’ve been getting all the shit on you thus far? Well, seeing as my girlfriend and I are becoming more serious in public, I think it’s best to just come clean with it.

Yeah, Pinkie Pie’s been the one who’s been supplying me with your dirty little secrets. I mean, how stupid are you people? She acts like a loon, so you don’t bother to think about what comes out of your mouth around her, all the while, she’s been listening closely, been feeding me my daily nourishment of your little backstabs and shit talking.

Why am I telling you this now? Because I think my GF has done more than enough and we thought it’s time she took a break, but don’t worry, I have so many more ways of getting what I want from you bunch of plebeians.

So sorry to anyone who thought they had a chance in hell of hitting that pink plump plot of hers, that’s all mine. ;P

Sincerely yours, Anon-A-Miss]

Sunset gritted her teeth and squeezed on her cellphone to the point that she was about to crush it in her hands. I’m going to kill ‘em. I’m seriously going to murder Anon-A-Miss! Heh, ha, yep, no doubts! I’m going to use you to rip Anon-A-Miss open and spill their guts all over the fucking school!

}}} I’m not following. How is this bad? I thought you had feelings for the pink one? {{{

Sunset slapped her forehead with her left hand. I find all my friends attractive, but yes, I do like Pinkie Pie for her optimism and her bubbly attitude, and her…Sunset shook her head. Getting off topic! This is bad because now Anon-A-Miss has made her a target! And because of that, if I go and defend her, it’ll only give validity to this post!

}}} Does that mean you won’t come to her aid? {{{

Like hell I’m not!

Sunset put away her phone and mad dashed through the hallways, she looked around for Pinkie Pie, hoping that she wasn’t getting crowded by some students, or worse. Sunset made her way around the next corner, only to smash into someone and send both of them sprawling onto the floor.

“Ow…” Sunset groaned.

The former Equestrian sat up and gasped. Pinkie Pie was on the floor as well, holding her head as she was still in a bit of daze due to the impact.

“Ooooh boy, what hit me?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“I did, sorry!” Sunset got up and reached down to help Pinkie Pie up.

The party planner accepted her hand and let Sunset hoist her back up. “No harm done! But, what’s up?!”

Sunset grimaced. “You haven’t seen it yet, have you?”

Pinkie Pie tilted her head to the side. “Seen what?”

Sunset would’ve taken the time to find that cute, but there was a more pressing matter. The flame haired girl took out her cellphone and opened it to the MyStable site, she pulled up Anon-a-Miss’s profile and showed Pinkie their latest post. Sunset bit her lip as she watched Pinkie read the post, her smile before reading was as big and wide as it always was, but afterwards, it shortened a few centimeters.

“Oh…well…that’s, wow,” said Pinkie Pie.

“Pinkie, I’m so sorry…”

Pinkie Pie looked at Sunset with confusion. “Why, you didn’t do anything wrong?”

“Anon-A-Miss is targeting you, that’s why I’m apologizing!” Sunset clarified.

“Did you post it?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Of course not!”

The pink girl happily shrugged and handed the phone back to Sunset. “Then you don’t have anything to be sorry for. Sunset, you told me a while ago that Anon-A-Miss was probably going to attack me somehow, and I told you I didn’t care if she did. I’m not going abandon you like I did before.”

Sunset felt like her heart was going to break. “Pinkie…”

The pink party planner rubbed the back of her head as she giggled a little. “But, wowie, Anon-A-Miss thinks we’re going out! I mean, you are smoking hot, but I didn’t think I was ship worthy enough to be paired with you. I could see you and Rarity, maybe Rainbow Dash, definitely Princess Twilight…and maybe I guilty ship you and Adagio Dazzle a little…hehe…”

Sunset blushed as she shook her head trying to contemplate all that. “First off…I’m not going to argue the Princess Twilight bit. But, you seriously could see me and Adagio Dazzle together?! She’s a manipulative, domineering, sea-witch!”

“Buuuuuuuut, she’s also got hips for days, and has a voice like a grade A porn star,” said Pinkie matter-of-factly.

Sunset raised a finger and was about to argue that point, but then she remembered the Dazzlings’ little musical number in the cafeteria, and the way Adagio swayed her hips so hypnotically, and that husky voice of hers, their mind controlling magic aside, that was a voice that could arouse any boy or girl.

The former unicorn crossed her arms and grumbled, “Y-Yeah she is kinda hot…”

Pinkie Pie booped Sunset’s nose, making her scrunch her face in a cute manner. “Told ya! But, me and you…” The pink haired girl trailed off for a moment. “I mean, you’re smart, beautiful, and just amazing and I’m…”

Sunset placed her hand over Pinkie’s mouth. “I’m going to stop you right there, because I do not want to hear you belittling yourself, understand?” Pinkie nodded. “Good. You’re one of my best friends, Pinkie, you’re an amazing, positive person. Don’t ever say you’re not good enough for anyone or anything, understand?”

“Mmm-Mmm,” she answered.

“Good.” Sunset removed her hand from Pinkie’s mouth. “I hate to say this, but I think it’s better that you stick as close to me as possible.”

“But…won’t that just make Anon-A-Miss’s message true?” Pinkie asked.

“Let them think what they want. I don’t want you getting hurt like I almost was. That’s the last thing I want,” said Sunset.

Pinkie Pie blushed a little. “Okay, but if it gets to be too much trouble…”

“It’s not any trouble, but you promise to call me if anything happens, got it?”

Pinkie swiftly hugged Sunset and said, “Got it.”

The rest of the week hadn’t been that much better from there, due to Anon-A-Miss’s post, all of CHS had its sights set on Sunset and Pinkie Pie. It pissed Sunset off, thanks to that post, most of the events that Pinkie Pie was assigned to plan, she was taken off of them. She was effectively shunned out of the Party Planning Committee, and everyone gave her the cold shoulder. Thankfully no one wrote anything on her locker, that was the last thing they needed.

There were rumors flying around that Sunset probably duped Pinkie into helping her get dirt on people, or threatened her. As much as it ticked her off to hear that, it also made her hopeful that the students might be willing to forgive Pinkie if Sunset played along to those rumors. It was a thought, but the only real way this would end was if Anon-A-Miss was taken down for good.

Now more than ever, Rarity’s theory was ringing in her head more. The thought that one of their friends could be behind all of this was gnawing at her. Although it could be just a coincidence, but still, the only way to know for sure would be to investigate them. Rarity was out and so was Pinkie, that only left Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and–

“Sunset,” came a voice with a southern drawl.

Sunset turned around and saw the cowgirl in question. “Applejack.”

The two girls stood there in the hallway, tension filling the air as the rest of the students around them walked around them, afraid to get anywhere between them should a brawl break out.

Out of the five, Applejack was probably the most level headed of the group. When the girls would sometimes spout wild ideas and solutions to problems, Applejack usually brought them all back to Earth, acting as the voice of reason. However, when all this started, she was quick to accuse Sunset of being Anon-A-Miss after the second posting.

“We need to talk, ya got a minute?” Applejack asked.

“I can spare a couple,” Sunset replied.

Applejack motioned for Sunset to follow. The flame haired girl did so, following Applejack to an empty classroom. The farm girl walked in first, letting Sunset enter second, Applejack went to the other end of the classroom, near some windows. Once there, Sunset closed the door behind her, not once showing her back to Applejack.

“Okay, we’re alone, what is it?” Sunset asked.

“Do ya still wanna work?”

Sunset blinked. “What?”

“Ah said, ‘Do ya still wanna work?’ Before all this started, you asked me if Ah could use some help on the farm and Ah could pay ya some money to act as a temp ranch hand,” Applejack explained.

Sunset thought back on it, she did recall telling the girls that she was looking for a job. But with her lack of credentials, something in the food or retail industry wouldn’t be viable. Although she had some paperwork that showed her as a legal citizen of Canterlot City, Sunset was afraid that if a company did a thorough enough background check, she’d be found out. This of course made finding a job difficult, even though Celestia paid for her home and would restock her groceries once in a while, Sunset didn’t want to be too reliant on her former mentor’s counterpart.

It was in that conversation that Applejack had brought up the idea of having Sunset work on their farm temporarily as a ranch hand. After Anon-A-Miss and their fall out, Sunset had believed that the offer was rescinded.

“I mean…yeah, but, wait, are you…?”

“Ah haven’t made up my mind on rather ya are or aren’t Anon-A-Miss, yet. To be honest, there’s a lot of things that aren’t addin’ up, and at the same time are linin’ up. Pinkie Pie bein’ one of ‘em.” Applejack released a sigh. “Regardless, Ah gave ya meh word that you could work on our farm. Ultimately, the decision lies with Granny, but right now we need a bit of extra help, and if yer willin’, well, Ah’m not one to go back on mah word.”

Sunset didn’t want to admit it, but she could use the extra money. And at the same time, this presented an opportunity, a chance to cross off a potential suspect. “If Granny Smith says it’s okay, then yes, I’d like to work for you.”

“Alright, since my place is a bit far for ya, you’ll be stayin with us. Is that okay?” Applejack asked.

Sunset nodded. “I’m fine with that.”

With that hashed out, Sunset and Applejack left the room. As she was walking, Sunset spoke to the Witchblade. Did you sense anything from her?

}}} There was no malice in her words, if anything, I would say it was more indifference. {{{

It looks like she’s trying to keep a level head, maybe she’s had time enough to cool down and figure out I may be innocent.

}}} Is regaining the friendship of these girls who betrayed you truly that important to you? {{{

Sunset stopped walking. “Yes, it is. They’re the only thing I have that’s close to family here. I’ve been gone from my world for years, my parents were barely there for me, if at all, and the first time I felt like I was being accepted as part of something bigger, it was taken away from me. Finding out Anon-A-Miss’s identity is a goal, but the real victory is getting my friends, my family, back.”

}}} I see, I won’t press on this matter again. Although, I’m still confused though. Are you and the pink one together or…? {{{

Sunset blushed. She’s my best friend!

}}} Yet you expressed that they are all attractive and have spoken of being aroused by them. {{{

Sunset groaned, wishing she had never thought that.

Surprisingly, Granny Smith agreed to having Sunset work on the farm. Despite the turmoil going on at school, Granny Smith wasn’t about to say no to a willing ranch hand. It was no secret that Granny Smith wasn’t as young as she used to be, and that the winter was taxing on her old body, this winter was especially hard on her. Although she had three strong grandchildren to help out, even they needed an extra hand.

Sunset had packed up at least two days worth of clothes, and was allowed to bring Ray with her. She didn’t like having her lizard friend wait up for her, so she decided to bring him along this time. Plus, with the suspicious glares she’d get from Apple Bloom and Big Mac, it would be nice to have someone who wouldn’t look at her like that.

Applejack had picked her up on Saturday, driving through the snow covered roads in her pickup. The ride was silent, with Applejack just focusing on driving and Sunset just staring out through the window, watching the scenery change from the vast urban landscape, to the wide open fields.

After about a forty minute drive, Applejack pulled up to the opening of their orchard ranch. The Apple Family had been in Canterlot City practically since its inception, their family history stretched all the way back to the founding when it was called “Ponyville”, and then eventually grew bigger and bigger until it was so large it was renamed “Canterlot City”.

Being a family with such a long standing history meant that the Apples did have some sway in the way things ran in the city. Their business hadn’t changed, being an apple based farm and known for their delicious, organic, juicy apples. They made all their products locally, and while they didn’t have the big production abilities like some other businesses, the folks in the city would say that’s what makes their product worth more. The fact that it was made with great care and backed by years of history.

Of course, now that the winter had set in, the apple trees were fruitless at this time. But that didn’t mean that there wasn’t a lot to do on the farm regardless. They still had chickens, cows, pigs, and some other crops that they grew, and there was no shortage of things that needed fixing on the farm. Usually the winter time allowed the young Apple children time to look over the farm and see what needed fixing, at the same time, it also required them to look after the apple trees and make sure that they survived the winter. If one died that was one less tree to provide product, which meant no revenue for the family.

Upon getting to the house, Applejack stopped at the front and sighed in annoyance. “Got dang it, Granny.”

Sunset looked and saw that Granny Smith was carrying a bale of hay towards the barn. Applejack got out of the truck an rushed over to her grandmother.

“Granny, what in tarnation do ya think yer doin’?! You should be restin’ inside,” said Applejack.

“Yer brother’s out on Wildfire checkin’ the trees, and yer little sister is feedin’ the pigs, and you were out getting’ Sunset, someone needed do it,” said Granny.

“Yes, but Ah said Ah’d take care of it when Ah got back! Ya know this cold hurts ya more right now,” said Applejack.

“Pish-posh, why I – Ack!” Granny released the hay, letting it plop to the ground as she hunched over, placing a hand on her lower back. “Okay, Ah might’ve overdid it a little bit.”

“Granny…”

Before either of them realized it, Sunset had appeared next to them. She bent over and easily lifted the hay bale, making both Apple women blink in surprise. “You just need this to go to the barn, right?”

“Yeah, just set it inside while I get Granny back in,” said Applejack.

Sunset nodded and carried the hay into the barn, thankfully the added boost in strength and stamina from the Witchblade made this an easy feat, but Sunset pretended to struggle as to not arouse suspicion. When she entered the barn, Sunset felt uncomfortable. There were stalls that had some horses, four in total, one of which was already gone with Big Mac.

Sunset remembered that Wildfire was a stallion, which left the last three, two mares, Scarlet and Calypso, and the second stallion, Brutus. Looking upon these creatures made her feel uneasy, although they were essentially the same species, they were vastly different beings. For one thing their muzzles were more elongated than a normal pony’s muzzle, and there were no unicorns or pegasi in this world, so all of the horses here could technically be counted as Earth Ponies.

The other thing was their lack of sapience. While Sunset learned that horses could feel and understand people to a degree, they were far from being able to carry on conversations. Not only that…but their privates were far larger. Seriously, Sunset saw a mare flagging one time she visited Applejack’s farm and gulped at how wide it was, thinking that she could fit her arm in there. Oh, and then there were the stallions.

The stallions back in Equestria were pretty well endowed, but these guys put them to shame. Any one of these monsters could tear a mare in half, hell, they could beat a pony to death with those things. Oh, and of course, Rainbow Dash wouldn’t stop with the stupid horse sex jokes.

“Hey, Sunset, if you ask, I’m pretty sure that AJ will let you spend some alone time with her stallions. Or mares, no judgment.”

“No, Rainbow Dash, these guys are so alien to me, that I can’t get aroused by them! No offense.”

The horses gave a light snort as if saying, “None taken.”

“So, is like, watching a documentary of horses fucking considered porn for you?”

“No, I consider porn to be actual porn. Did I find your weird, hairless, squishy bodies to be sexually arousing at first? Yes, on a xenophilic level, and in time I started to see the attractiveness of the human body, and its advantages.”

“Hey, Sunset, bet you wish you were that mare right now, right?”

“No, because nopony – unless that was your fetish – would openly screw another pony out in public for children to see!”

“Just asking, but since you were a pony once, do you think you could fit all of that inside you? ‘Cause that’d be, like, crazy hot.”

“Pony me couldn’t fit that inside her, humanized me could very well have her vag torn apart you perverted dolt!”

Sunset set the hay with on the ground, letting it plop in frustration as those memories were dredged up. Despite the jokes, Sunset did have fun with the girls, she always did find a way to throw those jokes back at Rainbow Dash, saying that she projecting onto Sunset and that it was Rainbow Dash who wanted to get ridden by those stallions.

“Faust, she couldn’t form a coherent sentence after that,” said Sunset.

“Sunset Shimmer?!” The girl in question turned around and spotted Apple Bloom standing in the entrance to the barn. “What in the Sam hill are you doin’ here?!”

Sunset turned around and tried to look as nonthreatening as she could, but given her attire and history, that was easier said than done. “H-Hey, AB, I’m actually here to work.”

Apple Bloom was nervous, for more than one reason. First Sunset was at Sweetie Belle’s place, and now Sunset was at hers, did she know that they were Anon-A-Miss and was trying to dig up dirt on them? Or was this all just one big coincidence and if she misspoke now she’d completely screw herself over?

Nonetheless, Apple Bloom decided to play it cool and went with the latter. “What do ya mean, ‘work’? Since when?”

“Since Ah asked her to.”

Apple Bloom turned around and watched as Applejack walked towards them, she then gave her big sister and indignant glare. “Are you kiddin’ me?! Why would ya do that?! After she posted that story about you?! And after everythin’ she’s been doin?!”

Applejack crossed her arms and released a deep sigh. “Ah’m not sayin’ Ah forgive her or anythin’.” The cowgirl’s eyes landed on Sunset. “Fact is, Ah don’t know what to believe anymore. Till Ah see some proof, Ah’m remainin’ skeptical, but that don’t mean Ah completely trust her.”

Sunset felt a sting in her chest, but tried not to let it show on her face. The middle Apple child turned her attention back to the youngest.

“That bein’ said, Ah gave Sunset meh word that she could work as a ranch hand and help us out for a spell. Granny’s not doin’ so good with this cold weather, and we can use the extra help,” said Applejack.

Apple Bloom turned around and glared at Applejack. “Then why not ask Rainbow Dash, or hell, anyone else other than Sunset Shimmer?!”

Applejack shook her head as she gave an exasperated sigh. “Look, Apple Bloom, it’s done. Granny said yes, so stop yer belly achin’ and just accept that Sunset’s workin’ with us. Ya don’t have to like it, but ya do have to work with her if we want get anythin’ done.”

“Oh yeah, what about big brother? Ya think he’s goin’ to like this?!” Apple Bloom asked.

“Don’t you worry about Big Mac, Ah’ll have a talk with him. Now there were a few more hay bales to bring in, give Sunset a hand with ‘em once yer done puttin’ that up,” said Applejack.

“AJ,” Sunset interjected, “it’s okay, I can take care of it myself. You don’t have to if you don’t want to, AB.”

Applejack shook her head. “Nothin’ doin’, she’s goin’ to work with ya, whether she likes it or not.” Applejack leaned down and met her little sister’s eyes. “Got it, missy?”

Apple Bloom made a few grumbling sounds but then nodded her head in agreement.

With the tension still there, Apple Bloom and Sunset began moving the last of the hay bales into the barn. And as expected, Big Macintosh came riding in on Wildfire and saw Sunset, his stoic expression didn’t change much, but if one looked closely enough, you could see the micro changes in his brow and jaw, indicating his displeasure as well.

Applejack seemed to talk her big brother into letting Sunset stay, but he seemed just as reluctant about it as Apple Bloom was. Sunset went to work, somehow managing to keep up with all three Apple siblings, she mostly went with Applejack around the farm itself, doing handiwork and fixing anything that seemed broken, splintered, or otherwise off.

It seemed like a lot of micromanaging, but Sunset understood, Applejack had said that maintaining a farm required a lot of work, you couldn’t leave something broken for too long as it could either hurt someone, the livestock, or cause something to break off later that was important. So everything had to be replaced or patched at the first sign that it was broken.

Sunset spent most of her day like this and by the time night fell, she was exhausted. Even with the Witchblade providing her with extra strength and stamina, it took all she had to keep from collapsing.

}}} We need to work on your stamina. {{{

Bite…me!

The great thing about coming to work for the Apples was that Granny Smith would make a copious amount of food, to which Sunset shoveled most of it into her mouth. Granny Smith was actually happy to see Sunset eating like that, the girl didn’t look scrawny, but she wasn’t muscular either, but it was great to see she had a healthy appetite.

Despite the tension that still existed, Sunset felt…at peace. This was what she missed, what she wanted. To feel like part of a family, to sit down and have a meal together and just enjoy the company of one’s family members.

Once they were all done eating, Sunset volunteered to help with the dishes. While they did that, Applejack and Big Mac went back to the barn to check on the animals and make sure the horses didn’t buck off their blankets.

As Sunset began washing Granny Smith walked up and began giving her hand. “Oh, Ms. Smith, you don’t have to–”

“None a that ‘Miss’ stuff, call me Granny.”

Sunset blinked. “Oh, okay.”

“How’re you doin’ dearie? Things gettin’ so bad at school, haven’t had the chance to talk to ya,” said Granny.

“You’re…concerned about me?” Sunset asked.

“Course Ah am, Ah don’t know much about all this internet cyber bully mess, but Ah do know that you wouldn’t do somethin’ like what my grandchildren, and what all the other children at school are sayin’.”

Sunset stopped washing and looked at Granny Smith with amazement. “You don’t believe I’m Anon-A-Miss…how? Why?!”

Granny Smith stopped her scrubbing and glanced to Sunset. “Because, Sunny, anyone who smiles like that, knows the value of family. Ah’ve seen the way you and my granddaughter interact, you think of her as family. Something precious like that, someone’d have to be a damn fool to throw it all away. And Ah never took ya fer a fool. A bit misguided, kinda ornery, but a fool? Nope – whoa now!”

Before Granny Smith had a chance to react, she found herself getting hugged by Sunset Shimmer. The elderly woman smiled as she patted Sunset’s back.

“Thank you, Granny Smith,” said Sunset.

“This storm will pass, Surgarcube, don’t you fret. When it’s over, you all will be able to laugh and smile again, I promise.”

It had been almost an hour since dinner ended, and Granny Smith was getting noticeably antsy. Neither Big Mac nor Applejack had returned from the barn.

“Dagnabit, the horses givin’ them trouble again? They’ve been out there awhile now,” said Granny.

Sunset got up from the couch and said, “I’ll go and see if they need any help.”

“Thank you, Dearie.”

Sunset put on her jacket and hat then walked out into the snow. She turned on her flashlight and made her way to the big red barn. The smaller door was ajar, making Sunset feel a bit edgy.

You sense anything?

}}} Nothing dangerous…however… {{{

What?

}}} Hmm…I could be misinterpreting, but there is no danger, you can proceed. {{{

Sunset shrugged and carefully opened the door, the oiled hinges allowed the door to move without creaking too much. The moment that Sunset got into the barn she stopped, her heart rate accelerated and a knot formed in her stomach. There was a sound, a distinct sound that was not easily confused with much other than…sex.

Sunset swallowed hard, she could hear the sounds of girl moaning in pleasure, and the sounds of a flesh slapping against flesh. It was faint, but it was definitely there. Sunset turned off the flashlight and took a cursory glance about the barn, none of the horses were out of their stalls. Even if two were in the same stall, there wasn’t enough room for either of them to do the deed.

Sunset had an idea who it was, but she prayed it wasn’t. Slowly she walked through the barn, checking each of the stalls to make sure it wasn’t her second fear, thankfully, or not depending on your point of view, it wasn’t the horses. Sunset continued walking until she made it to the last stall at the far end of the barn, and as she got closer, she put her hands over her mouth to keep from making a sound.

In the stall, she saw Applejack. Her flannel shirt was unbuttoned, allowing her large C-cup breasts to bounce freely for all to see, Further done, her jeans and panties were dropped to the floor, the only thing she had on her lower body was her boots. She was bent over a bale of hay, her eyes shut as continued to pant, grunt, and moan as boy behind her continued to pound away at her.

The boy in this case being her big brother, Big Mac. His shirt was still on, but like his sister, his pants and underwear were lying on the barn floor and only sporting his boots. From what Sunset could see, Big Mac was currently ramming his phallus repeatedly into his sister’s tight asshole, again and again.

Applejack steadied herself on her forearms, she wanted to probe her womanhood with one of her hands, but if she didn’t prop herself up, Big Mac’s thrusting would make her fall forward and both of them would end up falling over each other. But it wasn’t a problem, it felt too good, her brother’s large dick pounding away at her tight pucker was driving Applejack crazy.

Big Mac was definitely enjoying himself, grunting like the stallions in the stalls around them as he continued to fuck his little sister, making her moan like a whore for his continued ministrations. Big Macintosh leaned down, bringing his weight onto her back as he reached under Applejack. His left hand snaked down to her pussy, slipping two of his large fingers into her dripping wet cunt, the other gripped her right breast and squeezed the firm orb of flesh hard.

Applejack cried out louder, her tongue lolling out of her mouth as her brother pleasured her. They had been at it for a while now, and both were close, oh so very close.

“Mac…Mac, oh fuck, Ah’m…Ah’m…!”

“Same here…!

Big Mac ramped up his thrusts, making Applejack’s knees nearly buckle, but the blonde haired cowgirl stayed standing, this wasn’t her first rodeo and she’d be damned if she was going to be brought down that easily. Applejack tensed as Big Mac’s fingers thrust in and out of her sobbing went cunt, in rhythm with his thrusts into her ass. For good measure, Big Mac moved his right hand up to Applejack’s throat and wrapped his large hand around it, applying a gentle amount of pressure.

It was all brought to a head as Applejack cried out in ecstasy, her ass and pussy clamping around her brother’s digits and dick. Applejack then began to release strangled, choking sounds as Big Mac squeezed his hand harder around her throat, making Applejack’s eyes roll to the back of her head.

Big Mac gave a loud grunt as he thrust into Applejack one last time, flooding her backdoor with copious amounts of thick cum. The two siblings held that position for a good long minute, afterwards, as if practiced, Big Mac brought Applejack forward, going down until he sat on his rear, bringing Applejack with him.

Big Mac removed his hands from her loins and throat and wrapped them around Applejack’s waist. Both siblings panted heavily from their forbidden activities as Applejack’s ass oozed out her brother’s cum the moment it slipped out. It was something that they had to do, they had to finish this way or else risk Big Mac’s spoils to spill over Applejack’s pussy, and get her pregnant.

Sunset was stunned by what she had witnessed, she had heard of ponies back in Equestria who engaged in this sort of thing, hell, acts of incest were well documented throughout all three tribes’ history. Double hell, there were rumors that Princess Celestia and her younger sister, Princess Luna, were secretly engaging in such things behind closed doors.

Now those two were immortal alicorns, so…there was some wiggle room in regards to that. But these were two blood related siblings.

“Sorry fer not talking to ya about bringin’ Sunset on, but we needed the help, Mac,” said Applejack as she leaned into his embrace.

Big Mac sighed. “Ah really wish ya did, with all this Anon-A-Miss stuff, do ya really think bringin’ her here was the best idea? Especially after what happened last time?”

“Ah–”

Sunset tripped forward, hitting a bucket next to the stall. Both siblings froze in place as fear gripped their hearts. Neither knew what to do at this point, if either sibling said anything, they’d be exposed, and right now, they didn’t know if it was Granny Smith or Apple Bloom behind that stall door.

For Sunset, she didn’t know what the right course of action here was. Should she confront them about this? Should she just walk away and pretend that she didn’t see any of that? Yeah right, there was no way that image was going to leave her mind any time this century. Her relationship with Applejack was shaky right now, if they knew that she knew…

I’m fucked no matter what…

“It’s me…AJ, Big Mac,” Sunset slowly walked from behind the door, her hands were up as if surrendering herself. “…….it’s Sunset.”

Applejack quickly closed her shirt and closed her legs to preserve what amount of modesty she could. At the same time, Big Mac hurriedly grabbed his pants and underwear and put them on, turning his back to her as he did so.

Applejack looked like she was on the verge of tears, of all the people to have seen her and her brother like this, it just had to be Sunset Shimmer. The freckled face girl did the only thing she could in this desperate situation, she begged.

The farm girl tried to get up, but the moment she did the strength in her legs left her, a combination of the farm work and the intense sex she just had. Sunset rushed forward and caught Applejack before she could face plant, bringing the both of them to their knees on the floor.

“AJ, are you alright?!” Sunset asked with concern. The flame haired girl felt Applejack grip Sunset’s shoulders hard, and she was shaking. “AJ…?”

“Please…Ah’m beggin’ ya…” Applejack looked up and showed her face, which was now streaked with tears. “Please don’t tell anyone about this!”

“AJ…”

“Please, Sunset! Ah promise Ah’ll do whatever ya want, WE’LL do anythin’ ya want! Right Big Mac?!” Applejack asked in a frantic manner.

Big Mac just stood there, still stunned by this whole situation and unsure what he should do.

“Applejack sto –!”

“You can screw me if ya want! Or Mac, whichever ya want! I’ll do whatever ya want Sunset! Just…p-please…” Applejack buried her face into Sunset’s chest as she sobbed heavily. “Please don’t tell anyone…don’t tell the school…Ah don’t want to…Ah don’t want to lose my family…!”

Sunset made Applejack release her, she then wrapped her arms around Applejack, making the cowgirl gasp in surprise. “I don’t know what’s going on between you two, but I swear to you, on my life, AJ, Mac, I won’t tell a soul about this. Look at me.”

Applejack was afraid to.

“Look at me, Applejack!”

The farm girl swallowed hard as she finally looked up into Sunset’s turquoise colored eyes.

“Look into my eyes, Applejack, tell me that I’m lying to you right now.”

Applejack looked into her eyes as if she was diving into Sunset’s very soul, trying to find any kind of hint that Sunset was being untruthful in this moment. They stayed like that for well over a minute before Applejack stopped shaking and released the tension in her body.

“Yer…Yer not lyin’…”

“No, I’m not,” said Sunset.

Applejack chuckled as she turned to Big Mac. “She’s tellin’ the truth…Mac, she ain’t goin’ to tell anyone…”

Just then, Applejack fell unconscious in Sunset’s arms.

“Applejack!” Big Mac exclaimed.

Hey, is she?!

}}} She is fine, overstimulation, in more ways than one. However, it is best to get her out of his cold. {{{

“Mac, help me get her dressed and we’ll take her back to the house.” Big Mac still looked hesitant. “Look just do what I say or do you want Applejack to get sick?!”

Big Mac sighed heavily as he nodded, both teens worked together to get Applejack dressed. Once she was, Sunset told Big Mac to let her do the talking about why she’s out like a light. Big Mac walked out first, with Sunset following behind him, Sunset gave one last look inside the barn and then to the two siblings.

What the hell did I stumble onto…?