"She spends all her time with them now,” came the low whisper from the corner of the room, a darkened sublevel of a once-defunct warehouse that had been excavated and expanded to make room for thousands of new denizens. “When was the last time she ventured anywhere that was not in their presence?”

The meeting had been formed in discretion, a band of them that felt a changing of the winds within the Horde. To be led was to be controlled, and for a Changeling to be controlled meant that they would mimic the one who controlled them. And as for the one who controlled them…

“How long have we been within the city walls now? Weeks? Months?” voiced one of the younger members, a woman bearing a plait of dark-brown hair across her shoulder. “Was this not meant to be an invasion? We have gone undetected for this long, but the more we wait, the more likely it becomes that one of our members slip- or they slip!”

“And there has been no word on whether or not we have infiltrated the palace,” added another, a more senior-ranking member of the Horde and well-versed in their Lady’s typical methods. “Whatever plan she possessed before we returned here, it has not been enacted.”

“Or…”

“Or what?” challenged a once-quiet participant.

The youngest Changeling looked about the huddled group, her eyes settling on each of her peers in turn. “Or she never had any plan. And this was all about satisfying her own needs.”

The reaction to such a judgment was random across the board, various expressions shown in each of their faces; some nodded in assent, others fearful, while some reacted in disgust. The idea that their queen, one of the most formidable of their kind in the history of their species, had abandoned them- a leaderless Horde was doomed to suffer and rot, and each of them knew it.

“She would not,” remarked one of their members. “The Ravens have been abroad on more missions than they ever have before, there is a plan that we have simply not seen.”

“Plan?” replied the younger. “She has not once gone on the offensive since we returned here, since they began to come into our midst. She grows stronger and greater every day, but we are left with scraps! Mere scents to torment us!”

“But we are well-fed,” voiced another. “These scraps are better than any feast we’ve felt before. You have not seen where we were before the invasion… just how desperate we were.”

“But are we supposed to merely live off of scraps? We huddle in the dark and survive off her works, not once feeding for ourselves. It is food, but it is not enough any longer,” said the youngest of their band. “Chrysalis has cast us aside in favor of her own satisfaction, we must do something!”

“We have a roof over our heads…” voiced one. “But we are not safe. Excursions to the outside world are all but banned, each day we have is spent in dread, waiting for the enemy to come to our door. If we do not act soon, we will be discovered. And then we will die. She will let us die.”

“She…” the elder of the midst wanted to say that their queen would not abandon them to save her own skin, but the changes they had witnessed over the past several months gave her pause. They were fed, but cramped; satisfied, but always on guard; full, but needing more. Chrysalis was not the same Changeling that had invaded the city- in fact, she was not much of the same at all. “… Suppose I listen. What do you propose?”

The youngest of their member went wide-eyed at the realization that she was to be taken seriously. “We- what has changed is her company,” she surmised. “They make her strong, but they’ve changed her. Whatever love they give her to feed upon, we take it for ourselves.”

“We take them?”

She nodded. “Take them for ourselves, demand their love for our own benefit, and feast.”

“And if they do not give it to us willingly?” asked one in a hushed whisper. “Like they give it to her?”

The young woman’s eyes shone with a hungering fire. “Then we-”

One of their own gave a muffled cry and disappeared from the shadows of their dim light, pulled away into the black of the sublevel and cast aside. A harsh, baleful light of fire took their place and revealed the hulking form of a much more monstrous Changeling: a Commander of the Horde, and Chrysalis’ personal right hand.

“You speak too loudly, for one who plot against the chosen of Her Majesty,” she growled, body shuddering with barely-restrained strength as she surveyed the terrified conspirators. “Now… what am I going to do with you?”

Chrysalis was royalty. Her forebears had ensured her existence with utmost care and specificity, wishing for nothing less than an heir that would lead their Horde. Bred to rule, built to conquer, even as an unhatched egg she had been bequeathed traits that would give her strength, might, and the will to dominate. Chrysalis’ life had been one of leadership, knowing little else but subservience from those around her and continued acts of subjugation in return. She commanded, bowed to no one, and demanded absolute obedience. There was not an ounce of servitude that could be found within her royal blood.

There had never been a time that she had not demanded to be served, not one moment when she did not wish to dwell in fullest luxury. The presence of such memories seemed to be a humorous irony when compared to the moment she dwelled in now, a bottle of champagne in her grasp that was soon placed on a serving tray alongside a trio of glasses. Her personal quarters had only just been renovated, expanded to make room for an increase in inhabitants. Functioning now just as well as a full home, there had been insistence from her desired company to add a full kitchen as well. Pulled from ice and well-chilled, the bubbly liquor would make for an excellent nightcap.

“Now,” she breathed, a strange sort of softness in her voice that would have once been unrecognizable, “I believe this will tickle your fancy, my sweet butterfly. Take a small glass, I insist.”

There on the couch, comfortable in each other’s close company, were Rarity and Fluttershy, the split expressions upon them spurring laughter to form in the Changeling queen’s eyes. Rarity loved the refinement of her new quarters, and all the furnishings that had come with it. More used to the sort of elegance that Chrysalis was accustomed to, she valued the fine things of society and all its trappings. Fluttershy, however, had always been a more demure spirit, even after she had begun to open up and flourish. Ever sweet and pure, Chrysalis and the newest member of her heart had been trying to help open up further horizons.

“And you’re sure it’s… you know. Not icky?” Fluttershy asked, no small amount of uncertainty across her face as she eyed the unopened bottle. “I know you were so sure about the last one, but…”

“Fluttershy, dear, you must give it a try!” Rarity cried, giving her long-time crush a playful swat. “Chrissy and I did our very best to find one we thought you would like, and we’re all but certain this will be something you enjoy. Please, really give this one a chance.”

“All I ask is that you try it,” Chrysalis said, opening the bottle and pouring a small offering into a glass and handing it to her sweet-faced lover. “If you don’t like this one, we won’t ask you to try any more. We just want you to be able to enjoy it along with us, that’s all.”

Fluttershy still appeared hesitant, but nodded and gave a smile, taking the barely-filled glass in hand and taking a small sip of the bright liquid within. At first, she pulled a face in response to the ever-present bitterness of the alcohol, but her expression soon clouded and eyes went wide in reaction to a pleasant discovery. “It’s… a little sweet,” she assessed, not at all unhappily. “And- sort of dry? It’s strange.”

“Do you like it?” Rarity inquired.

Fluttershy paused to ponder the matter before giving a little nod. “It’s not bad,” she answered. “I like this one more than the others.”

The elegant seamstress glowed with delight and turned to the darkened royal that stood beside them. “I told you we should try a brut instead,” she crowed. “Trust me next time, darling, won’t you?”

Chrysalis would have once taken such words as insolence and reacted accordingly. But these two, now so deeply nestled in her heart, could seemingly get away with anything. “I will make sure to keep it in mind,” she said, with a roll of her eyes. “I do recall you mentioning you had ideas for further renovations of the front bar as well.”

“Just an idea or two,” Rarity said, taking her own glass of champagne and halting halfway to her lips. “Oh, I forgot them!”

“Forgot what?”

“Chocolates. This brut goes wonderfully with them, do we have any dark chocolate anywhere?”

“Interestingly enough, I do,” Chrysalis murmured. “Fluttershy and I enjoyed a few before bed and I kept some nearby.”

“Splendid! I’ll go get them now, where are they?”

“Don’t! Allow me,” Chrysalis said, raising a hand before her elegant love could rise to her feet. “I’ll be right back.”

If this was love, she rather liked it. Chrysalis had never been one to give anything at all in return, merely wishing to engorge herself and add to a long list of luxuries that would continue to tempt her palate; she wanted anything and everything, all of it there for her plundering- right now! But this willing outpouring, whether it be affection or action, or simply a gift of value- it was a strange, unusual feeling of intoxication that she rather liked. Her form felt lighter, yet within it surged a more potent power than anything she’d known before. There was new strength, new might, and new happiness that came from seeing the happiness in others. Fluttershy had once been thought of as an anomaly, a mere aberration in the system that would help see her revenge be enacted. Rarity had been proof something in this was different, and was indeed worth keeping.

It hadn’t been long since this new change had come in, but Chrysalis enjoyed it more with each passing day. She loved these two wonderful woman- and wouldn’t mind adding to the number.

“A batch of chocolates for us to enjoy,” Chrysalis announced, setting the crystal bowl of dark delicacies down upon the tray beside its liquid pairing. “Now… we relax.”

Fluttershy smiled at her love, a small little toast before taking a headier sip of champagne. Rarity joined in and added hers to the measure, at last met by Chrysalis own well-filled glass before separating. They were a loving trio, as though they had always been for time immemorial.

“You seem a little weary, darling,” Rarity remarked, taking note of Chrysalis’ appearance with concern. “Is anything the matter?”

Chrysalis smiled. “Plans for the future, that is all. My children require better quarters than what I can give them here.”

“Would you not be able to accomplish what made this place again?”

“This was a warehouse made for war, too long ago to be commonplace,” Chrysalis answered. “And how we attained what we required to design it was…”

Fluttershy took note of the conversation and frowned. “You promised no more stealing,” she reminded.

It was a grating thing, but Chrysalis had been badgered into accepting. “And so we struggle. Love keeps them alive, but it does not keep them safe. And so I wonder how I might accomplish both.”

“Hmm…” Rarity pondered the matter herself, despite possessing no real answer to the question. “Have you any ideas?”

“None yet. So for now, I try not worry. It is all I can do.”

“How does a distraction sound, then?”

Chrysalis smiled warmly. “I would be delighted with it. What do you have for me?”

“Well…” Rarity clutched her purse and slid over onto Chrysalis’ lap, held fast to her place by an attentive hand that snaked its way about her waist. “I have a design I think you will like.”

“Let’s see it.”

Rarity delved into her things and extracted a small sketchbook, flipping through its scrawl of pages until a freshly-drawn design was found and flared for the both of them to see. “It was a design I once considered for Princess Luna, you see. But Luna… she is not one who considers such things all that important. So I’m glad you came along!”

“As am I,” Chrysalis replied, a kiss on Rarity’s cheek to help ensure her words’ effect. “A new dress, I see.”

“I considered something more elegant this time around,” Rarity explained, “but with that touch of sensuality you enjoy. So I took the original gown design and erased one of the shoulder straps along with the sleeves. The skirt will also have a slit for the leg as well, but will still hug along the bust, the waist, and your hips.”

“In short, I will be sexy royalty,” Chrysalis surmised. “Ooh, I can hardly wait.”

“I promise, you won’t have to wait long. I already have your measurements- so just say when.”

It was a gift. A gift intentionally for her, made for her specifically in mind, given without thought of reward or price in return. Chrysalis had been given tribute and tithe, but never a gift. It felt good to receive such a thing, and she couldn’t help but kiss Rarity’s expecting lips and let physical action speak to her feelings.

Fluttershy looked up and saw Rarity bound to the beautiful queen by the mouth, the two temporarily lost in a romantic daydream. She rather liked the view, and if things were starting to trend in that direction, it would be even more fun to join in-

A heavy knock at the door brought all hopes of an evening bout to an abrupt halt, Rarity and Chrysalis’ sapphic embrace ending with a thickened band breaking between them. A quick settling of clothing and positions before Chrysalis cleared her throat and called, “Enter!”

Through the threshold strode a powerful woman whose form looked more akin to chiseled stone than human flesh, clearly a well-fed Changeling. “Majesty. Ladies,” she greeted, a low bow alongside her words.

“Commander Seniya,” Chrysalis greeted, motioning for her warrior to rise. “These are my personal hours, what brings you here?”

Seniya eyed her queen’s companions with uncertainty, hesitant to speak further before present company. How much could she say in front of them without perhaps giving them away? Could they even be trusted?

Chrysalis sensed the reasons behind the silence. “Speak, Seniya. My ladies are to be trusted.”

Seniya nodded, but remained uncomfortable. “It is… news that concerns them, Your Majesty,” she added.

Was that so? Rarity and Fluttershy shared a glance before returning to their guests, uncertain as whether or not to be nervous. “What… what about us?” Fluttershy asked.

After a nod from Chrysalis, Seniya let loose her discomfort and began her report. “Your Majesty, a small group of Changelings were discovered in the sublevels beneath the hive. They were conspiring against you, and- and planned to attack and kidnap your royal consorts.”

Rarity tremored. “And do what with us… exactly?”

Seniya clearly was not wanting to deliver further information, but duty demanded it of her in the moment. “The love that sustains the Horde… they wanted it from the source directly. And were intent on acquiring it no matter what.”

It was not difficult to ascertain the meaning behind the words. The two women inched their ways towards each other to huddle together in comfort, a small trace of fear evident within them from the revelation. What they had given to Chrysalis was willingly offered, happily expressed… to have it taken forcefully-

Chrysalis did not know which emotion was going to rule over the horror, so torn between horror and fury that she felt like she might burst. Kidnap and rape her girls? Pieces of her own heart, people she genuinely loved, those she cherished? “Where are they?” she finally managed.

Seniya was at last able to answer with some measure of confidence. “They have been dealt with, Your Majesty. I can personally vouch for this.”

“And the others? The rest of the Horde, what do they say? Tell me, it will not be an isolated event!” Chrysalis barked.

“Your Majesty-”

The dark queen’s fury was winning out and taking over, Chrysalis rising to her feet and coming to tower over the others. Even Rarity and Fluttershy, kept safe by her, could not help to fear the wrath that now threatened to spill out. “I told all of you to leave them alone. They are not to be touched, all of my Ladies are not to be touched, not ever! That was an expressed command, and they planned to break it so there will be others! Speak!”

Seniya dropped to her knees in a supplication gesture, face-down and unable to lay eyes upon her leader’s great rage. “Forgive me, Your Majesty,” she said, “I was not aware until I found them. You asked me to safeguard the hive, and I did not. If you must take my life for this failure…”

Chrysalis was about to speak when a softly uttered sound rang through the room and became cold water on a fire. “Seniya,” Fluttershy said, “it’s alright. We know you did your best. So just tell us everything else and it’ll be OK.”

Even Chrysalis felt stunned by the proclamation. Fluttershy had spoken gently, but with command in her voice, taking control of the situation like a rider atop a wild horse. The tower of wrath that had been rising now deflated and was cast aside as embers in the wind, the Changeling Queen’s emotions turning from anger to fear and concern. They are scared. Assure them, keep them safe. That’s all that matters in this- right?

Seniya looked up, gaping at Fluttershy before turning to her queen for further orders. She’d never been in a situation so confusing.

Chrysalis nodded. “Their will is my will,” she dictated. “Do whatever they say as though it came from me.”

Shakily, Seniya rose to her feet and regained her composure. “The… there are those who are confused, my Lady,” she reported. “They do not understand that the plan has changed. And they… some wish for what you have. But they do not understand the method. They believe you have abandoned the old ways.”

“We have abandoned the old ways because they failed us,” Chrysalis said coldly. “I will see them safe and secure forever, if they only listen. Tell them that-”

“Chrissy, darling,” Rarity interjected, a hand coming across her lover’s shoulder. “Perhaps there is something we can do to help.”

She held to these beautiful creatures more dearly than her own life. “Not you-”

“Seniya, please leave us,” the fashionista added. “Say nothing yet, I’d like to talk with Chrysalis for a moment.”

Confused in ways she couldn’t even spell, Seniya departed from their presence and left the room, her mighty leader stunted as to what was going to be discussed. “Surely you don’t wish to-”

“No! No! Of course not, darling,” Rarity said swiftly, immediate responses of relief from both Chrysalis and Fluttershy soon after. “But I believe I may have an idea.”

“I am not in the mood for any such thing,” she growled. In the heat of the moment, fury still not abated in the face of deliberate insurrection, she desired little else but to re-exert her will over a seemingly rebellious, cantankerous Horde.

“Oh, stop being so cranky, Chrissy. I’m trying to help so please just let me talk!” Rarity said. “If your Changelings don’t understand why you’ve changed, then they need to understand. I just might know someone who can help them achieve just that. They need something to adore.”

“Rarity, there is not a soul alive who could withstand the throng that would come for them. There are physical limits.”

“Yes, but an orgy isn’t exactly what I had in mind.” Rarity smiled, mind turning to a place much further away and contemplating the matter. “But I know someone who’s in need of a confidence booster. And they might just need to show off a little.”

It was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen. A veritable mountain of dark chocolate, perfectly drizzled with a strawberry and chocolate sauce to further enhance the texture. It didn’t need to be tasted to know it was wonderfully moist, a thin line of icing between the layers to help maintain the overall composure. There was a fluffiness that caught the attention of the eye and beckoned one to drive a fork deep into its well-coated softness and take a bite. She of all people knew it would be good, she was the one that had brought it into the world from little more than ingredients and some mixing.

Pinkie Pie made the whole cake as a reward for yesterday’s work, but now found itself conflicting with the desire to make the prior day’s exercise continue to matter. She’d started the diet for a reason, and even her best efforts hadn’t proven all that successful yet. So she’d given most of the cake away in an attempt to help strengthen her resolve, but had been unable to part with this last, delectable, beautifully crafted slice. So of course it now beckoned to her, begging to fill her growling stomach and see its sugar spread. But she couldn’t.

Even though she really wanted to.

The whole idea had lingered in her mind for more than a little while; so many of her friends were the perfect sort of pretty, whether it be fit and strong or sleek and slender. Even Twilight had a sort of elegance to her amidst the nerdiness, and a really cute butt- all of her friends were so naturally attractive… How on earth was she supposed to have avoided comparison games? Yes, she was well-liked and had good friends who cared about her, but it was difficult to not notice the less than subtle differences they shared. It was especially impossible to avoid such matters when she found herself next to Fluttershy and Rarity, the two she considered the absolute paragon of feminine beauty. Everything about them both was so lovely and she’d always kinda wanted to say or do something about it, but that was out of the question. Not because of prior relationships or anything, that had come after the realization.

It was a measurement of her waistline that had sort of helped to sink that in, and a sinking step onto a scale that finished the job: she was overweight, and –frankly- fat. It wasn’t exactly difficult to imagine why, what with an occupation as a confectioner extraordinaire; she’d always loved sweet, everything from the concept of their creation to an enjoyment of the finished product. Pinkie Pie had loved baking since she was a little girl, and could devour them by the truckload. Not a bad thing for a child, but she wasn’t a child anymore- what she ate nowadays tended to stick around.

She’d tried to convince herself that her changes in diet were for the sake of her health: she was caring for her body by having it shed the excess weight, giving herself a healthier and happier life. If Pinkie Pie had been naive enough to swallow the lie, then perhaps the here and now would be easier to accept, but she knew full well the biggest reason was so she could finally emulate the ones she admired. To have the curves and body that Rarity had would be dreamy; to possess that slender form and grace that Fluttershy did would be wonderful. And, yes, Fluttershy wasn’t single anymore, but Rarity still was. If she was as pretty as she was…

Maybe, Pinkie Pie thought, I’d be able to do something about that.

That wasn’t to say the whole plan had been easily to implement. The simple fact that the cake now sat on a serving plate in front of her was proof enough, and she was beginning to wonder how much longer she’d be able to hold out from devouring it. Pinkie hadn’t exactly let it remain by accident. Come on, just a little taste. It’ll be OK to fudge just a bit- ooh, I could make some fudge for everybody, that sounds- oh come on, you don’t need more sugar and chocolate, relax already-

Pinkie had always possessed an unusual amount of trust in the world around her, almost as though there was an inability to suspect foul deeds from others; she couldn’t remember the last time she’d ever locked her penthouse door. When the entrance to her abode swung open and revealed her incoming guests, they were a needed relief from the excessive focus she had given to her culinary confections- even if such focus turned guests from a welcome surprise to a terrifying shock, sending the frizz-haired woman into the air like a startled cat-

“Aah!” Fluttershy gave a screech far louder than her usual verve and immediately darted behind Rarity for safety, just scared of Pinkie’s reaction as Pinkie had been to their sudden presence-

“Goodness! Relax, the both of you!” Rarity cried, caught between two very different bouts of fright. “Pinkie, I’m sorry, we didn’t mean to startle you- Fluttershy, darling, it’s only Pinkie.”

Fluttershy and Rarity! Her friends had come by to visit, that wasn’t anything to be scared of. She’d become so focused on her hunger that she must have zoned out. “Oh- hey, girls! It’s great to see you, thanks for coming by!” Pinkie resettled herself and came over to greet them, each of the two beauties graced with a hug that spoke to the pink-haired woman’s affections. Ooh, they even smell really nice. They’ve looked more extra pretty than normal-

“Did we come at a bad time? We didn’t mean to scare you,” Fluttershy said in the midst of Pinkie’s embrace.

“What? No, it’s great to see you! Sorry for being so scary, Fluttershy, I was just –you know- thinking about things. And stuff. And I just got super into it and didn’t notice you were coming!” Pinkie said, trying to ignore the weighted presence of the cake slice that sat on the table behind her. “Come on in!”

“Ooh… a lovely cake,” Rarity murmured, taking note of the exquisite delicacy with admiration. “Is this one of your creations, Pinkie? It looks marvelous.”

“Oh, yeah! I made that earlier today, but I was kinda trying not to have any even though I left that last slice for later. You can have it if you want, I’d love to know what you think.” Pinkie’s vision focused on both the elegant seamstress and the thick chocolate of the cake, the two ideas combining into one and conjuring a picture within her imagination of a naked Rarity covered in chocolate sauce, waiting for Pinkie to lick her clean-

“Thank you, darling, that’s too kind of you!” Rarity took the nearby fork and began to dig in, shuddering with delight as the first bite of baked goods melted in her mouth. “Oh, my word, it is splendid. You’ve positively outdone yourself, dear!”

“Yeah…” She knew full well it was good, even if she hadn’t had a single bite. She just wanted a little taste, whether it be Fluttershy or Rarity or the cake didn’t really matter at this point.

“Umm… Pinkie?”

“Yeah, Fluttershy?”

The sweet-faced woman had taken a seat at the table opposite her fellow, turning to their hostess with a measure of concern on her face. “Did… did you say that you were trying not to have any of your cake?”

“Huh? Oh yeah, I was trying to sorta not have any and I’m super glad you came by and helped me get rid of it cause I was starting to want it really bad-”

Fluttershy pulled a face. “But- why? Don’t you usually at least have a little of the sweets you make?”

“Well…” she wasn’t sure how much she wanted to admit to, for some reason. “I was just trying to- you know, have a little- self-control, things like that. And I mean, I could use having a few less pounds and I usually have a lot of sugar so I was figuring that I could probably do myself a favor and not have much of anything for a little while-”

“Wait just a moment, darling,” Rarity said, stopping halfway to her mouth with another bite. “Pinkie, did you start a diet?”

“I mean- I kinda thought I was getting too fat and I wanted to do a little better and start eating right and. You know, stuff like that.”

“Pinkie, you’re trembling. Is everything alright?”

Uh-oh. “I was just figuring that- I could do to lose a few pounds- or more, and I’d… kinda need to do a little better if I wanted to be sorta pretty and stuff-”

Rarity raised a finger and struck her friend dumb. “Pinkie,” she said slowly, “when was the last time you ate?”

With Rarity’s expression so serious, and Fluttershy’s so deeply marked with concern, the thought of deliberately lying didn’t seem like it would be in her best interest. “Umm… two- two days,” Pinkie answered meekly.

The elegant fashionista was knocked aback by the bombshell and left wide-eyed. “Two day- Pinkie!”

“I thought it’d be faster if I just didn’t eat for a little while!”

“Pinkie, darling!” Rarity came before her friend and placed hands upon her shoulders, forcing the normally frenetic woman’s attentions solely upon that visage of beauty. “You have no reason to harm yourself like that. A proper diet is one thing, but that is simply self-harm. You give too much of yourself away to not have something to sustain you. Now come, you must get something to eat.”

“But-”

“Please, Pinkie,” Fluttershy added, “it’s awful to see you be so unhappy like this. Will you please let us help you out?”

The pressure of her own hunger was multiplied in the face of their concern, the gnawing sensations of an empty stomach impossible to bear now that she couldn’t avoid the thought. “I guess.”

“There we go! Now, since it’s almost lunchtime, I think something nice for us all is in order,” Rarity declared, heading to the nearby kitchen with ideas clearly in mind. “It’s going to be alright, Pinkie. You’ll feel much better when you have some food in you.”

She felt bad for making them worry, foolish for thinking she could starve herself to a better body, and weak for needing food in the first place, the thoughts chewing away as the trio began to prepare a meal. “You didn’t need to worry,” Pinkie said shame-facedly.

“Of course we needed to worry,” Fluttershy answered, “You’re just having a bad few days, that’s all.”

“But I just…” it would sound worse when she actually said it aloud, Pinkie realized. “I just- wanted to look like you. Everyone thinks you’re so pretty and perfect and I just figured that- well, I’m… not as much.”

“Pinkie,” Rarity breathed, ceasing her chopping of vegetables to come give her friend a hug. “You needn’t try to look like me or Fluttershy- or anyone else, for that matter! Try to look like you! Goodness, everyone already likes you as you are!”

“But no one really thinks I’m pretty,” she replied.

“I think you’re pretty, darling,” Rarity countered, a mischievous grin appearing on her pristine features. “Please, don’t play those awful comparison games upon yourself, they’re hardly fair.”

“But-”

“You just are a different kind of pretty, Pinkie Pie,” Fluttershy said, taking a nearby bowl and filling it with a healthy assortment of nuts and fruits. “And it’s not just because you’re super nice and kind to everyone you meet. You’re pretty on the outside, too.”

“I- I dunno…” Pinkie was trying to subdue her smile, but the compliments coming from these incomparable women was difficult to ignore...

“Well, I know so,” Rarity declared, speaking as though there was no argument that could be brought against it. “And I won’t hear any argument that says otherwise. Now, eat up. You’ll need to be steady on your feet if you’re to visit Canterlot with me and Fluttershy tonight.”

Canterlot? What on earth for? “What’s going on in Canterlot?”
“
Fluttershy’s girlfriend –a lovely person, by the way- invited us to her nightclub for the evening,” Rarity explained. “You came up in conversation the other day and she said it would be lovely to meet you.”

“She also wanted your help, too,” Fluttershy added, “her nightclub has a lot of staff, but she’s been struggling to keep up with every aspect of it. When she asked me for advice, I suggested you’d be a great hostess!”

A business opportunity? It wasn’t a bad idea, all things considered. Pinkie’s raison d’etre was parties, and to host one in such a prestigious place as the capital would be a ton of fun. But then again… “Is it supposed to be a fancy party?” she asked. Memories of the gala from years prior resurfaced in her mind.

Fluttershy shook her head. “She wants you to help train some of her employees, really. Show them how to make a crowd happy. I know there’d be nobody who could be a better person to learn from than you. And she’d really like to meet you, too!”

The suggestion had come at the perfect time, striking right when a morale boost was most necessary. “Well… OK. Yeah, I can help with that! It should be fun!”

“Oh, thank you so much, Pinkie Pie!” Fluttershy said with a smile. “It’ll be so much fun to have you with us, I just know it.”

“Splendid! Now, let’s eat up. We’ve got a long evening ahead of us,” Rarity said. “Dig in!”

The meal was made all the better by lovely company, Pinkie feasting on a bountiful lunch like she hadn’t in days. The strength that had been drained from her by both hunger and melancholy returned in full vigor, her energy and usual freneticism surging again. She felt more like herself now that she had a full stomach, keener on laughter and life than she had before these two gorgeous women had arrived. When Rarity declared her departure for Canterlot early, the goodbye was made all the sweeter by a kiss upon Pinkie’s cheek- unexpected, but most definitely welcome.

“I’ll see you there, Pinkie!” she declared as she stepped out the door. “Fluttershy, I’ll let her know you’ll be coming by later.”

Fluttershy’s presence was a soothing one, her soft warmth a calming demeanor to be around. Pinkie was grateful for her company, especially when Fluttershy seemed so keen on being affectionate. Like Rarity, she was gracing the energized baker with words of comfort, small gestures of affection that could be as simple as a touch of her hand or a hug- or grand and marvelous, like a kiss on the cheek that set electricity coursing through Pinkie’s body.

“Gee, Fluttershy, I’ve never seen you like this before!” Pinkie remarked as she washed her dishes clean. “You’re usually super reserved and stuff, but you’ve been really nice and sweet ever since you started dating. What changed?”

Fluttershy flushed a light pink at the question, focusing on drying the dishware before her rather than promptly answering. “I just… like doing it now, I suppose,” she mumbled. “My girlfriend made me realize I like doing stuff like that, and that it’s actually sort of fun. If that makes sense.”

“Oh. OK!” Pinkie certainly didn’t mind; being touched and kissed on the cheek by women this pretty felt wonderful, almost like she was something desirable. “She must be really special to make you change this much!”

“Oh, she really is, Pinkie!” Fluttershy said happily. “You’ll understand for sure when you meet her tonight.”

Pinkie’s excitement was difficult to contain throughout the rest of the day, eagerly awaiting the sun to fade past the horizon and signal the beginning of the night’s festivities. Like a child waiting for their birthday, each moment seemed to take forever to pass and the day felt more akin to an eternity of waiting, patience wrung through and pushed to its limit. She was more excited than Fluttershy when their moment for departure finally arrived; the carriage ride to the city was long, but at least the moment was here!

“So what’s your girlfriend like, Fluttershy?” Pinkie asked as they rode along. “Is she pretty?”

“She’s very beautiful,” Fluttershy said. “And extremely smart, too. I’ve never met someone more wonderful in my whole life.”

“I bet she’s super lucky to have you!”

Fluttershy smiled. “I feel the same way about her.”

The carriage ride at last came to an end, Pinkie leaping out of the vehicle and promptly studying the destination that lay before her: a rather nice-looking building, though she couldn’t help but wonder about the blacked-out windows and neon signs that seemed to point to something rather scandalous. What kind of nightclub had Fluttershy said they were going to, again?

“Here we are,” Fluttershy declared. An arm outstretched for Pinkie to take, and a smile that beckoned for her friend to do so. “Shall we?”

A little hesitant to take the leading arm of another woman’s girlfriend, Pinkie tied herself to Fluttershy and entered, promptly met by the sound of voices and music as the interior of the nightclub revealed itself to be a place of fashionable luxury. The dark colors of the structure itself were appealing, all of it warmly lit and made to appear comfortable. By Pinkie’s judgment, it also seemed to be an all-women’s club as well- and all those present were rather pretty themselves. It was hard for her not to feel a little out of place in such fine surroundings.

“Come with me,” Fluttershy said, leading her companion away from the main floor and to a back hallway. “We’ll go to one of the backrooms for a bit and relax there. How does that sound?”

“Al-alright,” Pinkie said. Her eyes caught the stage and she couldn’t help but notice the trio of poles. But the whole nightclub seemed so refined in comparison!

It was evident that Fluttershy had been here numerous times before, various denizens in the crowd calling out to greet her and say their hellos. More than a few, Pinkie began to notice, were also taking note of her; she’d never felt so many eyes upon her, and the sensation with which they settled on here were of a kind she hadn’t felt before. The longer she thought about it, the more she came to realize that it was how she normally stared at a batch of cupcakes- with longing. With desire.

The backroom into which Fluttershy led them was a comfortably furnished lounge, clearly meant to be a place for private company to enjoy themselves; dark leather chairs that looked especially cushy, a table upon which a bucket of ice and champagne lay, and a comfortable chaise sofa for one to recline upon- and upon it was Rarity, beautifully dressed in a black dress and sipping on a glass of bright-gold spirits.

“Pinkie Pie! I’m so glad you could make it,” Rarity cried, setting aside her glass to come and greet her friend with another kiss of the cheek. “I was hoping we could relax for a time before getting started, but it seems there’s been a slight change of plans…”

“What happened?” Fluttershy asked.

“Chrissy asked if we could start the show early,” Rarity answered. “I tried to explain that a little rest before starting would be best, but she said the crowd was getting restless. I fear she’s a tad nervous.”

“Oh dear.” Fluttershy bit her lip and pondered the matter. “I’ll go see her and do what I can to help. Would you mind helping Pinkie Pie get ready? You remember where everything is-”

“Yes, yes, of course. Ta-ta, darling, see you in a bit!” Rarity replied. “Now, Pinkie- again, I am so sorry, I was hoping you’d be able to relax and unwind for a bit first, but you’ll need to come with me.”

She’d been bewildered from the moment she’d arrived; first conflicted by the refinement of the nightclub that so starkly contrasted with the stage and sensuous neon outside, and now left feeling rushed by the sudden movements and actions of her friend- Pinkie wasn’t quite certain how to take it all in. Or what was actually going on…

“And here’s the dressing room,” Rarity said, almost pushing Pinkie through in their hurry. “Now, there should be a change of clothes there for you on the vanity.”

Indeed there were, Pinkie discovered, though not what she’d initially expected to find: itty-bitty jean shorts that would barely cover much of anything, clearly meant to expose more than they were meant to conceal. It was more like they weren’t really meant to conceal much of anything at all, a mere accessory to what would essentially be a naked bottom. As for the top- when held against her bosom, it hardly looked to be better than a bra, a band of cloth meant to be tied between her breasts in a knot and made to flatter.

She more or less had figured the whole thing out: she was meant to dance tonight. “Uh, Rarity?”

“Yes, darling?”

“Am I supposed to be a stripper tonight- or something?”

“Fluttershy and I both thought you needed a confidence boost,” the seamstress explained. “And a good reminder of just how lovely you really are. I’m certain you’ll leave them dazzled.”

Promiscuity wasn’t really the problem she was encountering, but there was more than a little hesitancy that needed to be overcome. “But I’m- why would they want to see me? I bet they’d rather see you-”

“Nonsense, you’ll leave the crowd in awe, Pinkie!” Rarity countered swiftly. “A woman such as yourself, there to be a marvel? You’ve always been quite the acrobat, I’ve no doubt you will be splendid.”

“But why me?” Pinkie asked.

“Why not you? The woman who always wants people to smile… I hardly think there would be anyone better.”

It wasn’t exactly convincing, but Pinkie didn’t see much of a way to keep arguing, especially when Rarity seemed so insistent. How could she strip and be seen as attractive? Sure, Rarity and Fluttershy probably meant well, but this didn’t seem like that good of an idea. Reluctantly, she took to the nearby corner and began to unzip the back of her dress and started undressing, tossing aside her clothing. She would simply have to grin and bear it, and hopefully not let the incoming mockery wound her spirit too much-

A pause in mid-dress, the miniature booty shorts pulled up but unbuttoned. Pinkie glanced over at the mirror and saw Rarity’s reflection from the back of the room, eyes clearly looking in her direction and alight with a sexual hunger. Of all the people in the world, Rarity was watching her undress- and liking it! The blush that came was immediate, but not enough to halt Pinkie’s progress, removing her bra and tying the cloth band about her chest. She was definitely exposed, a mere pull on the knot all it would take to reveal what lay beneath…

“Ooh…” Rarity’s arms draped across her shoulders in a hug from behind, the elegant woman staring at Pinkie from the mirror and not disguising her lust. “Pinkie, is this what you hide beneath your clothes all the time?”

The blush was a deep red now. “It’s nothing compared to-”

“Such nice breasts, darling,” Rarity whispered, a light brushing of her fingers along the cloth. “And your thighs… Oh, you’d make the whole world drool if they knew.”

Pinkie wanted to do something about those hands, let them drift beneath the cloth or simply tear it away and let the real pleasure get started. To be seen as something desirable by one so pretty was more wonderful than Pinkie could have imagined-

There was a Thrum! from somewhere beyond the room, the sound of music beginning to flow –albeit muffled- from elsewhere and set their senses to distraction. It was the siren call, a signal from the stage that beckoned for a star. And it was no mystery as to who was being summoned…

“Aww- and I was just getting curious,” Rarity pouted, but pushing the object of her admiration towards the entrance hall. “They’re waiting for you, darling! Show them how it’s done!”

Pinkie had never known so deeply the meaning of the word confusion- or terror. Rarity had been feeling her up, she was in a stripper outfit and they wanted her to dance, what on earth had gone on in the world to make this happen? She continued to walk towards the stage entrance on trembling knees, heart pounding madly. This still was such a leap!

The lights met her and along with them was the sound of cheering, a great throng of people below her and gracing her appearance with applause. The crowd of lovely faces gazed up at her with excitement and an undisguised lust that was clearly thrown in her direction. This multitude of women were here to see her- her, of all people! It was an intimidating thought… and an exciting one. Maybe she was meant to be here after all.

The music changed, a single light left alight on the stage, pointed directly at the premiere pole as though a guiding beacon. Pinkie Pie was being summoned. The crowd called for her. It was her moment, and so many eyes awaited her to begin.

A sudden course of courage charged her spirit and Pinkie willed herself forward. Fear be forgotten, if Rarity thought she was attractive, then she could do this!

Those watching later called it the birth of a new person, as though a caterpillar had crawled out from the cocoon transformed as a magnificent monarch. Holding to the pole as though it were her anchor, Pinkie started her dance slowly, perhaps burdened by a lack of confidence. Movement was slow, but smooth; the initial features of this show was a thorough unveiling of her feature, familiarizing the crowd with the assets her body possessed. The assessment of the crowd was a far swifter one than that of Pinkie’s own, taking note of a properly thicc figure- particularly those of her thighs, the sort of thing that you wanted to die between-

The crowd cheered with mild applause, encouragement and a call for the show to go on. They wanted her.

Pinkie began gaining confidence, emboldened by the positive reception of something so simple. She had never danced before, but they seemed to like it- so why not go further, add a little more spice to the meal? One leg wrapping about the metal pole and she spun swiftly- a sudden halt by the placing of a foot down as she struck a pose. Her chest faced forward into the crowd, the light shining down on her breasts and giving them a glow. Just a small bend forward, a greater tease of the assets that were only just hidden-

A brief glimpse was all she allowed. If this was meant to be something sensuous, she transformed into an object of desire, she could not give it all away at once. A return to her anchor, but now possessing a rhythm to the beat, sliding and pressing against the cool metal and letting her backside be flaunted. Her jean shorts strained against her form, her ass that had lain concealed being flashed for them- a wild call of cheers in response asserting the approval. The desire of the crowd was clear, and they called for their disappearance.

Pinkie smiled and plucked at the button, seemingly ready to tear them away. But though becoming undone, she did not reveal all yet. She left the ground behind and let herself spin freely, slowly releasing the grip of her hands and letting her body invert itself. Held to the metal by only the grip of her cushy thighs, her body took a winding form and pushed her clothing to its limits. How much longer could they hope to last?

Her body spun away from the front of the stage, and her return forward left the crowd in gasps: hands tended to the knot of her cloth and pulled hard, the barely-concealing band cast aside and waving in her hands as Pinkie’s breasts spilled out for the crowd’s adoration; magnificent mounds of flesh, so juicy and succulent… they were more beautiful than anything those within the crowd had ever seen. The cheers that came were now wild, incensed as though feeding on the performance of this angelic creature.

A halt to her movements brought by a placing of her hand against the ground, held fast and still like a statue of the goddesses of old. She was there to be looked at, lusted after, worshiped for all she was; never had they known something of such a kind, more potent than anything they had ever taken from another. No feeding had ever felt like this one.

Pinkie left her anchor behind and slid to a kneeling position before the crowd, her now-free flesh shining in the limelight. Small shakes to accentuate their form, she inching closer to the awestruck crowd of women below; they had never so desperately wanted to touch, to feel, to know- but to do so would be to mar a work of art. This priceless treasure was a gateway to a new world, an outpouring of love that they wished to match. To so many, it was the beginning of their understanding at last.

Tossing her emblem into the rapturous crowd, Pinkie returned to the pole and again took up her craft, matching the rhythm and beat with precise, sensuous movement so clearly befitted her figure. The feel of such an act was empowering, the call and worship of the throng of beautiful women like electricity to the soul. She needed to give them just a little more, a final grace in thanks for their adoration. She could do that, couldn’t she?

Pinkie took to the air yet again, holding to the thin metal by the crook of her knee and holding herself aloft, reaching out for the crowd and met with their cheers in return. She flexed a little more with the waist, straining the zipper of her shorts and setting it to failure- the reveal was perfectly timed, the seal breaking and letting herself at last be exposed, but only just. There was only one way she could finish such a thing, and that was with crowd participation. As her body descended and met the stage, each step was slowed to ensure the security of her last garment- and to let herself be utterly flaunted. These breasts were meant to be desired, the sway of her hips becoming hypnotic. As she knelt down before the crowd one last time, she beckoned for a pretty young blonde to come forward and unwrap this last, great gift.

At first, the poor girl couldn’t believe her luck. This was more than what she could have dared to wish for; a trembling hand came forward and clutched at the denim, pulling down hard and tearing until the last of it had been pulled away, not an inch of Pinkie’s body remaining concealed. They could hardly breathe, did not dare to speak-

A sudden retreat, and Pinkie fell on her back. Then a great thrust and she performed a backflip, landing on her feet without a tremble and letting the fullness of her magnificence be there for their eyes to feast upon. Those folds beckoned to them like the finest feast, perfectly spread apart and begging to be plundered. How could they have known something like this could be? This woman, this beautiful, magnificent woman was a goddess, more than they ever would have dared to ask for, and she had let herself be known for their sake.

The show came to an end, but the cheers continued unabated. Even as Pinkie gave a bow and farewell smile, they continued to cry out in adulation as she departed. For the first time since they had come to this hidden place, the Horde understood what had overcome their Queen. To merely feed was enough to satisfy, but to adore was to be overwhelmed. The old ways could be left to rot if what came next was even only a hint of something as good as this.

In the back corner, between her two adoring loves, sat a darkened royalty that was undergoing a turbulent whirlwind of emotions. Chrysalis was cycling through them all at an alarming rate, trying to force herself to focus on one at a time rather than all at once. Her first was that of relief; her children could now hope to understand what was coming, fed in fullness in a way they had never known before. There were greater things than merely feeding off of love; to be given it willingly and give of their own in return was more than satisfying. Perhaps, now fed themselves, they could understand what she wished for them in the end.

That was the result she had expected. The one she had not was that she now wanted Pinkie for herself. There had been a vigor in her that the Changeling Queen hadn’t seen in Fluttershy or Rarity, a free spirit that she lusted for. It was an on-the-spot decision that she hadn’t anticipated, but now couldn’t bear to ignore. She wanted to feel Pinkie Pie, to make love with her, to adore her…

“She’s very pretty, isn’t she?” Fluttershy giggled. Roused from her thoughts, Chrysalis looked over and saw that she was under amused watch of her two ladies, the content of her inner musings apparently evident. “I bet she wouldn’t mind seeing you now.”

It was as if she had read the mind of her love without a moment’s confusion. It was exactly what Chrysalis wanted to hear, but she couldn’t simply just act without their assent. “I mean,” she began, “it is a thought. We always have room for one more, do we not?”

“Please, darling,” Rarity replied, rolling her eyes at the poor woman’s hesitancy. “Either you go get her, or I will.”

Oh thank the gods. Chrysalis gave a hurried smile and left her seat, more than mere business on her mind. She had been entranced, and she would do something about it.

She had never felt so exhilarated. She was floating on clouds, walking on sunshine, she was alive! Pinkie Pie wanted to cheer and shout till the world heard it all, invigorated by what she had just accomplished. She’d gone out there to give a show and had left the crowd in a frenzy- for her! She was wanted, lusted after, her body desired! Who could have imagined such a thing? She’d never felt so strong, so wild! That was like the most amazing thing ever! Wow, I really need to talk to Rarity and Fluttershy, I wanna know what they thought! I bet they thought it was hot, too, I’d love to see if they want to hook up or something!

There was a hammering knock at the door a mere moment before it burst open, none other than Chrysalis striding through the door and staring at Pinkie Pie with an unmistakable hunger. The sudden entrance of such a person didn’t really seem to surprise the frizz-haired woman much; it seemed as though it was the most natural thing in the world, who else would it be? And wow, she’s gorgeous! Just as pretty as Rarity and Fluttershy!

“Oh, Pinkie Pie!” Chrysalis swept the delighted woman off her feet and swung her about, so great was her happiness, the two turning into a giggling pair of girls as they celebrated. “Magnificent, you absolutely commanded my children! You beautiful, perfect angel!”

Pinkie couldn’t do anything but giggle and blush, aroused by the words that flowed so easily from the lips of such a beautiful woman. It felt better than good, if she were honest.

“Please, Pinkie- I beg you to stay with me,” Chrysalis breathed. “I cannot teach my children without you, I must have you.”

“Like I’d ever say no!” Pinkie replied, “gosh, was this all for me? Did you really set this up?”

“Yes, yes! I was so afraid you’d say no, and then, I’d- I’d…”

“Of course I’ll stay with you! Now come here!” Of course Pinkie couldn’t resist this woman, particularly when she was already in her grasp. Their lips met and began their kisses with a ferocity. Neither relented from the other but instead allowed their passions to become unglued. Chrysalis dove deep into the splendid mouth of her new desire, her long tongue flicking away madly at its pair and gracing it with a wild, unrestrained worship. They wanted to become sloppy, unrestrained- they did not dare remain subdued but incensed themselves with touch and feel and contact of lips and tongue that slithered about. Their saliva intertwined and became one, breaths came in rapid alongside hungering moans, bodies pressed hard against one another as each began to grind. Pinkie felt herself beginning to slicken, her naked figure in desperate need of release…

Their kiss ended, mouths tied together by bands of saliva that had been born by their slovenly embrace. They felt their breath coming in gasps of needed air, the fire between them burning wildly. It shouldn’t have ended, but only become a loss of control; now was the time.

“You wanna have sex?” Pinkie inquired pleasantly. “I could use a little workout.”

“Oh, my sweet little Pie...” Chrysalis breathed, softly kissing the neck of her newfound treasure. “If you want some exercise, we'd be glad to help you with that.”

We? As Pinkie Pie was hoisted into the arms of her awaited desire, her mind was starting to spin in the hopes of making sense of the statement. Who else could possibly be a part of this? Surely Chrysalis wasn’t the kind of person who’d share-

As the door opened to reveal two familiar faces, the once-morose confectioner could only smile in happiness. Tonight was going to be the best night of her life.

"KingdaKa, didn't you just publish this chapter?"

Yes, but I am a dumbass and the site kept crashing when I tried to fix it. Sincerest apologies for this idiocy.

Keep reading if you please, I am so sorry about this mistake.