In the Shadow of the Sun - 6 AKAME FEB 26TH, 2013


                                            >The entrance to the Crystal Caves isn't exactly intimidating.

                                            >It was a simple wooden door, located far away from the castle.

                                            >Sure it was a foot thick and stood at fifteen feet high, but it was still just a wooden door.

                                            >"Just so you know, that is NOT just a wooden door."

                                            >Well fuck.

                                            >You notice Ex standing apprehensively next to you.

                                            "What do you mean?"

                                            >Your friend stares at the door, as if expecting something to burst out and attack.

                                            >"Long ago, before Canterlot had a proper prison, these caves served as an makeshift jail."

                                            >A sinister smile begins to show on his face as he speaks.

                                            >"Many prisoners disappeared into the depths of these caves. Some say because of corrupt guards, some because of escape…"

                                            >You hold your breath when he glances at you menacingly.

                                            >"But the most likely reason… is the monsters down there."

                                            *Gulp*

                                            >It can never be easy, can it?

                                            >"The monsters aren't the things to fear, however. It's the escapees you should be afraid of. Most were powerful unicorns, capable of defeating many soldiers single hoofedly, and some say their descendants still roam the deeper recesses of the caves…"

                                            >The stallion flares his hoof.

                                            >"Oooooooooo"

                                            >You chuckle at his theatrical performance.

                                            "Was any of that true?"

                                            >He thinks for a moment before answering.

                                            >"Most of it wasn't, but there are monsters down there. It's one of the reasons the caves were abandoned once a better source of magic ore was discovered in the north."

                                            "If there's a better source, why are we doing this?"

                                            >"It would take several days to get anything from that mine. This is closer, and, despite being more dangerous, has better quality ore. Also, it's the perfect place to teach you how to use the armor."

                                            >Ex focuses on the door and a thin, black aura appears, pulling the door open.

                                            >A cold wind rushes from the newly opened cave, creating an eerie moan as it passes you.

                                            >Glancing into the abyss, you can see only blackness.

                                            >Your friend trots up to the cave entrance, glancing back and motioning for you to follow.

                                            >Once you are a short distance in, the door seals behind you, cloaking the cavern in shadow.

                                            >A pale gray light shining from Ex's horn illuminates the path as you begin the descent into the cave.

                                            >Fortunately, there is ample room for both you and Ex to move around comfortably.

                                            >You observe the walls surrounding you as you walk and talk with your unicorn friend.

                                            >For being named the "Crystal Caves" it sure seemed normal, you expected something more… crystalline.

                                            >"No, I'm serious. She really does enter p0nies' dreams."

                                            "But, why? Dreams are just dreams, they have no bearing on the real world."

                                            >"Usually, but if a nightmare becomes bad enough, it can affect the afflicted p0ny's health. Luna enters a dream, purges the nightmare, then leaves, all without letting the dreamer know she was there."

                                            >You say nothing while you think about Luna.

                                            >Was she truly safe in the dreamworld?

                                            "You're sure that she's safe there?"

                                            >Ex chuckles at your concern.

                                            >"Relax. Should something happen to her in the dream, she'll materialize back in the real world, no harm done. She's been doing this for a long time."

                                            >Ex's words do little to calm your uneasiness.

                                            >"By the way, now that we're out of the castle, I've been meaning to ask you…"

                                            "Hmm?"

                                            >"Why do you think Luna chose you to be her guard?"

                                            >…

                                            >Why did she?

                                            >Most likely, it was because you understood the feeling of being overshadowed by family.

                                            >It's not something most people could comprehend…

                                            "I don't know, honestly. Maybe it's because her and I are so similar."

                                            >The light illuminating the cave flickers as Ex laughs.

                                            >"Heh, heh, heh… Similar huh?"

                                            >You jab the unicorn's shoulder.

                                            "And why is that so funny?"

                                            >He glances at you briefly, before resuming his walking pace.

                                            >"Sorry, just something I find amusing. Ah, here we are!"

                                            >The tunnel opens into a large- wait for it… crystalline chamber.

                                            >NOW you can see why this place is named the "Crystal Caves".

                                            >Ex's soft light reflects off the walls and fills the entire area, revealing many brilliant gems of purple, red, and blue hues.

                                            >You follow the black stallion as he canters over to an artificially made corridor.

                                            >"Here is where we enter the mining area. Before we go, you need to know something."

                                            >The corridor beckons you inside, but you stay to listen to your friend's warning.

                                            >"Do NOT leave my side. Because of the magic crystals, I can't teleport down here with any semblance of accuracy, the same is true for your armor. Maybe Luna or Celestia could, but it would still be very taxing on them. If you get lost, you might end up lost forever."

                                            "Well, at least I'll have company, what with all those escaped prisoners."

                                            >…

                                            "Pfft. Hahaha!"

                                            >"Hahahaha- Seriously though, don't get lost."

                                            "Got it."

                                            >Ex leads the way into the mine, casting his light across the many gems lining the walls.


                                            >You walk for what seems like hours, and while your efforts to alleviate the boredom were valiant, there are only so many things to talk about in an abandoned mine.

                                            >Eventually, the walls disappear from sight and you enter a massive cavern.

                                            *rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrumble*

                                            >Ex stops walking and scans the shadows.

                                            >Seeing nothing, he cautiously resumes walking, slowly picking up speed until his canter has become a trot.

                                            >"Anon, get ready."

                                            "For what?"

                                            *Ssssssssssssssssssssssss*

                                            >A disturbing sound is belched forth from the dark… You can only identify it as...

                                            >High pitched clicking?

                                            *Splat*

                                            >A glob of softly glowing ooze splatters on your shoulder.

                                            "What the-"

                                            *HISSSSSSSSSSSSS*

                                            >You brush off the green gunk, and, following Ex's cue, cease moving.

                                            >…

                                            >The noise disappears, leaving an even more perturbing silence.

                                            >Placing your back to your companion, you ready yourself for something, though, you're not sure what.

                                            *Clop* *Clop* *Clop* *Clop*

                                            >The sounds of a p0ny walking on stone ring out from the void.

                                            *Clop* *Clop* *Clop* *Clop*

                                            >As the sound gets louder, both you and Ex turn your attention to the direction it originates from.

                                            *Clop* *Clop* *Clop* *Clo-*

                                            >At the edge of Ex's light is a small, white filly.

                                            >You relax your guard and take a small step towards the shivering p0ny.

                                            >"Anon…"

                                            >Ex whisper sounds like a warning.

                                            "It's ok, it's only a filly."

                                            >You take another step, stretching out your hands in an anodyne gesture.

                                            >Ex's voice becomes more urgent, but remains hushed.

                                            >"No. Be careful that's-"

                                            >He inhales sharply as you take another step.

                                            >The small earthp0ny is right next to you now.

                                            >She smiles weakly as you pet her mane and comfort her.

                                            "It's ok, you're safe now…"

                                            >"Anon! Get awa-!"

                                            >Ex's light is extinguished as something collides with him.

                                            "Ex!"

                                            *Shnk*

                                            "Guh-!"

                                            >Something bites into your neck.

                                            >You can feel fangs barely pierce your jugular as you blindly struggle to remove the attacker.

                                            *Pump* *Pump*

                                            >Something is forced into your bloodstream, dulling your senses.

                                            >Your eyes grow heavy and your attempts to pry the mouth from your throat become weaker and weaker.

                                            *Pump* *Pump*

                                            >Consumed in darkness, you relinquish your grip on your attacker and fall to your knees.

                                            >The fangs are retracted from your throat, causing blood to leak from your wounds.

                                            *Slurp*

                                            >A slimy tongue licks the punctures, sealing them shut somehow.

                                            "E…x…"

                                            >You attempt to scream for your friend, but can only manage a pathetic croak.

                                            >Amidst the fog in your mind, you can hear hoofsteps approaching.

                                            >"Yes, he is quite the catch… Take him."

                                            >Something shoves you onto what feels like a p0ny, only covered in some kind of shell.

                                            >Your limbs drag on the ground as you are carried into the dark recesses of the mine.

                                            >Thinking is an insurmountable task at the moment.

                                            >Whatever was injected into you is clouding your analytic abilities.

                                            >Can't even remember how to move the horsey in chess.

                                            >…

                                            >That stuff hit you harder than you thought.

                                            >Focus!

                                            >Knights can mov in an L-shape, two then one, or one then two units.

                                            >It is an integral piece of any player's strategies due to it's unique movement style.

                                            >Such movesets include… Um… They include…

                                            *Slam*

                                            >You are dumped onto a wooden surface.

                                            >From the way your arms hang off the side, you'd guess it was a table of sorts.

                                            >Torches ignite suddenly, illuminating the dark room.

                                            >It looks like an abandoned recreation room.

                                            >There is another table, with chairs surrounding it and a figure resting on it.

                                            >Your eyes focus on the figure, and you slowly recognize the body of your friend.

                                            "Ex!"

                                            >Effort is made to move, but your limbs will not cooperate.

                                            >While you negotiate with your appendages, the sound of someone approaching begins to fill the room.

                                            >You turn your head to an opening door.

                                            >The little filly from before peeks from behind it.

                                            >Was she behind this?

                                            >"Chrysalis, don't be rude."

                                            >A large alicorn shoves the filly into the room.

                                            >No, not an alicorn…

                                            >It looks like one, sure, but there are several different characteristics.

                                            >She has holes in her legs, for one, and her body seems to be covered in black armor.

                                            >On the whole, she appears to be some kind of green eyed insectoid.

                                            >"Chrysalis!"

                                            >The creature nudges the filly roughly.

                                            >The small p0ny nods before a ring of green fire surrounds her.

                                            >After the fire dissipates, a small version of the alicorn-like being stands before you.

                                            >Managing to regain some lucidity, you probe them for information.

                                            "Who are you?"

                                            >The creature smiles at you before posing elegantly.

                                            >"You are speaking to the ruler of all changelings, Queen Aurelia!"

                                            >Changelings?

                                            >Aurelia saunters up to you and rubs your face with her hoof.

                                            >"This is my daughter, and eventual successor, Chrysalis."

                                            >The small changeling flies onto the table and looks down at you.

                                            >Her fangs glint slightly in the light.

                                            >Wait, those fangs…

                                            >Your hand moves to your throat.

                                            >"Mmmm… I see that you are enjoying my daughters gift."

                                            "What did you inject into me?"

                                            >The queen's expression hardens.

                                            >A faint smell fills the air, one that you can't quite identify, but notice nonetheless.

                                            >OBEY!

                                            >SUBMIT!

                                            >Numerous voices roar synchronously in your mind, each distinct, but harmonious nonetheless.

                                            >You grasp your head, attempting to rid yourself of the noise.

                                            >OBEY!

                                            >SUBMIT!

                                            >SERVE!

                                            "WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS?!"

                                            >Your body squirms as your brain struggles to retain its individuality against the swarm.

                                            >Aurelia leans close to you, speaking softly into your ear.

                                            >"Welcome, my subject, to the Hive."

                                            >The voices grow silent at her words.

                                            "W-what?"

                                            >"Mommy! Your picking on my prey~!"

                                            >Chrysalis stomps her hoof and huffs.

                                            >The queen laughs as she removes herself from your face.

                                            >"So I am, little one. Here, dinner is served."

                                            >The large changeling steps back, allowing her daughter to scuttle onto your chest.

                                            >As the young insectoid looks you over, Aurelia watches intently.

                                            >Even though you are drugged, she obviously doesn't want to risk you harming her heir.

                                            >With clarity slowly returning, you attempt to analyze the situation.

                                            >Glancing at Ex, you notice his horn is smeared with a viscous fluid.

                                            >He probably can't perform any magic like that, and with his unconscious state, help from him is unlikely.

                                            >"Hey."

                                            >You look towards the changeling queen.

                                            >She 's likely very powerful, for her to survive down here, she must be pretty hardy.

                                            >"HEY!"

                                            >The doorway is behind Aurelia.

                                            >If you could just regain limb control…

                                            >"Grrr... Unnng!"

                                            >Chrysalis clenches her eyes and grunts.

                                            >You detect that odorless scent again, albeit diluted.

                                            >Obey.

                                            >Submit.

                                            >You look quizzically at the small creature shuddering on your chest.

                                            >Her mother sighs and stares at you.

                                            >The smell returns full force, causing you to cringe.

                                            >OBEY!

                                            >SUBMIT!

                                            >FEED!

                                            >"You'll have to forgive Chrysalis's inexperience, we don't have many visitors for her to practice with. In fact, the last one was just before she was born…"

                                            >You glare at the queen.

                                            "Get out… of my head!"

                                            >"Mommy~!"

                                            >Aurelia relinquishes her hold on you and resumes watching.

                                            >The small creature on your chest draws close to your face, squeaking as she talks.

                                            >"I'm your queen now! You will do as I say!"

                                            >Aw, she's kind of cute when she tries to be authoritative.

                                            "Ha ha, I think not 'little one', I already serve royalty."

                                            >The thought of Luna returns some strength to you.

                                            >Your limbs, though heavy, are able to move again, so you pick up the queen-to-be and move her aside.

                                            >She does NOT like being touched.

                                            >Chrysalis bites your hand, immediately crying out in pain when her fang connects with your armor.

                                            >"Waaaah! It hurts!"

                                            >The young changeling is torn from your hands by Aurelia's magic, and levitated over to her mother.

                                            >"There, there… You should know better than to bite the tough spots."

                                            >The queen coos as she carries Chrysalis to your side.

                                            >You are forced to the table, with your neck presented to the dissembling duo.

                                            >"You have to go for the soft flesh…"

                                            >Aurelia positions her daughter's snout alongside your throat.

                                            >"Ahh~"

                                            >Chrysalis opens her mouth and places her fangs on your jugular.

                                            >She quickly sinks her teeth into you, and you feel your veins bulge as they are pumped full of her venom again.

                                            >Aurelia holds Chrysalis to your neck for several minutes, ensuring that you get an immense dose of poison.

                                            >Once you are subdued, Chrysalis releases her grip on you and is placed on the floor.

                                            >The queen looks you over before biting her lip.

                                            >"Chrysalis, go play outside."

                                            >"But Mommy~, he's mine!"

                                            >Aurelia glares at her daughter.

                                            >"I know, I'm just going to make sure he's good enough for you."

                                            >"But-"

                                            >"This isn't up for debate, obey your queen!"

                                            >Chrysalis ceases her defiance, and slowly heads for the door.

                                            >"Humph, he's mine, *I* caught him…"

                                            >Once the young changeling is out of sight, Aurelia approaches your side.

                                            >To muster even a single thought anymore is a staggering accomplishment.

                                            >You might be suffering from brain damage now.

                                            >The queen climbs onto the table and buries her face underneath your chin, next to Chrysalis's injection hickey.

                                            >"She's so young, her pheromones haven't developed properly yet. The amount she gave you would kill a smaller creature."

                                            >She licks the small perforations.

                                            >"I'll get rid of that for you!"

                                            >Aurelia jams her tongue into your neck wounds.

                                            >You feel her worming her way down your throat's veins and towards your heart.

                                            >True to her word, the further Aurelia's wriggling muscle slips into your body, the more lucid your mind becomes.

                                            >You arteries scream from the intruder's movements causing pain to flood your nerves.

                                            >Just before she reaches your heart, the queen slurps up her tongue.

                                            >She licks her lips before pressing them against you briefly.

                                            >Pulling away, the ruler of the changelings smiles.

                                            >"I've always preferred my way of getting concentrated pheromones in…"

                                            >She locks your head with magic and slips her tongue into your mouth.

                                            >She wraps around your tongue and pulls it into her mouth, softly gnawing and sucking on it.

                                            >Releasing your tongue she presses her mouth hard against yours, sealing your lips together.

                                            >*Guh* *Guh* *Guh*

                                            >The queen begins to convulse into your mouth.

                                            >… No…

                                            >*Guh* *Guh* *Barf*

                                            >Bile fills your mouth and slides down your throat.

                                            >Oddly, it doesn't taste unpleasant.

                                            >Your nose is held shut, forcing you to swallow the queen's pheromones.

                                            >The room spins and grows hot as her liquid settles in your stomach.

                                            >After the fifth gulp, your mouth is empty again, except for yours and Aurelia's tongues.

                                            >Your blood vessels thicken, and you lose control of your body.

                                            >The changeling starts to pull away, but a hand on the back of her head prevents her.

                                            >She smiles and presses back into you when you massage her stomach with your free hand.

                                            >Aurelia pulls your tongue into her mouth and begins to heave again.

                                            >*Guh* *Guh* *Guh*

                                            >…

                                            >*Guh* *Guh* *Barf* *Gag* *Barf*

                                            *Gulp* *Gulp* *Gulp* *Gulp* *Gulp* *Gulp* *Gulp*

                                            >Your body betrays you, overthrowing reason in favor of the queen's promises of pleasure.

                                            >Coaxing more fluid from her stomach, your body swallows everything the queen regurgitates.

                                            >Slowly, your mind recedes into darkness.

                                            >Aurelia separates from you, a trail of green slime connecting your lips to hers.

                                            >"Do you know how many changelings I rule over right now?"

                                            >You can only shake your head in half-lidded bliss as the queen moans into your ear.

                                            >"Less than fifty… But let me show you something…"

                                            >She leans back, sitting on her haunches and presenting her stomach to you.

                                            >Her abdomen becomes translucent, revealing her inner-workings.

                                            >Amongst her organs, you see eggs.

                                            >Countless, tiny eggs, each with a small insect-like creature forming under a semitransparent shell.

                                            >Aurelia notices your fascination and smiles.

                                            >Her stomach returns to its normal, armored self as she attaches her lips to yours.

                                            >"Mmm! Do you know- mmm- what those are?"

                                            "Wha-mmm"

                                            >The queen sucks on your tongue as she pulls away.

                                            >"They are my children… soon to be, OUR children."

                                            >You mind flares against your body's insurrection.

                                            "N-no, I…"

                                            >Sensing your resistance, Aurelia releases a cloud of pheromones.

                                            >OBEY!

                                            >SUBMIT!

                                            >BREED!

                                            >BREED!

                                            >BREED!

                                            >No! You won't be the sire of such revolting beasts!

                                            >Your body moves under the influence of Aurelia's command, but your mind attempts to find a way out.

                                            >There has to be a way to rid yourself of her control.

                                            >You undo your belt buckle.

                                            >Celestia's aphrodisiac crosses your mind.

                                            >Aurelia watches as you pull out your member and present it to her.

                                            >When you sensed Luna's peril back then, the effects went away… Was that because of you, or the armor?

                                            >The queen smiles, giving you a deep sniff and tasting you.

                                            >And you had teleported when you needed a way to get to the princess… maybe…

                                            >Aurelia positions herself above you, heat radiating down from her.

                                            >Now or never.

                                            'Cleanse!'

                                            >"AAAHHH!!!"

                                            >Aurelia recoils in pain and falls off the table.

                                            >Green steam is vented from your armor, returning control of your body to you.

                                            >You quickly roll off the table and ready yourself for the changeling's assault.

                                            >The large insect screeches while lunging at you.

                                            >Her fangs become more pronounced and her horn glows a soft green aura.

                                            >Holding out your hand, you face your palm at the charging queen.

                                            >Time to see if you're lucky.

                                            >Focusing, you summon a blast of energy.

                                            >Your magical victory is cut short as Aurelia effortlessly deflects the blast.

                                            >It was your fist time, after all, can you help not having a lot of power?

                                            >Your foe collides with you, forcing you down and pinning you beneath her.

                                            >"You could have been my personal mate! Father to a whole generation of changeling warriors!"

                                            >She rears back and attempts to bite you.

                                            >A cold feeling envelopes you as you teleport.

                                            >Aurelia, unfortunately, teleports with you.

                                            >Damn this armor is finicky about spells!

                                            >Your opponent resumes her snapping motion, forcing you to hold your arm out in in defense.

                                            >Her strength is far greater than her daughter's, however, and you armor crumples in her maw.

                                            >You focus and increase the armor in your arm, regaining it's once demonic look and thickness.

                                            >Aurelia releases you when she realizes she cannot breach your condensed armor, instead opting to charge up a spell.

                                            >The armor on your other arm sharpens and gives you talon-like fingers.

                                            >You always liked Albel Nox…

                                            >Swinging you hand in a wide arc, you penetrate Aurelia's armor at her shoulder.

                                            >She howls, partly in pain, and partly in surprise at your newfound strength.

                                            >You grip the chunk of armor you had pierced and pull.

                                            >The queen's spell disperses as she wails.

                                            *RIIIIIIIIIIP*

                                            >The piece of armor is torn from Aurelia's shoulder, exposing a thin, green membrane underneath.

                                            >She attempts to flee, but another thrust of your hand penetrates her chest.

                                            *RIIIIIIIIIIP*

                                            >"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!"

                                            >Aurelia's heat beats behind the exposed membrane on her thorax.

                                            >You attempt to strike again, but she looses a spell, pushing you into the ground.

                                            >She flies off of you and runs into the shadows, her hoofsteps growing faint as you hoist yourself up.

                                            >Giving chase is an option, but Ex is more important right now.

                                            >Running over to your friend, you roll him onto his back to attempt waking him.

                                            "Ugh! That's disgusting!"

                                            >Apparently, Ex had also been fed some of those pheromones.

                                            >You avert your eyes and try to focus on your task.

                                            >That tip is so messed up- no! Focus!

                                            >Don't need to be thinking about a stallion's dick right now.

                                            >You slap Ex's face.

                                            "Hey! Wake up!"

                                            >*Groan*

                                            "Oh god it twitched!"

                                            >You face away and regain your composure.

                                            >Come on, you can do this.

                                            >He's your friend.

                                            "Oi! WAKE U-"

                                            *Ssssssssssssssssss*

                                            >The sound of changelings converging rings through the chamber.

                                            >There's no time for this.

                                            >You pick up Ex and drape him over your shoulder.

                                            >This… is the most awkward thing… you will ever do.

                                            >Your friend, who has kindly guided you in this strange era as a wise, but humorous, figure, is now leaking onto your armor.

                                            >For perhaps the only time in your life, you wish that you were being pissed on instead…

                                            >Shuddering, you grab a torch and run into the caves.


                                            *HISSSSSSSSSSSSS*

                                            >Clicking bombards you from every direction, but you can't identify exact positions.

                                            >As it grows louder, you teleport in desperation.

                                            >With no target, and the crystal walls interfering with precise teleportation, you end up in random places.

                                            >Each successive warp takes you further from the swarm, but they always catch up, as if they know where you are.

                                            >If the queen's pheromones had indeed connected you to the hivemind, Ex might be giving away your position.

                                            *Ssssssssssss*

                                            "Oh shi-"

                                            >A group of changelings collide with you, forcing the torch from your hand.

                                            >They scratch at your armor, attempting to disembowel the one with the audacity to assault their queen.

                                            >You cast a powerful teleportation spell, in hopes of getting far enough away that they couldn't locate you.

                                            >A pale blue glow fills the chamber you appear in.

                                            >The sounds of the horde are gone, for now…

                                            >Relaxing, you place Ex on his side, with his back facing you so you wouldn't have to see it.

                                            >You survey the crystal chamber, eventually resting on a large vein of ore jutting from the wall.

                                            >Approaching the mineral, you determine that it is the source of the light in this room.

                                            >A chunk breaks off when you touch the vein, leaving a nugget of blue-white mineral in your hand.

                                            >It is cool to the touch, is this what you came down here for?

                                            >You pocket the ore before hoisting Ex back on to your shoulder.

                                            *Slap*

                                            "Gross."

                                            >If that ore is what you needed, there is no reason to stick around and risk partying with a bunch of insects.

                                            >You focus and teleport…


                                            >About fifteen feet into the air.

                                            >Your armor stiffens and regains it's original, clunky form as you fall to the ground.

                                            >Fortunately, you manage to angle Ex to land next to you, rather than under.

                                            *CLANG*

                                            *Clang*

                                            *clang*

                                            >The sound of you colliding with the ground echoes through the caverns.

                                            >If they hadn't found you before, they would now…

                                            *Sssssssssssssssss*

                                            >As if on cue, the sound of the hive begins to grow.

                                            >Changelings pour from the softly illuminated walls and swarm around you and Ex.

                                            >You can do nothing, your armor firmly locked in place.

                                            >"What's the matter? Can't get away?"

                                            >Queen Aurelia sneers as she parts her subjects and trots towards you.

                                            >She eyes your friend, a grin grossing her face.

                                            >"Maybe I should enjoy myself before disposing of you…"

                                            >Fuck no.

                                            >She moves to Ex's side and buries her head in his crotch.

                                            >You struggle, managing to prop yourself up.

                                            >The queen doesn't even notice you as her subjects pile onto your back, forcing you to the ground.

                                            >Since he's facing away from you, you can't see anything, but her bobbing and slurping makes it pretty clear what she is doing.

                                            >You are forced to watch as your friend is blown by a succubus.

                                            >Soon enough, the queen is swallowing audibly, her subjects cheering as their queen feeds.

                                            >A strand of shimmering p0ny semen hangs from her mouth when she raises her head.

                                            >Upon seeing your disgusted look, she licks her lips.

                                            >"And now, for the main course."

                                            >She rolls Ex onto his back and stands over him.

                                            "Ex! Wake up, or your about to be one unhappy dad!"

                                            >Damn it! Nothing!

                                            >You're so weak!

                                            >Why the fuck can't you-

                                            >A bright blue light fills the room, sending many changeling's fleeing into the dark crevices of the cave.

                                            >"You!"

                                            >Aurelia cries out as a bolt of magic collides with her side, sending her flying.

                                            >The light fades, and you can see a familiar sapphire alicorn standing next to you.

                                            "L-Luna…"

                                            >"Hold your tongue, Anonymous. We shall discus this later."

                                            >You lower your head at her reproaching tone.

                                            "Yes…"

                                            >Aurelia charges at the princess.

                                            >Luna teleports directly under her and forces her horn through the missing section of the changeling's chest armor.

                                            >"N-no… My little Chrysalis isn't ready…"

                                            >The queen stops moving and hangs limply.

                                            >The swarm erupts into chaos as Luna withdraws her horn.

                                            >Aurelia's heart manages to beat pathetically, despite having a large hole gored out of it, but eventually ceases its motion.

                                            >Luna releases another spell, crushing the changelings in the area under some kind of increased gravitational field.

                                            >Once she has finished her work, she turns to you and frowns.

                                            "Princess, I-"

                                            >Before you can finish, Luna transports you and Ex back to the throne room.

                                            >The moon shines through the windows and the air is cool and fresh.

                                            >You must have been in that mine for some time.

                                            >Another attempt to move is made, but the armor weighs you down.

                                            >A small blue orb is produced from Luna's horn which flows into your chest.

                                            >The armor springs to life, allowing you to move again.

                                            >You throw yourself at Luna's hooves and bow deeply.

                                            "I'm so sorry. I'm a failure as a guard. I can't even use the armor you gave me properly."

                                            >Your head remains pressed against the floor as the princess speaks.

                                            >"Anonymous… We are not one to jump to conclusions, please, tell Us why you were in that forbidden place."

                                            >Forbidden?

                                            >Ex is going to get an earful from you when he wakes up.

                                            "I heard that all Equiem Nocturne posses a special weapon for their use in service. Unfortunately, the smithy was out of the ore needed and…"

                                            >You present the ore from the caves.

                                            "I'm sorry, though I succeeded in attaining the ore, you were forced to save me. Royalty, protecting its protector…"

                                            >Luna places a hoof on your shoulder and you raise your head to look at her.

                                            >"For now, take your friend to the infirmary… We fear that Sister will learn of your transgressions and attempt to levy them against you."

                                            >You nod and pick up Ex.

                                            >A dark splotch under him worries you.

                                            >"We shall take care of it, Anonymous."

                                            >Another silent nod, and your on your way.

                                            >As you reach the door, Luna calls out to you.

                                            >"Anonymous!"

                                            >You pause, looking back.

                                            >"We are glad you are safe…"

                                            >She magics you out of the chamber and closes the door.

                                            >You smile, relieved that, at the very least, she doesn't hate you.

                                            >The smithy is on the way to the infirmary, so you stop by to give Ann the ore you had obtained.

                                            >Her initial reaction is to laugh at the unconscious stallion on your shoulder, but you catch her staring at his somehow still leaking member.

                                            >Which incidentally is gross, since you've had to catch that stuff to prevent leaving a trail of stallion sauce across the castle.

                                            >You're going to have to sterilize this armor later.

                                            >After passing the ore, which was apparently of a very high quality,  to Ann, you head to the infirmary.

                                            >Unbeknownst to you, Luna's fear was about to become a reality.


                                            >You are Celestia, princess of the sun.

                                            >You are roused from your sleep by Theos, your faithful servant and Head Librarian of Canterlot Library.

                                            >Well, CO-Head Librarian for now, but that will change soon enough if he's good…

                                            >Waking you is not helping him though.

                                            >"Princess, it is time to get up."

                                            >You grumble and pull a pillow over your head.

                                            "Away with you, your princess requires her sleep."

                                            >"I have some good news your highness… regarding Anonymous."

                                            >You bolt upright at the mention of your toy.

                                            "Well?"

                                            >Theos smiles as he gives his report.

                                            "The Crystal Caves?"

                                            >"Judging from the ore he held, it is the only possibility."

                                            >Yes, this is indeed a severe breach of the laws…

                                            >Soon enough, he will be yours.

                                            >His wonderful screams will fill your ears, even as his sweat mixes with yours.

                                            "Get out, I will be in the throne room shortly."

                                            >Theos bows and leaves.

                                            >There may be hope for him yet.

                                            >For now, you have thoughts, and your body, to entertain.