>>LAST TIME
>You went on a trip around Empire with Cadence
>That was fun.
>Got accosted by Sodium and Rose, Crystal Noble ponies
>Abused your CRYSTAL POWERS to tell them off.
>Backfired, miserably.
>Got a blowjob from Cadence while talking with Framework
>Much POKER FACE was had.
>Fiery Reign, your shifty Director of Espionage appeared
>Sent Cadence on an errand to recieve a diplomat because Precious was busy.
>Then informed you that Precious needed your assistance.
>You came back to the Palace and promptly came face to face with Trixie and Nightmare Moon
>AND NOW
 
>You're flabbergasted and stunned by your situation.
>You stand upon the Royal Balcony, with Trixie and Nightmare Moon currently sitting at your table.
>This has come straight out of left field, had left field been the time stream and your game of baseball was being assaulted by future-past apemen weilding lasers.
>You walk cautiously over to the table, your eyes fixed on Nightmare Moon.
>You have a feeling that you'd rocket across the table and start choking Trixie if you didn't.
>And if Trixie is in cahoots with Nightmare Moon, you might be in a spot of bother if you started choking the bitch.
>Precious Ore quickly pulls out a chair, and you plop your dumb ass self down in it.
>"It's a pleasure to meet you, King Anon," she says, her benevolent voice having an edge of danger to it.
"L-likewise," you dumbly reply.
>She grins, evilly.
>"We have much to discuss," she says.
"We do?" you ask, uneasy.
>"Yes, King Anonymous," she replies, "It's taken quite a fair bit of power and fiat to get here but...well, perhaps I shall begin from the start?"
"I guess?" you say, uncertain.
>She takes a bite out of a shimmering banana and hmmmms.
>"You've performed admirably, Precious Ore," she says, turning to your Minister of Noble Affairs
>Precious simply lowers his head, his eyes affixing to the table top.
>His song is strained and scared shitless.
>"It was no issue, your Highness," says Precious, once again in that posh voice of his.
>The fact that such a noble voice is coming out of the same guy who earlier today referred to the nobles as being upset in a rather course manner is deepening your boggling.
>What the fuck is going on!?
>Nightmare titters.
>"I'm sure it was," she smiles, "Serving two delicious three course meals and acquiring vintage crushberry wine, while entertaining myself was quite a feat!"
>She leans towards him, smirking devilishly.
>"Perhaps you shalln't be in your position much longer, should someone choose to ... snap you up for themselves?" she says.
>Your eyes travel between Nightmare's predatory stance, and Precious sitting bolt upright, cool as a cucumber.
>His songhas increased in tempo and pitch, ballistic in stress and fear.
>The huge, sharp toothed monstrosity of ancient fear, a visage terrible and frightnening, the creature from his nightmares is focusing on him, on him, on him...
>It appears that Nightmare Moon is too spooky for him.
>You fail to see why he's so spooky, there's nothing particularly heart-shaking terrifying about Nightmare to you.
>Then again, Shard.
>We must save him, otherwise we'll have to deal with the Nobles!
>And that would be no good!
>Quick, distraction, shiny things!
"Que?" you say, loudly.
>Nightmare Moon turns her head to you, and stares blankly at you.
>Genius Anon, genius.
>Nightmare Moon sits back in her chair, continuing to stare at you like you're an idiot, as Precious' song relaxes.
"Precious, perhaps you'd like to..."
>...
>Quick, reason to get Precious out of here!
>"Indeed, Your Grace," he quickly says, "The other diplomats will be waiting,"
>He rises, bowing to you and Nightmare Moon, before trotting calmly into the castle.
>Nightmare takes her eyes off you, and gazes at Precious as he leaves.
>As soon as he's out of sight you hear him take to flight, flapping off at high speed.
>Nightmare Moon grins wickedly, before turning to you.
>Her grin is slightly less wicked when she espies your curious and not-at-all scared shitless face.
>"Well, you're proably wondering how I'm here, as an Emissary for the New Equestria?" she says.
>You nod.
>"Well, after the Elements of Harmony were activated, I wasn't so much destroyed as banished to the shadows," she says, gesturing with her hoof, "And thus I have been awaiting for an oppurtunity to come back into the light,"
>'Opportune moment'?
>You look from the sun, and back to her.
>She grins.
>"That foalish whore, Celestia, has left her sun in the sky for too long. Even now harvests have been ruined as the sun boils the land," she snarls.
>She...seems slightly sad by that.
>But it's like a mask quickly comes down, and she returns to being cocky and confident.
>"That, however, has worked to my favour." she says, "The water is drying up, along with Equestria's love for her. The nobles are getting upset, the rabble becoming restless. They feel that Celestia has abandoned them, and now more and more yearn for my night, for cool and wet."
>She hoofs at the sun, grinning triumphant.
>"I would never have thought that an eternal day would drive so many to eternal night - otherwise I would have done it so long ago!"
>Her voice suddenly reverberates, dark and exhaultant...and very, very melodramatic.
>Trixie, who has been glaring at you the entire time with simmering anger, suddenly turns her head to Nightmare Moon, looking concerned.
>Nightmare Moon turns around, her eyes meeting Trixie's, then seems to start.
>Nightmare clears her throat, then carefully places her hooves back on the table.
>The fuck was that about?
>"However, while many nobles have seen the way the wind blows," she says, "I haven't been able to attain complete control, largely due to the giant burning mass still in the sky. Until that is removed, I'm afraid Equestria will still follow my foolish sister."
>Trixie coughs quietly.
>Nightmare Moon's eyes quickly glance to Trixie, widen, then quickly snap back to you.
>"Which is why," she quickly rushes on, "I would like your assistance, future vassal."
>Future Vassal?
>You go to open your mouth-
>"You see," she continues, leaning forwards and staring at you with those draconic irises, "Celestia has rasied a shield around Ponyville, one impenetrable to myself and the powers I currently have at my disposal. However, my current Emissary-"
>she hoofs at Trixie, who adopts a pretentious, snobbish air, raising her nose and smiling at you down it smugly.
>The ffect is undone by the black eye and her being covered in dirt.
>You espy a few twigs sticking out of her mane.
>"-has notified me that the only thing that could breach the shield is the powers of the Crystal Heart. For some reason, Love magic is the only kind that can interfere with the shield. Which is why I am here."
>She leans back, her eyes becoming obscured by her etheral mane.
>"What I desire is obvious - you shall break down the shield for me, and we shall finally cast down Celestia. In return..."
>She leans forward, her eyes having a hard harshness, a cruel smile, a glittering prophecy of doom.
>"You shall have your revenge against Celestia. You shall have her humiliated before all the land, as well as just restitution for all the grief she caused you. Also, those five stallions that hurt your mate, they too shall be punished. Not only that, but you shall be a first amongst rulers in the New World Order."
>You look at her, then your eyes travel to Trixie, then back to her.
>Why, if she's a Emissary, is she in such a sorry state?
>"Unfortunately I cannot allow my Emissary to come to harm," Nightmare scoffs, misinterpreting your look, "despite what you desire." she adds, sternly.
>You look at her, and weigh the options.
>On the one hand - you'd get back at Celestia, and those five stallions who hurt your precious Slutbra back in Canterlot.
>On the other - being a vassal to something that yearns for eternal night would be a bad idea - the crops need sunlight, after all, and moonlight is  apoor substitution.
>And you'd also not get revenge against the rightful focus of your ire, Trixie.
>It's a shitty deal.
>And Luna still probably out...
>Luna.
>The thought gains traction, as you mentally take a step back.
>Where is Luna?
>Isn't Nightmare Moon supposed to be Luna?
>You narrow your eyes.
>Something isn't adding up to you.
>Actually, a lot of things aren't adding up.
>You think back to the little interplays between Trixie and Nightmare.
>The little glances.
>You reflect on when they occured.
>Namely after Nightmare Moon had done something rather dramatic.
>Almost like another Alicorn of the Night you know.
>And that little cough after she referred to Celestia as her sister...
>And Trixie being covered in dirt and twigs and bruises when she's supposed to be an Emissary of a widely supported usurper...
>You eye Nightmare, carefully.
>She scoffs.
>"You think this generous deal is not enough, King Anonymous?" she once again misinterprets, "Very well,"
>She stands up and hoofs at the city outside the balcony.
>"Look at this glittering city, full of your precious ponies," she says, "so full of life and wonder. It's be a shame if something..." she pauses for effect, "bad would happen to them."
>You raise an eyebrow.
"What are you getting at?" you say, suspicious.
>Nightmare turns back to you, her orbs menacing, her sneer dark.
>"While I am unable to pierce the shield around Ponyville, I am not without resources."
>she gestures back out to the city and beyond it.
>"Even now I have an army, comprised of ponies who you so foolishly threw out of Empire, waiting to return and do just vengance against you. And," she gestures to you, her eyes smoking slightly, "I too have considerable power, that you cannot match. You cannot deal with an attack from without, let alone within, King Anonymous."
>That sounds awful.
>But then again...
>You think back to...yesterday and the day before.
>How the city was renewed, how you were able to slay the Anchor.
"I don't think that would be a good idea," you say to her, "After all, we can rebuild just as quickly as you could destroy. All of that was a wasteland yesterday."
>She sneers.
>"You really think anyone would fall for that?" she says, "If the monster that I thought attacked had, you would be dead. Empire would be a flat plain of nothing. Nothing in this world could stop it. Most likely, it didn't attack, and the reports were an exaggeration."
>Trixie's mouth is taught, her eyes widened slightly.
>She glaring at Nightmare.
>Quick - what did she say?
>She said 'what I thought had attacked,".
>Now, who had shuddered when reporting that Empire was under attack from the Anchor?
>It's beginning to come together.
>"And what's more, it's most likely that you are using this false attack to shore up your position as King and Savior," she replies, eyes narrowing, "But I know better than the rabble in the street. You are no savior, just a weak little ape with pretentions of grandeur."
>She sits back down, grinning diabolically and smugly at you.
>"You cannot hope to defeat me, while I can offer you so much more. So, find your precious Shining and Princess Cadence, and use the heart, before I change my mind."
>Yeah, nah.
>You think you've figured it out.
>But, you don't want to be reckless.
>You don't want to go in full guns blazing here.
>You don't want a repeat of Canterlot.
>Fiery's words float through your head.
>"That under the circumstances, you have to carefully consider what you can do, and steel yourself if you have to act in a way that you'd rather not, particularly if it's in the best interests of those you feel responsible for,"
>You want to go over there and smack Trixie in the face.
>You want to bash the alicorn in front of you to get to the truth.
>But you won't do that.
>You're going to suck it up, and get to the bottom of this.
>You lean back, eyes narrowed, your fingers entwining on your stomach.
>And besides, you think you can rile 'Nightmare' up a bit first.
>IT IS TIME FOR DIPLOMACY - MASTER CLASS.
"While I find your generous offer tempting," you say, warily, "I have a few ... concerns."
>Nightmare raises an eyebrow at you, but the edges of her mouth twitch upwards.
>Trixie's face is still taught, worried.
"You see, while you are fighting the good fight against Celestia, and Cadence is...around, somewhere," you gesture airly, "What you have failed to account for is the other three alicorns."
>Nightmare smiles broadly.
>"Twilight Sparkle?" she grins, "That bookish foal has no stomach for real combat, not what I am capable of. Before she had the Elements, but we've...guaranteed that they wouldn't interfere this time."
"But do you know where she is?" you ask, "For all you know, she could be going around Equestria as we speak, convincing nobles that the sun in the sky is your idea to turn them away from Celestia."
>Nightmare grins, openly.
>"No, she isn't," she sneers, "That purple prat is in Ponyville with Celestia. Together, they're planning to fight back against us. If the shield were down, I could however -"
"So Celestia and Twilight are together in Ponyville." you interrupt, blankly, "Do you really think that you on your own can win against two alicorns? Specifically, two alicorns that have a lot power, have defeated you before, and have a nasty tendancy to disregard rules? They won't hold back - they'll hit you with everything, regardless of the collateral."
>Nightmare glares at you.
>"They would do no such-"
>Trixie coughs loudly.
>Nightmare pauses, then regains her composure.
>"It's true, that you are perceptive, King Anonymous," she states, calmly, "You can see through Celestia's lies to see nobility for what it is: a reason for one to regard those below them as little more than cattle. And it's true, they both would hurt a lot of ponies in the battle. But it must be done, to secure my night!"
>She poses triumphant, although it's a little weak.
>"With the shield down, I WILL defeat them. I can fight better, harder, longer than both," she growls.
>You however, are unimpressed.
"I somehow lack your confidence," you state flatly, "In fact, I doubt that you would even survive more than ten seconds against them."
>Her head swivels to you, nothing but cold rage in your eyes.
"Then again, at least you aren't Luna, she's worthless," you say, nonchalant, "Whatever happened to Luna, anyway?"
>Nightmare Moon stands there, a mix of emotions crossing her features.
>Rage, anger, hate, before settling on cool triumph.
>The edges of your mouth curve upwards slightly.
>Nightmare Moon gestures dramatically out to the city.
>"It...it is true!" she yells, her voice brittle, "She did not stand a chance. After all, she was the first one to fall - the only alicorn who could truly fight me for my night."
>You snort.
"Probably died while gasping for her sister to save her," you sneer.
>"Yeah-yes! She, she did!" Nightmare shouts, somewhere between laughing and crying, "She, she croaked out 'Celestia, save me!'. How, how pathetic,"
"Probably couldn't save herself, begging for help from her actually useful sister," you smirk.
>Nightmare's face agrees with you, but her eyes glitter with rage.
"Knowing Celestia, she probably watched and laughed as well," you add, "Laughing as her sister died, laughing, knowing that never again will her worthlessness taint her reign,"
>Nightmare's jaw clenches, her eyes smoking with fae magic.
"But while that accounts for four alicorns," you continue, "What of the fifth?"
>"Fifth." she states, continuing to glare.
>Trixie is hmm, HMMing loudly at Nightmare Moon.
>Nightmare doesn't even register her.
"Yes, Chrysalis," you say, surprised Nightmare Moon wasn't aware, "After all, it wouldn't do to have the capital occupied by a foreign nation." you cock your head slightly, "Wouldn't it make more sense to go to Canterlot first? After all, you have 'resources', you could do it, and you'd probably be in a much better position with the nobles than you are now."
>She takes a ragged breath, then smiles again.
>"While it may be true that Canterlot is occupied, it is meaningless. The new capital shall be in Everfree, where my true castle resides. Why should I care?"
"Well, what is to prevent Chrysalis from, say, attacking the rest of Equestria?" you say.
>"She wouldn't do it against my magnificence," Nightmare scoffs.
>You smile.
"But Chrysallis was able to defeat Twilight Sparkle and the Elements, Luna, Celestia and Cadence. And while Luna would be an easy kill, the others could arguably defeat you quite easily on their own. What makes you think you on your own could?" you regard your nails dispassionately, because that's what you've seen smug baddies do in movies.
>Good lord, what is stuck under your middle nail!?
>"I find your lack of faith disturbing," says Nightmare Moon.
"My lack of faith stems from the fact that you're about as useless as Luna, if more so."
>Nightmare rises to full height.
>"I SHALL NOT BE INSULTED, ANONYMOUS." she yells, her voice once again dark and reverberating.
>And as she does, her skin glitters.
>Just like Cadence's dress did when she stepped onto the teleporter.
>You're sure now.
>And you've also got a far amount of information out of her.
>And a good show.
>So, what now?
>DISREGARD MASTER CLASS DIPLOMACY
>Begin - normal stupid ass reckless diplomacy!
"Then pray tell why have you come here, Nightmare?" you say, unfazed, "Why have you come to me to ask me for my help? Why haven't you invaded Empire already? Or invaded Canterlot? Why, if you have considerable resources, have you not come as a conqueror?"
>Nightmare looks slightly taken aback.
>"You-you should be afraid Anonymous!" she yells, "I can destroy you just as easily as-"
"But you can't," you sneer, "because without me, the Crystal Heart will not work. If you invade Empire, you've failed. Your threats are empty and useless, as always,"
>It's like she's a balloon, she huffs up, her eyes glowing blue, her wings high, her back arched up, ready to strike.
>"You underestimate me, Anonymous," she grinds out, "You've fallen for your pathetic own delusion that you're some sort of avatar of a god that doesn't exist."
"Just like you?" you say, your eyes locking onto Nightmare's.
>Like a balloon punctured, Nightmare slowly deflates, the wings coming down, her eyes glowing less intense.
>Trixie, meanwhile, gives a strangled groan.
>"Dammit Luna," she mutters.
>'Nightmare' turns to Trixie, reproachful.
>"I didn't see you helping," she snarls, as the midnight black yields to midnight blue, draconic irises change out for rounded pony eyes.
>Her coat is just as dirty and tattered as Trixie's.
>She turns back to you.
>Yep, she's very pissed.
>And yep, you're smile is breaking your face with how wide it is.
>Good thing looks can't kill.
"So you pretended to be Nightmare Moon to goad me into doing what you wanted," you say, smugly.
>"So, Anon, should I kill you now, or will you help me?" she replies, seething.
>You continue to smile, silent.
>Luna's frown deepens, eyes narrowed.
>She REVs the magic.
>"Very well," she says.
>You shake your head.
"You won't do it," you smirk, "Besides the fact that you need me, you came as an Emissary. If you did attack me, you'd be guilty of countless violations under your Diplomat Laws."
>She continues to glare, REVVing the magic.
>"I, I can break the rules!" she yells, "I, I can! And I can kill you, and, and, AND!"
>Luna continues to REV, her eyes full of rage and fury.
>"And, and...a-and..."
>It proves to be impotent, as she de-REVs.
>"Damn you, Anon," she whispers bitterly, tears forming in her eyes, "My ponies are dying. We, we need your help to break the shield."
>You stand, and eye her dejected form, Trixie coming over beside her.
"Why should I?" you say, "you didn't help me when Crystal Ponies were dying-"
>"They weren't," she growls. She points outside, "They're perfectly fine. They always were. The message was just a ploy of my sister to get Cadence and Shining away."
>You raise an eyebrow.
"You have no idea what's happened, do you?" you say.
>She gives you a level stare.
>"It took some determination to fight Chrysalis and escape, then the nobles were upset about the sun, and had the NERVE to blame myself. And Twilight had..." she trails off, before regaining her rage, "Nothing's happened in Equestria. Other Chrysalis invading and Twilight going completely round the twist," she spits.
>"Princess Luna!" you hear someone shriek, "To think that you of all ponies would say that!"
>You turn and see...it.
>Once again you're forced to regard the base, white, repungent tumour.
>Except now it's stuffed into garish colours and patterns in the facsimile of clothing, a bag of squirming rats playing at high nobility.
>Behind her stands a rather stunned, beautiful pink alicorn, still disguised in a royal dress.
>You fight to recoil as the White Demon trots over, indignant.
>"Why, I took you as a model of royal decorum! Of Grace and elegance! For you to say such things about Princess Twilight - it's just unheard of!" cries the Fell Demon
>Luna gives a strangled groan, while Trixie glares at the newcomer.
>"Salutations Lady Rarity," Luna sighs, "What brings you here?"
>"I have come from Ponyville to speak with King Anonymous on Twilight's behalf, of course!" she scoffs, "We have important things to discuss."
>Woah, deja vu.
"Yeah...nah," you say, shaking your head at the Pallid Horse.
>"Anonymous," says Cadence warningly, "I suggest you listen to Lady Rarity."
>You gasp.
"You, you traitor!" you hiss, pointing at her.
>Cadence stares at you levelly.
>She trots over and her eyes peer into your own.
>"Stop being an idiot and listen," she says, serious.
>You frown at Cadence, then turn your eyes to that gross abomination before god and man, then back again.
>"Please?" she asks, her eyes big, round, and sad.
>Your frown wobbles.
>Her face becomes even more pathetic and sad as she pouts harder.
>Your frown sounds like Rolf Harris playing 'Tie me Kangaroo Down, Sport,"
>"Pretty please Master," she FEELs sultry at you.
>You suddenly can imagine those eyes pouting around your cock.
>Your frown completely loses balance.
"Fine," you groan, "Let's hear what Rarara wants," you dismissively wave to her.
>"Lady Rarity," innounciates Cadence as she rubs her nose into your chest.
"Yeah, it's what I said, Rarara," you tersely reply, stroking her affectionately.
>Cadence draws her head back and narrows her eyes at you.
>You grin as you turn to the Pale Horse.
>The cancerous blob's mouth tightens.
>"Well, King Anonymous," she says, "We need your help. Specifically, we need Trixie."
>You turn to Trixie, who looks very, very worried.
>Luna quickly leaps in front of her.
>"Anonymous, if you will do anything, do not listen to her," she states defensively.
>You're inclined to agree with her.
>"Anonymous..." says Cadence, seeing your face and FEELing your feels.
>You grumble and roll your eyes.
"Why do you need Wandbutt?" you say
>The Corpse of Diamonds regards you, then swivels its head to Trixie, then back to you, sniggering.
>"Well, Anonymous, Twilight has...had a 'moment'," she says, "You must understand Anonymous, that when she lost the legal battle...she couldn't handle the loss against Trixie. Specifically, how the legal system allowed Trixie to win. She's a bit of a poor loser, if you hadn't noticed,"
"I have," you grind out.
>"So she tried to find someone to blame over it, specifically Celestia."
>Your eyes widen slightly.
>"Poor Twilight had gotten into this mess trying to prevent you and Slutbra from altering the Cake Budget, on Celestia's behalf," she continues, sorrowful, "and when Celestia ruled against Slutbra, she saw it as a betrayal of her trust, poor thing. And when Celestia stated it was her, and only her, decision..."
>The Dresserpone sighs
>"She went back to Ponyville to sulk, and when Celestia went to console her, Twilight sort of snapped, kidnapped Celestia and stole her power,"
"Seriously!?" you cry, shocked.
>"Indeed, Anonymous, now if you could be so kind as to not interrupt, dear," she admonishes, "Twilight is currently holding Equestria for ransom. The sun remains where it is until Trixie is returned to her, so she can have the trial outcome changed. Further, she's holding Fluttershy hostage so Discord remains out of the equation." she sighs, loudly, "I feel so badly for little Fluttershy, all alone in her cage with Twilight Sparkle..."
>She shakes her head, her tentacled hair whipping at the air.
>"I think the only way for Twilight to see reason is to give her Trixie, so she can get this out of her system." she finishes.
>You stand, arms folded, thoughtful.
"...so you two wanted us to break the shield to rescue Celestia, and reclaim Equestria?" you venture, turning to Luna and Trixie.
>"Pretty much" states Trixie, "It wouldn't be difficult to trick Purple Spastic with legalese and other tricks, but we can't GET to her through the shield."
>"And I am NOT going to let Twilight do something unlawful to one of our subjects," adds Luna, "Her crimes against Celestia alone are horrendous."
"Which is why the nobles were actually after you," you deduce, "They wanted to fork over Trixie. Although, this didn't stop you from doing similar crap with me and Cadence and Shining," you say, flatly.
>"It wasn't unlawful, foal," Luna quips.
>You turn back to Garish.
"So, you expect me to give Purple Smart Trixie, and everything will go back to normal?"
>"Essentially," says Garish Pone, "Twilight will get this out of her system, Celestia and Luna can go back to Canterlot and kick out Chrysalis, and that'd be the end of it."
>It seems to be a reasonable request.
>But it came from Rarity.
>And it solves most of the problems.
>But it came from Rare Titty
>And you'd like to see Trixie knocked down a peg.
>Will it? You'll never get a right proper stab at her, at Luna and Celestia. If you hand her over, you won't get your just revenge.
>"If you do this Anonymous, I shall never forgive you. And neither will Celestia," says Luna, darkly, "She doesn't reject challenges to her authority lightly, and allowing Twilight to challenge it will have dire consequences for you."
>Well, that settles it.
>You can't give Trixie over, otherwise you'll piss off both Princesses, while returning them to power.
>That'd be like, stabbing yourself in the back.
>You don't really want to reach a decision though, so you turn your mind to another problem.
"So how does Chrysalis factor into this?" you ask.
>"I'm afraid I don't know," Marshmellow says, "Maybe she just took an oppurtunity when Celestia was taken? Celestia knows how many Changeling agents she has in Canterlot,"
>"She had her reasons," calls in a familiar voice.
>You turn and Shining and Slutra trot onto the balcony.
>Shining is now clad in armour, surreptitiously covering his 'uniform'.
>He FEELs shamelessness at you, DARING you to judge him.
>You wonder why.
>He trots in over beside you, as Slutbra leaps at you.
>You catch her and hug the shit out of her.
>Her song is happy and satisfied.
>She smells slightly of maple syrup.
>You raise an eyebrow.
>"We had to do...'things'" says Slutbra, ambiguously.
>You smile, and continue to hold Slutbra.
>Like you care if Shining and Slutbra did things.
>That actually seems hot.
>"Apparently there's a certain someone in Ponyville she wants," continues Shining, breaking your warm thoughts, "A certain pink thing."
>Trixie narrows her eyes, while Luna looks confused.
>Cadence blinks, then smiles.
>"That's sooo sweeet!" she squees.
>The Foul Fashionista looks at Shining, startled.
>"Th-that thing!?" she stutters. Her globulous orbs widen "Goodness Gracious! No wonder she invaded Canterlot! And Twilight has her as well!"
>"I'm sorry, but Trixie doen't understand," says the filthy blue unicorn.
>"Chrysalis has a marefriend of sorts called Fluffle Puff, who resides in Ponyville," replies Shining, "When she came back the shield was up and she couldn't get to Fluffle Puff. Coupled with the sun in the sky she assumed there was something going on between Twilight and Celestia, which could enganger Fluffle Puff. So, she went back to the Badlands and brought an army to Canterlot. She's been trying to get access to Ponyville ever since."
>You are floored.
"The Judge from the Divorce Trial? That thing!?" you cry "Are you joking!?"
>"Nope!" says Shining, "And she wants Trixie so she can negotiate for Fluffle Puff as well as better conditions for Changelings in Equestria. She really, really wants Fluffle Puff back," states Shining, "And she's also willing to negotiate for our independance on her behalf."
>"Outrageous!" says Luna, "Celestia would not bow to any demand, and neither would I! The only option is to hit Ponyville with the Crystal Heart, open it up, and take Celestia back!"
>"Nonesense!" says White Mare, "The obvious option is to give Trixe to Twilight! She'll get it out of her system, and everything can go back to normal!"
>"Or we could give Trixie to Chrysalis and have her negotiate," says Shining. He smiles, sheepishly, "She's a VERY GOOD negotiator."
>"No, we won't," says Cadence, sternly, "I'm not trusting her with anything - she could just as easily give Twilight Trixie for Fluffle Puff, then leave us out in the cold,"
>"True, she is a tricky snake," says Trixie, "As is Twilight - we have to attack!"
>"But if you do that, think about what would happen!" cries Pallid Dress, "Twilight in her state could do anything! Even unleash Discord in full anger mode!"
>"So I am to just hand over one of my subjects to satisfy Twilight's irrational need to defy Our Absolute Authority!?" yells Luna
>"Oh Come ON Lulu!" says Cadence, "It was your 'authority' that got you here in the first place! Had you just let Anonymous go-"
>"No way in Tartarus," says Luna, darkly.
>"Come on, can't we just-"
>"No way, let's-"
>"-stupid, foal, you-"
>You become thoughtful as Trixie, Luna, Rarara, Cadence and Shining descend into bickering.
>All of these options are really shitty options.
>If you hit Ponyville with the Heart, there's no real guarantee that Luna will succeed, not to mention the collateral damage.
>If you hand over Trixie, things will go back to the way they were, and Luna and Celestia will hate you.
>If you let Chrysalis negotiate for you, there's a chance that she'll betray you, and if she does succeed and you get better conditions for your country, Celestia and Luna will still hate you.
>And just to add to your mental thicket, two voices join the mix.
>You turn and stifle a groan.
>Sodium Sandstone and Desert Rose are standing there, indignant.
>"King Anonymous, we've had enough!" yells Sodium, hoofing at you, "We've decided that you are unfit for ruling Empire!"
>Desert Rose nods.
>"Indeed, your Grace," she says, darkly, "For far too long you have ignored our demands!"
"What, the past thirty minutes!?" you exasperate
>"We regret to inform you that we have taken measures to overturn the constitution and institute a new head of state!" yells Sodium
"You can DO that?" you boggle.
>"No, they can't, not legally," says the grey mare in your arms.
>"Actually, Anon," snarls Rose, "you uncouth barbarian, we can." she turns to Luna, "Princess Luna, would you like to become the Crystal Queen?"
>"That's...still not legal!" Slutbra shouts, startled.
>Luna blinks, then smiles.
>"I Accept!" she replies, "Now arrest that useless Ape!"
>Rose and Sodium turn to you, REVing the magic.
>"Nothing personal, but you're standing in the way of progress," says Sodium.
>You blink, startled, as Slutbra jumps out of your arms to your defence.
"You seriously think you can get away with this?" you gobsmack.
>"Your powers are tied to you being the King, Anonymous," says smugly Rose, "You have no authority here."
>"Who told you THAT?" boggles Slutbra, "Desert, Sodium, you've got it completely wrong! What you're doing is treason, pure and-"
>A zap from Sodium later and Slutbra falls down, twitching.
>You look from Slutbra to the two advancing Duchesses, shocked.
>Seriously?
>Fucking seriously?!
>Have these two completely forgotten the fact you can raise ponies from the dead?
>That you struck down the Anchor of Sorrow?
>That you rebuilt the entirety of Empire?
>"You're making a HUGE mistake!" Cadence warns, standing in front of you
>"Now, now," says Luna, swiftly magicking Cadence into Shining, "You two are coming home, wwhether you like it or not."
>They collapse into each other, being bound by Trixie's blue magic, as Sodium magics a pair of crystal handcuffs onto your completely stunned self.
>"Now, perhaps we can negotiate, Anonymous?" says Luna, smugly, "Once you're back in your prison cell?"
>You look at her blankly.
>...yeah, you've heard enough.
>"As have we, Anonymous," whispers voices inside your head, "Care to do something about it?"
>The Whole?
"The fuck aren't you doing anything?" you think at it.
>"We shall explain later," it whispers.
>You roll your eyes and simply move your hands apart, the handcuffs melting off.
>Sodium and Desert stare at the remains of the handcuffs as they pool on the floor.
>"...that wasn't supposed to happen," says Rose, flatly.
>Your head snaps to Luna, your rage already prodding that part of you from yesterday.
>You remember things, things that aren't yours, things that make you understand.
>you feel light headed as alien thoughts cut into your brain and you throb, glowing red.
>Luna blinks as you Sing towards her.
>"Wha-"
>In a flash the floor becomes insubstantial, and Trixie falls in, her screams cutting out as she passes the 'surface'.
>Luna quickly tries to attain flight, but tendrils of bubbling fluid crystal rise out of the floor and quickly sieze her, wrapping themselves around her barrel and pinning her wings to her sides.
>Her shouts silence as she too is pulled into the crystal.
>Within yourself you feel them struggling as you overpower them.
>They were foolish to enter inside you and threaten you and insult you.
>You turn to Sodium and Rose, who are galloping for the exit.
>Fuck that.
>You Sing, and they dissappear into the floor as well.
>You turn your eyes to The White, The Annoying, The Slush.
>She narrows her eyes at you.
>"Don't you dare," she says.
>You pretend to consider it.
>Then with a wave of your hand and a Song later, she begins to fall.
>"This BETTER not ruin my hair-" she gets out before passing into the floor.
>You stand, slightly hunched.
>Something metallic is leaking out of your nose, and your head is killing you.
>You look up at the ceiling.
"Where the fuck were you, Whole!?" you yell, whiping your nose.
>"To follow your lead in this matter," replies the ceiling, a chorus of many voices, "The lives and needs of our ponies are becoming apparent through your interactions, and We feel that giving you increased autonomy would be wise."
"Care to give me autonomy to fix Shining and Cadence!?" you ask, tentatively
>"Nope." replies Harsh Diamond from inside your head, sniggering.
"Dammit Whole!" you yell again.
>"We also wanted to demonstrate to you the Equestrian's true colours." continues the Many, "They lie, cheat and steal what isn't rightfully theirs, that rather than open discuss they disguise themselves. And while we may need to interact with them in the future, it is clear that they have corrupted Our nobility."
"Why did they think they could get away with this, anyway?" you gesture to the floor, where Sodium and Rose disappeared.
>The Whole actually gives a slight huff of amusement.
>"Fiery Reign, of course," replies the Whole, "It was for a good reason We made him Director of Espionage. After all, it was he who got Precious to get Shining to talk to Chrysalis, he who sent Cadence to meet Rarity, he who gave you the little clues that helped you see through Luna's illusions, he who mislead Luna and Trixie about the Anchor, as well as Sodium and Rose about a certain legal quirk."
>You think on the Whole's words.
>You review the conversations you had today, as well as your personal interactions with Fiery.
>You blink in amazement, gaping in shock and awe.
"That Magnificent Bastard," you say, smiling.
>"Indeed. If only you were as cunning as he was," says the Whole, "But sadly, you lack the intelligence to do so."
"Hey," you cry
>"Regardless," continues the Whole, "There is still the situation at hand. What do you desire to do?"
>You stand, thoughtful.
>"Ergh, what's..." groans Slutbra, breaking your reverie and raising her head, "What happened?"
>Oh shit, Slutbra!
>You walk right over and pick her right the fuck up up.
"Crystal Magic," you say, dismissively, "What about you? Are you okay?" you part her mane to look into her eyes.
>"Just a little dazed, Master," she says sotfly, snuggling into your arms.
>You smile, bathing in her song, and turn to Cadence and Shining, who are picking themselves up off the floor.
>"Anonymous," says Cadence, "I'm afraid I'm going to have to hit you,"
"What on earth for?" you say, innocently.
>She strides over and smartly taps the upside of your head.
>Ow.
>You put Slutbra down so you can rub your head.
>"Rarity, you silly ape," she says, "you didn't HAVE to do that!"
"Yeah, I did," you smile, "I just couldn't help myself!"
>Cadence rolls her eyes.
>"So, what now?" asks Shining.
>"Firstly," hums the crystal around you.
>There's a flash and Cadence's dress is gone and Shining's armour disappears, leaving them back in their 'uniforms'.
>Cadence groans as Shining sighs contentedly.
>"Jeeze that thing was heavy," he says.
>"Secondly,"
>Cadence's horn glows as she groans again.
>Her legs shake as  the smell of honey again assaults your nose.
>The crystal on the bridle stretches and enters her mouth, forming a ballgag.
>She squirms as some crystal emerges from the ground and travels up her back legs.
>You FEEL the crystal part around inside her nether lips, locating a small nub of flesh.
>Her eyes widen as the crystal applies slight pressure around the base, along with spreading her moist lips wide, exposing her completely.
>The magic subsides, and Cadence grunts, her arousal slackening, discomfort on her features from her new additions.
>"And finally, King Anonymous shall make a decision about what to do next,"
>You glare at the ceiling.
"I decide that you shouldn't do this shit with Cadence and Shining," you grind out.
>"Nope, this is her own fault," hisses Diamond inside your ear, "She has to pay the price. Try again."
>You give a strangled cry at the ceiling, as you FEEL the Whole retreat.
>Cadence takes this opportunity to struggle over to you, and push her nose into your chest.
>"It's not that bad, Master," she FEELs at you, along with low-burning arousal and discomfort.
>You stroke her mane, soothingly.
>Shining trots over and nuzzles Cadence.
>Slutbra reaches out and nuzzles Cadence as well.
>Cadence sighs under the assault of affection.
>But the Whole poses a good question.
>What DO you do next?
>You're going to need your Cabinet, as well as Cadence and Shining to sort this shit out.
>And you're going to have to think long and hard about this.
>And you've got to help out Lawful and Precious...
>Today is proving to be a long, long day.