“Wait… Malicious? I’ve been trying to cut back, but do you really think that?”
>Twilight stumbles on her words, realizing what she said.
>”Okay, maybe that was the wrong word to use… Inconsiderate, maybe.”
“Oh.”
>”Well, you have to admit some of what you’ve done is inconsiderate, right?”
>Well, you did indeed yell at Flutterbutt.
>Your random outbursts when you first came here, you suppose.
>But what you know she’s referring to is the whole Red and Pinkie incident.
“Yeah, I know. I’m sorry for some of the stuff I did when I first came here. Being thrown into a new world, waking up in a foreign hospital and having no memory of my home was a bit disorienting. I guess it took a while to find myself again, you know? Then again, sometimes I like to play around a bit, Twalot.”
>”Wait, what? It’s Twilight.”
”Twinkle Sprinkle.”
>”Twilight Sparkle!”
“Purplesmart.”
>”TWILIGHT!”
“Starbutt.”
>”ANON!”
“Twilight…”
>She stares at you intensely, leaning forward to hear the next part…
“...Snapple.”
>”You’re a jerk.”
>She laughs while she says this, so you’re all good.
“Hey, getting a bit more serious… I think I might need a bit of actual training, learned some more magic. My markings have a lot of potential against this shadow and I haven’t learned all that much.”
>She nods in understanding, now trying to think.
>”Well, If you want some formal training, we’d need more time. If I can give you one good lesson on some things I think could help you, you might actually be able to do something with that trick you tried on Cadance. Maybe tomorrow?”
“Alright.”
>”Were there any questions you had now?”
“Well, this new spell I’ve learned, I like to call it Blessing of Harmony, because, you know, the elements on that tree like you saw in that picture and what not, but anyways. I’m guessing it’s sort of like the elements by harming and removing evil, and having good effects on the good, right?”
>Twilight follows your reasoning, a little bemused that you called it that.
“So I was thinking… What if I used the blessing on that changeling, and test if it’s truly evil, or just misguided?”
>Her face falls flat to your suggestion.
“It’d be good information to have, no doubt.”
>”Anon, I can tell you right off the bat that they’re evil. If you really want that thing to come with you, then you definitely don’t want to risk its life like that. I mean, if its pure evil --which it most likely is--, you’d end up destroying it and all of this would’ve been for nothing.”
“Isn’t it at least worth a shot?”
>She sighs and starts walking towards the door.
>”I wouldn’t risk it myself, but I guess you can do what you need to do.”
“Twilight… I know you and the changelings have some issues with each other, but I honestly don’t believe they’re as evil as you’re led to believe. When that changeling told me about her hive and the corruption, I saw no seed of doubt or lie. I saw the pain and worry in her eyes. I’ll be honest… I want to stop the shadow and it’s my top priority, but I also want to help the changeling race, because I don’t want to condemn an entire species to just die in such a cruel and twisted way. At least not without doing everything I absolutely can to stop it. I might not know how you ponies deal with things, but I’m not just going to hate someone based on their race, not without learning everything about them and who they are, first. You can’t judge a book by it’s cover, Twilight… I should know, I’m pretty much a walking library right now.”
>Something in your speech must’ve tipped her off, because now Twilight was looking back at you with a strange expression.
>...Uh-oh.
>”So after everything we’ve told you about them, the complete truth at what they’ve done and what they are, you’re still grasping at straws trying to find some decency in them? Anon, it sounds like you don’t trust -us-!”
“No, that’s not what I-”
>”For your information, I personally led an assault with my friends through that army and saw how they were devouring ponies’ love with my own eyes! I didn’t look at the book’s cover, Anonymous, I read every single damn page and you should know better to talk about things that you weren’t here for like that!”
“...But-”
>”I’ve seen the way they deceive people and their emotions, I’ve seen how they act to get into somepony’s love just to suck it away from them just like this changeling is doing to you, and you have the gall to just… Ugh! You might be kind and selfless, but I meant it when I said you were inconsiderate!”
>She rushes off before you’re able to rebut, leaving you alone in the destroyed room.
>Now you feel like complete shit.
>It wouldn’t do much good to chase or yell after her right now, so you’re left wondering what you should do.
>It’s officially night outside, Luna having raised the moon even in her weakened state.
>Your group is probably wondering where you are.
>What would you like to do?
 
 
 
>As much as you hate to admit it… Twilight has a point.
>Now that you’re alone, free to ponder what’s happened, you can’t help but think the changeling may not be as innocent as you once thought.
>There’s only one question you have to ask yourself for that.
>How did the changeling know about Tidal Wave?
>And why did it change in the first place, despite orders to just stay put?
>You need to answer these questions, and it’s now your highest priority.
>You exit the room and travel downstairs back the way you first came in, and you see that the rooms are indeed bedrooms.
>This is where you’re stopped by your own straightforwardness.
>You don’t know which rooms they picked.
>There are four bedrooms.
>Which would you like to check?
 
 
 
>You decide to just go completely with your instinct, and pick the first one on the left.
>You open the door to check who’s inside.
>You immediately close the door.
“I didn’t want to see Iron’s dick today… now I have.”
>You’re simultaneously trying to burn the image out of your mind, and pondering how Berry can bend that way.
>You shake your head, and definitely stick with the other three doors.
>It is currently 9:40 P.M.
>Which door would you like to try next?
 
 
 
>Oh, right, you should uuh… probably knock, yeah…
>Excusing the powers that be for missing a detail such as that, you stretch your wrist as you walk up to the third door.
>You then give it a few solid knocks and wait for a moment.
>The door swings open, and you see an armorless Applejack.
>You can see an also armorless Pinkie waving frantically at you from the bed inside, and somehow already has a big carton of popcorn, something playing out of your view.
>”Well howdy, Anon. What happened with Shining, did it go well?”
“Well...”
>”...Righ’. Well, you can tell us if ya want, but Red’s in the second room waitin’ for ya. Gable took the fourth and volunteered ta watch over that changelin’ that you defended so much. Anything ya need?”
>Is there anything you’d like to ask Applejack before going on your way?
 
 
 
“Not right now, but I’ll keep you updated on what’s happening. Oh, except for this.”
[You give Applejack Foal’s Guide to Magic.]
“I don’t really have any use for it now, but since you guys got to keep those elements and have magic, thought it might help you.”
>Applejack levitates the book out of your hands and into her hooves, a glow eminating from her necklace.
“Thanks, I migh’ give it to Applebloom for a bit of studyin’ or somethin’.”
>Welp.
>She tips her hat.
“Have fun in there.”
>Applejack chuckles, looking back at a wide-eyed Pinkie seeing something particularly awesome on their projector.
>”Yeah, we found the reel stash and we’re watchin’ Planet of the Parasprites. We’ll give you a box of ‘em if you wanna watch them with Red, cause we got a lot of reels.”
“Will do.”
>”Night, partner.”
>You nod and she closes the door, and you go over to Gable’s room.
[Combined 3 Small Mana Crystals into a Medium Mana Crystal.]
[You have 2 SMC’s and 1 MMC.]
>You give a solid three knocks, and you hear a bit of rustling inside.
>A few moments later, instead of Gable answering like you thought, the changeling in its true form answers.
>”Hello.”
“...”
>You peek over its horn and you see that Gable is still fine, actually splayed out and enjoying himself.
>He probably ordered the Changeling to answer it.
>What would you like to say?
 
 
 
“Can I come in for a minute?”
>”Master Gable is currently attempting to rest.”
>Master?
>You politely go past the changeling and stand over Gable’s stretched form.
“What are you teaching this one, might I ask?”
>Gable opens up one eye and shifts himself a bit, becoming more and more slothful by the second.
>”I figured if I was going to watch the thing, might as well take advantage, right? See this, bonehead?”
>Gable picks up a glass of fruit juice.
>”Changy got it for me. Pretty neat, huh? It’s like your own personal servant.”
>Upon these words, you look back at the changeling, and his expression and demeanor are still completely neutral.
“So, I see you’re adjusting well after nearly dying. Holding up, then?”
>Gable rolls his eyes and takes a sip.
>”Please, I’ve been in more fights than you can count toes on those ape feet. Died almost as many, but I’m still kicking. Besides, it isn’t like too many people would miss me if I went.”
“You know that isn’t true.”
>”I said too many, not everybody.”
“...Fair point. Well, good to know you’re alright. But I need you to get up for a second.”
>He looks at you like you’re harshing his buzz.
>”Really?”
“Yeah. Can you guard the door for just a minute? I gotta talk to this one.”
>He slams his drinks down on the table and flips himself upright on the floor with one fell swoop of his wings, and braces up against the door with an annoyed look on his face.
>You give an apologetic look and then turn back to the changeling.
”So, I have a few questions for you. Is that okay?”
>It nods.
“First off, can you tell me a little more about the changeling race, or you specifically?”
>”I would rather not tell you anything that would endanger my Queen, if that is what you imply.”
“No, no, just wanting to be caught up.”
>It thinks emotionlessly for a moment, and speaks again.
>”The others have told you everything that I can tell you without revealing pertinent information.”
“Are you sure? I want to be able to trust you, but you have to trust me, too.”
>It doesn’t say anything.
>From the lack of reaction, you honestly think it can’t tell you much else.
“Alright, I’ll be a bit more specific. Are there any harmful side effects to you feeding off of love?”
>”The subjects will feel a slight daze of weakness. Intensity increases with amount of love consumed, but no amount is fatal.”
>For being a supposedly mindless drone, he has a very clinical vocabulary.
>Or maybe it’s because of that.
>Time for the $64,000 question.
“One more thing… I want some answers, tride and true. Why did you take that particular guard’s form when we found you again?”
>”I did not have any identities known to me that would have worked, but I caught a glimpse of the rectangular pictures that the purple mare had hanging from her bag and flask. I have added three identities to my magic, and I chose him as he was the easiest to transform into.”
>...Sound logic, but you feel like there could be more.
>Then again, your hunches weren’t very accurate lately.
>Is there anything else you’d like to ask the Changeling?
 
 
 
>Just one more thing crosses your mind.
“Also… Just how long were you here at the palace when that thing took you over?”
>”I don’t know how I got here. I was flying away from my hive as the blackness overtook it, as well as my own body. I blacked out midflight, and the next thing I remember is seeing you and your group.”
>Oh, a fugue state, huh?
>...Damnit, you have nothing to counter that.
>You can feel Gable’s mocking eyes practically hitting the back of your head.
>With nothing else to ask him and being out of ideas, you step back a bit.
“Alright, thanks for answering me, anyways.”
>The changeling nods mechanically as Gable opens the door for you.
>”That went well.”
“Shut up.”
>You walk out.
>”Oh, and Anon?”
>You turn around to meet his gaze, but the door is suddenly slammed into your face.
>Into it.
“Gh!”
>”Have some actual fireworks if you’re gonna light up the place, bonehead!”
>As you’re tending your nose, you hear a big flop on the bed, and Gable talking quietly to the Changeling, only responding.
>You slowly walk back to the second door, trying to think of anything else you could ask it, but nothing’s come up.
>It’s partially your fault for putting so much trust into it when you first met, but you were blinded by its fear and worry.
>It could be like Twilight said as well, and it was feeding off of your love for helping others.
>Either way, all of that melts from your mind as your knuckles rap the second door and you enter in slowly.
>”Come in…~”
>You’re feeling a little tight, now.
>You peek around the corner and see that the lights in here are dimmer than the other lights, turned down for maximum sensuality.
>There’s also a few magical candles around the bedside.
>What you’re interested is what’s on the bed.
>Redheart’s laying in with the sheets, no armor, no anything.
>Her mane’s been let down, and you can see the glossy pink strands make a cute and sexy fluff from her bangs all the way down.
>Her eyes are already wondering why your armor’s still on.
>”Now don’t take this like everything’s fine and I’ve forgotten… I just want a nice evening with my favorite little human. And his favorite little human…”
>The smile she gives you melts you in multiple ways.
>What do you do?
 
 
 
>Without a word, you start undoing the straps to your armor starting with the gloves.
>You take them off and let them plop down on the floor, and you wonder what you should put on.
>You take out your phone and set it on the dresser, playing a song you’ve been saving for this very occasion.
[ https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=7TrZFxhrPUI#t=122]
“Oh, one more thing.”
>You hop with energy rivaling Pinkie’s over to the door and open it slightly, wrapping a dresscloth around the knob before shutting it and locking it.
>You return to Redheart’s seductive gaze, and you give one right back as you kick off your boots.
>Every latch you remove from your chainmail makes it looser and looser.
>With one big motion, you throw off your entire top in one go, stretching the undercloth and snapping it across the room.
>Wearing the armor all day and being in intense battle has made your tattooed muscles rippled with glistening sweat.
>”Oh… my..”
“Hm?”
>Redheart almost got knocked out of her sensual trance, but she giggles a bit and props herself on her elbows.
>”You’ve grown a lot since I’ve last seen you under all of that heavy metal.”
>You realize she’s talking about those muscles you’ve acquired surprisingly fast from carrying all of that gear.
“Oh, you mean…”
>You turn around and raise your arms up, flexing at the apex of your arm’s stretching length to accentuate your back and biceps.
“These?”
>When you look back, you see she’s biting her lower lip and shifting her back legs around.
>You waste no time in taking off your pants, but you wait to turn around to do it.
>Down they go, and Redheart is almost pleading with you to turn around.
“What, you wanna see something?”
>”Maybe, turn around and let me check you out, stud~”
>Before you do that, you have an afterthought and remove a mana crystal from your bag and use it.
>Used Small mana crystal
>+33% MP<
Anon: [HP: 130/130][MP: 14/24]
>Then you take out your cockring.
>You start twirling it around your finger as you turn around, at full mast to display.
>”Get over here.”
>You sensually move to the edge of the bed, and as soon as you get there, two white hooves instantly grab you and pull you on.
>Then a pair of white, succulent lips part yours, and you’re locked in a tight embrace with Redheart, ecstasy rocking through you as you finally become one with the one you love again after so long.
>Now you put your plan into motion.
>Your markings suddenly flare, the white light brightening the room as the familiar white glow wraps itself around yours and Redheart’s body.
>Used Blessing of Harmony on Redheart
[-10 MP]
>She gasps and actually moans from the sudden feeling.
>”Oooh Celestia, mmf!”
>She’s cut off by you kissing her again, and it takes a long time for you two to break.
“Anything you want, babe…”
>Redheart bites her lip again, and you hear a click down below.
>You feel a pole slapping your pole.
>Well, it was nice walking straight while it lasted.
>...
 
[spoiler]>”YOU TAKE IT LIKE A MAN… MMMFUCK FUCK FUCK YES!”
“GH- AGHHG! GGHOOOH-FFFSSSHIT-”
>”YOU LIKE IT, HUH? YOU DIRTY, NAUGHTY BOY! THIS NURSE IS GOING TO SET YOU STRAIGHT!”
“GGH PLEASE STAY STRAIGHT!”
>”YOU LIKE IT WHEN THE NURSE CHECKS YOUR TEMPERATURE!? I BET YOU DO… FUCK… MMMHH~”
>”HAY! Y’ALL BETTER KEEP IT DOWN IN THERE, SOMEPONIES’RE TRYIN’ TA SLEEP!”[/spoiler]
 
[Party fully rested! Healed and cured of all status effects!]
[QUEST COMPLETE: Spicing Up the Bedroom - Find Redheart’s Fetish (1/1); Improve Foreplay (1/1)]
 
>...
 
>You wake up.
>The sunlight from in between the blinds of the windows streaks across your eyes at just the right angle.
>And your ass hurts.
>You remember bits and pieces of last night.
>There was a big battle with a pink pony princess, you revived a dead bird, and you got pegged by the hottest mare in Equestria.
>Oh look, here’s proof.
>You have Redheart laying on your bare chest in all her proud glory, sleeping soundly and her mane a mess, with the biggest smile on her muzzle.
>From what you can remember, your fingers absolutely rocked last night.
>You look up at the clock and see it’s 7:30 A.M.
>And your ass hurts.
>What would you like to do?
 
 
 
>You wrap your arms around her softly, and kiss her forehead with a gentle touch.
>Redheart stretches all over you, letting you feel every vibrating ligament of her body as she makes that cute little yawn.
“Hey.”
>”Hi…”
>Her glistening eyes part and look at yours.
>If there was any moment you knew things were okay between the two of you, it’s now.
>Even if your ass hurts.
>”Anon, last night was… best thing of my life…”
“I concur.”
>You both laugh quietly, and she raises herself up to kiss you again.
>You lose track of time, but eventually the two of you part and she hugs you where you lay.
>”So what are we doing today…?”
“Lots of stuff, like usual. I need to check out the library and medical area. Gotta restock and talk to Twilight and we got some loose ends to tie up in the city…”
>”Then..?”
“Then we go to the hive.”
>You pat her withers and give one more peck on her lips, and you slowly raise up.
>”Let’s at least take a shower while we’re here… we both stink.”
>What would you like to do?
 
 
 
“Alright, but let’s save that hot water… if you get what I mean.”
>Red giggles as you sit up with her still in your grasp.
>The two of you slowly get yourselves up and head off for the shower.
>...
>Not but 20 minutes later, you and Red are squeaky clean, back in your trusty armor and ready for business.
>As you’re readjusting the gun around your back, there’s a sudden crash at your door.
>It scares the shit out of you, and Redheart too.
>”OH! What was that?!”
>”SOMEONE HELP, PLEASE!”
>That sounded like Gable.
>A really panicked, afraid Gable.
>If he’s like that…
>What do you do?
 
 
 
>You quickly go over to the door, but you’re pretty sure what this is.
“Changeling, right? What is it?”
>You be sure to keep a very nonchalant tone, even going so far as to fake checking your nails.
>”SHUT THE HELL UP AND GET OUT HERE!”
>Alright, he sounds really panicked.
>You draw your spear and ready yourself, Redheart behind you and ready with her own, and in one quick motion, you throw open the door.
>”NOW!.... Oh, hey. How do I sound?”
>FUCKING APPLEJACK-
“What the hell!?”
>She’s using her mask to full potential, it seems.
>Your reaction sends her into laughing fits, and you suddenly see a pink hoof on her back, Pinkie laughing all too well with her.
“You scared me, you know!”
>”Ah… ah know… It’s too… Pinkie’s right… so… so worth it!...”
>It’s a very surreal experience to see Applejack laughing like Pinkie Pie in Gable’s voice.
>Redheart pushes past you and she pulls the mask off of AJ’s face and stares her right in the eye.
>”That’s not funny, we both had a heart attack and Anon almost chopped your head off! Next time you decide to listen to someone like Pinkie, show some maturity!”
>She lets go of it halfway off JA’s face so it slaps back on her, disorienting her greatly.
>”Gosh… You’re worse than Granny, no fun at all..”
>Aj’s mask crackles with energy, and her voice is back to normal.
>”Well, now that the prank’s ruined, what’s on the agenda today?”
>She and Pinkie look up at you, while you try to keep your heartbeat in check.
>What would you like to do?
 
 
 
“I was thinking about heading to the castle’s library to talk to Twilight, get a study session out and hopefully get a few more books. From that, I think that since we’ll be going straight into the hive, even with someone on the inside we might need some formal training. I’d like to make today all training. You three might want to ask Shining Armor or some highguards for better use of your weapons, and Pinkie, since you’re as light as you are, it’d be good if you learned how to dodge a bit better. That sound good?”
>Applejack shrugs.
>”Sounds fine ta me.”
>Pinkie nods exuberantly.
>”I totally never thought of that before! I don’t need armor if I just get out of the way and be all untouchable like Dashie is! I should go see her!”
>Good thinking, actually.
“Good thinking, actually. Now, can you get the others up and tell them about the plan? I’m sure now that the palace is restocked with guards, we can find the best trainers here. I’ll be wherever Twilight is, and that’s probably in the library if you need me. Oh, and Red, can you pick some supplies up from the medical area if they have it here?”
>She complies.
>”I’ll see what I can do.”
“Alright, I’ll see you mares later… Hmm. I’ll think of a time to reconvene and leave later, let’s see how the day goes.”
>Your group dismisses to go about the castle, and you and Redheart step outside.
“...Huh.”
>The entire hallway has been repaired, and looks as pristine as the Main Hall looked.
>How did the workers get all of this done without making a sound?
>You guess it’s magic and ain’t shit gotta be explained.
>You start walking and come across the first of the many patrol guards here, and you wave them down.
“Hey, can you direct me to the Palace’s Library?”
>The mare lazily points her spear in a specific direction.
>”Down the hall, two floors down and on the far left side of the main hall.”
“Thanks.”
>You’re on your way to the Library now.
>It’s about 8:00 A.M. and the rest of your group is probably scattered all over the place now.
>Is there anything you’d like to do on the way?
 
 
 
>There wasn’t very much you could do with practicing your magic inside the castle, but you were close to the library anyways.
>Crossing through the Main Hall, you go to the far door on the left and enter into the crystalline sanctum.
>This library reminded you very much of the normal Crystal Library, except a good deal smaller, more compact, and follows a circular colosseum theme instead of the temple design of the other.
>You look around a bit, seeing nobody in here really except for a patrolling guard or two, until you finally spot Twilight doing some well-deserved reading in the earth and wind sciences area.
>You ponder why the Crystal Library was arranged alphabetically while this one was categoric as you approach her.
>She doesn’t look up from her book, only using her horn for a moment to turn the page.
>”Hello Anon…”
>She doesn’t sound all that uppity.
>Her tone isn’t angry, just a bit exasperated.
>What would you like to do?