As always, all characters and items involving the show belong to Hasbro, Hub Network, and Lauren Faust. The only thing I own is a poor computer and my original characters. Thank you.

Warning: There is some mature content ahead…reader discretion is advised.

Inner Chaos

By Grevin5

Chapter 25 – Blindsided (Mature)

Chrysalis smirked, setteling down across the fire from her target, doing her best to keep a look of pure interest on her face. She had asked him about his past and while he had a small look of discomfort on his face, the sheer emotion rippling off of him told her that she had struck quite a nerve. Perhaps she would be able to get him to open up faster than she first anticipated and as such would be able to progress her plan that much more quickly.

Grevin shifted in his kneeling position ever so slightly as he began to dip up the food he had been preparing earlier. He kept his head lowered, focusing his attention on the task at hand hoping that Emerald would let the topic drop, sadly he had no such luck.

Chrysalis cleared her throat and leaned forward somewhat drawing his focus up to her, her curious eyes locking onto his. "Grevin…please, I want to know more about you. I want to know where you come from, what life was like for you growing up, what makes you…well, you."

He sighed and nodded as he handed her a small bowl of roasted apples. "Very well, but it isn't exactly pleasant."

She smiled as she took the bowl and began to nibble at her food. "The past rarely is. It's alright, I'm not going to judge."

He took his own bowl and moved into a seated position, resting his hands on his knees, his eyes focusing on the steam rising from his food. "Well…the land I'm from is quite different from this place. There are Kings, Queens and various sorts of royalty. There are vast cities, small villages, and a plethora of different species living amongst one another."

Chrysalis tilted her head as she raised an eyebrow. "Um…that sounds exactly like Equestria."

He shook his head as a sad smile came across his face. "Only on the surface. You see, in my world, Bastion, the attitude of people, the nature of kingdoms and the general way of life is totally different from Equestria. Nobles do not socialize with commoners, nor do they care about anyone other than themselves. As for the common people, well they tend to live in fear of anything that is different preferring to shun and hate it rather than understand it. Sadly many common people and children are forced to live in squalor and work as cheap labor for those above them."

"What do you mean by fear anything that is different?" Chrysalis was curious about this. As far as she knew, Equestria was exactly like that. The ponies feared her people so much, and while Celestia lived in her beautiful castle, many ponies lived in humble structures all while servicing the elite.

Grevin sighed and slowly raised a finger pointing it at his face. "Anyone who looks like this would be feared and hated in my home land. I was an orphan for many years, and was forced to steal for my food more times than I can remember. I would try to find help from various people, but whenever they saw my face, they would call me a demon, or a monster. Some would run from me, others would attack me. I was just a child looking for a piece of stale bread. They wouldn't see that though, they would just see a demon trying to steal their soul."

Chrysalis frowned, a venomous sensation forming in her stomach. While she may come off as cruel at times, she knew that a child was innocent and deserved to be treated with kindness, no matter their appearance. "That's awful…"

He nodded. "I agree. Thankfully I was able to find a place to live when I grew older and joined a mercenary guild. Unfortunately that particular guild fooled me. They made me think I was a welcome member, cherished by many but in truth they were just using me as a weapon. My abilities allowed me to do things others couldn't so…I became an assassin of sorts. I did terrible things…unforgivable things…and for a time, part of me liked it quite a bit."

She knew this feeling as well. Power like that can make one feel invincible. When she tried to take Canterlot, the strength she had from Shinning Armors love made her feel as though she could destroy the Sun and Moon with a wave of her hoof. "If you liked it, why do you sound like you regret it now?"

He paused and looked at her a small glint of wetness forming in his eyes. "Various reasons. I was deceived while in that guild. I was made to think I was loved when I was just a tool. I came to realize that I had done so much harm to so many that it nearly made me sick. I had broken families, kingdoms…taken parents from innocents. I had helped oppress and subjugate people…I didn't think I could be forgiven."

"…So, what happened? Clearly you're no longer the bad person you used to be so what changed?"

A small smile came to his face as he looked down once more. "I suppose you could say I found family. I was taken in, given opportunity to do some good…blessed with a chance to help others. As it turns out it agreed with me. In fact I was on a quest to help the entire land when I was pulled here."

He set his food to his side and leaned back looking up at the stars. "I was making my way through some mountains when a large magical vortex appeared out of thin air. I tried to fight it but eventually I was pulled in…the next thing I remember was falling. From what I've been told, I appeared inside a storm of some sort and fell from the sky into this very orchard. Once here I found Applejack's sister and her friends in danger of being killed in a fire. I helped them and right after, Applejack bucked me in the face…hurt like hell too."

Chrysalis frowned and narrowed her eyes. "Well that was a fine way to thank you for your help."

He raised a hand and shook his head, his lips still smiling. "I don't blame her though. How would you react if you saw a demon dressed in a cloak and armor looming over your sister? I'm pretty certain it was a valid reaction. As it turns out I was able to run off into the Everfree Forest but A.J. and her friends followed me. Due to my past history, I assumed they were going to try and kill me, or at least capture me...so I kept running."

She blinked as she watched him, her curiosity growing now. "When they caught up to you, were they hostile? Did they attack you?"

A small chuckle escaped his lips as he shook his head. "No, far from it actually. There was an accident, which I think was my fault that caused Fluttershy to be gravely injured and pinned. They tried to get her out but they wouldn't have been able to free her before she died. I couldn't stand by and let that happen so I swallowed my fear and did what was right. Thankfully I was able to help them despite me scaring them all. The next thing I remember after that was waking up in the hospital. I thought that I had been captured and they were intending to interrogate me or study me."

"How much convincing did it take for them to see that you meant no harm?" She knew that he would have been seen as a threat, that they would want to make sure he wasn't a danger to their society…so how did he do it…how did he make them not view him as a threat?

Grevin paused a moment a look of confusion washing over his face before he shook his head. "None at all. They didn't see me as a threat. They actually sat down with me and informed me about where I was and even gave me a place to stay. As it turns out, they felt bad for how they reacted and made every effort to make me feel welcome and to become my friend. I had never experienced anything like it. For a time I half expected them to lure me into a false sense of security before trying to take advantage of my abilities but it never happened."

Chrysalis didn't blink, she didn't breath, her mind had all but ground to a halt at his words. They had accepted him without question. They paid no attention to his physical features and instead focused on how he acted as a person. "I…I have to admit Grevin, I'm surprised by that."

He looked over at her, tilting his head slightly. "Why?"

She looked away, doing her best to keep her composure. "Well…from what I have seen, many times creatures who look different are treated differently and feared here in Equestria. Take the Changelings for example. They feed off emotion, look like large bugs and are feared across the land."

He nodded. "True, they are…but perhaps the right opportunity hadn't made itself known yet."

"What do you mean? You saw the way those changelings acted when you saved me…they're monsters."

Grevin shook his head. "While I admit, things don't look good for them, those were only two out of who knows how many. Do we know anything about them, about their society? Has anyone been able to sit down and simply speak with their leader? Has their leader made an attempt to reach out and open talks with Princess Celestia or more recently Princess Luna?"

Chrysalis's eyes grew wide and she looked down, a lump in her throat. "N…no…not that I'm aware of."

He nodded his head and smiled warmly at her across the fire. "Perhaps if a dialogue could be opened up, the Changelings could perhaps form an understanding with Equestria…maybe even make peace and find a way for both groups to live in harmony."

Chrysalis could only nod, her mind focused on his words. She had never thought to open up dialogue with Equestria. She had just been able to sense the immense love and emotion coming from its borders and that was enough to get her to put her plans into action. Would Celestia really be willing to open up peace talks between their people, especially after all she had done?

Her attention was forced back to reality when a hand began to wave just in front of her eyes. "Emerald? Are you alright? You kind of drifted off there."

She blushed and glanced away while giving a small nod. "Yes, I was just thinking. Do…do you think that if the Changelings were to try and speak to Celestia, would she listen?"

He smiled a bit and looked down at the fire, his hands clasping lightly as he rested his arms on his knees. "As someone who has been seen as a monster, who has been looked down upon, spat upon, cheated, betrayed…even hated…and then given redemption without hesitation. Yes, I think she would. I think it would be difficult, for both sides, but I do believe that peace can always be a possibility."

Chrysalis kept her eyes averted, seeds of doubt still deep in her heart. "I don't know if I can believe that, but maybe…someday."

She quickly brought her gaze back to him and cleared her throat knowing that she needed to change the subject before he became suspicious of her. "So…I'm guessing that Applejack has some strong feelings for you…"

He blinked as a small red hue came to his cheeks while his eyes rose to meet hers. "W-what gave you that impression?"

Chrysalis rolled her eyes and smirked as she crossed her front hooves. This struck her as funny. Get into a discussion about two groups of ponies willing to fight one another and he is wise as can be…but bring up romance and he turns into a bumbling fool. "The way she spoke about dreaming about a certain royal knight…pretty obvious."

"Oh…heh…well I suppose that would be a bit of a giveaway. She…she made her feelings about me if you must know. "

Chrysalis smirked and stuck her tongue out a bit in a teasing manner. "So did she claim you yet?"

Grevin cleared his throat trying to keep his cheeks from bursting into fire. "Uh…claim? Do you mean-"

"Have you rutted, bumped uglies, done the horizontal tango, had sex? Yes, that is what I mean." She couldn't help but grin at how those words made him squirm.

"Um…well, I don't know if it's my place to speak of such things, whether they did or did not happen. It's a bit private you know?"

She laughed and shook her head. "Hey as a friend I'm supposed to gossip with you but if it bothers you that much I'll stop."

He smiled a look of relief washing over his face. "Thank you."

"…So was she good?"

"Emerald…" He said warningly.

"Sorry, sorry…so were you good?"

"Emerald!"

Chrysalis burst out laughing ducking as a blanket was thrown at her from across the fire. She had to admit it…she was beginning to truly enjoy herself.

-Sweet Apple Acres Farm House, Late Morning.-

Applejack woke with a groan, her muscles greeting her with the familiar soreness that she had become used to while working in the orchards. She slowly opened her eyes and smiled as memories from the previous day rushed back to her making her sigh happily. She had done it, she had opened herself up to Grevin and on top of that she had made him her stallion. A small shudder washed through her sending a familiar tingle down her spine to her nethers, as she remembered just how much she enjoyed approaching him and then taking him in the lake.

Tossing her bed sheets aside, Applejack let out a small grunt of frustration at the familiar sensation of her heat returning to bother her once again. There were still a few days left in the season and the constant fire between her legs made it difficult to get any work done on the farm. She hopped out of bed and began to brush her mane, a small smirk crossing over her lips, it looked like she would have to visit Grevin sooner rather than later.

With her mane brushed and her familiar Stetson on her head, she made her way downstairs to prepare a small meal for herself before getting to the few chores she had lined up for that day. She had just made her way into the kitchen when she heard a soft knocking on the front door. "Now who on earth could that be?"

She trotted up to her front door a small frown on her face which quickly shifted to surprise when she opened it to reveal Twilight and Fluttershy smiling at her through the screen door. "T-Twilight? Fluttershy? What are you two doing out here?" She opened the door for her two friends a small twinge of frustration flickering in the back of her mind knowing that she couldn't go out to see Grevin until her friends left.

Twilight stepped forward a bright smile still on her face. "Good morning Applejack. Can we come in?"

Applejack opened the door and stood back as her friends trotted inside, her eyes noting that the two had a bit of a sway to their step as they made their way into the living room and sat down on the couch. "So what brings you gals out here today?"

Fluttershy glanced over to Twilight before ducking her head under her mane her voice coming out in a soft tremor. "Um…well, we were hoping to…to speak to you about…um…well…"

Twilight rolled her eyes and cleared her throat before standing back on her hooves. "We were hoping we could talk to you about Grevin."

Applejack froze mid step, her eyes going wide as her breath caught in her throat. Slowly she lowered her hooves to the floor standing silently for a few moments. "W-what about him?"

Fluttershy peaked her head out from under her mane a small look of concern on her face. "Well…I heard he checked himself out of the hospital, and then there was a large commotion in town…I think some of the mares tried to chase him."

Twilight nodded. "Right, we just were wondering if you had seen him? He hasn't shown his face in town since he left the hospital."

Applejack sighed inwardly and moved to sit in a nearby chair. She darted her eyes to the side as she did her best to compose herself. "Uh…well, no. I haven't seen him around here."

Twilight smirked and glanced over at Fluttershy who had a small smile of her own. "Oh…well, alright."

Fluttershy hopped up and moved closer to Applejack leaning in close to her face as if inspecting her. "Oh my, Applejack, are you alright? You seem like something is bothering you."

Applejack pulled back and shook her head her blonde mane washing across her face slightly. "Me? I'm fine. Just fine…why?"

Twilight quirked an eyebrow and tilted her head. "You're doing ok? Hasn't the heat been bothering you?"

Applejack looked down at her hooves a moment before jumping up to go look out a nearby window. "The heat? Oh…well of course that bothers me…but during the season it bothers us all…no point in mentioning it…"

Twilight grinned now as Fluttershy followed her friend to stand beside her while looking out the window. "I don't know about that…I don't think I've not heard a single mare not complain about it" Her voice grew softer and huskier, "…unless they found a way to take care of it…"

Applejack frowned and twitched her tail from side to side ignoring the change in her friends tone. "I don't know nothin about that sort of thing Twi. I just try to focus on the farm work that's all."

Twilight trotted over to the other side of Applejack and looked at the window as well noting view of the apple trees in the distance. "Applejack it's ok if you found a way to beat your heat, no pony would think poorly of you. So…did you find a way to relieve yourself?"

Applejack glanced over at her friend, the smug little smirk on her lips causing a small bit of nervousness to form in the pit of her stomach. She quickly averted her eyes and in true fashion gave her best poker face. "Ah…no, no…I just try to ignore it as best I can that's all. I'm stubborn that way you know."

She heard Twilight give a small laugh but before she could look her friend in the eyes once more her attention was quickly drawn to a soft silky wing that draped over her back and the soft sensation of warm breath washing over her ear as a gentle voice whispered to her. "We know what happened Applejack…"

Applejack quickly pulled back from the two while shaking her head a frown forming on her lips. "What the hay are you two doin?" She stared over at her friends who had both turned to look at her with softened eyes and knowing smiles, both of which seemed to bother less than she thought it would.

Twilight sat down on her haunches and raised a hoof in a placating manner. "Applejack, Fluttershy is right. We know what you did with Grevin…in the orchard…"

"Well of course you do, he's been working here with us for a good while now and it's not like there is a huge variety of jobs around h-"

"-I saw you seduce him!" Fluttershy gasped at her own outburst and quickly ducked under her mane. "Umm…well…what I mean is, I was looking for him and I had a hunch he would come back here…and well, it turns out I was right..."

Applejack's jaw all but hit the floor as her cheeks began to burn a bright crimson. "Y-you…you saw? You saw us…in the orchard?"

The timid mare gave a weak nod her own face burning red as her cyan eyes met Applejacks bright green ones. "Yes…I saw everything…all of it."

Applejack closed her eyes as she sunk to the floor, her ears drooping as she sighed. "Oh girls, I'm sorry…I didn't mean for it to come out like this. I…I just couldn't hold myself back. I've had feelings for him ever since he saved Apple Bloom and I've tried to tell him again and again but I always chickened out…"

Both Twilight and Fluttershy both moved almost instantly to their friends side and wrapped her up in a hug hoping to comfort her. Twilight shook her head, her smile gone but the gentle look in her eyes remained. "Applejack, it's alright. We all know how we feel about him, and I'm happy that you were able to open up to him. Remember we all agreed that no matter what would happen our friendship would remain strong. I intend to keep that promise."

Applejack looked up as she wiped a small tear from her cheek, a look of surprise forming. "You mean you don't mind if he and I become a couple? You're not going to hate me for it?" She glanced at Fluttershy "Even after what you saw?"

Fluttershy smiled brightly and shook her head as she hugged her friend once more. "Of course I'm not going to upset with you! You're one of my best friends ever! And…um…to be honest…" She averted her gaze and ducked down a bit. "it…was hot…."

Applejack froze as he quirked an eyebrow while looking at her friend. "Um…I'm sorry Fluttershy I didn't quite hear what you said there."

Fluttershy's wings twitched a moment before flaring outward, her cheeks flaring red while she took a deep breath. "I thought it was hot! It turned me on! I'd never felt that way before and I couldn't help but rub myself as I watched!" She blinked as he whole body turned red in embarrassment and she quickly curled herself up in a ball. "I'm sorry…I didn't mean to go overboard."

Applejack once again was forced to pick her jaw up off the floor as she looked at her normally timid friend. "You…liked watching Grevin and I go at it?"

Fluttershy whimpered and gave a small nod while Twilight cleared her throat once more drawing Applejacks attention back to her. "Applejack, Fluttershy was so nervous about this that she came and talked to me last night."

"She did?"

Fluttershy nodded quickly from her position of the floor. "Oh yes. I felt like I was such a bad pony for not making myself known while I was there…I know I invaded your privacy but I just couldn't bring myself to stop what was happening. It was beautiful how you opened your heart to him and then when you took control…" She shivered a bit her wings ruffling while her tail flicked from side to side. "Oh…it was amazing. The way you rode him, the moans you and he made…eep!" She quickly jumped up and took a step back revealing a small wet spot on the floor where she had been laying. "Oh no, I'm so sorry!"

Applejack could feel the burning in her cheeks and a familiar tingle between her legs as she thought back to what happened the previous day as well. She glanced down at the small wet spot on the floor and then back up to the trembling mare a small smile forming on her lips. "Fluttershy…do you really get that turned on at the thought of all that?"

The cream mare nodded as a small whimper escaped her mouth. Twilight trotted over and quickly put an arm around her friend hoping to keep her from shaking herself apart. "To be honest Applejack…I do too…"

The orange farm mare looked between her two friends a moment in disbelief before shaking her head to clear her thoughts. "Wait a sec…" She pointed a hoof at the two with slightly narrowed eyes. "You mean to tell me that not only do you not mind that I rutted Grevin but you also got turned on by the idea of him bucking me harder than a bronco at a rodeo?"

Twilight blushed but nodded a bit as she took a slow breath. "Well…yes, in a manner of speaking. I think it's safe to say that we both want to experience it too…"

Applejack blinked a moment taking a small step back before sitting down on her haunches. "Twi…are you saying what I think you're saying?"

Twilight quickly moved away from Fluttershy and over to her farm friend a small smile forming on her face, her lavender eyes shining with mirth. "If you mean am I asking you to consider taking things from just being you and Grevin to including both Fluttershy and I…then yes."

Applejack shook her head in disbelief her eyes wide in surprise. "You're talking about forming a herd with Grevin…that's a big step Twi…"

Twilight reached over and placed a gentle hoof on Applejacks shoulder. "Think about it though. If we could convince Grevin to accept all three of us we could make a small herd and you would be the lead mare since you laid claim to him first. Not even Fluttershy or I would come near him without your say so."

Applejack bit her bottom lip as she avoided Twilights gaze, her mind racing now with possibilities. She had been raised a fairly traditional household where one mare and one stallion formed a family. That was how Granny Smith was with her grandfather and that's how her parents were before they passed away. Sure she had heard rumor of some mares trying to get Big Mac to make a herd but she knew that he was too dedicated to the farm for anything quite like that.

She glanced up at Twilight and then Fluttershy who both were watching her with warm gazes, their eyes showing nothing but kindness, understanding and hope. While her home life was traditional, the rest of her life was anything but. She was a bearer of an Element of Harmony. She was known as a hero throughout Equestria. She had even had lunch with all three Princesses once. She shared a special bond with her friends and now that bond had an opportunity to grow into something extraordinary. If she were going to do something like that she wouldn't want anypony else to do it with.

However, could she bring herself to share her love for him with anypony else? More importantly, would he be willing to try making a herd? He would have to open himself up to not only her, but her friends and potentially other mares if he wanted. Most stallions would consider that to be a dream but Grevin was different. He hadn't even really stated his true feelings for her yet. She knew he cared and didn't mind if he could never fully admit his feelings but how would the others react to that?

She took a slow breath and looked back up into her friend's eyes. "Girls…I think I understand where you're coming from but you should know that while I told Grevin how I feel in my heart, he still hasn't fully opened up to me. I know he cares and I don't care if he'll never fully admit to love as long as he accepts how I feel but what about you two? Would you two be able to accept that?"

Fluttershy and Twilight both turned to one another for a moment, their eyes meeting and within seconds their silent discussion ended and they both turned to look back at Applejack and spoke one simple phrase as one. "Yes."

Applejack pursed her lips together and gave a slow nod. "Alright…suppose I'm open to the idea of sharing. What guarantee do you have that he'll be willing to try such a thing? What if it freaks him out? What if he rejects it…and us?"

Twilight said nothing as a sly smile formed on her lips while she made her way back to Applejack. She positioned herself so she could sit just behind her friend and leaned forward just enough to let her warm breath wash over her friends ear. "Well…Fluttershy and I got to talking about that last night and I had a bit of a thought. What if we approached Grevin in a similar way to how you did…be assertive, take control."

Fluttershy whimpered softly and sat on her haunches squirming against the floor as her wings began to spread. "T-twilights right…the way you were able to control the situation was perfect. Maybe we can do something similar."

Applejack blushed as she felt a shiver shoot down her spine, the tingling she felt before growing into a burning itch that needed to be scratched. "I don't know…wouldn't that be awkward with the three of us?"

Twilight slid a hoof around Applejacks barrel and pulled her back slightly against her soft barrel while she leaned forward allowing their coats to touch, the sensation causing both mares to take a short, sharp breath. "Just imagine it though Applejack. Grevin sitting with us on either side of him, caressing him, nipping at him, tasting him."

She leaned forward and lightly nibbled Applejacks ear causing the orange mare to shiver once more as she took another sharp breath. Slowly she let her free hoof slide down to brush over her cutie mark forcing that sharp breath to turn into a soft gasp. Applejack turned her head to look at Twilight, her eyes wide. "Twilight, what are you doin?!"

Twilight smirked and nipped at Applejacks neck forcing her to face forward once again, her mind struggling to understand just how easily she was getting her turned on with this simple teasing. "I'm helping you be more comfortable with this idea. Just close your eyes and use your imagination Applejack. We're there with Grevin and in front of him is Fluttershy…timid…shy…and completely willing to do anything to him."

Applejack blushed fiercely, her mouth hanging open slightly, her breathing deeply and at a quicker pace. She needed to stop this before she lost control. She quickly pulled forward and away from Twilight while moving to her hooves. "Alright, alright I see what you mean…."

Fluttershy smiled brightly a soft giggle escaping her. "Um…if you don't mind me saying…I think you enjoyed the idea of it Applejack."

The orange farm mare blinked a moment before she realized that she was indeed soaked to the point that her juices had begun to run down her hind legs. She quickly tucked her tail between her thighs and cleared her throat. "Well…yeah…I guess it did a little. So…uh, I reckon you want to head on out to the orchard and find him…am I right?"

Fluttershy timidly tapped her front hooves together. "Um…well…"

Applejack frowned and looked over to her shy friend while quirking an eyebrow. "What is it Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy said nothing but instead smiled softly as her eyes became half lidded and she slowly rose to her hooves taking a step forward. "Well…I…um…thought that you might want a little help…"

Applejack took a small step back a nervous feeling forming in her stomach. "Uh…I don't what I would need help with sugar-cube."

She was forced to a stop when she felt herself back into Twilight who had moved directly behind her. The lavender unicorn gently pulled the farm pony back against her forcing her to sit in a firm but still gentle embrace. "T-twilight, what are you doing now?!"

Twilight smirked and turned her head letting her warm breath wash over Applejacks ear once again while she slowly let one of her hooves begin to rub up and down her friend's stomach. "Shhh, it's ok Applejack. Just relax…it's okay to admit that you got excited at the idea of sharing Grevin."

Applejack's face burned red and she looked away saying nothing which only caused Twilight to giggle lightly before she turned her head and began to nip at her friend's ear. She slowly began to slide her hoof down her stomach earning a small shiver from the orange pony who did nothing to stop her. "It's ok…let yourself go. I can tell you like the idea of us taking control of him. Imagine it…Grevin is sitting out at his camp site, totally unaware of what we have planned. Then we appear and surround him, hold him…tease him. You and I move around to either side of him and start to nibble at his neck, taking in his scent as we let his hands slide down our barrels."

Fluttershy silently watched as Twilight began to gain subtle reactions from the normally stubborn mare, the sight of her friend squirming and softly gasping causing a shiver to run down her spine forcing her wings to spring up. She could feel her own cheeks turning red as Twilight glanced over at her and shot her a wink and a wicked smile. The cream colored mare took a hesitant step forward and then another, moving herself to stand in front of her now panting friend. "How do you feel Applejack?"

The farm pony bit her lip as she shivered against Twilight who had begun to slide her hoof along her thighs while nibbling along her neck. She could hardly believe that she was letting this happen, that her friends were causing her to feel so aroused. She struggled to focus her eyes on Fluttershy's as she took a shaky breath. "I…I feel…" She let the words fall as she felt Twilight slide her other hoof along her Cutie mark causing forcing her to snap her eyes shut as another wave of arousal shot through her.

Fluttershy leaned in close letting her lips brush past Applejacks cheek moving to the ear Twilight hadn't claimed. "I'm sorry…I didn't quite hear you. Did you say you feel good?"

Applejack shook her head trying to pull herself together but Fluttershy simple smiled and began to nip at her starting with her jaw and moving down her neck inch by inch. "I think you're enjoying this…it's okay if you do you know. I…I think it would be hot if we seduced Grevin. I'll be honest, I've thought about trying to do it for a while…but I've been too shy." She stopped her nibbling as she came to her friends chest and smiled up at her, her eyes glazing over in lust. "But I think I can if I'm with my friends…Don't you think it would be wonderful?"

Applejack let out a small whinny as she felt Twilight slowly press her hoof between her legs, letting it teasingly slide over her now dripping marehood. A new wave of pleasure ripped through her causing her to lay her head back as a loud moan escaped her. Her eyes were shut tight as she let her imagination run wild. She imagined herself being teased by Grevin, his dexterous fingers teasing her to new heights while Twilight and Fluttershy both worked their tongues over him causing him to groan and squirm. "Y-yes…"

Twilight smirked as she pressed her hoof against the dripping slit, relishing the feeling of her friends hot juices leaking out and coating her hoof. She slowly began to slide her hoof up and down Applejacks pussy making her moan with each stroke. "Applejack you're practically dripping…that can't be comfortable for you…Fluttershy, don't you think we should help her? "

Fluttershy smiled and placed her hooves on Applejacks knees gently spreading them further apart allowing her more room as she began to slide down her writhing form. "Oh yes…I don't think I could let my friends stay in such a state…" Once she had positioned herself between Applejacks trembling thighs she leaned forward and took a slow sniff of the winking pussy before her eyes. "Oh my…you smell like fresh apples…I wonder how you'll taste…"

Applejack's eyes snapped open and she jerked her head up as she took a panicked breath. "W-wait, what are y-Ahhhhh! Ohhh!" She gasped and snapped her head back once more, feeling Fluttershy's tongue take a long slow lick of her dripping slit.

Twilight softly kissed at Applejacks exposed neck while she stroked her cutie mark and pressed her other hoof against the farm ponies throbbing clit causing her to shiver and moan. She could feel her own arousal growing, the sight of her normally strong willed friend being taken with relative ease making her own slit begin to drip. Hmm…how does she taste Fluttershy?"

The Pegasus mare moaned as she continued to steadily lap at her friends dripping cunny, her own hoof sliding down under her to stroke her own slit as she licked and sucked at Applejacks juices. "Oh she tastes like fresh apple pie…she tastes so good…I want more."

Twilight grinned and flared her horn to life forming two magical glowing shafts, one of which positioned itself just behind the timid mare while the other moved to between her legs, brushing up against her wet slit. "Then why not dig in and get it." With that the two magical dildos slid into their respective mares causing the two to cry out in unison.

Fluttershy was only encouraged as she felt herself being taken by the magical force, her tongue sliding deeper into Applejacks pussy, pushing the farm mare further into ecstasy as she lapped at the free flowing juices. "Oh yes….that's perfect."

Applejack clenched her eyes shut and let a throaty moan escape her as she lay fully against Twilight, the sensation of Fluttershy's slick tongue darting into her, tasting her driving her mad. On top of it she could feel Twilight slide her hoof down against her clit, grinding against it with her hoof making her twitch with each passing second bringing her closer and closer to climax the sound of her friend moaning into her ear as she fucked herself pushing her closer and closer. "Oh…oh Twi…Fluttersy….I'm close. Oh Celestia I'm close…"

Twilight gasped into her ear and pressed herself closer as she increased the pace of her magical aids. "That's it…cum for us. Imagine it's Grevin lapping at you, tasting you. Cum all over Fluttershy's face. Reward her for a job well done…"

Applejack took several short gasps as she felt herself begin to tense and finally she let out a loud moan as the damn broke. She pushed her hind legs forward and locked them around Fluttershy's head while using her fore hooves to take hold of Twilights hooves holding them in place as she shook with one of the most intense orgasms of her life. "AAAAHHHHH! YES! YES!" She could feel her pussy pulse as she let loose a torrent of girl cum over Fluttershy's muzzle who only moaned and lapped at it clearly enjoying her prize even as she rose her hind legs to give her magical aid further access to her depths.

Not to be left behind, Twilight quickly increased the pace of the magical dildos in both her and Fluttershy's pussy intent of driving them both to orgasm and within seconds they both were writhing and moaning along with their friend. "That's it Fluttershy! Cum all over that skilled tongue of hers! Imagine Grevin behind you driving deep into you, AH! AHHH!"

Moments later the three were collapsed in a small pile in the living room floor, their coats covered with sweat, the musty smell of sex thick in the air. Once Applejack regained her senses she slowly opened her eyes and let out a satisfied sigh, the subtle throb of her pussy reminding her of what had just occurred. "Oh…wow…that was amazing…Fluttershy where did you learn to do that…." She looked over at her shy friend who was lying with her tongue hanging out while her cyan eyes peaked out from under a messy pink mane, a satisfied smile on her lips.

She licked her lips and took a slow shaky breath "Oh…you know, picked up a little bit here, a little bit there…."

Twilight giggled and slowly rolled over so she could properly look at her two friends. "Don't lie…I know you check out those racy romance novels from the library…"

Fluttershy's cheeks quickly turned crimson as she averted her gaze, a small squeak escaping her. "Oh…well…you know…they are fun to read."

Applejack couldn't help but let out a laugh as she rested her head back against the floor, her eyes closing in contentment. After a few moments she let out a small sigh and began to get up onto her hooves. "Well…I think we might want to clean up a bit before we go out and visit Grevin."

Twilight nodded with a small groan while sitting up as well. "I think you're right. If we come up to him smelling like sex he might think we are being completely driven by our heat alone and not our hearts…not that the heat hasn't helped expedite things."

Applejack was about to agree with her when a realization hit her. "Oh pony feathers!"

Twilight stood up concern washing over her face. "What is it Applejack?"

The orange mare face hoofed as she grumbled to herself a moment. "I forgot that another pony came out to visit Grevin last night. She's new and hasn't synced up her cycle with the rest of the mares in town yet so she seemed safe to let her stay out there with him to keep him company."

Fluttershy jumped up her wings spread wide as panic washed across her features. "What!? What if she tried to take advantage of him?! Who is it?"

Applejack almost laughed at her friend's reaction but managed to keep it suppressed as she spoke. "It turns out that on Nightmare Night Grevin saved a mare that was being attacked by Changelings. She saw the commotion in the town when he tried to leave and came out hoping she could keep him company while he rode…" She paused seeing the narrowed cyan eyes of her friend. "Uh…while he waited for the heat to pass. She seemed harmless enough to me."

Twilight let out a small sigh of relief and nodded. "I remember him talking about that, that evening after it happened. He was worried about how he enjoyed the combat…he didn't want to be a threat to any of us. I don't think we'll have to worry too much about her. After all what kind of ponies would we be if we tried to limit his friends?"

Fluttershy quickly landed and tucked herself behind her mane while giving a slight nod. "Your right…I'm sorry for overreacting. But…what do we do now. Won't she get in the way of our plan?"

Applejack smirked and shook her head. "Don't you worry none Fluttershy. We'll just have to send her on her way and then we can talk to Grevin alone. I think it's safe to say we're going to tell him how we feel no matter what."

Twilight smiled as she turned and began to head upstairs to the bathroom. "Well said Applejack. Now if you'll excuse me girls, I want to get a quick shower in before we have to leave."

-Sweet Apple Acres Orchard-

Chrysalis sat unmoving from her position across the now snuffed campfire, her gaze focused on the man sleeping just six feet from her. They had talked long into the evening and she had learned much about him and his past. She had learned of his homeland, of his trials and troubles growing up, even of how he had found redemption. The way he spoke about his treatment had struck a chord within her, reminding her of her people's treatment by other races and he had hit on something that she had not considered before. Why hadn't she opened diplomatic relations with Equestria? These ponies get along with Griffons, and even Minotaur's so why couldn't they make peace with Changelings. Perhaps she had been too foolish and prideful.

She shifted her thoughts back to the man sleeping peacefully before her once more a small smirk coming to her lips. It would be simple for her to change forms and take advantage of him once again to fulfill her needs. She could easily use him, take his seed and sate her hunger…but yet she didn't…she couldn't. From the moment he laid down and began to sleep, she simply watched him. She felt no need, no drive to take his love. Instead she simply sat there, watched him and sensed his emotions as he slept. For a time she wondered why she didn't give into her nature and simple take him like she had before and the only reason she could come up with is that she sensed a sort of kindred bond between them. His past and her past experiences were so relatable it shook her to her core.

She knew that this man could easily help her reclaim her hive and give her the means to form an army unlike anything ever seen before, but she couldn't…no she wouldn't take the means from him forcibly. She couldn't help but let out a soft laugh as a simple realization hit her. In one night, this warrior from another world, this mysterious and powerful figure had managed to make her change her mind about him and completely destroy any plans she had made. She no longer viewed him as a means to an end and instead saw him a something more, a friend, and that change in her view was enough to fill her with a new, but not unwelcomed, heartwarming sensation.

She rolled her eyes as she mental smacked herself and shook her head. It wasn't like he was off limits to her. If he wanted to have some fun, she wouldn't turn him down. After all it wasn't every day a mare would get to be rutted into the ground by a strong creature such as him, and if that orange bumpkin of a mare could enjoy him, then why couldn't she. She just wouldn't push him. If he came around on his own, then that was a different story…except perhaps in the case of him helping her rebuild her hive…she may have to persuade him a bit, but that would be fun.

Her attention was quickly pulled away from the man when her feelers picked up a new, fairly strong surge of emotion coming from the direction of the farm house. Lust mixed with the familiar spice of love seemed to wash over the landscape in waves, slowly fading until only a glimmer of it remained in the air. Something had happened or at least was happening and she wasn't certain she liked what it was. She had felt the emotions coming off of Applejack the previous evening and while they were strong they weren't this strong…there was more than a single pony involved.

Chrysalis knew that if the way Applejack felt was any sort of indicator, then chances were that there were more of her friends ready to pounce on Grevin. She closed her eyes and began to focus her feelers, trying to pinpoint how far out the source of the emotions were and once her suspicions had been confirmed she knew that it would only be a matter of time before the mares would come out and find their prey...friend, she meant friend.

She smirked as she opened her eyes and let them rest once again on the slumbering man across from her as a dark thought ran through her mind. While she wouldn't openly seduce him or force him to mate, she could still drive his potential love interests up the wall.

She silently rose to her hooves and moved around the still smoldering fire pit to the sleeping man, smiling down at him for a moment before she leaned down and using her magic, lifted his arm up allowing her to slide under it and lay against him. She pressed her muzzle in against his neck nuzzling him and taking in his scent while she let his arm gently drape down across her back. She snuggled in closer and much to her surprise and joy, she felt his arms wrap around her form holding her against him as he slept. His warmth enveloping her form not only causing her to relax completely but it also gave her a complete sense of security and comfort, as though nothing could hurt her here. Chrysalis laughed inwardly as she closed her eyes allowing herself to enjoy the cuddle. When those mares stumble upon them like this, it was guaranteed to get a fiery reaction.

-Sometime later-

Applejack trotted alongside her friends as they made their way through the orchard, each mare carrying a small basket for a picnic, a soft smile on her lips but her stomach seemed to be filled with butterflies that refused to settle. Beside her trotted Twilight and Fluttershy, both of whom seemed to be acting like their normal selves however, she knew better. She could hardly believe that just over an hour or so ago these two were asking her for her blessing to be with Grevin and then proceeded to give her one of the biggest thrills of her life. Even more surprising…she liked it.

Glancing over at her timid friend, Applejack couldn't help but feel her cheeks burn. She watched as Fluttershy hummed a soft little song while observing the different birds in the trees easily hiding the fact that just under the surface was a sexually pent up mare ready for just about anything.

She felt a hip bump into her pulling her from her thoughts and she turned her head to see Twilight giving her a slightly concerned look. "Applejack…are you alright?"

The farm mare looked down slightly before giving a quick nod. "Yeah, I think so…I'm just still trying to get used to all this…."

Twilight frowned slightly and leaned in giving her friend a small nuzzle before looking her in the eyes. "Look…I know that Fluttershy and I were a bit…um…strong back there, so I want you to know that if you aren't ok with any of this please say so. You're our friend and the last thing we want to do is make you want to run away from us."

Applejack kept her head down in thought for a moment before raising it once again to look Twilight in the eyes. "No…I think I'm ok…it just seemed to happen a bit suddenly. I think the heat messed with our heads a bit."

Twilight nodded as he placed a hoof to her chin while looking up in thought. "Well, that is quite possible. The heat does cause inhibitions to lower and if a mare, or several mares are suffering enough from it they can be driven to do some pretty severe things."

She lowered her hoof and continued to walk with her friends, a small smile on her lips. "In fact I remember reading in my history books that there was once a mare who was so pent up that she actually began to kidnap ponies off the street and lock them in her home, keeping them as toys for her to enjoy. There was another time when a mare broke into a monastery and somehow managed to lock herself in a room with several of the monks for about a day and a half…that one caused quite a stir…"

Applejack rolled her eyes and looked ahead as her friend continued to ramble. "Oh boy Twi…I didn't mean for you to give off a bunch of examples."

Twilight blushed and looked away as a sheepish smile washed over her lips. "Heh-heh…sorry."

"Um…not to be a bother, but are we getting close? It's getting close to noon and I was hoping we could have a picnic lunch with Grevin…but if it turned into a picnic dinner that would be alright too."

Applejack smiled and shook her head slightly. "No worries sugar-cube. Just over the next hill and we'll be at his campsite."

Fluttershy's wings twitched a bit, ruffling slightly as she began to trot at a faster pace. "Oh, I'm so excited. I can't wait to see him. I hope he doesn't mind us visiting."

Twilight giggled as she tried to keep up with her. "Easy Fluttershy. We don't want to scare him off."

The cream colored Pegasus quickly slowed herself and snapped her wings back into place, a red hue coming over her cheeks. "Oh…um…I'm sorry."

Applejack rolled her eyes a bit but chuckled softly as the three came to the top of the hill and the pond came into view. "Here we are, he should be around that pond somewhere…." She paused when her eyes locked onto the smoldering campfire then quickly shifted to the two figures lying off to the side. "What the…"

Twilight paused mid step to look at her friend. "What is it Applejack?"

She squinted a bit trying to better identify what she was seeing. "It looks like-"

"WHAT IS THAT MARE DOING TO HIM!"

Both Applejack and Twilight looked at Fluttershy who had leapt into the air with her wings spread wide only to watch as she dashed down the hill to the campsite. "…oh my…"

-Campsite-

Chrysalis could barely contain her laughter as she felt the initial shock, fear then anger radiate off the shy Pegasus she knew as Fluttershy. Using her feelers to keep track of her frustration, she was able to track the mare as she flew down the hill as fast as he wings could propel her. This was going to be fun. She kept her eyes closed and didn't move as she heard her land next to them.

"Um…excuse me…I know you're sleeping but if you could...oh….um…if you don't mind could you please wake up. Um…pardon me…"

Chrysalis could barely keep herself from breaking into a large grin as she heard the weak attempts to wake her. Deciding to push things further she let out a soft sigh and snuggled herself in tighter against the warm chest of the slumbering man earning a grunt of frustration for her trouble.

Fluttershy stomped a hoof down and began to move around the pair, her breathing quickening and worrisome tone growing as she whimpered and mumbled to herself. "Oh…um…could you please wake up…please…."

Deciding enough was enough, Chrysalis peeked open one eye and looked up at the flustered pony a small smirk forming on her lips. "Hmmm? What is it? I don't want to get up yet…" She snuggled herself further into Grevin as she let out a soft sigh. "I'm comfy…"

Fluttershy blushed but didn't look away as she did her best to try and find a way to explain why she had to get this mare off of the man. "Oh…well, it's just that it's really late in the afternoon and um…we all brought some food for a picnic….so if you could…"

Chrysalis tuned out the mare as she began to pull herself up, her movement forcing Grevin to slowly open his eyes while letting out a small grunt. "Alright, alright, I'm up…"

Grevin blinked a few moments as his vision began to clear and he slowly sat up popping his neck a few times before taking note of his surroundings. He let his eyes roam around a moment in silence as he took stock of everything around him forming a small mental check list.

Campfire still out, check. The sun's out so it's morning, check. Emerald is still at the camp, check. Fluttershy is staring back and forth between himself and Emerald with a strange look, check. Applejack and Twilight are trotting into camp, check….wait…."

He quickly jumped to his feet and brushed himself off as he took a few steps back from the four ponies making sure to watch them carefully as he tried to shake away his drowsiness. "Um…good morning…" He glanced over at Applejack before looking back at Emerald. "Would anypony be able to tell me why I'm feeling a bit surrounded here?"

Twilight simply blinked before looking over at Fluttershy then to Applejack and finally Emerald who appeared to be barely holding back a laugh while smiling toward Applejack.

Applejack smirked and shook her head. "Grevin, it's alright. I know you're worried about the heat making some ponies crazy but Twilight and Fluttershy are just here to visit and make sure you're ok. They heard about your incident in Ponyville when you got out of the hospital and were worried.

He turned his head to look at the two, who had managed to put on the most innocent looking smiles he had ever seen…it didn't sit right with him but he didn't have much of a choice at the moment. "So…you're not going to try and do something funny…right?"

Fluttershy quickly shook her head. "Oh no, of course not."

Chrysalis inwardly rolled her eyes at the obvious lie…it seemed that while he was a competent warrior, Grevin just couldn't see the true intentions others had for him…pity.

Twilight glanced up at the sky for a moment before looking over at him once more. "We're sorry for waking you but it's almost two in the afternoon. We brought out a small picnic lunch to share with you if that eases your worries."

He blinked while taking a small step to steady himself his jaw dropping slightly in surprise. "….What? I slept that long? That doesn't make sense."

Chrysalis raised a hoof with a small smile. "Well, you did spend a long time up with me last night. When you went to sleep you seemed dead to the world."

Fluttershy frowned and turned to look at Emerald with a small twitch in her left eye. "W-what? What did you do while spending so much time together?"

Grevin frowned a bit as he caught the small growl in the back of Fluttershy's throat and coughed softly to pull her attention back to him. "I don't believe you've met. Fluttershy, Twilight, this is Emerald. She is the pony I helped on Nightmare Night. She came to Ponyville from Trottingham and isn't synced up to the current heat cycle. She came out to keep me company last night and we spent a good bit of time talking about my time in Bastion before I came to Equestria."

Twilight smiled and gave a small nod before elbowing Fluttershy softly causing her to squeak and nod as well. "Hello, I'm Twilight Sparkle and this is my friend Fluttershy. It's nice to finally meet you."

Chrysalis had to hold back a biting remark and decided to try and be friendly…perhaps she had spent too much time around Grevin after all. "It's nice to meet you. I'm glad to meet more of Grevin's friends."

Applejack smiled noticing that the group was finally beginning to relax and set the basket she was carrying on the ground, opening and pulling out a large blanket. "Well, seeing as how we're all getting along now, I think it's time we get ourselves some lunch."

The group seemed to concur and after a few minutes they all sat around on the simple blanket with plates of vegetables, fruit and cheeses laid out before them. For a time the group ate in silence staring back and for at one another for a few moments before Chrysalis just couldn't take it anymore, especially with Fluttershy glancing at her suspiciously. "So…Grevin, what do you plan to do today?"

He took a moment to swallow his bite of food noting that ever set of eyes was not locked on him and cleared his throat a bit before speaking. "Well…since there are so many of you here I thought it might be a good idea to return to the castle ruins in the forest."

Fluttershy gasped as she sat up to her full height. "What?!"

Twilight did little to hide her frown but nodded slowly as she glanced at her normally timid friend. "Grevin…I know you're curious about that place but are you sure you want to go back there again? After what happened the last few times…"

He nodded his head as he locked eyes with the lavender pony, his determination quite clear. "I need to go there. I understand that it is a dangerous place and I don't wish to put any pony in danger, but I'm going back there."

He looked over at Applejack who was simply staring at him with what appeared to be a mix of frustration and understanding. "To be completely honest though, I think you shouldn't come with me…any of you that is."

Chrysalis blinked and tilted her head her curiosity peaked by the range of worry and frustration coming from the mares staring at Grevin as well as the peace he seemed to be radiating off himself. It was as though he had no concern at all about going there. "Um…I hate to do this, but I'm new so I don't know anything…what is so bad about these ruins? Are these the same ruins you were found in when you first arrived?"

Grevin looked over at the green pony and gave a simple nod. "Yes. There has been many dangerous things there as of late. It all started when I arrived. First Fluttershy was gravely injured and then my nemesis from Bastion appeared there and nearly killed three fillies. There has to be a reason it continues to play such an important role in everything that happens here and I intend to find out."

Fluttershy shook her head as she stood up staring at him with wide eyes brimming with tears. "But Grevin…if you go alone you could be hurt…even killed."

He nodded slowly, his face unchanging as he looked back at her. "I know. That's why I really don't think it would be wise for you to come with me. If something were to happen…and I mean something horrid, then Equestria would only be shy of a single warrior from another land rather than three of the six Elements of Harmony."

Chrysalis tuned out the arguments of the other mares and focused all her attention on Grevin. The calm coming from his never changed, it didn't even waiver when he spoke. It was as though he didn't care if he could be hurt. No…it was more than that. He didn't care if he could be killed. He saw himself as disposable and only worried for others…she had never sensed anything like that before, and if she were honest with herself, she didn't know how to take it.

Applejack jumped up and stomped down a hoof a glare coming over her face. "Grevin I don't care what you say, I'm coming with you!"

Twilight rose up as well her eyes glaring at the stubborn man. "I'm with Applejack. You can't keep trying to do things like this."

This caught Chrysalis attention and she turned her feelers back to the three mares only to be shocked by the sheer level of love they all were radiating out towards him. The last time she felt that kind of love was when Shining Armor had fallen for her act as Cadance.

Grevin sighed and began to rise to his feet. "What do you mean Twilight?"

Twilight grit her teeth and took two steps forward over the picnic blanket and began to force Grevin to back up into a tree. "You act like you don't matter! You try to take on these dangerous tasks by yourself and try to keep others out knowing that they could be in danger if they join you, yet you don't give two bits about your own safety! You try to say that you're doing it to keep others safe but you don't realize that when you try to do such things you actually risk hurting us more deeply than any ancient booby trap could!"

Grevin felt his back press into a tall tree and he quickly raised his hands to keep Twilight at bay only for her horn to flare up and a strong magical field envelop his arms shoving them to his sides pinning them there while she rose up on her hind legs and pressed her face in against his, her lavender eyes boring into his skull. "If you think we're ever going to just let you go off and put yourself in harm's way, then you are sadly mistaken!"

She paused a moment to catch her breath before backing up and looking up at him once more. "Any questions?"

Grevin paused a moment looking into the eyes of each mare there before lowering his head a bit in defeat and sighing softly. "No…"

Twilight released him from her magical hold and smiled in triumph before turning to her friends. "Alright, well let's get going then. We've got ruins to explore," She turned to Emerald giving her a small smile. "Emerald, I know you're new to all of this so you don't have to come with us if you don't want too. No pony would blame you."

Chrysalis gave Twilight a simple but polite smile as she again laughed inwardly. It was clear she wanted to get Grevin alone but she just couldn't resist the opportunity to frustrate the mare that had ruined her previous schemes. She shook her head slightly before glancing to Grevin. "I appreciate that Twilight but I think I want to come along. It all sound so exciting and I have never seen castle ruins before."

Applejack snickered at her friends frustration as Twilight ground her teeth ever so slightly and trotted forward placing her hat upon her head. "Well let's get going then; we have some ruins to explore."

-An Hour and a Half Later-

The group of four made their way through the thick brush of the Everfree forest toward the castle ruins, Grevin leading the way using one of his swords as means to clear some of the leaves from their path. Chrysalis made certain to stay fairly close to him much to her mirth and the frustration of Fluttershy who made certain to keep close to her making sure she did nothing to raise suspicion.

Once at their destination Chrysalis had to admit that these ponies were braver than she originally had given them credit for. These ruins were indeed quite intimidating and for them to go in without hesitation spoke volumes for their courage. Looking over the ruins again she couldn't help but be surprised at how well the princesses had lived so many years ago. This place must have been quite the sight back before the days of Canterlot, and very well built too. That much was at least clear since it had been standing in such good condition after one thousand years.

"This place looks amazing…The fact that it's still in once piece after the Princess left it so long ago speaks to how well it was built."

Twilight nodded as she moved closer to the front entrance. "You're right, it was built by the best mason ponies of the time and then filled with magical energies from wizards such as Star Swirl the Bearded. I think that if it were repaired it could be a truly majestic castle once again."

Grevin cleared his throat as he rested his hand on the hilt of his blade. "While it is majestic and all, it's still very dangerous so I expect you all to stay close to one another. No wandering off…I don't think we need any more surprises."

The group all looked at one another before giving him a curt nod of agreement and they made their way into the castle. Chrysalis could only gawk at the architecture of the building as they made their way through the various open rooms and stairways. She thought the hive palace she had grown up in was beautiful, but this…in its prime it must have been jaw dropping.

She followed the group, sticking to the back of the pack and soon she found herself being led into a large chamber that clearly had seen some recent action. It was large with vaulted ceilings and had ornate pillars, some of which had fallen as well as a few large windows, some of which that had been knocked out. What truly caught her attention though were the blood stains that covered the floor…some of it still quite fresh. "What happened here…"

Grevin glanced over his shoulder at her and let out a small sigh. "Let's just say it was a rough couple of days. This is where I first met everypony but then I had to deal with an old problem in here too fairly recently."

Chrysalis blinked and looked at Twilight, Applejack and Fluttershy noting the sad looks in their eyes and decided it would be best to let it drop. She took a few steps forward and looked around once more before looking at Grevin once more. "So, why are we here now?"

Grevin motioned to one large pillar and began to step around it. "When I first arrived here I noticed a symbol carved into the wall." He moved behind the pillar disappearing from view a moment before letting out a little cheer. "Ha! Found it."

The group quickly moved around the pillar to find him kneeling down in front of what was clearly the same symbol that was embedded on his armors chest plate, a shield with a set of broad wings surrounding it. He stared at it intently a look of concentration in his eyes as he let out a small hum. "It has to be…There isn't any other explination…"

Fluttershy leaned forward a bit to get a closer look at the symbol. "What are you talking about Grevin? It has to be what?"

He looked over at her a look of confusion in his eyes. "This symbol…I've only seen it in certain places…back in Bastion."

Twilight gasped and reached out to touch the symbol. "You've seen this in Bastion?"

He reached out to keep her from touching it while locking eyes with her and giving a slow nod. "Yes…in the ruins of the Celestians and Dracien," He motioned to his armors own symbol. "This armor is an example. It has that symbol and was found in some ruins I was exploring with my mentor."

Twilight pulled her hoof back slowly as her eyes grew wide as the implications ran through her mind. Chrysalis leaned in her own eyes wide in surprise. "Grevin…are you saying that Bastion, your home, and Equestria have some sort of connection?"

He shook his head and went back to looking at the symbol. "I don't know…it could just be a coincidence for all we can tell but it changes nothing at the moment. I still need to figure it out…why is this here of all places in the castle?"

Applejack sat back on her haunches and tilted her head to the side. "Grevin, did you happen to touch that symbol before we first met you here? Was it what caused that accident which hurt Fluttershy?"

He nodded as he rubbed the stubble on his chin. "Yes. I had channeled a little bit of magic into my hand and when I touched it I was thrown back into the pillar pretty hard."

Twilight raised a hoof to her chin and looked up in thought. "Well…maybe it takes a certain kind of magic. Or maybe it just needs more magic…" She looked at the symbol once again as her horn began to light up.

Grevin quickly shot his hand forward and latched onto her horn disrupting her concentration and causing her to take a quick gasp of breathe while her cheeks flushed a bright red. He slowly pulled his hand back and shook his head. "I'm sorry…but I don't think you should use your magic…It may react poorly. Let me try."

She frowned, deciding to ignore the intimate touch of his hands as her ears flattened while she sent him a deadpan look. "Are you sure? Last time you tried your magic it didn't end so well either if you remember."

He shook his head a small smile forming on his lips. "Well, this time around I have all of you here to keep me from being hurt." He let his gaze fall back on the symbol for a few moments before he raised his eyebrows and flexed his fingers a bit. "I want to try something..."

He closed his eyes and within a few silent seconds he let out a slow breath as his hands began to take on a soft blue ethereal glow. The four mares watched him carefully as he extended his hand moving it closer and closer to the wall. With each moment the ethereal glow encompassing his hand grew with more and more intensity and when he was within millimeters of the symbol something amazing happened.

Twilight gasped and held a hoof to her lips when she saw the image on the wall flicker with a faint light before beginning to slowly pulse and glow with a blue energy that seemed to match Grevin's hand responding to his magical energies.

Grevin glanced over at the lavender mare giving her a small smile before looking back at his task and pushing his hand forward covering the remaining distance and pushing his palm against the stone. He grunted as he felt a surge of magic respond from within the stone and shoot up his arm into his core while the wall itself suddenly flashed and filled with light illuminating the shadows around the small group.

Despite his training with magic in Bastion, Grevin had never felt anything like what he was feeling now. It was as though there was a pulsing energy inside him, moving through his body as though it were searching for something. It didn't hurt but it wasn't pleasant either and he responded the only way he knew how. Closing his eyes once more he focused as much as he could and surged his own magic forward into the stone much like he had when he had done his best to save Sweetie Belle, however this time something else happened.

Chrysalis watched the ordeal in silent awe, only taking moments to look at Twilight and her friends in order to gauge their reactions. Applejack and Fluttershy both appeared to be quite nervous, but Twilight, she looked enthralled...until the magical aura around Grevin violently shifted to white, then she looked terrified. "Twilight, what's happening to him?"

Twilight gasped and looked over at Emerald shaking her head. "I don't know! The last time he did this he nearly died!" She turned back to Grevin taking a small step back. "Grevin! You have to stop! It's too dangerous!" She reached out a hoof to touch his shoulder only to have a band of magical energy lash out from the wall to smack her hoof away causing her to cry out in surprise.

Applejack took a small step forward, her eyes filled with nervousness. "Sugar-cube, you can't do this to us again. You need to stop!"

Grevin slowly opened his eyelids revealing his normally red eyes to be changed into glowing blue orbs with no pupils, a small but serene smile on his face. "No...it's alright. I'm not in pain...I think this is supposed to happen."

Fluttershy gasped and pointed at the wall as white magical energy began to slowly move up the mortal lines of the bricks pulsing with power. "I don't think that's normal!"

Twilight knew they had to get back and opened her mouth to speak but before she could utter a word, the wall flooded with magical energies and exploded with powerful white light causing the mares to close their eyes and move backwards several steps. Seconds after this a loud, deep hum began to fill the air and room felt as though it were being filled with static electricity causing their manes to stand on end.

Finally it all violently ended with an explosion of violent magical energy that threw Grevin back from the wall, sending him into the pillar behind him, causing him to bounce off it and land in a pile of rubble much like a rag-doll would when being thrown by a child.

Then it was over, the loud hum had faded, the ethereal light that was emanating from the wall had disappeared and all that remained were the four mare trying to regain their bearings and a man groaning softly as he tried to push himself up from the rubble he had landed in.

Fluttershy was the first to recover and immediately ran over to Grevin wrapping her hooves around his torso as tears fell from her cheeks. "Grevin! Are you alright? Are you hurt? Don't move! Where do you hurt?"

Applejack and 'Emerald' quickly followed and helped the timid pony pull him up into a sitting position before looking at his face, arms, hand and legs, hoping to find no injury. "It's ok Sugar-cube, we gotcha. You're alright."

Grevin groaned softly as he pulled his fingertips up to pinch the bridge of his nose, before slowly opening his eyes. He blinked them a few times before looking around at the three surrounding him, a small smile forming on his lips. "I'm...alright. I'm ok. I don't hurt a bit...in fact I feel pretty damn good..."

Chrysalis tilted her head to the side, her eyebrows raising in surprise. "Um...you sure you didn't get a concussion? You were thrown like a colts action figure against a wall. That would kill some ponies."

Grevin nodded looking her in the eyes before looking over at the wall, his eyes widening as he did so. "Woah..."

Applejack blinked and turned her head looking over to where they had just been and to her surprise the symbol that was once hidden in the wall had changed. No longer did it look as though it were simply etched into the stone, but instead, the crest had changed. Gone was the shield and in its place was a bright white eagle with large wingspan, its claws gripping onto what appeared to be a large diamond shaped gem that glowed a bright white and pulsed with power. "Well I'll be...I think you may have turned something on Grevin."

A clearing of a throat pulled their attention to Twilight who had moved to the front of the large pillar, her eyes focusing on something that was just above her head. "I think it was a switch..."

Grevin grunted as he shakily rose to his feet and made his way over to where she stood, the others falling in step behind him. "Why would you say that Twilight...oh..."

Before them on the once clean faced pillar now rested a smoking symbol that had clearly just been etched into it. The symbol itself was that of a dragon coiled around itself with its head staring out from the center, smoke slowly rising from its nostrils, its narrowed eyes seeming to dare someone to touch it.

Twilight looked over at Grevin a nervous tone in her voice. "Um...did this ever show up in those ruins in Bastion?"

Grevin slowly shook his head as he crossed his arms. "No...At least I don't think so..." He moved closer taking the symbol in, leaning forward slightly getting a better look while making certain not to touch it.

Chrysalis watched quietly for a few moments until a soft noise coming from the stairs into the room drew her attention away. Turning away she saw a strange shadow slowly making its way up the stairs moving closer and closer at a steady pace. She glanced over her shoulder noticing that none of the others had become aware of it yet. She didn't wish to reveal her true self quite yet so she silently began to ready a spell just in case.

Closer and closer the figure came, causing Chrysalis to grow more and tenser until the first glimpses of it came around the corner and what she saw caused her jaw to nearly hit the floor.

Walking in before her was a creature like Grevin, her curvy, lithe form clearly making her female. Her hair was midnight black, silky smooth, and hung down to the middle of her back. She wore dark studded leather armor that hugged her form and left little to the imagination. She had a rapier blade and dagger sheathed on her hips clearly showing her to be a warrior of some sort. Her face was beautiful with full burgundy lips and smoldering brown eyes that promised both pain and pleasure depending on her mood.

Chrysalis took a small step back and glanced over her shoulder. "Um...Everypony! You need to see this!" The group quickly turned around to see what 'Emerald' was hollering about only to gasp and pull back as the woman took three steps into the room.

The woman paused as she looked at the five, taking each of them in until she finally rested her gaze on Grevin and a smile began to form on her lips. "I don't believe it..."

The four mares looked at the woman then back at Grevin who said nothing as he stared at her with a neutral expression. The woman clasped her hands to her chest as she broke into a bright smile and began to move forward, her soft velvety voice sounding like silk to the ears. "...Could it be...Grevin...is that you?...Is it really you? Is it possible?"

Twilight, Fluttershy and Applejack all looked at one another before looking at Grevin with concern in their eyes. They took several steps back as Grevin slowly began to move forward, every footfall sounding heavy on the stone floor. Even as he gave the woman a slow nod his face was neutral and calm…eerily so.

The woman suddenly ran forward, her arms spreading out to envelop him in an embrace. "I-I don't believe it. It is you, you're really here! I thought I was -UURK!"

Her speech was interrupted when a solid hand shot forward and latched onto her throat stopping her in her tracks. Grevin narrowed his eyes as a sneer formed across his lips all while he increased the pressure on his grip squeezing the air from her as he lifted her squirming, trembling form into the air. Twilight, Fluttershy, Applejack and Chrysalis could only watch in horror as the soft spoken, kind hearted man they knew began to squeeze the life out of this woman for seemingly no reason.

He stared into her eyes as she gripped at his wrist, trying to get him to release her before he lunged forward and slammed her back against a wall holding her there as her feet dangled helplessly six inches off the ground. An animalistic growl escaped his throat as he watched her squirm and a simple phrase escaped his lips sounding nothing like his normal voice, but instead something far darker. "Hello Tabitha..."

Authors Notes:

Whew...it sure took me a while to get this thing done. I'm sorry for the wait but if you've followed my blog on FIM you'll know why it's taken so long. I hope it was worth the time. I know my clop scenes are rough and lacking so please bare with me. I'll do my best to try and improve them, though I'm pretty sure that compared to several writers on fanfic and fim, I've got a looooong way to go in that area…but at least it gives me something to work towards

As always you're feedback is appreciated and I hope to receive many comments and reviews. Thanks again for taking your time to read my work. Have a great day. /)*(\ -Grev