March 16th, 2013
8:47 PM
Potential Ramifications
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"... What in Luna's blue moon was I thinking?"
Soon after Spitfire dozed off into Slumber Land, Applejack had quickly removed herself from the covers, only to find herself rooted to the floor near where the sleeping pegasus rested, starring at the Wonderbolt as she tried to sort the chaos that her mind was trying to process. And quite frankly, it wasn't out of the question for the apple farmer that she would need more than a good buck in the head for her actions. Or even four, just to be on the safe side.
Applejack slumped against the cold, wooden exterior next to the fireplace with a groan, the fire having long ago been reduced a mere pile of ashes. Even now, she could hear the maddening din that was the ferocious winter winds, howling with bitter contempt for Applejack's inner peace. Her old fear of Zecora aside, Applejack was a surprisingly level headed pony with a clear thought process. If there was a problem, she'd find the straightforward solution to solve it in a timely, hassle free fashion. Years of tending to the growth of the orchard had honed her skills where practical, hooves on thinking required a quick wit about her. From waiting just the right moment to harvest zap apples, to shedding off a potential catastrophe in the form of one of her five close friends, Applejack prided herself on efficiency. Save for the few rare exceptions, you would be hard pressed to find something that would have the apple farmer stopped dead in her tracks.
Unfortunately, this was one of them.
Indeed, if the increasing pounding headache was any indication, this was probably going to be such on a scale that the entire reserve cellar storage of apple cider wouldn't be enough to make her forget her current inner conflict. Applejack looked outside. The flurry of the snow was memorizing in a way, but it wasn't long before her attention shifted back to the pegasus on the floor. And this pegasus was anything but ordinary, at least if one were to pay attention only to the shallow exterior surface.
Somehow, someway, the captain of the Wonderbolts had managed to crash land on her somewhat isolated farm. If it were just that though, everything could have been fine and dandy. The Apple family would help put the mare back on her front hooves and get her back into tip top shape and that would be that. No strings attached. Yet for one reason or another, life always seemingly had a way of tangling even the most simple details of her life into a complex, ungodly mess.
The simple fact was that this famous flier of Equestria's most esteemed flight group, harbored an admiration and adornment for the simple farm pony. Actually, this would be an understatement, considering what Spitfire has said before.
"I am actually your biggest fan." Those six words thudded in Applejack's head in a repetitious drone.
By themselves, the Wonderbolt's words held little meaning in the long run of things if one were to only look at the surface. But the power of words comes from the sheer and raw ability to project one's emotion into them, igniting a passion that could set whole fields alight in flames.
Applejack only ever saw this devoted loyalty in her friend who literally embodied it, especially that of Spitfire. She had always teased Rainbow Dash for her sometimes oddly charming ways that made her who she is to this very day, just by this carnal and powerful force of inspiration. Then without warning, the very pegasus who Rainbow Dash almost literally worshiped had in turn displayed that same fiery flame of passion in favor of Applejack.
It scared her to her soul. Sure, she was in some ways the pride of Ponyville. But that was on a more closer to home basic. Sure, they cheered her on, but not as much as a fan would. It was more of a comradely bond than anything else, what with being a close knitted community.
And why was Spitfire even here? Furthermore, why did Applejack even care?
"It just doesn't make any lick of sense. Sky is blue, apple trees grow, and we ponies buck and eat the apples, then repeat. Why would Spitfire admire me for? Why did I suddenly..." She cringed as she thought back to that kiss she gave on the cheek to Spitfire.
"What in Sam's hell possessed me to do that? I might be friendly, but even Pinkie Pie doesn't go and smooch a stranger on the cheek. That just ain't right. "
Applejack sighed as she trotted over to the rodeo trophy stand and took a photo album out of the many shelves. In it, her pa was triumphantly brandishing his newly earned trophy, while a younger Applejack cheered him on. Another had her brother, father and herself sprawled in a mess of apple cider. It was one of her fondest memories, of times that were bliss and simple. Where her father was always there to lend a strong hoof. Applejack trembled as she felt tears roll down her face.
"O-oh Pa... If only you were here... I wish you could help me here. You always knew what needed to be done."
"So do I Applejack."
The farmer almost jumped out of her body when she felt a hoof rest on her shoulder. Turning, she saw that Granny Smith was starring at the picture, with a hint of nostalgia in her eyes.
"Granny! Uh, why are you up? I didn't wake you, did I?"
Granny Smith chuckled as she patted her granddaughter on the back. "Hehe, you didn't think I wouldn't know when my own kin is in need of a shoulder to lean on now did ya?"
They both stood silent as they looked on in silence. Applejack glanced out the window as she felt... She didn't even know what it was. Longing? Loneliness? Sorrow? Applejack wouldn't have known, perhaps Rarity if-... She shook her head. There wasn't any need to trouble her friends with her own problems. Sure, in practical labor yes, but there was no need to give them trouble.
"... So, I see you've taken an interest in our new guest?" Granny asked, finally breaking the silence. Hesitant, she looked nervously at her grandmother, whose knowing but calm eyes implored her to bite the bait. They both shifted their eyes back to the Wonderbolt, who was still fast asleep.
"I-I honestly don't know. I mean, she just crashed into our barn out of nowhere, a Wonderbolt out of all ponies. And then, she suddenly tells me that she is one of my fan fillies! How was I suppose to react? I- why did I even faint? I mean, I am flattered and all that, but..."
"You seem to care for her a great deal, more than you know yourself Applejack. I also manage to coax a bit of info out of the featherhead."
"Granny!"
"Kidding, kidding. What? You think I don't have a sense of humor in this day and age?" Applejack resisted the urge to facehoof. Sometimes she just didn't know what to expect from the old matriarch of the home.
"Anyway, it seems she has been a fan of our rodeo stunts for quite a while actually."
"For how long?'"
"Since when she was a foal, back when your father was still kicking. Seems we're the ones that inspired her to go into them Wonderbolts in the first place, if you can imagine that." Granny Smith chuckled.
"But that still doesn't explain why she is a fan of me. I met her a few times before, and you would think she would have recognized me. How the hay does that even work?"
"Hmm... I wouldn't know Applejack. But I suggest you go and ask the filly herself. After all, you've taken quite an interest in her."
Applejack felt her face flush in embarrassment as she watched her Granny chuckle quietly.
"Now, get some rest. We've got a long day tomorrow, and I gather that a good night's rest will help us sort things out. Those apple trees aren't going to buck themselves you know."
"Alright... Good night Granny."
"Good night Applejack."
With that, both Applejack and Granny Smith went to their respective beds to turn in for the night. Climbing into her rest spot, Applejack finally felt sleep take her in peace. She dreamed of being in a field of yellow feathers.
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Soarin felt his hooves tremble as he came up to the receptionist desk. Behind it was a unicorn secretary, who was busy filling out some form after form of paper, the scratching of the pencil constantly filling the air. Glancing at the iron engraved name of Sweet Dovetail, he saw his own reflection for a brief second. He stood there for a few moments, unsure if he wanted to proceed when the unicorn pointed to the door next to her without looking.
"Mr. Sleight is waiting for you inside his office. I suggest you hurry up and get your sorry flank in there. The good manager isn't in a good mood."
"Um... Isn't he usually always in a bad mood?"
The unicorn stopped and look Soarin dead in the eye. The stallion could literally feel the room suddenly climb up five degrees in temperature.
"Look buddy, do you hear anything?"
"Um...."
"Any yelling, screaming, shrieking, or even breaking of furniture?"
They both stood silent for a few seconds, with only the ticking of the clock on the wall being the single sound in that broke up the silence.
"Uh, no. What does that...." He started, then trailed off. He slowly started to pale as his mind caught up to what the mare's mute atmosphere implied.
Oh no...
"Hehehe, surely you don't mean that he's one of those stallions, right?" He chuckled nervously, giving a pleading stare at Sweet Dovetail. She only frowned as she let out a sigh.
"You poor, poor stallion. You must be a newbie around Mr. Sleight, aren't you?" She chuckled with eyes close.
"Don't answer that. Chances are, I wouldn't be surprised if you walk out of that office shell shocked. Wouldn't be the first time he left some rugged stallion thrashed under his hooves."
Before any further banter could erupt between them, the intercom crackled to life.
"Mr. Arnfrind, would you kindly please come into my office? We can't afford to dilly dally." Soarin felt his hooves move off on their own accord, the now Captain powerless to stop himself. He caught one last glance of the secretary.
"Good luck in there Soarin Arnfrind."
She glowered.
"You'll need it."
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When the door was shut behind him, Soarin got his first good look at his manager. Silver File Sleight currently had a hoof file engulfed by a magic aura, trimming and fine tuning the edge on his hooves when he turned his head to find Soarin had finally entered. He smiled, putting the file down on desk and gestured for the Wonderbolt to come.
"Take a seat Mr Arnfrind, will you kindly?"
Soarin felt himself plop his rump on the soft cushion in front of the desk. For a moment, neither pony said anything. Then Silver Sleight sighed.
"Tell me Soarin, do you know what your former Captain did to me?"
".... No, I don't."
"Then allow me to enlighten you for a few minutes."
Soarin jumped as manager slammed his hooves on the desk, near the edge where the Wonderbolt was seated. The unicorn now had a scowl sewed into his face. Soarin also realized that one of his eyes was a little swollen.
Uh oh...
"That little bitch didn't just insult me."
He came up face to face with the Wonderbolt, almost glaring.
"She didn't just insult me. She didn't just call me a racist." He hissed. Soarin said nothing, twiddling his hooves nervously, only to pale as he felt himself being pulled forward.
"That good for nothing whore bucked me in the face..." He thought for a moment.
"That reminds me, she hasn't paid her debts back to me." The unicorn then released the Wonderbolt, much to his relief.
"Debts sir?"
Silver Sleight chuckled. "Oh Soarin, did you really think Ms. Spitfire got to where she was all thanks to her rather notable leadership and flying skills? I assure you, that isn't the case, at least not all of it."
"What do you mean?"
"Well my dear colt, do you know how the Wonderbolts manages to keep up with all of their shows each and every year? Ponies like me finance them. We bring up promising pegasi and in return for giving them fame and position, they have to pay us back with bits and their loyalty."
Soarin gulped. "Why do I have the horrible feeling that I know how this is going to end?"
"But unfortunately, Ms. Spitfire and I don't seem to see eye to eye. And we cannot simply let that be."
"We? I am not sure if I follow."
"It's quite simply actually. You tell me what I want to know about this mare, and you reap the benefits." He smiled sinisterly. Soarin however...
"And if I don't?"
He yelped as he felt a sharp, painful tug on both his wings. Soarin tried to struggle, only to scream as he felt a hoof nearly stab into his back. Looking up weakly, he saw that two ponies (A unicorn and earth pony.) that he previously didn't know were there had him immobilized. Sweat poured down his pelt as Silver Sleight got off his chair and crouched next to Soarin.
"Well Soarin, I believe you'll find me quite persuasive. After all, it would be such a shame if our famed Captain were to have an "unfortunate" accident. Or perhaps..." He chuckled, allowing the words to sink into Soarin's mind.
"If their secret coltfriend were to suddenly be found horribly mauled and beaten in his own home."
If Soarin thought he couldn't pale any whiter, he was proven wrong as all the blood drained out of his face. He sat there, completely horrified.
"No! Y-you woul-"
"QUIET!"
A hoof slammed into Soarin's jaw, causing him to bite his tongue. He coughed as he tasted bloody copper on his tastebuds. He felt the manager's hoof tip his head up, glaring right into his eyes.
"I do not tolerate insubordination Mr. Arnfrind. Your previous Captain unfortunately had that problem. You however..."
Soarin felt a chill run down his spine as his manager chuckled.
"You will be completely obedient to me, and me only. Now," He said, his horn lighting up as Soarin was only able to stare up terrified.
"I believe it is time to fully indoctrinate you into being my loyal subject." Soarin screamed as he felt a horrible agony invade his head, then he saw a flash of a brilliant green before succumbing to the first of many hellish visions.
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A flash of light later, the four stallions had teleported to an underground catacomb. Inside, ponies of various types scurried about the tunnels, moving to and fro within the complex system of the labyrinth.
"Sir, if it wouldn't be too prudent to ask, you mentioned that you were going to do something else. Pray tell, could you elaborate on that?" One of the stallions ask, a blue eyed unicorn with hoofcuffs as his cutie mark.
"Oh... Nothing much. Though I believe our Captain will find himself changing his tunes to be a little more straight. Take him to the holding cells. I have a little errand to take care of in the meantime. Au revoir."
With that, he went with a merry skip in his step. He almost couldn't wait to get to his destination. He was going to have some good fun indeed. Besides, he had to introduce a new mare in the making to the finer points of being a lady.
Minutes later, Silver Sleight had arrived in the dungeon portion of jail cells, reserved for especially "esteemed" guests.
As he walked past cell after cell, the occupants within them backed up in fright. Some had terror in their eyes, others with intense hatred, others with apathetic looks.
He finally entered an open chamber, completely surround by water, except for one walkway to the center. In the center of the landmass was a cage surrounded by priests. One of them greeted Silver Sleight's entrance.
"My liege? The Ritual is almost ready to commence. All we need is for you to finish it."
"Excellent. Now, if you would so kindly take your leave, I shall finish this alone. Begone!" Bowing, the priests filed out of the cavern, leaving the pony inside the cage alone with Sliver Sleight. Upon his approach, the pony inside shrieked and backed himself into a corner.
"Oh Celestia, you STILL aren't done!?"
"No, but we're nearly there. Ah, that reminds me, we've still have one more thing to go over."
The cage door shattered. Before the pony could run, he was shot with a bolt of magic. He whimpered and tumbled over in pain, scared beyond belief from the oppressive presence of the oh so humble manager. He tried to move, but his body was almost completely paralyzed. He shivered as he felt the stallion gently stroke his flank, whimpering as he wished for the bad monster to just leave him alone.
"Such a flank that you have. Better than that of many mares even." Silver Sleight looked mournful for a moment.
"Pity that you are a stallion, or else you would make for a suitable bride." He said, stroking his chin. Then he smiled.
"But thankfully, that problem will soon be rectified."
He pulled a black orb from his satchel, forced open the stallions mouth, then shoved it down his throat. The stallion gagged and chocked on it, trying to desperately to cough it out. However to his horror, he swallowed it. Silver Sleight grinned.
"Perfect."
The unicorn took a few steps back and waited anxiously for the event to start..
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For a moment, Braeburn felt numb. Then he began to scream as a sea of agony washed over his whole body. He felt his muscles shrink, preventing him from getting up. Then he lurched as he felt his stomach lurching, something twisting, changing. His flanks felt like they were being compressed into itself. As the changes went on, he noticed his voice become higher pitched, more feminine. Then he felt painful knot in his nether. He looked down, and eyes shot open horror, just in time to see his stallionhood contort to a very different appendage. At that point, the changes ended, but the damage had been done.
Instead of what used to be a proud stallionhood, there was a vaginal opening in its place.
"He-he turned me into a mare! He turned me into a mare! T-the sick basterd!"
She looked up to see where the manager went, only to pale even further in more horror as he saw the hungry look on the stallion.
"Oh colt... Please no, please!" The now mare pleaded, but to no avail as the stallion advanced for her every step back.
" You're going to make a very fine mare, Mr. Braeburn, or should I say, Isabella." He chuckled in an all too knowing tone. He smirked.
"Don't worry, you won't be leaving anytime soon."
Isabella yelped as she suddenly was forced to the ground. She could only look up in terror as she saw the hungry look in the stallion's eyes.
"But first, I think I will show you firsthoof just as to why mares melt in my embrace."
This statement crashed into her skull as she screamed in terror.
"CELESTIA SAVE M-MMMMPH!?"
Isabella blinked only once before she felt the Silver's tongue force its way into her own.