Soren is somewhat of a sucker for cute mares. Can he stay loyal to Rainbow Dash when three more mares want him for themselves?
Through many circumstances and events, Soren manages to become the center of affection for Rainbow Dash, Nyra, Luna, and Pinkamena. How will he be able to handle all of these mares as they all try to have Soren for themselves?
"I understand that you want to help her and Soren, but we don't know if she will be pure. We don't even know if she will be accepted."
"She does not have to be. She will have Soren and his friends. She will be safe in Ponyville."
"*sigh* Very well. I cannot see anything truly negative that can come from this, especially if she maintains her memories. Just promise me one thing, Luna. Don't forget to have fun. It's been awhile since you have spent time with them."
"Thank you again for returning my memories."
"The spell you casted never had permanent effects. Your amnesia was bound to wear off."
"Shall we begin?"
"Yes."
--------------- Days Later ---------------
Dear Twilight,
I hope your studies are going well in Canterlot. It's pretty boring without you girls around. I mean Pinkie Pie is still here, but her parties can be a bit much when you go to one everyday. I knew I would start to get a little lonely when Rarity left for Manehattan yesterday; I hope showcasing her attire benefits her. Also, do you know when Applejack and Fluttershy are returning from the Crystal Empire? They have been gone for a few days, and I expect them back soon. Herding some animals can't take too long, right? Right?
Maybe my bored self is just being paranoid. Haha. In any case, I guess I shouldn't be too bored. I still have Rainbow Dash and my new friend, Chroma. If you weren't so busy preparing for your trip, you could have gotten to know him better. It doesn't matter; you'll see him when you return.
I hope you have learned a lot this past week. I know I have. I learned that I get bored easily. Ha. I'll see you when you get back in another week.
Your friend, Soren Melody
Soren put the pen down with his magic and stared at the scroll. This is going to suck, he thought as he focused on the piece of paper. The tip of his horn ignited with a green ember. Come on. Fire blasted from his horn, burning the paper and knocking himself away from the wooden table in the process.
"Every time," he muttered, picking himself up and walking to the small rectangular mirror on the table. He lifted it see his face; small patches of soot were covering it. Soren wiped his face and noticed that at least the spell worked again. "I'll just leave the message sending to Spike. Too bad he's with Twilight, but she probably needs the company more than me."
"Muttering to yourself again?" Soren jumped a bit. Clutching his chest, he looked at Chroma, who had walked in unnoticed. Soren wasn't really surprised; the library was open to anyone after all. Chroma was a unicorn that has a tan coat with a slight yellow tinge and had ginger hair. His cutie mark represents the basic color wheel made out of 6 squares. The middle 3 are larger and represent the primary colors. The outer 3 are much smaller and represent the secondary colors. He is always wearing his white fedora with a black horizontal stripe, and he told Soren that his talent was art.
"Don't do that!" Soren said. "I would like to talk to myself without being startled. I'm still on edge that something bad could happen."
"Still having nightmares? That's almost a month straight so far."
"Twenty-five days counting last night. And yes, they are still happening. They aren't done showing me my mistakes."
"From what you told me about your adventures, I'm not surprised. You said you've been through a lot."
"We all have. Me, Twilight, everyone. Especially her and Rainbow."
"Speaking of her, Rainbow wanted me to come find you. She said something about preparing for Hearth's Warming Eve."
"That sucks that I still can't spend that holiday with my friends. Last year, the Battle of the Nyrs prevented ponies from celebrating." Soren and Chroma walked out of the library.
"For a battle that took place in the nation's capitol, you would be surprised how many ponies haven't heard about it."
"I wouldn't be. Most of Ponyville doesn't even know. I kinda want to keep it that way. I don't want to go on any more adventures. It just brought heartache and a shattered mind."
"How is your psyche holding up?"
"Still recovering but better without worrying that something could go wrong any second."
The conversation ended there as Soren and Chroma continued towards Soren's house. After he returned home from the alternate universe, Soren chose to buy and house and settle down. With Diamond out of the way, hopefully nothing could go wrong, except for rare occasions. The house was close to Rainbow's cloud mansion. She also chose to live in the two bedroom house with him because she "just sleeps on the clouds or trees anyway." Soren couldn't be happier about this, for he was also close to Chroma's home, which was a few houses down the road.
When his home came into view, Soren noticed Rainbow laying on the doorstep with a bored expression. Must've got tired waiting for me.
"Hey, Rainbow!" Soren called out. She perked her head up and smiled. "I just finished sending a letter to Twilight."
"How did Princess Celestia's spell go?"
"Same as always. Blew up in my face but still sent it."
"Good job," she chuckled sarcastically. "Anyway, I need you to get some decorations for Heath's Warming. Some shops are selling them for a decent price. I'm going to search my house to see if I can't find anything. If I can't, I'll meet you at the vendors or here."
"Sounds good to me. Are you busy, Chroma?"
"As much as I would love to help you carry things, I was planning on practicing a few spells today. Rainbow simply distracted me when she flew through my window and asked to go get you."
"And why couldn't you fetch me yourself?" Soren asked Rainbow as he arched an eyebrow.
"I had to do some last minute weather patrol by the Everfree. Stupid clouds keep rolling into town."
"Alright. I'll go look for some decorations. Too bad we're the only ones together for the holiday."
"Don't let it get you too down. There's still a chance more of our friends could show up."
"I guess you're right. I'll see you in a bit."
"See ya." Rainbow took off for her house, which could be easily seen from Soren's. Chroma also trotted off to Celestia-knows-where. Soren couldn't help but think of the princess. After the Battle of the Nyrs, she was never really around. Did she truly use him merely as a test of some sort? He knew Diamond couldn't be lying about everything. Soren shook his of the thought and trotted into town.
Ponyville was always a somewhat busy town. Rarely would you see barely anypony walking around. Ponies always had something that needed to be done. Soren wished he had something to do every day, but unfortunately no such luck has found him. Aside from almost dying countless times, he literally had nothing. No paying job, no hobby (besides performing, of course), and no goal. He just wanted to live. Buying decorations was good enough for him; it was something that made him feel normal.
After spending the majority of the hour at various stands, Soren and newly bought decorations made their way home. Taking a shortcut through some buildings, Soren cut through many alleyways. Passing by one alley, he was suddenly grabbed and dragged into the almost-pitch blackness, his saddlebags falling to the ground.
"Shh," a voice said as a hoof covered Soren's mouth. "Be quiet or you won't leave this alleyway," the female voice continued. The assailant quickly giggled then kissed Soren, who immediately backed away and illuminated the alleyway with his horn. He was shocked beyond belief for two reasons. Nyra standing before him yet again, and she just kissed him!
"Nyra?! Wha...How...?"
"Already with the questions. Can't we just celebrate? I'm back!" Nyra wasn't wearing her armor but she had the Lunar pendant around her neck. She also didn't have her horn.
"But you died...twice!"
"Technically I wasn't killed the second time; Nightmare Moon's spell just wore off."
"Uhh, how about we go somewhere less...shady than here?"
"Alright. Your place it is." Nyra began to walk away as Soren just stared dumbfounded at her.
"But...but...Ooh, I'm going to have so many questions for the princesses."
Soren and Nyra continued through Ponyville, the former leading them to his house. Soren constantly glanced at Nyra with a questionable look.
"Can I help you?" she asked eventually and with a smile.
"Not that I'm not excited you're alive, but...how? And why?"
"You'll find out sooner or later. Can't you just be happy I'm back?"
"Another thing, why the..."
"The kiss~?" She looked at him with teasing eyes, and he responded blushing. They finally made it to Soren's house. He stepped up to the front door, opened it, and gestured for Nyra to enter first.
"Here we are. Home sweet home." As she entered, Nyra took in the basic home. Nothing really caught her eye; all she saw was a couch in front of a television with a fireplace next to the TV, the kitchen connecting to the living room with one doorway, stairs leading to a second floor, and a dining table in one corner of the first floor.
"So this is what a home is," she whispered wistfully. Soren barely heard her. She's never...seen a home before? Has she even had one outside of the Canterlot Caves? Nyra saw a hallway on the opposite side of the living room. Down said hall was a door to the right, the left, and straight ahead, so she started towards them. Soren noticed and quickly stopped her.
"There's really nothing down there. Just a bathroom and a music room."
"Is that all?" she smirked, knowing he was lying. "Mind singing me a song?"
"What's with all these looks? And if I wasn't busy at the moment, I probably would. Right now, I'm supposed to deliver these decorations to Rainbow Dash. Just make yourself comfortable here until I get back, ok?" Nyra jumped onto the sofa and landed on her back, relaxing herself with both hooves behind her head and a hind leg crossed over the other.
"I think I can manage." Soren sighed and looked at her as he stopped in the doorway. She's different...but why? Rubbing his head, Soren closed the door and flew off to Rainbow's house.
After waiting a few minutes to make sure Soren was gone, Nyra stood up and looked down the hallway. She began walking forward and already saw that the bathroom was in the door straight ahead. A bathroom and a music room only, huh? she thought as she opened the left door.
She found herself in the music room Soren had mentioned. She saw plenty of instruments that she assumed Soren could play. There was a grand piano, two guitars (one electric, one acoustic), a bass guitar, a violin, a cello (How many instruments can he play?!), and a strange dashboard with two set of two speakers stacked on top of each other next to it. Since the DJ stand was foreign to her, Nyra walked over to the piano and played random keys. Eventually, she tired of hearing a jumbled mess and decided to see what was in the room to the right.
Opening the door, Nyra walked into an almost barren square room. The only thing she saw was a nightstand against the wall opposite the door; an orb was on top of it and a scroll next to the orb. She picked up the scroll and read it aloud.
"Dear Soren,
Princess Celestia taught me an advanced spell that not many unicorns know about. This may be the answer to the problem you were explaining to me in your last letter. I have attached with this scroll a package that contains an orb with powerful magical properties. Do not take the following use lightly; we don't know what the negative effects will be!
To keep things basic, this orb will allow you to store your magic into it, thus removing the unicorn part of you temporarily. Simply touch your horn to the orb, focus on sending your magic to it, and it will do the rest. The amazing part is that when the magic-filled orb comes into contact with the pony whose magic is stored in it, it will immediately bestow the magic back into the user. If somepony manages to steal the orb with your magic stored inside, they will not be able to use it! Your magic will be safe regardless; plus, it is indestructible while stored with magic.
It took both Celestia and Luna to make this, so consider yourself the first pony to test something this powerful. I hope this clears one more thing off of your chest.
Your friend forever, Twilight Sparkle
Nyra looked at the dark purple sphere. She was hesitant to try holding it in her hooves, so she decided against touching it. Why would Soren want something like this? Being an alicorn is amazing. Then again...I saw the look on his face as he held my dying body. He wanted it to end. Everything. The pain, the conflict. He wanted to stop.
Feeling sad, Nyra stepped out of the room and closed it. She looked at the ground, deep in thought, until the front door opened. She rushed to the couch, jumped over the back of the furniture, and landed in the same position as Soren last saw her in.
"Before you come in, I have to warn you. You will be very shocked at what you're about to see," Soren said to someone outside. He backed inside and let Rainbow Dash walk in. She looked around the house and saw nothing destroyed, burned, or missing. Then she looked at the bat pony laying on the couch and her eyes went wide.
"No..." she gaped.
"Yes," Soren said.
"It can't be."
"She's here in flesh and blood."
"Do you know why? Or—"
"Or how? Nope. Nyra? Care to enlighten us now?"
"What time is it?" she asked. Soren looked at the hanging clock on the wall.
"Almost 5. Why?"
Ding Dong
"...what?" Soren was confused; he didn't have a doorbell. He walked to the door, opened it, and was once again struck silent by who had suddenly appeared. Princess Luna was standing in the doorway, except she didn't look the same as he last saw her. She was back to her younger form, like when she was living in Ponyville with them. Same slender figure, shorter height but still slightly taller than Soren, and her mane was a solid light blue instead of nebulous. Her horn was glowing as she smiled at Soren.
"Hello, Soren. Do not mind the doorbell I created. I find it more polite than banging on the door. May we come in?" Soren smiled back. Still mixing her pronouns.
"Of course." Luna looked straight at Nyra and continued smiling.
"Hi, Princess. Thanks again for helping me get here."
"Wait, what?!" Rainbow exclaimed then pointed at Luna. "You brought her back to life?!" She nodded.
"My sister helped. We agreed that Nyra deserved a chance at life. She accepted redemption and even aided Soren's conscience when he was in an unknown world."
"I what now?" Nyra asked. "Aided his conscience in another world? How could I aid him when I was dead?" Everypony looked at Soren.
"Maybe I had a psychological breakdown after defeating Nightmare Moon? That would explain how I saw Nyra's spirit, who didn't blame me for her death. It would also explain why Nyra was in my head supposedly aiding me. But if that didn't happen..." He had a look of desperation as he made eye contact with Nyra. "Please tell me you don't blame me for your death."
"Why kind of stupid question is that? Of course I don't! I remember forgiving you after you defeat Nightmare Moon. I just don't remember helping your mind." Soren let out a big sigh.
"Anyway," he continued, "Luna, why are you and Nyra here?"
"We...I am here for no other reason than keeping an eye on her. I want to make sure she can have a life here in Ponyville. Surely she could stay with you until she finds a home?"
"Uhh, I guess I don't see a problem with that."
"If it is not too much trouble, we would also like to stay since we must monitor Nyra."
"Hmm, I only have one guest bedroom."
"Don't worry about it," Nyra said with a wave of her hoof. "The couch is plenty comfy for me. You can take the bedroom, princess." Rainbow stood close to Soren and whispered in his ear.
"This seems fishy."
"I know," he whispered back. "But at least I can keep an eye on them. Trust me." Rainbow made a noise of understanding.
Just then, a familiar light groaning noise echoed throughout the living room. Everyone's eye widened as they stood still, listening to the sound. Rainbow and Soren looked at each other; they have heard that noise countless times. A blue box slowly appeared next to the front door.
"Oh come on!" Soren exclaimed, throwing his hooves in the air. "What now?!"
Once it landed, the TARDIS doors opened and a pony was thrown out of it. The doors then slammed shut and the blue box began to disappear. No one said anything as the machine vanished, leaving a pink pony in front of them.
"Pinkie Pie?" Rainbow said. As the pink mare lay there, Soren noticed that Pinkie Pie's coloring was a tad darker than usual.
"No. Way..." he gasped. Rainbow realized it as well.
"Soren, is this that other version of Pinkie Pie you were telling us about?"
"Yeah..."
"And she tried to...?"
"Yep. Ok...there's only two ponies who could possibly fly the TARDIS besides me."
"It was probably the Doctor," Rainbow Dash guessed.
"No, that TARDIS has seen too much for it be his. I felt the memory of the alternate Ponyville within her. Someone piloted my TARDIS. It was either Twilight or Celestia."
"Since when does Celestia know how to fly that thing?"
"For as long as we knew," Luna intervened. "The dear Doctor showed us his contraption. We simply happened to learn...on the fly?" She made it into a question, for she was not 100% confident in her use of modern phrasing. "We are a quick study."
"I won't make assumptions. Let me just—"
"Soren!" Pinkamena exclaimed as she finally sat up, noticing him. "You're looking as good as ever." She was checking out Soren with a smirk, until he sat down with a pout and crossed his forelegs. "Why the sad face?" she teased.
"Sorry...been a crazy day," he said with a hint of irritation. "I'm sure you aren't familiar with Nyra, Princess Luna, and my Rainbow Dash...and my friend, Chroma." Soren gestured to each pony as he said their name, and Chroma had poked his head through the open doorway to see what the commotion was all about. Pinkamena looked at all of them. "Ehh, the unicorn isn't my type." This drew a surprised 'what?' from Chroma; he remembered Pinkamena from the info Soren gave him. As a result, Chroma was familiar with Pinkamena's...antics.
"The bat pony I can have fun with," she continued, drawing a playful smile from Nyra. "And it is a pleasure to finally meet the princess. Hello, Luna. My name is Pinkamena."
"CHARMED!" the princess bellowed in her Royal Voice as it shook the house a bit. Pinkamena pulled Soren close.
"I bet she's a screamer," she whispered then giggled. Soren flushed and buried his face in his hooves.
"Did not. Need. To Hear that."
"Hear what?" Rainbow asked while Chroma held back laughter.
"Nothing! Let's move on!" Soren spoke rapidly. "Pinkamena, who brought you here?"
"Some mare who said I was needed here. She had smooth pink hair, light red coat, and light blue eyes. She said it would be a party where she was taking me, and I gotta say...she wasn't wrong." She gave a small laugh again.
"Sweet Luna, why is this happening?" Soren muttered. However, Luna still heard him.
"How are we—we mean I—supposed to know?" Now Chroma and Rainbow both burst out laughing.
Soren couldn't handle this right now. He told Luna, Nyra, and Pinkamena to make themselves comfortable and to get to know each other. Treating himself to some fresh air, Soren walked outside and took a stroll through town. Rainbow flew along Soren's left side and Chroma walked along his right.
"Soren, why does stuff like this happen to you?" Chroma asked.
"If I knew, I would answer your question. At least it's nothing bad this time." Rainbow chuckled in agreement.
"Well, you were complaining about not having a lot to do," she said.
"That's true. It's just that two of those mares are very flirtatious."
"Pinkamena and Nyra?" Chroma guessed. Soren nodded.
"Until this passes over, things are going to get awkward."
"Or kinky."
"Shut up. Rainbow, how do you feel about this?"
She shrugged. "Ehh, as long as you don't do anything stupid, everything should be cool. Be happy; Nyra's back! That has to make you so relieved."
"It does, but..."
"Buuuut?"
"I don't know. Nyra seems different; just slightly. Something is off about her."
"Soren, you barely know her."
"I think he's just not used to mares flirting with him," Chroma commented. Soren flushed.
"And I suppose you are?! Where's your girl fan club?"
"I never said I was used to it. Merely that you were not."
"Whatever. I suppose I should go back and make sure they don't destroy my house." Rainbow and Chroma nodded, so the three made their way back to Soren's house. Opening the front door, they stumbled upon Luna, Pinkamena, and Nyra sitting in a circle in the middle of the living room, conversing with one another. The three mares quickly noticed the trio.
"Hello again, Soren," Luna greeted. "We were just telling stories of crazy events that transpired for us." Soren gulped. Pinkamena, I pray you didn't tell them of your little attempt on me.
"One time I turned myself into a mare on accident," Chroma said randomly. Rainbow chuckled.
"I remember that. It was priceless! He looked so adorable~." She pinched Chroma's cheeks.
"Stop it! I did not!" He smacked her hoof away.
"You know..." Pinkamena started as Soren, Rainbow, and Chroma squeezed into the circle. "...I always wondered what it would be like to be the opposite gender. Soren, what would you do?"
"Oho, the second I'm alone..." Luna's eyes widened.
"Silence! We shall not hear such profanity!"
"Aww, Soren, I was going to say that!" Chroma whined jokingly. Everypony except Luna laughed.
"I was joking, Luna. I honestly don't know what I would do. Probably figure out what kind of songs I can sing as a mare. Probably look at myself in the mirror a few times." Luna groaned and shook her head disappointedly.
"Males..."
"I don't see what's wrong with checking yourself out," Rainbow said. "I would totally do that if I was a stallion. But let's be honest, I already know I would look good." Everyone laughed again, even Luna chuckled a little.
"Regardless," Luna started, "what shall we do for fun?" Everyone exchanged glances. Eventually, Rainbow spoke up.
"Well...we're preparing for Hearth's Warming Day. It's only two days away. We could set up the decorations first then figure out what to do tomorrow." The others mumbled in agreement.
"Question," Nyra said, raising her hoof. "Will there be that egg nog I hear a lot about?"
"Of course! It ain't the holidays without its signature food and everything else that comes with it."
"Yes! Let's do this! I can't wait." Nyra looked around the living room. "Where do you keep the decorations?"
"They're at Rainbow's house right now," Soren answered. He looked at Rainbow. "Let's go get them." She nodded. "We'll be right back, everyone." Soren and Rainbow stood up and walked out of the house. Once the doors closed and wing beats grew quieter, Luna looked at Nyra.
"I see you are feeling happier. It is a good change."
"Was she not always like that?" Chroma asked. The princess shook her head.
"After Soren gave her hope during the Battle of the Nyrs, Nyra lost her serious mentality. For the position she was in, leading an army against Canterlot, she had to be serious. With all of that gone, she was free to be normal." Luna looked at the bat pony. "How does it feel?"
"I feel like I can do anything. I'm so glad that everything worked out. Well...almost everything."
"What do you mean 'almost?'" Chroma asked.
"Soren. I looked into his eyes as he cried for me as I was dying. Me; the mare who was trying to kill him a few minutes previously. What enemy would do that? Cry for their fallen foe and hold them while doing so? It was that day that changed him drastically." Nyra hung her head, eyes closed. Luna tilted the mare's chin up to look at her.
"Don't blame yourself for Soren. He is a very kind and sensitive soul. We sensed it when he sang for us during his first few days in Ponyville. Tis why we accepted his...puppy love, as you call it. Not many stallions try to win the hearts of the princesses. They would be surprised how my sister and I would react." Chroma looked at Pinkamena.
"You've been awfully quiet." She shrugged.
"I'm learning more about Soren. Can't believe he dated a princess. What happened?"
"Pinkamena! You can't just ask why a relationship—"
"It is alright, Chroma," Luna interrupted. "I am willing to tell her. After Nyra died on that fateful day, Soren became angry at his friends and visibly threatened them with his magic. He showed his anger, but without so much as a thought of hurting them. He retreated to a cave to grieve, but he would soon find himself with company. The Doctor brought me to him.
"To prepare for the battle, Soren was learning offensive spells as if there were no tomorrow. His magic was bound to consume him at that rate, thus we had to take measures. Drastic measures. I had to erase Soren's knowledge of those spells...but at a cost. The window of spells we erase will also erase the general memories within that time frame. We were not willing to do that to Soren. He was needed...we were not.
"Soren was already heart-broken after Nyra's death. Instead of erasing his memories, we absorbed his knowledge of the spells then plunged the spells from our own memories, erasing our memories of him in the process. The spells would no longer corrupt Soren, and we protected him from even more punishment. We knew not of Soren for awhile; no knowledge of the fun we had, no knowledge of his personality, and no knowledge of our relationship. His memories were more important."
"Why?" Nyra asked, looking hurt. "You're relationship made him happy." Luna chuckled, confusing everypony.
"Ask Soren how long he has been with Rainbow Dash." Just then, the front door opened and in walked Soren and Rainbow, both carrying small boxes on each of their extended wings.
"Finally back," Soren said. "Sorta misplace a box or two. Found them all though. So what are you four talking about?"
"Just learning more about you," Pinkamena answered. "No wonder you were pissed at your friends being in danger. You've been through hell and back."
"You don't know the half of it." Soren and Rainbow placed the boxes against the wall next to the front door. "By the way, Luna, the sun is slowly starting to set."
"Thank you, Soren. My sister would appreciate some aid." Luna closed her eyes and used her magic to raise the moon while Celestia no doubt knew that now it was time to lower the sun. The princess' blue aura faded as she opened her eyes.
"I did not see the orange sky through the windows. I was focused on story-telling."
"Oh? What were you telling them?"
"We told them of...that day."
"Oh...at least they know." Soren looked at Nyra. He then turned to Chroma after the unicorn spoke up.
"Soren, how long have you and Rainbow been together?" The couple looked at each other then both gazed upward in thought, each making a different face of concentration.
"Uhh..." Soren started, "...almost a year. We started dating weeks after the Battle." Rainbow nodded in confirmation.
"I see what you're trying to tell us, Luna." Soren arched an eyebrow at the princess.
"Forgive us, Soren," she said. "We...I...was telling them to not feel bad for our relationship ending. Another had her eyes on you already." She winked at Rainbow.
"You knew about that?!" the cyan pegasus gasped. Luna laughed wholeheartedly.
"I can see anything during the night. I was especially curious about Soren leaving without me to protect Appaloosa."
"Well I didn't know Rainbow would do that!" he defended. "Plus, at the time, you were safer from Nyra in Ponyville. I was her main target at that point."
"Wasn't that the time I messed with your mind on the train?" the bat pony asked.
"I actually forgot that was you. Wasn't really important, even back then." He looked at Nyra, Chroma, and Pinkamena. "What were your reactions to Luna and I dating for a time?" The three looked at each other and looked at Soren. They proceeded to clap their hooves and nod. Soren couldn't help but smile and laugh.
Rainbow stretched and yawned. "I don't know about all of you, but this has been a long day. I'm going to turn in early."
"I think we all should," Soren said. "Luna, if you even sleep at night, the guest bedroom is upstairs, first door on the left."
"We only sleep when we need to, but yes, we will be resting." He nodded.
"Nyra, the couch is officially yours. Pinkamena...never got around to figuring our where you can sleep."
"I could just bunk with you."
"Or I could spend the night with Rainbow and you can have my bed."
"On second thought...Nyra? Room for two?"
"I guess. No funny business...maybe." Soren face-hoofed. I'm surrounded by flirtatious mares.
"Relax, Soren," Pinkamena said. "There will be no funny business. However, I can't promise there will be no fun business." Chroma gave one 'ha!' at the play on words.
"Fine. Do whatever," Soren said. "It's the easiest solution we have. Let's just get some rest for tomorrow. I have a feeling that'll be longer than today." Rainbow yawned again.
"I'm pretty sure this entire week is going to be long."
"I'll tell you what else is going to be long..." Pinkamena teased.
"Goodnight!" Soren teleported to the stairs while Rainbow and Nyra began laughing. Luna just sat there with a small blush on her face. What is happening right now? she thought.
"Oh wow..." Chroma said before he followed the laughing Rainbow Dash outside.
After Chroma and Rainbow left and the laughter died, Nyra and Pinkamena began debating on who would get the longer end of the L-shaped couch. Luna walked to the stairs after Soren disappeared into his room. She looked back at the conversing mares and back to Soren's bedroom door. She smiled, walked upstairs, and entered the guest room.
'Something is touching my horn.' He creaked one eye open and was graced with the presence of a bored-looking Nyra, who was propping her head with one hoof and using the other to make tapping noises with Soren's horn.
"Can I help you?" he said sleepily.
"Oh! You're finally awake. Good. I don't know if you could tell by that, but I was bored."
"How long were you doing that exactly?" He stretched.
"A few hours." Soren froze mid-stretch.
"A few...hours? Did you even sleep last night? And how didn't I wake up from that sooner." She shrugged.
"I slept or a bit, but I'm a bat pony with a messed up internal clock. If I stay up all day today, I should get it aligned with a normal pony's schedule. How did you sleep?"
"Fine actually. That's weird. Normally I would be having nightmares."
"How long has that been going on?" Nyra jumped off of the bed and sat near the bedroom door.
"Few weeks."
"Wow. Looks like you just needed to surround yourself in mares to get rid of them."
"Ha. Maybe I did. Let's just get downstairs." Nyra opened the door and allowed Soren to exit first. They immediately saw Luna about to walk downstairs. The princess made eye contact with them and looked back and forth between the two. Soren's eyes widened.
"It's not what it looks like! I just found her in my room this morning!"
"I know nothing happened, Soren. There was no noise coming from your bedroom. That, or you are a silent lover." Soren blushed and just followed Luna downstairs, Nyra right behind him.
"Eyes up, soldier. No moon gazing for you," Nyra whispered behind him. Soren's cheeks went from pink to red.
"I wasn't...I'm not going to...Uggh! You all are just torturing me now."
"Did someone say torture?" Pinkamena asked from the dining room table. She served herself a dandelion sandwhich and was currently halfway finished with it. "Soren, do we need a repeat of the last time we had quality time together?" Soren gave up; he sat down at the base of the stairs and buried his burning face in his hooves.
A knocking from the door signaled the arrival of Rainbow Dash. She greeted the other mares and looked at Soren sitting by the stairs.
"Hey, Soren. I see you have a morning wingboner."
"It's not from the morning," he muttered. "Why must you mares be so...so..."
"Kinky?" "Flirty?" "Lewd?" "Teasing?"
"Basically. Why though?"
"Because you're adorable when you blush," Rainbow answered. "And it's fun teasing you like that."
"It wouldn't be so fun for you girls if I teased back." Luna's eyebrows lifted quickly and slightly, then returned to their normal position.
"Maybe. It would bring up all kinds of fun. Anyway, I figured out what we could do today. Well, technically Pinkie Pie did. She caught up with me this morning and invited us to go ice skating. I figured we could put up the decorations really quick..." She tapped one of the boxes near the door. "...then go meet her."
"Two Pinkie Pies meeting each other..." Soren wondered. "Should be interesting. What do you girls think?" The other three said yes or why not.
The next hour or so was spent eating breakfast and hanging decorations. Midway through preparations, Soren flew to Chroma's house and dragged him to the house to help and to go ice skating with them after. Chroma persisted that he stay home, but after hearing the mention of more jokes with the mares, he found it hard to say no.
Once the Hearth's Warming decorations were up, the group of six made their way to one of the frozen ponds outside of town. Rainbow Dash led them to the pond Pinkie said she would be skating at. Sure enough, it was hard to miss the bright, pink, bouncy mare doing triple spins in the air and landing on one hoof then skating backwards. They all sat down at the edge of the pond as they watched Pinkie Pie skate.
Soren nudged Pinkamena. "In case you couldn't tell, she is this universe's version of you. An always-smiling, party-crazy, happy-go-lucky mare with an attitude that can bring joy to anypony."
"That's me!" Pinkie Pie said. After performing one more trick, she skated over to the six ponies. She hit the brakes and showered them with soft bits of ice. "Hiya, Princess! Are you staying in Ponyville for awhile?"
"Yes. How are you?"
"As good as always. Hey, it's Nyra! You're alive!"
"Hello, Pinkie Pie. It's great to be back."
"I'm sure the princesses did something magicky and crazy to bring you back, didn't they? Oooooo, new pony." She looked at Pinkamena and immediately brought her into a tight hug. The dark pink mare struggled to breathe but was eventually let go. "How long have you been in Ponyville? You look kinda like me and I would remember a pony that looked like me because it's me. Why wouldn't I know another me?"
"I've only been here—" Pinkamena started only to be interrupted by Pinkie.
"No, don't tell me!" She grabbed Pinkamena's head and put her ear to the top of it. She jiggled the mare's head and stared into her eyes like she was trying to look into her soul. "15 hours, 23 minutes, aaaaand 50 seconds. 51...52."
"Uhh..."
"Aaaanyway, Pinkie Pie," Rainbow started after seeing how blown Pinkamena's mind has become. "How about we teach them how to ice skate?"
"Goody! If I could teach Twilight how to skate, the rest of you should be a piece of cake with strawberry frosting and a chocolate cherry on top!"
"Umm, Twi still can't skate."
"Oh. Well...how hard can it be to try it again?" She pulled six sets of ice skates out of a nearby tree hollow. "It's been awhile since I've used my emergency ice skates. Be careful, everypony, it's very~ slippery. Wheeeeeee!" She flew down the ice towards the other end of the pond to perform more tricks.
With their ice skates now on, everypony stood on the snow at the edge of the pond. Rainbow and Nyra looked confident; Luna and Pinkamena weren't sure how to feel; and Soren and Chroma knew this wouldn't end well. Rainbow and Nyra took a step onto the ice; only one of them skated towards Pinkie Pie. Nyra's hoof slipped behind her, and she fell on her face. Everyone else on the snow cringed.
"I think I'm having second thoughts about this," Chroma said.
"Either take a chance or I'll drag you down with me," Soren said. "We're all going to fall. Might as well do it together." He took a step onto the ice and instantly wobbled. He tried moving his two right hooves forward, but they went too far forward and almost caused Soren to slide onto his stomach.
Luna and Pinkamena looked at each other and shrugged. They both took a chance together; Luna wobbled and refused to move in fear of falling, and Pinkamena soon fell to her stomach. Chroma mentality said 'screw this' and took a few steps back. He then took a running start for the ice, which caused him to slide on his chin and chest clear to the other side. Once he impacted snow, Chroma looked up at a giggling Pinkie Pie.
"That's not how you do it, silly! You have be patient. Teeny tiny baby motions." Pinkie took to the ice again, and every pony noticed how she didn't use giant motions with her hooves to gain speed or turn.
"I didn't even want to ice skate," Chroma complained as he dragged himself onto the snow. Pinkamena copied him and did the same. Those two really didn't want to learn how to ice skate.
Soren, Nyra, and Luna tried their best to find their center of balance. Every time they fell, they got back up and tried again. Luna seemed to figure out the mechanics fairly quick, whereas Soren and Nyra were becoming a little better. After an hour of attempts, the three sat in the snow and watched as Pinkie and Rainbow continued to skate. Chroma and Pinkamena joined the trio and watched as well.
"I didn't think your version of me would be so...different," Pinkamena commented to Soren.
"She's basically your opposite. Completely innocent and infinitely happy. You know, I bet you could be almost as happy as her if you tried."
"I doubt it. Thanks for saying that thought. So this is a normal day for you?"
"Pretty much, except with not so many mares flirting with me." Nyra, Pinkamena, and Luna laughed. "Recently, it's just been me, Rainbow, Chroma, and sometimes Pinkie Pie. Everyone else is busy and will probably remain that way for the next week."
"Your other friends are Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rarity, right?" He nodded. "Maybe I can stick around long enough to see them."
"How long are you staying with us? Did the mare that brought you say when she will pick you up?"
"Nope. Just brought me here and left. I really like it here; so nice and peaceful and...happy." Soren smiled and looked at Pinkamena gazing off into town. Pinkie Pie and Rainbow then skidded to a halt in front of everypony.
"You guys did pretty good for your first time," Rainbow said. "I'm sure you'll get it if you keep trying. Thanks for the fun time, Pinkie. Are you going to be spending Hearth's Warming with the Cakes again?"
"Yessiree, like always. Are you and Soren going to spend it together?"
"Among other guests," Soren answered with a gesture to everyone else.
"Wow. You could have a party at your house! Too bad I'll be with the Cakes; I could have hosted it!"
"That's alright, Pinkie. I'm sure it won't be that big of a party, but it will definitely be a party."
"Okey dokey loki, I'll see you all after the holidays!" Everyone said goodbye then Pinkie bounced back into town.
"We should probably get ready for tomorrow ourselves," Soren said. They all agreed, so the group walked back to Soren's house together.
---------------
Upon arriving home, the six friends were met with an unexpected surprise: a nasty smell that flooded the living room.
"What is causing such a foul odor?" Luna asked, holding her muzzle; everyone was doing the same.
"Smells like...rotten milk?" Soren said. He walked into the kitchen and sure enough found a glass half-filled with thick milk. "Eeyup, the smell is definitely being caused by this." He picked the glass, brought it outside, dumped the milk with his magic (it was too thick to pour out), and ignited it with a spell. Walking back inside, Soren was being stared at with questionable looks. "What? I'd rather smell burnt grass than spoiled milk."
"The smell is still inside," Chroma pointed out. "Anypony know a spell that can clean the air?"
"I may have an alternative," Luna said. Illuminating the room in a light blue glow, Luna created a mist to change the scent of the air to that similar of the ocean. Everyone took a good whiff of the new scent and relaxed immensely. Much better than spoiled milk.
"What can't the princesses do?" Rainbow asked as her and Soren leaned against each other. Everyone's eyes were closed; Chroma sat still, and Nyra and Pinkamena leaned against the couch.
Chroma's ear twitched.
-------------
The rest of the day was spent relaxing and conversing with one another. Celestia and Luna set the sun and rose the moon, the decorations were up, the carolers were already out and about, and Soren and his friends couldn't be more relaxed and happy. Pinkamena and Nyra were already asleep, and Luna and Rainbow were talking to each other. Soren took this opportunity to go outside and enjoy the night; Chroma soon joined him.
"So what are you going to do?" the unicorn asked. Soren was staring at the moon.
"Hmm?"
"About all of those mares inside. It's obvious something is about to happen."
"I know. I just hope it's not what I think is going to happen."
"And what exactly do you think will happen?"
"Either Rainbow finds out they are genuinely trying to make me their coltfriend, or they all fight over me."
"But Luna hasn't flirted with you yet."
"She will. I doubt she's staying to watch Nyra. You don't really think I was the only one hurt about our forced break up, do you?"
"I didn't think of that. I just assumed that because she was royalty..."
"That she would have more important things to do? She does, but it doesn't mean she can't have fun on the side. Celestia seems to rule more anyway."
"Do you have a plan to deal with this?"
"Not yet. What's the worse that could happen anyway?"
"Someone gets hurt."
Soren looked at Chroma. "Physically or mentally?"
"Does it matter?"
"No, but physically is something that should be avoided at all costs. I'll figure something out, don't worry. Let's just enjoy the holidays tomorrow. You're welcome to stay here with us."
"I'll have to pass. As much as I would love to wake up to the smell of mare heat, I'll just sleep at home and arrive here as early as possible."
"Your loss. This morning, I was fire red from blushing, and I was only up for about ten minutes. Even woke up with Nyra in my bed."
It was finally Hearth's Warming Day. All of Equestria was celebrating the momentous holiday that symbolized the creation of their great country. Songs, decorations, meals, and stories make the holiday amazing every year. Household would host parties or get-togethers, towns would be filled with song and joy, and the country would have an overall beautiful attitude.
The ponies in Soren's household woke up around the same time. They gathered for breakfast, without any mishaps, and enjoyed their food as an interesting family. After breakfast, they agreed on simply relaxing at home for the day instead of going out to find something to do. They spent their time telling stories or jokes, playing card games, and singing various songs that weren't simply about the holidays.
It was a pretty normal day; Soren learned a few things about his friends. Luna and Pinkamena have the most interesting tales, although they had to stop Pinkamena on a few occasions; he himself was pretty good at a few card games like Blackjack and Cider; Chroma was a pretty good artist (he drew bust shots of all of them); and Luna was a great pianist. Soren still wanted to know what Nyra liked to do. She was a blank flank only because she had no choice. He wondered if the Cutie Mark Crusaders could help her, then he realized the lengths those three adorable fillies go to find their talents. There was no way that would help Nyra.
Towards the end of the day, as the sun would soon begin to set, dinner was being prepared by Soren and Luna. Once the food was in the oven, the two joined their friends by the couch as they all enjoyed the active fireplace next to the blank television.
"Dinner will be ready soon," Soren announced. "Today has been a great day."
"Definitely," Rainbow said as she cuddled next to Soren when he sat on the couch.
"This feels so...nice," Nyra said. "I...I don't ever want to leave." She began to tear up, so Pinkamena brought her in for a sideways hug. Soren still felt bad for Nyra; she didn't deserve anything that she went through in the past. She's come a long way, though. It's only uphill from here.
Nyra thanked Pinkamena. "Don't worry," the pink mare said, "I've been through bad times as well. Being orphaned at a really young age can screw up anypony's mind." Nyra looked at Soren for answers.
"She lost her parents when she was around five-years-old. She traveled through a forest and wound up at her version of Appaloosa, where she found a dying stallion who had been murdered by somepony. As the stallion bled on the ground, Pinkamena tried to help him, but he died right there and right before the townsfolk arrived. They saw Pinkamena next to the bloody blade that was used to kill the poor guy, and they assumed she did it. She grabbed the knife, defended herself with it, and ran into hiding. She's been labeled as a murderer ever since, so she decided to become one ever since. Luckily, she's turned a new leaf."
"That's the gist of it. Nyra, we've all been through rough times. Well...almost all of us." She looked at Chroma.
"Yeah, I can't say I've been through a tough time like you guys have."
"Hopefully you won't," Soren said as he glanced at the kitchen. "I'll be right back. I need to see if dinner is ready." Soren walked away.
When Soren disappeared from sight, Chroma smiled and levitated something out of his mane. He hung it over the doorway to the kitchen, and Soren soon walked under it. The alicorn heard the levitation spell above him and looked up. His eyes widened as he saw a mistletoe hovering there. The girls saw Chroma's grinning face then turned toward Soren.
Upon seeing the mistletoe, the girls smiled then rushed at the alicorn. They began fighting and shoving each other in order to be the first one to him. Pinkamena pulled on Rainbow's tail as she tried to fly to her coltfriend, while Nyra and Luna shoved a hoof at each other's faces. Chroma continued to grin as he watched Soren standing there with a slightly scared expression on his face.
As the four mares edged closer, Soren teleported himself and the mistletoe to the couch. With a scowl, he grabbed the plant and shoved it in Chroma's mouth. The unicorn laughed with a mouth full of plant. Soren shook his head at him then looked at the mares, who gave up and just stared at each other like they were now in a competition.
"Girls," Soren called, "relax by the fire. Luna, can you help me serve dinner?" The princess nodded then Soren joined her in the kitchen.
They set the table and served dinner to everyone within fifteen minutes. During dinner when everyone wasn't deep in conversation, the girls glanced at each other now and again. Things were getting heated; Chroma and Soren could easily tell. At this point, even Soren was slightly enjoying this little battle over him. Once dinner was finished, the six ponies relaxed by the fireplace once more.
"It's been a crazy time in Ponyville," Soren said. "Not a dull moment since I wound up here."
"Soren," Chroma started, "how did you end up meeting everyone in this room? You haven't told me everything about your adventures yet."
"I'm sure you'll read about it when Twilight catalogs my adventures. Luckily the night is still young, so I could at least tell you about the girls. I met Rainbow Dash and her friends when they found me as a foal. I eventually grew to my normal size while I befriended all of them. When I went on my first adventure to Appaloosa, Rainbow showcased her crush to me; she kissed me on the train ride there. It wasn't until after I somewhat accepted Nyra's death that I realized I would like to date her as well.
"I met Nyra when she first tried to steal Princess Luna from us. I somehow managed to stop her during our first fight. Our second fight wasn't until the Battle of the Nyrs, and we all know how that went. Nyra was resurrected later by Nightmare Moon's spirit, which was brought to our world by Diamond. After defeating the spirit, Nyra's body and soul was put to rest yet again. When Luna gave back her life recently, Nyra started to act normal. I honestly don't know why she has a crush on me. We don't truly know each other."
"You were the only pony that cared about me and was willing to give me a chance," Nyra said. "I practically owe you my life."
"I hear that more than you think." He continued with his stories. "When I first met Luna, I was smitten immediately. I knew she was out of my league, yet I still pursued her. I think the first time we sang together was when she thought more about my feelings towards her. It wasn't until I freaked out after I discovered her past that she came to me and comforted me. We cared about each other and she said not many ponies are brave enough to seek the princesses, so she was willing to give me a chance.
"I admit, we didn't spend a lot of time together. Many different things were stopping us. The Battle of the Nyrs was the final obstacle in our relationship. She gave up her memories of me so I wouldn't lose my own memories. I never sought her after that; I figured she was better off. There was another pony that loved me anyway; Luna knew that as well."
Soren sighed then looked at Pinkamena. "I met this crazy mare when I was in the alternate Equestria. In their version of Appaloosa, I fought twisted versions of Twilight and her friends. Pinkamena captured me at one point and was about to torture me...or so I thought. She had me strapped down and was about to—"
"Soren," Luna warned.
"Fine fine. After I convinced her to stop her attempt on me, we took the time to learn about each other. I found that she was pretty nice, just misread. Sure she was a murdering psychopath, but after hearing her tale I could see why. I'm really surprised she showed up when she did a few days ago.
"Chroma...I met you when you and your brother, Amber, recently moved here to Ponyville. You told me you both wanted a smaller town to live in. Rainbow, maybe you have seen his brother around. Amber is the same color as his name implies, and his cutie mark is a book. Look out for him next time you're flying around.
"I guess that's it. That's how I met all of these wonderful mares and you, Chroma. Still doesn't even begin to describe all of the things I went through."
"Still amazing that you're sane from everything," Chroma said. "I probably couldn't handle a single adventure of yours."
"Maybe. I was lucky. I don't know why the Doctor turned himself into an alicorn. Maybe he knew too much about the future, but I suppose that was a good thing." Nyra yawned.
"Are you still not used to staying up during the day and sleeping at night?" Luna asked her.
"Not really. My body will be used to it soon. I should probably sleep though. At least it's practically nighttime."
"You can have the guest room if you wish. We do not mind sleeping here tonight." Nyra stood up and gave her a sleepy smile.
"Thank you, Luna." The bat pony made her way up the stairs. Soren looked at everyone.
"I think we're done for the night. Anyone object?" No one disagreed. "Then let's go to bed as well. I'm sure we're not too tired, but it's not like we have much else to do."
"Mind if I join you, Soren?" Rainbow asked.
"I don't see why not."
"I'll join you in a sec. I need something to drink first."
"Grab whatever you need." Soren walked toward the stairs, Chroma was laying on the rug in front of the couch, and Luna and Pinkamena were laying on the couch.
Upstairs, as Soren opened his bedroom door, he almost didn't see Nyra on his bed. She was laying there with a smile, waiting for him. He sighed and lay with her as they looked at each other. Soren used his magic to lock the door; he really didn't want Rainbow to walk in and get the wrong idea.
"So...you like me, huh?" Soren said, asking a stupid question. "All because I was the only pony to give you a chance? You don't want to try to find someone better?" She draped her hooves around his neck and looked at him intimately.
"I don't need anyone better."
"Nyra, please. I'm with Rainbow. Don't let your lust make you selfish."
"How do you know she wouldn't like a little company in bed?"
"How often have you had relationships like this?"
"Well I wouldn't call them relationships, but when I was leading my army, we all had certain needs." Soren stopped her there.
"Noted. I can't do this though. It would be wrong." Nyra rolled Soren onto his back while she stood on top of him.
"That's not what your feeling down there~."
"Luna-dammit, Nyra! Get off!" He levitated her off of him and onto the floor. He blushed at her while she smirked back at him. She turned towards the door and walked away in the sexiest way she could.
Soren groaned with a bit of irritation and his covered his eyes with his hooves and teleported Nyra to the guest bedroom. He still didn't want to take the chance of Rainbow seeing her leave the room. He unlocked the door, and, seconds later, Rainbow walked in. She saw the blush and extended wings on Soren.
"Nyra?" He nodded. She shook her head and joined him in bed.
Soren awoke the next morning holding his marefriend. She smiled as she opened her eyes and looked at him. She laughed a little.
"I would be able to tell it's morning even with my eyes closed." She pointed down. Soren knew what she was referring too and blushed.
"S-Sorry. Can't help that."
"Don't worry about it. I'll try not to be too eager." Soren nuzzled her neck.
"It's not something that can happen whenever we want. You know what might happen on accident. Don't worry, we'll make a family in the future." She returned the nuzzle.
"Definitely. I'm going to see who else is awake. You take care of...that." Rainbow jumped out of bed and walked into the hallway.
"Umm..." How to proceed? "I guess I'll wait then?"
Meanwhile, Luna and Chroma were awake downstairs. They were talking about how the government works with two princesses.
"So since Celestia had most of control before you returned, you are somewhat more of a vice-president or second-in-command?"
"Correct. We have say in political matters, but only slightly less than my sister. Celestia handles most legal matters. She tells us she is used to it and that we should not fret. We spend our free time learning of the history we missed and what could possibly happen in the future. We also create hypotheses on various subjects we are learning as well."
"No offense, but Soren was right: You are definitely out of his league. A genius mare like yourself? Can't really see the two of you dating for very long."
"Oh?" She took on a more teasing voice. "Do you think you are within our league?" She smiled at him.
"What?! N-No, I-I wasn't insinuating that I...that we should..." Luna giggled.
"It is alright, Chroma. We are merely...pulling your hoof. You can relax."
"That wasn't funny," he pouted slightly. "Be honest. You didn't come here to watch Nyra, did you? You're here for Soren."
"We suppose it is that obvious. We miss Soren. Regardless of our previous memory loss and the fact that he has found a more suitable mate, we will always miss his company and the feeling he gave us during our relationship."
"You felt loved, and I assume you don't feel that way besides sisterly love with Celestia, correct?" Luna nodded. There was silence for a time.
"Nyra kissed Soren," Luna said suddenly. "We saw it in his dreams last night. It showed them in an alleyway, probably where he first saw her a few days ago. He pulled away quickly, but now he feels a tad confused."
"Why? He has Rainbow. Why would he—?"
"Hey, guys," Rainbow greeted as she descended the staircase. "How long have you two been up?"
"Almost an hour," Luna answered. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yep. This might be a random question, but do you guys think Nyra is acting a little strange?"
"How so?"
"She's a lot different then the dying mare I technically killed a long time ago. She's more...flirty."
"Do not think too much of it. Bat ponies and Lunar Guards alike always deal with slightly more hormones than normal ponies."
"Alright. Did you guys eat breakfast yet?" As Rainbow and Luna continued to speak with each other, Chroma saw something moving in his peripheral vision. He glanced over and saw Pinkamena silently walking to the stairs. After the mare went upstairs, Chroma decided to follow her.
"If you're going to start breakfast, let me go fetch Soren," Chroma told Rainbow and Luna.
"Ok, but be careful, he's dealing with his 'morning incident' to be courteous to his company. It's your fault if you walk in on that."
As Chroma walked up the stairs, he had one, or two, thoughts on his mind. It's for a friend, it's for a friend, it's for a friend...and DO NOT think about THAT! He saw Soren's bedroom cracked open. He peeked inside and saw Soren talking to Pinkamena.
"Oh come on, it's not fair that I wasn't there when you woke up," she said.
"No, I didn't even do anything with Rainbow. We aren't ready for that yet, so I'm definitely not going to do it with you."
"It's not like I'm going to have your kids or anything. I know ways around it." Soren pinched between his eyes and sighed.
"Please...just go downstairs."
"Fine, but next time I at least want to see." Chroma fell to the floor on the left side of the door opposite the staircase. Pinkamena walked out and before she descended the stairs, she commented, "He's all yours, Chroma."
He was stunned. How...? was he only thought before knocking on Soren's door and walking in. Soren was laying on his back under the covers, hooves covering his eyes.
"Mares, I tell ya," he said to Chroma. "I swear they have to be in heat or something!"
"I take it she wasn't the first one out of her, Luna, and Nyra to attempt to have sex?"
"Nope. Nyra was practically a thrust away from starting it last night. I already know how Rainbow stands on the subject. Sex almost always leads to pregnancy. We're going to wait on that."
"Smart move. Slightly too young to start a family. I'm sure you'll make great parents."
"Considering the things that happen to me, I might fear for my kids' lives. Enough about family and the future. Right now I have to figure out what to do about these mares."
"You're the first stallion I've heard complain about having too many mares come onto him."
"I don't care! I like my relationship with Rainbow Dash. I don't want to mess that up."
"I know. That was probably poor timing for a joke."
"Any ideas?"
"Well...my immediate thought is for you to ask Rainbow Dash how she feels about having you as her coltfriend but you having—what's it called—friends with benefits at the same time."
"How will that even work?"
"I don't know. Oh! There is one thing, but it's only practiced rarely. It's called a herd. One male has multiple female partners. Certain tribes still practice it. Why not create one with these girls?"
"Although that would be the best solution, I couldn't do it. Each mare wants me for herself. See the problem?" Chroma shakes his head disappointedly with eyes closed.
"Why did you have to get into this mess?"
"I don't know! I'm the Doctor?" Chroma smacked Soren with a magically-created hoof.
"Really? A magical hoof?"
"I don't like to physically hurt ponies."
"But you just—"
"I know."
"But you—"
"Is now really the time, Soren?!" Soren groaned. "How are you going to get out of this predicament?"
"I don't know. I don't want to hurt any of them."
"You have to choose one."
"Do I?"
"Yes, you do. You just said it yourself. Having multiple marefriends isn't possible with them. Can't you narrow it down?"
"Well, I can't say I love Pinkamena as much as the others. She's the one who came onto me."
"In more than one way..."
"Shut up. We didn't even have sex. Let's see...Luna was more of a crush than true love."
"But you don't want to hurt her. I learned that she does still love you. She might actually come onto you as well."
"Oh great. But yes, I don't want to hurt her. Nyra and Rainbow are the hardest to choose from."
"Hmm, Nyra Melody..."
"You think you know who I want?"
"No, I'm just testing names to see how good they sound."
"I wouldn't expect them to take my adopted last name."
"What about the Melody Family bloodline?"
"Octavia will pass down the family. I'm not even related to her by blood."
"In any case, you should pick one of the girls soon. Who knows if there will be consequences if you don't?" Chroma chose to leave the bedroom. Soren continued to lay on his bed and stare at the ceiling.
--------------
Soren spent today looking over the library. He received occasional visits from the girls and Chroma, but most of the time he was spent alone with books and his thoughts. About midway through the day, a scroll arrived for him and landed upon a wooden desk. He picked up; it was from Twilight.
Hello again, Soren
I hope you aren't too bored over there. You have Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie with you after all. Princess Celestia told me Luna traveled to Ponyville; maybe you are already spending time with her by now. Also, maybe Chroma could teach you a few things, or you could teach him. There's also performing and singing. I can't really help you too much since I'm away, but I'm sure you will find something. See you in a few days.
Your friend, Twilight Sparkle
Soren had to tell her. He put down the scroll, levitated a quill and a fresh scroll over to him, and wrote a response. In the letter, he told her how Nyra appeared the same day he sent the last letter. He also told her of Luna and Pinkamena and that the three mares have been flirting with him. He had to be honest and say that he was 'second guessing himself over which mare to choose.' He felt ashamed just writing it; he didn't know what to do. He knew what the right answer was, so why was he second guessing himself?
He finished writing, ignited his face, and sent the scroll. He wiped away the small patches of soot and walked to the library doors. It wasn't the end of his shift yet, but he really needed to be home. Closing the front door, Soren turned over a sign on the door so it read 'Be back soon.'
"I got him as fast as I could," Rainbow announced as she flew through the front door with Chroma running in behind her. The sun was approaching the horizon in the background.
"Good," Luna said. "He needed to be here with us."
"What's happening to Soren?" the unicorn asked.
"All of us do not know. He came home, refused to say anything, and locked himself in his room. It would be rude to force him out."
"Is there a plan to confront him?" The mares glanced at each other with shame. "Guess not. I take it all of you have spoken to him from outside his room?" They nodded. "I might as well try then. Chroma walked upstairs with the mares following behind. He reached Soren's door and knocked.
"Go away."
"Soren, it's me, Chroma. Is there anyway I can help? We're all worried."
"Tell them to wait downstairs and I'll let you in." Chroma looked at the mares, who all nodded and retreated downstairs. He then mouthed at them to stay down there.
"Ok, they're gone." Soren teleported Chroma into his room. "Woah, give a colt some warning before doing that!" He quickly shut up as he stared at Soren. He looked a mess; his mane was a tad frazzled, his eyes were watery, and his mouth was scowling. "Are you alright?"
"Of course I'm not!" he growled. "My mind doesn't want to work right. I know who I love; it's Rainbow Dash. So why. Am I. Considering. Dating. Another. Mare?!" Soren hit his head lightly with a hoof with every pause. Chroma levitated him off of the bed and brought Soren to eye level.
"Get a hold of yourself!" He took a softer tone. "Just relax. I'm here. Just speak your mind." He set Soren on the floor then sat down with him.
"I should be dating Rainbow Dash right now, not thinking of dating Nyra or Luna. I know what's right, yet my mind seems to be forcing me to think of what's wrong."
"Speak honestly. How would you feel if you dated Nyra or Luna?"
"Well...it probably wouldn't be much different than my relationship with Rainbow. It'll just be a different mare. I don't know why I want to. Mares are just too gorgeous."
"And kinky. Don't forget that."
"I'm a few seconds away from slapping you."
"Duly noted. I take it you couldn't think of a plan."
"Plan? I was going to think of a plan?" Chroma's ear twitched. He forgot?
"No, I just assumed you would have to come up with one," he lied.
"With how messed up I am, I probably couldn't think of one anyway. What am I going to do?!" Soren dropped to his stomach and wrapped his head in his hooves.
"Calm down, Soren. I'll help steer you to the right mentality. You're fine."
"You're telling me I'm fine? The colt who suggested that I start a herd?"
"I suggested what now?" His ear twitched again. "I don't remember that. It definitely won't help you anyway. Are you positively sure that Rainbow wouldn't mind you becoming close friends with Nyra?"
"How am I supposed to go about asking her?! 'Hey, Rainbow, do you mind if I date you but flirt with another mare?'"
"I don't know. I'm just throwing out ideas."
"I think you have as many ideas as I do right now. Just...go. I want to be alone right now."
"If you say so. We'll be downstairs if you need us."
"Yeah, yeah." Soren teleported Chroma out of the room. He jumped back onto his bed and shoved his face into his pillow. Maybe I can sleep this off.
Meanwhile, Chroma appeared in the upstairs hallway. He was stunned that Soren teleported him again without warning and that he just realized something. He said I mentioned forming a herd with the girls. That's not something I would take lightly, yet I forgot about it until now. What is going on? None of this got out of hoof until Hearth's Warming. What happened before that day? Ice-skated, came to Soren's house to find that smell, Luna cleaned the air... His eyes widened. She wouldn't...
He trotted back downstairs and almost forgot four mares were waiting for him. They all immediately broke their conversation and looked at Chroma. He glanced straight at Luna.
"How is he?" Rainbow asked. Chroma looked away from the princess.
"He's fine. He wanted some time alone."
"What's wrong with him?" Nyra asked. "Can't we help?"
"I think that will only make it worse. This is something only he can do alone."
"Horse apples!" Rainbow cursed as she lifted into the air. "He needs help! No one should be depressed alone."
"Rainbow, please! Trust me on this. We'll give him until tomorrow afternoon. If he doesn't come out, we'll have to go in." She landed on the couch and crossed her forelegs.
"Fine. I'll give him until tomorrow. Let's just go to sleep then. I'm staying with all of you down here if that's ok." No one objected. Nyra told Luna she could have the guest room again, so the princess made her way upstairs. The others took their spots anywhere in the living room and tried to sleep.
After about half an hour, Chroma opened his eyes. He pretended to rest, hoping the others would now be asleep. He slowly stood up and snuck to the staircase. He walked slower on the stairs to avoid any hidden, creaky steps. Eventually he made it up and stopped in front of the guest room. He slowly opened the door and peeked inside. He saw Luna laying on the bed, reading a book next to the lit nightstand lamp. After Chroma entered and closed the door, Luna turned towards him, probably hoping it was Soren.
"Oh, hello, Chroma. I did not expect you to still be awake. Are you having trouble sleeping?"
"No, I stayed up on purpose. I came to talk to you."
"Oh? What about?" Chroma took a deep breath to relax.
"I know you used magic on all of us to make us more...heated."
"Heated?"
"You made our hormones increase in intensity. You put the mares in heat and put Soren's thinking out of line."
"When do you suggest I did this?"
"The day when you 'cleaned the air' with your magic. The next day, everything started going downhill..."
------------
Rainbow Dash couldn't fall asleep; she couldn't stop worrying about Soren. Last time he was depressed, he completely broke down and cried on Celestia. He was supposed to be leading them, yet he cracked under the pressure. Rainbow could only imagine what would happen this time. She walked upstairs to Soren's room and tried opening the door. Locked. Wanting to try and sleep again, Rainbow made her way to the stairs, but she stopped when she heard voices coming from the guest room. She put her ear to the door and listened.
"When do you suggest I did this?" Luna said.
"The day when you 'cleaned the air' with your magic," Chroma answered. "The next day, everything started going downhill. You all fought each other trying to get to Soren, which was a funny sight, and now he's depressed because he can't decide which of you to date!"
Rainbow gasped silently. That's why Soren was depressed?! She continued to listen.
"All I did was cleanse the air of that foul order," Luna said. Rainbow couldn't tell, but Chroma created an aura field around Luna to levitate her a foot or two off of the bed.
"Oh, really? Because I know how it feels to be magically manipulated. Now, are you going to tell me why you are doing this?" He put her back down.
"Obviously we meant no harm to him. We are simply experimenting with his loyalty."
"I doubt 'we' is just you this time."
"Believe what you will, but you cannot prove we were using magic on everypony. Alicorn magic is different than regular unicorn magic."
"I'm sure Soren will listen to me. I'm one of his best friends after all."
"Unless, of course, you forget this conversation."
"Are you honestly threatening to erase my memories of this?"
"We do not threaten our subjects! The nerve of such an accusation! We are merely saying that you are very tired, we all are, therefore our memories may not be the best tomorrow."
"I highly doubt I will forget this."
"Very well, just please...consider our side before speaking with Soren." Chroma sighed.
"I will, but you'll need to tell me everything. Goodnight, Princess."
"We are sorry, dear Chroma. Goodnight." Rainbow silently flew downstairs before Chroma walked out of the bedroom. As Chroma stepped through the door, Luna looked at the back of his mane. She saw a tiny blue orb embedded in it and gave a small smirk.
"We cannot end the fun just yet, dear Chroma. However, we are truly sorry for that."
-------------
The next day wasn't fun for anyone. Chroma woke up without realizing that he spoke to Luna last night, the mares were still worried about Soren, and Rainbow Dash had to figure out what to do with the information she heard the night before. If Luna truly caused them to become in heat, what could Rainbow do about that? Soren was freakin out over almost nothing. She trusted him, even more so now that Luna may have caused all of this. How could she blame him for thinking that way? She herself didn't even care that three other mares were trying to kiss him on Hearth's Warming Day.
By the afternoon, Soren came out to eat. He barely said anything to his friends and couldn't make eye contact with the girls. As Soren made food for himself in the kitchen, Rainbow whispered for everyone to wait downstairs. With food levitating beside him, Soren walked back to his room. Rainbow snuck up behind him and used her hoof to block the door Soren tried to shut. She pressed herself inside and shut the door.
"Rainbow! Wha...? I want to be left alone."
"You shouldn't be alone. It won't help you. We can. Talk to us; we will understand."
"I know that, it's just...this is something that can cause complications. I'd rather avoid that if possible." Rainbow didn't know what else to say. He's forcing himself to stay silent in fear of losing me.
Without saying anything, Rainbow hugged Soren; he didn't hug back. She broke the hug and smiled at him.
"Well, if you don't want to accept our help, I'll just have to give it to you when you aren't expecting it." With that, she stepped out of the bedroom, leaving Soren confused. Before she made it downstairs, Rainbow lost her grin and put on her best, faked, neutral expression. She had a plan.
"Any better?" Pinkamena asked.
"Not really," Rainbow replied. She looked at Chroma. "You might as well go home. If anything happens, we'll come find you right away."
"Okeydoke. I'll be at home when that happens. See you girls later." He waved goodbye as he left. Rainbow waited a minute or two before proceeding.
"Ok, girls, I have a plan and Chroma can't know about it. This should hopefully help Soren, or explode his mind. One of the two." Luna, Nyra, and Pinkamena gave each other worried glances. "Don't worry. Tonight should be the night we get Soren back."
The next day, Chroma arrived at Soren's house first thing in the morning. He knocked on the door; Soren quickly opened it, stepped outside, and shut it behind him. He immediately picked up Chroma.
"I messed up! I messed up!" he exclaimed with wide eyes and tiny pupils.
"Woah, calm down. What happened? Are you and the girls ok?"
"It...It should be bad...but it wasn't. I...They kept flirting...even more than usual...then...then I...I woke up next to all of them." Chroma groaned and face-hoofed.
"You are the most unfortunate, yet luckiest, son of a mule I have ever known!"
"Do you know what it's like to be in a room full of mares in heat?! It messes with your mind! None of us were thinking straight, not even Rainbow or Luna! What...what should I...?"
"Get ahold of yourself for one thing. I...I don't know. I don't think many ponies have been in your...situation, if you could even call it that."
"They're fighting over me."
"Is it really that hard of a choice?"
"Normally, no, but somepony is messing with our minds. The more I think about the choice, the farther I get from the mare I know is right for me."
"Rainbow Dash."
"Is it?" Soren smacked himself. "See what I mean?! Something happened!"
"You got laid, that's what happened," Chroma laughed. "That must have blown your last sexual adventure clear into the water."
"What last adventure?"
"You mean you haven't... Are you serious...?"
"I'm pretty sure you would have heard about it by now."
"Correction...you are the luckiest pony on this planet." Chroma muttered to himself as he walked away. "He's a virgin then he participates in a fivesome. What the hell, Celestia? He was even with your sister." Soren just watched Chroma walk away as the mutterings got quieter and quieter. Soon he was left sitting on the front porch, not knowing what to do or feel.
"Why didn't I just regenerate when I had the chance? I should have let Nightmare Moon kill me."
Soren entered his house and slumped on the couch as he waited for the four mares to come downstairs. He still couldn't believe last night actually happened. He wasn't even sure how long it would be until he was going to do it with Rainbow, then all of sudden four mares enter his bedroom. Soren sighed; he definitely felt better though.
"How are you feeling?" a voice said. Soren turned towards Rainbow Dash as she landed on the couch next to him.
"You all are evil" was all he could say. Rainbow laughed.
"You're the one that didn't want our help. You should have just talked to me about it. I trust you enough to know you wouldn't just abandon me. Even when you random left us in the TARDIS, I knew you'd be back."
"I was stupid. The more I thought about the subject, though, the farther I got from the correct answer. I want to be with you, Rainbow. No one else." They hugged each other. "I can still smell the heat."
"Good. Take a good whiff." She bear hugged him.
"Okay, okay. How did you even convince... You know what, I don't know why I was about to ask. Of course they were willing to jump me in my bed."
"That's your girl fan club for you."
"How do you feel about all of this? I mean we just shared a bed with four other mares."
"Mares are cute." Soren raised an eyebrow at her. "What? I can appreciate a cute pony when I see one. And I'm pretty sure last night I showed you how much I love stallions."
"No kidding. I'm surprised the other weren't jealous of you hogging me to yourself half of the time."
"Pinkamena started distracting Nyra anyway. Luna didn't seem to mind being alo—" They heard a light groaning coming from nowhere. They looked to the front door and saw the TARDIS materializing.
"Pinkamena!" Soren yelled. "You're ride is here!"
The blue box landed and out walked an earth pony mare with smooth pink hair, a light red coat, and light blue eyes. She smiled at Soren and Rainbow then her entire body glowed white. Her size grew and her mane become much longer; she also grew wings and a horn. Once her transformation was complete, she spoke to them.
"Hello, Soren. Hello, Rainbow Dash," Princess Celestia greeted. "Did you enjoy your holiday?"
"You could say that," Soren said. Luna, Nyra, and Pinkamena walked down the stairs and noticed the princess and blue box in the living room.
"Hello, sister," Luna greeted. "I believe we are done here."
"I assumed as much. Today is the deadline."
"Everything was resolved by today as predicted." Celestia sniffed the air.
"With interesting results, I take it. Based on the smell that is lingering from all of you." Soren and Rainbow blushed.
"Oh...right," Luna said, blushing slightly herself. "Soren, you will probably be stuck with this smell in your house for a day or two."
"I don't think I mind," he said honestly. Everypony looked at him. "What? I just had a fivesome! I think my shame just flew out the window. Anyway, Celestia, why did you and Luna plan all of this?"
"To test your loyalty mainly. There wasn't really another theory behind it. I also wanted Luna to enjoy time with you again."
"She enjoyed it alright. I think all of us did. Sorry, but it's true."
"It's quite alright. Just...try to keep this between all of us here and your friend, Chroma."
"I think he got jealous, so he walked off. I'll see him later."
"Very well. Luna, Pinkamena, are you ready?" Luna nodded, but Pinkamena looked at Soren. She liked this world; she really didn't want to go.
"It's ok, Pinkamena," Soren said. "If you ever want to come back, there's an emergency necklace in the TARDIS that I want you to keep. Just try not to have us get you constantly. The TARDIS can only handle so much."
She nodded sadly and walked to the TARDIS. The two princesses and darkish pink mare stepped inside and closed the doors. Soon, the blue box vanished, leaving Nyra, Rainbow, and Soren alone. Nyra gave Soren a quick kiss on the cheek and started for the front door.
"Thank you, Soren...for everything. If you two love birds will excuse me, I have to find a home...hopefully."
"If you need someone to have your back, we'll be there for you," Rainbow said while pulling Soren towards her and winking at Nyra.
"Thank you. I'll see ya around." The couple said bye to Nyra for now, and she left the house.
"I like her," Rainbow commented randomly. Soren looked at her. "Yes, it's exactly what you're thinking. You're still mine though." They shared a laugh.
"I should go find Chroma."
"You should take a shower first...with me."
"Well, if you say so."
--------------
Soren and Chroma sat on Sugarcube Corner's front porch, looking Ponyville. Both were happy that everything was pretty much back to normal. They spoke for awhile about what happened over the holidays. Eventually, Chroma ended the conversation with one sentence.
"One day, I hope a mare loves me as much as they love you, but hopefully it'll only be one and not a herd." He chuckled; Soren did as well.
"Heh, yeah."
Chroma patted Soren on the shoulder and walked away. Soren continued to sit there and watch ponies pass by; he had no clue why. He eventually saw Vinyl walk by and remembered what Chroma said about his "little crush" on her.
"Hey, Vinyl! You got a minute?"
--------------
Dear Soren,
I read your letter saying that you solved your problem. When one thinks back on it, it seemed obvious that none of you were to blame for that mishap. I can't believe the princesses were testing you. What was even the point of all of that? It was downright unnecessary in my opinion. How exactly did you solve your issue anyway?
Your friend, Twilight Sparkle
Soren picked up his quill.
Dear Twilight,
It was solved with one very long, steamy night. See you in two days.
Soren Melody, quoted as being "the luckiest son of a mule in Equestria."