Fear. Everypony has it at some time or another. Some may show it, other refuse to acknowledge it. It doesn’t matter if you’re a filly hiding from the monster under your bed, or if you’re a full grown stallion about to fight a battle. Fear is fear. It can actually be a daily struggle for ponies like me. Being scared of your own shadow sounds farfetched, but it is something I have to live with. Can it make you? Yes. Can it break you? Absolutely. That’s why the strongest of ponies can fail. Bravery may be important, but even if you don’t have it, it makes you no less of a pony. Besides, didn’t Pinkie taught us to laugh at what frightens us?

I slowly regained consciousness. I don’t know how long I was out, it felt like I had been asleep for only minutes. Dreariness settled in my mind as I rolled my head to my other shoulder. Wait, I was sitting up! I couldn’t open my eyes! No, it was a blindfold. I felt sick to my stomach and my head stung.

Where was I? That cloaked pony! She must have kidnapped me! Oh Celestia, she tied me up so the raiders could get to me!

Panicking, my stomach couldn’t take anymore, so I leaned over and vomited onto the floor. I started shivering as the bile left a horrible taste in my mouth.

“Welcome, Sienna.” A mare’s voice came from the room, somewhere. She had the pitch of an older mare.

“Wh-who are you? How do you know my name?” I asked through gritted teeth.

“You may call me Hope. I can assure you, I’m no enemy. As for how I know you? Why, I’ve known you for years.” She was calm and oddly soothing.

“You will be in t-trouble for holding an officer of the Enclave hostage! I-I will get help!” I threatened.

“Yes, First Lieutenant, correct? Your parents must be so proud.” Her voice echoed in the room and through my ears.

“My parents are dead.” I said, quietly.

“Are they?” I could hear her hoofsteps. She was circling the chair I was restrained in. The straps were on too tight. “Is that what those liars told you?”

“Do not insult my place of order!” I barked. I could feel my anger rising and my fear slowly degrading.

“They do nothing but tell lies! Their selfish behavior will not go unpunished. That’s why you’re here.” If she was waiting for a response, she didn’t get it. I was not about take part in this!

“The necklace your… ghoul friend gave you. It contains an emerald that will show us the way to a very powerful weapon.” She informed.

“She’s my friend! You won’t get it!” I tried to escape from the straps again, but to no avail.

“As much as I’d like to take it, it would be of no use to me anymore. Because you put it on, you are now the only one who can use it. Therefore, I need you to find the rainbow pearls and bring them to us.” She told me.

“R-rainbow… pearls?” I questioned.

“A very powerful magic lies inside them. The necklace is the only way I will be able to find them.”

“Why am I the only one who can use it?” I asked.

Her hoof slammed on wood. “Because you were the first to wear it! It was taken from its hiding place before we were ready for our plans!”
Everything stilled.

I didn’t like this at all.

Finally, my anger had boiled over. “I’m not doing anything for you.”

I knew she was smiling from the sound of her voice. “You will. If you fail to comply, I will destroy Floater. Including your little coltfriend’s dwelling.”

What?!

She couldn’t do this! I couldn’t live knowing my actions had killed so many innocents! Tears escaped my eyes. She wasn’t being fair! My lungs began to burn. What was happening to me?

“Y-you bitch… I’ll kill you!” I began coughing and wheezing.

“Do we have a deal?” She purred.

I quit struggling and hung my head. My sobs were uncontrollable at this point. What could I do? She had my only friends above my head. Their fate was in my hooves. What if I failed? I was just one pony! I wouldn’t be able to survive! But I couldn’t just let them die. I decided I had no choice. I would be brave! I made a promise to Wick.

With tears streaming down my face, I nodded in defeat.

Hope snickered. “Excellent.” She then attached a metal device onto my left foreleg.

“This pipbuck will tell you the direction to the area you will bring the pearls. We will be waiting there. I’ve also set a timer. If you should unsuccessfully deliver before the time is up, your friends will be vanquished.” She walked away. “Oh! One more thing, if you try to evacuate the town, I will know, and you don’t want to do that. I’ll be watching you, dear Sienna.”

“Wait!” I coughed, again. “Where do I start looking?”

“In the attic. There was something above your head, all this time. I suggest you get up there and search.” She said, coldly.

I grunted as a cloth was tied around my face. The chemical was overbearing. It filled my lungs, making me gasp for air and immediately pass out. She was a savage! A monster! Why did this happen to me? I couldn’t do this alone! Oh, Wick. Chaser! They would know what to do.

My dreams were haunted by screams and explosions, as Wick, Chaser, Nico, Fleece, and other ponies were buried alive by rubble. I was lying down, chained to the dirt and watching, useless. I tried to scream, but I was silent. Just as I was about to close my eyes, a blinding light appeared above me. A beam of blue magic shot towards the frightening scene before me, making the scene disappear. I gasped. My friends were okay! They were standing around, confused, but unharmed! I shed more tears. These were tears of joy! They were okay! I looked up to the light and smiled, thanking the mysterious aura. The light then became brighter and brighter. I closed my eyes, blinded. Before it became unbearable, I fell into darkness, then, I was on my back.

I don’t know how long I was out, but it felt like centuries. When I felt my body, I was weak. It hurt to breathe, my head was pounding, and I felt like I was close to death. I couldn’t count the number of times death had knocked on my door. My eyes fluttered open. Gaining focus, I could see I was in a hospital room. A curtain hung over the window, so I couldn’t tell if it were day or night. Some equipment stood next to the bed, beeping and monitoring my vitals.

One hundred and sixty years, and it still worked? Wow.

My hoof lifted, slowly, to prove I wasn’t just dreaming about Hope and her plans. There was the pipbuck. A time display read twenty-five days. My chest burned horribly as I gasped for air. My lungs stung with each uncontrollable cough. Hoofsteps galloped up the hall and into my room. My ghoul friend rushed to my side. I have never been so happy to see her!

“Sienna! Honey, are you okay?” Her horn ignited as she scanned my chest. Why was her voice muffled? Was I deaf?! Oh, Luna, no!

“N-no… Lungs burning!” I breathed hard, my voice was scratchy and almost nonexistent.

“Hold on!” She hurried to a tray and floated a healing potion to me. Fleece held the purple liquid to my lips as I slowly swallowed it. She then stuck my flank with a syringe of what I figured was Med-X, and helped me sit up. The burning finally subsided.

After I could catch my breath, I started crying. “What’s wrong with me?”

Fleece held me close to her and rubbed my back like I mother would do for her foal. “There, there. I found you in front of my clinic almost ten hours ago. Somepony tied a rag to your face drenched in chloroform. You had been breathing it in for quite some time, so you inhaled lethal doses. I had to magically purge your system. Sia, where were you?”

Shaking, violently, I closed my eyes, trying to feel comforted. “H-how long was I gone?” I really didn’t want to answer her question.

She paused. I dreaded to hear the answer. “You were gone four days.”

I hiccupped. “N-Nico? Where’s Nico?”

“He was pretty worried about you. As soon as I told him you were here, he galloped all the way to his house to gather some of his things. He should be back in an hour at the least.” She said.

I relaxed a little. I don’t know why, but I wanted to see him. I wanted him to be here so I could feel safe.

Fleece gave a half smile and helped me lie down again. She pulled the thin blanket over my torso. “We are so relieved you are okay. Tomorrow, you should be back to normal. You may have coughing fits every once in a while, but they should subside after a few seconds. For now, please rest. I’ll be checking in.”

After she made sure everything was in working order, she trotted off to the front of the clinic. As soon as my eyes closed, I was asleep. She was right, I just needed to rest a while. Suddenly, my eyes popped open. This time, I wasn’t in the clinic. I was in my own bedroom back home! I noticed my uniform sat neatly on a chair, the same color walls surrounded me, even my bathroom door was how I left it. What was going on? Did I dream about the wasteland? Fleece and Nico weren’t even real?

“I’m afraid that was not the dream. This is.” A soft, motherly voice came from the opposite side of the room. A midnight blue alicorn with a starry, flowing mane stepped out of thin air. Her crown was a dead giveaway.

“P-Princess Luna?” My eyes blinked to see if I was imagining all of this. When I figured out I wasn’t, I scrambled off the bed and bowed before her.

“Rise, my little pony.” Luna’s voice could lull the toughest of stallions to sleep.

“Your highness, w-what’s going on?” I asked, standing.

“I’ve come to inform you about the pendant you have in your possession.” She see showed some concern.

“The necklace? I was told it had the ability to show the way to something called the rainbow pearls.” I said, rubbing my neck.

She nodded. “It also imprisons a part of my soul.”

I stepped back, baffled. “Y-your soul?”

“Yes. I extracted a part of my soul to be contained in the gem. I did this, because I knew of the rainbow pearls and what power they hold. The enchantment in the necklace, allowed the first wearer, and only the first wearer, to be lead to them. The pearls must be destroyed! Thus, the reason I planted a part of me into the emerald. Only I can do so.” She explained.

I contemplated a moment to make sense of it all. “But why me? I’m sorry to ask, your majesty, but can’t you do it, personally?”

The princess dipped her head, saddened. “Alas, when the zebras set off the megaspell in Canterlot, my flesh slowly wasted away, trying to protect my subjects.”

I flattened my ears. “Forgive me, Princess Luna. I didn’t know.”

“My dear Sienna, you mustn’t feel sympathy for me. I only ask one thing of you: To bring me to the pearls. They are to be destroyed before they fall into the wrong hooves. If the wasteland is obliterated, Equestria will never be able to heal.” She placed a hoof on my shoulder.

I thought of Hope and how they wanted the pearls.

“Princess, There is a group of ponies who want the pearls for themselves. They asked me to take them.” I said.

“Then they must be demolished immediately. I will continue to visit you as you need me.”

Everything darkened around me.

“P-Princess Luna! Wait!” I cried out to her as she disintegrated before my eyes. I was once again thrown into the black void of my mind.

I let out a breath I must have been holding in my sleep. I slowly came back to reality as Fleece’s clinic faded in around me. I looked around. Nico slept soundly on a small cot. Fleece had probably brought it in for him. I sighed in relief. I was so happy to see the familiar colors of his mane and coat.

He turned over, his eyes flickering open. He yawned then saw that I was awake. Jumping off the cot, he ran to me.

“Sienna?” His eyes were tired. Was he… worried?

I smiled weakly. “You didn’t call me ‘princess’.”

He sadly smiled. “Are you okay? I thought…” Fury replaced his smile. “Who did this?”

“I… don’t know.” I lied.

Nico shook his head. “Fucking raiders.”

“I didn’t know you cared.” I said, trying to be funny.

“You’ve been gone for days! I was supposed to protect you.” Shame crossed his face as he sat down next to my bed. “I’m not gonna lie, when I got back to the hotel room, I thought you just left. I was a little pissed off. There was no sign of you anywhere! No struggle, no nothing. Even your things were gone. I thought you left without telling me. A few hours ago, I came here to talk to Fleece, and she said you were here and that… You might not make it. I wasn’t angry with you anymore, but with myself. I felt like I failed to do what I promised myself I would do.”

I felt for him. “You didn’t fail, Nico. I should have fought harder. I should have been able to protect myself. It upsets me that you have to go out of your way for me.” I wiped a tear from my eye and looked away. “I’m sorry.”

He grabbed my hoof. “Don’t apologize! Why do you apologize for things that aren’t your fault?”

I didn’t say anything. Actually, I didn’t know the answer to that, myself.

He let out a frustrated sigh. “Look, I’m just glad you’re okay.”

I sat up, more. “What does it matter what happens to me? I can’t even take care of myself. You should just let me die. At least then… You wouldn’t have to spend your time protecting me.”

He stared, blankly. “Why would I do that? I’ve been in a situation like this before. Only that time, emotions got in my way.”

“What do you mean? What happened?” Maybe this would shed some light on his mystery.

“I saved a mare from a pack of feral ghouls. A unicorn, to be exact. She ran to me for protection. After a while, we got closer. We fell in love.” He grew colder with his words. “Or at least… I thought we were in love.”

I waited a few seconds until I spoke. “What happened to her?”

He didn’t say anything.

“Nico?”

“She left me to be with… a pegasus. I later learned he killed her. He was just using her for her magic. She was good at repairing things. When he was finished with her, he murdered her. For months, I blamed myself. I just recently got over it, then you come along.” He looked at me. Why did he seem so angry?

I backed away from him and looked away. It was best if I didn’t say anything.

He sighed again. “I managed to radio the nearest S.P.P tower.”

What?

“Somepony will be coming for you, soon.” He avoided my stare.

“Why?” I hissed.

He stared in confusion. “Didn’t you want to go home? Besides, they will know how to get you flying sooner. They can take care of you better than I can.”

I began breathing hard. Why would he do this?! I had something I needed to do first! I had to protect him!

“Sienna?” He stepped closer.

“Why?” I repeated.

“What do you-“ I interrupted him by slapping him.

Rubbing his cheek, he was stunned by the sudden outburst. I jumped off the bed, galloping towards the exit. I passed Fleece on the way out, ignoring her calls. My chest burned, but I didn’t care. "How could he do this? I have things to do! He could have asked me first!" I screamed while I ran. I didn’t need him to protect me! First, I needed to get back to Nico’s house. Hope had told me to look in the attic.

I galloped the whole hour it took to get back. A few ponies had stopped what they were doing to stare. One even looked like a raider, which did scare me, but I was running so fast, I didn’t have time to let them give chase. The muscles in my legs cramped. I could feel a panic attack grow rapidly in my chest. I only ran faster. In my mind, I was fleeing from myself. Fleeing from the fear that constantly tried to take over me. No matter how fast I ran, it only caught up. Tears and dust stung my eyes, making it hard to see Nico’s house getting closer.

I burst through the door and stopped to catch my breath. I could hear my chest rattling with each breath. The anxiety attack would soon come, but it would have to just wait until I had finished my new mission: To protect my new friends the way I couldn’t protect my old ones.

The house looked as though nothing had changed since we left for Floater. The blanket that was over me still lay in the same position I had left it. Everything, except for the easel, was still in place. The easel was nowhere to be seen.

Swearing at Nico, I ran upstairs and looked for an attic entrance. The ceiling was pretty high. I stood on my hind legs and tried to reach a square shaped opening right above me. I was far too short. If only I could fly! Frustrated, I flapped my good wing in some crazy hope that it would lift me off the ground.

After several tries, I gave up and starting pacing. There had to be something. A chair! My hooves turned, fast, as I skipped steps to get to the kitchen. As soon as I hit the bottom step, the front door flew open and Nico trotted in.

“Sienna! What the hell are you doing?!” He yelled.

I growled under my breath and went straight to the kitchen. Finding the nearest chair, I gripped it in my teeth and started to drag it towards the stairs. Nico held the chair with his hoof.

“Stop! Tell me what you are doing!” He yelled as I struggled to snatch the chair away.

I didn’t answer.

“Please, just tell me.” He pleaded.

I stopped tugging and glared at him, tearing up again. He let go and slowly got close to me. “I’m begging you, tell me what’s going on.”
“I’m trying to protect you!” I finally blurted.

Nico stared. “Protect me?”

“Hope. She said if I didn’t get the pearls. She said she would… She would destroy Floater. Including you and Fleece!” I scattered the details, making it hard to understand me, but I explained everything.

“I-I didn’t know. We have to evacuate the town.” He turned to walk out the door, but I blocked him.

“No! You don’t understand! She will know, she’s watching us! Please, don’t tell anypony!” I cried, sitting and covering my face with my foreleg.

“Sienna, you can’t do this alone.” He said.

“I have to try!”

“You just can’t! I’m not saying you are weak, but it is dangerous, even for me.” He thought for a moment. “I’m going with you.”

“No. This is my fault.” I said.

He grabbed my shoulders. “I’m going with you.”

For a while, we stared at each other. I fell into him and started sobbing, my tears dampening his barding. He sat, stunned. I didn’t even care anymore. Nico was all I had in this place. I was going to trust him. No matter what my mind was telling me, my heart was pressuring me to trust somepony. Somepony like Nico.

“I’m so sorry.” I wrapped my hooves around his neck. “I’m sorry, Nico.”

I felt his forelegs around me as he held me. “I’m sorry, too.”

We held each other for the longest time. It felt nice to be held. To feel protected. Nico was my friend. Yeah, my friend. My guardian and protector. I pulled away from him, with my hooves still around his neck. His eyes were soft and determined to keep a promise he made to himself. I wondered what he was thinking.

I smiled as he floated an old handkerchief to wipe my nose.

"Gross." I gave a small laugh.

“Better?” He asked.

I nodded. “How did you get in touch with Thunderhead, anyway?”

“The casino has a radio in the security room. It took me a while to convince them I was one of the good guys, but they said they’d send one of their best.” He said.

I sighed. That meant they would send a whole team of soldiers. “It doesn’t matter. I have no choice, now. I can’t let Hope…” I sniffed, unable to finish that sentence.

“We’ll figure something out.” He said.

I grinned.

“Just don’t try to have your way with me while I’m asleep.” He said.

My smile was replaced with an unamused frown. “What are you talking about this time?”

It was good to see that sly smirk. “When you were drunk, you tried to have sex with me.”

I pulled my hooves back and put them on the floor. “No, I didn’t!”

“Yes, you did. You also said I was hot.” He winked.

I groaned. As much as I hated to admit it, I missed that asshole.

After I facehoofed, I grabbed the chair again.

“What are you doing?” He asked.

“Trying to get to the attic. Hope said there would be something there to help me find the pearls.”

He floated the chair back into the dining room. “You forget I’m a unicorn. Let’s just wait until morning. You need to rest.”

Nico stood in front of me and crouched. His horn lit up so he could see well as he searched for any injuries. I rolled my eyes and playfully pushed his face away.

“What was that for?” He asked.

“You are just like my grandmother.”

“I’m just trying to make sure you’re alright.”

“You sure do worry a lot about me.” I said walking towards the couch.

Suddenly, he poked my side and jumped back, grinning. I shot him a glare. He motioned for me to chase him, but I refused. Just as I turned, again, he poked me again. I stomped my hoof on the floor.

“Stop being childish.” I stuck my tongue out.

“Stop being boring.” He countered. The nerve!

Playing along, I charged after him. The buck jumped again as I was about to catch him. Turning, I bounded after him again, but he dodged, again. I had to trick him, somehow. Facing the door, I sat on my haunches and stuck my nose up. I heard him cautiously step closer. When he was near me, I twisted and tackled him.

“Gotcha!” I yelled.

After we shared a chuckle or two, he stopped laughing and looked up at me. I gazed down at him. Oh, goddesses, Nico was handsome! His smile was sweet as he moved a strand of my mane from my eyes. My lips curved into a grin. We simultaneously inched closer to each other. My heart began to pound as I realized what was about to happen.

What’s happening to me?

I stopped and climbed off of him. “S-sorry. I…” I felt heat in my face.

He rolled over and stood on his four hooves. “I, er… I’m sorry, too.”

I looked up at him, cutely. “I don’t know what just happened.”

“I do.” He rubbed the back of his neck.

I didn’t exactly know what to say, so I did the next best thing. I sat close to him and lay my head on his strong chest. I could hear the beating of his heart get quicker. I felt his chin lightly rest on my head. All of my pain left. I felt like I could fly with no wings at all. I just wanted to be held. To know everything was going to be okay. The warmth coming from him was intoxicating.

“Nico.”

“Yeah?”

“What are we doing?”

“I’m not sure, but I hope you’re enjoying it as much as I am.” He spoke softly.

“I am.”

He brought my chin up with his hoof so I would look at him. I looked into his eyes. They were staring back at me with a sincere need to watch over me. I put my nose to his and smiled. I felt… happy!

He pulled away and sadly looked away.

I frowned. “What’s wrong?”

No answer from him. He only glanced at me and walked to the sofa with his head down. I watched as he laid down and stare at the smoking ash in the fireplace. My heart broke. I bet I reminded him of her. This was my fault. I always mess things up! Ashamed of myself, I walked to the bedroom and curled up on the bed, looking out of the window. It was almost dark outside. I couldn’t believe what I had just done. Not only, did I make a fool of myself, but I also hurt the only pony who is trying to help me. I made an awkward situation worse than it needed to be.

“Why am I so stupid?” I shed a tear as I covered my nose with my tail.

“You’re not stupid.” Nico said behind me. I didn’t want to face him.

“Yes I am. I made you think of her. I should have known you were still hurting.” I whispered, shaking my head.

“I’m sure it’s not the only time I’ll ever be hurt.” He rested his head on the bed in front of my face.

I looked away. I couldn’t do this.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t want to intrude in your personal life, but I did. I couldn’t help myself.” He paused. “There’s just something about you. I do feel I need to protect you, but not only because I promised myself. I want to keep you safe. I want you to feel safe.”

“You’re the only pony I feel safe with. I’m glad I can trust you.” I said, looking back at him. His head rested on the bed in front of me while his body was on the floor. That couldn’t be comfortable.

“What are you doing, Nico?” I laughed through my sadness.

He shrugged. “Staring.”

“At?”

“A kind mare who feels the need to be loved. A mare who wants to feel strong. To know what it’s like to have even the smallest bit of courage.”

“And how do you know that?”

“I can see it in your eyes.” He grinned.

He was right. Could he read my mind? I shifted my body to make room for him. “Come sit with me.”

He smirked, but sat next to me.

“So, why don’t you ever travel?” I asked, trying to get my mind off earlier.

“I traveled most of my life with my father. I guess I just decided to stay here, hoping to settle down and one day find the right mare. Maybe have a family of my own. You could say I’m family oriented.” He crossed his hooves.

“That’s so sweet.” I said.

“I guess.”

“You guess? I would love to settle down with a stallion like you!” I covered my mouth and blushed.

What had just come from my muzzle?!

He snickered. “Thanks. Maybe I’ll find a mare like you.”

I giggled and turned my gaze to the window. It was dark. I couldn’t see anything but blackness. I longed to see clear skies.
I sighed.

“Are you okay?” He asked, concerned.

“Oh, yeah. I just miss the stars. I wish you could see them. They’re so beautiful.” I smiled, memories flooding my mind. “I remember when I was a filly, my grandfather used to carry me to the highest point in the sky and we would watch them twinkle. He used to say they were ponies of old Equestria watching over us. It sounds cliché, I know.” I went back to looking at my hooves.

Nico didn’t reply, but I saw the soft blue glow coming from his horn. I saw him close his eyes and concentrate. What was he doing? The lantern in the room went out, and I couldn’t see anything.

“Nico…” I said, frightened.

Suddenly, a flow of magic shot towards the ceiling, lighting the room. One by one, small balls of magic glowed, imitating the twinkling of the thousands of stars in the sky. The light around his horn darkened as the light faded. However, the stars stayed. I felt like I was home, gazing up at the night sky. I was speechless!

“It’s a spell I learned. I can shape my aura to look like almost anything. Unfortunately, it only lasts three hours. I just hope that’s long enough for you.” He whispered.

I sniffed. “It’s so beautiful.” I watched in awe as one of the lights simulated a shooting star.

When I turned my head, he was staring at me. I got closer to him, nuzzling him. This time, he smiled and put his nose to mine, lovingly. Suddenly, I pulled away and situated my body next to him. His neck wrapped around me, so I could rest my own head on his.

“Can I trust you?” I asked. I just wanted to hear him say it.

“I promise, you can.” He whispered.

Nico picked up and looked over to me and smiled. I couldn’t hold back anymore. The mood was so perfect! I gently met his lips with mine. A million things bombarded my mind, but not one of them rejected the scene. And you know what? Neither did he.

When we pulled away from each other I stared, my eyes wide. I kissed a stallion for the first time and I didn’t start sweating. Score for me! I mentally hoof bumped myself.

“Wow, you let a unicorn kiss you.” He teased.

I frowned. “So? It’s not about your race. You are you. I want you to know I can trust you. Besides, Fleece said you only live once. I figured I would at least do it once before I die.”

“So, you sure you don’t love me, princess?” He booped my nose.

“I’m definitely sure.” I said.

He shrugged. “At least you have a crush on me.”

“I do not!” I teasingly poked his chest.

He stretched and hopped off the bed, yawning. I stood, too. As I stretched, something odd flowed through my body. I felt warm. No, I was hot! I started panting. Nico flattened his ears as he stared at me. I stared at him with hunger in my eyes. I felt an urge. I had to cross my legs as my marehood started throbbing.

“S-Sienna?” He said, cautiously.

I threw my gaze to him. “What’s… happening to me?”

He rubbed his chin. “You…” He sniffed. “Wait, have you ever- I mean, you have been in heat before, right?”

I shook my head, my eyes widening as I saw his forelegs flex.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” He backed away from me.

It was as if a sudden wave of drugs engulfed me, making me high. I smiled, sensually, and climbed on the bed, rolling on my back. He started sweating.

“Y-you should really go to sleep.” He mumbled, looking away.

“Please? I need you.” I purred.

Stop this!

“I-I…” He started backing towards the door.

“Oh, no you don’t.” I rolled off the bed and swayed towards him.

Don’t let the urge take you, old girl!

When I got closer, I licked his cheek. He was mine! I saw him sweating and turning every color of red. My tail was raised and my wing was standing to the ceiling.

“Y-you need to control yourself.” He shook his head. “This is impossible! You should have already been through this! How old are you?!” He sat on his haunches, avoiding my touch.

“Don’t worry. I’m a full grown mare.” I rubbed against his chest. “And I am ready to show you just how grown I am.”

He gulped.

Suddenly, I turned around and stretched, my flank in front of him. He struggled to look away. Getting tired of waiting, I tackled him. I didn’t care if we were on the floor. I had to have him! I was letting the urge take me!

“N-no! I’m not doing this.” He crossed his hooves, glaring up at me.

I kissed him again, ignoring his fight. He only lasted a few seconds before pushing me off of him. “No! I thought mares went through their first heat at a younger age. You’re telling me this is your first time?!” He stumbled out of the bedroom into the hallway. I grinned evilly as I went to him, again. My hooves became stiff. I growled, trying to move, seductively. When I blinked, my mood switched off, just like a light. I stared at him for a long time. My mind was beginning to clear as the wave of cravings left my body. I gently let my body lie on the floor.

He peeked from the hall. “A-are you okay?”

I shook my head, afraid to look at him.

“W-well I won’t come in, but I will say it’s strange. Are you positive you’ve never felt anything like this?”

It hit me. I remembered what the medic had told me at my last physical.

“My anxiety would probably keep me from experiencing going into heat, normally.” I stared at my hooves. “I think I should go to bed.”

“Y-yeah. I may not be able to sleep, tonight, but you go ahead.” He said.

I stood and tucked my tail between my back legs. How embarrassing! I always thought the urges would last several days! I climbed onto the bed and covered my head with the pillow. I’d never hear the end of this!

“Can you shut the door?” I called to him.

“S-sure.”

I heard the door softly click shut. Sweat began dripping from my forehead. Not again! Groaning, I moved my head back and forth in attempt to relieve my tense neck. Why now? Why was I in heat now? Curse this anxiety! It’s even getting in the way of my hormones! I had to control the urges, somehow.

The next thing I knew, I was awoken by banging downstairs. I jerked out of a sexy dream. The banging came again, this time it was loud. Nico opened my door, to check on me, I presumed. He blushed when he saw I was on my back with my legs spread. I quickly covered myself. The knock on the door was getting impatient.

“Who the hell is about to knock down my door?” He asked, making his way to the noise.

I was terrified! They were back!

“W-wait for me!” I jumped down and followed him closely.

We reached the living room and he opened the door. I stayed hidden, crouching at his hind legs. It was so hard to avoid looking at them. Sweat beaded my forehead, again.

Not, now, Sienna!

I heard the door open and Nico stepped back, defensively, almost stepping on me. “Who the fuck are you?”

Did my ears deceive me? That sounded like energy rifles warming up. Curious, I peeked from behind Nico and at the door.

I frowned. “Oh, ponyfeathers.”

Level Up!

Health -2
Stamina +2

New Perk: If You Can't Take The Heat - Everytime you feel an urge, you lose control of your senses. This lasts 5-15 minutes.

Author's Notes:

Thanks to Kkat for this amazing world!
Not much to say. So, enjoy! Thanks for reading!
-AP