Author's Notes:

DO NOT DISMISS THIS!

Okay, series of things to say.

First, This is my first time writing something like this. Therefore, I am sorry if it isn't anything very good. I did send this to a few people to check it after I was through with it.

Second, this story does not revolve around sex, relationships between characters can evolve to a point where they can start doing it but will not be completely based off that.

Third, I tried to write this in a way I felt comfortable, therefore, it might be different from other stories that describe sexual relationships. I'm not sure if it is. But I tried doing this my way.

Fourth, it has come to my attention that I had some problems with my account. I had to change my passcode a few times because someone was logging in and writing on my notes. Since they weren't offensive and I didn't see anything wrong with the content of the writings, I kept it there. But rest assured the issue has been dealt with.

Anyway! Thanks for reading all of this, please tell me what you thought of the chapter once you're through it. See you all soon!Can you really tell them that it has been dealt with?

(Three years, 231 days until Nightmare returns)

“Chrysalis, return the box with the potions to this one,” Zecora said while trying to free herself from the changeling’s magic. Arden was fast asleep due to the session.

“No, what you need is to talk to him and stop drinking these things!”

“This one is on her heat! She requires those potions otherwise she might give her a responsibility she is not ready to have! not mention this one is afraid of being too forward.”

“Listen, your precious little stallion is making a lot of waves here. Apparently, research data they got from him allowed them to make something to prevent mares becoming pregnant during this period.”

Zecora stopped struggling, tilting her head and raising an eyebrow at Chrysalis. That sounded too convenient, so far there weren’t any known methods for birth control. Silence took over the conversation for a little while, Chrysalis eventually let Zecora go and sighed.

“Listen, I’m trying to help. You can’t keep chugging these. If you just do it, you might be able to ease up on the potions.”

After that, Zecora watched Chrysalis make a box appear on her hands. Another gesture and a neatly wrapped up box appeared on her other hand, Zecora noticed a faint blush on Chrysalis as she placed both on the table. Then Chrysalis pushed both of them towards Zecora.

“The one on the right has what the nurse at the hospital referred to as condoms. The male puts it on before the couple gets down to it and done. They are single uses so, don’t go crazy,” Zecora opened the box and saw many small packages. Then she turned to the other box.

“What about the other one?”

“Well..." Chrysalis started to shift a bit. “I got the seamstress of the nearby village to design some underwear to help me out.”

“Why did you go out of your way to do all this for this one?”

“Because...well...you are my friend. And I noticed you using the potions more regularly these past weeks. I don’t care about what that project of a stallion is doing. But I worry about you, therefore, I wanted to help,” Zecora couldn’t help but smile at Chrysalis.

“This one appreciates the concern. So, what is this?”

“Open it.”

Zecora unwrapped the present. When she removed the lid, she saw a black piece of clothing. Picking it up, Zecora saw that it only covered her chest, there was a practically transparent cloth that hung from the sides underneath the arms. There was a careful detailing to the area for covering the breasts using white thread, there were shapes of flowers and vines sowed into the cloth. Zecora couldn’t help but admire the clothing and blush a little, she placed it to the side and picked the other piece.

That one was for her lower half, the black and white theme continued. At the center of the piece, the shape of a rose rested. Zecora moved her mane out of her eyes before placing it down, time for cutting it again was coming around. There was more inside the box, two pieces that looked like they were for her legs. It also kept the theme of the previous pieces, it looked very thin, if she was to use it, Zecora would certainly see through it.

“How much have spent on this?” Zecora inquired while carefully placing the last part on the table. “This one will re-”

“Don’t! It was given to me as a gift,” Chrysalis replied after raising her hand and frowning at Zecora. “I gave the seamstress the idea of making lingerie and she started to get more costumers. So, she gave me these as a gift. Another thing, if you receive a gift from somepony, don’t ask for the price or say you pay them back. It’s unpolite.”

Zecora smiled and looked down to the gift, that was probably the first one she ever got since she left her home. “This one thanks you for your gift.”

“Now, all you have to do is play with him a little and then do it,” Zecora simply looked down, she started to fidget. “What?”

“This one...has been on her own for a while and never...”

“Kinda forgot about that,” The changeling said scratching her chin. “You do know how it works, right?”

“Of course, but...this one never tried to act the way you proposed. You seem more experienced, maybe...maybe you could help this one?” This time it was Chrysalis that started to fidget.

“I...I seduced mares and stallions...but I never actually did it. I used an illusion spell to make them think they were doing it. They were just touching themselves. And I don’t know what is so alluring to all of you about it. The way they talk and act is simply disgusting.”

“The question still stands, can you help this one to...act in an enticing manner?” Zecora watched a small smile form on Chrysalis lips before she cleared her throat to speak.

“Sure, first a few things. Your mane, do you have any potions to make it grow?” Zecora nodded positively. “Great, prepare some and then give it to me. You look better with your mane a bit longer, then we need a reason for him to be out of the house tomorrow morning after breakfast. So, you can change and use the modified potion.”

“What about a bath? This one can prepare the soap in a matter of minutes. Then this one goes clean herself before he wakes up and she can tell him to go clean himself after breakfast.”

“That will do. Now, for the act.”

A pleasant and familiar scent filled Arden’s nostrils, then he felt a soft kiss to his lips. He knew who it was. Zecora woke him up like that every now and then after they finally started their official relationship, though they both liked each other a lot, they didn’t act all lovey-dovey all the time. If anything they acted more like rivals. Most of the time they would be training and laughing at their antiques as well as chasing Chrysalis around whenever she pulled a prank.

The touch of Zecora's lips disappeared and he heard her voice. “Time to wake up cerulean.” Her mannerisms didn't change as well.

Arden opened his eyes and sat down. Chrysalis was sitting by the table drinking tea. Zecora went to the cauldron to mix something with a sweet smell, it was different from the one he smelled upon waking up.

‘Wish I could wake up earlier and make her something. Zecora always does everything around here. The biggest things I did were helping with herbs and cutting wood.’

“Morning, did you make more of that rose scented soap?” Arden asked passing by Zecora. Taking a seat at the table where a plate where some bread and herbs were waiting for him.

“Yes, this one has already bathed. After you eat, go bathe in the river.” Arden tilted his head once he heard that.

“Wouldn’t it be better for me to bathe after training?”

“No training today.”

“Potion crafting?”

“Today all of us shall take a break. You can’t expect this stallion to understand when you answer his questions like that Zecora. He is too much of an idiot.”

“That idiot trapped you in a net,” Arden replied, smirking. He heard Zecora giggle at that. It was pretty funny to see Chrysalis completely confused when she triggered the net trap during one of their little game of tag after another of Chrysalis’ pranks.

Chrysalis tried to retort, but she simply huffed and turned away. After that, Arden did as Zecora told him to and went out to the river. Living in the forest forced him to bathe less frequently, most of the times they would go together at night, so one stood to watch while the others bathed.

Arden bathed calmly after putting his clothes over a stone. He had been training and running around for weeks with no rest and his body was starting to change in response to that. The changes were very subtle but they were there. He managed to put some weight and gained a bit of muscle mass. At the very least he didn't look like he was sick or malnourished anymore.

Aside from those physiological changes, Arden also noticed that now he was covered in bruises and small cuts. He tended to them using healing salves Zecora taught him to craft using plants, they wouldn't leave scars. Arden never had scars before, however, now he has two big ones.

After finishing bathing, Arden walked back to his clothes. Only to find them gone, except for his underwear and a towel. On top of it, Arden saw a small note that read: So, consider this payback for your little retort with the net this morning. Get back to the hut only in your underwear, have fun!

‘Of course she would pull one of these.’ Arden thought as he dried himself with the towel. After putting on his underwear he went back as fast as he could. When he finally got back, his clothes were neatly folded on top of the tree trunk where he would chop wood.

As soon as he finished putting on his pants, Arden heard the front door creak. “You know, I don’t appreciate...You’re not there. Ok.”

A chill ran down Arden’s spine, they were alone in a forest filled with dangerous animals. He rushed inside only to hear the door locking behind him. Quickly turning around Arden started to hit the door. All he got as a response was laughter, he recognized that laugh, Chrysalis.

“What are you up to?!”

“Nothing, you should ask the one inside. Because I’m keeping this door closed until further notice.”

“What are yo-.”

Arden stopped mid-sentence. Not out of fear or confusion, but awe. Zecora seemed to appear out of nowhere standing by the cauldron wearing designed lingerie. Her mane was now passing her shoulders, her arms were behind her back, and her cheeks red as tomatoes. She kept fidgeting and shifting in place. There was no other word to describe what Arden saw before him but, “Beautiful,” he said in a low tone. Zecora seemed to smile a bit but her gaze fell to the floor. “You...you look beautiful. Did, did you have me go out so you could change?”

“Y-yes.”

“But, why?”

“...”

“Does it have to do with you heading out during my magic training?”

“Yes.”

“Are...are you uncomfortable?”

“Slightly. T-this one wanted to ask if you...if you wanted to...” Arden went to her. Taking her hand, he led her to the bedroom and gestured her to sit. Taking a place by her side he started to scratch his head.

Arden looked at Zecora and noticing her laying by his side almost as if she was waiting. “Sit up for a moment. I want to talk to you.”

Zecora looked away from him and sat up. She was troubled, that much he could tell. “Does..does this mean that...”

“Listen, I...you are literally the first relationship beyond ‘being friends’ that I ever had. I don’t want to rush everything, please, has something changed this past few days?” Zecora gulped when she heard that.

“Y-yes, why?”

“Then, are you sure you want this? Have you thought about the fact you might get pregnant? Are you ready to be a mother?”

“T-this one...this one wanted this for a while now. Even before her period came. But...this one is not ready for such a responsibility,” Zecora replied looking to the ground, then she looked back to Arden and stared him into his eyes. “Would the cerulean be ready?”

“No, I can say this with certainty. I can barely take care of myself. There is no way that I would ever be a decent father at this point. Besides...”

“What? Is there something wrong with this one?”

“No! There is nothing wrong with you.”

“Then, what is it? This one has seen the cerulean with a serious look before. But this is different.”

“I just think that sex should be taken more seriously. It can bring new life,” Arden said, leaning backward and looking at Zecora, who was sitting in such a manner that her silhouette was even more beautiful than usual. “And I am afraid of what might happen.”

“What does the cerulean mean? Does the thought of being in a family with this one scare him that much?”

"No, there is nothing that would make me happier. You are the greatest thing that has happened in my life, nothing tops that. What I am truly afraid of is leaving you behind with a child to raise on your own. My mind is on the brink, I can’t keep my wits about me without this damned necklace. There is also the risk of me entering a coma during my sessions. I can’t bear to leave you on your own again. Especially in a situation like this.”

Arden was on the verge of tears, he thought of leaving her. The mere concept of Zecora crying due to sadness made his heartache. Then the image of the child growing and him not being there, Arden wanted a family. He wanted to be there for that family, to be able to care for it, to help it grow. After staring at the ground for a bit he looked up.

Zecora was looking at him, then she pointed at something that was behind Arden. He turned around and saw a small box by the pillow. Arden reached for it and brought it closer. He looked back to Zecora, she gestured to open the box. After opening the lid, Arden saw packages he had seen in pharmacies of the health centers he worked at during med school. Then he remembered researching how they were made and that he had the archive on his computer.

“They actually made these?” Arden asked, picking one up and looking at it. “How did you?”

“Chrysalis.”

“Of course. So, after you got this you wanted to see if I wanted to do it as well?”

Zecora nodded. Arden looked back at the package he still had doubts about doing this, Now that he didn’t need to worry about leaving Zecora to raise a child, he was afraid of ruining what he had with her. She was too important. Arden looked back to the beautiful image that sat by his side.

"I can't lie to you and tell you that the idea did not cross my mind after waking up by your side with your body pressed against mine," Aredn said looking at her, he scratched the back of his neck while letting out an embarrassed laugh. "You don't know how beautiful you look."

(You are on your own from here)

Zecora kissed him as her hand caressed his face. Arden just closed his eyes and enjoyed that feeling. Suddenly Zecora’s lips disappeared. Opening his eyes, Arden saw Zecora standing up and offering her hand. He took it. She pulled him up and then they both looked at each other, the tall, kind warrior and the slightly smaller, crazy patient.

Arden felt Zecora’s fingers glide across his skin, stopping by the locks on his armor. With ease she made him lose his shoulder pads. Then her hands slid down his arms. Stopping by his hands, she took off the gauntlets. Arden caressed her face and Zecora closed her eyes as she rested her head on his hand.

“Do the same,” Zecora said, almost whispering, her eyes still closed.

Arden did as she asked and allowed his fingers to run down her smooth coat and soft skin. Down her neck, then her shoulders, finally reaching the lock on her bra. Arden undid the lock and removed it, Zecora wrapped her arms around him and pressed his body against hers. He could hear and feel her heartbeat, running like she had been trying to escape something. After a few seconds, Zecora pushed him away and crouched making her head level with his abdomen.

Her hands traveled down his body, all the way towards his waist, then she started to work to loosen up his pants, and the underpants. Arden stepped out of them, then he was completely naked. Zecora crawled around him, Arden kept her in his line of sight. Slowly twisting his body to always face her.

Arden watched her sit down and extend her right leg towards him. he kneeled down and made her leg rest on his shoulder, he ran his fingers up her leg until he reached the end of the sock. Then he removed it, feeling Zecora’s strong leg as he did it. The same was done for the left leg, then there was only one thing left on her. Arden just kneeled there staring at her for a few moments.

“Won’t the Cerulean finish taking it off?”

“I-I just thought...that you would want to do that part.”

Zecora smiled and raised an eyebrow at him. Arden scratched the back of his head, then he leaned forward and grabbed the sides of her underwear, slowly making it slide off her body. Once she was also completely naked, Zecora sat up and kissed him. Right before she pushed him to the ground, laid on top of him, and then...she stopped.

“What...should we do now?” she asked, looking into Arden’s eyes.

“T-this is when I’m supposed to put the condom on,” Arden said trying to reach the one that was out of the box. Once he got it, he opened it and put it on. “Now, we...do it.”

“How do you want to...”

“Maybe it’s best that you do it at your own pace,” Arden said, placing his hand on her face. “I’ve never done this. I don’t want to hurt you.”

Zecora played with his mane for a moment before she sat on his torso, she then slowly made her way back to Arden’s waist. She positioned Arden’s privates. Slowly, she moved down until she felt her skin touch his again. Zecora shut eyes and bit her lip as she did.

Arden felt her hips starting to move, first to the sides, like she was trying to get comfortable. Then Zecora started to move up and down, very slowly at first. Arden could barely hear a low moan coming from Zecora. The feeling of her moving up and down and the feeling of the friction against her walls was getting to him.

He wanted her to go faster. Zecora laid her body against his and started to move her hips slightly faster, Arden felt her lips again. But this time, she was more forceful, her tongue entered his mouth as if it owned Arden’s mouth. Her breathing got faster, Arden’s heart started to race. Zecora was moving faster, and faster. She pressed her body harder against him, practically preventing Arden from moving away, also making it harder for him to breathe.

Arden felt every part of her body he could reach. He wanted her to go faster, his body begged her to move faster. However, at this point, Zecora’s movements had become slower. She was rubbing her entire body against him, her hips moving sideways while he was still inside her. He wanted more, Arden wanted her to move faster, he wanted her to keep it up. He needed her to keep it up, his hands slowly walked around her sides until reaching her waist. Using what strength he had, Arden pushed Zecora away from him a few centimeters for a second, breaking her passionate kiss.

Zecora opened her eyes, she was panting. And her gaze was hypnotizing, Arden couldn’t resist her eyes. He couldn’t resist her scent, couldn’t resist her warmth.

“W-what?” she asked, panting, while she kept moving her body.

“S-sorry,” Arden whispered before he rolled her over placing himself on top of her, making her gasp.

Grabbing her legs, Arden spread them and now...now it was his time to move. Thrusting hard, then he started to do it faster, and faster, and faster. Zecora didn’t raise her voice, she wrapped her arms around Arden’s neck and pulled him closer, then she wrapped her legs around his waist. Arden kept going faster and harder at her.

He had never had sex before, it was a rush. Zecora was getting tighter and her breathing harder. Arden felt something building up inside him, his logic was gone, his knowledge was nothing but a blur. All that mattered now was him and Zecora. Suddenly he found himself trying to talk to her in between their kissing.

“S-sorry,” Arden managed to say.

“D-don’t stop!” That was the reply he got from Zecora.

Granting her wish, Arden moved faster. Zecora broke there kissing. She moaned in a very low tone while Arden kept pounding her faster and harder. Zecora tightened her hug. Arden felt a surge as he started to move faster. He started to get light-headed and suddenly he felt something in between his legs. In one last thrust, Arden felt his semen shot out of his body into the condom. At the same time as Zecora let out one last moan before all Arden could hear from her was her panting.

“T-thank you,” she whispered into his ear.

Arden’s arms were shaking, his breathing out of rhythm. His arms gave in and he fell on top of Zecora, his vision stopped being a blur and he could think straight again. He realized that Zecora was still holding him with both her arms and legs, he also started to hear some sort of humming reverberating through her chest. A calm and beautiful melody, Arden looked up only to see Zecora looking at him with a smiling.

“T-that...was something, I hope it was just as satisfying to you as it was to me,” Arden said, accommodating his head on her chest.

“It was,” Zecora replied in a soft tone, then she let out a long sigh, “this one is so happy to have met you,” Zecora continued. Arden felt one of her hands caressing his back while the other played with his mane.

Arden looked up to her and smiled. “The feeling is mutual. You know...you look way better with a longer mane.”

Zecora giggled at the remark. “Then this one can wait for a while longer before she cuts it again.”

Silence came forth for a few moments. “What should we do now?” Arden asked with his eyes closed and with his head resting on Zecora’s chest.

“Let us stay like this for just a while longer, we have plenty of time left.”

“Very well,” Arden replied as he let himself be dragged away into dreams while he felt that warm embrace around him.

‘If there was ever any feeling that I should return to my world buried somewhere within me, they were destroyed by each and every step I took towards Zecora. I’ll give everything I have to see her smile.’

“I’ll...always...be...with...you...” Arden muttered before passing out completely.

(outside of the hut, during all of that)

‘They’re talking? But ponies tend to rush into it when they are in that situation.’

Chrysalis was watching the two lovers from the window while keeping herself invisible, she had tricked ponies before and most, if not all, jumped into sexual relationships whenever they had the chance. Therefore, she believed that it had to be a trait shared by practically all of them.

Then she saw the two undress each other, which was normal. But the way they did it was different, she had seen couples taking their clothes off like the cloth was on fire. Those two were doing it calmly and carefully, another unusual behavior she didn’t expect to see was the male hesitating before doing it.

After that, she watched those two get down to it. Chrysalis turned away and covered her ears, expecting to start hearing loud screaming and moaning. But there was nothing, given how quiet the forest was that morning she should have been able to hear whatever was happening there even with her ears covered.

‘What is...did they stop?’ Chrysalis thought as she peeked back inside. ‘No, they are doing it...but...it looks different somehow. Does making it with somepony they care about changes their behavior? Or was I simply unlucky to deal with ponies that had a behavior that made me want to puke?'

‘They actually look really happy...I wonder how...’ Chrysalis thought as she saw them keep doing it until she saw Arden and Zecora make expressions she was familiar with. They had finished it.

‘Now, they are going to...to...why are they still together? Usually, this is when one of the parties leaves as if this never happened.’

But there they stayed, the two lovers stayed together. Chrysalis was certain that one of them was going to leave until she noticed that both had fallen asleep.

‘Maybe...maybe...that sort of relationship can be alluring if you are with the right being. They actually look really happy...I wonder how...it feels...'