//-------------------------------------------------------// Genophobia -by Pizzema Forte- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// Prologue //-------------------------------------------------------// Prologue      Shimmering, golden sunbeams bled through the crossing branches of a shading catalpa tree. A snowy, thick layer of small flowers littered the treetops, providing more shade and scattered flower petals onto the grassy ground below. Beneath the mighty, wooden creature rested two ponies; both similar in interest, yet different in personalities. Their backs rested comfortably against the rough bark of the gentle tree. Their golden eyes were wandering about; first glancing at each other, then looking above to see little, white petals raining down from the leafy branches. One pony, who was named after a gorgeous constellation, had a lyre resting in her hooves, strumming the eight strings peacefully with her golden aurora. Her coltfriend, who had a much more noteworthy name, sat next to her with a small guitar in his hooves. Being an earth pony, his only choice was to strum peacefully with his hooves. Little melodies mixed as the two strummed their instruments. The gentle breeze carried the tune and made the stallion take in a deep breath, taking in the sweet scent of freshly baked sweets. His mouth water, but he wasn't really craving anything. His mind was too caught up on the happy event that was taking place that evening.      "Perfect way to spend our anniversary, huh?" Lyra asked with a smile, continuously plucking at the delicate strings of her instrument. Her voice was feminine, soft, and very pleasant to the ears.      "You bet..." Noteworthy spoke in a gentle, but very masculine tone. His half-lidded eyes glanced toward his mare and he smiled. "Just you, me, and a whole evening to ourselves."      That day, Noteworthy was actually supposed to be attending rehearsal for a concert. That day, however, he decided to take off for the sake of their anniversary. He'd tell his band director he was held up or something along those lines. Maybe Lyra had an accident of some sort or a pet died or something. Chances are, he'd simply tell him he wasn't feeling well that evening. Besides, the other trumpet players could handle themselves without him. It's not like he was section leader or anything.      "Yeah..." The mare giggled. "So, uhh... Any plans for tonight?"      "I, umm... I'm not really sure." the stallion answered honestly. "I just thought we could get dinner and stuff."      "Oh, cool..." The mare blushed a little. "I mean, we could just do lunch instead," she suggested. "I was thinking we could maybe just relax this evening. You know, not have to worry about going anywhere..."       "Oh..." The stallion felt heat rise to his cheeks. Hopefully, she wasn't longing after the evening he was beginning to suspect she was.      Every so often, Lyra would mention the topic of sex. Naturally, Noteworthy would respond with quiet squeaks or try to change the subject entirely. To his own dismay, the sensual subject often left the stallion feeling awkward, nervous, or even a bit frightened. He almost hated talking about it. Something about the subject made his stomach swirl in negativity and his heart drown in dread. If conversation made him feel unhappy, the thought of actually performing such phallic actions made him want to throw up in fear.      "Is that a problem...?" the mare asked unsurely.      "O-of course not!" The earth pony forced a smile towards his marefriend. "I, uhh.. I just thought we'd be going out is all. If you want to stay home for the evening, that's completely okay with me!"      "Awe, thanks, Sweet Cakes!" For a brief moment, the unicorn stopped strumming her lyre and leaned in to reward her lover with a kiss to the cheek. He blushed, only to stop strumming his guitar and return the treat. The mare's ears flickered at the sweet sensation and her cheeks lit up. She gently placed her instrument to the side and placed her hooves on her paramour's broad shoulders. She leaned in quickly and landed a hot smooch on the stallion's lips. He kissed back, and for a few seconds, their lips remained attached to one another, gently massaging their bases. She broke away and giggled.      "No problem..." Noteworthy responded at long last. "Anything for you."      Lyra tossed her lover a smile and picked golden instrument back up, only to resume strumming sweet melodies once more. Feeling a bit of dread in his heart, the stallion turned away and started up on his guitar. Maybe she wouldn't try anything sexual that night. Maybe it would be a normal, relaxing, typical night. They might watch a flick and cuddle or make a meal together and dig out old candles to use for a romantic setting. For their previous anniversary, they went out on a date in a fancy diner up in Canterlot. Unfortunately, both had overeaten and were extremely worn-out on their way back home. Neither had enough money for such a long taxi ride, so they had to catch the next train back to Ponyville. Unfortunately, the next train didn't arrive until the hour after they got there. By the time they got home, both were exhausted to a point they could hardly move, and both passed out the moment they got home.      "So, umm... We gonna spend the night at your place or mine?"      "Umm..." The stallion bit his lip. If she had anything planned, surely, she'd want to go to her place. If there was any chance of a normal night, however, they could simply go to his house.      "'Cause I was thinking." Lyra interrupted, before even giving her coltfriend a chance to speak up. "Maybe we could crash at my place. I mean, I have entertainment and stuff. And you know, my bed is more comfortable."      "Well, I..." He blushed. "I suppose that makes sense. I-if you want to..."      "Thanks." Lyra replied. Although her tone was originally preppy, it suddenly dropped as her instrument fell silent. "You okay?"      "Of course."      "Ah, good... For a moment there you sounded nervous."      "Nervous? No..." The stallion searched his mind for a plausible lie. "I'm really excited for our big night together is all." Noteworthy forced a smile.      "Good, because I have big plans..." the mare said with a grin. Noteworthy's ears perked up in response. For a moment, her tone almost seemed a bit sultry. That only made his suspicions grow, but again, he forced the unwelcoming thoughts from his mind. He blushed and looked away, restarting to strum on his guitar, hoping that would end the discussion. Thankfully, it did, and the sweet melodies mixed and swarmed the air as they did before. Lyra resumed her cherry tune with a smile, continuing to play happily under the tree. Noteworthy, on the other hoof, stared out into the busy town with two words etched in his mind. Big plans...