Life with the Sexy Shaman

The next day, you made your way to her home. She was up and eagerly waiting to get started. She first began with the ideology behind the ways of the shaman.

“The first of many things you will see; I've taken a vow of poverty,” she began with a smile.
With notepad and quill in hand, you began to document her every word.
‘Poverty, huh? Such selfless ponies these shamans,’ you thought.
You looked up from your pad to Zecora.
“Whatever it takes...Master Zecora,” you said.
You see her give a light chuckle at being called ‘master’.
“The word ‘master’ doesn’t quite suit you. Perhaps you could call me Sifu,” she suggested.
You thought about it for a moment.
‘Hmm…that does have a nice ring to it.’
You nodded in agreement.
“Very well…” you said, as you bowed to her. “Sifu Zecora…”
This got another smile from the mare. Zecora motioned for you to rise.
“Now, up with you. Come help with this brew,” Zecora stated, as she turned to head for her cupboard.
“Yes, sifu!”

You stood up and follow after her. As she rummaged through it, she came across a large jar that had a thin layer of frost on it. When she opened it she gave a disheartened sigh.

“Seems my ambition was moot...I am out of Mandrake Root,” she huffed.
“Mandrake root?” you asked.
“It’s a hard to get plant...one full of ill intent,” she answered.
“Where can we find it?”
She let out a sad sigh.
“For this my student; your heart must be brave...the root only grows from a shallow grave. Deep in the forest, I’ve found a nest...of a murdered pony who gets no rest.”
As you heard her words, you felt an eerie chill creep up your spine.
“If you need it, let's go get it,” you said with fake bravado. “When do we leave?”
“Not until the day’s end my eager student, the root will need to be plucked after the sun is spent,” she explained.
“Yes, Sifu.”

She motioned for you to follow her to the table. When you did, you noticed that it was filled with various books. She sat at the table and offered you the chair.

“For now, sit with me. You need to study.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
You walked over to her and sat down. As you read, she explained the basis of shaman power, magik. The books were more in-depth with Zebrican lore. The rest of the time was spent with her teaching you basic lore, simple incantations, and simple fighting forms.

Later that night, the two of you were now in the uncharted part of the forest. You did your best to stay close to Zecora, while still respecting her personal space.

“Is it much farther, Sifu?” you inquired, while still surveying the area.

You looked ahead to see a sizeable twisted mass of thick red vines stretching from the ground up a tree. The air left an unnerving chill as you felt as if you were in the presence of a vicious predator…waiting to strike.

“For medicines, the root is wanted...even if the cold ground is haunted,” she spoke, never once letting her guard down.
“This place gives me the creeps,” you gulped.
Zecora lightly chuckled.
“That is a very much valued statement. I would be most concerned if it didn’t.”
She slowly crept to the root. As she did, you thought you saw something move out of the corner of your eye.
“Z-Zecora...I think something is out there...”
Her ears perked up to see if she could hear movement.
“Seems you are correct...It appears a trap was set...” she said with narrowed eyes.
You moved closer to her.
“What do we do?” you asked.
“Something already knows that we’re here...we can either flee or persevere.”
You could see she contemplated running, but chose to forgo it.
“The risk I must take… for the medicine’s sake.”
“Okay, what should I do? I can’t use shaman magik like you yet,” you asked.
She turned to you.
“One shaman is dangerous prey, but...two may make it run away. My apprentice, you may be, but for now, act just like me.”
She surveyed the area to try and find the foe.
“Or if you have trouble talking back; steel yourself for a surprise attack.”
“Y-Yes, Sifu,” you uttered, trying to remain calm.
“That’s our plan; so stick with it...and be sure...oh shit…”
You both turned to see the roots had pulled themselves off the tree and twisted to contort themselves into the shape of an Earth pony.
“What in Equestria is that?!” you shouted.

It glared at the two of you. Zecora remained rock steady, but you were a quaking mess. The plant-like creature circled them carefully before it suddenly dropped down and slithered up another tree until reaching a sturdy branch and reverting back into its pony form.

“It’s the occupant of the grave...and for us a soul to save,” she explained, as she prepared for combat.
You let out an audible gulp.
“I’m ready when you are,” you said in a less than confident tone.

You took a fighting stance and prepared for the pending fight. You looked to see the creature was sizing up you to. When its analysis was completed, it dove at the two of you.

“Here it comes!”

It landed in between you two. Like a feral animal, it began to wildly fight both of you as it swung forehooves, which were now covered thorns. You’re narrowly able to dodge the assault.

“How do we beat this thing?” you asked.
You saw Zecora was able to dodge the plant’s advances with minimal effort.
“Just like any other evil pony!”
The beast tried to strike her face. She quickly sidestepped it and then delivered a strike that sent the creature crashing into the tree with extreme force.
‘Sweet Celestia! Zecora’s a lot stronger than I thought!’ you said in awe.
She turned to you and finished her statement.
“Execute it with impunity.”
“Right!”
You charged the fallen pony. The beast shook off the hit and met you head on. You threw a punch to the beast's head, but it didn’t even flinch.
“Oh darn!” you uttered.
The wooden beast swiped its spike hoof at you. You narrowly dodged the hoof as you jumped back.
“This things gotta have a weak spot.”
“If we desire to win, aim where the roots have grown thin,” Zecora instructed.
As you turned back to her, you saw her tossed you a branch that was lit on one end.
“I expected it to fight back...we need not take all of it intact.”
With a nod, you turned your attention back to the beast. You immediately scanned its body to find where it's vulnerable.
‘Where’s that weak spot?’
As you were dodging its assault, you were able located its weak point (the spot where the legs meet the body).
“Found it!” you said, as you charged the beast. “Now take this.”

You swung the branch hard at its weak spot. It yelped in pain as it lost one of its hind legs. In retaliation, it leapt forward to bite you. You anticipated it and jumped back, but you then slipped on some moist ground and fell backward. As it was about to eat you, Zecora appeared behind it and knocked it away with her own burning branch (taking out another hindleg in the process).

“Thank you Sifu,” you said.
With its hind legs now gone, the creature then morphed its body into the form of an enormous serpent. It let out loud hiss and charged you.
“Don’t stop or even pause! Quickly…aim for its jaw!” instructed Zecora.
“Yes, ma’am!”

You dodged the beast assault and struck its jaw with the burning branch. The wooden snake let out a pained hiss as its jaw fell off. As it fell to the ground, the roots faintly twitched as it appeared defeated.

“It is finally done. This fight…we have won,” breathed Zecora.
You fell to the ground exhausted.
“Well…that was fun!” you said, with a small hint of sarcasm.
After catching your breath, you both walked over to the fallen beast. Zecora gave you a proud smile.
“A beast of this size...it’s quite the worthy prize.”
She began to harvest the undamaged roots. As she was doing this, you were still in a state of awe.
“So, do you always fight things like that all by yourself?” you asked.
“When I need to, it’s what I do,” she stated, as she carefully put the roots into a frost covered clay pot. “Some go easily into the brew, while others would much rather eat you.”
“Wow. You’re really amazing Zecora! I’m honored to call you my Sifu,” you spoke with pride.
She gave a blushing smile.
“And I am also pleased to have you. I couldn’t ask for a student more true.”
This time it was your turn to blush.
“Aww shucks, thanks Zecora,” you grinned.
She motioned for you to assist her with gathering the roots and placing them in the jar.
“So, what're these for anyway?”
“A wicked root that ill deeds create...very potent medicines are made. Even though filled with very evil girth, it is favored when assisting birth,” Zecora spoke, as she sealed the jar. “There are many uses for the cruel root...although tragic that it grows; the waste is moot.”
“I see. Would you mind if I took some for research? Who knows it might help me with a potion I’m trying to make.”
Upon hearing this, Zecora looked to you with a very pleased grin. She then gave you a nod.
“Take care to keep your share cold,” she warned, as she took out an empty frost covered clay pot. “We do not want it to grow.”
“Yes, Sifu. Thank you,” you spoke with a bow.
She helped you fill up your jar. When you touched the roots, you could feel as if they had some sort of pulse. Along with that, you could also feel the anger and sorrow seeping off of them.
‘What a strange plant,’ you thought.
As you gathered the last of the salvageable roots, it was time to call it a night.
“Should we head back? It’s getting late,” you asked.
“Yes, our task is done. For now, we should return home,” answered Zecora.
With your quest over, the two of you journey home.

Since that day, you’ve been training with Zecora every day for the past three months. Through it, all your growth was genuinely remarkable. With your innate ability to pick up things quickly made it a lot easier for you to excel through her training. Zecora was very impressed at how fast you’ve grown as a shaman in such a short time.

Your days were filled with intense training, and research with Twilight at night. Though she was strict, Zecora was the perfect teacher. Caring and gentle when you needed it, but coarse and harsh when she felt you weren't giving it your all. Throughout it all, you two became very close friends. She even started to open up to you a little bit about herself and her culture.

As the days went on, you found yourself not looking at Zecora as you Sifu or even as your friend but rather as a something much more. You weren’t sure if the feelings were genuine or not so you didn’t act on them. You didn’t know what to do so you sought advice from your best friends. Your first stop was Sweet Apple Acres. When you arrived, you found you target bucking apples as usual.

“Hey AJ, you got a minute?” you called out.
The orange mare turned her head to greet you.
“Sure, somethin’ on yer mind, sugarcube?” she asked.
You twiddled with your fingers a bit before you responded.
“I wanted to ask ya something.”
“About what?”
“Um...well it’s about Zecora...”
“Zecora? She’s something ain't she? Real dependable.”
“She really is...But lately, I've been having feelings for her...”
She immediately stopped bucking trees and turned her full attention to you.
“Y'all wanna clarify what ya mean by feelings?” she inquired with her trademark eyebrow. “There are all sorts of feelings, sugarcube.”
“Well…I...I think I’m falling in love with her…” you admitted.
To your surprise, Applejack didn’t seem too shocked by your confession.
“Really now? Well to be honest...Ah figured y’all might. You two do spend a lotta time together. That and she’s been in brighter spirits since she started teachin’ ya.”
That last statement caught you off guard.
“S-She has? How can you tell?” you asked.
“Big Mac’s got an eye fer this sort of stuff,” she replied with a shrug.
“Ah, I see… Wait, when did Big Mac see her?”
“Just the other day. He was makin’ a delivery in town and noticed her walkin’. He said she had and Ah quote ‘A hitch in her giddy-up’.”
This got your mind racing as you started to have hope that she might feel the same as you.
“I see... What should I do, AJ?”
“Ah suggest ya tell her how ya feel.”
“What?! I can’t do that? I’m not too sure about it myself.”
“Well then, Ah suggest y’all figure out for sure,” she said as she tipped her Stetson. “Either way it goes y’all gonna regret the rest of yer life if ya say nothing.”
Applejack’s word hit to like a ton of bricks.
‘She’s right. I won’t know if I don’t try.’
You gave her a hug and a heartfelt smile.
“Thanks, AJ.”
“Don’t mention it, Nito.”
She went back to bucking apples, and you headed into town.

As you walked through the busy marketplace, your mind was fixed on how to approach Zecora about how you feel. While lost in thought, you bumped into a random pony and fell to the ground. When you looked forward, you saw that it was the fashionista unicorn Rarity you bumped into.

“Oh, I’m terribly sorry I- ...Oh, it’s you, Nito?” she said, with a smile.
“Yeah, sorry about that Rarity,” you stated, as you helped her to her hooves. “How've things been?”
“I can’t complain, darling. And yourself?”
“Good...just dealing with a little problem.”
“Oh? What’s wrong Nito?”
“Well, I’ve recently discovered that I may have feelings for Zecora…”
Rarity let out a squee of delight as she clapped her forehooves together.
“Really? Details darling!” she said, with a starry gleam in her eyes.
“Well, it just happened suddenly. During training the way her body seems to shine in the sunlight made her look like a goddess. I talked with AJ, but I still don’t know how to express my feelings,” you explained.
“Well, my advice is to make a ‘random’ attempt at something subtle and romantic to get her attention,” she offered.
“A random attempt?” you queried with an arched eyebrow.
“You know… something innocent. Like maybe flowers or a gift you know she would like.”
You contemplated her advice.
“That could work. Thanks, Rarity.”
“You’re quite welcome, dear.”

You waved goodbye as you headed for the Friendship Castle. While on your way there, you tried to think of the best gift to give Zecora. Upon arrival, you saw Twilight and Fluttershy talking in the foyer.

‘Great, they can help me with a gift idea.’
You waved to them.
“Hey girls,” you greeted.
They both turned to see you.
“Oh...hello Nito,” smiled Fluttershy.
“Hey, Nito how’ve you been?” asked Twilight.
“I’ve been good. Um...can I ask you, girls, something?”
“Sure,” spoke Fluttershy.
“Of course,” beamed Twilight.
“Umm, how do you tell somepony you like them?”
They were caught off guard by your question.
“Oh...well...um...” uttered Fluttershy.
“Well, be direct. Let them know how you- wait...who do you like?” Twilight inquired.
“Uh...well...Zecora,” you stated.
They gave a knowing smile.
“I see…well that make sense. You two do spend a lot of time together...” mentioned Fluttershy.
“Wait...is that even allowed?” Twilight question, as she tapped her chin.
“What do you mean, Twi? Why wouldn’t it be?” you queried.
“Well...you are her apprentice... Isn’t that...well crossing a professional line?” stated Twilight.
This caused you to think.
‘Wait, does it?’
“I don’t think it does,” chimed in Fluttershy. “But I can see where you are coming from, Twilight.”
You felt a massive sense of doubt.
“I never thought of that...what if she only sees me as her apprentice,” you sighed.
“She doesn’t. She likes you,” comforted Fluttershy.
“But...what about-” Twilight started.
“Twilight, his situation isn’t like yours was with Celestia. The main difference is that Zecora isn’t like a mother to him. So, this is completely different,” Fluttershy explained.
“But what if she’s right Fluttershy,” you moped.
“Nito...these feelings...well...you can’t fight them...you can either accept them or try to suppress them until they become regrets...and then you wake up hating who you have them for.”
You and Twilight both look at her with an arched eyebrow.
“Are you speaking from experience?”
She timidly nodded in response.
“Hmm...I see...Thanks for the talk girls.”
You headed back into town. Before you got too far, Twilight called out to you.
“Fluttershy is right Nito...and I’m sorry for judging your situation based on mine with Princess Celestia,” she apologized.
You turned back and gave her a smile.
“It’s okay, Twi. I just got some stuff to think about.”

Lost in thought, you found your way to Sugarcube Corner. You sauntered up to the counter where the energetic pink party mare was wiping down the counter.

“Pinkie...Chocolate Velvet surprise milkshake...make it a double...”
“Coming up, Nito,” she said, as she headed to the kitchen.
She quickly made the shake and placed it in front of you. She then looked at you with a concerned frown.
“Uh-oh, you’ve got that look in your eye,” she noted.
“Yeah. Got a lot on my mind...”
“A man only looks like that when he’s either got mare troubles or killed a stallion. So which is it?”
“Well, I- wait killed a stallion?”
She nodded in response not stopping her actions. You were gonna question it, but decided against it.
“Nevermind, I don’t wanna know. It’s about Zecora I've-”
“Oh...you've fallen hard for her, huh?”
“Yeah...how’d you know?
“Well, you said it wasn't the other thing. So it had to be that.”
“Oh...right. Well, I just don't know what to do. The others say I should tell her, but what if she doesn’t feel the same way...”
You finished off your milkshake.
“If she doesn’t feel the same way; then she doesn’t.”
She took your glass and refilled it with another shake.
“But you won’t know until you tell her. Ask yourself this: Is the risk of a temporary heartache heavier than a possible romance with a mare who makes you stop and stare whenever the sun hits her mane and eyes?”
You almost spit out your shake.
“Who told you that?!” you coughed.
“Huh? Told me what?” she asked innocently.
“What you just said. How'd you know I do that?
“Because you just told me, silly!” she said, with a cheesy grin.
To that you merely facepalmed. You finished off the second shake.
“Yeah...I walked right into that one. But what if I say the wrong thing?”
“As long as you are honest; you can’t really be wrong.”
“You think so?”

She merely gave an assuring no, as she freshened up your shake. You recalled your talks with all of your friends, and they each had one underlining tone…tell Zecora how you feel.

“Hmm, you’re right, Pinkie. I guess I got nothing to lose then,” you said, as you chugged down your third shake in one gulp. “Thanks, Pinkie.”
“Anytime, buddy,” she grinned.
You paid for your drinks and headed for the door. But before you could get out the door, you were hit with a freezing pain.
“GAH! Brain Freeze!” you groaned.
Pinkie quickly rushed over to you and put a warm towel on your head, and firmly rubbed your chest. After a few moments, the pain subsided.
“Thanks again, Pinkie,” you smiled.
“That’s what friends are for,” she grinned with a squee.
You waved goodbye to her as you headed off to Zecora’s for your training session. And thanks to your friends, you have the confidence to tell her how you feel finally.