Later that day, deep in the Everfree Forest, you and Zecora were hard at work with your training. Today session was focused on combat. As the two of you finished up your sparring lesson, Zecora decided to give you a little break. You fell to the ground slightly exhausted. You looked to your Sifu to see she had a delighted smile on her face.

“You do learn quite fast...for an apprentice...” she commented.
You gave a shrug.
“It’s easy...when you have an awesome teacher.”
To this, she offered a blushed smile.
“Where’d you learn how to fight like that?” you asked.
“I learned it from my-” she abruptly stopped and gave a melancholy sigh.
“…Forgive me...I would prefer not to say,” she sadly spoke.
You knew something was wrong since she was no longer speaking in her traditional rhyme.
“Is something wrong, Sifu?” you asked with concern, as you wiped your brow.
“My dear apprentice; my past is troubled. I would prefer to leave it undisturbed,” she spoke solemnly.
“Oh...okay. Um...Zecora...do you miss your homeland?”
She turned to you with a somber countenance.
“Once…long ago it was where my heart lay. But my ties remain severed to this day,” she spoke.
“But don’t you miss your family?”
“I miss them ever dearly...but it is not home to me.”

You could see that she wasn’t going to budge on the subject, but you wanted to help her get through whatever was bugging her about her past. It was then you remembered what happened that night.

“Getting off topic. If you don’t mind me asking...um...who’s Blade?”
You heard her voice hitch as she heard you say that name. You saw her look at you with narrowed eyes.
“I do not know how you came by that name; my silence on my past remains the same,” she answered in a firm tone.
The roughness of her words causes you to flinch slightly.
“I'm sorry, I didn’t mean to pry. It just the night I helped you sleep you were crying and said that name. I can only assume it was somepony close to you,” you defended.
“Very dear to me yes...please no more talk of this,” she spoke with a saddened tone.
You're hurt to your heart to see her this way.
“Yes, Sifu. I’ll…go get us some water…” you stated as you got up.

She only nodded and turned to look off into the distance. You felt like an idiot for bringing up something so personal to her. As you were about to past her, you look to her.

“I know it’s not my place. But if you ever need someone to talk to or just need a shoulder to cry on...I'm here for you. I may be your apprentice, but I’m also a friend that cares for you,” you declared honestly.
Just as you were about to walk away, you felt her hoof grab your hand.
“Come back to me Nito. I wish to answer you.”
You turned to her.
“You don’t have to if you don't want to. I won’t force you to tell me.”
Without warning, she turned to you and leaned against your chest. As she stood bipedally, she pressed her head against your frame.
“You have been a good friend to me...to allow me time to be weak.”

Before you could react, you felt her lightly cry into your chest. You then wrapped her in a thigh embrace. It seems as though this pony was indeed dear to her and this outpouring was long overdue.

“Zecora...it’s okay. You’ve always been so strong-willed, but even the strong need someone to lean on,” you consoled her.
She remained silent for a moment as she melted into your embrace. She looked up at you with teary eyes.
“This isn’t how I want you to see me, but I do thank you for being my tree,” she softly spoke, as she returned the embrace.
“That’s what friends do,” you smiled. “And I’ll always be here for you if you need me.”
“I know, my dear Nito.”
As you two stood there enjoying the warmth of the moment, it was grounded to a screeching halt when your stomach let out a loud growl. This, in turn, caused her to let out a small chuckle.
“Oh poor you; let's get some food,” she said, with a light laugh.
“Heh, I guess that sparring worked up my appetite,” you blushed.
“When you work, toil and train hard, the body demands a recharge.”
“Let’s head back then.”
Gathering your belongings, the two of you venture back to her home. Once there, she began to prep for lunch.
“Need any help?” you asked.
“Yes, please. Can you cut these.”
She slid some potatoes, carrots, and beets across the table.
“Yes, ma’am.”

You grab your cutting tool. You tossed vegetables into the air. Just before they reached the table, you delivered a series of slashes. The vegetables landed on the cutting board neatly and in their own separate piles. Zecora, impressed with your handiwork, quickly nudged the cutting board to the table’s edge. She slammed her hoof on the board, which launched the cut pieces into the cook pot.

“Eager to prove to me your worth? Come, start the fire with my front hoof,” she instructed, as she offered her hoof.
You know she’s used her hooves in place of flint to start a fire. You’ve seen her do it hundreds of times, but never have you tried to do it for her.
“Yes, Sifu.”
You walked over to her and took her hoof in your hand. It took you by surprise just how soft her fur was. You quickly struck her hooves together to create a spark. Within moments, the fire was lit.
“Voila~” you beamed.
She gave you a warm smile. But you then noticed her examining your hands.
“Such vibrant ends those things you call hands,” Zecora spoke with intrigue.
“Really? I don’t think they’re all that special,” you said, as you sat on the floor.
“I disagree, they are quite sweet.”
“Really, how so?”
“For one, you can firmly grasp things. Something in which I do envy.”
“You don’t say.”
“Yes, my dear Nito. I’m also impressed with how much you’ve grown.”
You blushed to hear her sing your praises.
“Well, I couldn’t have done it without you.”
She looked to you and shook her head.
“I have months of proof Nito...your growth mostly comes from you.”
“I guess…um…Zecora…I have something I wanna tell you…”
“Yes, my student? What is it?”
“Well... I don’t know how to say this…” you mumbled.
“I propose you breathe, and then just tell me,” she smiled.
“Ok...I-” you started as you turned to her.

But when you did, you were rendered speechless. You were lost in Zecora exotic beauty (her alluring eyes, her gentle smile, and her captivating scent). You felt yourself start to get flustered.

“I...uh...well…you see…I… um…” you stammered.
She giggled as she saw you were having a difficult time saying whatever it was you were trying to get out.
“Having a tough time I see. Come, out with it sweetie,” she sweetly spoke.
You let out an audible gulp.
“Well, for a while now I have been looking at you in a different light. I see you not as a master, but as a mare and without even realizing it…I fell for you,” you stated, but then turn to look at her “That’s how I feel. So tell me Zecora, h-how do you feel about me?”

She remained silent for a moment, as she processed what you had confessed to her. With each passing moment, you felt your chest tighten. You’re relieved too when she looked to you with a joyous smile.

“I feel the same way too... I have grown quite fond of you.”
“You…you have?”
“Why yes, my dear Nito it’s true. And I’m quite happy you’ve felt the same way too.”
You both shared in a small chuckle.
“While we sit and wait for the stew; there’s something I’d like to give you,” she said with a faint blush.
“Something for me? Well, what is-”
You felt her lips tenderly press against yours. You were stunned by the initial contact but soon accepted the kiss. When she pulled away, you could see her slightly grin at your reaction.

“W-What...what was that for?” you asked with a heavy blush.
“The truth I offer you; I simply wanted to. I’ve enjoyed your company. It has meant a lot to me. I have valued our time and plus I’ve seen a few signs,” she explained.
She paused and leaned a bit closer to you.
“I do apologize if I caught you by surprise,” she teased.
“No...it was fine. To be honest...I…um...” you said bit a flustered.
She leaned against you.
“I guess what’s left to see; will it return to me?” she spoke with a hushed tone.

With nothing to hold you back anymore, you eagerly returned the kiss. When you pulled away, you saw a blush now snaked across Zecora's muzzle.

“I do not entirely know where this road will go, but I’m glad to be walking it with you Nito,” she beamed.
“Me too, Zecora,” you said.
Your tender moment was once again ruined by your growling stomach.
‘Way to kill the mood stomach!’
Zecora let out a small laugh before she pointed at your stomach.
“Oh hush you! Wait for stew,” she ordered in a playful tone.
“Yeah you heard, Sifu. Be patient,” you spoke, as you lightly punched your stomach.
It growled louder in defiance.
“Breathe deep and shut everything out. Focus not on what’s in the pot. A simple way to wait is just to meditate.”
“Yes, ma’am.”

You sat with your legs folded. Shutting your eyes, you then steadied you breathe. Though your outward visage is calm and steady, inside you are leaping for joy knowing the mare you love feels the same toward to. It was then you felt confident enough to take things a step further.

“Zecora, would you...like to...go on a date with me?” you asked.
She turned to you in surprise.
“A bold request most true. I would very much love to,” she answered.
‘YAHOO!’ you internally cheered.
You quickly rose to your feet.
“So, are you free tonight?”
“My only task was your training; so I am up for anything.”
“Perfect, how about I take to my special place. I’ve kept it secret from everypony, even Twilight. We could have a moonlit picnic and gaze at the stars.”
“An evening of peace and quiet; and quite deliberately private?” she stated with a cheeky grin.
“Well, I thought you’d like it to be just the two of us. But we can do something else if you want.”
She contemplated it for a moment, then took a step closer to you.
“Yes, that would be divine. I’m sure we’ll have a wonderful time,” she grinned.
“Perfect! I’ll see you later tonight. I gotta go get things ready.”
You grabbed some of the stew to go and headed off to get prepared for tonight. As you left, Zecora couldn’t help but giggle to herself.

Later that night, you made your way back to Zecora’s. As you drew closer to her home, you felt your nervousness started to rise. Since you’ve been in Equestria, you’ve never really been on a date with anypony before. As your thoughts raced as to how to not screw this up, you finally reached your destination. With a gulp, you briefly knocked on her door.

“Zecora? You ready?”

When the door opened, you were captivated by her beauty. Her jewelry seemed to have been polished as they shimmered in the moonlight. She greeted you with a half-lidded smile.

“Good evening Nito; happy to see you.”
With a picnic basket and blanket in hand, you then bowed to her.
“Shall we go milady?”
She nodded with eagerly.
“Let us be off,” you smiled.

The two of you head to out. While on your way to your destination, you’d both talk and shared a laugh or two. After a few minutes, you arrived at the bottom of a secluded hill.

“Okay before we reach the top I want to cover your eyes,” you said.
“My eyes closed for an ascent that tall?” she asked, with an arched eyebrow. “As long as you catch me if I fall.”
“I promise…”

You got the blindfold from the basket and wrapped it around her eyes. Once it was secured, you lead her up the hill. As you reached the top, you positioned her to be facing something.

“Okay...surprise!”

You quickly took off the blindfold. Much to her surprise, Zecora beheld a field of flowers with silver and gold petals. Zecora was left in awe at the beauty of the hidden grove.

“Whatcha think, Zecora? Pretty amazing, huh?”
She nodded as she trotted into the grove.
“The glimmer of these flowers provoke a trance~,” she elated before she turned to you. “Nito...may I have this dance?”
“But of course,” you said, as you put down the basket and blanket.

You offered her your hand. She slowly rose her hoof to your hand, and she carefully stood on her hind legs. She gripped your shoulder to balance herself. The two of you danced across the field.

“I take it you like my little surprise?” you grinned.
“You’ve made my heart sing; you’ve become my wings,” she cooed.

As you continued to dance, you saw that she was gradually losing stamina in her hind legs. You gracefully spun her around and then dipped her. When your eyes met, you saw how her cyan eyes gleamed in the moonlight. Caught up in the moment, you leaned down in for a kiss.

However, just as your lips were about to connect her hind legs gave out, and she began to fall backward. Out of instinct, she grabbed on to you and pulled you down with her. You both landed on the ground with a soft thud. As you hovered over her, you saw the faint blush sprawled across her muzzle. Your heart skipped a beat as you took in her beauty.

“Wow...you’re really beautiful Zecora...”
This only deepened her blush. She ran her hoof tenderly along your cheek. You in turn gently stroked her mane.
“I’m glad you agreed to come here with me, Zecora,” you breathed.
“Such a sturdy form...” she cooed, as she gently nuzzled your chest. “...and also so warm.”
“All thanks to your training. And if you’ll permit me I’d like to show my gratitude,” you spoke, with a sensual flair.

She gave a nod for you to proceed. You leaned in and gave her a tender kiss. She responded by slowly draping her forehooves along your neck and pulled you in to return the gesture.

While in each other's embrace, you gently caressed her left ear, which earned you a soft moan. She affectionately stroked shoulder blades.

“Mhm...you’ve got such soft hooves Zecora,” you sighed.
When you looked down to her, you saw she had a saddened look on her face
“My body; you find this ... worthy of your tender lips?” she timidly asked.
“Very much,” you emphasized, as you peppered her neck with kisses.
“Even despite the catch...that our bodies don't match?” she said through her moans.
“That doesn’t concern me at all. I’ll admit when I first got here mares didn’t do it for me,” you admitted. “But after a while, I’ve found them quite attractive.”
You lightly nipped her neck.
“And you, my dear Zecora are the most attractive mare I’ve ever had the pleasure to be with.”
“Even with this body you see...you’ll want to be with me?"
You answered her truthfully with yet another kiss.
“If you’ll have me…”
She gently stroked your cheek.
“For someone so true...yes I’ll have you,” she said, as she returned the kiss.
“Zecora...”

You smirked as you gave her a quick peck on the cheek before you got up to retrieve the picnic supplies. When you came back, you spread out the blanket and set up the picnic. Once you were done, you motioned for her to come to you.

“You’re picnic awaits, milady,” you stated.
She giggled and made her way over to you.

As the two of you sat down, you pulled out an assortment of lily, cucumber, and mixed veggie sandwiches. Also, some strawberries (which you knew where her favorite), and a special mixed fruit blended drink.

“You provide well for me; I just might give you a treat,” she spoke with a half-lidded gaze.
“Really? What would that be?” you asked.
“Let’s say that after this meal...I’ll make a fantasy real,” she replied with a wink.
“Oh my~,” you said with a blush.

With that, she began to eat her meal. While eating, she grabbed one of the strawberries and suggestively licked the tip of the strawberry before eating it. You grinned at her and wrapped her in an affectionate embrace. The two of you fell onto the blanket laughing. Once on your backs, you both look up and gaze at the stars.

“I really am glad I came to Equestria,” you stated.
She affectionately nuzzled your chest.
“As am, I...which is why...” she lustfully whispered, as she slowly crawled on top of you. “It’s time for your surprise...”

She leaned in for another kiss, but this one had a little more passion to it. You returned it with just as much enthusiasm. As you two were locked in your intimate session, you were interrupted by a voice.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but you’re the one call Zecora correct?” it asked.
You both sat up to see a hooded pony standing a few feet away from you. You stood in front of Zecora.
“Yes that is me...but your face I can not see...” she spoke, trying to identify the pony.
The figure took off his hood to reveal a dark gray zebra stallion with white stripes, light blue eyes, and an off-white and dark gray mane.
“It’s been awhile, Shaman Zecora,” he spoke.
When you looked back at her, you were stunned to see she had a venomous scowl on her face.
“You may’ve come a long way, but to you, I’ve nothing to say,” she spoke, her words laced with bitterness.
You never heard her speak this way to anypony before.
“Zecora...please,” he pleaded.
You turned to the mysterious stallion.
“Who are you?” you asked.
He turned his attention to you.
“My name is Voduisant, chief of the Mganga Kijiji. I’ve come because I need her help,” he stated.
“Your breath is best saved...unlike my brother Blade,” she spat with malice.
‘Her brother?’
“Zecora...I’m sorry about your brother. He died protecting our home from an evil threat, and I know you hate me for sending him, but this is serious. Changelings have taken over our village,” Voduisant stressed.
“If that story were true...then I would not see you,” she responded incredulously.
He let out a defeated sigh.
“I was allowed to escape, but only to find our village’s strongest warrior,” he explained with shame.
“On a fool’s errand you were sent...you know his life is spent,” she huffed.
“Blade wasn’t our strongest Zecora. You are!” he said.
“I’ll hear no more lies. It’s best you fly,” Zecorscoffed, as she turned her back to him.
“Zecora...they have your mother and sister,” Voduisant spoke.
‘Her mother and sister? She never said anything about that,” you thought.

Zecora’s ears perked up as his words fell on them. She fell deafly silent for a moment but soon turned around with a look of distinct rage burning within her eyes.

“For their foul intents, they have a signed a death warrant,” she coldly spoke.
“Zecora…” you spoke in disbelief.
You’d never heard or seen her act this way before. It was as if she was letting her anger take hold. She took a deep breath.
“I shall fight for the safety of the village that shunned me,” she said.
“Very well, we shall depart first thing in the morning,” said Voduisant.
“And I’m coming with you,” you spoke up.
Zecora looked at you with surprise.
“I do appreciate your bravery, but I cannot ask you to come with me,” she stated.
“Sorry, but I can’t let the mare I love go into battle alone,” you smirked.
Zecora looked to you with a serious countenance.
“I have taught you many things from methods of old. But the Changelings are a completely different foe,” she warned.
“I know, but I won’t abandon you in your time of need. You’re more than a master or even a friend. Your somepony I’m willing to fight with and fight for,” you spoke with unwavering resolve.
She searched your eyes to seek the truth of your words. After a moment, a small smile appeared on her face.
“Thank you, dear Nito.”
“You’re welcome, Zecora,” you smiled.
“Very well. If he must come. I will send back his remains if he should perish.”
Zecora glared at him, which caused him to take a step back.
“While I’m grateful you brought news from home, you could’ve waited when I was alone. My love and I were having a moment, and you went and ruined it,” she flatly spoke.
“I’m sorry that I interrupted your personal time. But we didn’t have much time. Now come, we must prepare for our journey tomorrow,” Voduisant urged.
You both nod in agreement. You packed up the picnic and you three head for Zecora’s home.

Author's Note

Thanks to fluttercord45 for use of her OC Voduisant