The Hazards of Diplomacy

More than a week had passed since the train had left Ponyville, along with a couple of hours in stopovers while the train refueled. Thick woods gave way to the deserts and mesas near Appleoosa. Eventually, the sands gradually shifted to vast grassy plains. Given how excited Zecora was becoming when they entered it, it was a safe bet that they had been nearing her native home.

"My home range..." She said, a look of utter joy crossing her face when the train crossed into a savanna. Spike could see a small group of zebra stallions not far off, looking like they were digging a well or foundation for something. The moment they saw the train, the whole group whooped in excitement. He figured the fact that they weren't closed off anymore was still sinking in. In the distance another pair was chasing off something that resembled a bigger than normal armadillo. "...I see no change."

"Is that good?" He asked while the intercom announced they'd be arriving at the station in an hour.

"While familiarity brings past comfort, true, I had thought there might be something new."

"Well, we're still just near the border, so maybe we'll see something while we're here."

"Could be." She looked at him with a smile that, for some reason, made his face heat up a little. "Either way, there's much I'd like for you to see. Now to make better, our wardrobes for the weather."

"Uh, y-yeah." He quickly grabbed something from his bag and went to go change, with Zecora doing the same.

A few minutes later, Spike emerged, wearing a pair of buckmuda shorts. "Zecora, you re-" His voice halted, mostly from his jaw going slack at what greeted him when she returned.

She was wearing a top that was nothing more than a pair of thin cloth straps over her breasts. Just wide enough to conceal her nipples, and crossing behind her back, held up only by the collar she had on. Along with a loincloth that showed the two pieces of cloth on the front and back were all that separated her from total exposure.

If he'd been a little less distracted, he probably would have noticed her eyes widening slightly, along with a lip bite and slight blush dusting her cheeks. "Spike, you're a feast for the eyes, behind your clothes' lies..." Her gaze drifted over his chest and biceps.

"Huh?" He looked down. "Oh, heh. Yeah, Fluttershy liked going to the gym, but she was too nervous about going alone. So..." He gave a mild shrug. "Um...n-nice outfit. It looks good on you."

Her blush darkened a little "Thanks." She did a little twirl, letting the bottom flutter around some. "I wore this when Equestria I first went to see. I was worried the fit would no longer suit me."

'Oh, it most definitely does.' He thought.

Apparently, due to the years of disuse, the international transit stations were in need of repair. So, a temporary station had been set up for them to stop at. It wasn't much; a set of stairs for them to get off the train and a table that worked as the ticket station. A group of the station's staff were there, helping get luggage off and providing any needed transport to one of the nearby towns.

The two made their way off and Zecora spied a set of street markers nearby. "Here, we can check to see where the nearest towns are." She led the way, putting a slight sway in her hips, and rear, as Spike fell in step behind her. A brief glance back had her smirk when she saw him getting distracted a little by it. "Let's see..." She looked at the direction signs.

As they looked at the signs, a pair of zebra stallions stood nearby with a mix of nervousness and awe. "Kenvu...is-is that an unattached mare??" One of them asked, his voice shaking a little.

"I believe so, Zeo." The second, older-looking stallion said. "She has nothing to indicate she is engaged or married."

"But...the dragon with her..." Zeo's jaw dropped when they heard her happily say her home village was less than a couple of hours away.

Kenvu laughed slightly, gently adjusting the wedding band on his finger. "Brave lad, even by dragon standards."

"Wow. Zecora, you weren't kidding about the weather here." Spike looked up. While the warm weather didn't bother him, the humidity was making him feel like he'd just been caught in a drizzle.

"It is not so bad; much better than how it would have been how you were originally clad." She replied, glancing around at the terrain. "If correct these recollections of mine, then we should reach town in a relatively short time..." She trailed off when she spied another mare emerge from around a nearby hill, wearing a tassel top and thong that just barely concealed her.

She blinked when the mare spied Spike and licked her lips, reaching to adjust her tassels. Thinking fast, she whirled around and kissed him, wrapping her arms around his head, and throwing a leg around him.

His eyes widened when he felt her lips on his. 'Z-Zecora's kissing me!?' It didn't help that he felt himself quickly reacting to her pressing against him. If he could, he would've squeaked in surprise when she let out a soft moan along with lightly grinding against him/ 'She...she...!'

The mare paused, looking a little surprised at the sudden affection. After a second of watching them, the surprise turned to a little disappointment and she continued on past them. Zecora peered around Spike to see her walking away before she finally separated.

"Zecora..!" He managed to get out after. "Wha-"

A finger of his lips quickly silenced him. "Later I will explain...though your welcome compliment is most plain." She added, smiling at the considerable tent in his shorts. Spike turned bright red when he saw it, and moved to cover up...only for her to stop him. "In visible arousal there is naught to deride. To awaken such so easy, mares here take as a mark of pride."

"Uh...o-ok..." He replied, confusion lacing his voice. With that, he resumed following her, albeit silently. 'Really hope that explanation comes soon.'