Sweaty Personhorses: Chapter III (Zecora)

>Today is Saturday
>You had promised to accompany Twilight into the Everfree forest
>Whoo...
>Getting out of bed, you glance at the clock
>9:23
>So much for an early start
>You dress and start preparing for your trip
"Some bandages, water, a flashlight..."
>Once everything is in your backpack, you sling it over your shoulder and head out the door
>Not even five seconds later, your stomach rumbles
>Oh yeah
>Breakfast
>You could just run in and pour a bowl of cereal...
"Nah, I'll get something on the way."
>"Get what on the way?"
>You turn around and see Applejack and Big Mac standing behind you
>Mac has his arms full of building supplies
>AJ's carrying a few bags herself
"Oh, morning AJ, Big Mac."
>Mac gives a nod and AJ tips her hat
>"Mornin' yerself, hun. What was that about goin' somewhere?"
"I'm just heading over Sugarcube Corner to grab some breakfast."
>AJ leans to the side to get a view of your backpack
>"That all?"
>Twilight made this seem like some secret mission from Celestia
>And she did say not to tell anyone
"Yes."
>Applejack gives you a stern look but instantly softens
>"Well, in that case, mind if Ah join ya?"
>"Uh, sis? Didn't ya say we needed t'get these supplies back home?"
>"Oh hush, Mac. We ain't buildin' the fence 'til Monday anyway."
>Mac is about to say something when he's interrupted
>"Jus' get the stuff home and Ah'll getcha somethin' from Pinkie's. Deal?"
>Mac looks at his sister, you, and then back to her
>"Eeyup."
>And with that he walks off, leaving you alone with AJ
>Once Mac is out of earshot, she turns to you
>"Y'know, Ah don't like bein' lied to, sugarcube."
>Oh yeah, Jackie has that Element thing
"I told you, I'm getting some breakfast."
>Technically not lying
>"Then what's in the bag?"
>"My bag is my business."
>You turn and walk towards the bakery
>AJ follows in hot pursuit
>"Ah think it'd be in yer best interest to tell me, Anon."
>Was that a threat?
>You turn to face her
"What, you gonna beat me up?"
>AJ chuckles
>"Naw, nothin' like that..."
"Then what?"
>Her serious expression changes into a different one
>Almost like that one she had the other night
>...
>She slowly starts walking behind you
>"It'd be jus' awful if someone's li'l secret got out..."
>She spoke in an almost sultry tone
"You wouldn't..."
>"And why not? By keepin' it a secret, Ah'm bein' dishonest."
>Applejack now stands behind you
>You try to move, but for some reason, your body refuses to listen
>"Ah'm gonna need a li'l... convinvin'..."
>She drapes her arms over your shoulders and drags a finger down your chest while she kisses your neck
>Meanwhile, she rubs her boot on the inside of your thigh
>Are you being seduced and blackmailed at the same time?
>This must be what marriage feels like
>Biting your lip, you decide what to do
>Maybe you should just tell her?
>No! You will not submit!
>Even if it does feel good...
>During your inner struggle, AJ had slipped out of her right boot
>Her slightly sweaty bare foot now caresses your leg
>And just to destroy any resistance you might have left, she starts whispering
>"Ooh... jus' imagine what Ah could do t'ya...
>Your whole body aches with lust
>"First yer face, then sloooooowly down yer chest, until..."
"F-Fine! What do you want?"
>The kisses stop, but the rubbing continues
>"Well fer starters, y'all kin tell me what that bag's for."
>You give a defeated sigh
"Supplies for our trip to the Everfree."
>"OUR supplies?"
>"Twilight and me."
>"An' what's this trip to th'Everfree for?"
>Her tone changes from sultry to playful, knowing she has you
>You hesitate, but realize resistance is futile
"Some plant that grows there."
>"That all? Shoo'! Why didn't ya jus' say so?"
>AJ releases you
"I dunno. Twilight made it seem so...secret?"
>"Ah think ya jus' wanted me t'force it outta ya."
"Well, who could resist you, Applejack?"
>She blushes a bit
>Nothing compared to yours
>You turn and start towards the bakery
>AJ follows
"You know Twilight's gonna kill me when she finds out I told you?"
>She grins
>"Not mah problem, sugarcube."

...

>Applejack and you enter Sugarcube Corner and are immediately greeted by a blur of pink
>"Hey Anon! What are you doing here?! It's your day off! You don't work on your day off, silly!"
"Well, I-"
>"Gasp! And Applejack, you're here too?! You told me you had errands to run!"
>"Uh, ya see-"
>"Wait a sec! Applejack, Anon, here, together? GAAASP! OHMYGOODNESSAREYOUTWOONADATETHAT'SSOROMANTICYOUTWOMAKETHECUTESTCOUPLEINTHEWHOLEWIDEWORLDIHAVETOTELLEVERYONE!!!"
>Pinkie leaps up as she finishes her mouthful
"Pinkie! NO!"
>She freezes in midair
>How...
>"We ain't onna date, Pinkie. We're jus' lookin' fer some grub."
>Wow. You thought AJ would have told her
>"Oh. Well that's boring."
>Pinkie sighs before walking back into the kitchen
"Um, something wrong?"
>Pinkie returns, carrying two plates of donuts
>"I'm just super bummed out that I'm stuck inside on this super duper Saturday."
>She places your food down, albeit hard, and sighs again
>Pinkie then turns and starts wiping down the counter
>AJ shoots you a sly look
"No."
>You suddenly feel the tip of her boot caress your shin
>Is she going to do this every time you defy her?
>...you hope so
>Applejack quickly retracts her foot as Pinkie turns around
>"Well, enjoy..."
>She slumps back on her stool at the register
>You can't stand to see Pinkie like this
>Sighing, you walk over to the crest fallen baker
"Pinkie, do you want to come with me and Applejack?"
>"I don't know... I have to work an-WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!"
>Wow
"We're going to-"
>"No wait! Lemme guess!"
>She takes a deep breath
>"TwilightgotasupersecretletterfromCelestiaaskinghertofindasuperrareflowerthatgrowsonlyintheEverfreeForestandhasaskedforyourhelpbecauseyouhadtheideatoaskZecora?!"
>You have no words
>AJ seems less phased
>"Hey! You didn't say nothin' 'bout a secret letter from the princess!"
"Oh, it, uh, must have slipped my mind."
>Applejack looks ready to bite your head off, when Pinkie interjects
>"Of course I'll come! Ooh. But first I need to ask off work. MRS. CA-"
>"Pinkie, dear, I'm standing right here."
>"Oh yeah. So can I go?"
>"It does sound like royal business. And you are one of those Elements, so I suppose-"
>"Great!"
>Before you can react, Pinkie grabs AJ and you by the arms and starts bouncing to the library

...

>As you approach Twilight's house, you can see a figure walking back and forth on the front lawn
>On closer inspection, it was Twilight herself
>She had paced up and down so much that the grass had died, leaving a small ditch in the ground
>Twilight sees you coming and shouts
>"Anon! You're twenty minutes late! What did I say about an early start?!"
"Yeah, sorry. Had to pick up some breakfast... and some company..."
>"Howdy Twi!"
>"Heya Twilight!"
>Twi's eye twitched slightly
>"Oh girls. How... nice. Anon, may I have a word with you?"
>You don't have time to answer, as a purple aura drags you behind a bush
>"What the hell? Did you tell the entire town about my secret assignment?!"
>The aura concentrates on your throat
"No, j-just Applejack... a-and Pinkie..."
>Twilight releases your throat but still holds you in her magic
>"I was trying to keep this under wraps. Whatever this flower does, the Princess doesn't want anyone to know about it."
>"Uh, y'all okay in there?"
>"Yeah, what's with all the angry whispering?"
>Twilight turns toward the voices
>"Everything's fine! Be out in a minute!"
>She then turns back to you
>"You better hope no one else hears about-"
>"Gasp! Twilight! What are you doing to dear Anonymous?!"
>"It looks like you're, um, hurting him."
>The magic enveloping you dissipates as Twilight stands up
>"Rarity! Fluttershy! What are you doing here?" Twilight says through clenched teeth
>"We were on our way to our weekly spa appointment when we spotted Anonymous and you behind this bush."
>"R-Rarity thought you two were fighting... Please say you weren't..."
>"No! Not at all! Just a friendly little chat!"
>"Behind a bush?" Applejack comments as she walks over
>"Yes." Twilight responds without missing a beat
>AJ helps you up
>Suddenly, Pank
>"Hi Rarity! Hi Fluttershy! Ooh! You wanna come with us?"
>Twilight grimaces
>"Go where, dear?"
>"To the Everfree, of course!"
>Flutters squeaks and hides behind Rarity
>"Oh... I'd hate to get dirty and sweaty before our spa date."
>"A-And I'd hate to be eaten before our spa date..."
>"But you gotta! It's an official assignment from Celestia Herself!"
>Meanwhile, AJ and you were snickering at the horror on Twi's face
>"From the princess? Why didn't you tell us, dear?"
>Twilight lowers her head
>"I'm sorry. But the letter said no one was to know about the flower."
"But you told me."
>"I was desperate for info. Plus, I was going to send you home after we left Zecora's anyway."
>Applejack walks over and puts a hand on Twi's left shoulder
>"Ya shoulda jus' told us, Twi. We're good at keepin' secrets."
>Rarity joins AJ and takes Twilight's right shoulder
>"Oh yes, darling. I know how to keep a secret as well."
>Both girls flash you a smile
>nonononononononononononononononono
>"You're right. Sorry I didn't trust you guys."

...

>Twi apologizes and the six of you venture into the forest
>The Everfree is your typical 2spooky forest
>Owls, rustling leaves, the works
>Flutters clings to your arm the whole way
>Twilight is frantically looking around
>Pinkie is happily skipping and humming
>And Applejack and Rarity are whispering back and forth
>About you no doubt
>Fluttershy notices your discomfort
>"Um, Anon?"
"Hmm?"
>"You've been so quiet. Is... Is everything alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. The forest is just... spooky?"
>"Oh yes. But I feel safe knowing I have all my friends with me."
"Why don't you tell me about some of the animals that live here?"
>"I'd love to!"
>Flutters tells you about manticores, timberwolves, and all the other creatures she's met here
>It made the trek to Zecora's hut must faster and took your mind off the two little minxes behind you

...

>Zecora's hut soon came into view
>Twilight turns to address the party
>"Now remember. This is a secret assignment. No one tell Zecora why we need the flower."
>"Yeah, yeah. Let's jus' get this over with."
>Applejack has never really liked Zecora
>Twilight walks over a gives the door a little knock
>It opens
>"Ah Twilight, and her friends too! Is there anything that I can do for you?"
>Zecora steps outside
>Her dark skin contrasts with her gray dress and hair
>Besides some bangles around her ankles, she wore nothing on her feet
>"Good afternoon, Zecora. I was hoping you would have some information on a flower I've been researching."
>"Hmm, a flower is what you seek? Come inside and we'll take a peek."
>Zecora leads you all inside
>AJ seems hesitant, but follows
>Zeocra stops at a table of pressed flowers under glass
>"Many flowers grow in this place. You will find most of them inside this case."
>Twilight gives the flowers a glance
>"I don't know what it looks like; only it's name: the Podfillis."
>Zecora taps her chin
>"The name seems familiar, that is true. But I do not have the flower to give to you."
>Twilight starts panicking
>"But you DO know where I can find one... right?"
>Zecora smiles
>"I have never needed the plant before, but I have a map if you're willing to explore."
>She walks over to a shelf and pulls out a dusty map
>"There is a patch almost two hours away. I would hurry while the time is still day."
>"Two hours?! Oh, my poor feet..."
>Rarity looks down at her pristine purple pumps
>Applejack gives her an elbow
>"Don't worry, Rares. Ah think Ah know who could help."
>Rarity places a hand to her mouth to hide her giggle
>"Oh yes, how could I forget?"
>"We have no other choice! We must get that plant for Ce- my studies."
>Zecora nods and hands Twilight the map
>Applejack is the first to leave the hut, rather quickly
>As you turn to leave, you are stopped by Zecora
>"Anonymous, I was wondering, if you're free, would you mind doing a favor for me?"
"Sure, what do you need?"
>"I promise you it is a small thing, I just have a few items you must bring."
>Zecora hands you a list with names and pictures of various plants
"Alright. Sounds easy enough."
>"ANON! Are you coming?!"
>Twilight is spazzing out again
>You stick your head out the door
"You guys go on ahead. Zecora asked me to help her with something."
>"But Anoo~nymous, what if I feel faint and need a big~, strong~ man to carry me~?"
"That's what Applejack's for, Rarity!"
>Even from here, you can hear AJ's blood vessels pop
>"Fine! Do whatever! We have to get that plant by sundown!"
>Twilight then disappeared into the dense forest, with the others following
"I'm going to start looking, Zecora."

...

>You are Rainbow Dash
>And right now you are sleeping on the same couch Anon and Gilda were on last night
>Naked
"Ooh~ Anon, Gilda... k-keep licking..."
>A hand snakes its way between your legs
"Oh gawd, the toes...yes. YES!"

...

>You are Anonymous
>And that little scavenger hunt didn't take long at all, only about an hour
>It is still going to be another three before the girls got back
>Zecora had given you a little basket before you left, so it was easy carrying the stuff back
>The door to the hut was open so you let yourself in
>Zecora is inside brewing some tea
>"Thank you, Anonymous, you are the kindest yet. If you need anything, know I am in your debt."
>She hands you a cup of tea and takes the basket from you
>As she turns to place the basket down, you get a good look at her soles
>They both had a thick layer of dust from walking around her hut and the forest floor barefoot
>Didn't she say she owed you?
>Hmm...
>Zecora pours herself a cup and you both sit down
>You take a little sip
>Bleh
>Drink it anyway to be polite
>Once finished, you turn to Zecora
"Hey, you know how you said you were in my debt?"
>She nods
>Here come the nerves
"I...I think I know what you could for me."
>This is going to sound weird
>Like with Flutters, you're asking a rather submissive request from someone who owes you
>And Zecora won't be as easy to flatter as Fluttershy
>She might just outright deny your request
>You'll have to word this carefully
"I've noticed your feet have collected a good amount of dirt."
>Yeah, that wasn't creepy at all
>Zecora blinks, wondering where you're going with this
"Could I wash them for you?"
>She look understandably confused
>"That is a very odd request, especially considering you are my guest."
>She ain't going for it
"Oh, I'm just training to be a professional..."
>Crap, what are those guys called?
>Pedometers?
>"Podiatrist?"
"Yes, one of those. I thought you could let me practice my, uh, technique."
>Zecora taps her chin, then smiles
>"Very well, I shall grant your wish. Wait a moment while I fetch a dish."
>Zecora leaves the room and returns a few minutes later with a wooden basin filled with warm bubbly water
>She sets it down and hands you a sponge-like plant
>Once everything is ready, Zecora sits on a stool and places her feet on both sides of the tub
>She nods
>Taking her right foot by the ankle, you gently dunk it into the water
>As you swirl her foot around, you detect a fragrant scent coming from the water
>It doesn't smell like normal soap
>Almost like... berries?
>Lift her foot from the water
>Cascading droplets run down her sole, glistening in the afternoon sun
>You dunk the sponge thing in the water and start scrubbing
>Somehow, the sponge secretes its own foam
>It makes it easy to work up a lather
>Glancing up at Zecora, you see her eyes are closed
>You lower the foot back into the water to rinse off
>Wow, her sole is almost sparkling
>Whatever's in that plant works
>You continue by scrubbing her heel and then the top of her foot
>The sponge was to thick to slip between her toes, so you did the next best thing
>Squeezing some foam into your hands, you rub your fingers through her toes
>If Zecora is ticklish, she sure doesn't show it
>She always has that zen look on her face
>Perhaps her mental strength is too strong to notice such trivial sensations
>Or maybe her feet are just tough because she walks barefoot
>Yeah, probably the later
>Once her right foot is finished, you switch to her left
>You repeat the same process on her sole, heel, and top
>However, you change up on the toes
>Wanting to test your theory, you wiggle your fingers
>Look up, hoping for a reaction
>Nothing
>Wiggle a little faster
>Not even a lip twitch
>You mentally sigh and finish up
>Zecora lifts her feet from the water and places them on a nearby cloth
>Allow her feet to air dry while you drain the tub
>When you come back, you dab the water from her feet to officially finish the bath
>She allows her eyes to open
>A long sigh is the first thing that passes her lips
>"Thank you, Anonymous, for that very relaxing bath. I hope it will help you down your path."
>Path? What is she...
>Oh right
"Heh, you could say it was a treat...to wash your feet!"
>Zecora gives you a quizzical look
"Y'know, treat, feet?"
>She blinks
"Uh, never mind."

...

>The bath only lasted around 30 minutes, so you still had time before the girls got back
>You decide to kill that time by talking to Zecora about the forest
>The conversation eventually settles on that mysterious flower Twilight went after
"It's been over two hours. They must have found it by now."
>Look out the window to see the sun begin its descent
"What does it do anyway?"
>Turn to Zecora sipping tea
"I mean, the Podfillis, what can it be used for?"
>She sets her tea down and thinks a moment
>"Hmm, I tried to think of something, but I can't. It is a most useless plant."
>Then why does Celestia need one?
>"The only thing that make it more interesting than an owl, is the odor it produces is most foul."
"Odor?"
>"Yes. A useless plant that offends those who near? It's not a mystery why no researchers appear."
>That explains why Twilight's books had no info
>Maybe Celestia just wants to finally have a sample on record?
>Suddenly, you hear faint voices
>You step outside with Zecora
>The voices become louder and louder until you can hear them clearly
>"Ah still can't believe you made us walk two hours 'n back fer that stinkin' thing!"
>You hear a giggle
>"She's right, Twilight! Pew!"
>"Yes, I know! I KNOW!"
>You turn to Zecora
"Looks like they found it."
>She nods and goes inside her hut
>Soon, the girls emerge from the bushes into the clearing
>First is Applejack holding her stetson over her nose
>Then comes Pinkie, still skipping as if nothing was wrong
>Fluttershy and Rarity follow, pinching their noses
>And finally, a ragged looking Twilight
>Floating behind her is what you presume to be the Podfillis
>It's encased in a pinkish-purple bubble
"Welcome ba-"
>"Save it, Anon." Twilight snaps
>Is she angry you didn't go with them?
>As Twi got closer, so did the bubble
>And with it, its smell
>Its subtle at first, but soon burns in your nostrils
>You instinctively cough
>"Yeah, that's only a FRACTION of what it smelled like before I sealed it."
>Zecora returns from inside. holding what looks to be a glass jar
>"Twilight, lower your shield."
>Twi hesitates, but positions the bubble over the jar
>The bubble pops, and the plant falls
>In the split second took to land in the jar, a horrible stench is released into the air
>You take one whiff and immediately feel sick
>Zecora quickly corks the jar, sealing the smell better than Twilight's magic could
>The odor lingers for a few moments
>Once it's safe to breathe, you examine the plant inside the jar
>Its stem is greenish-black and covered in thorns like a rose
>The flower, where the smell must come from, is made up of pale pink petals forming a bulb with the lips curling outward
"It's actually kind of pretty."
>You didn't really mean to say that aloud
>"Aw, you think? Good. Then YOU get to carry it."
>Twilight needs a nap
>And a shower
>Seriously, is that the plant or her body odor you're smelling?
>Not wanting to aggravate Twi further, you pick up the jar
>As you walk home, you can't help but stare at the strangely beautiful flower in your hands
>You feel... drawn to it
>Why the hell does Celestia need this thing?