There is nothing more pure than the love between man and a mare

Theory and practice edition

Old thread: >>42253564

Ongoing greens:

Shape Your Home by PoneGreen
https://ponepaste.org/477 (Part 1)
https://ponepaste.org/478 (Part 2)
https://ponepaste.org/479 (Part 3)
https://ponepaste.org/480 (Part 4)
https://ponepaste.org/4581 (Part 5)
https://ponepaste.org/8319 (Part 6)
https://ponepaste.org/10382 (Part 7)
https://ponepaste.org/4466 (April Fools' interlude)

Completed/on hiatus/ded greens:
GET OUT OF MY HEAD by Anonymous
>>40508352

Dreams to Dream by Stabbythesnowman
https://ponepaste.org/590
https://ponepaste.org/4197 (part 2)
https://ponepaste.org/5562 (part 3)

A Wish Enough for Two by TakeItEasy (née YukkuriPaleHorse)
https://ponepaste.org/8269

The Recruiter (epilogue) by pentapony
https://ponepaste.org/4316

Hallmark Dream-a by lmone6
https://ponepaste.org/3004

Stories by Pentapony
https://ponepaste.org/user/pentapony

Carl's Hardened Heart by Reggiesomething
https://ponepaste.org/1112

"Fleetfooted" by SadBoy
https://poneb.in/u/MLPSadBoy

Stories by Aftercase
https://ponepaste.org/user/Aftercase

Stories by AnthonyC4
https://ponepaste.org/user/AnthonyC4

Stories by Horse Story Anon
https://ponepaste.org/user/Appreciationproject

Stories by YukkuriPalehorse
https://poneb.in/u/YukkuriPalehorse

Rainbow Dash and the Ghosts of Hearts & Hooves Day by Lonesome Rider
https://poneb.in/U2Jtfc59

Stories by Trandhal: https://ponepaste.org/user/trandhal

Rocks out of the Quarry: https://poneb.in/aX2C686i

Stories by Tsar Anon: https://poneb.in/BnjZqwM3

Stories by Angry Wino: tinyurl dot com slash vskmqfx (link is dead, if someone's got a backup/alternative I'll update this)

Stories by Crabs of Steam: https://poneb.in/u/Crabs_of_steam

The Broken Carousel (Part 1): https://ponepaste.org/1541
(Twilight Sparkle Interlude 1): https://ponepaste.org/1543
(Part 2): https://ponepaste.org/1542
(Twilight Sparkle Interlude 2): https://ponepaste.org/1544

This Heart That Fears
https://poneb.in/0b7L24Ln

Tsukumogami
https://poneb.in/WPw3dNdP

Low Self-Esteem AJ
https://poneb.in/x5FMfxc0

All I want from christmas
https://poneb.in/XHH5UPCN

Couch Surfing
https://poneb.in/82NscJdW

A collection of misc. green since the 1st thread
https://poneb.in/0JMPM6F8

>>42258630 (OP)
*BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP*

Did the old bread die?

>>42258638
Yeah, the last two threads have been cursed somehow.

>>42258630 (OP)
How many times are you going to make this bump general?

>>42258712
until I can get my dilating wound replaced with a real penis so i can fuck a horse

>>42218828
Just as a little heads up, the next chapter is done, but I didn't have the time to proofread it yet. I hope to get this done in a day or two.

>>42258638
Too many people making sub-20-post threads pushing stuff off the board and no one on-hand to save this from the gutter.

>>42258638
Yes. Love is over.

>>42259125
The west has fallen, billions must die.

>>42258638
Thread has been dead for years because of autistic hylics who rage at any content

>>42258638
What pisses me off the most is that absolute trash and cancer threads survived and this one landed in the archives. It's pants on head retarded.

>>42259247
take your meds

Let's start the thread properly now, shall we?
Mares in dresses, how much fancy is just right?

>>42259629
Depends on the mare.

>>42259629
>>42259646
and depends on the occasion
You don't want your pretty mare showing up in an un-pretty dress for a gala, after all.

>>42259629
Fancy is great if it fits her theme.

>>42259783
It's even better if it doesn't.

Unicorn waifu-havers, you're doing your homework, right? You're studying esoteric and initiatic knowledge, so that even if you don't get any results "IRL" you'll be able to exposit on human magic to Her?

>>42260162
My psychic capabilities are beyond human comprehension.
The CIA's warlocks fear me, Allah asks me for protection from witches, and I have been to Hitler's magic castle in Valhalla. The archons shit themselves in the presence of my blinding light and my will pushes the fate of all humanity.

>>42260162
I'd turn myself into a walking library if I had to.

>>42260162
Of course not. If I already know about magic and stuff she won't have a reason to teach me all about it.

>>42260602
That's a good point. Learning together to strengthen yout bond.

>>42259629
Are there any good dress pictures with Moonie? I don't think I've ever seen one.

>>42260602
Comparing notes with her on human and pony magic and potentially coauthoring a report on the subject, vs enjoying her giddily dusting off her workbooks from magic kindergarten to get you started from scratch both have their appeal.

>>42260959

>>42260959
another

>>42260959
Oh my God, she's naked

>>42260990
>White socks on white background
That's kinda confusing to the eye.

>>42261310
Yeah, why do you think Shining Armor's eyes are like that?

>>42261414
Never actively thought about that until now, to be honest.

>>42260205
Who's the Fuhrer's favorite pony?

>>42261301
as mares should be, outside of formal events and fun occasions

>>42259629
What about battle dress?

>>42260982
Sounds like a win-win situation whatever you decide to do.

>>42262715
With mare, every situation is a win-win.

>>42262963
>mare trolley problem
>if you pull the lever, the trolley pulls into the station and mare steps out and you get loved now
>if you do nothing, the trolley will run over every changeling queen, permanently crippling their social structure and ability to perpetuate their misbegotten kind, before pulling into the station and delivering you a mare who loves you but is mildly dehydrated and needs to be washed

>>42263019
So a patience test. It's fine to wait a bit longer if the result is miles better.

>>42263360
but the mare needs sippies and a wash
who could possibly have the courage to drink showerhead water with her while blowing an entire Tractor Supply value jug of Mane 'N Tail on her coat

>>42259247
The most cancerous and trash thread got thrown to archives twice early. You clearly dont know what you're talking about.

>Tears
Who hates the little general that could this time, really, I wonder

>>42261072

>>42263487
The shambling corpse bump general

>>42263525
you're describing all generals on /mlp/. dead board, dead franchise.

>>42263487
But /zig/ was never a genuine thread.

>>42263473
>offering a drink to your mare and wash together
Sounds great to me.

>>42263634
Im pretty sure /zig/ger gets put into the archives more than twice early. Basically a meme thread akin to the sharty raids that occasionally happen here.

>>42218828
>>42258782
Chapter 175 is ready and up. And back to the classic style it is. Links as usual and here we go.
Main story:
https://ponepaste.org/477
https://ponepaste.org/478
https://ponepaste.org/479
https://ponepaste.org/480
https://ponepaste.org/4581
https://ponepaste.org/8319
https://ponepaste.org/10382
Side story:
https://ponepaste.org/4466
Have fun.

>>42263918
175

>Over the course of what feels like an eternity, you phase in and out several times.
>One moment, you gather enough mental clarity to register voices in the vicinity, and only a few seconds thereafter, you register that your faculties are dwindling once more, right as your senses give out again.
>It is a constant process of slithering back and forth, where both progress and setbacks dance hand in hand.
>To a tune without any rhyme or reason.
>It is a state where nothing appears to be permanent, apart from the change itself.
>Eventually though, stability seems to gain control as your inner disorder retracts steadily.
>It finally grants you the agency to do something as well.
>You slowly open your eyes and try to make sense of your situation.
>Initially, you have some problems to focus on anything, as your sight is unusually blurry.
>You can make out rough shapes and colours, but the details are impossible for you to discern.
>Yet even without any visual clarity, the bright form that appears to be one of the closest shapes in the room begins to move on its own.
>And not only that, it also emanates sounds.
>"Finally! He's awake!"
>Hearing those words, combined with a slight and sudden improvement of your vision, is enough input for your clouded brain to find a trail in the proverbial fog.
"Sky..."
>Your own voice is raspy and dry, and a pain in your throat prevents you from forming any further words.
>Something is not as it should be.
>Because as you push yourself to speak again, your body appears to have other ideas.
>Your breathing becomes unsteady as a queasy feeling forces itself upon you.
>And it is so dominant that you almost miss the second moving form in the room.
>"I'll tell Decanter!"
>Sky Squall answers.
>"Wait! Not yet!"
>"Why?"
>"Grab the bag, quick!"
>The second form does not say anything and simply grabs an object which could vaguely resemble a bag as far as your still somewhat impaired eyes are concerned.
>Then, without any further word from anyone, said form approaches you quickly.
>As it comes closer, your slow thought processes can finally identify the shape in question as Firefly.
>Who offers you an opened bag by holding it right next to your head.
>And, thankfully for everyone in the room, something within you reacts correctly without the ability to think straight.
>For you raise your upper body and look right into the bag as your stomach decides that something is offending it, and that said offending material has to be ejected at once.
>You puke out everything that your stomach was able to hold.
>And then some, somehow.
>It is as if everything simply wants to jump ship, and as quickly as possible at that.

>>42263928
>Of course, it is not exactly a wholesome experience to live through.
>Yet you do not seem to have any choice in the matter, as your system is making these decisions for you at the moment.
>Once you seem to be out of irritating material, at least for a time, Sky Squall stabilises you whilst Firefly seals the bag.
>You do not feel much better, but at least the tumult in your innards has been silenced.
>"Easy there, Anon. That was a good start."
>You manage to speak better now, even when the taste of bile accompanies every word.
"Didn't... feel like one though."
>Sky Squall smiles reassuringly.
>"I can imagine. But that's a good sign, actually. The stronger the reaction, the more sludge you spew out. And crud that's out is crud that's gone."
>You almost laugh.
"In other words, the worse I feel today, the better I'll feel in the end."
>He nods.
>"Exactly. So, as your friend, I recommend you to feel as bad as possible today."
>You fail to suppress a light grin of your own.
"Thanks, I suppose."
>The stallion gives you a soft pad on the back.
>"Welcome home, rookie."
>You try to nod.
"It's good to be back."
>But as the room suddenly appears to start spinning, you come to the conclusion that it would be better to lie down again.
"Or... it will be good when the poison is out. Right now though..."
>You touch your forehead with a hand.
>And only now do you realise that it is exceptionally warm all of a sudden.
"... oh man."
>Sky Squall responds to that.
>"That's the fever. It comes and goes in surges. We're observing those ups and downs the whole time, and so far they aren't something to worry about."
>Well, you can at least confirm that they come suddenly.
>But judging from Sky Squall's calm reaction, you are confident that the other half of his assessment is accurate too.
>"I know it's easier said than done, but try to relax. The fit will be over soon."
>So as you lie about and wait for the heat rush to calm down, you try to keep yourself occupied by asking more questions.
"Alright. Speaking of time..."
>You inhale deeply.
"... how long was I out?"
>The golden Pegasus blinks before he speaks up.
>"Hm, about... a thousand years."
>You blink as you can hardly believe what he just said.
"What?"
>Sky Squall nods.
>"You heard me. You've overslept and missed the best parts. Luna's back, the Elements have returned too, and everything is going splendid."
>You eye the stallion thoroughly.
>And he appears to be genuine, objectively speaking.
>The facade is almost seamless.
>Almost.
"You're kidding me."
>He shrugs and admits as much at once.
>"Well, right. I am."
>You did not really consider the alternative in the first place, but you still feel slightly relieved nevertheless.
>Again, the Pegasus shrugs as he goes on.
>"I figured it distracted you for a moment."
>Well, it did indeed.
>For a short while, you did not think about your condition at all.

>>42263934
>Sky Squall pauses for a moment.
>"In truth, you were gone for almost nine days. A full week in the machine, and the last two days in bed, give or take."
>You take a breath as your mind processes these numbers.
"Ah, then it makes sense."
>He tilts his head.
>"What makes sense?"
>You wait for a few seconds before you respond.
"The memories. I've got some recollections from the past days. I wasn't sure if they were real or just fever dreams until now."
>The ears of the stallion perk up.
>"What do you remember?"
>You can tell that his question is truly honest this time.
>But you are also sure that he is trying to find out something specific.
>Judging from the fragments which linger in your mind though, you think you have already identified what that certain something might be.
"Sounds. Voices. I heard snippets of what was said."
>You stay vague on purpose for now, just to tease Sky Squall a little bit.
>And the Pegasus takes the bait.
>"How much could you hear?"
>Then you smile.
"Enough to know that you were worried."
>Sky Squall's body tenses slightly.
>"You caught that, huh?"
>You nod slowly.
"Just happened to be sort of lucid at that point."
>You would not be surprised if he were about to blush.
>But you continue before anything of that sort can happen.
"No jokes this time. Thank you for that. And that you took care of #deca too. I appreciate it, really."
>You slowly raise your hand and form it into a fist.
>"Well, that's what friends are for."
>And Sky Squall bumps into it with a forehoof.
"Sorry, I don't think I can stand up for a spar."
>He smiles.
>"That's fine. Just make sure to get well quickly."
>You take another long breath.
"I'll try my best."
>Then you want to change the topic, as another snippet resurfaces in your mind.
"By the way, there's something I'd like to ask you, Sky."
>Sky Squall eyes you attentively.
>"Sure, what is it?"
"While I was fading in and out, I heard you talking to Fire..."
>Your words get suddenly interrupted as a comet crashes into the room.
>Which is at least what you think at first.
>That the comet is in reality a mare shaped body only occurs to you as said mare barges in your direction.
>Sky Squall's honed reflexes kick in immediately, as he turns to the source of the sudden commotion and takes a step to the side in record speed.
>He is just quick enough to avoid getting shoved aside by a nigh frenetic #deca.mare.
>"Anon!"
>She slithers to a stop right next to your bed, looks you in the eye for a second, and then greets you with a kiss in an instant.
>If you had the time, you would have warned her that this prospect is not quite so inviting at the moment.
>But #deca.mare moves way too fast for you to say anything.
>As it turns out though, the aftertaste of bile does not disconcert her at all.
>You figure that she must have anticipated something like this, and so she is neither alarmed nor bothered by it.

>>42263938
>She simply keeps going as usual, all the way to the conclusion.
>"Good morning, my love."
>You hear the sound of hooves coming from the corridor.
>And as you look past #deca.mare and Sky Squall, you see how Firefly returns to the room.
>Odd, you have not noticed her departure.
>But considering the situation, you think she left the room to call #deca.mare after she was done dealing with the disposal bag.
>"She was already awake when I came."
>The magenta mare laughs.
>"Barrelled right past me like an arrow. I've never seen an Earth pony doing anything like this."
>#deca.mare shrugs.
>"I came as quickly as I could. How are you, Anon?"
>You take a breath.
"Terrible."
>You smile.
"But in a good way."
>#deca.mare nods slowly.
>"Give it a few days to go away. The symptoms are abating gradually. It may not look like it, but the worst is already over."
>You chuckle briefly.
"I've got to take your word for it, #deca."
>Something changes.
>You suddenly start to feel cold.
"Is it just me, or did the temperature... drop?"
>#deca.mare checks your vitals.
>"No. This is the fever. Your inner temperature is unsteady."
>You hear a slight notion of discomfort in #deca.mare's voice.
>But since she shows no signs of concern, you figure she is merely unhappy about seeing you in this state.
>As Sky Squall said, your vitals go back and forth within a passable range, even when your inner senses might not second that sentiment.
>You sigh.
"So... increasing the heat in the room won't help."
>#deca.mare shakes her head.
>"I am afraid not, Anon. Besides, the temperature in this segment is already five degrees higher than usual."
>Well, you do not notice that in the slightest.
>If you have to choose between believing #deca.mare or your strained senses though, you pick the former.
"That's just how it is then. I suppose I'll have to ride it out."
>#deca.mare smiles and nuzzles your face with her own.
>"But not on your own. We are with you, Anon."
>This little gesture of her already helps you a bit, as the room does not feel just as cold anymore.
>However, you are not fully out of the woods yet.
>And your body reminds you of that only a few moments later.
"Dammit..."
>Your breathing becomes unsteady again.
"...bag!"
>#deca.mare reacts at once.
>She turns around in a flash, and procures a new disposal bag within seconds.
>Once again, you throw up everything that your body wants to get rid of.
>You take a couple of deep breaths afterwards, as you collect your thoughts and try to calm yourself.
"What the hell. So soon after the first fit."
>Sky Squall speaks up.
>"We weren't stingy with the little units. That leads to a lot of refuse."
>You nod.
"I guess so."
>You look at #deca.mare.
"I need some water, the usual way. Not the infused stuff."

>>42263942
>It is the best method you can think of to get rid of the taste of bile, after all.
>Yet if your fits keep coming at this pace, you will need a lot of it.
>In any case, #deca.mare sees to it right away.
>"Of course. Just a moment."
>Then she leaves the room.
>And Sky Squall speaks up whilst she is on her way.
>"I think you had a question. Something about Firefly and me."
>You try to remember the discussion that Sky Squall and you had before #deca.mare stormed into the room.
"Oh, right."
>A pause.
"I believe I heard you two having a discussion about something. It sounded important, but... it's all blurry in my mind."
>Sky Squall takes a deep breath.
>"You're right. We did."
>You have expected Sky Squall to elaborate on his own, yet he hesitates.
>"But I'm not sure if this is the right moment to address that."
>You blink.
"Is it bad?"
>The golden stallion shakes his head.
>"No, not one bit."
>You shrug in response.
"Okay, so let's hear it. I don't have much else to do anyway."
>Sky Squall and Firefly exchange glances for a second.
>Then he begins.
>"Alright. You see, Firefly and me... we'd like to start another cycle."
>Something clicks in the back of your mind, but you cannot fully grasp it yet.
"You mean the real deal? With family and everything?"
>The Pegasus nods.
"Uhm, oh. So soon?"
>Well, this response was neither very eloquent nor tactful.
>After all, Sky Squall is not talking about a small feat here, and both of you understand that perfectly.
>So you clear your throat as you try to rephrase that sentence.
"That's, uhm..."
>The stallion raises a forehoof to silence you.
>"I know what you want to say. And I thought the same at first."
>You look at Firefly.
"So it was your idea?"
>The mare takes a step closer to the bed.
>"Initially, yes. But we're both on the same page now. It's... our desire."
>You take a breath and go on.
"Not that I wouldn't understand it, but this throws a wrench into our plans. You know that, right?"
>Sky Squall shakes his head.
>"Neither of us plans to bail out, Anon. We'll stay with you."
>You look at him in confusion.
>"I know it sounds contradictory, but we have a plan."
>You nod and signal him to go on.
>"You see, we don't want to do it alone. We... want you to accompany us."
>You think you are able to connect some dots already.
"Accompany you? But not as mere companions, right? You want us to do the same thing."
>A mutual nod of both Pegasi confirms your theory.
>"We think now is the right time."

>>42263949
>You start to stutter for a moment, as you struggle to comprehend what Sky Squall just said.
>Or rather, your mind can barely believe it.
"That's... something. Don't you think we should decide that for ourselves?"
>Sky Squall clears his throat.
>"Correct me if I'm wrong, but you always said that you wanted to have your own family some day."
>You nod.
"Yeah. But the circumstances were never opportune."
>The golden Pegasus spins your own point further.
>"Because you always had something important to work on. Until now, that is."
>He takes a breath.
>"Think about it, your biggest problem was always time. Or better, that you had a limited span of it. I suspect that's the reason why both of you were so hesitant to found a family. It's a task that you commit yourselves to for decades, at the very least."
>A pause.
>"But from now on, that's not a hindrance anymore. You are as long-lasting as the rest of us. That obstacle is gone."
>Well, the means you have to employ are different, but you get his argument.
>"So what's stopping you now?"
>Not much, all things considered.
>He is right about that.
>You sigh.
"I suppose you have a point there, Sky."
>The stallion grins.
>"And don't forget your promise."
>You raise an eyebrow.
"Which one?"
>Sky Squall is quick to remind you.
>"The one you made to Harmony. The chance to lead a full life in Equestria, like every other pony."
>Another very good argument.
>Harmony has been waiting for such a chance for a very long time.
>Perhaps now really is the time to finally grant Harmony's wish.
>"Everypony wins in this arrangement. We stay together, Harmony gets a chance to experience Equestria, and you have your family. What do you say?"
>Not to mention that it is a way for him to keep his word as well.
>For Sky Squall has vowed to help you in this regard, if the right moment presents itself.
>Which appears to be here and now.
>From a personal perspective, you are tempted to agree with him.
>And you bet that #deca.mare will like the idea too.
>If they have not already convinced her, of course.
>You would not be surprised if they have discussed the matter during the nine days of your absence.
>However, you spot one potential weakness in this plan.
"Honestly, I love the idea. I really do. But who keeps track of everything while we're busy on the planet?"
>Firefly takes over.
>"I have thought of that. And the answer is surprisingly simple. The four of us will. We'll split the work evenly and coordinate everything around our schedules in Equestria. We only need a few tools down there to manage everything from the surface."
>You think that you see what she is trying to propose.
"A field base, eh?"

>>42263955
>She nods.
>"That's one way to call it. All we need is a secluded spot, at a place where nopony is seeing it."
>You consider your options for a second.
"Maybe a cellar or something. Doesn't even have to be all that big. You'd have to live on the ground this time around though. Installing a place like this in the air would be a hassle."
>The magenta mare shrugs.
>"We know."
>Sky Squall agrees.
>"Right. It's a small concession to make."
>Well, it seems that both of them are wholeheartedly convinced of the idea.
>And you find no reason to disagree with them.
>The circumstances could hardly be better now.
"Okay. Sounds like a plan to me. Have you asked #deca too?"
>Firefly shakes her head.
>"Not yet. But I am sure she'll agree with our idea."
>A voice responds from the entrance of the room, much to the surprise of the three of you.
>"And for good reason."
>You turn your head to the entrance.
>#deca.mare is standing right at the opening.
>She eyes your little group as she balances a dinner tray with a transparent water bottle and a metal mug on her back.
>Sky Squall speaks up first.
>"Oh, Decanter. I... didn't hear you coming back."
>So you are not the only one who does not notice everything today.
>"How long have you been over there?"
>#deca.mare chuckles, visibly amused by the surprise of the stallion.
>"I heard everything in the corridor. The way to the supply unit is not that long."
>True.
>You wonder why you did not think about that either.
>Firefly blinks in surprise.
>"And you didn't say anything? Why?"
>#deca.mare's levity remains firm.
>"Because I did not want to interrupt your discussion. It was very enlightening."
>The magenta Pegasus tilts her head.
>"In what way?"
>Again, #deca.mare keeps chuckling.
>"I knew you were brooding over something for a while, Firefly. But I felt that it was personal, so I did not want to pry. Now I know what it was."
>She enters the room and carefully approaches the bed, minding not to lose the tray with the water.
>"And you are right, we have ample time now. It is the best moment one could ask for."
>Firefly and Sky Squall make way so that #deca.mare can stop directly at the bed.
>"I am sorry, Anon. I kept you waiting."
>You shake your head.
"It's okay. These minutes won't kill me."
>#deca.mare reaches for the mug with her teeth and hands it over to you.
>Then she takes the bottle and fills your mug with pure water.
>"Fresh from Equestria, gathered this morning."
>You inhale and inspect the crystal clear liquid.
>Judging from the mere sight alone, it is truly the best drinking water you can think of.
"Thank you, #deca."

>>42263961
>You carefully take a little sip, unsure how much you can handle at once.
>But once you notice that the water actually stays inside, you gain some confidence and drink more of it.
>And it washes the bad taste away with ease.
>You savour your drink to the last drop, and everyone gives you the time to do so.
>Eventually, you give the mug back to #deca.mare.
"Much better. And I think the heat has receded a bit as well."
>You try to relax a little bit, yet you quickly notice that it does not really work all too well.
>As you consider to resume your last discussion, however, someone else has the same idea.
>Firefly speaks up.
>"So... it's settled?"
>She looks expectantly at Sky Squall and #deca.mare.
>Sky Squall gives her a lively nod as #deca.mare raises her voice.
>"A peaceful life with friends and family..."
>#deca.mare smiles.
>"... how could I say no to that?"
>At last, Firefly turns to you.
>And you nod as well.
"You can count on me too. But..."
>You suppress the urge to cough.
"... please give me a few days. I'll need the time before I can do, well, anything."
>The magenta mare shows a great deal of sympathy for your situation, yet her eyes betray a growing sense of anticipation as she realises that her plan has actually been accepted by everyone.
>"Of course, Anon. Gather your strength first."
>She smirks in your direction.
>"You'll need it soon, believe me."
>One might interpret that as a warning of some sort, yet you know Firefly long enough to understand that it is her way of encouraging you.
>Firefly turns to Sky Squall.
>"We'll be back. Can you believe it?"
>The stallion smiles back at her.
>"I can hardly wait."
>The two Pegasi spread their wings.
>They hug and hold each other in a long and firm embrace.
>As the pair parts, they both turn to #deca.mare and you.
>Firefly raises her voice.
>"We'll use the time to prepare the first steps. It's the best we can do in the meantime."
>Looks like Sky Squall is not the only one who is eager to get started.
>#deca.mare agrees.
>"Good idea. If you need anything, you know where to find us."
>Sky Squall eyes both of you once more.
>"Get ready for an adventure unlike any other, my friends."
>With that said, the couple leaves the room with a notably enlivened mood.
>In fact, you think that at least Firefly is very close to prancing as she walks.
>Sky Squall is definitely more chipper too, even when he does not express it quite as overtly as Firefly does.
>Once they are in the corridor, #deca.mare chuckles.
>"It is always a treat to see them in such a good mood."
>You laugh, albeit not as lively yet.
"Yeah, that's when they're at the top of their form."
>Then you start to grin.
"I just hope their preparations don't create any mess on the command deck."

>>42263963
>#deca.mare gives you a soft smile.
>"They were not talking about that kind of preparation, Anon."
>You tilt your head with a grin.
"Are you sure?"
>She shrugs as she starts to smile faintly.
>"Very."
>#deca.mare pauses and pats your chest lightly with a hoof.
>"Besides, I am certain that they want to coordinate their... efforts with ours. So that everything happens more or less at the same time."
>It does not take you long to agree with #deca.mare's statement.
"Now that you mention it, I suppose you're right."
>You laugh quietly.
"And I bet they probably want us to make the first move, just to be certain."
>For they have already proven in their past life that they are determined enough to see this through.
>Whilst #deca.mare and you have not.
>So it would not be unreasonable for them to wait for you to be the first, as they can easily follow suit when the deed is done.
>#deca.mare does not disagree.
>"Hmhm. Possible."
>She sighs.
>"The thought of having a family soon, it really is something, is it not?"
>You nod faintly.
"For sure. But... I don't think I can appreciate it much in this state."
>#deca.mare nuzzles your face with hers.
>"No worries, Anon. I understand."
>And it seems that your body is going for another round to remind you that you still have a way to go.
"Crap."
>#deca.mare checks your vitals.
>"I see it. Your temperature increases again."
>Not only that.
>You resist the urge to curse and warn her instead.
"#deca, bag!"
>She reacts in time, and you enter round three of liberating your body from the chemical remnants of the dismantled machines.
>You cough and gasp at the end whilst #deca.mare seals the bag with the refuse.
"I swear, the taste is the worst about it. Ugh."
>#deca.mare reaches for the water bottle and fills the mug anew.
>"Here."
>She offers you the mug, and you take it right away.
"Thank you."
>You drink the water slowly, albeit with more confidence than the first time.
>Then you take a deep breath as the cool and clear water does its thing.
"I'm glad I won't have to endure this again in the next, what, five centuries or so?"
>She kisses your cheek.
>"Approximately. We will do it whenever it is necessary, and this depends on several factors."
>You think you know which factors these are.
"Like how often I leave the machine and such."
>A nod.
>"Amongst others. But generally speaking, five hundred years is a fair estimate."
>Then she gives you another kiss.
>"More than enough time to raise a family."
>Well, she definitely shares the excitement of the two Pegasi.
>And if your condition were a little bit better, you would look forward to this as well.
>However, you will certainly feel it too in a few days.

>>42263968
Done. And for once, I'll say something up front. Since it's pretty obvious, I think it's no big secret to say that the next arc is planned to focus on Anon and #deca.mare founding a family on the surface. Now that in itself is not an issue, but considering that the whole affair requires the involvement of some proxy action, I'd like to hear your opinions on this subject. And more specifically, how detailed those scenes in question should be, as the whole topic has led to some mixed reactions in the past because it dances on the edge of the thread's premise.
Since some suggested that I should write a full steam ahead proxy on #deca.mare segment at some point, and others commented that they don't care about that sort of thing at all, I'd like to know what the current opinion in the thread is. After all, it does not make much sense to write something that no one bothers to read.

>>42263971
>spoiler
I'm of the mind it can be glossed over here and if someone wants the specifics it can be found as an aside elsewhere. Regardless, the whole segment will just be used as ammo for the /ptfg/ allegations until the end of eternity. Personal preference is having it work without the proxy involved at all, but that's probably not in the cards for quite some time or at all so timeskipping the specifics will have to be the compromise until he can walk the surface as a human.