You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.
Two figures bathed in shadows slunk out of the darkness.
Their forms illuminated by the light of the moon and stars which shone down from above and reflected off the gently lapping water of the pool. One a pegasus mare with a petite form clearly built for speed. The other a unicorn stallion who definitely kept himself in shape. The air was filled with the light scent of chlorine and the gentle clopping of hooves upon concrete. The sound nearly drowned out by the ambient singing from a myriad of unseen insects.
They stopped at the edge of the pool. The mare alert with her ears twitching as she calmly gazed around, sharp pegasus eyes searching for anypony who might be watching. There were no others besides the two of them. She spoke to her companion with a steely tone. "Are you sure about this Yang?"
The stallion, Yang, waved a hoof dismissively and a large cocky grin brightened his face. His horn lit up with an amber glow as he used his magic to remove a corked vial hidden within his mane. The vial floated towards the center of the pool; the cork removed with a pop. "Don't worry about it Yin. What's the worst that could happen? They kick us out of the resort? We've been kicked out of tons of places. At least here we won't be chased out by an angry mob... probably."
Yin's response began with a frown. "Yes, but don't you think that just might put a bit of a damper on our honeymoon?"
"Nonsense! Life's more fun with a little excitement. Besides, we can always take to the road and see the sights, just like old times." Seeing that his persuasion tactics weren't working, Yang decided to shift his approach. "And just imagine how hilarious it'll be to watch those unsuspecting ponies after we pour this itching potion into the pool."
Yang began demonstrating exactly how he thought the average pony would react with grandiose gestures and ridiculous facial expressions. Yin's own expression softened as she watched the one-pony show he put on. She even had to raise a hoof to avoid giving him the satisfaction, when she started to grin. However, she soon found herself unable to stop from giggling as her husband's performance grew ever more absurd. He rose up on his hind legs for his spectacular finale. But had unfortunately forgotten to take into account the slippery nature of the pool's edge. With a startled yelp he lost his balance and began to fall into the pool, which surely would've broken his magic concentration and sent the vial of itching potion into the pool with him.
Yin shot forward and stopped his descent with a wing. She stared at him with a faux glare for his clumsiness, while he stared back with a sheepish grin. Her face softened though as she traced a hoof over his forest green coat, feeling the well-toned muscles underneath. The color was an interesting contrast to his mane and tail, both of which shared an earthy brown coloring with streaks of violet. All of it was tied together though thanks to his fiery, amber eyes.
For a moment she was lost in a sea of amber.
Then Yin finally pulled Yang away from the water's edge and wrapped her wings tightly around him. Their lips met in a passionate embrace. For a precious moment time lost all meaning to them.
Once the kiss was broken, Yin nuzzled her beloved mate and gave his ear a lick. She whispered. "Before I change my mind."
Not needing further prompting, Yang's horn glowed slightly brighter as he tipped the vial over and let the nearly clear itching potion pour into the pool. The pool itself seemed to sparkle with magic and the water bubbled with a slight glow for several seconds. But then things calmed once more and the pool looked no different than it had originally.
The now empty vial was floated over to a trash bin, where it was deliberately buried deep beneath a pile of refuse. Even if found though its label would claim it had merely been an alcoholic beverage. Yin and Yang doubted anypony would be more thorough in their investigation than that.
With the evidence taken care of, the newlyweds continued their nuzzling.
Hooves met a well known ticklish spot as Yang relished in the sweet sound of his wife's giggling. Then he nibbled on her withers, an act he'd accidently discovered awhile back, which really turned her on. Proof of this was given as she began to moan softly. Finally he gave her a cheeky grin. "So... It'll probably be some time before anypony attempts to go for a swim. Whatever shall we do to pass the time 'til then?"
Yin just giggled and softly nipped along his neck and muzzle. Only then did she pull back to regard him with lidded eyes and a sultry tone. "Oh, I can think of something." She pulled further away, rubbing against him as she did. Before they completely separated she wiggled her rump against the underside of his muzzle. After taking several hoofsteps away she lifted her tail for him, spread out her wings, and winked. Before he could react however, she took to the sky and sped off. "Race you to our room!"
With near unparalleled speed Yin reached their room in record time, where she immediately began to get things ready. She put on some sexy lingerie, lit the scented candles, and turned on some ambient music. All before collapsing onto the bed with her mane and wings splayed out. Her body on display for him.
Now it was a waiting game. She knew it wouldn't be too long. Within a few moments he would most assuredly burst into their room, all hot and sweaty from galloping the whole way.
Just the way she liked him.
<--->
The air smelled of scented candles and sex.
The room itself was as messy as it was luxurious. The velvet carpet was strewn with toys of the adult variety, and bits and pieces of various outfits. Ranging from firefighter apparel to a maid outfit, and anything in-between. Even the ebony furniture couldn't escape as everything from the sofa, with its hoof-stitched cushions, to the armoire were also covered with pieces to cosplay as a royal guard, a griffon, a dragon, and other sundry things. Only the thick, plush drapes went unmarred as they hugged the windows to keep the harsh outdoor light at bay.
Along one wall was a bed. A bed large enough to hold several alicorns! Most of its silk sheets that hadn't fallen off had been shoved to the edges of the bed. From its posts hung presently unoccupied hoofcuffs. And sleeping at its center were two forms, curled together belly to belly. Yin and Yang.
Yang awoke with a start to a sound. As he regained awareness he was uncertain if the sound had been real or imagined. But he cared not as he turned his gaze to the beauty sleeping besides him, with her forelegs curled around him. He barely managed to keep himself from cooing at the adorable, little snores Yin emitted in her sleep. His hoof caressed her wings and soft feathers, while Yang nuzzled into her tangerine coat at her neck and deeply breathed in her scent. Nearly sneezing as some of her ruby mane, with its yellow highlights, got into his nose. But it had totally been worth it.
Yang's plan to awaken his wife with little kisses was interrupted when the sound that had awoken him decided to prove its reality, by echoing itself. A knock at the door. With a soft, annoyed groan, Yang pulled himself from bed. His body suddenly cold where it had previously been nestled against his favorite mare.
Yin let out a quiet whine in her sleep as he left. Nearly breaking his heart with guilt.
But the door had to be attended to. So he sighed and trotted through the messy room, stopping only at a mirror. He removed an offending article of clothing that was covering the mirror, so he could gaze at his reflection in the dim light. He looked relatively fine with the exception of the panties which adorned his head like a cap. It bunched around his horn at the base and only one of his ears was sticking out of it.
Well that just wouldn't do. So with a hoof he adjusted his impromptu hat so both ears were sticking out. Satisfied, he continued towards the door as another knock rang out.
As he swung the door open he had to quickly cover his eyes from the unrelenting sunlight as he leapt back and hissed at the late morning light. But his eyes did adjust and he noticed the mare standing on the other side of the doorway. She was a smaller earth pony mare with a cream coat. Her mane and tail seemed to be comprised of every shade of pink. Yang couldn't see her cutie mark. The uniform that marked her as a member of the resort's staff covered her flank beneath its folds.
But the uniform could never hide the fact that she was as cute as a button. Especially with the way she looked at the ground and nervously shuffled her hooves, while muttering to herself. As if she were gathering her nerve. He wasn't even sure she'd noticed that he had opened the door.
"Can I help you?" Yang finally spoke up with the only thing he could think to say.
The mare, Peach Fuzz her name tag claimed, gave a startled jump as she gasped and quickly looked up to meet his amber eyes with her own yellow ones. A light blush graced her cheeks. "Oh, I'm so sorry sir! I didn't mean- I mean I'm just here to- to let you know that the pool is closed today due to unforeseen circumstances. I'm sorry for any inconvenience." The mare quickly flinched away as if she expected to be struck.
Yang tilted his head in confusion at the response. "You okay?"
Slowly she returned her gaze to him. "I-I'm fine. It's just-" But she suddenly stopped, her checks turning a deep scarlet, as she stared at his head.
It took Yang a moment to remember the panties he was wearing upon his head. With a playful smirk he turned his head to give her a better look. The frilly panties were a light tan color with a design that was meant to make it look like a faded pirate map. There were skull and cross-bones as well several dashes leading to a big X where his crotch would be if he had been wearing the panties properly. Although the design may have been a bit difficult to see with the way the panties were scrunched up on his head.
"Oh, I see you've noticed me fancy hat. You like it?" Yang nearly burst out laughing at the look on the young mare's face.
But to Peach's credit she did manage to return her gaze to his mirth-filled eyes, and mantained enough manner of composure to respond. "I-It's quite nice sir. A-Anyways, as a token of compensation for the um, pool inconvenience, r-room service is free for the rest of your stay." A big nervous smile filled her face and her eyes twitched slightly a few times, as she fought the urge to look back up at his fancy hat.
But Yang wasn't quite fully satisfied with just some free food. So he carefully analyzed her, quickly coming to the conclusion that she'd be an easy mark. Immediately he darkened his expression and his tone turned harsh. "So, that's it?"
The smile instantly vanished from her face. "W-What?"
"You're not even going to tell me what was wrong with the pool?"
"Oh. I'm n-not completely sure. But guests were complaining of itchiness and-"
"What!? That could've been me and my wife in that pool! And you think you can just sweep this under the rug and buy us off with free food! What kind of two-bit resort are you running here? You'd better have something better than just free food or I'll need to see your manager to talk about both the pool and your behaviour!"
For extra emphasis he took an angry stomp forward. To which Peach responded with several frantic steps backwards, her now glistening eyes widening in fear. She quickly used a hoof to search through a pocket of her outfit, before pulling out what looked to be a couple of tickets.
"H-How about a pair of free passes for the m-mini golf course? You like mini golf r-right?" Her expression was one of fragile hope.
It didn't take Yang even a full second to make up his mind. It was unlikely she could offer him any better, and what mortal could ever hope to resist the sweet allure of mini golf. So his expression melted back into a happy grin as his horn lit up in an amber glow and he took the passes. Before she could respond he darted forward, kissed her on the cheek, and backed into his room. "Thanks cutie!"
The door slammed shut. Leaving behind a confused and blushing mare with tears streaming down her face.
Yang snickered to himself at the success of his clever ruse as he turned around. Only to suddenly be met with frost blue eyes that seemed to chill him to the core. He usually loved to look at Yin's beautiful eyes. They betrayed her keen intellect. But at the moment they were unfortunately glaring into his soul with fury.
He scrambled away 'til his back was against the door and gulped nervously. His mind raced to think or something, anything, to say. As expected from such a situation he merely blurted out the first thing to pop into his head. "The kiss meant nothing, I swear!!"
Yin merely rolled her eyes and used a hoof, which instinctively made him flinch, to pluck the mini golf passes out of his magic. Which she then used to swat him across the snout. Yang got the message.
"Oh, those! I just thought that since we, you know, slept in and missed the show at the pool, that I could get us a little something to make up for it." The nervous smile he added afterwards did nothing to help his case.
"Ah, I get it. You decided that the best solution was to con that poor mare." Yin's tone felt as if it could've frozen the sun.
Yang flinched at her deliberate word choice. "I-I didn't think-"
A loud smack rang out as a painful slap across his face sent Yang sprawling to the floor. Yet Yin's voice remained quiet and frigid. "That's the problem. You didn't think. And now that poor mare is off somewhere crying, thanks to you!"
The unicorn didn't even try to pick himself up as her words sunk in. Had he really made the smaller mare cry? He'd been so caught up in his act that he hadn't even considered her feelings. Suddenly dry mouthed, Yang tried to swallow only to find a lump in his throat. Shame and guilt made his eyes water. "But I didn't, I mean... How could I have known she'd be so damn sensitive!?"
Only then did Yin's expression soften up a bit. "Because of the same reason we wanted to pull that pool prank in the first place. All the stuck up nobles who visit this resort and treat the staff like trash. They deserve it! But did you ever consider how many other ponies have probably been yelling at her all morning. As if it was somehow her fault. And we both know whose fault it really is. Then you had to go and threaten her."
The full realization of what he'd done finally hitting him, Yang sprung up and threw open the door. Of course the smaller mare was now long gone. But he'd find her and apologize. Before he could do anything though a pair of forelegs wrapped around him and held him back. Two wings closed the door before the feathery appendages tightly held him against his wife. He squirmed in vain before slumping down and sobbing.
Yin gently nuzzled the top of his head through the panties, while whispering comforting words into his ears.
After awhile he finally began to calm down. Only then did Yin explain herself. "I think that mare needs some time to calm down. Besides, don't you think it would be a little foolish to chase after a distraught and crying mare while wearing my panties and smelling of sex? We don't want anypony getting the wrong idea, right?"
Yang nodded with a sniffle as his cheeks blushed and he let out a weak chuckle at the thought. "Thanks Yin. You still mad at me?"
"What do you think?" Her voice was as sweet as honey. The sharp bite to his ear which quickly followed was not, and he yelped in pain. "We're going to take a shower, during which I'm getting all my anger out of my system. That bite was the least of what I'm going to do to you."
Yang shuddered at the thought of what she was going to do to him. His heart began to beat faster and his cheeks flushed with excitement. For reasons he couldn't even begin to fathom, he had always been able to find the pleasure it pain. A fact that was made even better by the fact that his wife had uncanny knowledge of every weak point on a pony's body, and exactly how to exploit each and every one to cause maximum pain with no lasting harm.
As if to prove that very point, Yin put a hoof right onto one of those very spots on his body and sharply twisted. Excruciating pain pulsed through him followed by a wave of sheer ecstasy. Already he was panting as he begged. "M-More!"
With a giggle Yin let go. As her husband fell to the floor she picked up a pair of panties and put it on her own head. Then she pranced to the bathroom with her tail raised high like a proud cat. Only looking back once she reached the door, and calling back in a singsong voice. "Come on you naughty colt. It's time for your punishment."
An impressive burst of speed was displayed as Yang shot up and followed after his beloved.
<--->
Yin sat on her haunches as she gazed with poorly hidden awe at the sight before her. Wings twitching in excitement.
A sea of rolling green landscape filled with little hills and valleys. It was dotted with so many sights to behold as if all of time and space had converged in one place. From a tiny windmill to a half-sunken pirate ship on one side, to an alien space ship and an ancient pyramid on the other. And so much more in-between. She had to raise a fetlock to wipe away a joyful tear as the majesty that was mini golf weaved its inherent magic to bring out her inner foal. Nothing could ruin the moment!
Meanwhile, behind her, Yang was working on a scheme of his own. He reached into his mane and pulled out the treasure he'd hidden there after their shower. Another pair of panties, decorated with chibi images of food and emblazoned with the words 'Kiss the Chef'. He proceeded to put on his newest fancy hat.
"This place is incredible! Come on Yang let's-" Yin stopped as her eyes landed on her husband, her eyes narrowing. A lesser pony would've suffered an eye twitch. "Yang, are you wearing another pair of my panties... in public?"
The cocky smile that filled Yang's face made her want to both kiss and slap him. The slapping side was winning. "So, what do you think? Does it make me look dapper?"
Yin leaned in so close their noses practically touched as she quietly hissed her response. "Yang, there are foals here!"
The unicorn took advantage of their closeness to nuzzle his wife before looking around. As she had said, there were indeed many younger ponies running around laughing and playing blissfully, or screaming when they got a hole in one. "Your point? Ponies don't even usually wear clothes, they'll just think it's a hat."
"Is that even a clean pair?"
With a shrug, Yang leaned back and briefly pulled the panties down over his face to take a big whiff. Then he took a few more. "Well, they're certainly soaked in you scent. And I can't see how anything that smells as good as you could ever by considered unclean."
Yin would've hated to admit that she actually did blush a bit at that. But it didn't stop her voice from turning cold. "Take them off."
"Make me." The smile turned into a playful smirk before ran off at a gallop.
Practically growling, Yin stretched out her wings and gave chase through the air. Being much faster she quickly caught up and tackled him to the ground. The two wrestled for several minutes. No doubt who would've won if the unicorn hadn't cheated by using his amber magic to keep the panties on. And to tickle her mercilessly. She giggled uncontrollably but refused to give up. They finally stopped only after they heard a sound which was quickly identified as laughter. It, however, was not coming from either Yin or Yang.
Looking up revealed to the newlyweds that they were presently the center of attention for many ponies. Some of which were trying to shield their children's gazes. Yin became acutely aware that she was currently straddling Yang, who was still defiantly wearing her panties upon his head.
The peals of laughter were coming from a nearby bench. Where an elderly earth pony couple sat, both clearly enjoying the show. Yang took it all in stride as he turned his gaze to the elders, still relentlessly smirking. "So what about you two? Does me fancy hat make me look dapper?
Yin quickly snatched the panties from her distracted husband and pulled them over her own face to hide her painful embarrassment.
<--->
Meanwhile, on the other side of the resort, two stallions where sneaking onto the premises.
Slipping past the lax security had been laughably easy. And now they were far enough in that they could get away with claiming to be guests visiting for a business meeting. Since only the richest of businesses used a freakin' resort for their meetings, none of the staff would question them for fear of pissing off important ponies.
They stopped at a remote spot. A tranquil rest area for ponies taking advantage of the hiking trails. It had several benches surrounding an ornate fountain with stone depictions of the princesses of the sun and the moon. Jets of water flowed into the air, surrounding the skillfully carved royalty with little rainbows. From the trees surrounding the rest area came the peaceful sounds of various woodland critters, no doubt blissfully living out their lives. Completely unaware of the two conniving stallions in their midst.
Most importantly for the two stallions though, there were no other ponies around for miles.
The smaller of the two, an incredibly short unicorn with a crowbar for a cutie mark, reached into his slicked back, black mane and pulled out a folded piece of paper. He used his dirty, olive green coat to wipe the grease off the paper before unfolding it. The unicorn's eyes scanned the paper. "Alright, according to the boss they're staying in room 113, which is in the resort's A-Wing."
The other stallion, a huge earth pony with brass knuckles for a cutie mark, merely grunted in response. Trying to guess the giant pony's thoughts would've been nigh impossible with his messy blond mane covering up the top half of his head. How he could even see was a mystery for the ages. Not that anypony would think to question it while cowering beneath the behemoth. His silver coat was covered in scars and bruises that made it obvious one should not mess with him, that is if the muscles bigger than an average pony's head weren't already enough discouragement.
If the unicorn was perturbed by the lack of verbal response, he didn't show it. Instead he merely dunked the paper into the fountain. After it was thoroughly soaked he rubbed it 'til the paper had completely disintegrated. Only then did he turn his attention to his bigger 'friend'. "You know what to do. Let's go pay a couple of pals a visit."
The only response this time was the earth pony bringing his forehooves together, and somehow emulating the sound of cracking one's knuckles with them. Ponies are sometimes weird like that, go figure.
<--->
"Cheers!"
Glasses clinked and laughs were shared by the ponies sitting at the table. On one side Yin and Yang sat with their sides pressed together. They were holding hooves and Yin had a wing wrapped around Yang.
On the table's other side sat an elderly earth pony couple, also snuggling together. The same couple who had been sitting on the bench laughing at the newlyweds during their earlier faux pas.
The couple had turned out to be quite friendly. After finishing their laughter they had managed to shoo away the other onlookers, and even hid the panties from Yang. A fact for which Yin would be eternally grateful. Then the two couples had spent the day together chatting and playing mini golf. All things considered, it had been a wonderful day.
Of course, any day involving mini golf was obviously bound to be a wonderful day.
Now they sat in a tropical themed bar enjoying food, drink, and each other's company. The interior of the bar was filled with floral leis, surf-boards, and stereotypical tiki idols. As well as other such knickknacks. Despite being the most touristy bar in the resort, it all still looked rather beautiful when framed in the light of the setting sun streaming through the window. Plus the place served the absolute best barbecued vegetable wings!
The elderly couple shared yet another exciting tale from their youth. Both of them thrilled to have listening ears. It was almost hard to believe that the two earth ponies had once been a successful pair of bounty hunters. Bringing in the worst of the worst to face justice.
They certainly didn't look it.
On the outside they looked like any typical, sweet, old couple. The stallion, Shovel Bearer, had a rich chestnut coat, faded golden mane, and kind, magenta eyes. His wife, Shield Bearer, also had a brown coat. But her coat contained a rusty burgandy tint to it that really contrasted with her white mane. When she was younger, and her mane still silver, the contrast had been even more striking. All of it was brought together with her sweet, amethyst eyes.
The one thing that actually did stand out about Mr. and Mrs. Bearer were their cutie marks. Shovel had an image of a shovel over a shield. While Shield had the opposite, a shield over a shovel. One guess as to what respective weapon each used as a bounty hunter.
The similar cutie marks was actually something Yin and Yang could relate to. Considering the newlyweds each had their respective half of the taijitu symbol emblazoned upon their flanks.
There was a lull in the conversion as the two couples took the time to enjoy their wings and sip at their drinks.
But a moment later the lull was broken as Yin spoke up. She had been especially impressed with their bounty hunting tales, yet also amazed by how much they still loved each other. She hoped the same would be true of her and Yang. "Wow, over fifty years together! It's hard to believe that in all that time you two never once stayed at this resort."
Yin had been referring to something the older couple had previously mentioned. Which was the fact that they spent each anniversary in a unique place. And indeed, it was currently Shield and Shovel's anniversary.
"Yeah." Yang agreed with his mouth full of the last broccoli wing, Yin's favorite. Which was why he suddenly found himself being passionately kissed by his wife. It took a few moments after the kiss ended before he realized his mouth was empty, and his wife was suspiciously chewing on something. He threw her a glare.
All Yin did in response was give him an innocent look. When that didn't work she just quickly swallowed before sticking her tongue out at him.
"Hay!"
And thus the great tickle war began. It was an intense yet short-lived war, which ended with the treaty of kissing. A treaty signed with the saliva of the two opposing nations. When Yin and Yang finally broke the kiss, a strand of saliva kept them connected for a second longer before they returned to their previous cuddling position.
Shield Bearer giggled at the younger couple's antics, briefly nuzzling her own husband, before addressing Yin's prior statement. "Actually, we did stay here once before. In fact it was actually during our own honeymoon."
"Really? Why'd you decide to come back instead of going someplace new?" Yang asked with a head tilt.
Shovel Bearer let out a quiet sigh. "It's interesting to see how this place has, and hasn't, changed over the years. That and... and we thought it would be apropos that the first place we traveled to as a married couple should also be our last."
Immediately the smiles washed away from the faces of the newlyweds. Yang managed to summon the courage to ask first as he felt his wife hold him just a little bit tighter. "W-What do you mean?"
There was an uncomfortable silence between the couples. Mr. and Mrs. Bearer slowly exchanged a glance, seeming to have an entire conversation with their eyes alone. Finally, they returned their gazes to the younger couple as Shovel proceeded to answer the oppressive question. "We're dying. Both of us. Doctor said it was due to overexposure to some sort of magical radiation. We are literally breaking apart. If this isn't our last anniversary, then we will be spending our last at the hospital."
"B-Both of you!?" Yin squeaked. Her usually unbreakable composure was now thoroughly cracked. With teary eyes she buried her face into her husband's chest. Unable to keep the thoughts of her own grandfather out of her head.
Yang's reaction was immediate. He held his wife firmly and nuzzled her a bit before gently caressing her forehead with little licks. The soft, rhythmic licks were a strategy which had proven its great effectiveness in the past at keeping her calm. Even then it was one of the only things which kept her from outright sobbing on the spot as she sniffled pitifully. That and Yang's calming scent.
Shield gave a soft, sad smile. "I'm afraid so. But please don't fret. Shovel and I have had many happy years together. We're both okay with the inevitable effects of the passage of time."
"I'm s-sorry. I lost my grandfather not too long ago and, I-I..." Yin was unable to finish as the tears finally began to flow from her eyes. Tears which Yang was quick to lick away. It took several long minutes, which seemed to stretch into eternity, before Yin finally managed to calm down enough that her eyes cleared. However, she still lightly trembled as she clung to her beloved with her wings and forelegs. The trembling was mitigated though by Yang softly stroking her wings.
"We understand. Trust me, we really do."
Shovel nodded in agreement with his wife. "And if it helps, we also have a gift we'd like to pass onto you two."
"A gift! Really? What is it, what is it, what-" Yang's childlike excitement at the prospect of getting a gift was quickly reined in by a sharp hiss and light nip to the neck from his wife. He blushed a bit from a guilty shame as he realized just how inappropriate he'd been. "Oh, um, sorry about that."
A hearty chuckle was the response as Shovel waved a hoof nonchalantly. "That's quite alright. In fact you should be excited. Here, take a look."
Mr. and Mrs. Bearer each pulled a necklace out of their manes. The newlyweds slowly disengaged and leaned over the table to get a closer look. Shield held a silver chained necklace with a ruby phoenix swooping downwards, it had an emerald for an eye. She gingerly placed the necklace around Yin's neck. Meanwhile, Shovel held another silver chained necklace, this one with an emerald dragon swooping upwards, this one had a ruby for an eye. Of course it went around Yang's neck.
Yin and Yang sat back and examined their new accessories. Both designs had a curve to them. The dragon curved to the left while the phoenix curved to the right. It looked like they were two halves which formed a whole circle when put together. A quick test confirmed that the necklaces did indeed fit together in such a manner. But they fell separate again when the younger couple released them.
"They're said to bring good fortune to a couple for as long as their hearts beat as one." Shield spoke up, garnering the attention of the newlyweds. "Guard them as you would your relationship."
"Thank you. But are you sure we can have these?" Yin asked reverently.
"Of course! Just think of it as a late wedding gift." Shovel reassured. "We received them ourselves from an elderly couple a few moons before our first anniversary, and we hope you'll continue the tradition and pass them on when you both grow old yourselves. Just remember to heed my wife's advice. Guard them well."
"We will. Promise!" Yang eagerly agreed with a big excited smile on his face.
Yin meanwhile, merely nodded her assent.
A quick glance outside, given by Shovel, revealed that the sun had since finished setting. The moon and stars shone down brightly upon the resort. There was still much activity as the many guests of the resort walked and chatted with one another while enjoying the peaceful, nighttime atmosphere. The resort had just as many venues open all night as it did during the day, so nopony was ever left with nothing to do.
"It looks to be getting late. Me and the missus should probably retire for the evening." Shovel stifled a yawn. "And don't worry none about the bill here, we'll take care of it."
There was the necessary shuffling around as the two couples stood up from the table and gathered what belongings they may have brought. Amongst these belongings was a very familiar item which made Yin Blush. "Here you go dearie, I believe this is yours."
Yin quickly retrieved her panties from the elderly mare and tucked them safely away before Yang could make an inevitable grab for them.
After exchanging goodbyes and getting the bill paid, an awkward silence followed as the two couples seemed at a lost on how to properly conclude their evening. But it didn't take long for Yin to lose her usually stoic composure and burst forward to embrace the elders. Only barely did she manage to avoid tears as she once more recalled her own grandfather. Warmth surrounded her as they returned the embrace, and as Yang joined the free-hug train. There was plenty of platonic nuzzling to be shared by all before they broke apart and stepped outside.
It was a warm spring night with a light breeze which carried the scent of fresh grass and fresh flowers. While her husband skipped around like a foal and literally smelled those flowers, Yin turned to the elderly couple with a slight bow. "Thank you for paying for our meal. Would you like us to accompany you back to your room?"
"No, thank you. But it was sweet of you to offer." Shield yawned and turned to her husband, as he casually looked around with surprisingly sharp eyes, probably due to his previous experience as a bounty hunter. She nuzzled him to get his attention and the two set off together.
Yin watched them go 'til they were out of sight. When she looked around afterwards to locate her husband, she suddenly found a bouquet of flowers thrust into her face. It nearly made her sneeze and her eyes watered from the strong scent.
"Beautiful flowers for a beautiful mare." Yang's singsong voice happily rang out.
With closed eyes, the young, pegasus, mare deeply breathed in the aroma... it was simply divine. She opened her eyes and, with the slightest of grins, pulled one of the succulent flowers into her mouth. A content hum escaped her lips as the rich flavour caressed her tongue.
"So does it taste good?" The unicorn asked with knowing smirk.
The soft glare Yin threw at her husband quickly faded as her face gained a wry grin instead. She leaned forward and used a kiss to share the flower between them. Only after pulling back and swallowing her tasty treat, did she answer him. "That's how good it is."
"I see. That is quite good. But certainly not even close to the sweetness of my favorite flower."
"Oh, and what exactly is your favorite flower?" Yin playfully asked, already knowing the answer.
Without missing a beat, as if that had been his cue, Yang swiftly positioned himself behind Yin, and wrapped his forelegs around her. She enjoyed the snug pressure of his embrace against her wings. A bright blush spread across her muzzle as he whispered the expected answer into her ear, followed by many sweet nothings about his favorite flower. This was then followed with light moans as Yang tugged and nibbled on her ear.
Yin enjoyed the affection for awhile before pulling away with a soft giggle. "Well lover-colt, if you want to enjoy that particular flower than we'd better head back to our room for some privacy."
As his beloved left for their room, Yang was at her side. Practically bouncing with impatient anticipation. "Come on Yin, hurry up! Don't you want to race back like last night?"
"Nah. It's a beautiful night. I'd much rather enjoy the scenic route."
And true to her word Yin walked at an easy pace while letting her eyes wander around. Of course she certainly didn't neglect her husband. She gave him plenty of flank bumps, little rubs with her wing, and lots of nips and kisses. There were even a few times that she licked his horn; he gasped and nearly stumbled every single one of those times.
Yang tried to be patient, yet he couldn't help but groan every time his wife took a 'little detour'. And he whined during the entire final stretch, with their room door in full view ahead, as she slowed to a snail's pace.
For Yin, it was an absolutely wonderful stroll.
<--->
With a cacophony of chirping crickets as their companions, Mr. and Mrs. Bearer casually progressed towards their room.
There was an aura of relief shared between them. After countless hours of searching it had seemed that their trip to the resort was going to be a bust. But then everything had changed once they met that lovely younger couple. Truly a blessing. Sure, there was some guilt over what they had done, the danger they had put those two in, but it was for the best.
They could only hope the newlyweds would come to thank them in time.
Shield and Shovel knew time was running out for them. But they didn't realize just how close they had actually cut it, 'til they reached their room, unlocked the door, and entered. For the briefest of moments they begin to relax at the thought of some sleep, when the door suddenly slammed behind them and the lights burst on, seemingly of their own accord.
Immediately alert, they quickly located the source in the neat, well-kept room. A small unicorn with a sneer and a crowbar cutie mark. His voice came out as slick and greasy as his mane. "Good evening. How are you two doing tonight?"
"Fine, just fine." Shovel answered serenely. "May I ask what you're doing in our room?"
"Oh, nothing much. Just looking for something. Perhaps you could help by hoofing over the Tao Amulets."
"Tao Amulets? Never heard of them. Have you, dear?"
Shield took a moment to scratch her chin thoughtfully. After which she shook her head. "I'm sorry, I don't recall anything along those lines. Perhaps you could describe them?"
The unicorns sneer drooped into a frown. "Well, that's a damn shame. Maybe my associate could help to... jog your memory."
Taking his cue, the oversized earth pony slunk out of the shadows edging the room, which had somehow managed to obscure his massive form. The only sound he made was when he brought his forehooves together and somehow cracked his nonexistent knuckles...?
Silence briefly returned to the room. During which Shield and Shovel shared a meaningful stare that conveyed more than any mere conversation could've. Without a word they slowly leaned in and shared a deep, passionate kiss.
It was the last thing they ever did together.
TO BE CONTINUED...