Chapter 6

Aloe & Lotus’s Luxury Spa, Ponyville

Once AJ and Rarity had concluded their “discussion” the rest of the treatment resumed like clockwork. Before the both of them knew it, Aloe informed them their appointment was finished. Afterwards, they made their way back to the locker room and dressed. AJ couldn’t help but whistle in amazement to find that her clothing was neatly washed, warm and smelled like a babbling brook. They probably used the fancy laundry detergent, not the cheap stuff that Granny Smith always bought at the Bargain Mart.

Once she was done admiring the twins’ laundering skills, she grinned in satisfaction. At first, the massage had been a bit awkward but after a while she got used to it. And she had to admit that she felt great. All of the tension the cowgirl had been building up for countless months all seemed to melt away. AJ rubbed her chin as she regarded her newly limbered muscles. Perhaps she’d visit the spa on a regular basis from now on…but not too often, of course. Maybe she could even bring Sunset along some time…

Rarity grinned. “I can tell someone enjoyed her treatment.”

“Yeah, I’ll admit that it wasn’t too bad. Ah reckon ah might come back for more; maybe even make this a regular thing.”

“Yet another successful conversion!”

“Uhh…come again, sugarcube?”

“Oh well, you have to understand that you weren’t the only person who had some trepidation about her spa treatment. I remember the first time I treated Fluttershy to a full massage. The poor dear nearly passed out from all of the blushing. But like you, she got over it…eventually.”

AJ chuckled. “Sure sounds like ‘Shy alright. Ah suppose we better high-tail it back to the Acres. Even if a majority o’ the day’s work is done, there’s still supper to be make and such.”

“I’m afraid not, Applejack.”

“Why the hell not?”

“We still have one more activity to complete.”

“Now lookie here Rares, ah didn’t sign up for…”

Rarity put her finger on AJ’s lips. “Ah ah, there shall be no complaining. This is NOT up for negotiation. We are going to buy you some new clothes, whether you like it or not.”

“Pssht, mah clothes are fine! Ah mean sure, they’re a bit worn but it’s not like they’re fallin’ off or nothin’.”

“Be that as it may, they are still rough looking. Plus, I’m guessing that you have very little variety in your wardrobe if you don’t count flannel or blue jeans. Am I right?”

AJ huffed. “What are you implyin’?”

“What I am implying is that you need more clothing that accentuates your womanly figure. You can’t possibly expect to catch Sunset’s eye with your current attire.”

“B-but ah don’t…k-know if ah…would look that good in a dress.”

“Nonsense! What did we just get done discussing?”

“That ah have a decent figure…”

“No Applejack, you have more than just a decent figure. You are beautiful. I want you to say it. Go on.”

AJ blushed. “I’m…b-b…beautiful.”

“Good. I know that you aren’t used to wearing as Rainbow would term ‘frou-frou’ clothes, but you certainly have the lithe figure to do so. I want you to look your absolute best so that you can knock Sunset’s socks off! And even if you don’t…I’m certain that you’ll catch someone’s attention.”

AJ and Rarity made their way towards an average looking clothing store that was located just a block away from the spa. The farmer wasn’t surprised in the slightest when the cashier recognized Rarity by name and waved to her as soon as they entered the store. At a glance, the store wasn’t nearly as frilly as AJ had expected. After all, this wasn’t some expensive lingerie store like Candy’s Secret…not that she would know.

The place seemed to have just about any article of clothing you could possibly want. There were suits, pants, jeans, dresses and even a bathing suit/intimates section. AJ gulped nervously, hoping that such a selection meant that the prices wouldn’t be out of her range. But when she took a glance at one of the tags on a blouse, she was legitimately surprised to see that they were quite affordable. Noticing her friend glancing at the tags, Rarity clicked her tongue.

“I know what you’re thinking and the answer is no.”

“Ah can’t have you payin’ for everythin’. Land sakes Rarity, ah feel like a freeloader! We always pay our debts! It’s part o’ the Apple family code.”

Rarity rolled her eyes. “This isn’t a debt. I’m simply treating my friend to a day out. These are gifts darling, not investments you need to pay back. Now, why don’t we try and find you a nice dress?”

AJ sighed as Rarity grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the section of the store that contained dresses. Surprisingly, the fashionista didn’t start picking out dresses that had frills, sequins or any other gaudy accessories. Most of the dresses she currently held in her arms were relatively plain, containing only a single color or a modest set of designs. The one in particular that caught AJ’s eye was a simple red-colored dress with bits of green trimming on the hems. Rarity grinned like a Cheshire cat when she noticed AJ taking a glance at it.

“I take it you see something you like?”

AJ rubbed the back of her neck. “Ah might have taken a fancy to that there red dress.”

“Oh? And why is that?”

“It…uhh…ah guess it speaks to me. And ah like the colors, reminds me o’ apples.”

“Well this certainly is a landmark event! Applejack actually likes an article of clothing because of its color, NOT just because of its functionality! I must say, I’m gob smacked.”

“Oh come on Rares! Ya asked me for mah honest opinion. I’m not gonna get anythin’ if ya keep teasin’ me about every damned dress ah pick up!”

“Sorry darling, I couldn’t help myself. I promise that it won’t happen again. But seriously, this dress’s colors match your eyes and complexion quite well. I think you’ll look marvelous in it!”

AJ grabbed the dress and shuffled into one of the vacant changing rooms. Wanting to get this whole thing over with, she quickly stripped down to her skivvies and threw the dress over her head. With a slight adjustment to the shoulder straps, she looked at herself in the mirror. She had to admit, the dress really looked good. AJ yelled in surprise when she turned around to find that Rarity had somehow managed to sneak into the tiny changing room without her noticing.

“Damn it Rarity, don’t sneak up on me like that! Ya scared the shit outta me!”

Rarity waved her hand. “Oh…terribly sorry darling, I just wanted to see you in the dress. Hmm, I must say it suits you very well. Could you hold still for moment please?”

“Alright but if…WHAT HELL ARE YA DOIN’?”

The cowgirl blushed heavily as Rarity proceeded to lift the dress all the way above AJ’s navel. Ignoring her friend’s curses, the fashionista rubbed the bottom of her chin in silent contemplation. Of course, that only lasted until AJ swatted away Rarity’s other hand and yanked her dress back down. A slightly confused Rarity furrowed her eyebrows when she noticed AJ glaring daggers at her.

“Is there something wrong, Applejack?”

“Somethin’ wrong? Oh ah dunno, maybe you takin’ a gander at mah panties!”

“It wasn’t anything untoward. I simply needed to see what I’m working with.”

AJ crossed her arms. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“My dear, what a woman wears underneath her dress is just as important as the dress itself. And judging by what I just saw, you are in serious need of some new undergarments.”

“Oh lord, here we go…”

“Yes, here we go indeed. The issue I have with your panties is the same one I had with your attire. They are far too plain! And before you complain, yes I understand the need to have comfortable underwear whilst working but…you also need underwear that’s sexy.”

“Ah don’t understand why ah can’t just wear these. All I’m gonna do is take ‘em off anyway, so why go through the effort o’ buyin’ fancy ones? Plus, sexy panties cost so much money! These things come in a pack o’ six and they’re damn comfortable!”

Rarity sighed. “Applejack, it’s not always about what’s underneath the panties that’s important. It’s the thought of what’s underneath them.”

“Ah don’t follow.”

“Think of it this way: During your birthday, do you enjoy opening presents?”

“Yeah, everybody does.”

“Mhmm. Now, when it comes to presents, do you find yourself more intrigued by an ornately wrapped present or something that’s been hastily wrapped in a plastic bag?”

“The fancy one ‘o course! The wrappin’ paper shows that the person took the time to wrap your gift. It means that they care. People that use plastic bags for gift wrappin’…well, they’re just plain lazy!”

“Correct! Tell me Applejack. How do you think Sunset would prefer your present to be wrapped: In a tacky plastic bag or…fancy wrapping paper?”

AJ blushed. “F-fancy, ah r-reckon.”

“Now we’re getting somewhere. Hmm…yes. I think you would look ravishing in a frilly lace thong. Maybe I should…no, the garters would be a bit much. Red would match the dress but…green would bring out the color of your eyes. YES! Green it is.”

Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville

Spike put down his axe for moment to wipe the sweat starting to form on his brow. For the past hour or so, he and Sunset barely spoke to each other. But it didn’t really bother him that much. There was no need for them to speak. The two of them perfectly understood each other and knew they had a job to do. The silence continued…at least until they noticed someone approach them.

A helmeted girl (Spike assumed, because she had a rather sizeable bust) stepped off of a strange, two-wheeled vehicle with a rectangular engine on the back. She unstrapped her helmet and placed it on the seat, revealing her long-flowing hair in all of its pink glory. The girl slowly made her way over to Sunset and tapped her on the shoulder.

“Umm…hello Sunset. I don’t mean to interrupt…but have you seen Big Mac? I really need to talk to him.”

Sunset put down her axe. “I’m sorry Fluttershy, but I haven’t seen him for almost an hour. Mac told us he was tending the stills. If you hurry, he might still be there.”

“Wait a second…why did you say ‘us’? Aren’t you the only one here?”

“Oh yeah, I forgot that you haven’t met Spike yet.”

Sunset grabbed Shy by the arm and led her over to the former drake, who was currently sitting on the ground trying to catch his breath. After brushing a few errant blades of grass from his pants, he smiled at Shy and waved. Despite being from an entirely different world, the pink haired girl reacted in exactly the same manner as her pegasus counterpart would, had she been introduced to a stranger. Her nervous reaction was further compounded by the fact that Spike was also a boy…and an attractive boy at that. Rather than return Spike’s greeting, Shy decided that hiding behind Sunset and blushing to be preferable alternative.

Spike shook his head. “I should’ve seen that coming.”

“W-why would say that? Umm considering that you don’t know me…”

“Well, that’s not entirely true. You have met me before, just not as I am now.”

“I’m sorry but I’ve never seen you before. Oh no…y-you’re not one of those c-creepy internet stalkers are you? I just knew it was a bad idea to model for that magazine! A-and even though it’s been a while…there are still some really aggressive and dedicated fans out there. Sunset, I’m having trouble breathing. I think I’m having a panic…”

Without a second of hesitation, Sunset dashed over to Fluttershy’s scooter and rummaged around in the storage compartment, desperately searching for shy girl’s emergency inhaler. Once Sunset found it, she shoved the device into Shy’s mouth and gave it a few puffs.

Shy blinked away a few tears. “Thank you! That was some very quick thinking on your part. If you hadn’t been here…I might not have gotten to my inhaler in time.”

“You’re welcome but…you don’t have to have a panic attack every time you meet a new person. And Spike, I thought you were said you were going to keep who you were a secret.”

Spike frowned. “I am keeping it a secret! But Fluttershy has a right to know. She knew me from before.”

“Umm…excuse me but I’m confused. I still don’t recognize you…Mr. Spike. Do you mind telling me where I met you? I mean…that is, if you want to.”

“Like I’ve been telling everyone else, I was here with Twilight. However, I was a dog instead of a human.”

Fluttershy’s eyes lit up. “YOU WERE THAT CUTE LITTLE DOGGIE?!”

“Umm…yes?”

“It all makes sense now! You look so much like him. And you even sound the same. I don’t know why I didn’t make that connection before.”

“Don’t feel too bad. I mean, magic isn’t exactly commonplace around here.”

“I guess so…not that I’ve had much experience with it.”

“So what brings you all the way out to Sweet Apple Acres? Are you dating Big Mac or something?”

Shy blushed and waved her hands. “Oh no, it’s nothing like that! I wanted to see him because he asked me to perform a check-up on Winona. Seeing that he’s busy, I’ll just come back later…”

Sunset rolled her eyes. “No, you’re going to see him whether you like it or not.”

“B-but I don’t want to be a bother…”

“Shy, it’s not your fault that the big lug forgot you were coming over. You made the effort to drive the whole way here, so you might as well do it now.”

Feeling that now was as good a time as any to take a break, Sunset grabbed Shy’s arm and motioned for Spike to follow her. Under normal circumstances, the Apple family would use some mode of mechanized transportation to get from one area of the farm to the other. It was simply more efficient than walking and as any Apple would tell you: “To waste one’s time is to waste one’s dime.” But…seeing as the plucky trio lacked a vehicle large enough to transport themselves, they had to get there on foot.

One twenty minute walk later and the trio arrived at the still. Now, to call this place a still was simply not doing it justice. It was a large enough operation to be considered a micro-brewery. This was no hillbilly’s moonshining shack. The Apples had a reputation to uphold! Of course, they also didn’t want to get in trouble with the law for making illegal liquor (even though previous generations of Apples had indeed used stills to create such a product).

The Apple family’s most famous alcoholic beverage was cider but they typically produced that as a seasonal product during the fall. During the summer they produced a potent apple-based whiskey called Zap-shine, aptly named for the “zap” you got when the stuff hit your stomach. Big Mac was currently testing a batch of Fuji apple Zap-shine with a stainless steel ladle when he felt Shy tap him on the shoulder.

“Good afternoon Mac. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

“Mmnope. Just finishin’ up. What are y’all doin’ here? Ah thought there was still wood that needed chopin’.”

“Oh…well, Sunset said they cut enough logs. But I’m here because you asked me to visit.”

Mac scratched his head. “I’m sorry Ms. Fluttershy but ah can’t seem to recall why.”

“That’s ok, I’m sure you just forgot because you’ve been so busy. I was supposed to give Winona a checkup today.”

“Hmm…eeyup. That’s sounds about right. She should be in her doghouse right now, takin’ a nap. Always takes one at exactly two thirty, like clockwork. You can go ahead and wake her up but don’t be too surprised if she’s a might cranky.”

The four of them left the confines of the distillery and headed towards the small farm house where the Apple family resided. While Fluttershy went out back to check up on Winona, the other three decided to hang out in the kitchen. Once Sunset and Spike were seated at the table, Mac opened the door to the fridge and tossed them two cans of soda while he grabbed a beer.

Mac burped. “Nothin’ like a cold brew after workin’ yer ass off.”

Sunset shrugged. “I prefer tea.”

“You sound like Ms. Rarity. Ah don’t even want to think what that girl is like when she’s drunk. She’d probably be real annoyin’ or worse yet…mopey.”

“Hey! I don’t even remotely sound like her. And why does everyone associate tea with high-class girls? Normal girls can enjoy it too!”

“Ah never said there was anythin’ wrong with tea. And no, ah didn’t mean you literally sounded like her. It was only a comparison concernin’ drinkin’ habits. She just doesn’t strike me as the type who’d like to drink a whole lot, much less drink beer.”

Sunset held her finger up to respond but was abruptly cut off when she heard the tell-tale crinkle of plastic bags hitting a solid surface. She turned around to see what all the ruckus was about, only to find an unamused Rarity glaring daggers at Big Mac. The normally stoic farmer, who was placid only moments before, looked as if death itself had shown up on his front porch.

Rarity huffed. “So, is this what everyone talks about when I’m not around? Well, I’ll have you know that I do enjoy a good glass of wine every once and a while, but it is improper for a lady such as myself to get ‘wasted’ as it were. But…I absolutely despise beer. It’s disgusting.”

“Ah figured as much. Uhh…ah wasn’t expectin’ the both of ya ta be back so soon.”

“Honestly Big Mac, did you truly believe it would take all day to go to the spa and do a little shopping?”

“Well…ah know AJ doesn’t like to do those sorts o’ things. But you do. Ah figured you’d want ta take yer time…doin’ women stuff.”

“Perhaps if it were Fluttershy and I. However, you said it yourself. Applejack isn’t one to indulge in such things, but we were successful nonetheless.”

Rarity sat next to Spike at the table while AJ took her bags up to her room and put them away. As Mac had predicted, the fashionista opted to drink a glass of iced tea instead of soda while they waited for AJ to return. While they waited, Fluttershy entered the kitchen with a slightly perturbed look on her face and took a seat in-between Mac and Rarity.

“Hello darling, I didn’t know you were visiting the Apples. Any particular occasion?”

Shy sighed. “Big Mac wanted me to check up on Winona. And it…didn’t turn out so well. She’s healthy but she…was a really cranky puppy. It put me in a bit of a bad mood.”

“I’m sure she’ll be her chipper old self in no time. Don’t take it too personally, Fluttershy.”

“Y-you’re right…I just need to take a deep breath and relax for a while.”

AJ grabbed a beer out of the fridge. “Hot dog am ah parched! Oh, howdy ‘Shy.”

“Hello Applejack. Umm…not to be rude but you really shouldn’t drink beer if you’re dehydrated. Water would be better…”

“I’ll be alright. Thanks for the concern though. Now that you’re over here, ah got a question for ya.”

“Ok. What is it?”

“Actually is more of a question for everyone, except Mac. In a week’s time the Summer Festival is gonna be held in Appleloosa. Ah was wonderin’ if y’all wanted ta come along.”

“Oh, that sounds like it would be awfully expensive.”

“Nah. It ain’t that expensive if we go by express train. We use it all the time to go out that way so we’ve got a whole lot o’ free miles saved up. Besides, aren’t you eager to see Braeburn again? Y’all are pen-pals right?”

Shy blushed. “M-maybe. He d-did mention that he was excited about the festival in his last letter. It might be nice to go see it with him…”

“What about you: Rarity, Spike?”

Both of them nodded. “That sounds splendid darling.”

AJ rubbed the back of her neck. “Oh and umm…you’re welcome to come along too Sunset.”

“Alright, I’m game. It’s not like I’ve got anything better to do.”

Author's Note

Sorry about how late this update is. I've been really busy the past two weeks, so it's put a pretty big dent in my writing time. In honor of the season 4 premiere, I made a little Game of Thrones reference in this chapter. I will post a saucy picture of humanized Fluttershy on the userpage of whoever finds it first.

Happy hunting darlings~

-Enc