Polished Gears was tired.
Strike that, not tired, exhausted.
He had been working double-time for the last two months to finish his newest project at work. He’d caught on fire a few times during those months and pulled more than double that in all-nighters.
The good news; he’d done the impossible and finished the working prototype and it worked perfectly.
The bad news; he found out it worked perfectly, by being the (unwitting) test subject.
It had started as a routine check and install of the new components for a new and improved cart wash and just when he was packing up his tools to head home, one of the automated cleaners knocked him into the wash. After a relentless cleaning and polishing by his own devices, he was spat out the other end looking like a cart straight off the showroom floor.
He got home easily enough, but by the end of the week most everypony in the office knew about his late internal testing, and teased him relentlessly about it. He couldn’t figure out how they found out about it, whether somepony watched the cameras or spotted the air freshener around his neck as he headed home, he wasn’t sure.
But that had been weeks ago, and finally the shine on his coat had completely worn off and besides a few friendly jabs of another wash to renew that shine, the jokes about his testing had largely dissipated. Though, his lack of self-care had been noticed, and he was practically ordered to take a vacation and some much needed R&R.
***
Gears was trying to relax, sleep, or something, anything really would be good right now. Unfortunately, he was just too stressed and too tired to get comfortable enough to do either. So, he just relegated himself to pacing around his house, not really doing anything, but unable to do nothing either.
Passing the coffee table yet again, he spotted something. A small bit of mail poked out from the bottom of the stack, the words read, Do you need to relax, but can’t?
Having nothing else to do he pulled it out, toppling the large stack of mail. With a look and a heavy sigh, he turned his attention back to the bit of paper that caught it. It was an advert for a local spa; displaying the various treatments, pricing, private rooms for all customers, open twenty-four seven, and a coupon for twenty percent off for new customers.
He was about to toss the flyer back on the pile, but his shoulder wasn’t having it. Locking up and protesting every time he raised it more than a few inches. Looking back down at the flyer, he winced as his neck let out a series of painful cracks.
Okay, maybe a massage and a soak could do me some good.
Making his way out the door, he spotted himself in a mirror. His mane, matted and singed, only added to his apparent lack of personal care.
Maybe a trim wouldn’t hurt either.
* * *
It took a while, but eventually Gears found his way to the skyscraper where the spa was. While the outside was pretty nondescript, apart from a stylish sign proclaiming the New U Day Spa. The interior was organically designed, with soft lighting and cushioned floors that cradled his sore hooves. The scents of lavender and eucalyptus tickled his muzzle, relaxing his mind, and enticing his body to follow.
After checking in at the reception desk, he made his way further into the spa. He didn’t have to go too far to get to his room only a few doors down, must’ve been his lucky day. Presenting his new spa ID card to the scanner the door opened, receding into the frame. The room was lightly furnished, with two inset baths to either side; one filled with mud, the other with pink-tinted water, and two glass doors on the back wall. One room was tiled, maybe a bathroom of some sort, and the other looked like a traditional sauna.
There was also a strange-looking chair in between the two baths. He let out a weary sigh as he slumped down into the comfy chair, as it tilted backwards and adjusted for his frame. Now that the stallion was in the most comfortable position, a screen was projected in front of him. It was a questionnaire to help the spa give him the best treatment possible. The scents of the spa making his already sluggish mind completely unable to focus, as he filled out the increasingly blurry form.
Once the questionnaire was completed, he was shown everything the spa had to offer. Scrolling through the menu, he was finding it difficult to find just a basic massage or a soak, let alone a trim. He eventually found them, or at least he thought he did. One thing he did remember was putting in the coupon. There was another option for an Uber Relaxation, he didn’t know what that did, but they were free and recommended, so he decided to use it anyway.
Confirming his session, the cushions of the chair seemed to hug his body as the now secured stallion was moved into the sauna.
Is this part of that Uber thing? Gears questioned, as the steam billowed around him.
The chair reclined back and through some precise movements of the cushions, carefully rolled him onto the wooden bench, a fluffy towel providing a small cushion. His fore hooves were lifted and placed into the comfy confines of a very plush robe, while his mane was wrapped in a towel. Taking a deep breath of the steam, infused with a blend of herbs he couldn’t put his hoof on, and released it. He could feel his stress leaving him, his limbs getting heavier and heavier.
I should’ve done this sooner, he thought as he closed his eyes and rested his head on his forehooves, as he took another deep breath, finally able to relax for the first time in a while.
Steam, infused with a mixture of herbs, essential oils, and muscle relaxants penetrated his every pore. After a while, the sweating stallion started taking deeper and deeper breaths as the heat and humidity were beginning to become overwhelming.
Something prodded at his lips, opening his eyes he saw a straw sticking out of a tall glass filled with a red drink, berries, and ice floating throughout the mixture. Taking a sip of the drink, Gears immediately felt the refreshingly cold liquid cool down his body. With every sip came a new flavor, every one was just as delicious as the last. Far sooner than he would’ve liked, he finished the drink, the taste of berries lingering on his tongue, he gave a sigh of contentment and settled down for the rest of the treatment as another drink was brought in for his enjoyment as he took smaller sips, intending on making it last.
Even with the drinks helping to keep the heat from being oppressive, he was still very glad when the end of the treatment came. The robe was removed and he was vigorously rubbed down with a towel, before being moved to a cushioned table and wheeled back into the main room. The cool air sent a pleasant shiver down his back as he felt clean and refreshed.
Still feeling pretty sluggish, he was content to lay still with closed eyes and let the spa do its thing. The table he was laying on, went over to the inset tub with the pink tinted water and lowered down. Gears felt the water lapping at his stomach as he was slowly lowered in, he sighed in contentment as the water slowly enveloped his body, stopping just before reaching his jaw, his head propped up on a cushion on the edge of the pool. Another drink popped up for him, this one tasting of citrus.
Small jets in the tub silently swirled the water about, the currents brushing his fur back and forth, gently rocking the stallion side to side. While a gentle waterfall cascaded over his back, lightly tenderizing it and adding a pleasant white noise as he nodded off. A cold wet cloth was placed on his forehead to keep the temperature comfortable while he soaked in the herbal fur and muscle softener.
As the soak drew to a close, the tub began to drain, the cool cloth was removed, while the waterfall continued until the tub was fully drained. Towels patted the stallion, sopping up the water that clung to his coat, taking care to not disturb his slumber.
The soft and dried stallion gave a content hum as a gentle kneading spread around a warm, thick green paste, massaging it deep into his coat. The mechanical hooves spread the paste all over his back, sides, rump, and down each of his legs. Before a thin plastic sheet was draped over him. He was gently flipped over and the process began again. First with his chest, spreading up to his neck and under his chin, then down over his soft belly and between his thighs, and finishing off with the rest of his legs.
Now a pony shaped green glob, another plastic sheet was laid on top. Once the seaweed paste was sealed in, the mechanical hooves cocooned the stallion. Wrapping him from the neck down in heated, cozy blankets, promoting the detox and nourishing treatment. A set of speakers rose beside his ears and a soft, hypnotic voice emanated from them; promoting relaxation, no worries, and a long leisurely day ahead.
As the seaweed wrap came to a close, Gears’ mind was wrapped in the comforting embrace of the hypnosis. The mechanical hooves unwrapped him from his cocoon, using the plastic sheets to remove most of the seaweed wrap.
The table rose out of the empty bath basin and brought him over to the bubbling mud bath, lowering him down in the viscous liquid. He rested his head on the cushioned edge of the bath and relaxed in the warmth. While he found it a bit strange to relax in mud, he knew that whatever it was doing was working as it gently released tension from his sore muscles and calmed his frayed nerves.
He awoke with a little start, his mind sluggish, as he felt the hooves applying mud to his face. Gently stroking his cheeks, circling around to his forehead and following the contours of his muzzle. Slowly moving from the tip of his muzzle to the bottom of his chin, covering it in a thick layer of warm soothing clay. Cucumbers were placed over his tired eyes as the finishing touch to his facial mask.
He relaxed into the soothing mud, listening to the sounds of the spa around him preparing more treatments for him. The thought sent shivers down his spine, everything has been absolutely amazing so far. He couldn’t even imagine how it could be better than this.
After a while the bath came to a close, the table rose from the mud and rolled into the tiled room. Laying on his back, he could hardly hear the gentle patter of a rain shower. Instead, he felt it through the thick layer of mud, slowly but surely washing it away. His face wasn’t forgotten either, hot towels removing his facial mask in slow soothing strokes.
When the mud was all washed away, a soft clean towel was draped over his face, preventing any stray water from disturbing his relaxation. The shower nozzles repositioned, leaving his left hind leg in the open air. The air was much cooler, despite the humidity in the room, causing him to shiver slightly.
More hooves came down and started massaging the leg with a herbal body wash. Starting from his hoof and gently lathering the soap up to his hip. The hooves worked the foam deep into his coat. As they were working, the nozzles shifted again, washing away the foam and leaving his right hind leg ready to receive the same treatment.
The hooves didn’t let up with their ministrations, tenderly taking their time washing every leg. The soapy foam bubbling against his skin and between every hair. The hooves started to work on his barrel, beginning with his hips and moving up, traversing across his soft belly, over his chest, and finishing just under his chin.
The water jets continued to pan across his body, the experience similar to being under a waterfall. The constant weight and patter of the water across his body, numbed his nerves and tenderized his muscles. His body wasn’t the only thing soothed by the water, the dull roar of the water on his pelt drowned out all other sound, even his own thoughts. Leaving him in a trance-like state, perfect for the hypnosis treatment he received earlier to sink even deeper into his mind. The suggestions of relaxation and self-care taking root deep in his psyche.
While the jets danced overhead, the hooves lifted his head. They started to massage his damp mane while a luxurious shampoo was secreted, the gentle kneading working it into a rich lather. Meanwhile, a hole had opened under his dock and a similar cleaning was administered to his tail.
After a moment or two, the shampoo was rinsed away and a conditioner was worked in, in its place. The conditioner was a special potion that would cause his mane to double in length, all the while promoting an unmatched silky softness.
With the conditioner spread liberally throughout his mane and tail, they were covered by shower caps held in place by elastics. The tingling sensations from the potion caused him to shiver in delight from the unusual stimulation.
His hair taken care of, he was gently flipped over onto his stomach. His muzzle fitting into a hole he didn’t notice before, the run-off from the table tickling his chin. The water jets tracing up and down his back adding even more sensations to his already somewhat over-stimulated mind. The hooves didn’t let up either, starting to wash the other half of his pelt. Starting at his hind-legs and with long gentle strokes made their way up his legs, circling his flank and plot, along his back and barrel, and ending with his fore-legs. Every step of the process was accompanied by content sighs and purrs from the pampered stallion.
When the suds were rinsed away, the hooves didn’t let up. Instead, they started on his exfoliation treatment, scrubbing slightly faster with circular strokes. The salt scrub was infused with various scented oils that made his skin tingle and the scrub-down itself was like scratching that hard to reach itch, on every portion of his pelt.
It wasn’t long before his backside was soothed and smoothed and he was flipped over once again. Even though his softer and much more sensitive belly was exposed to the potentially rough treatment, Gears wasn’t worried about it. The spa had treated him well so far, that he couldn’t think of it doing anything wrong.
He was proven right, as the hooves continued the exfoliation, starting with his legs and moving inwards. After smoothing over his hips and shoulders, they moved to his sensitive stomach. Lightening their touch and moving in long slow strokes, taking its time smoothing and buffing the stallion’s belly, until it was just as numb and tingly as the rest of his body.
With the exfoliation treatment finished, the shower spray panned over his body, with the hooves brushing through his fur to ensure a complete rinse. The shower caps were removed from his mane and tail as combs, hooves, and water streams ran through them. After the thorough rinse, the water shut off, and he was patted dry by soft fluffy towels. Every touch and stroke of the towels against his tingly body, the wonderful sensations sending a pleasant shiver up his spine.
Now fully dried, he was rolled back into the main room in between the two baths. A pair of hooves descended from the ceiling and spread oil over his back, before kneading his soft and supple pelt. His back letting off pops and cracks as the hooves relaxed his muscles and straightened his spine. The oil heated up as the hooves worked to release tension from all over his body, starting from his neck and shoulders, trailing down his spine. He let out moans and groans in both pain and pleasure as the hooves worked their magic. Which only increased as four more pairs of hooves joined in, working over his sore legs.
As the machine continued to sooth his nerves, more hooves started caressing his tired body. More and more joined, until every bit of exposed fur was covered by the kneading, stroking, rubbing hooves. The rhythm that they rubbed his body, coaxed the stallion to take deep, cleansing breaths as more hypnosis continued to penetrate deep into his psyche. The flow of the words pairing with the cadence of the massage, allowing him to fall even deeper into trance.
Unbeknownst to the entranced Gears, even more hooves joined in, even coming from below the table. The hooves now surrounded the stallion, lifting him up into the air. The mass of hooves, compressing and decompressing with the massage, looked more akin to an undulating mass, rather than the relaxation of a lifetime. Though the stallion, hidden deep within the mass, would’ve differed. At least he would, if he could still make a coherent thought.
The machines worked overtime alleviating any and all stress from the pony in their grasp, relaxing the deepest parts of his musculature. The self-heating gel penetrated deep into his body, helping to sooth and numb his overworked nerves, letting him enjoy the massage in its entirety.
The massage continued until every ounce of tension was rubbed out of his body, then continued on for a while longer. The machines, finished with the tension in his muscles, moved to remove stress from his bones, bringing about an almost foal-like flexibility and springiness.
Once the super deep tissue massage was complete, the hooves gently set Gears back down on the massage table, a heated blanket tucked under his chin. The stallion’s half-lidded gaze took in the many mechanical tools lowering from the ceiling with a blank stare. His mind, lost in pure ecstasy and bliss.
The machines started off with his indulgent facial, first closing his eyes and slightly agape mouth. A band was fastened around his head, holding his mane away from his face, as a slightly steaming towel was draped over his face to open up his pores. The essential oils infused within soothing his sinuses and easing his breathing.
After his face was warmed up, a jet of gentle steam was directed his way and the towel removed. Now that he was ready, a warmed cleanser was applied in small circular motions. Starting with his shoulders and neck, before moving upwards over his muzzle and down his cheeks. Then moving up and around his eyes and across his forehead, before moving down again over his bridge.
Another hot towel was placed over his face and removed the cleanser with gentle rubbing. Then a stronger cleanser that smelled faintly of citrus was applied in a similar way. This time, the cleanser fizzed slightly on his coat.
The cleanser was rubbed off again and a gentle scrub was applied in its place. The exfoliant caused a slight irritation as it was buffed into his somewhat sensitive skin. The scrub digging deep into his pores.
The scrub was removed by a hot towel, and the jet of steam was turned off. A large mask-like device lowered over his freshly cleaned face, hovering just over his short fur. The machine started to let out a low hum and vibrated rapidly, as it started to extract the deeper contaminants from his skin. His skin rippled as the last of the impurities were pulled to the mask, as if magnetized.
Now that his face was the cleanest it’ll ever be, the device was lifted away. Only to be replaced with a nearly identical one. This new device pressed tightly over his face, accompanied by a hiss of steam. After some twitching and undulations from the device, it lifted away with a small pop and hiss, revealing the stallion’s face covered with a green facial mask and two cucumbers over his eyes.
While the mask was setting, the machines turned towards his mane. Starting at his roots and massaging a hot mint detangler and conditioning oil. Slowly coating every strand of his freshly grown hair.
Next came his hooves, getting wrapped in hot towels infused with specific oils that promote healing and relaxation, the perfect combination for even the sorest of hooves. After his hooves had softened from the steamy towels, they were unwrapped and were set upon by trimmers and files, turning their rough appearance into the epitome of hoof care.
Now that his hooves looked good, they moved onto making his hooves feel good. They started by massaging creams and lotions into his frogs and moving up to his lower legs. The creams softened the skin even further, almost instantly making even his roughest skin silky smooth. As a bonus, it heightened his sensitivity, so he could indulge in the treatment even further.
To increase the effects of the creams even more, they brought out bags filled with paraffin wax. Placing his hooves into the bags and ensuring that every inch was covered by the hot liquid, even as it solidified. The bags were tied off to seal the wax in, and his hooves were placed in thick booties to retain the heat as the paraffin helped the creams soak into his skin.
Hooves done for the moment, the machines turned their focus back towards his face. The process of removing the mask was very simple. An arm brandished a dull blade and carefully picked at the edge of the mask under the chin. Once it caught the edge, it slowly made its way along the entire edge, unsealing the mask. Then, with precise motions, the arms peeled the mask away revealing the face of the stallion who was just beginning to stir.
Gears struggled to open his eyes, the oblivion that was induced by the massage and the hypnosis was beginning to wear off. Though, it left his mind in a euphoric haze as the treatments continued around him. He saw the many tools descending towards him through his slitted gaze, and he knew that he should feel a little nervous about it, but he felt too good to care.
He felt the hooves massaging his face, coating it in a moisturizing cream that softened his features and brightened his complexion. They also dabbed an eye serum that erased the bags under his eyes. An intense lip balm completed the facial, healing his dry and cracked lips, while the mint extracts provided a cooling effect.
A sponge descended and started to blend in a primer slowly. The liquid was the last finishing step that provides sun protection and even more hydration for his skin.
Now that his face was nicely prepped, the machines moved onto the next step. Two pads of liquid foundation lowered and started applying the makeup, covering blemishes and details, creating a flat and even tone across his face.
With his face a blank canvas, more brushes lowered down and started bringing back his facial depth slowly, using a concealer for the shadows and a highlighter for the high areas, like around his cheekbones, brow, and the top of his muzzle.
His face occupied, the machines started on his eyes with eyeliner and mascara. A dabbing of primer over the top and bottom of his eyelids, before it was beset with eyeshadow. Nothing too dramatic, but enough to be noticeable. Gear’s was starting to become suspicious from the many brushes assaulting his face, but was unable to do anything, so all he could do was wait and see what was happening to him
The final touch to complete the look was some carefully applied lipstick and a dusting of finishing powder. The powder was used to keep the makeup in perfect condition for next week with little to no upkeep. The downside to using it, was that no one could remove it until the spell powder wore off. This led to its exclusive use by only the top end of professional beauticians.
While his face was getting worked on, the machines removed the wax from his hooves. Picking it from the various crevices on the underhoof and peeling it from the fur on his fetlocks. Revealing his soft and supple hooves, the buffed nails shimmering in the low light. The machines then started to massage them even more, rubbing and kneading his softened hooves and fetlocks, moving slowly upwards until they encompassed the entirety of his legs. He let out a content moan as he reveled in the tender touches the spa was giving his newly sensitive hooves.
While the leg massage was going on, his hooves were prepared for the final phase of their beautification. Cloths soaked in a nail polish remover were swabbed over his hoof nail, removing all the oils that covered them, as it quickly evaporated it chilled his hooves giving Gears a very refreshing feel.
Now that his hooves were nice and clean, four brushes dipped in a bottle of clear nail polish rose up, and with long slow strokes, began to apply the thick gel. Starting with a thin coat along the sides of the nail and small quick strokes along the underhoof, making sure to not get any on the frog or in his coat, leaving his hooves shiny and wet.
The hooves, now fully coated, were encased in a machine to cure the gel under a UV light. The heat from both the lights and the reaction were very welcomed to the stallion, whose hooves were starting to get too cold for his liking.
Once the polish was harder than the nail itself, the curing chambers were retracted and a new coat applied. This coat was a little thicker than the base coat, and took a little longer to cure. The next coat wasn’t a clear coat, but instead was a cobalt blue that complimented his coat beautifully. After that was cured, there were three more colored coats to fully apply the color to the hoof. Satisfied with the color, the machines painted two more clear coats to fully seal in the hoof and the color, making sure that the hooficure will last for a long while.
With his hooficure and facial complete, the machines retracted, leaving him to just lay there and just relax. His mind still in a haze from all the treatments and hypnosis, he stared blankly at the ceiling while he collected his thoughts. He stretched his heavy legs, letting out a sigh of relief at how good he felt.
I should’ve done this a while ago, he thought. Content to just lay there, not ready to move just yet.
An arm holding a brush, reached over the stallion’s barrel and began to stroke his fur gently. The smooth, rhythmic strokes worked out the small knots in his coat, while the sensations from the brushing sent a pleasant shiver down his spine. As a second brush mirrored the first on his left side, he couldn’t help but let out a content moan at the attentiveness of the spa.
He could also feel a slight tugging sensation, as more brushes started to work on his mane and tail, though he could’ve sworn that they felt longer than usual, but didn’t care as the brushes kept working over his coat.
A couple of arms, wielding combs and scissors, descended upon his fluffy mane and tail. They were longer than when he arrived, thanks to the help of the shampoos and conditioners that accelerated their growth. Cutting off the singed parts and trimming the rest to match his usual mane style. Though even after the mane and tail cut, his hair was still quite a bit longer than when he arrived.
With his front-side all brushed, and his mane and tail brushed and trimmed, the machines flipped him over and started brushing down his backside. The brushes gave him a nice gentle scratch and back rub, as he nuzzled down into his forelegs. The fur’s silky softness was irresistible to the stallion as he continued to enjoy the sensations of rubbing up against his freshly groomed self. The sweet and flowery scents impregnated into his coat adding a whole new level to the sensory experience.
By the time Gears was satisfied with his rubbing, the brushes had finished off with his backside and folded back into their compartments, leaving the stallion to his own devices now that he had concluded his relaxation package, dressing him back into a warm plush robe.
Gears, now that his mind was finally clearing the fog from the trance the spa had put him in, could now look and see what had happened to him. He still could not remember most of what happened outside of a euphoric trance, but he could see and feel the results from it.
The lights in the room gently brightened, letting him see his groomed self. He had never felt better in his whole life, his coat felt warm, soft, and silky smooth. Almost like he was wrapped in a warm blanket. He glanced over his fore limbs, seeing his glistening yellow coat. Then he saw his cobalt hooves, his breath catching as his eyes widened and his face flushed with embarrassment.
He rubbed his hooves together, almost as if he couldn’t quite believe what he was seeing. His hooves gilded against each other as if they were made of glass, his dumbfounded expression reflected in the mirror-like shine.
That’s when he noticed something else, in his reflection that didn't seem to match what he remembered. His more masculine features were. . . softened somehow.
Maybe just a trick of the light, he thought nervously. As a part of his mane brushed against his hoof, he jumped at the unexpected feeling. He cautiously brought his hoof back up and brushed it along his mane. It felt so soft and wonderful, but it felt. . . off. He couldn’t put his hoof on it, but it maybe felt longer? Fuller? His cheeks reddened even further as the implications bounced around his head.
The screen showed up again, as if asking if he wanted something else done. Even including an overnight treatment, just in case he felt lethargic and wanted to sleep it off. Gears was tempted, very tempted, but considering he already felt so much better, he ultimately decided against it. Maybe he could try it next time he visited.
Getting up off the table was a challenge in and of itself, his legs wobbling underneath the effort. Thankfully, a helpful hoof caught him until he could get his hooves back underneath him. Offering a thanks to the hoof as it retracted into the ceiling, he made his way out of the room, only to come up short when he saw a full-length mirror.
He took in his glistening fur, looking soft and fluffy in the diffuse light. A mane and tail that flowed around him in a way that complemented his stature. The addition of his newly painted hooves, sleek and shiny, while contrasting nicely with his coat. Looking closer, he got a good look at his face, the carefully applied makeup accentuating his feature, while softening his overall look. He had to admit, his face burning with embarrassment at the thought, the spa did a fantastic job on him and he wouldn’t mind it if it did it again.
Breaking off from his inspection, he exited the room and made his way back to the reception area, his spa card bouncing on its lanyard. When he reached the desk and paid for his service, he tried giving the robe back, but he was told it was included with his service. Then the receptionist pulled up a large wrapped gift basket filled with various sized bottles and was told that this was also included in his treatment, and was every product that he was treated to.
His face flush at the thought of being a walking advertisement, he took the basket in his teeth and made his way home. And despite some of the stares he got on the way home and ribbing he’d endure in the future, he couldn’t help but feel giddy at how good he felt and how he couldn’t wait to do it again
